My Classroom
Learning Through Exploration
I believe students learn best when they have the chance to explore and discover new ideas in a meaningful and engaging way. When the curriculum allows, I incorporate hands-on activities, discussions, and inquiry-based learning to make lessons more interactive and dynamic. Whether it’s a science experiment that sparks curiosity, a math investigation that encourages problem-solving, or an interactive reading activity that brings a story to life, I strive to create opportunities for students to take an active role in their learning. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of ownership over their education, I help them develop a deeper understanding of concepts while building confidence and a lifelong love for learning. My goal is to create an environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, make connections, and develop the skills they need to become independent thinkers.
Book Tasting
To get my students excited about reading, I turned our classroom into a cozy café for a Book Tasting! With tablecloths, music, and menus of different book genres, students got to “taste” a variety of books. They moved from table to table, sampling fiction, nonfiction, mystery, fantasy, and more, writing down which books they wanted to read. This fun experience helped them discover new genres and get excited about reading. Creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment is always my goal, and this book tasting was a great way to build a love for books!
Camp Read-A-Lot
To make reading exciting, I created Camp Read-A-Lot—a special theme day filled with engaging reading activities! The classroom transformed into a cozy campground, where students rotated through different reading stations like buddy reading, flashlight reading, and read-alouds by the “campfire.” With fun challenges and plenty of great books, this day helped build excitement for reading in a memorable way. I love creating experiences that make learning fun, and Camp Read-A-Lot was a great way to celebrate the joy of books!
Charlotte's Web Unit
Alice In Wonderland Tea Party
One of my favorite activities I have designed is a grade-level project centered around a book study of Alice in Wonderland. After diving into the whimsical world of Alice, each student wrote their own story about falling down a rabbit hole. To celebrate their creativity, we hosted a publishing party where students shared their stories with classmates while enjoying "tea" and cookies. It was a fun and meaningful way to bring their writing to life and create lasting memories!
Multiplication Movie Stars
For one special day, my 3rd grade students became Hollywood stars in Multiplication Movie Star Day! With VIP badges and a red carpet, they took on the role of movie stars, completing fun multiplication challenges to "film" their own hit movie. From solving math problems behind the scenes to racing through fact fluency challenges on set, they put their multiplication skills to the test in an exciting way. This action-packed day made learning math fun, built confidence, and kept everyone engaged. It was a hit!
Teaching Pre-K
STEAM Activities
Pre-K Fun!
Family Communication
I believe that strong family-teacher relationships are essential for student success. I maintain open communication through weekly newsletters and consistent updates, ensuring families stay informed and engaged in their child’s learning. I also prioritize meeting with parents before challenges arise, fostering a positive partnership built on trust and collaboration. I send home "happy mail" once a week for each student at some time highlighting a positive moment that each student displays. This creates a positive school and home relationship for all involved in the childs life. By working together, we can create the best possible learning experience for each student!
Sample Anchor Charts
Bulletin Boards
