Apple, Apple Red And Fat

Apple, apple red and fat, turn into a yummy pie, just like that! This is an extension of the Pumpkin Pumpkin lesson (where I explain how to insert TALA). It is simple to remember and more importantly, simple to use for meeting all kinds of standards! Here are just a few! Have kids: Strike a […]

Last Minute Halloween Lessons

Skin and Bones Here is a fun and simple activity to do with your early elementary! Let Raffi do all of the singing (give your voice a break!) and use the stretchy band to create a “dance”. Your kids will love saying “ooooh” in a spooky voice and throwing up the band when the old […]

Classroom Decisions Part 2: Grade Level Benchmarks That Your Kids Can Actually Hit!

My Kindergarten through fifth grade benchmarks are FINALLY finished!! (sorry about the wait!!) …..for now 🙂 I say this because I want to revisit them in January to re-evaluate and then again each year to update them as my students become more proficient. This was certainly a journey, as I wanted to be thoughtful in […]

Curriculum Decisions Part 1: My Top 5 Resources For Creating A Curriculum

When one moves schools, a lot goes through one’s brain: What space will I be working in? What materials and resources will I have available? How many kids in a class and how often will I see them? What special needs will arise? How is disciplined handled? …and then there is the major question of: […]

Classroom Set Up Part 3: A “New Set Up Scavenger Hunt”

I have been living in my current house for 6 years, yet there was nothing on the walls, really, until about 3 weeks ago. My sister and a dear friend of mine were coming to visit from Rhode Island (where I am from), so I thought it was time I decorated…. at least the first […]

Classroom Set Up Part 2: Get Ready In 4 Easy Steps!

As promised, here’s a first look at my classroom! The floors were done last week, so everything was in a new place. This actually was quite helpful, as I was able to see the room arranged in a different way. It was by no means a set up that would work, but it offered another […]