Tag Archives: GottobeLIT

Back-to-School Classroom Activities to Build Critical Thinking and Community

The start of a new school year is buzzing with excitement — and maybe a little nervousness, too! It’s the perfect time to set the stage for a year filled with learning, laughter, and lots of “aha!” moments. One of the best ways to do that? Building a classroom community where students feel safe, connected,Continue reading “Back-to-School Classroom Activities to Build Critical Thinking and Community”

📚 Why Reading Escape Rooms Work in the Elementary Classroom

If your students groan when it’s time for another reading worksheet, it might be time to shake things up—without sacrificing learning. Enter: the Reading Escape Room. These literacy-based adventures are popping up in classrooms everywhere, and for good reason. Reading escape rooms combine engagement, standards-based instruction, and critical thinking in a format that students beg to repeat. So, what makesContinue reading “📚 Why Reading Escape Rooms Work in the Elementary Classroom”

🎒 Kick Off the School Year with the Brown Bag Biography: A Unique Student Intro Activity

The first week of school is more than setting up routines and reviewing rules—it’s about building a classroom community where students feel safe, seen, and celebrated. One of my favorite ways to do that? The Brown Bag Biography, or the All About Me Bag. This low-prep, high-impact activity helps students introduce themselves in a way that’s fun, creative,Continue reading “🎒 Kick Off the School Year with the Brown Bag Biography: A Unique Student Intro Activity”

💬 Real Teachers, Real Classrooms: How Sweet Reads + Skills Are Making a Difference

When I first created Sweet Reads + Skills, my dream was simple:To give busy teachers meaningful, easy-to-use reading packs that students would actually enjoy. Now that more classrooms are trying them out, I’ve started hearing from educators who are seeing the results—and I couldn’t be more excited to share some of their stories with you. 🌟Continue reading “💬 Real Teachers, Real Classrooms: How Sweet Reads + Skills Are Making a Difference”

✨ Making the Most of Sweet Reads + Skills Packs in Your Classroom

If you’ve downloaded your free mini pack (Missing Monarch) or purchased a full Sweet Reads + Skills unit, you might be wondering:“How do I actually use this during my busy week?”Great question! These packs were created to be flexible and practical—no fluff, just meaningful literacy work. Let’s break down a few easy ways to integrate them into yourContinue reading “✨ Making the Most of Sweet Reads + Skills Packs in Your Classroom”

Nurturing the Flame Within: A Teacher’s Guide to Self-Care in Winter

Introduction: As the winter months settle in, we teachers find ourselves navigating not only the academic challenges but also the physical and emotional demands that come with the season. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can take a toll on educators. It’s crucial for us to prioritize self-care during this time toContinue reading “Nurturing the Flame Within: A Teacher’s Guide to Self-Care in Winter”

Understanding Structured Literacy: A Comprehensive Approach to Effective Elementary Education

In this article, I will delve into structured literacy, its components, and its significance in elementary education.

Making Reading Connections: Text to Text, Text to Self, and Text to World

By incorporating text connections, teachers not only enhance students’ understanding of a book but also promote critical thinking. Students will learn to compare and contrast stories, relate the story to their own experiences, and connect it to the broader world. These connections will deepen their engagement with the book and foster critical thinking skills that extend beyond the pages of the story.

Boosting Reading Comprehension: Encouraging Summarization and Note-Taking

Incorporating summarization and note-taking into your child’s reading routine is a powerful strategy for enhancing their reading comprehension.