How do you organize and store your materials when they're not in use? I began using  66QT Sterilite Containers  to store all my materials.  I have approximately 2 bins for each month, and then 1 bin for each subject.  It's a lot of bins and this is what it looks like in my extra room at my house.  For example for August.  I have 1 bin that holds classroom decorations and practical life materials, the other bin holds math, language, science and cultural materials.  I have seen some teachers use larger bins so they only need 1, but as heavy as my 66qt is I think a larger would be too heavy to even pick up. So if 1 66qt bin is so heavy to pick up, how do I get it from my house to my classroom and back again?  I use a push cart!   Foldable Push Cart   It was the best investment I've purchased!  It saves my back and it's so easy to use. There was a time I lived in a small home and had to store my materials in a storage shed o...

At the beginning of school I start with minimal lessons.  I want my students to become comfortable in my environment and I'm getting to know where they are in the curriculum.  They need time to learn the work cycle procedure.  When I choose a work for the shelf I really think about what I want the student to learn when using the material.  My exploration shelf allows for students to become comfortable as they learn to choose an activity, take it to their table, and restore once finished.  On my exploration shelf I try to incorporate fine motor and materials they may have seen before.  I have space for 9-10 activities on this shelf. I begin with an open/close activity.  I want this activity to indirectly help a student with lunch time.  I use a tin Crayola lunch box with a simple latch and inside I put containers they may use at lunch including a zip lock bag.  Some other items I use on this shelf are bear magnet dress up, a sorting cup with p...

 As teachers we always get flack for not working for 3 months out of the year.  As teachers we KNOW that we work all 12 months even though we may not be in the classroom. So how are you working this summer? I do most of my professional development over the summer.  I of course have more free time to commit to it, and I can utilize what I learn to create a better experience for my students in the coming school year. One conference that I attend yearly is the  Region 4 Early Childhood Inclusive Practices Conference .  This is a fantastic conference that supports inclusive classrooms for all.  I do my best to modify my curriculum to meet the needs of every child in my classroom, no matter their ability.   I love to find free conferences, and even better if they're online, so I don't have to find childcare for my own child.  I will link some websites that I frequent, and I hope you are able to find something that will help you in your classroom...

Do you use an app to communicate with your classroom parents? I began using an app I can't even recall the name of back in the early 2010s.  It worked great for me at the time.  Several years later I left that school and joined a new school.  My new school did not utilize an app for parent communication.  They were not opposed to the idea however, so I began to introduce them to what I was using.  The same year the app went through some changes and I began seeing more adds, and was not getting the same benefits for free.  This was about the year 2017.  I decided I needed to research some new options.  I came across a post that compared all the apps that were available at the time.  I assume that post is outdated as it is no longer available or I would share it with you.  Anyway, from that comparison post I discovered I shared the app with co workers who began to utilize it as well.  While the whole school has not decided to implem...

  Have you ever thought about implementing question of the day in your classroom, but wasn't sure how or why you should?   I will share with you my experience and maybe that will help you with your decision. One year I had a student that was unable to answer simple yes/no questions in a conversation.  I knew that this was a need that I needed to meet.  After my research with state standards I decided I needed to incorporate this into my curriculum.   By incorporating this into the curriculum students are meeting the Texas Pre K Guidelines: PK3.II.A.1 Child responds to situations in ways that demonstrate an understanding of what has been communicated.  PK4.II.A.1 Child shows understanding by responding appropriately to what has been communicated by adults and peers. PK3.II.B.3 Child is able to communicate basic information in familiar social settings.  PK4.II.B.3 Child provides appropriate information in various settings. I like using visuals in...

  I have been teaching for going on 14 years now.  Over the years I have created and fine tuned a lot of materials and documents.  I began thinking of how I want to contribute to the lives of our younger generation.  Especially those I cannot reach on my own.  I decided I want to share my creations with others that can use them with their students or even their own children. My hope is that these resources will help teachers or parents in educating our youngest of learners.  All my creations are made following Montessori methodology and  Texas Pre K guidelines .  I have personally used everything I made prior to sharing, so I can be sure that it meets the needs of both student and teacher.  If you're interested in viewing what I have to offer, please visit my teacher pay teacher store by clicking on the link below. Montessori-Prek I hope you will follow and share my page with your friends and/or colleagues.  If you have any questions o...