• Books,  Read aloud

    8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = CHAOS

    This book is a crowd favorite. I have seen 2nd, 3rd, 4th and even 5th graders enjoying this book. 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = Chaos, written by Vivian Vande Velde and illustrated by Steve Bjorkman, is a fantastic story to read aloud. It is very entertaining and funny. Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I use all of the products listed and recommend them because they are companies I find helpful and trustworthy. Please let…

  • Books,  Read aloud

    The Napping House

    As an all time favorite read aloud, The Napping House by Audrey Wood, takes the cake, hands down. My kids loved this story so much when they were little and I loved reading it to them. Disclaimer: Please note that…

  • Books,  Read aloud

    Droodles

    I discovered this book many years ago in an elementary classroom where it was being used as a daily morning exercise. “Droodles: The Classic Collection” by Roger Price is a wonderful collection of minimalist type drawings with humorous titles. Since…

  • Books,  Read aloud

    They All Saw a Cat

    This book, They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel, has become a quick favorite of mine to read out loud. There is so much to talk about after after sharing this story. Disclaimer: Please note that some of the…

  • Books,  Read aloud

    A Flock of Shoes

    One of my all time favorite books to read out loud is A Flock of Shoes by Sarah Tsiang. It is a beautifully written story that is so captivating and full of quirky surprises. The illustrations by Qin Leng are…

  • Tips

    Rewards and incentives

    I try to remember to tell the kids how awesome I think they are when they do a good job. I find that this is the best way to reinforce their good behavior. Compliments are a great reward The more…

  • Tips

    Go Bag: What’s in your bag?

    The top-five necessary items for me to have in my bag are: a water bottle a great book to read out loud a 20 minute grade-related activity a whistle my own pen to write with all day My homemade lunch…

  • Tips

    Substitute Checklist

    On days that I get called in late or have no time to look over plans beforehand, I will quickly look at my plans and only focus on what needs to be done right away. I will then use the…

  • Tips

    What’s great about subbing?

    Every day is different when substitute teaching. It is impossible to predict what the day will be like. It is exciting and new every day. What I like best about subbing is getting to see kids at different ages. There…