Dear Reader, My first teaching job was in a small school with predominantly Spanish speaking students. Since I am bilingual, the district assumed I would be able to teach them English. Boy, were they wrong! I had no idea what I was doing. I had lots of enthusiasm...and very few strategies. So I started to learn, and read and try things in my classroom. And then I got a new job, where all the students were native English speakers. But that didn't mean that they had strong vocabularies. So, I...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Maybe you've noticed it too. Students are reading fewer books now than they used to. As a classroom teacher for over 30 years, I have watched this with tears in my heart. So many times in my life, a book has come along and been just the friend that I needed. When I taught 5th grade, I wanted my classroom to constantly remind students that books could make them laugh, cry, wonder, travel, imagine, dream, and give them hope in dark times. Students deserve to experience books that...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Did it seem to you that May was the longest month on record, and June is flying by? I am still teaching (congrats if you are NOT!). The end of the school year always seems to arrive slower AND faster than expected—and keeping students focused during these final weeks can feel like a challenge. That’s why I’ve been working on this set of seasonal sight word color by code activities designed specifically for this time of year. They’re perfect for: ✔ Summer School✔ Summer review...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, I love Color by Codes because my students LOVE them! We have been using them all year to reinforce key phonics, reading and spelling skills, and by now, my students are completely independent with them. And that's another reason I love them. The consistent routines mean that now, in the final month of school, I can have a few minutes to get things done while my students are engaged in learning. When you add in the fact that these are simple and quick to prep, it's a winner! Just...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I hope your May is off to a good start. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and we are having SUN right now, so I feel bright and cheerful! I hope you do too. Remember, summer is just around the corner! In the meantime, we do still have teaching and learning to do. I've just finished creating a FREE sample of my Editable Color by Code Growing Bundle. Grab the FREE Editable Color by Number HERE! This resource is designed to make Word Work easy! Use it for: Sight Words Phonics (I'm...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Right now I feel like everything is moving fast in the classroom - maybe you feel that way too. Lots of energy, lots of events, just.... lots! That’s exactly why I started creating these videos. They’re short, focused, and designed so your students are still learning—even when you need a minute. 🎥 Here are a few teacher-favorite videos you can use right away: 🍕 Mixed Numbers & Fractions Greater Than OneA real-life story that helps students actually understand improper fractions. 👉...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, May is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about solidifying skills and preventing summer learning loss. That's why I started using spiral review. When I taught 5th grade, it looked a lot different than how I do it in kindergarten now (obviously!) So here are three resources that have helped my students solidify skills in the run up to summer. First, supports for the upper grades: A quick, consistent spiral review each day really helps students retain...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, I don't know about you, but right now my students are a little..... let's say frisky? I find myself pulling this out in those moments, and it always gets them back on track and learning. Click here for the Editable Bingo Game! It's one of those rare activities that: Works for ANY subject Takes just minutes to prep Keeps students engaged I've used it for: Math Facts CVC Words Sight Words Review Test Prep And the best part? You can use it all year long - for multiple subjects. Once...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, A few days ago I popped into your inbox to "introduce" myself. I hope one of the two free math resources I included has helped make your teacher life a little easier this week. If so, hit reply and let me know how it went! While we're at it, I have a quick question for you. When you're planning lessons, what do you need the MOST right now? Low-prep activites Engaging games Review or Test Prep Seasonal/fun lesson ideas Just click to help me send you ideas that actually make your...
4 months ago • 1 min read