"Double, double, toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble."  Shakespeare's MacBeth Yep, that pretty well sums up my classroom right before a class party. Let's face it, classroom parties are exhausting, even with parents help…

I have simple but strict criteria for books I read aloud to my class: I have to like the books I'm reading. These five books are my perennial favorites, guaranteed to have your students wanting more! The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher P…

I'll admit it. I was late to jump on the I-Love-Pinterest train. Friends everywhere were touting the glories of a new site called Pinterest, and asked if I had joined yet.  NO!  I guess it's like anything new for me. My first reactive, "NO&qu…

With the beginning of a new school year looming (sorry...not trying to rush your summer, folks), administrators across the land have mandated the next rounds of professional development, loaded with the latest and greatest educational "shiny objects,…

By this time of year,  everyone  is ready for that last bell to ring, announcing the end of another school year!  The classroom is cleaned up, keys are turned in.  Now, it's time to relax and recharge.  Here are my 10 favorite ways to do just that. 1. …

Did you ever have the locker dream?  You know, the one where you're late for class and can't remember your locker combination?  I had that dream for years! Well, I can finally put that dream to bed, because I found the best locker combination EVER…