Making Learning Fun with Science Concept Character

I started Science Concept Characters back in 2009 and they were such a hit that I kept the activity ready to go for any time I needed something extra. Students can pick a science word/concept, or you can assign a science word/concept to each student. Students will create a character for a science word or … Continue reading Making Learning Fun with Science Concept Character

Christmas Science and Literacy

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and maybe the most chaotic! I love making things fun around holidays because higher engagement equals fewer behavior issues. Plus, it’s just more fun! These are some of my favorite Christmas/ Winter Holiday activities. My absolute favorite part of these lesson units is the real world connection … Continue reading Christmas Science and Literacy

10 Effective Differentiation Strategies for a Variety of Learners

1. Varied challenge levels This is a super simple, but effective differentiation strategy for any teacher. Think about the level of learning you want each student to achieve and start there. You may be asking one student to identify elements of a story, looking for main idea and details. But, another student may need deeper … Continue reading 10 Effective Differentiation Strategies for a Variety of Learners

4 Ways To Get Engagement Back After Break

Us teachers know: the weeks before a break are nearly impossible to keep students engaged and learning. We are just trying to keep everyone alive and maybe entertained. Am I right?! The week or two after break can be just as challenging. We have to get our students readjusted to classroom procedures and learning. I … Continue reading 4 Ways To Get Engagement Back After Break

Minimalist Planning – #TEACHERLIFE 101

Last week I shared one of the biggest ways I maintain my sanity and avoid teacher burnout - minimizing my grading routine. Today, I am going to share another one of my biggest ways to save your time and sanity: Simplify your planning and prepping routine. My way of simplifying and becoming a minimalist planner/prepper … Continue reading Minimalist Planning – #TEACHERLIFE 101

Minimalist Grading – #teacherlife 101

One of the biggest ways I maintain my sanity and avoid teacher burnout is minimizing my grading routine. My way of simplifying and becoming a minimalist grader not only adds hours of me-time to my weeks, but adds valuable learning opportunities you may be missing out on! I learned this method early on, and cannot … Continue reading Minimalist Grading – #teacherlife 101