November is one of those months where the classroom buzzes with activity! With fall projects, family events, a Thanksgiving feast, and those last-minute lesson pivots before the break, it can feel a little hectic. Seasonal, low-prep centers are lifesavers during the holiday rush because they keep learning meaningful and festive
Blending is one of the most important early literacy skills students learn in kindergarten. Without it, they can’t smoothly move from recognizing individual sounds to reading whole words. For some kids, blending clicks quickly, but for others, it takes repeated practice and a variety of approaches before it finally sticks.
If you’ve ever sat down with a small group of students to teach phonics, you already know the struggle… every child is at a different place. Some are still working on letter recognition, others are confidently identifying beginning sounds, and a few are ready for blends and word families. Although
Small group time is one of the most powerful parts of the day in a primary classroom. It’s where you can give students more individualized instruction, target specific skills, and see their growth up close. But let’s be honest. . . it can also feel a little overwhelming when you’re
If you’ve ever watched a kindergartener beam with pride as they show you a page full of squiggly lines and tell you it says “I love my dog”, you know beginning writing is about so much more than just forming letters. It’s a fascinating and fun journey from scribbles to
As a primary teacher, you know all too well that classroom management is a non-negotiable. Managing a classroom full of energetic little learners takes a mix of patience, creativity, and solid routines. Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, these 3 essential classroom management
Teaching self-control in the moment can feel like trying to herd kittens. But it’s also one of the most important life skills we can help our students develop. When kids learn to pause, think, and make positive choices, everything from transitions to learning time runs smoother. Today, I’m going to
Let’s be honest, friend, setting up a primary classroom is no small feat. Between crayons, manipulatives, worksheets, and games, it can feel like your classroom is one giant stack of bins just waiting to tip over. So.Many.Materials. I get it! But here’s the truth. . . a well-organized classroom isn’t
If you’ve ever wondered when the right time is to dive into letter sounds with your students, you’re not alone. As primary teachers, we know that teaching the alphabet isn’t just about singing the ABCs or identifying letters on flashcards. Before we move into phonics instruction, we need to make
If you’re always looking for ways to focus on shapes in your classroom, without reinventing the wheel each month, I’ve got you! Today, we’re going to talk about 7 of my favorite shape centers you can use for the entire school year in the primary classroom. I’ve got a wide