I have been using interactive math notebooks in my classroom for as long as I can remember. Math notebooks are a great place for students to take notes, record definitions and sample problems, and practice new skills. They are perfect to use for direct instruction and guided practice, in small groups or as a whole class. But what I love most about them is that my students are able to use them as a reference tool throughout the school year. What to Include in Interactive Math NotebooksYou can ... [Read More]
Reflect and Plan: Routines and Procedures for the School Year
One of my favorite things about teaching is that every year is a fresh start. Whether you are new to teaching, or someone who has been teaching for many years, we all can admit that we have plenty of room to grow. After 13 years of teaching, I am still making changes each year in how I run my classroom. Summer is the perfect time to reflect on the previous school year and to plan and make changes for the next. Every year I spend a lot of time in those first weeks of school establishing routines ... [Read More]
Martin’s BIG Words for BIG Kids!!
Picture books aren't just for little kids!! As an upper grade teacher, I love to incorporate picture books into our literacy block, especially as a way to encourage my students to think, discuss, and reflect. To celebrate the extraordinary life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I love using the book Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport. Martin's words were so powerful and this book weaves them in with a short biography of his life. Along with the beautiful illustrations by Bryan Collier, this ... [Read More]
Smashing Strategies for Guided Math: Daily Reflections
This is our final week of sharing Smashing Strategies for Guided Math!! In my previous two posts, I discussed different options for Math Warm-Ups and Incorporating Interactive Notebooks into Guided Math. Today I am excited to share how you can use Daily Reflections to wrap up your math block!! For my final post on Guided Math strategies, it is only fitting that I share ways to wrap up or end your math block. Daily Reflections are a great way for students to think back to what they learned, ... [Read More]
Smashing Strategies for Guided Math: Incorporating Interactive Notebooks
We are back this week to bring you more Smashing Strategies for Guided Math!! In my last post I discussed different options for Math Warm-Ups. Today I am excited to share how you can incorporate Interactive Notebooks into your math block!! What are Interactive Notebooks? Interactive Notebooks can take on many different forms. Some teachers use them for taking notes and drawing illustrations and examples. Other teachers use more structured templates, including foldable pieces that require ... [Read More]
Smashing Strategies for Guided Math: Starting the Day With Math Warm-Ups
I am thrilled to be joining a wonderful group of teacher bloggers to share a variety of ideas related to Guided Math!! This is my first post in our Smashing Strategies for Guided Math series, and I thought I would start off by sharing ideas for starting the day with Math Warm-Ups!! Math Warm-Ups are a great way to start your math day! This time at the beginning of your math block is perfect for getting students to start thinking about all things numbers and mathematics!! When used ... [Read More]
A New Favorite: We’re All Wonders
This little gem was just delivered this morning and I am already in love!! This newest addition to the Wonder collection is a picture book called We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio, featuring everybody's favorite inspirational 5th grader. I can hardly wait to share this with my own 5th grade class after Spring Break!! This post contains affiliate links to amazon.com. If you make a purchase from amazon.com through the links on this page, CreateTeachShare will receive a small commission. This ... [Read More]
7 Ways to Celebrate Poetry in the Classroom
April is National Poetry Month, and what better time is there to teach our students all about poetry?! There are so many ways to celebrate poetry in your classroom, and today I thought I would share some of my favorite ways to teach and explore this fascinating genre!! This post contains affiliate links to amazon.com. If you make a purchase from amazon.com through the links on this page, CreateTeachShare will receive a small commission. This helps to support the blog, and allows me to ... [Read More]
Character is Key: Promoting Character in the Classroom
As teachers, we are tasked with teaching so many different concepts and skills. We spend countless hours planning and implementing academic lessons that will prepare our students for the lives ahead of them. But for me personally, there is no task more important than teaching my students to be good people. While there may be no standards for kindness, no curriculum to teach empathy, and no lessons on courage, teaching these character traits should not be overlooked in our classrooms. If we ... [Read More]
Setting the Tone with Scary Stories
I love a good scary story!! Especially during this time of year. The weather is starting to cool down, leaves are falling from the trees, and the days are getting a bit gloomier!! With Halloween upon us, it's the perfect time to break out those scary stories in the classroom. I am thrilled to share with you some favorites from my 5th grade classroom!! This post contains affiliate links to amazon.com. If you make a purchase from amazon.com through the links on this page, CreateTeachShare will ... [Read More]
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