Virtual teammates, I hear you. Our virtual community stretches far across the country, and I feel honored to hear from many of you in times of excitement and in need. Recently, I'm seeing a pattern. Teachers are noticing high levels of ... Read More
Addition and Subtraction Word Problems: Why We Should Avoid Math Keywords
I don't know about you, but early in my career, I was encouraged to teach math keywords as a primary strategy for solving addition and subtraction word problems. Oh, how I wish I could have a do-over! If you're not sure why I want a ... Read More
5 Types of Text Structures Every Critical Reader Needs to Know
I love teaching nonfiction reading and writing. When I reveal a well-written, nonfiction read-aloud, the class erupts. Joy floods the classroom as students murmur with excitement about learning new facts and information. And, if I ... Read More
FREE Number Talks
First grade teachers, access 20 FREE Number Talk Prompts to enhance your place value unit and get your students engaged in conversation.
Teaching Story Elements with a Single Text in 4 Easy Steps
Virtual Teammates, I have a confession. I struggled with teaching story elements for many years. Characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. I knew I had to teach them. I knew their importance in the grand scheme of reading ... Read More
How to Teach Odd and Even Numbers without Worksheets
Teaching odd and even numbers is often seen as a "can they" or "can't they" skill. Can they identify odd numbers? Can they identify even numbers? And while recognizing odd and even numbers is important, our focus should really be on ... Read More
Back to School Starter Series: Implementing Logical Consequences
Real talk: Sometimes, students won't meet our class expectations. No matter how clear, repetitive, and collaborative the process is. And here's the thing, that's ok. Mistakes are part of learning. But, to learn from mistakes, students ... Read More
