School and the City

Ideas and Resources for Your Elementary Classroom

Amazon Must-Haves for Distance Learning

Teaching from home isn't easy, but these must-haves for distance learning can make it a little more manageable. It's been a learning curve for all of us - teachers, students, and parents alike. Below you'll find some products that I've found to make teaching remotely a little easier. 1. Mini Tripod This mini tripod (which doubles as a selfie stick - ha!) is great for recording read ... Read More about Amazon Must-Haves for Distance Learning

Tips for Teaching Punctuation

Each year, I have students struggle with putting ending punctuation in the correct spots.  They know that they needed to use periods, but will put periods at the ends of lines or in seemingly random spots. I've spent a lot of time on this over the past few years and thought I'd share some tips for teaching punctuation to your elementary students. Use Mentor Texts To teach students how to be ... Read More about Tips for Teaching Punctuation

Making Video Lessons for Students: FAQ

You asked for more information about making video lessons for students during distance learning. I've got you covered! Read on, teacher friend. Why are you prerecording videos? I've moved to an interventionist role this year. Because of that, my program isn't starting up right away and I won't have students assigned to me for the first few weeks. Of course, this year is far from ... Read More about Making Video Lessons for Students: FAQ

Engage Students with Math Choice Boards

You may already know how and why to use choice boards in your classroom, but let’s talk specifically about math.  Math is my favorite subject to teach, but I absolutely hated it as a student. Why? In elementary school, it was all skill and drill. Think: multiplication facts and timed tests. In middle school, I had to complete math packets for homework each week. In high school, I took ... Read More about Engage Students with Math Choice Boards

Using Microsoft Teams for Distance Learning

Are you using Microsoft Teams for distance learning? I am!  Although we used it some in the spring, there’s a lot to learn now that we will be fully implementing synchronous and asynchronous learning via Microsoft Teams this fall.  I recently earned my Microsoft Innovative Educator badge and I’ve learned so much. I’m determined to make these tools work for me, and I’m happy to ... Read More about Using Microsoft Teams for Distance Learning

Virtual Guided Reading Groups

Here we go, back to school, via distance learning! Are you still expected to do reading small groups, or should we say virtual guided reading? This is going to be tricky, y'all. I've been brainstorming, and I have some tips for you. My Favorite eBooks If you don't have an Epic account yet, make one NOW. I am not affiliated with Epic in any way, but I do love it - almost as much as my ... Read More about Virtual Guided Reading Groups