Setting Goals: New Years Classroom Bulletin Board Activity Students Love
Coming back from winter break is hard. Students are out of routine. Energy levels are all over the place. And while you know goal setting is a meaningful way to reset the classroom, the planning alone can feel overwhelming. Creating something that is reflective, engaging, developmentally appropriate, and low-prep? That’s a lot to ask during […]
Incorporating Mindfulness in the Classroom
Mindfulness in the classroom can be beneficial to both teachers and students. My daughter was extremely fortunate last year. Her fourth grade teacher was all about yoga, mindfulness, and keeping calm—and the ripple effects of that from the classroom to the home and beyond were impossible to ignore. She was able to incorporate so many […]
How to Introduce Math Centers in the Classroom
I still remember the moment I realized something had to change during math. I was standing at the front of my classroom while three students needed reteaching, two were halfway through their assignment, and at least four were staring at the ceiling waiting for help. One had already finished everything and was poking around in […]
Math Test Prep Center Activities for Upper Elementary
The end of the year test prep chaos can be super daunting. You are just counting down the days until the next long weekend while trying to survive the spring fever taking over your classroom. I get it. I’ve been there. In this article we will learn all about how to tame the chaos by […]
How to Teach Measurement Conversions: A Free Printable Reference Chart for Students
When I first started teaching measurement conversions, I dreaded it. The endless tables, the confusing rules—my students struggled, and honestly, so did I. But once I started paying attention, I realized how often we use conversions in everyday life: 📏At the grocery store – Converting ounces to pounds for produce or meat📏 At home – […]
How to Help 5th Graders Master Multi-Step Word Problems for Test Prep Success
How to Help 5th Graders Master Multi-Step Word Problems for Test Prep Success Test prep season is here, and for many fifth graders, multi-step word problems are one of the biggest challenges they face. If your students freeze up when they see a long word problem, they’re not alone! These problems require more than just […]
Mastering Multi-Step Fraction Word Problems
Fractions can be a tricky concept for many students, and adding word problems to the mix often increases their anxiety. However, fractions are not only a vital part of everyday life but also an essential component of fourth and fifth-grade math standards. These skills are important to master! While multi-step fraction word problems can be […]
Valentine’s Day Math Activities For Upper Elementary Students
Bringing Valentine’s Day Fun to Your Upper Elementary Classroom With winter in full swing and spring break still weeks away, February can feel like it stretches on forever. That’s why Valentine’s Day math activities are the perfect way to re-energize your classroom. They keep students engaged and excited while working toward mastery of the standards. […]
How to Multiply Decimals: A Step-by-Step Guide for Fifth Grade
Does multiplying decimals seem tricky? It doesn’t have to be! Just like baking your first cake from scratch can feel overwhelming until you learn the recipe, mastering decimal multiplication is easy once you know the steps. Whether you’re a teacher introducing this skill for the first time or a student navigating a decimal unit, understanding […]
Manage Pre-Halloween Classroom Chaos with Engaging Math Centers
Halloween Math Centers Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re like most upper elementary teachers, you know the week leading up to it can feel like a rollercoaster ride. Excited students, endless distractions, and sugar highs all contribute to a challenging classroom environment. But what if there was a way to channel all […]