24 Easy to Implement Phonics Activities
Phonics is the back bone of almost all reading instruction. As a teacher of young primary students, we spend countless hours o...
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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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13 Inexpensive Ornament Ideas for the Classroom
It's that time of year!! The holiday season has once again quickly snuck up on us and some of you may still be looking for orn...
Story Elements and Retelling
Story Elements and Retell Story elements are the five components that make up a story. They are the characters, setting, plot, ...
10 GREAT Activities to Teach Main Idea and Details
The main idea is defined as the central point or big picture of a story or informational text. The details are those statement...
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 read...
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 gradua...
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 en...
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 probl...
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?! Impl...
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...
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 t...
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 teach...
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, ...
25 Amazon Must-Haves for Teachers
We put together a list of 25 Amazon Teacher Must-Haves that you need for your classroom. Congratulations! You hit the jackpot o...
25 Back to School Items Every Teacher Needs on Amazon
At Education to the Core, we not only want to you be the very best teacher you can be, but we want to help you achieve better w...
Literacy Centers: Your Top Questions Answered
You asked, and I am here to answer! Play the video below to get your burning questions answered when it comes to our 1st and 2n...
May Literacy Centers for 2nd Grade
I can't wait to share our May Literacy Centers lineup with you! But first, I just have to share some amazing feedback we have b...
April Literacy Centers for 2nd Grade
Diphthong Sort: This center encourages students to read words with diphthongs and then sort them. The bags give so much nov...
A 4 Step Fluency Exercise that WORKS
Do you find that making time for fluency is almost impossible? We have so many demands that are placed on us, and by the end of...
Literacy Centers Done Right
You might already know the many different options in which you can run your literacy centers. You can have students work in rot...
March Literacy Centers for 2nd Grade
Man...we did it again! 10 AMAZING Literacy Centers to start your month on the right foot! The Root of it All: Students w...
February Literacy Centers for 2nd Grade
Our February Centers are here and ready to be printed! You will find many different engaging activities that incorporate so man...
2nd Grade Literacy Centers for January
2nd Grade Literacy Centers for January are HERE! Here’s what will be inside once you open the January folder of the Bundle! ...
2nd Grade Literacy Centers for December
Here's what will be inside once you open the December folder of the Bundle! Suffix Word Building:This is great for vocabulary...
Habits of Highly Effective Teachers
Good habits are essential to living a healthy fulfilling life. Making a conscious effort to create good habits can be extremel...
10 November Centers for 2nd Grade
We are happy to feature TEN more 2nd Grade Literacy Centers for the month of November! You will find a variety of phonics, lang...
How to Simplify your STEM Challenges
If you have ever been hesitant on teaching the engineering design process along with the stem challenges you do in your classro...
7 Ways to Simplify Your Literacy Stations
Planning and implementing literacy stations can seem so daunting when the possibilities are virtually endless. When I first sta...
FREE "Once Upon a STEM" Story, Journal, and Challenge!
If you stumbled across this post, something about having a story with your Stem Challenges excited you! I can't wait to share a...
1st Grade Literacy Centers for August
First Grade Literacy Centers for AUGUST are here! Kick-start your year with meaningful, intentional centers to get your student...
1st Grade Center Activities for July
I am in LOVE with the new centers we have for you this July. I was sure to include a variety of Literacy Centers you can use w...
"Practically First Grade" Passages
Scroll below to reserve your copy of "Practically 1st Grade" Reading Comprehension Passages! wp:paragraph Welcome to Practic...
1st Grade Centers Activities for June
If you teach first grade, this is the magical time where many of your students are making the shift of “learning to read” to ...
10 Easy to Prep Literacy Centers Ideas for May
May is almost here! If you teach first grade, this is the magical time where many of your students are making the shift of "lea...
49 Reasons Why Being Married to a Teacher is the Best
Seriously...you are missing out if you're not married to a teacher. We have been discussing all the great reasons to be marrie...
April Literacy Centers for First Grade
10 More First Grade Literacy Centers await you! I can't wait to share what I've had up my sleeve this month! Each month I rele...
1st Grade Literacy Centers for March
I can’t be more excited to share my March Centers with you! You will find a variety of phonics, language, vocabulary, and liste...
First Grade Literacy Centers for February
We can’t be more excited to share our February Centers with you! You will find a variety of phonics, language, vocabulary, and ...
Organizing Your Literacy Centers in 3 Easy Steps
Fact: Organizing your Literacy Centers can be a nightmare. Consider this scenario: You find the perfect centers, print, laminat...
First Grade Literacy Centers for January
We can’t be more excited to share our January Centers with you! You will find a variety of phonics, language, vocabulary, a...
December Literacy Centers for First Grade
We can’t be more excited to share our December Centers with you! You will find a variety of phonics, language, vocabulary, and...
November Centers for First Grade
We can’t be more excited to share our November Centers for first grade with you! You will find a variety of phonics, language...
Phonics Posters for Primary Students
First grade teachers know how important it can be to have visual cues in a classroom full of emergent readers. I created the...
October Literacy Centers for First Grade
We have just added TEN MORE First Grade Literacy Centers for the month of October! We can’t be more excited to share our Octobe...
September Centers for First Grade
We can't be more excited to share our September Centers with you! You will find a variety of phonics, language, vocabulary, a...
29 Chapter Books to Read with Your First Grade Students
Finding the right chapter books that could help in increasing your students vocabulary and reading comprehension, especially fo...
How to Empower Primary Students Using Accountable Talk
For the longest time, I kept hearing all this buzz about ‘accountable talk’…but I was never quite sure what it was exactly. ...
8 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Feel Guilty Your Classroom Isn't Pinterest-Worthy
So let's just start out by establishing that there is nothing wrong with getting teaching ideas from Pinterest. This post is h...
10 Reasons Why Every Primary Classroom Should Have a Grammar Wall
Grammar walls have been all the hype lately. But what's the big deal? Well, it's time to stop wondering! Here are 10 reasons ...
10 Burnout Proof Tips for Teachers
Teacher burnout is real. I know that I’ve experienced it several times and I’m guessing that you have too. None of us are imm...
10 Things Teachers Will Never Tell You
I remember being in elementary school and viewing my teachers as these other-worldly beings; almost super-human like creatures ...
10 Tips for Teaching Christmas Around the World
While many adults begin counting down the days till Christmas as early as July, unable to postpone their excitement for the sea...
10 Things Every Type B Teacher Should Have
What's up Type B teachers? I am betting you stumbled across this article looking for ways (or things) to enhance your life! Loo...
Phonics Activities for Primary Students
When I first started teaching I could not deal with the lack of meaningful phonics activities provided by the adopted programs...
45 Photos That Won't Make Sense to Non-Teachers
If you are a teacher in the teaching world, there are just some photos that non-teachers will never understand. Here are 45 ph...
Teaching Grammar Using Interactive Notebooks
As a primary teacher, it can be very difficult fitting in grammar instruction into your day. I also have a little secret you...
10 Reasons Why Primary Teachers Are Rockstars
Primary teachers are some of the most amazing people to walk this planet. In fact, I consider primary teachers to have rocksta...
Insect Activities and Nonfiction Texts for Primary Students
Happy Spring, everybody!!! The weather is warming up, the sun is starting to shine brighter, and I don't know about you, but I...
Engage and Differentiate with Task Cards
Guest Article by Ashley Schroeder from “Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd” Do you have stacks upon stacks of task cards in your cla...
8 Do’s and Don’ts for Using Games in the Classroom
Whether you’re playing a whole class game, small group game, or individual game, games in the classroom provide great learning ...
5 Ways to Remove Stress from Learning
Guest Post by Jacque Miller from "For the Love of the Children" 5 Ways to Remove Stress from Learn...
Literacy As an Attainable Goal for Severely Disabled Students
Guest Post from Susan Berkowitz, SLP from Kidz Learn Language Literacy As an Attainable Goal for Severely Disabled Students I ...
9 Reasons Why Teachers Should Get a Raise in December
I have always loved being a teacher in December. I loved being around kids during this month, because they help to keep the sp...
Close Reading: Unlocking the Layers of Text
Guest Post by Sharon Fabian from Classroom in the Middle Close Reading: Unlocking the Layers of Text Just like a picture creat...
4 Games to Help Kids Think Critically about Vocabulary
Guest post by Rachael from The Classroom Game Nook Blog. 4 Games to Help Kids Think Critically about Vocabulary We all wan...
Autism: 12 Inclusion Tips for Classroom Teachers
Do you have a student with autism in your classroom this year? Whether you are a veteran teacher or just starting out, you may ...
28 Bulletin Board Ideas for Teachers
If you are like me, you could look at bulletin board ideas all day long! I have a love-hate relationship with bulletin boards ...
Tips and Ideas for School Pep Rallies
We got spirit, yes we do! We got spirit, how about you? Find tips and tricks for school pep rallies right here! Guest Post ...
Discussing Identity with Kindergarten Students
Guest Post by Vera from The Tutu Teacher Discussing identity with kindergarten students is a vital piece to social and emotion...
25 Attention Getters to Calm A Noisy Classroom
As teachers, we know the value of having good attention-getters to calm a noisy classroom. Because your time is limited, we ca...
5 Strategies for Reaching Disengaged Students
Disengaged students. We all have them. More interested in what is going on outside the window, or tugging at that loose piece o...
Getting Your Children into "Back to School Mode"
I was asked by the wonderful Susan from Sonoran Living Live to come in for a segment to give helpful tips to parents to get the...
The Best Activities to Try During the First Week of School
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I would look at teacher books of my aunt's and I would pretend I was teaching my dolls...
Novel Study Activities Kids Will Love
Novel Study Activities Kids Will Love When doing a novel study, you want the novel itself to be the main focus, not the workshe...
20 Teachers to Follow on Pinterest
If you need some amazing teachers to follow on Pinterest, you have come to the right place. Pinterest is so helpful when it co...
The Best Back to School Tips from Real Teachers
We polled the Education to the Core Community, and these are some of the best "Back to School" tips from real teachers all arou...
45 Teacher Memes That Nail What It's Like to Be a Teacher
If you are a teacher in the teaching world, there are some teacher memes that really hit the nail on the head on what it's like...
Ten Things You Need to Know about Introverted Teachers
Working in your classroom with the lights off so no one thinks you're in there... Taking the long way into your classroom in th...
10 Problems Every Type B Teacher Will Understand
10 Problems Every Type B Teacher Will Understand What type of teacher are you? Type A or Type B? 1. The need for detailed l...
Letting Go of Your Students on that Last Day
One of the worst things about being a teacher, is letting your students go on the very last day. It is such a bittersweet thin...
Making Technology Meaningful in Primary
“So, what are they doing here,” a visiting teacher recently asked me as she observed my kids scanning QR codes to reveal a math...
29 Mother's Day Gifts for Your Students
Mother's Day is coming soon! If you need ideas for Mother's Day gifts for your students, you have come to the right place! Be...
Neon Glitter Play Dough Fun
I have big plans for my Neon Glitter Play Dough this Spring! I will be using the play dough to teach 3-D shapes, letter format...
10 Things Teachers Wish We Could Say
Let's be honest, we have to maintain a pretty good filter during the school day. But we have so many things that we are thinki...
Ten Literacy Ideas for Emergent Readers
Thinking of fun and engaging centers can be hard sometimes! I have surfed the internet, and it is hard to find great DIY cente...
Reading Strategies Posters and a FREEBIE!
Just wanted to share something I use with my kids in my classroom. I tend to keep things simple, and I have narrowed down my r...
Community Helpers
Let me just start out my saying that my kids had a phenomenal week learning about communities and community helpers. I used my...
Apple Life Cycle Activities for Kindergarten and First Grade
Kids naturally love discovering the life cycle of anything! This week, we explored the life cycle of an apple. My students ha...
Use Color Tiles Efficiently With Masking Tape
I hope you are all enjoying your summer break! I sure am. We just got back from Costa Rica, so I am definitely out of teacher ...
Simple Ways to Stay Organized in the Classroom
Hello and Welcome to the Bright Ideas Link Up! This is the ultimate Link-Up for the best ideas in your classroom. Be sure to c...
Integrating Writer's Workshop Into Your Reading Block
If you are looking to integrate writing into your reading block, you will find an easy and efficient way to make this possible ...
Black History Close Reads and Some Great Freebies!
I love the month of February! There is so much content that can be covered, especially since it is Black History Month. Since ...
Valentine's Day Fun and Freebie!
Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Do you have your printables ready to go? If you are like me, you need something fa...
Presidents Day Pop-Up Books and Freebie!
Just in time for President's Day! A supplement for your President's Day Unit! Let your kids assemble a 3-D Presidents Day Pop-U...
The Balancing Act of a Teacher: How You Can Make It work!
You've heard it before. You need a balance...you need to make time for you and or your family...you need to prioritize your t...
Inventors Writing Activity and FREEBIE!
Just wanted to let you all know that I have revised my Inventors Writing Activity! Create meaningful writing and memories that ...
Writing Activities for Black History Month and a FREEBIE!
Celebrate Black History all month long with "Black History Pop-Up Books! Let your students choose and research a Black Historia...
President's Day Mini-Books / Close Read and FREEBIE!!!
Are you planning anything for President's Day? How about a Presidents Day Mini Book / Close Read Unit to keep things academic?...
5 Ways to Tighten Up Your Classroom Management
There is always that time of the year when you have to reflect on all that you have done, all that you should have done, and wh...
It's Finally Here! First Grade Language Assessments!
Just wanted to let you all know that I have been working hard to make sure these 1st grade assessments get out before I go back...
Martin Luther King Book and Unit and FREEBIE!
I am so excited to present my newest Martin Luther King Book and unit to you all! I find that teachers like substance, and so ...
Christmas Holidays Around the World Unit
Bring the magic of the holiday season into your classroom with our Christmas Holidays Around the World Unit! This engaging reso...
5 Ways to Strengthen Classroom Discipline
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Classroom Discipline When I was a new teacher, the last thing I thought I would need help with with...
Pumpkin Book Report Ideas
Discover creative pumpkin book report ideas that turn pumpkins into story characters and scenes, making reading both fun and en...
Ideas for Celebrating the October Season and a FREEBIE!
If you have been reading my blog long enough, you know that I always tie in academics no matter what time of year. I keep thi...
Bats: A FREE Mini-Book and Writing Reflection
If you are a festive teacher like me, you love celebrating the season, yet you try to keep things academic. We will be doing a...
Spiders: A FREE Mini-Book and Writing Reflection
If you are a festive teacher like me, you love celebrating the season, yet you try to keep things academic. We will be doing a...
A Strategic and Efficient Way of Implementing the Daily 5
Since I started teaching, I have always looked for the most efficient way to do things without compromising the learning of stu...
Fire Safety Resources!
Find fun and engaging activities to teach kids about fire safety. It is important children know basic precautions when dealing...
Pumpkin Life Cycle Activities and Freebie!
If you are planning on doing a Pumpkin Life Cycle Unit in October, we have the resources you need to make this a memorable lear...
Apple Tree Life Cycle Worksheet Writing Pack and Freebie!
Happy September! As you probably know, we rarely have time for Science and writing, and the Apple Tree Life Cycle Worksheet oft...
My Two Cents: A Teacher's Perspective on Education
These days, it seems like everyone has an opinion about something in the education field. Why does the majority of the popula...
A Presidents Day Worksheet Unit Study!
A unit on our presidents! A Presidents Day Worksheet Unit Study features three emergent readers featuring George Washington, A...
Abraham Lincoln Mini-Unit
An Abraham Lincoln Biography and printables! Celebrate our President Abraham Lincoln by learning about important events in his ...
Barack Obama Mini-Unit
A Barack Obama Biography and printables! Celebrate our President Barack Obama by learning about important events in his life! S...
George Washington Mini-Unit
A George Washington Biography and printables! Celebrate our President George Washington by learning about important events in h...
Six Teaching Strategies I Couldn't Live Without
If you are looking to crank up your teaching strategies, look no further! Below you fill find are six effective teaching strate...
10 Things I Would Tell Myself As a First Year Teacher
If I could tell myself 10 things as a first year teacher, this would be it! As I embark on a new year in a new grade level at...
Accountable Talk Statement Posters
Just wanted to share a little creation I made for my classroom bulletin board display. I use these posters throughout the year ...
Mother's Day Pop-Up Card and DIY Book Freebie!
Celebrate Mother's Day with a Creative Touch! Looking for a heartfelt, budget-friendly way to show appreciation this Mother’s D...
Your FREE 1st Grade Fluency Passages
Thank you for choosing my FREE 1st Grade Fluency Passage Sampler! Be sure to check your inbox for your freebie!
Free Inventors Graphic Organizers and More!
Inventors Pop-Up Books will help students to internalize what they learned during their American Inventors Unit. This can also...
President's Day Mini-Unit and Freebie!
President's Day is our long-awaited February Holiday and it is right around the corner. Engage your class with these fun min...
Team points for Positive Behavior
Using team points is a great way to encourage positive behavior. I have done tallies on the board with different table colors ...
Behavior Plan That Works!
I have to share an amazing behavior plan for those students that need a little incentive for their behavior that works like a...