Thrilled To Be Teaching

Adding to the list of crazy things that happened in the year 2020, you may have received word that your school will be starting virtually this year.  This may have left you feeling nervous and wondering how you will possibly be able to get to know your students and build a sense of community over a computer screen.  I've compiled a list of ideas you might find helpful as you get ready to digitally start the school year. Me Bags One activity that I typically do with my class in person that easily translates to the online world is a "Me Bag" activity.  When we do this activity in class I start by handing out a white lunch sack and a directions sheet during supply drop-off.  This typically takes place the day before school starts.  Then, on the first day of school, students bring in their bag that has been decorated and filled with items that help describe who they are.   This activity can easily be changed into an online activity.  Before school starts, fold up a lunch sack

It's summer, which means you're probably thinking about the upcoming school year.  I mean, let's face it, a lot of teachers don't actually take the summer "off."  We're attending trainings, participating in conferences, learning new curriculum, and getting ideas for our classrooms.  Part of those ideas tend to center around a classroom "theme" for the year. Look on any teacher Facebook group, scroll Pinterest, or browse an educational resource catalog and chances are you will see tons  of ideas for classroom themes.  Teachers decking out their classrooms in farmhouse decor, transforming their doors into Platform 9 3/4, and covering their entire back wall with a beach scene are not unusual to see (I'm guilty of 2 out of 3 of those!).  I know how fun and exciting it can be to get swept up in a new theme, but I'm here today asking you to just consider  not having a classroom theme this year. I know, I can hear your gasps of horror from h