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
As a primary teacher, I spend a lot of time working on fun ways to teach numbers and counting in my classroom. You too? While we all know that these concepts are essential, endless worksheets to memorize them can get a little boring, right? I certainly think so! That’s why
As the school year winds down, there’s something so satisfying about closing things out and setting yourself up for a smooth start next school year. But let’s be real, end of the year classroom clean up can feel like a massive job. Between wrapping up assessments, managing excited students, and