Hi everyone! Can you believe we are already heading into Week 5?! At this point, the routines are starting to feel much more natural, the kids are settling into being fourth graders, and we are really starting to get into the good stuff! This week we will continue our California studies, move further into our narrative reading and writing work, and keep building those strong math foundations. 🗺️ What’s Happening in Class California Studies:We are continuing our California studies as students...
3 days ago • 3 min read
It’s Week 4, and we are officially settling into the rhythm of the school year. The beginning-of-the-year activities are behind us, and we are diving into the real work of fourth grade. This week has been one of those weeks where I look around the room and think, “Okay...we’re really doing this!” What’s Happening in Room 6 We are moving right along with our California studies! After starting with our introduction letters, students are now researching California’s different regions and...
11 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Hello Reader, We are heading into our third week of school, and this is usually when I feel like I can finally start taking a breath. The first two weeks have been all about getting to know each other, learning procedures, figuring out where things belong, and practicing how our classroom works. Now we're getting to the part I really love: settling into the actual academic routines that we will use for the rest of the year. I thought I'd share what a typical day looks like in my classroom...
19 days ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, As school gets closer, I keep catching myself thinking, "Maybe I should add something new this year." A new classroom management system. A new reading routine. A new math game. But after almost three decades in the classroom, I've learned something. The classrooms that feel calm aren't the ones doing the most. They're the ones with routines that students can count on. ✨ Tip #1: Decide what your students will do the moment they walk through the door. The first five minutes of your...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, This summer I decided that I would start a daily series where I get myself ready for school in August WITHOUT spending any money. I am just so tired of buying things when I KNOW I have materials available to me already. Either I have already purchased similar items in the past or I can reuse things I have in my house. So here is my challenge: âś… Spend no more moneyâś… Use what I have at homeâś… Can't get into school until August Each day, I am doing one thing that will take me about 20...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Teaching in Room 6 Ideas for YOUR Classroom from MINE Hi Reader, I don't know about you, but the week after winter break is always such an awkward time. I want to hit the ground running, but I don't want to overwhelm the kids with new idea after new idea. Because of this, I have found that easing into content and curriculum with high-skill, standards-based activities, but still having a bit of fun is the way to go. Here are three tried and true weeklong activities that I do year after year...
8 months ago • 2 min read
10 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Hello from the trenches! November has both flown by AND crawled to this point for me. My class is amazing, but we are all starting to feel the effects of November :) This week, I am honestly just trying to stay afloat. So I thought I would send out a quick email with two things I am doing that have helped to keep our lessons focused on the standards, but help the kids to have some fun. FOIL Balloons Over Broadway Check out this Reel on Insta or TikTok to see how I adapted my tried...
almost 2 years ago • 1 min read
Teaching in Room 6 January Writing REBOOT Hello Reader, January is the perfect time to refresh and start anew some things in the classroom. I know that my students always need a few classroom reminders coming off of the long break, particularly when it comes to writing. Below I have three tried and true resources that I personally use in my own classroom to help get my kids writing proficiently and still having fun! Writing Boot Camp I always start the new year off fresh with my Paragraph of...
over 2 years ago • 1 min read