resources for teachers

  • preschool teacher back to school

    How I prepare for back to school

    The majority of my time in the classroom has been with year-round programs, so back to school season has always been more of a mindset than an actual period of time. In my experience, shifting from summer to “back to school” involves a lot of emphasis on routines (see Monday’s post!), classroom environment, and welcoming new families. Here are some of the things that I do to transition my mindset and refocus for the school year: What helps you get in the back to school mindset?

  • back to school transition

    Back to school, back to a routine!

    We had a whirlwind week at our county fair last week, all work and routines were thrown out the window! Now we’re home, getting all of the laundry done and SO READY to get back into a routine as we prep to head back to school. We still have a month before my daughter’s first day, but it’s never to early to start easing into those daily rituals that are part of the school year. If you’re teaching, helping a group of preschoolers ease into the school year, or preparing your own children for this schedule shift, here are some tips to make this transition a little easier! We’re personally…

  • Amazon back to school

    Back to school on Amazon

    My all-time-favorite thing about prepping for back to school is shopping for supplies! While no one loves spending that money, having new materials to start fresh with is the absolute best. Here are my Amazon back to school must-haves if you’re looking to add to your own cart (all links are affiliates, I receive a portion of sales from these): I cannot get enough of these zip pouches! I use them for everything from travel to organizing paperwork. In the classroom there are so many potential uses – giving each child one to use as a mailboxes, organizing extra clothes, separating seasonal sensory materials, sending home activities or paperwork that…

  • back to school prep

    It’s that time…

    Summer is as much a mindset as it is an actual period of time. It’s always about this time of year that the mindset starts to shift away from carefree sunny days and towards preparing for the next school year. While I may not always be excited to see summer go, Making the most of this opportunity to set myself up for success in the coming year is also something that I enjoy (that’s how you know you’re a teacher). If you’re considering making some changes, updating your classroom procedures, or introducing new methods, then here are some of my past posts that might offer some inspiration. Happy back to…

  • Preschool art

    Genius Painting Solution!

    I shared this incredible find on my instagram yesterday – but had to put it here too! I spotted this paint tray at the Dollar Tree and quickly scooped a couple up for myself. This would be the BEST art solution for the classroom. A place for individual paint (or glue, or small collage materials, or beads, or…) an easy to clean surface, and it closes so that children can come back to a project later. It’s like a preschool art miracle! These are available in stores, but you can also order in bulk on the Dollar Tree website – a case of 24 at a time (it’s like they…

  • Preschool Camping

    Camping Activities for Preschool

    One of my favorite units to use in the summer is camping! It’s something that my family loves to do together, and I know that the children get so much more from my passion for this subject. Here are some of thecamping activities for preschool that are available in my TPT store:

  • Prime Day for the classroom

    Back to school already?!

    Now that all of my July materials are officially available, it can only mean one thing – it’s time to think about August, you know… back to school season! I might not be ready, but I will definitely take advantage of Amazon Prime day to help me get in the mood. Prime day is July 11th and 12th, so I’m making my list now, here’s what I’m buying on Prime Day for the classroom (all links are affiliate links and I may receive a portion of the proceeds): First things, first – my Prime membership always renews in August, which seems appropriate as we gear up to head back to…

  • 4th of July lesson plans

    Patriotic Resource Round Up

    Summer might’ve just started, but I’m thinking 4th of July lesson plans already! I’ve added a ton of patriotic materials to my TPT store over the last couple of weeks so it felt like a good time to share all of these so that you can start planning for the holiday. Patriotic 4th of July Alphabet Book for Preschool and Kindergarten – This book is a great way to celebrate the 4th of July while encouraging literacy. Each letter corresponds with an American themed vocabulary word which will help children practice letter sounds. Print one for each child, or a few for a center. You could also have children create…

  • preschool birthday

    It’s a Birthday!

    This is a big week inn our house – we’re celebrating my daughter’s 6th birthday! We just got home from a Memorial day camping trip, and are excited to party with friends and family next weekend. This means that our week is sure to be a blur of cleaning up from one trip and preparing for the next event. I’ve got so many cute things to share after her party, you know that I’ve been DIY-ing all of it. Until then, I’m making my birthday vocabulary cards FREE on TPT until next Tuesday. Go download your copy now!

  • preschool lessons and activities

    June Exclusive Activities!

    I just added the month of June to my Month of Preschool sets! I’m so excited to share this one with you because it has some brand new exclusive activities that can’t be found in my store on their own – they’re exclusive to this set. Organizing all of these resources is such a labor of love because I know that they would’ve made my life so much easier when I was in the classroom everyday. It’s invaluable to be able to focus all of your attention on the kids and what they need, and not on planning or prepping new preschool lessons and activities. Every Month of Preschool set…