An Open Letter to “That Kid”
Dear “That Kid,” When I first saw you placed on my class roster, my heart skipped a beat. And in t...
Work Smarter, Not Harder
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The power of learning is contagious. Our blog serves our teacher community by offering innovative ideas, activities, resources, and advice that gives you new ways to connect with your students and create a more impactful classroom.
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32 Tips for New First Grade Teachers
“Plan for short, structured activities…especially at the beginning of the year. It’s best to have too much planned than not eno...
Classroom Reveal: Black and White with Pops of Color!
I am finally done with my room! You know the feeling…where you can finally sleep at night!?!? And I did it all on a budget!Dis...
Incremental Rehearsal for Intervention
Guest post by Tanya from First Grade is FantabulousAcross the grade levels we’ve all been faced with the challenge of providing...
6 Ways to Celebrate Diversity in the Classroom
Guest Article by Amna from Teach Two ReachClassrooms today are more diverse than ever. Different backgrounds, cultures, and rel...
Differentiate Interactive Notebooks In Primary Grades
Guest Post by Keri from Enchanted Kinder GardenHow to Differentiate Interactive NotebooksLet’s discuss how to differentiate int...
Tips for Taking Interactive Notebooks Outside
Guest Post by Kayse Morris from Teaching on LessIsn’t it time you walked outside and smelled the fresh air? Students are eager ...
8 Instagram Hacks for Teachers
Are you a teacher? Are you on Instagram? If you are both of these, you are in the right spot. Before we start, let’s connect...
Five Ways to Build Stronger Relationships with Your Students
I can’t have any more children. The ability to birth children was taken from me when doctors had to extract my womb from my bod...
The Funny Things Students Say: Teachers Tell All
As teachers, we have all heard the funny things students say. Sometimes, if I write it down, I remember. But most of the time...
How to Implement a Grammar Wall in Your Classroom
First off, if you are asking yourself, “What is a Grammar Wall?” or if you are interested in learning more about Grammar Walls,...
How to Deconstruct the Common Core Standards and Create a Direct Instruction Lesson
According to CoreStandards.org, Common Core State Standards provide teachers the “opportunity to collaborate with teachers acro...
5 Ways to Engage Your Students with Whiteboards
Do you use whiteboards in your classroom? I use mine all the time! Why whiteboards you might ask? Kids love them and when yo...
4 Games to Help Kids Think Critically about Vocabulary
Guest post by Rachael from The Classroom Game Nook Blog.We all want our students to build a strong vocabulary, right? We are di...
The Key to Establishing and Maintaining Parent Partnerships
Establishing and maintaining parent partnerships can be tricky at times. Today, we are going to talk about how proactive commu...
Five Surefire Ways to Turn Teachers Against Each Other
In education, there are things the administration will do that sort of tick teachers off. And inevitably, it leaves us teachers...
8 Misconceptions about Teachers
Just wanted to address some common misconceptions about teachers and the world of education, while providing you some light hum...
5 Ways to Remove Stress from Learning
A few weeks ago, I found out that my class sizes would go from 24ish to about 30 after winter break. My boss had to find a way ...
16 Signs You Are a Reading Teacher
I am just going to put this out there…as you learn to teach reading, you transform into ...
15 Tips for Building Fluent Readers
Building fluent readers is crucial to reading success in the early years. Back in the day, “Popcorn Reading” or “Round Robin R...
7 Ways to Build Reading Comprehension
If you visit my site often, you might recall a story about my first year teaching second grade. I had a student in my classroom...
Art Integration on a Budget
Six ways to integrate art into the classroom on a B-U-D-G-E-T.Guest Post by Jenny Knappenberger from Art with Jenny K.We all kn...
Doing Insect Week in the Classroom
Spring has sprung!! And with spring comes fresh flowers, warmer weather, and let’s not forget about Spring Break! All very enjo...
How Selling on Teachers Pay Teachers Saved My Career
I can’t believe I have been writing and selling for two years, and I have yet to tell my story. For that, I apologize, because ...
Using a Daily Math Board to Practice Core Skills
Do you use a Daily Math Board in your classroom? I am here to tell you how I use Daily Math Boards in my classroom! When I tau...
Five Ways to Make your Morning Routine More Meaningful
As the summer draws to a close, I have been reflecting on several things that I could do better in the classroom. It is nice f...
5 Creative Ways to Save a Derailed Lesson
We all have interruptions in our classroom, so here you will find 5 creative ways to save a derailed lesson. I’m super excited...
Know Your Students: Five Ways to Check for Understanding in Your Classroom
Here is a perfect scenario for you:1. You teach a lesson.2. The kids listen carefully and soak up every detail.3. The kids ...
Terrific Apps for the Primary Classroom
Overwhelmed by all of the apps to choose from that you can use with your students? And did downloading a great app seem promisi...
Five Ways to Inspire Your Students to Write
As a teacher, you know there are students who have the natural ability to write, or they don’t. You may also realize there are ...
Teaching: What They Didn’t Tell You in College
Prior to graduation, prospective teachers are told they will have one of the most stressful, but rewarding jobs out there. Tea...
20 May Activities for Primary Students
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraph These May activities for primary students are the perfect solution to use for teaching new concep...
10 Best Deals for Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is here! We all know none of us are in this profession for all the recognition, fame, and glory that ...
6 Ways to Motivate Your Students During Testing
Are you one of the lucky grade levels that gets to do state testing this spring? If you are, don't get too stressed! Your stude...
Developing the Big 5 of Reading Using Reader's Theatre
Did you know that giving students repeated practice with phonics skills is critical for student mastery? This means our student...
9 Picture Books to Teach Number Sense
Are you looking for a fun way to introduce, extend, or reinforce number sense math concepts in your classroom? One way that hoo...
7 Math Intervention Strategies for Primary Students
Let’s talk math... Do you ever feel like teaching reading small groups and targeted reading intervention gets all the spotlight...
10 Vocabulary Games to Play with ANY Vocabulary Word
Did you know that one essential component of teaching reading is to specifically teach vocabulary to your students? Sometimes v...
Phonics Intervention in 5 Simple Steps
Teaching students to read often looks easy to people on the outside looking in. But as teachers we know it can be as complex as...
13 Ways to Use Decodable Text
Nothing is more rewarding than teaching a child to read. As a reading interventionist and primary teacher this is the most impo...
How to Effectively Teach the 7 Types of Syllables
As a literacy coach I know that teaching students to read and helping teachers be better at teaching students to read is of the...
7+ Ways to Empower Students to Make Change
It's that time of year…my August energy has long since gone and my students are settling into the year (aka - is anyone even li...
7 Simple Ways Schools Can Save Money on Budgets
wp:paragraph The attempt to balance building management and educational leadership is a fine line that many principals struggl...
5 Science of Reading Must Have Resources
You keep hearing about the importance of the Science of Reading, but where do you start? Whether your school or district's curr...
20 Summer Activities for Primary Students
School's out for summer! But...the learning (and teaching) doesn't stop! Many of you will be busy tutoring, teaching summer sch...
20 May Activities for the Primary Classroom
The month of May is a busy time of the school year! Finding May activities that keep your students engaged and learning in thes...
20 April Activities for Primary Students
Spring is in full swing! These April activities will keep your students engaged and learning this season. Earth Day, plants, cr...
20 March Activities for Elementary Students
march activities for elementary students 12 373 /wp:table wp:table march activities for elementary students 12 373 /wp...
Presidents' Day Activities for Primary Students
Are you planning any Presidents' Day activities for your students? Yes, you can celebrate the birthdays of George Washington an...
20 February Activities for Primary Students
Love is in the air this month! A love for learning of course. These February activities will keep students engaged and continue...
5 Activities that Make Geography Fun
Geography lessons let your students travel the world without ever having to leave the classroom. They learn how to read and cre...
20 of Our Fave Subscription Boxes for Teachers
We have all seen them across our social media, in countless ads, and delivered to our neighbors--subscription boxes for teacher...
10 January Activities for Primary Students
A new year brings fresh energy to the classroom—new goals, new ideas, and new opportunities for our students to grow. January i...
10 Ideas for Holidays Around the World
Creating ideas for Holidays Around the World each year is so much FUN! There is something magical about putting together activi...
20 December Activities for Students
December is an exciting, but busy month in our classrooms! We have plenty of December activities that can help calm the chaos a...
Top 10 Clutter-Free Gifts for Teachers
The season of gift giving is almost upon us. Have you started making your list yet? I've been thinking about what to get my kid...
Past and Present: Teaching History to Primary Students
Teaching social studies is my jam. I love teaching history with a big focus on the past and present to my primary students. But...
Quick Fall Science Experiments
How do you fit science in? Are you like me that has to pull various things in to create a Science lesson by looking through a ...
20 November Activities for Students
Crisp fall leaves, pumpkins galore, hayrides, apple picking … I love it all! Fall is my favorite season for so many reasons. Bu...
Unlimited Printable Membership for Primary Teachers
What type of teacher are you? Do you plan ahead or “wing it” the day of? I’m not referring to your personality type or your te...
Prep Your Math in 10 Minutes or Less!
Do you find yourself forever planning out your math and prepping it? Are you trying to find activities for multiple skill level...
5 Reasons Why Teachers are Purchasing Printable Memberships
Let's face it, teaching right now is pretty rough. I'm sure that you have heard the slogans lately... "Work smarter, not harder...
13 Ways to Make Writing Fun
Have you ever been so excited about a lesson to only be met with groans and moans from your students? This happens almost ever...
Third Grade Teacher Must-Haves
Welcome to Third Grade! We love third grade because by this time our students know what to expect when they come into our class...
Small Groups Made Simple: 5-Step Daily Routine
"Anyone use a small group routine they love?" "What do you do in your small groups?" "I need help during small group/center tim...
16 Engaging Classroom Activities for October
It's finally fall! Time to break out the Pumpkin Spice, Fall decor, and my monthly-themed activities for October. Cross-curricu...
15 Handwriting Activities for Students
Handwriting is an important skill for young learners. As teachers, we are always searching for new handwriting activities to ma...
19 Classroom Activities for September
Overwhelmed! Exhausted! So much to do! Send help! And it is only September! Are you even a teacher if you are not feeling any o...
23 Money Activities for Kids
"Show me the MONEY!" (Do you now have the scene from Jerry Maguire playing in your head??) Money... it is a favorite math unit ...
27 Sight Word Centers for Primary Students
The days of flashcards are over. Rote memorization isn't best practice and educators are shying away from the drill-and-practi...
32 Name Writing Activities
These 32 name writing activities are a fun and engaging way to get the school year started. We know name writing is at the top ...
Prepping for a Sub in 15 Minutes or Less
As teachers, we all know that a day off work can mean more planning, stress, anxiety, and worry. It shouldn't be that way, and ...
6 Engaging Social Studies Activities for Primary Students
If you're like me and don’t have a dedicated social studies block, finding ways to incorporate it into your day can be a challe...
19 Ways to Use Board Games as Centers
What was your favorite board game as a child? The one that you always wanted to play when friends came over, or the one you pul...
Teaching Community & Citizenship to Primary Students
“What community are you a part of?” This is a common question that is asked when introducing the topic of community. However,...
Pre-teaching vs. Reteaching with the Struggling Student
How many of us “reteach” a lesson or part of a lesson to students who didn’t grasp it the first time around? Exactly. Same. ...
50 Tips from Teachers to Start the School Year
The season is upon us. Are we ready for it? Looking for some tips to start the school year? I am speaking of a brand new scho...
10 Quick Progress Monitoring Ideas for Primary Students
Back-to-school time means it is time to find assessment and progress monitoring ideas. Summer has flown by, and now you will h...
15 Ways to Decorate your Classroom Walls
Setting up your classroom can be overwhelming both physically and mentally. From moving furniture to lesson planning for the fi...
10 Activities to Teach Beginning Sounds
Learning to identify beginning sounds is a key skill when our students are first learning to read. Sometimes getting those begi...
Student Math Toolkits in 3 Easy Steps
Picture this... It's small group math time and you are working with a set of students in a guided math group. You quickly scan ...
5 of the Best Editable Resources for Primary Teachers
Easy. Easy is what I want in my classroom. With all the duties and paperwork we teachers must do, don't you want things easy, p...
Literacy Centers for the Entire School Year
As I am lying by the pool with my drink in hand, I’m loving life. The birds are chirping, there is a slight warm breeze brushi...
20 Math Activities to Start the New School Year
Thinking about the upcoming school year? No matter how much we, as educators, want to enjoy our summers and our time away…schoo...
10 Mental Health Tips for You and Your Co-Workers
We all know that teaching is not for the faint of heart. It is a tough job to put it lightly. It comes with such a rollercoaste...
22 Must-Buys for Your School Year
So, what's the best part of going back to school? Shopping, of course! Have you decided on your Must-Buys for 2023 yet? So many...
27 Prime Day Deals for Teachers
Here we go again, Amazon Prime Day. The day where teachers get to save money on things that will make their lives just a little...
Organize Your Classroom with 21 Must-Haves from Amazon
Have you ever wanted to just be organized? I mean like legit organized. I'm always saying I am going to be so organized this y...
20 Hands-On Phonics Activities for Summer School
Are you looking for some engaging and hands-on phonics activities for summer school? It doesn’t matter what your summer teachin...
15 Inexpensive Ways to Build Your Classroom Library
When I think about my time in school, I always think back to a specific moment. I was in third grade, and I finished my work ea...
20 Sight Word Activities for Summer School
Are you looking for some fun and engaging sight word activities for summer school? It doesn’t matter what your summer teaching ...
10 Teacher Goals that Won't Break the Bank!
Teacher Goals! After finishing 32 years in the classroom, I believe I am a lifetime learner. I love staying up-to-date, trying ...
17 Tips to Start the School Year Off Right
It happens to me every year! I start summer break thinking that I have all of the time in the world. I have all of these big pl...
30 Multicultural Summer Read Alouds
If you remember… 2022 is the year of Equity for me. Part of finding and incorporating more equitable practices in my classroom...
55 Things Teachers are Looking Forward to this Summer
It has been a long year, but Summer is the perfect time to unplug, close your laptop, and leave school stuff at school. Of cour...
15 of the Best Picture Book Biographies
Why am I writing about a booklist at the beginning of summer? Schools are just letting out, students AND teachers are running ...
31 Activities To Celebrate Summer Holidays
We all know that Summer School is an entirely different beast than teaching during the regular school year! So, trust me when I...
25 Activities to Avoid the Summer Slide
The SUMMER SLIDE is real! You teach your heart out each school year then, bam, here comes the summer. Students and teachers nee...
Summer Activity Packets for Primary Students
“Summertime and the living is easy…” as Ella Fitzgerald once sang. Not bragging, but I am lounging by the pool with my beverag...
35 Fun Field Day Games and Activities
Are you thinking about holding a Field Day at the end of the school year? A Field Day is all about fun stations or events that...
22 Simple Things You Can Prep for Next School Year Now!
When the calendar flips to May, some teachers start thinking about what they can prep and get ready for their classroom NOW. Wh...
30 Shows About Teachers on Netflix
If you've exhausted your personal library of shows and are looking for others to watch while you stay up a little later over th...
30 Ways for Teachers to Recover This Summer
You have made it! Now it is time for us teachers to RECOVER! You reached the end of a long year with everything intact (hopeful...
10 I Spy Activities to Make Academics Fun
Did anyone else ever play “I Spy” during long car rides when you were a child? I am sure your family played the “Quiet Game” i...
32 End of the Year Songs for Year End Slideshow
The school year is winding down (finally) and all the things that we spend the whole year looking forward to (and dreading) are...
15 of the Best Classroom Pack Up Hacks
Have you gotten the checklist yet? Mine came through email yesterday. You know the one I'm talking about... the "Classroom Pack...
100 Thoughts for Our Younger Teacher Selves
What is that saying? "If we only knew then what we know now"? What would that conversation with our younger teacher selves soun...
End of the Year Awards and Memory Books
The end of the year is oftentimes one of the busiest parts of the year for us. You would think things would slow down for a nic...
37 Secrets to a Quiet Classroom
I don’t know about you, but I am at a point in the year where I crave peace and quiet so much that I have found myself driving ...
15 End of the Year Spirit Days!
Teachers, can you see the finish line in sight? We are almost there! Some of us sooner than others (I say begrudgingly, as a te...
21 of the Craziest and Dumb School Rules
When I was a student, I used to think school rules were so silly. Running in the hallways, who cares? Jumping off the swings, w...
22 Relatable End of the Year Teacher Memes
It's finally that time, teachers! Late nights, chaos, and bittersweet emotions bring out some of the best (and funniest) memes ...
Mentor Teachers Rock!!
Mentor teachers... without them, many of us probably would not have continued teaching. They were the ones who shared lesson pl...
Education to the Core’s Children’s Book Author Spotlight: Jasmine Shegog
Welcome to Education to the Core’s Children’s Book Author Spotlight. This is a series of blogs that will highlight a specific c...
18 CVC Activities to Get Your Students Reading
So your students now recognize their letters and associate these letters with their sounds (phonemic awareness). And, they are ...
I Spy Resources
Did anyone else ever play “I Spy” during long car rides when you were a child? I am sure your family played the “Quiet Game” in...
42 of the Craziest Things Students Have Said
I believe teachers are superheroes! We are compassionate, hard-working, and adaptable, but most of all we have the power to kee...
Dear Policymakers and Administrators: Let Teachers TEACH!
Dear Policymakers and Administrators: Please let teachers teach! It's time we face it; things have been changing in education ...
25 Fun Rainy Day Activities
“Rainy Days and Mondays always get me down” as The Carpenters once sang. Well, for me they are half right. The latter part on...
15 Engaging Insect Activities
"Teacher, look what I found!" is a phrase I hear a lot during the spring months when we are out at recess in the afternoon. The...
Tips to Prepare for Your Next Teacher Interview
Spring brings flowers. Spring brings Spring Break! It also brings nicer weather. Spring even brings job openings! We are her...
The Power of "Yes" in the Classroom
I have found that many teachers are constantly seeking ways to improve their community, classroom management, engagement strate...
15 English Language Learners Strategies
English Language Learner (ELL) students do not necessarily learn differently than other students. However, they can have specif...
Education to the Core - Shop. Learn. Stay.
Education to the Core is your "go-to website" when you need a classroom resource from a trusted organization. But, we have been...
33 Read Alouds to Celebrate Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr
2022 is the year of Equity for me. Part of finding and incorporating more equitable practices in my classroom is ensuring that...
20 Fun Ideas for Outdoor Activities for Students
The weather is getting warmer and our students (and us) are getting restless. We have had to pull out all of the stops this sch...
20 Easy Prep Earth Day Activities
Although Earth Day is Every Day in my mind (right?), the official annual date of April 22nd is approaching fast! I love teachin...
Amazing Virtual Field Trips for Primary Students
My favorite memories from elementary school were our field trips. The zoo, local amusement park, children's museum, the beach. ...
25 Tips to Survive till Summer Break
It is that time of year! The time when we are tired, and the students are restless. It has been a long one for both the kids an...
STEM Challenges in the Primary Classroom
Intimidation. Time-consuming. Uncomfortable. No, I’m not talking about returning from Spring Break. These are just a few of ...
12 Quiet Activities for the Classroom
Quiet time is a purposeful and peaceful way to recharge mid-day. It's even great for teachers to take that extra couple of minu...
15 Teacher Groups to Join Today
I am always spending too much time on social media talking to, listening to, and watching other teachers! But, let me tell you,...
100 Things Teachers Think, But Can't Say Out Loud
We Are ALL Human. What is one thing we all have in common? Our thoughts! There are numerous things that Teachers think, but ...
21 Spring Activities for Primary Teachers
Spring is in the air and I am ready to bring out the fun science projects, read-alouds, and outdoor activities. This time of ye...
20 Ways to Beat the Monday Blues
For me, the Monday Blues always start with anxiety on Sunday night. I get a sick feeling in my stomach as my mind races a mile ...
28 Ways Teachers Inspired Us
Being a teacher is hard work. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. However, as difficult as it is, it can also be rewar...
Ways to Use Exit Tickets in your Classroom
How do you check for student understanding? As educators, we are constantly checking in with our students. Perhaps you are al...
15 Ideas to Engage Your Apathetic Students
Finding something to engage your apathetic students can be like searching for a needle in a haystack! How do you motivate stude...
The Best Fairy Tale Activities for Your Primary Students
Teachers, we are working our way to the finish line! Spring is right around the corner, and we need all the motivation we can g...
13 Ideas to Support your Gifted Students
Typically, as teachers, we put more time and energy into focusing on the students that have fallen behind or are struggling. T...
39 Easy Prep Ideas for Word Work
So, this is 39 Ideas for Word Work? You may be thinking, does anyone need that many? I DO! I like to meet the needs of my stude...
Top 15 Ways Teachers are Spending Spring Break
We’ve been checking off the days on our calendars and phones, and Spring Break is FINALLY here!!! (For some of us at least...) ...
20 Phonics Activities That Aren't Boring
I've always loved teaching phonics, but there have been many times when I couldn't come up with fun phonics activities to pair ...
30 Spring Multicultural Read Alouds
2022 is the year of Equity for me. Part of finding and incorporating more equitable practices in my classroom is ensuring that...
21 YouTube Channels for Teachers
Let’s be honest, no matter how engaging your lesson is or how much work you put into your activities your students are always g...
17 Activities for St. Patrick's Day
Several small holidays happen throughout the school year that kids love to celebrate! But, teachers wonder how to still meet th...
Education to the Core's Children's Book Author Spotlight: Pamela Tuck
Welcome to Education to the Core’s Children’s Book Author Spotlight. This is a series of blogs that will highlight a specific c...
9 Ways to Engage Your Students During Reading Block
For many of us, our reading block lasts anywhere from 90-120 minutes every day. That time is extremely important because it is...
An Open Letter to "Those Kids" 2022
Let’s talk about 2022 with “Those Kids.” Many teachers walk out of school daily worn out and worn down. We are struggling with ...
10 Fun, Hands-On Spelling Activities
I dreaded spelling lessons growing up... All I remember is being told to look up words in the dictionary, which was frustrating...
17 Ways Teachers Manage Bullying and Behavior
We have said it before, but this school year has been the hardest one yet. We are all dealing with our fair share of obstacles ...
No-Prep Phonics Activities
One thing that I find myself searching for the most is age-appropriate, yet engaging, phonics resources and activities. My stu...
23 Ideas to Teach Your Students Self-Regulation
I'm going to be brutally honest right now and I apologize if it ruffles any feathers... however, I am finding that students thi...
The Best Tips to Cultivate a Culture of Success in Your Classroom
Cultivating a culture of success does come with time and experience, but if you need some quick tips on how to start cultivatin...
10 Strategies for Teaching Emergent Writers
Teaching the writing process to emergent writers is one of my favorite activities to do each school year. The growth that is s...
Prep Literacy Centers in 10 Minutes or Less!
Ah, literacy, my personal favorite to teach. We do literacy in the afternoons and it makes for such an easy and relaxing end to...
25 Place Value Activities
Place value is the foundation of math, and mastering it is essential for success in future concepts. Our collection of 25 Place...
19 Read Alouds for Teaching Central Message
“What lesson can we learn from the story?” When it comes to teaching the central message, choosing the story is my favorite par...
22 Engaging Distance Learning Resources
It is the phrase that we all dread “Your class has to go on quarantine for the next (insert number) days.” We have to prepare t...
14 Fun Valentine's Day Activities for Kids
Roses are red, Violets are blue, We have a list of 14 Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids, And some for you too! It's the mont...
Teaching Tips for Your Students with Dyslexia
Students with Dyslexia are sometimes the most challenging students to figure out! They seem brilliant at specific tasks but the...
15 Classroom Activities for the Winter Olympics
If you are a Winter Games buff like I am, you don't want to miss a second of coverage, even if you are in your classroom! I wi...
9 Ways to Beat Cabin Fever
"Bored in the house, in the house bored." It was a TikTok trend that hit just a little too close to home back in 2020 and all o...
23 Dental Activities for Kids
“Brush-a, brush-a brush-a”... anytime I pick up a toothbrush I act like the sleepover scene in the movie Grease. This is, of co...
30 Amazing Teacher Discounts
Am I the only one who can't remember the last time they did something for themselves? In an attempt to procrastinate my lesson ...
10 Reasons to Try Directed Drawings in Your Primary Classroom
Drawing has been and always will be such a calming activity for me. As a child, I was always doodling in my notebooks, drawing ...
13 Student Engagement Strategies for Elementary That Work
It's always the first thing my principal does when she walks into my classroom. Quickly scanning my students, she counts how ma...
'Twos'-Day Celebrations
Perhaps you haven’t heard this yet…but there are a couple of special days coming up in February! They are “Twos-Days!” Where ...
Teaching Letters and Sounds: 27 Strategies that Work
If we want to help our students learn their letters and sounds, we must have multiple Strategies for Teaching Letters and Sound...
Ideas for Engaging Students with Fluency Passages
Improving reading fluency in our students is one of the main goals of any elementary school teacher. I personally struggle with...
Is a Minimalist Classroom For You?
I am a hoarder. Is anyone else able to relate? Plus, having a minimalist classroom was not ever on my wishlist. I do not like t...
Homework in the Primary Classroom?
The topic of homework seems to be a hot-button issue in education lately. Do we give it to students? Do we not? If we provid...
19 Ways to Stop Tattling in Your Classroom
"Teacher... (insert name here) is talking." "(So and So) wouldn't play with me at recess." "(Insert name) took my pencil." TATT...
17 Instagram Accounts for Teachers to Follow
There are so many Instagram accounts out there. Sometimes, it is hard to determine which one is worth following. Well, we are h...
33 Teacher Ideas for Using Student Whiteboards
Do you have a set of student whiteboards for all of the kids in your class? I have tons of student whiteboards, but in all hone...
Teacher New Years Resolutions
Teachers, it's a new year! I can't believe how quickly 2022 came and left (maybe that's for the best though). As we begin this ...
Making the Most of Your Sound Wall
Should I put a sound wall up in my classroom? Perhaps you were like me and wanted to, but didn’t know what to do with it. Her...
Let's Talk Teacher Motivation!
The struggle is REAL, my friends! I went seeking some teacher motivation! Why? Life has changed in many classrooms since March ...
Top 10 Teacher Websites for Worksheets and Printables
How many times a week do you type in the search bar "worksheets for ___"? You only need a worksheet to cover a certain skill or...
20 Social Media Hacks for Teachers
Once there were encyclopedias, then there was google, and now there is TikTok. We no longer need to hunt high and low for tips ...
Making 2022 an Equitable Year
Did you make a personal New Year’s Resolution this year? Perhaps you are choosing to spend more time with family/friends, or ge...
Teachers Let Those Green Flags Fly
As teachers, we always hear about the red flags that may come with teaching. We are so quick to share the negatives of this pro...
Characteristics of Great Principals
I have been so lucky to work with good principals throughout my years as a teacher—great principals who supported me. And great...
Things Teachers Wish We ALL Knew
There are a lot of misconceptions said about teachers these days. Most of the time when we hear things like "teachers are so lu...
15 Social Skills and Classroom Management Activities
I get it... classroom behaviors are in a league of their own this year, and you're beyond tired. If you're like me, you probabl...
Winter Break Ideas for Teachers
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Winter Break!! Hopefully, you have two weeks to kick your feet up, watch some TV, or...
Over 100 Ridiculous Parent Requests for Teachers
I was greeting my students this morning at the door when THAT parent stopped me. She handed me her son’s lunchbox and then proc...
30 Best Books for Professional Development
Here is a moment of honesty for you: I hate when my administration sets up book study groups on ANY topic for professional deve...
25 Cross-Curricular Snow Activities
With the arrival of winter, there is one thing I look forward to…. SNOW DAYS!! Of course, now our district doesn't have snow d...
Don't Pitch Your Sight Words
Should I still teach sight words? Teachers everywhere question whether they should pitch their sight words activities and resou...
45 of the Biggest Teacher Pet Peeves
It started as soon as you walked into the classroom this morning. One student started tattling about something that happened on...
32 Affordable Amazon Teacher Outfits
Waking up in the morning has gotten harder and harder as the school year has worn on. But with the weather changing, cycling th...
10 Easy-Prep Holiday Celebration Activities
You're almost there! Winter break is right around the corner, and I came up with the perfect list to make your last day of scho...
Things NOT to Say to Teachers in December
Teachers are so stretched thin right now! Exhaustion has hit! But, other people don't understand our struggle. Unless you're a ...
40 Quick Games to Play in the Classroom at the End of the Day
Anybody else’s end of the day complete chaos?!? Just me? Packing up, dismissals, cleaning up their areas, bus calls, announceme...
Human Rights Day
As I am sitting here attempting to write this blog, I am stuck. I am having a hard time coming up with what to put on the page...
9 Ideas for Your Next Personal Day
Teachers, we all have ideas when using our personal days. Maybe you strategically spread them out throughout the school year. O...
Phrases We ALL Hear in the Classroom
2021 will be a year for the books! Some days I think I should just put my voice on a recorder because I repeat the exact phrase...
27 Ways Teachers are Setting Boundaries
Teachers often work endlessly to improve the lives of others and then forget to prioritize their well-being. However, it sounds...
Teaching Holidays Around the World in 7 Easy Steps
Do you have a special set of activities that you do with your students during the weeks leading up to winter break? Are you loo...
15 Strategies for the Student Who Can’t Sit Still
Sit down in your seat, it’s time for math. Please sit down in your seat, Tashir cannot see the board. Alright, time to start ...
Self-Care Tips Teachers Need
If you’re reading this, you are important, and this is your sign to take care of yourself. Realistic self-care ideas for teache...
Elf on the Shelf Classroom Ideas
Some teachers love this time of year in the classroom as they prep for Holidays Around the World Lessons and an Elf on the Shel...
Sub Plans for Teachers: Planning and Prep Done for You!
We've all been there... those days when you really should stay home. You just can't bring yourself to prep sub plans for hours ...
50 Things Teachers Wish Their Schools Had
“You always want what you can’t have” is a saying I have been hearing since I was a kid. However, I never thought it would be a...
First-Year Teacher Bloopers We've ALL Made
Do you remember your first year of teaching? If you think back, are there some things that you wish you had done differently? (...
Don't Pitch Your Leveled Readers!
Being a teacher over the last year has drained me! What seems to be making it harder this year are the false critiques of my cu...
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month! Here at Education to the Core, we understand it is a time to celebrate the rich an...
The Benefits of an ETTC Membership
Teachers, there is so much on our plates this year. It feels like every teacher could use a 4 week paid vacation to the tropica...
The 3 Big Ps: Phonological Awareness, Phonemic Awareness, and Phonics
What are the 3 Big Ps? Teachers know that students will learn to read easier if they have a strong foundation of oral language ...
15 Easy Science Activities for the Classroom
Do your students love learning science? Are you finding it hard to fit in science activities for the classroom during the week?...
20 Book Series To Get Your Students Hooked on Reading
Read alouds, silent reading time, and group reading projects are just a few of the ways students are introduced to reading. But...
Focus and Reduce Stress with 30 Breathing Exercises
Talk about stress… we just finished our first marking period, report cards are due, I have parent-teacher conferences coming up...
20 Picture Books For Your Inclusive Classroom Library
Does talking to children about individual differences teach discrimination? Absolutely not! In fact, it teaches them to look pa...
Renewed Buzz on the Science of Reading
Any teacher that has been in a primary classroom for some years knows that reading protocols change often. Too often, people ma...
23 Math Read-Alouds for Primary Students
Read-aloud time is one of my favorite parts of the school day! Your students are engaged, they get to listen to fluent reading,...
Teaching is Tough, but Teachers are Tougher
Teaching is tough... "I'm a first year teacher and I'm STRUGGLING. I literally cry in my car every morning before work. My kid...
20 Ways to Quickly and Quietly Transition your Students
Are your students struggling with transitions? Do you find yourself spending a lot of time waiting on them to get ready for the...
The Traditions of Dia De Los Muertos
Dia De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated in Mexico but variations of the holiday are celebrated throughou...
11 Reasons Teachers Deserve a Raise in October
It has been a rough start this year. Phew! I am thinking my besties and I deserve a raise this October! As a teacher, I am pret...
7 Tips to Support Support Staff
Have you ever walked past a support staff member and just said hello or asked them how their day is going? Support staff in sc...
40 Books About Learning From Mistakes
Learning from mistakes helps kids grow! Erasers are often destroyed in my classroom. Pieces are bitten off. Erasers found pok...
The Best Book Character Costumes for Teachers
Does your school have a costume parade this time of year? Do you know what you are wearing yet? Some of the best book character...
All About Math Focus Walls
Teachers have been using focus walls in their classrooms for a very long time. But, if you are anything like me, all of the cho...
Anchor Charts For Your Primary Classroom
"Every sentence begins with a _____ and ends with a ______." I repeated for the tenth time within a 30 minute writing lesson. ...
Disrupting Gender Inequities in the Elementary Classroom
Temper flaring, finger pointing in my face, screaming...“How dare you allow my son to play with girl toys! You’re making my so...
30 Quick and Easy Time-Fillers
We all have been there. The thirty-minute lesson we planned went much faster than expected, and now we have time to fill before...
How to Use Editable Resources
Editable resources... they are every teacher's DREAM!!! It is magical how typing words on one page transfers to other pages. Wa...
66 Fantastic Teachers Comments on Students' Progress Reports
It's that time again for most of us...completing Progress Reports! I don't know about you, but it is a struggle sometimes to ca...
Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day
What most may recognize as another “holiday”, the second Monday in October serves as a reminder and celebration of Indigenous h...
5 Steps to Stress-Free Emergency Sub Plans
The beginning of the school year comes with many tedious tasks--one of which is emergency sub plans. As teachers, we do our bes...
15 Easy Prep Subtraction Activities
Looking for fun and engaging easy prep activities to help your students master subtraction? What are some of the best ways to t...
Maintaining Inclusivity This Holiday Season
As we approach the holiday season, the overall vibe of our community will change. We will begin to feel a sense of joy and grat...
21 Fall Picture Books and Activities
Do you switch out the books in your library with the changing of the seasons or months? It’s a great way to share changes and i...
18 Elementary Comprehension Activities
Getting our students reading is no easy task! We have our choppy readers, fast readers, super slow readers, and even non-reader...
10 Pumpkin Science Activities
Looking for exciting Pumpkin Science Activities? One of the biggest indicators of Fall quickly approaching has arrived! No, I...
Spooky Season Must-Haves for Teachers
BOO! It’s finally spooky season and that means it's time to bring out all of the cutest spooky season must-haves! Yes, we are...
Using Color By Number In Your Instruction
I love Color by Number activities as do my students. Color by Number or Color by Skill can be classified as coloring activitie...
15 Teacher Podcasts You'll Want To Listen To
Shhhhh… I have a little secret. To be honest, I was never a huge podcast guy. I constantly have music playing in the backgrou...
27 Easy Prep Activities to Teach Addition
Addition... it is a skill that your students learn for what seems like ages. How do you continue to have them practice addition...
Over 45 Books to Teach Social Skills
Are you starting to see some behaviors in your classroom, such as non-stop talking, bullying, and problems with sharing and sta...
35 Free Rewards For Your Students
Are you looking for some new class rewards to pair with your classroom management system? What if I said, are you looking for ...
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th to October 15th is when we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and ...
Tips for Surviving Staff Development Days
Time to go back to school! And, you are super excited to get into your classroom and get everything ready for the new school ye...
15 Fun Ways to Quiet a Classroom
"1... 2... 3... Eyes on me"—and the talking continues. You say it louder, but no luck. If this sounds familiar, you’re likely s...
Social Emotional Learning
Are you worried about how students are going to be returning to in-person learning this school year after the pandemic? Ever w...
"Never Have I Ever" ~ Teacher Edition
Raise your hand if you played "Never Have I Ever" as a kid... or as a teen. (okay... most likely after you turned 21 ?). We hav...
55 of the Best Teacher One-Liners
Calling all teachers to this post! Whether you have been teaching a year or thirty years, teachers come up with some of the bes...
Ways To Celebrate Your Students
Our students are with us for approximately 7 hours each weekday. That’s a lot of time. Our students spend 180 days of their l...