“You are soooo smart!” As quickly as the words left my lips, I muttered to myself, “I’m not supposed to say that.” Now granted, I was talking to my pooch who had just brought her KONG toy to me for our workday ritual (a dab of peanut butter before I leave for work). However, pup…
Teacher Tips
100 Uses for Sticky Notes
I’ll start with a disclaimer. This blog does not include 100 uses for sticky notes. It does include 14 uses, and I feel certain the list can grow substantially with your help! I know you use ‘em! Tell us how! Also, if you’d like to enter to win some sticky notes, check out our First…
Manners Touch-Up
Do your kiddos’ manners need a spring touch-up? Warmer temperatures have a way of amping up energy levels, which can lead to temporary manner amnesia. If you’re seeing signs of this springtime syndrome, or if you simply want to give your students’ manners a touch-up, put these tips into action! • Each morning, ask students…
Jingle All the Way!
Santa makes a list. He even checks it twice. Santa has to accomplish a lot during the holiday season. So do you! Have you made your list of classroom must-dos for the month of December? Yes, it will take a few minutes. However, it’s the first step in keeping your jingle (otherwise known as your…
Behold the Brain Break
For some time now, brain breaks have been all the rage. Giving our brains a break every now and again certainly makes sense to me! When my brain feels like it’s ready to pop, I know I’m in trouble. Research indicates that brain breaks are a quick and effective way to activate, energize, and stimulate…
Roses, Belly Breaths, and Candles
What do roses, belly breaths, and candles have in common? They all play a role in a great calming technique I learned during an early childhood conference a few years back. And trust me; this technique isn’t just for the little ones. I’ve put it to use plenty of times myself. But I’ll explain that…
Five Simple End-of-the-Year Tips
Spring break is behind you, and each day is a day closer to summer vacation. So how are you feeling? Upbeat? Thankful? Overwhelmed? Exhausted? A mishmash of these emotions and more? I’ve known teachers who cruise through the end of the school year without breaking a sweat. Trust me—I was never able to pull this…
Springtime Behavior Solutions
Yippee, skippee—spring is on its way! I’m so ready for the promise of sunny skies and delightfully warm temps. Just thinking about spring makes me want to shed my shoes and do a wild and crazy happy dance! Hmmmm, right now you’re probably thinking “Wow, I’m glad she’s not in my classroom.” :+) The truth…
Teacher Tip Monday!
The last time I wrote a blog about my favorite current teacher tips, I received tons of positive feedback. And what better day to give fun teacher tips is there than a Monday? (I always need a little something to get me revved up for the week (other than caffeine), and I suspect some of…