You’ve been working hard on phonological awareness skills like rhyming, blending, segmenting, and more. Your kids are getting it. Yes! But then comes the big question: when, and how, do we move into phonics? If you’ve ever paused mid-lesson and wondered this, you’re not alone. This transition can feel big
If you’ve ever introduced addition and thought, “Why does this feel harder than it should?” you’re not alone. For so many of our K-2 students, addition clicks best when they can move, touch, count, and see the math in action. Sitting with a worksheet just doesn’t cut it for little
Ahhh… January in the primary classroom. Between the cabin fever, the post-holiday wiggles, and the wandering attention spans, it’s rough out there! But what if we stopped fighting these hurdles and actually worked with them instead? Wait, what?! Yes, teacher-friend! Let’s talk about how my Winter Color by Code and
Have you ever watched your students enthusiastically hop, skip, or wiggle their way through the room only to then immediately melt into “I’m too tired…” when asked to complete a worksheet? Yep, been there! As primary teachers, we already know that early readers need both movement AND paper-pencil practice to
If you’ve ever listened to a kindergartener blend sounds together and felt both proud and a little confused about what comes next, you’re not alone. Once students can hear, isolate, and blend sounds, the next big step in phonemic awareness is learning how to manipulate them, and that’s where phoneme
If you’ve ever wished for an easy way to combine phonics practice with an activity your students actually love doing, phonics word searches might just be your new favorite tool. Phonics word searches give students a fun way to connect spelling, reading, and word recognition, all while feeling like they’re
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
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
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
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