After using Post-its for about two days to annotate, I realized that with 90 students, it would not be feasible for me to continue supplying the sticky notes. Instead, I used this handy resource so that the students could still appreciate the idea of using the sticky note format, but we weren't flying through tons of sticky notes in the process.If you'd like to use this template, grab it here. I left extra space in the directions box for you to instruct your students on the specific requirements ... VIEW POST
Post-it Annotations Template
Zombie Attack Lesson Idea
Need a quick, engaging idea to get your students writing? Have zombies attack the classroom and school, and allow the students to choose how they will survive!To set the mood, I turned off the lights, played The Walking Dead theme song, and had my first PowerPoint slide displaying when they walked in. I explained that they would be completing a writing assignment so that they were not surprised after the "fun" part. The first part of surviving a zombie attack is getting resources together. ... VIEW POST
Classroom Transformation: Bowling Review Game
Need a fun way to review information? Give your kids a bowling ball, some pins, and a disco light, and you'll have a SUPER engaging review session ready to go! The best thing about it? This transformation can be adapted to all content and topics!The Preparation:Materials needed:Bowling pinsButcher paper or table cloths (for the lanes)Bowling ballDisco light (get the one I used by clicking here)Optional: ChromebooksOptional: glow sticks. There are great packs at Walmart, Five Below, and ... VIEW POST
Team Packs
You know when you see a cool idea, then you obsess about it, and you realize that you HAVE to have it? That's what happened with these team packs. I saw them from Kagan, and I loved them. The Kagan ones come with markers, super thin whiteboards, crayons, and a spinner, and they retail for around $15. I wanted the same concept, but I didn't want to spend upward of $75 with shipping, so I decided to turn it into a DIY project! :)I went to The Container Store to get the bubble envelopes. I was able ... VIEW POST
Filing Cabinet Organization
I think we all have that filing cabinet with the endless amount of file folders and the random, misplaced task cards and matching cards, and as much as we try to organize it, it's better left closed.Here is what my filing cabinet looked like before:The obvious problems: there are no clear indicators of where one unit begins and ends, all of the files are the same color, and I'll be honest: most of the time, I do not put the folders back in the right spot.The solution that I came up with: I will ... VIEW POST
Staff Morale Boosters
There are so many great ideas out there to boost staff morale, and I was inspired by those great ideas to give our copy room a little makeover.I started by creating some motivational posters. I went for both school-related and just general quotes to spark some positive vibes and motivation. I even printed a few extra for my classroom. Print them on Astrobrights paper or any bright cardstock for an extra pop! If you want to grab them for yourself (for free), click here: motivational ... VIEW POST