It should go without saying, but just in case you need the reminder, teachers are everyday heroes. Truly. And if their ability to effectively teach during a pandemic (either virtually, in-person, or asynchronously) didn't convince you, I'm not sure what will. And whether you believe it or not, facts are facts :) There's nothing I love more than working with teachers and I'm always chomping at the bit this time of the year to help in any way I can. I know the time and money teachers selflessly spend in their classrooms trying to make their learning environment a comfortable space that engages each learner. It's more than they have to … [Read more...] about Clear the Lists
Building Relationships
Building Relationships – Use Your Spidey Senses!
Creating opportunities to share an experience together is one of the best ways we can help build relationships with others. Whether it's establishing connection with our kids, co-workers, spouses, or family & friends, shared experiences are the building blocks in the foundation of relationships. As teachers and parents, it's important for us to create opportunities that allow our kids to engage in those experiences. Whether you're a parent with kids at home or teacher with kids in school, it's important to be intentional in the experiences you're providing. One of my favorite relationship building activities for both home and school … [Read more...] about Building Relationships – Use Your Spidey Senses!
200+ Conversation Cards for Kids
As parents, we have a strong tendency to fall prey to the familiarity of routine. The monotony of the normal day-to-day tends to set the tone for the interactions we have with each other & our kids, too. Oftentimes, I can predict how a conversation with my boys will go before I even initiate it. As a mom, I crave authentic communication and conversation with my kids. Sometimes I feel like I'm pulling teeth to get more than one word answers from them. I also realize that asking them the same questions over and over again breed the same answers. I'm always trying to engage my kids in conversation one way or another and I've … [Read more...] about 200+ Conversation Cards for Kids
Orange You Glad It’s Friday?!
The first week of the new school year has started and I sort of feel like I'm back in a routine. My boys started 2nd & 1st grade(s) on Monday and they are LOVING it so far. I did a little news segment for a local station on Monday talking all about teacher gifts. Just a few quick and easy ideas, but then I got to thinking that I forgot one so I wanted to chat about that here in case you need any ideas for the teachers in your life. This would be a great one for any Friday of the school year :) Let me just preface this by saying that teachers DO NOT expect gifts. Ever. When I was in the classroom I didn't … [Read more...] about Orange You Glad It’s Friday?!
Meet The Teacher Ideas & Downloads
*** Thanks for stopping by! Sadly, I am NOT able to send you a file of these documents to edit due to copyright {graphics, fonts, etc.} I apologize for the inconvenience, but thank you for your understanding!! Blessings to you!*** Can y’all believe Meet the Teacher night is right around the corner?! For some of us, it’ll be here much sooner than later. I was going through some of my files and came across my “Meet the Teacher” packet, so I thought I’d share it with y’all incase y’all can put any of it to use. Our Meet the Teacher night always falls on a Thursday. That’s kinda genius if you ask me. It gives me the entire next day to … [Read more...] about Meet The Teacher Ideas & Downloads
Positive Reinforcement Freebie
I love positive reinforcement. Sometimes…okay, maybe a lot of times…there are a few little friends who need a little something more than positive reinforcement. You know those babies I’m talkin’ about…the ones who just DO NOT…no matter how positive you are…respond to it. Those are the kids that *might* give me a little bit of heartburn & grey hair ;) However, I still use positive reinforcement as often as I possibly can! One of my favorite things to do is give out certificates & awards. The kids LOVE these! I’m always so shocked how motivated they are by a piece of paper :) Not only do … [Read more...] about Positive Reinforcement Freebie
Celebrity of the Week
When I found out I would be moving from 2nd down to 1st last year, the wheels immediately started turning. I’d had a jungle theme in my room for several years, so I was ready for a change…and I knew “Hollywood” was the way to go! Last year, my star of the week was aptly named King/Queen of the Jungle. This year, my kiddos get to be “Celebrity of the Week”…and they LOVE IT! I have a special little celebrity corner decorated with paper lamps and pics of Disney stars, and a special celebrity chair that only the honorees are allowed to use {for the week}. Can I just tell you how much I love this chair?! I … [Read more...] about Celebrity of the Week
