Centers in my classroom are so important. They allow my students to complete meaningful work while I can meet with small groups and tailor my teaching to meet their individual needs. Over the years I have tweaked and changed my centers to make them the (mostly) well-oiled machine I know and love today. One of … Continue reading
Author Archives: eweingaertner
The Road to Student Choice
So I have heard about it and read about it for years: Student Choice. The positives are clear to everyone: Students like having choices and choice often leads to student engagement. The negatives are also clear: It’s a really hard road to get there. However, I am making a commitment to travel down that road and … Continue reading
What’s New with Seesaw?
I hope you didn’t just say “What is Seesaw?” If so, pop over here for some basics. Well, we are getting closer and closer to back to school and there are some new features you need to know about and my take on them (in case you were looking for ideas or opinions from me)! … Continue reading
Using Poems and Songs for Shared Reading
I am certain by now that many people know the benefits of shared reading, especially with our youngest learners. I can reach so many skills during a shared reading lesson that are imperative as students are learning to read. My favorite material to use for shared reading is poetry (often presented as songs). Why do … Continue reading
Using Google Classroom in Kindergarten
Google Classroom is a way to stay organized even in a kindergarten classroom! It is the best feature of GAfE! Continue reading
Featured on Minds in Bloom!
I am so excited to say that I have my first guest blog on Rachel Lynette’s blog, Minds in Bloom! Please head on over and check out: Her blog is a great resource filled with so much knowledge for teaching in the elementary! Enjoy! Continue reading
Spring Unit in Kindergarten: Tips for a successful science unit
Don’t look outside if you are in New York because then it makes it hard to believe that spring has already begun! Snow or not, we are springing into our latest unit and have so much fun! This year my colleagues and I are test-driving our newest Science/Social Studies unit and the students are loving … Continue reading
Differentiating Sight Words: Google Sheets
If you teach primary students, you know that sight words are a big area of focus for students learning to read. Learning to read sight words or *high frequency words is an important skill for our early readers. This method can be used with any list that your school requires or you prefer to use. I … Continue reading
The Snow Fort: Learning about Learning
I built a fort and it made me think about learning. Here are my 4 take-always about learning. It may not be new, but always good to remember. Continue reading
Ideas for Using SeeSaw in the Classroom
SeeSaw Learning Journal in the classroom. This app is an amazing way to communicate with parents and document work. The best part is, that students do most of the work! Continue reading