I have been reflecting on my 35 years in upper elementary classrooms. A lot has changed in that time! Some things are changes for the better, such as reading instruction and a focus on social-emotional learning. But some excellent practices have taken a backseat, and it might be time to bring them back. At the… Read More
The second half of the school year can be exhausting. Many upper elementary teachers experience burnout and run low on energy (and patience). What to do to combat this burnout? Here are 12 tips. 1 – Leave at a set time. Unfortunately, your teaching work is never done. The challenge is to get the most… Read More
No matter the time of year, you can reset your upper elementary classroom environment. Your classroom environment is the “feel” of your classroom (tense and stressed, chaotic, peaceful and pleasant), the interactions between teachers and students, and the routines and procedures (or lack thereof) that make your classroom run like clockwork. Notice that I am… Read More
The third quarter of the year can be the best or the most challenging part of the year. The good part: students know the routines and expectations, and there are fewer interruptions with holidays. (Although snow days are always fun, at least in the southeastern U. S.!) The challenging part: the winter blues are a… Read More
When you and your students return to school from a break, it’s a great time to review and possibly change some routines. Here are 20 suggestions! 1 – Implement (or re-teach) hand signals as a nonverbal way to communicate with you. Here is the link to a free version of signs on Teachers Pay Teachers.… Read More
Whether you are a December-loving or December-dreading teacher, this is a hard month! You’re trying to enjoy the last few weeks with your students while teaching something. Still, the constant schedule interruptions, special events, and students’ high energy level make it feel like a lost cause. Here are 15 survival tips! 1 – Take a… Read More