Engaging Lessons

When I first started teaching sixth grade, I quickly realized that the materials and activities at my disposal weren’t exactly inspiring. How could I expect my students to fall in love with learning if I wasn’t even excited about the lessons myself? As a new teacher, I found myself navigating uncharted waters, figuring things out on my own. I knew I had to create something different—something that would capture the attention of my upper elementary students and make them eager to learn.

That’s when I discovered a new passion: designing engaging activities and materials that brought everyday content standards to life. With each lesson, I challenged myself to make the curriculum not just rigorous and impactful but genuinely fun. I found that when I enjoyed the process, my students did too—they were more engaged, curious, and willing to dive deeper.

Now, creating resources, sharing innovative ideas, and connecting with other teachers has become a passion. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student’s eyes light up or hearing their excitement when they grasp a new concept.

Classroom Management

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of crafting the perfect lesson plan, one that you just know will engage your students and make learning come alive. You walk into the classroom with a bounce in your step, ready to share your excitement and watch your students’ eyes light up. But then… reality sets in. Despite your best intentions, the lesson quickly derails as the class turns into a whirlwind of chatter, distractions, and unanticipated chaos. All that enthusiasm, lost in a sea of raised hands, side conversations, and an ever-increasing noise level.

But here’s the thing—I learned some of my best classroom management tips through that very chaos. Trial and error became my greatest teacher. I found out which strategies worked to grab attention, how to set routines that stuck, and ways to keep my students engaged without losing control. Those messy moments were hard, but now, I’m better equipped, more resilient, and still just as excited—because each day is a chance to learn, grow, and try again. Stay tuned for detailed posts on my favorite management tools!

Building Relationships

At the core of every great classroom is one key ingredient: strong RELATIONSHIPS between teachers and students. It’s easy to get caught up in curriculum, standards, and schedules, but the real magic happens when you take the time to connect with your students on a personal level. When students feel genuinely known and cared for, their confidence grows, and they become more willing to engage, participate, and take risks.

Building relationships isn’t about a one-time effort; it’s about consistently showing up—whether it’s asking about their weekend, showing interest in their passions, or simply setting aside those emails you need to respond to and listening. These small moments add up, creating a foundation of trust and respect. When students know their teacher values them, they feel safe, supported, and eager to learn. In the end, the best learning happens not just from great lessons, but from great connections. Your students might forget the details of that lesson on verbs, but they will never forget how you made them feel—valued, heard, and inspired.