Poetry is one of my FAVORITE tools to use in first grade because there are so many literacy skills that you can hit with a simple poem! A short, engaging poem can become repeated reading practice, a fluency activity, phonics and high frequency word practice, vocabulary work, partner reading, and even an independent literacy ... read more
My First Two Weeks of Writing Station in 1st Grade
Our Writing Station is the second station I introduce after Read to Self. (You can read about how I launch independent reading here.) During the first two weeks of school, my goal isn't to have students writing long stories. Instead, I want them to learn the routines, build confidence, and become comfortable working ... read more
Beginning of the Year Assessments for 1st Grade
The first few weeks of school are full of excitement, new routines, and getting to know each other. One important thing I do during this time is assess where each child is academically. These beginning of the year assessments help me see what my students already know and where they may need extra support. I have a binder ... read more
10 Must-Have Back-to-School Resources for 1st Grade Teachers
Back-to-school season is here! There's something so exciting about setting up the classroom, meeting a new group of students, and planning all of the fun learning that's ahead. But, the first few weeks can also feel overwhelming. Between teaching routines, building classroom community, assessing students, and planning ... read more
How I Teach Independent Reading in 1st Grade
Independent Reading, or Read to Self as a lot of people call it, is the first literacy station my students learn and it's one of the most important routines I teach during the first weeks of school. Just like any classroom routine, it takes practice, structure, and time to reflect and improve. I run a modified version of ... read more
10 Fun First Week of School Activities for First Grade
Back to school can be stressful, but it is also a very exciting time of the year! There is so much energy as students meet new friends, explore the classroom, and begin building the routines that will carry us through the year. While we definitely spend a lot of time teaching and practicing procedures and expectations ... read more
How I Teach “Ask and Answer Questions” in First Grade
Teaching students to ask and answer questions is the first reading comprehension skill I introduce each year. I love teaching young readers to stay engaged with a text and think about what they are reading. This standard helps us build the foundation for the other standards we tackle throughout the year. In this post, ... read more
Make Summer Learning Fun: Easy Activities Kids Will Love
Summer learning does not have to mean boring worksheets or long packets! Whether you are teaching summer school, running a summer camp, or just looking for fun educational ideas, keeping learning engaging is the key. The best summer activities feel more like games and challenges while still helping students practice ... read more
Seven Low Prep End-of-the-Year Activities Your Students Will Love!
The last few weeks of school are always a mix of excitement, interruptions, schedule changes, and emotions, while teachers are still trying to assess and finish up their end of the year standards! If you’re looking for simple, engaging activities that still feel purposeful, here are a few of my favorite go-to ... read more
8 Fun and Engaging Fluency Activities for 1st Grade (That Actually Work!)
Fluency practice is one of those things we know our students need, but keeping it fun and engaging all year long can be a challenge. If it feels repetitive or tedious, students can lose interest quickly. The good news? With just a few simple routines and activities, you can build strong, confident readers and keep your ... read more
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