The Blog | Lucky To Be In First

Encouraging Gratitude in the Classroom

November always seems to be the time of year I begin to reflect on all the people and things in my life that I'm grateful for. {I probably should be doing it more frequently but November and Thanksgiving are the perfect excuse to get thinking!} I've rounded up my current favorite Thanksgiving books, as well as two of my favorite projects for students to reflect on what they're grateful for. This ... Read More about Encouraging Gratitude in the Classroom

Master Skills with Shark Attack Review!

There is something about a countdown that really lights a little fire under little people! I wanted to use that motivation to create a game to help students review important Math skills. Cue the Jaws music...it's time for Shark Attack! Shark Attack is a series of PowerPoint presentations that involve students actively working right along with the slideshow! This no-prep activity is a ... Read More about Master Skills with Shark Attack Review!

Superhero Sight Words!

One of the most frustrating parts of teaching kiddos to read {for me!} are those darn sight words! WHY is the English language so tricky? We drill into our students that these letters make this sound and those letters make that sound. But wait - those rules don't apply to this GIANT list of words that will be the most common words you come across as an early reader! This post contains affiliate ... Read More about Superhero Sight Words!

Making Math Fun with Snap Cubes and Pattern Blocks

Growing up, I was definitely more of a reader than a math kid. I always had a book nearby to pull out & read when I had a few minutes. It would have never dawned on me to work on math problems, pull out a puzzle or even build something with pattern blocks! It wasn't until I was an adult that I realized that math was more than just word problems and equations! This post contains affiliate ... Read More about Making Math Fun with Snap Cubes and Pattern Blocks

Shared Classroom Journals

We're focusing a ton on writing this month! I'm also trying to mixup what we've got goin' on in our Daily 5 Work on Writing goodies. So, I've introduced Class Journals to the kids. To make, I just bought some cute composition books at Walmart. Then, I attached the label to the front. The kids are allowed to take the journals to their spots and write about the topic on the front of ... Read More about Shared Classroom Journals

Easy Valentine Treat Bags!

Raise your hand if you think Valentine's Day is the holiday that makes kids the C•R•A•Z•I•E•S•T!? Tell me I'm not alone! I do remember as a child getting SO excited to pick out my valentines and labor over them for days making sure I gave just the right valentine to each friend in my class! My very favorite valentine were fake checks that you wrote out to kids. How funny to look back as an ... Read More about Easy Valentine Treat Bags!

Books to Read This Winter Break!

It is no secret that I love to read! But it's hard to squeeze in reading during the school year. Winter Break is the perfect time to make time to read. Grab your Kindle, a cup of tea and get reading! This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing an item on these sites using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase. For more information about my Disclosure Policy, ... Read More about Books to Read This Winter Break!

Teacher Stamps!

Okay, I'm here with my obsession - teacher stamps! You guys...seriously, I don't know what it is about a lil' rubber stamp {and, of course, a silly pun} that gets my kiddos so motivated to do their best! But these self-inking teacher stamps are a game changer! You may have seen over on Instagram that I am growing a BIG collection of stamps! It honestly started with just one...and then ... Read More about Teacher Stamps!

Summer Reading List {2018}

This post contains affiliate links. By purchasing an item on these sites using these links, I will receive a small commission on your purchase {which helps me buy even more books!} For more information about my Disclosure Policy, please visit this link. Okay, everyone, I'm back with this year's MUST READ list for Summer 2018! My Kindle is charged up and I am absolutely ready to burn through my ... Read More about Summer Reading List {2018}

Digital Phonics Practice!

In today's world, you need to keep the learning exciting, engaging, and entertaining if you want kids to join in, right?! That's why I created Sound Tappers to help students master their phonics skills using digital resources! I am always searching for ways to sneak phonics instruction into our day. Sound Tappers are PowerPoint presentations that can be used on any computer with PowerPoint ... Read More about Digital Phonics Practice!