What is your favorite Brain Break? With focus low and firsties in need for help staying engaged I work Brain Breaks into my lesson plans. Our favorites can be found on Go Noodle! We find content related breaks, mindful minutes, even rainy day recess resources. Check out
https://www.gonoodle.com/

It’s time again for parent teacher conferences. How do you best organize and prepare to communicate and stay on track time wise? I find it essential to have a front and back page guide to cover everything and to stay on track. I love starting with stars and steps. This allows all parents to hear something amazing about their child and also an area to work on. Here is a resource my teammates created that I use for conferences.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Teacher-Conference-Packet-4147269

What tips do you have for productive conferences?

My fourth graders continue to struggle writing TDAs (text dependent analysis). Do you have any tips to share? If I say TDA, there are groans around the room.

I'm looking to create a civic education project-based learning experience for my 5th graders that engages them in their own communities. Any ideas?

March is Women’s History Month! What are your ideas for classroom activities to bring this to life?

How much time do you get each day for science and how do you assess your students understanding of science content?

What is the best professional development you’ve attended recently?

Tips for New Teachers………
What tips can you add to this list??

1. Starting on day 1, spend time getting to know your students
2. Find a digital organization system for your lesson plans or resources so that you always have access to them.
3. Collect and document student information at the beginning of the year - keep it in your digital organization system.
4. Stick to a routine
5. Keep it simple - it’s ok to use premade material
6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - use your veteran teachers for support
7. Use different colored pens to provide feedback to students (avoid using red!)
8. Celebrate successes - no matter how small
9. Stickers can be rewarding for any age.
10. Find ways to keep your students attentive (velcro strip on desk, alternative seating (exercise balls for chairs), take frequent mind breaks
11. Play instrumental background music while your students work.
12. Self-Care is a priority - be sure to schedule this in
13. Classroom Management is the key to a successful learning environment
14. Decorate your classroom with inviting colors and decor for all grade levels.
15. Show your students that you appreciate their work by displaying it.
16. Mistakes happen! Even veteran teachers make mistakes.
17. Find a communication app to communicate with your students and/or their parents.

How do you "catch up" students after 3 or more days of absence from illness?

What are some of your favorite educational memberships or social media accounts that help you continue to grow as an educator?
I am a member of ASCD and NCTM, but locally here in Arkansas I am a member of AAEA (Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators).
I love this one because it keeps me current and connected to policy makers and legislation that directly affects schools.
One of my favorite Instagram accounts is Counting with Kids. It gives practical tips and resources to help parents bring the math into the everyday lives of their children.

Teaching is a hard profession. There are so many people to "please". The most important is your students, but then you also have parents, special/elective teachers, related service providers, principals, district office staff, and the list goes on and on. With so many people to collaborate with, there are bound to be obstacles, disagreements, and challenges. In this career, it is unavoidable. So.....what strategies can we use when we come across obstacles? First and foremost, we can rely on our coworkers and peers to be a listening ear. Also, we can share stories of obstacles that we have overcome and how we overcame them so that others may add tools to their toolbox for future use. As you reflect on your teaching experiences, what is an obstacle that you had? What strategies did you use to overcome the obstacle? Why do you think this strategy worked?

Read Across America has begun! How does your school celebrate? Here is a look at one way we celebrate as a school!

How do you address unfunded mandates in your K5 school? For example, I am required to have a 90 minute “uninterrupted” reading block.

What is the best way that you incorporate civic education in your classroom? What are some of the mandated standards that you have to address?

Parent-Teacher conferences are right around the corner. What are your best resources or tips for success?

I use Sign-Up Genius to schedule conferences. I have data on a chart to compare their child to a typical peer at grade level. I always ask parents if they would like to start with any questions or concerns. If I think one may take longer I schedule it on another day.

What are some tools you use to measure fact fluency for elementary school students?

What are some great math read alouds for elementary (3-5th grades specifically)? Bonus if it’s a chapter book!

Students need to see theirselves in what they read. What are your favorite diverse read aloud? Post below!

Names are important and this is one of my favorites to read and discuss!

What are somethings that your school does to build staff morale?

Which Kagan strategies do you find the most useful in your classroom? I like to use quiz-quiz-trade and talking chips. Both of these strategies help the students with their speaking and listening skills.