Student string art!  I regret not buying one of these! Every spring, our fifth grade classes participate in an event called Market Day, though I've also heard it called Business Day or Entrepreneurs Day.  It is THE best. If you haven't read how we use class cash, go back and visit THIS ... Read More about Market Day

All class cash is kept in this lockbox.  The assistant wears the key and manages the money. Our classroom runs on an economy and I absolutely love it (the kids do, too!).  You can totally adapt it to work for you but over the years, I feel like I've found what works best for my ... Read More about Using a Classroom Economy

For the resources we use, click HERE to grab them. Throughout the year, I'll dress up as a detective, a chef, Betsy Ross, a surgeon, King George, and my personal fave: a judge.  I do it to set the stage and increase engagement but also I just really love being in character! Each year, usually ... Read More about Order in the Court!

If you're looking to launch soft starts, grab these HERE. When you enter your classroom each morning, do you immediately get to work or do you take a second to unpack, chat, or tidy up?  I watched my own behaviors and realized that when *I* start my day in a softer way, it affects the tone of ... Read More about Soft Starts in the Upper Grade Classroom

Our library runs the whole back wall. I *love* books and I love being able to offer my students as many books as possible.  Over the years, I've collected a few and they're treasures to me.  I know we lose some and many finally fall apart, but it's where I choose to spend the bulk of the ... Read More about Upper Grade Classroom Library

You know you’re a teacher if you get really excited to talk about BOOK BOXES.  Ha!  I love book boxes and I just can’t hide it.  No shame in my game!  We keep them stored on the counter.  These are our plastic Storex ones. I’ve used book boxes for many years because my ... Read More about Book Boxes in Fifth Grade