I'll never forget the most important lesson I learned in college as an educator. It had a HUGE impact on me, and I still think about it every year as I get my new group of students. I was a double major - elementary and special education. At my particular university, this meant I took 13 credits more than than someone pursuing a an elementary education degree. What it really meant - more sped classes. No biggie. So I took my special … [Read more...] about The Most Important Educator Lesson
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Helpful Hints & Tips for New Teachers
Congratulations! You got through student teaching, found a teaching position, and you're ready to get started. YEA! It's an exciting time! Today I want to share some helpful hints and tips for new teachers. Your brain is probably in overdrive right now. You're trying to remember everything you learned during your years of college, while student teaching, and all the helpful information gathered from veteran teachers. But I know from experience … [Read more...] about Helpful Hints & Tips for New Teachers
Kindergarten Reading and Writing Centers
Here's how I taught Kindergarten Reading and Writing Centers. No, I am not teaching Kindergarten this year, but I wanted to let you know how I ran my Kindergarten centers when I was teaching them. Everyone runs theirs differently, but I always like reading what other people do. Sometimes I hear about something and it's like, "Whoa! Why hadn't I thought of that?!" So here is what I did, as well as links to as many of the resources as I could … [Read more...] about Kindergarten Reading and Writing Centers
Summer Learning Ideas
If you are a teacher looking for some activities for your students to do this summer, OR if you are a parent who wants to keep your child from the dreaded "summer slide" - this post is for you! Reading Find out if there is a local reading program. Or maybe your state has one. Do some checking and see what you can find! Set aside a little bit of time each day to read! Even as little as 15-20 minutes will do wonders to keep your … [Read more...] about Summer Learning Ideas
6th Graders – Helping Them Find Success
In a recent post, I wrote about how sixth graders are such a unique group of students to teach due to how much they vary. In this post, I want to share ideas on how I help these students find success in their academic careers while also helping them develop into wonderful young adults. Choice I find that giving any grade level students choice is a great thing. However, 6th graders especially appreciate getting a say in their education. My … [Read more...] about 6th Graders – Helping Them Find Success
Math Test Prep Products, Ideas, and FREEBIES!
Obviously testing has been creeping up on me for awhile, but how did I just now realize that it's only two weeks away?! Throw the Easter holiday into the mix (and the fact that I'll be out two days for professional days), and I'm in a bit of a panic about reviewing before the "big test". That's why I spent the last couple days searching high and low for some great math test prep items to help me get ready! There are a lot of freebies below, but … [Read more...] about Math Test Prep Products, Ideas, and FREEBIES!
Panicked About the Teacher Interview?: Five Areas of Focus for the Busy Teacher Candidate
I'd like to welcome Dr. Kresse and Dr. Vallely to HoJo's Teaching Adventures. The two men have some ideas for those of you looking for a teaching job. I hope you enjoy! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We see it again and again. Hardworking student teachers or recent graduates from teaching colleges who have done everything asked of them to prepare for work in the classroom. However, figuring out how to land the job has been an afterthought at … [Read more...] about Panicked About the Teacher Interview?: Five Areas of Focus for the Busy Teacher Candidate
The Pros & Cons of Administration After Being a Teacher
Many of you have heard it here on the blog before, but I was actually in administration last school year. After spending seven years in the classroom, I made the leap! I became a K-6 elementary principal of two schools, and I was also the K-12 special education director for our district. To say it was a different experience is an understatement. If you are considering becoming a school administrator, I encourage you to read my thoughts … [Read more...] about The Pros & Cons of Administration After Being a Teacher
Making Worksheets Fun
If you've been around my site for awhile now, you know I am not a fan of worksheets. I think they're boring, often not engaging, typically not all that fun, and students generally don't like them - especially if you're doling out 5+ of them every school day. But today I want to share my tips for making worksheets fun. Because sometimes you just need to do a worksheet. I get it. Maybe you didn't have time to create that engaging activity. Or … [Read more...] about Making Worksheets Fun
