K-1 How To Writing: 14 Books to Inspire Early Writers

Over the past few years I have ended up with a lot of how to books and what I like is that they are not all nonfiction. 

K-1 How To Writing : Launching Activity for Your How To Unit

Launching a new writing unit always requires a fun and hands-on lesson, so I always start with how to make fruit salad!

Keep Track of Supplies in the Classroom

One thing that I dread is when I go to write on the board and my marker has been squished! 

K-1 Bingo Games for Literacy and Math

My first grade class enjoys playing games during morning arrival each week.

Monthly Calendars for Planning, Homework and Behavior Tracking

Back in 2014, my school used a color coded behavior system. 

New Year’s Goal Setting for Grades 3-5: Start the New Year Off Strong!

Updated for 2026!

My 5th-grade class and I had a lot of discussions about resolutions and goals for the new year. 

Number Bond Google Quizzes for K-1

When we switched to distance learning in March I was glad my class had already started working on addition and subtraction. What we hadn't focused on yet was number bonds, and the idea of parts and wholes. 

Would You Rather Google Quizzes for Opinion Writing

When our school went into distance learning, we were just beginning our third trimester. Unfortunately that is my (and my students) favorite ELA unit - opinion writing!

Distance Learning in Kindergarten

I'll be honest, distance learning in Kindergarten can be overwhelming when you first start to think about it!

Of course, that is true for most grades. However, in Kindergarten there  are many things that need to be seen in person, for both you and your student!

Kindergarten Writing Ideas - A Weekly Routine to Motivate Early Writers!

Over the past 6 years, I have noticed that a lot of my Kindergarten students struggle with free write time.

 

The Many Uses of Trays in K-1!

Last summer, I dragged my sister on quests to all the Targets in NH (and some in Maine) in order to find a class set of these trays.

Skill Games for Homework

Homework is such a hot topic these days - I know I have never been a fan of it for Kindergarten. 

Classroom Reveal!

Here is a peek at my classroom from last year!

Keep Track of Birthdays and Ages in Class with Digital Charts and Posters

We all know that birthdays are a huge deal in our classrooms!

New Year’s Goal Setting for Grades 3-5: Start the New Year Off Strong!

Updated for 2026!

When I taught 5th grade, my class and I had a lot of discussions about resolutions and goals for the new year. The biggest areas they needed to focus on was being responsible for their work and cleanliness.

I had a few students who always went above and beyond when it came to cleaning our room each day, and most times it wasn't even their mess they were cleaning! Of course, like all teachers, I had several students who misplaced work or frequently forgot to pass in assignments.

Rather than just having my students brainstorm a goal, I decided to make an organizer that would help them to gather their thoughts and self-assess to see what areas they need improvement in.

There are two checklists in this set - one for school goals and one for home goals. First they read through and check off any goals they have already met.

Next, they choose 1 goal that they did not check off. If they have more than one, they will look closely to see which is the most important to them at this time.

Included are 2 graphic organizers, one with a sentence starter and one without.

Lastly there are 2 writing templates; a template for 1 goal and a template for 2 goals. I always liked to differentiate writing assignments by giving my class the option of completing a graphic organizer, or a writing paper for their final copy.

My class really enjoyed this activity. It was a great way to help them to narrow down the areas of school and home that they needed to improve on. 

If you are interested in purchasing this item you can find it in my shop here, or just click on the pictures above!

Happy 2019!Click here to see the updated 2026 version!