The Lifetime Learner

Creating Lifetime Learners

Second Grade Classroom Transformations

40 Second Grade Classroom Transformations I've created 40 second grade classroom transformations and they all align with the 2nd grade common core math standards. It was a huge undertaking, but now that it's done, it's incredibly easy to keep my kiddos engaged and we complete a room transformation once a week. I love to call them "Monday Fundays" to my students because they know it's something ... read more

First Grade Classroom Transformations

40 First Grade Classroom Transformations I've created 40 first grade classroom transformations and they all align with the 1st grade common core math standards. It was a huge undertaking, but now that it's done, it's incredibly easy to keep my kiddos engaged and we complete a room transformation once a week. I love to call them "Monday Fundays" to my students because they know it's something fun ... read more

5 Benefits of Google Forms

I'll be honest...when we first were forced to go virtual in education, I hated it. I had no idea how to teach online and felt completely out of my element. One of the first things I came across in my research on what-in-the-world-to-do-since-my-classroom-was-now-digital was assessment and practice via Google Forms. And I LOVED IT! When I realized how easy it was to use, I decided it was something ... read more

Prize Box Ideas

I use many different classroom management strategies in my classroom on a daily basis. One of the rewards my students can earn is the privilege of going to my prize box on Friday afternoons. Students can earn tickets throughout the week while we are learning. Each time they earn a ticket, students write their name on it and put it in our Classroom Lottery Box. Every Friday, I pull out 5 names that ... read more

5 Enrichment Activities for Elementary Students

I am constantly searching for enrichment activities to keep my gifted students engaged, challenged, and excited about learning. This list of 5 enrichment activities for elementary students will give you an idea of the types of resources you can use with your high-ability students. Puzzles Puzzles can exercise both sides of your brain. They improve memory, spatial reasoning, problem-solving ... read more

5 Classroom Management Strategies for Teaching

Teaching has changed completely since March 2020. In my district, due to covid regulations put in place, we aren't allowed to pull small groups or allow students to work together. Students sit in their desks, socially distanced, all day long and it has definitely had an impact on not only the way I teach but how students behave in my classroom. And like a domino effect, when my teaching changed, ... read more

What Are Logic Puzzles Good For?

Have you ever used logic puzzles in your classroom? If you haven't given them a try, you're missing out! Using these during math block can help students develop their logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills. Besides growing those brain skills, logic puzzles are also FUN!! Logic puzzles have become a BIG lifesaver in my classroom year round...when I'm ... read more

Top 5 Reasons to Do A Digital Room Transformation

I am a huge fan of classroom transformations. When we're learning in-person, I do one every Monday. I like to call them "Monday Fundays" because my class knows that I always have something planned for them to start off each week together! Digital room transformations can be just as great as the ones you do in your physical classroom! Here's the top 5 reasons you should do a digital room ... read more

Digital Classroom Transformations

COVID changed everything for the teaching profession when it arrived in March 2020. Most of my teacher friends have commented that they feel like first-year teachers all over again. With everything online now, a lot of our favorite activities from in-person instruction have been lost in the shuffle. We're all trying to "piece" our classroom communities back together again (virtually) while also ... read more

Digital Collaboration During Room Transformations

Teachers know that providing opportunities for students to collaborate in the classroom is very important. But what do you do when you're teaching 100% online? How do you allow students to work together in teams or partners when they aren't even in the same room together? Digital collaboration may be easier than you think! Google Classroom provides an easy way to incorporate digital ... read more