The main idea is defined as the central point or big picture of a story or informational text. The details are those statements that support (go along with) the main idea. Main idea and details are important in all types of texts (literature and informational), as well as in writing. The ... Read More
Guided Reading Groups in 5 Simple Steps
It is hard enough planning for whole group reading block and small group centers/stations. We now also incorporate guided reading groups to differentiate and meet the needs of students in our class at their level. It is hard to plan for these groups and get them in daily while monitoring students ... Read More
Teaching: 26 Things You Didn’t Learn in College
For some of us, our education courses are fresh in our minds, for others it has been awhile. No matter how long ago you graduated, there are definitely some real-life classroom experiences we've had that were NOT taught in college. We asked our group of colleagues what they wish they'd known ... Read More
Once Upon a STEM: Volume 2
Your students are in LOVE with our Once Upon a STEM challenges, but you have a huge dilemma... there is no way that you have enough for the school year! Well, I have HUGE news for you! We have created another set of 10 STEM challenges! Introducing "Once Upon a STEM Volume 2" Constructing ... Read More
The BEST Engagement Strategies for Whole Group Instruction
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." ~ Benjamin Franklin Engaging students in their learning has become an integral part of instruction. The more we can involve students in our lessons, the more likely they are to retain the information being taught. Here ... Read More
What is “Once Upon a STEM?”
STEM curriculum has come to the front of education with the adoption of Common Core standards. Our new goal is to create problem solvers that are willing to "dig deeper". Students today need to tackle challenges and be willing to "think outside of the box". With these new requirements comes ... Read More
Implementing Literacy Centers in the Primary Classroom
You've purchased our fabulous years worth of literacy centers, but now what to do with all of those hands-on activities?! Implementing literacy centers into your reading block takes some planning and preparation, but once you get into a routine that works, they become an integral part of your daily ... Read More
Teaching Emergent Writers: 10 Strategies for Student Success
Teaching the writing process to emergent writers is one of my most favorite activities to do each school year. The growth that is seen from learning how to form letters of the alphabet to writing complete sentences and stories is amazing. In this blog post, I will share with you how I teach ... Read More
10 Ways to Freshen Up the Way You Teach Phonics
Let’s talk about PHONICS!! We are all familiar with having to teach the names of letters and their corresponding sounds to our young learners. It usually is the core part of our reading program in preschool and kindergarten. Identification of letters and sounds must be mastered before ... Read More
Teaching Emergent Readers: 14 Tips to Ensure Success!
“My kindergarteners need to be able to do what?!” I still remember the day my principal sat my team down and explained to us that by the end of the school year our little kinder kittens needed to be able to read. I couldn’t wrap my mind around how I was going to take these sweet kiddos who ... Read More
10 Things You Have to Know When You Teach Reading
10 Things You Have To Know When You Teach Reading The more I become experienced in my craft, the more I realize that most teachers are thrown a manual and told to teach reading. For me, there have been big "Aha" moments, and I have realized why certain components are so important when it comes to ... Read More
Survival Items Every Teacher Needs from Amazon
If you are a teacher, and you are on Amazon, these items are so vital to your survival as a teacher! At Education to the Core, we want you to work smarter, not harder. You are sure to find some amazing teacher items and supplies from Amazon with this list! Your Official Amazon Teacher List 1. ... Read More
