Back to School

Fun and Low Prep Grandparents Day Celebration Activity for Elementary

Aug 24

Fun and Low Prep Grandparents Day Celebration Activity for Elementary

If you are celebrating Grandparents Day in your elementary classroom and need a fun, but low-prep activity during your celebration, I've...

New to Teaching Social Studies? I've Got You Covered!

Michelle McDonald

Jul 9

New to Teaching Social Studies? I've Got You Covered!

If this is your first year teaching social studies and you want to get a head start on planning, I've got you covered. Maybe you've...

How to Find Your State Social Studies Standards

Michelle McDonald

Jun 11

How to Find Your State Social Studies Standards

Did you know that every U.S. state has outlined its own set of social studies standards? And we're not talking about the Common Core...

How To Prepare When Teaching A Tough Topic With Your Students

Michelle McDonald

May 21

How To Prepare When Teaching A Tough Topic With Your Students

If you are getting ready to teach a sensitive or tough topic with your students, it can be especially helpful to do some prep work. No...

Michelle McDonald

Feb 27

Free Social Studies Lessons Round-Up

Since 2012 I've been sharing social studies resources that I've created either for my own classroom or have been the result of teachers...

Quick and Easy Sub Plans for Your Social Studies Class

Michelle McDonald

Feb 13

Quick and Easy Sub Plans for Your Social Studies Class

I don't know about you, but I was one of those teachers who struggled to take my sick days. Creating lesson plans to leave for a...

Learn How to Thrive in Your First Year of Teaching with this Framework

Michelle McDonald

Aug 29, 2023

Learn How to Thrive in Your First Year of Teaching with this Framework

Are you a new teacher on a rollercoaster ride of emotions? If that resonates with you, I completely understand! Balancing teaching and...

4 Back to School Teacher Planning Tips That Get Overlooked

Michelle McDonald

Aug 8, 2023

4 Back to School Teacher Planning Tips That Get Overlooked

As we get into Back to School season, there are so many things to prep and plan. Maybe this is the year that you will make your lunches...

Why You Need to Attend the 2023 First Year Teacher Summit

Michelle McDonald

Jul 4, 2023

Why You Need to Attend the 2023 First Year Teacher Summit

I'm so excited to share that registration is open for the 2023 First Year Teacher Summit! This is the first virtual event of its kind...

How Much is Your Teaching Prep Time Worth, Really?

Michelle McDonald

May 4, 2023

How Much is Your Teaching Prep Time Worth, Really?

Have you ever considered how much your prep time is really worth (in dollars)? One of my biggest teaching hurdles was figuring out how to...

How to Make Significant Reading Gains with Social Studies Instruction

Michelle McDonald

Apr 18, 2023

How to Make Significant Reading Gains with Social Studies Instruction

You have likely seen the recent headlines about pandemic learning loss, and the impacts of remote learning. The data from the National...

The Teacher Productivity Hack You Need To Help You Beat Overwhelm

Michelle McDonald

Apr 11, 2023

The Teacher Productivity Hack You Need To Help You Beat Overwhelm

Do you have sticky notes covering your computer screen or all around your desk? Maybe you have a long to-do list that feels overwhelming...

Grab a Free Collaborative Poster to Create an Easy Bulletin Board Display

Michelle McDonald

Mar 28, 2023

Grab a Free Collaborative Poster to Create an Easy Bulletin Board Display

If you're looking for a fun and easy bulletin board display, check out this free collaborative poster! If you take your students on my...

Helpful Tips for Facilitating an Effective Classroom Discussion

Michelle McDonald

Dec 13, 2022

Helpful Tips for Facilitating an Effective Classroom Discussion

Small group discussions are a great concept, but they can quickly get out of hand if we simply release our students without guidance....

5 Teacher Tips for Keeping Your Personal Life Organized & Efficient

Michelle McDonald

Oct 4, 2022

5 Teacher Tips for Keeping Your Personal Life Organized & Efficient

As a teacher, we quickly realize that the work is never done. This means that we have to be intentional with our time because it's super...

Shopping for Teacher Outfits on a Tight Budget: Shopping with Sustainability in Mind

Michelle McDonald

Aug 16, 2022

Shopping for Teacher Outfits on a Tight Budget: Shopping with Sustainability in Mind

When I landed my first teaching job, most of my clothing involved jeans, oversized sweatshirts, and tennis shoes that I wore around the...

Introducing the 5 Themes of Geography at the Beginning of the Year

Michelle McDonald

Aug 9, 2022

Introducing the 5 Themes of Geography at the Beginning of the Year

One of the foundational concepts of a high-quality social studies education is an understanding of geography. When students can make...

Boost Excitement for Social Studies During the First Week of School with this Activity

Michelle McDonald

Jul 27, 2022

Boost Excitement for Social Studies During the First Week of School with this Activity

If you are looking for a back-to-school activity for your social studies class that is not cheesy or boring, I've got you covered. Set...

Teacher Communication Workshop: Gain Confidence & The Respect You Deserve

Michelle McDonald

Jul 12, 2022

Teacher Communication Workshop: Gain Confidence & The Respect You Deserve

Do you struggle to communicate your needs to your admin, or spend hours trying to draft an email? This was me during my first year of...

3 Easy to Print and Assemble Collaborative Posters for Back to School

Michelle McDonald

Jul 8, 2022

3 Easy to Print and Assemble Collaborative Posters for Back to School

Are you tired of the same back-to-school ice-breakers and activities? Or maybe you're looking for meaningful classroom decor that is...