School and the City

Ideas and Resources for Your Elementary Classroom

Activities for ANY Spelling List

I've already written all about my spelling bins that my students use to independently practice their spelling words. My students love the spelling bins, but sometimes they prefer working with their classmates.  Spelling lists and spelling groups are hard enough to organize and implement without having to also keep up with specific games for every list or sort. These versatile activities ... Read More about Activities for ANY Spelling List

Thanksgiving Choice Board

Are you looking for an engaging resource to make the instructional days before Thanksgiving meaningful, academic, yet super-engaging? Want a simple, no-prep resource that you can use ALL DAY long as you near a crazy holiday? Are you hoping to cater to varying learning styles and free up time for yourself to enrich or remediate as needed? Look no further! I am thrilled to introduce my ... Read More about Thanksgiving Choice Board

The Best Classroom Management Advice I’ve Ever Received

I'm no expert, but I've learned a lot throughout my teaching journey. Classroom management is a big deal, and it's NOT easy!  Here's some of the best advice I've been given along the way: Would you rather watch in video form? You can do that here.   We often expect students to know how to behave when they enter our classroom in August, especially older grades. ... Read More about The Best Classroom Management Advice I’ve Ever Received

Getting Started with Choice Boards

Choice boards are a staple in my classroom. I've explained why and how to use them and even how to easily create your own, but what if you're just getting started, and you aren't sure how to begin? Trying something new in your classroom can be daunting, but I'm here to help you answer this question: How do I get started with choice boards? When your students see a choice board for the ... Read More about Getting Started with Choice Boards

New To Teaching Third Grade?

Are you new to teaching third grade? Whether you're a newbie or a veteran teacher, here's what you need to know: 1. Multiplication is king. Multiplication RULES third grade math. Our standards say that students must memorize facts within 100, but it doesn't say how we have to do it. Lots of games and teaching of strategic thinking can make multiplication the norm in your classroom! ... Read More about New To Teaching Third Grade?