Move Mountains in Kindergarten

If you’ve ever taught a lesson that your students seemed to understand… and then the next day they looked at you like they had never heard it before, you’re not alone. This happens all the time in kindergarten. We teach a phonics skill. We practice it. Students do great. And then two days later we are reteaching it again. One […]

Valentine’s Day is a good excuse to mix in some different activities in the classroom. It’s a chance for kids to practice kindness, work on literacy and math, and have a little change of pace from the usual routine. In my classroom, I try to keep our Valentine’s Day activities simple but engaging. That might mean counting candy hearts, retelling […]

The 100th day of school is one of those milestones kindergarteners actually feel. By this point in the year, they know the routines, they’re more confident learners, and counting to 100 is no longer just something we practice, it’s something they can do. That’s what makes this day such a big deal for them. The 100th day of school is […]

Winter can be one of those tricky seasons in kindergarten with our kids are settling back in after breaks, routines are adjusting, and we still need meaningful math practice that doesn’t drain our planning time. That’s where low-prep math centers come in. Winter math centers should be easy to set up, easy to explain, and simple for students to work […]

Winter break is a nice, long pause for everyone. But coming back almost always requires reset for your classroom. Routines need reminders, expectations need to be revisited, and the little things that were automatic before break suddenly need attention again. A reset after winter break is not starting over. It’s being intentional about what your classroom needs right now. I […]

Holiday crafts don’t have to be just cute projects that get sent home or fill time before a break. When they’re done with intention, crafts can be meaningful experiences that support skills kindergarteners actually need. Fine motor skills are a big deal in kindergarten. Cutting, gluing, ripping, pinching, and placing all help strengthen the small muscles students use for writing, […]

The first few months of kindergarten can feel like a big adjustment. Students are learning new routines, parents are wondering if their child is settling in, and the classroom is full of little personalities figuring out how to be part of a group for the very first time. It’s a lot. And honestly, you do not just need management strategies. […]

Parent-teacher conferences can feel a little overwhelming, especially if it’s your first year. I used to stress about them. So much to cover, so little time! But over the years I’ve learned that a little preparation goes a long way. When you know what you want to share and have your materials ready, conferences can actually be a really great […]

What students should know before Kindergarten: A teacher’s Guide for Parents If you’re a kindergarten teacher, then you’ve definitely been asked, “What should my child know before starting kindergarten?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear as teachers, and for good reason! Starting kindergarten is a huge milestone, and parents want to be sure their child is ready […]

My DIY sensory table has been one of my student’s favorite things in my classroom. They loved it so much I ended up making 3 tables, well actually I convinced my boyfriend to make 3. The best part about the tables, it has multiple purposes and can fit the needs of any classroom. I use mine every week as part […]

I did my first ever kindergarten classroom setup for someone other than myself this summer. It was so much fun setting up my coworker’s kindergarten room for the 2021-22 school year. Nickie and I first started by agreeing on a color scheme. I believe a color scheme is easier to decorate with because you can find items almost anywhere. My […]