There are a ton of resources out there on running safe and efficient fire drills, like this great student-friendly rules chart. And we all know that all teachers should keep on hand a ready-to-go copy of the grab-and-go class roster. But how can the person in charge,...
Systems for Special Educators (With a Free Download for You, Too!)
It’s no secret to me that special educators have a whole additional set of challenges when it comes to Togetherness – more paperwork, more moving between different classrooms or even different schools, more meetings, and more data – all the while wanting to do right...
Happy New Year + Build Your Own Planner
Happy New Year! Better late than never, right? And I’m back with the coolest thing ever. Can’t find the perfect 2015 calendar at the office supply store? Well, build your OWN. Paper-based friends, there are a LOT of planners out there on the market. We’ve reviewed...
Checklists #4: Breaking Down a Big, Big Thing
Welcome to the fourth installation of our Checklist Series. So far, we’ve written about standard operating procedures, field trips, and managing student data and stuff. For our next post, we welcome back fave guest-blogger Shelby, who’s awesomely sharing her approach...
Revisited: International Binder Week
Yep, it’s true: I’ve written before about International Binder Week. But I’m so into student and classroom organization that I can’t resist sharing some highlights from this year’s 2014 Binder Week at Harriet Tubman Charter School (part of Crescent City Schools) in...
Stevie Wonder and Strategic Multi-Tasking
I had a good weekend. Contrary to what you may believe, on the weekends, I have a strong aversion to lots of schedules, timelines, and plans. But like any person, I do have things I need to get done – both regular chores like boring errands as well as jobs particular...
Sharon’s Space Transformation
This summer in California’s Bay Area, I met Sharon, an incredible school leader. Her meeting agendas are amazing (more on that later!), she’s all about instruction, and she has a wicked sense of humor. Sharon, however, was plagued by one thing: a somewhat disastrous...
Signage: Inspired by Airports and Hotels?!
I’m a sucker for clear, bold and simple signage. And I spend an extraordinary amount of time on planes and in hotels. I like to know where I’m going without having to squint at any small print, and I hate waiting without knowing why (surprise, surprise!). Here are...
How My Errands Can Apply to Your Classroom
Though right now I’m wrapping up my Seven-Week-17-City-Tour, when I’ve been back on the home front in the DC area, I’ve been trying to squeeze in both fun and errands. And of course, like that whole “hair adjustment” situation, I’m always on the lookout for ways to...
Fanny Packs: Just Do It
It’s the start of school. So let’s talk FANNY PACKS! I cannot teach without a fanny pack. Can you? I mean, how else on earth can you keep your smartphone, pens, stickers, and flashcards all in one place and on your person??? Over the past year, I’ve encountered many...