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Did Someone Say, “Extra Day”?
In honor of Leap Day, February 29, 2024, we’re looking at small things teachers do to make the most of their time in the classroom. Just like the daily minutes we accrue to “add on” February 29 every four years, there are lots of little things that can end up making a big difference in your work/life balance each week. Bonus: Many are empowering for your students and peers, too!
Fun Fact: It takes the Earth 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds to circle around the Sun each year! We add a Leap Day nearly every four years to accommodate for that “extra time” and keep our calendars in sync with the seasons.
Enjoy a taste of Zaner-Bloser with these free printables.
Family Conference Summary
Keep parent-teacher conferences efficient and organized with this free template. Type or handwrite strengths, opportunities, key data points, and a goal you’d like to share with each student’s family. Save one copy and send one home. Works for student-led conferences, too!
Download now to save time later—spring family conferences are just around the corner!
Math Conversation Starter
Help students remember how great math conversations start! Display this free 11x17 poster like an anchor chart, reduce it to 8.5x11 so students can tuck it inside their math folders, or cut out the speech bubbles and place around the classroom to encourage constructive math talk.
Download your copy and model how conversations between math partners might go.
SEL Affirmation Cards
An important part of social-emotional learning is celebrating—all year long! Use our affirmation cards with pre-printed messages or customize the blank ones. Award cards publicly, place them on students’ desks during recess, or allow students to distribute them to one another.
Try this variation: Take a group approach by placing a set of cards and a bowl in the classroom. When a student notices one of the values in a peer, they can place the appropriate card in the bowl—perhaps with the classmate’s name on the card. When the bowl is full, invite students to brainstorm ways to celebrate as a community.
Winter Word Search
Looking for language enrichment activities for stations or independent work time? This seasonal word search puzzle is flexible enough to fit like a glove in many classroom situations! Find your free copy here.
Everyone is abuzz about writing—not just students’ writing but teachers, too! Watch the on-demand webinar to learn more.
Teacher as Writer: Getting Started
Are you looking to embrace your inner writer and improve your workshop experience? Learn why it’s important for teachers to write, ways to get started, and tips for establishing meaningful routines. Presented by Lynne Dorfman & Stacey Shubitz
Fun Fact: Field bees leave the hive daily to forage for pollen and nectar they bring back in “pollen baskets” on their legs.
Inspired by the field bees, we’ve collected ideas from classrooms across the country to share with you!
Send a Letter Home—From Students!
Mrs. Eastman’s students in Indianapolis, Indiana, write letters to their families at the end of each week, summarizing something they did in class.
We love this tip—writing practice and increased family communication in one fell swoop! Check out the example by Josie, grade 5.
Encourage Readers to Recommend Books
Mrs. DuBois builds a community of readers in her Florida public school classroom by encouraging students to do what readers beyond the classroom do—recommend good books to other readers!
See and hear firsthand what students nationwide are doing in their classrooms.
Peek Inside an SEL Lesson
You likely know that research suggests a strong correlation between SEL and academic performance, but what does SEL instruction look and sound like?
Peek inside a minilesson, independent work time, and whole-group share in Ms. Kruse’s grade 2 classroom in California to see how she helps students identify and name their strengths. She even tucks language lessons in along the way!
We’re serious about skills but value joyful learning, too—so we’ll leave you with some quick fun to tuck into your day.
See and hear firsthand what students nationwide are doing in their classrooms.
Which School Supply Are You?
Stuck inside for recess or need some short activities for students who finish their work early? Everybody loves a fun personality quiz! Check out “Which School Supply Are You?” from our colleagues at Highlights for Children.
