Create Dream Explore - Engaging Classroom Ideas and Resources

A Beginner’s Guide to Google Classroom

So you're just starting out with Google Classroom and you have no idea where to begin? I've got you covered. It's much easier to show you in a video. So I recorded a step-by-step tutorial that begins with creating your Google Classroom and takes you through all of the main features. New technology can be intimidating for some people but I promise you that Google Classroom is a very intuitive platform. Don't be afraid to play around with it. You can watch the video and pause it as you go ... Read the Post

Digital Resources to use With G-Suite and Google Classroom

As many teachers begin their journeys using digital tools like Google Classroom and the rest of the G-Suite tools, it's great to have a few "go to" resources to help you get started. I have been creating digital resources for Google Classroom for a few years now and have developed resources across several grades and subject/content areas. Below I have a brief description of my most popular google classroom activities. These resources can be used on a Chromebook, laptop, desktop, tablet or ... Read the Post

Distance Learning Resources for Teachers and Parents

We are living through an unprecedented time right now as we all scramble to figure out our new normal (at least the new normal for now). Distance Learning or Learn at home initiatives are popping up all over the place. I'm compiling a list here of various distance learning resources that teachers or parents can use while we muddle our way through distance learning and homeschooling. Many of the distance learning resources are ones that I use even when not living through a pandemic so you might ... Read the Post

Digital Grammar Word Work: Save Yourself Time!

Once I finished creating my self-grading digital math bell work, I knew that I wanted something similar for grammar. I teach grammar twice per week in a classroom that has 12 chromebooks (approximately 1 chromebook per 2 students). My school has been looking for ways to trim the paper and copying budget and printing out grammar worksheets for 30 kids twice per week was adding up. I needed a solution that met my needs but it didn't exist. So I created one! Digital Grammar Word Work: I wanted ... Read the Post

Novel Study and Lesson Ideas for The Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is a fabulous book for a class read aloud OR for literature circles and independent reading as well. If you haven't read this book already with your students, I highly recommend it! There are a few parts that are a bit mature so I would recommend this book for grades 5 and up. This book is about a middle school aged girl named Aven who was born without arms and was adopted by a nice couple. The story is written from Aven's perspective. It follows ... Read the Post

Making Connections: Reading Comprehension Strategy – Texts for Grades 4-6

When we teach the various comprehension strategies (making connections, asking questions, visualizing, inferring, predicting, summarizing, etc.), it is best to model these strategies ourselves. This is as important for the primary grades as it is for our older students. As students get older we sometimes shy away from picture books but there are so many fantastic picture books out there that are geared for older students. When teaching about Making Connections (Activating Prior Knowledge) or any ... Read the Post