Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. Not too long ago, I bought a portable document camera to try out. I have to say...it's so great! I didn't have anything like this when I was teaching, but I know that it's very common for classrooms to have something similar. A lot of document cameras work with your laptop and projector so you can share pictures, books, science demonstrations, or whatever else with your students! Here's how it works: Connect the document … [Read more...]
Back to School Scavenger Hunt
School is just about to start! Does your school do an open house or a meet the teacher night? If so, you'll want to download this Back to School Scavenger Hunt printable! It's a fun way to familiarize students with the classroom. You could also do this on the first day of school! I created four versions of this printable. in color with no words in color with words in black and white with no words in black and white with words You can choose whichever version works best … [Read more...]
Centers Expectations Booklet
Do you enjoy center time? Some teachers love it, and some do not. Whether you love it or not, one thing we can agree on is that setting up clear expectations for center time is so important. Just like setting up rules and expectations for the classroom and playground, defining how this time should go in the classroom is essential. Today I have a centers expectations printable booklet to share with you. This is a simple booklet to read with students to start the dialogue of what the … [Read more...]
Playground Expectations Printable Booklet
If you asked my kids what their favorite part of the school day was, they would say recess! The playground at school can be so much fun. As all teachers and associates know, teaching expectations and playground rules early on is so important! Today I have a playground expectations printable booklet to share with you. This is a simple book to read with students to start the dialogue of what the playground rules and expectations are. The booklets are 8 pages long and they come in color … [Read more...]
Classroom Expectations Printable Booklet
School is about to start where we live, and all teachers know that the beginning of the school year is all about teaching routines and expectations. Doing a good job with this, in the beginning, will help set up your classroom for success. When I first started teaching, I remember another teacher telling me she doesn't smile or laugh/joke around with the kids until around Thanksgiving. (Keep in mind this was 4th grade.) I never was able to do that, but I tried to be firm and set the … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Stop Tantrums
Do you remember the last time you were feeling overwhelmed? Was it during dinner when your toddler didn’t want to eat the food you spent an hour making? Or when your car didn’t start after shoveling your driveway? How about that time when the babysitter canceled last minute and your night out was no more? How did you react? Did you scream? Did you stomp your feet? Did you fall on the floor waving your hands in the air while your kids looked at you puzzled? It is often puzzling when children … [Read more...]
5 Tips for a Successful Circle Time
As teachers, we love to teach our kids and we come up with some awesome games and activities. As we excitedly enter the classroom that morning with our plan, we hope that the kids enjoy the activities as much as we did planning them. As fun as the preschool days are, teaching large groups can be stressful. What if all the kids don’t pay attention? What if little Sally wanders around the room and won’t sit down? Do these questions run through your mind as you get closer to large group … [Read more...]
How to Create a Balanced Preschool Routine
Laughing, learning, and playing is all a part of a preschool day. We become preschool teachers because we love being around young kids. Their natural interest in learning, sweet friendships, and silly sayings keeps us coming back every morning! But what happens when our days aren’t as great as we had planned? Sometimes children don’t show interest in our activities. Sometimes the best of friends have a hard day sharing space. What feeds into the differences in our kids' behaviors every … [Read more...]
All About Today Activity Center
Disclosure: I am a  blog ambassador for Lakeshore and am compensated for my work. I received the product free of charge, but as always, all my thoughts and opinions are 100% mine. Are you a teacher or homeschool mom? If you teach preschoolers or kindergarteners, I have to tell you about the All About Today Activity Center! This is my kindergartner's favorite thing in our school room and he looks forward to doing the activities each day. I'm excited to tell you all about it and also share an … [Read more...]