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Category: Teaching

Collaborate to Improve Homework Habits

A smiling parent helps a young child complete homework at a desk with a laptop open, colorful books, and notebooks, promoting positive homework habits.

Learn how parents and teachers can collaborate to improve homework habits through effective routines, meaningful assignments, and open communication. Empower students to develop lifelong learning skills with these practical strategies!

How Inquiry Based Learning Transforms Elementary Science Education

Elementary school teacher guiding students in science experiments. Students wear safety goggles and work with test tubes and plants in a bright, collaborative classroom.

“Learn how inquiry-based learning transforms elementary science education by fostering curiosity, hands-on experimentation, and critical thinking. Explore strategies to create an engaging classroom environment where students ask questions, design experiments, and connect their discoveries to the real world.”

How Parents and Teachers Can Work Together

A teacher collaborates with two parents in a bright and colorful classroom, showcasing how parents and teachers can work together to support student success, with school supplies and a laptop on the table.

Explore how parents and teachers can work together to support student success through effective communication tools, collaborative strategies, and shared goals. Learn how platforms like ClassDojo, Google Classroom, and IXL can bridge the gap between home and school, creating a seamless learning experience for every child.

50 Creative Writing Prompts for Elementary School

A child writing with a magic pen in a notebook, with a drawing of a fairy coming to life.

Creative writing prompts are an excellent way to spark imagination and creativity in elementary school students. This post offers 50 engaging prompts designed to inspire young writers, from imagining secret doors in their school to creating adventures with magical pens. Each prompt is crafted to encourage students to explore different scenarios, develop their storytelling skills, and express their unique ideas. These prompts can be used in the classroom or at home, making writing an enjoyable and educational experience. With a focus on creative thinking and language development, these prompts help students build confidence in their writing abilities while having fun exploring new ideas and stories.

10 Differentiated Instruction Strategies for Teachers

Diverse group of elementary students working together in a classroom, illustrating differentiated instruction strategies in action.

Differentiating instruction is crucial for meeting the diverse needs of students. This article explores 10 effective strategies for teachers, including leveraging technology like IXL.com, implementing self-paced learning, and creating flexible groupings. Teachers can also differentiate content, process, and product to tailor learning experiences. Incorporating student interests, balancing independence with structure, and using tiered assignments further enhance differentiation. Monitoring progress and cultivating a growth mindset ensure that all students are challenged and supported. These differentiated instruction strategies empower teachers to create personalized learning environments that help every student succeed.

10 Tips to Help Students Stay Organized for the Start of School

Smiling student raising hand during an online learning session. online class.

Starting a new school year can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. With new classes, schedules, assignments, and activities, students need to stay organized to set themselves up for success. Here are ten tips to help students start the school year off on the right foot:

Setting up a study schedule is essential for managing your time well. Encourage students to make a weekly schedule with time set aside for each subject and for activities outside of school.

Captain’s Coming – Classroom Management Exercise

High school drill team performing in uniform on a football field.

Classroom management starts when a class gets picked up from the yard in the morning. I have seen many teachers go to their class lineup area, tell the kids to follow, and then proceed to turn around and lead them back to class without ever turning around to see how students behave in line.

Back to School Name Tag – A Day 1 Activity

Teacher standing with six smiling students in front of a chalkboard that says 'Back to School.

As a teacher, one of my most important jobs is to make sure that every student feels welcome and respected in the classroom. This is especially important on the first day of school when students meet their teachers and classmates for the first time. For a fun and interactive way to start the school year, we have come up with a unique name tag challenge that helps students remember each other’s names and improves their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. So, let’s get started with the Back to School Name Tag Challenge Day 1 lesson plan.

Why is it important to teach Physical Education (PE) to the standards?

Two children playing basketball on an outdoor court. The child is attempting to shoot while the adult is blocking. The scene is set under trees with purple blossoms and clear blue skies in the background.

Physical Education (PE) isn’t just a break from normal classroom work; it’s also a big part of how young minds and bodies grow and change. In California, the grade school Physical Education (PE) standards have been set by the Department of Education. These guidelines have been carefully made to make sure that kids get a complete and age-appropriate PE experience that helps them grow physically, socially, and mentally.