Teaching with Jennifer Findley
Upper Elementary Teaching Blog
The recess yard was chaotic, and there he was—standing in front of me, wood chips clenched in his hands, daring me to react. I had two choices: escalate or connect.But more about that in a minute.We’ve all been there, right? Those moments when a student’s behavior feels like it’s pushing every button you have. It’s easy to react without much intentional thought, but in … [Read more...] about Handle Challenging Behaviors Without Raising Your Voice: The Power of Intentional Language
Let’s be real—whole group instruction can be tough. Teaching a room full of 4th or 5th graders with different skills, attention spans, and motivation levels is no small feat. But whole group time is also incredibly important, so we’ve got to make it work.Over the years, I found that focusing on four key actions helped me keep my students engaged and make the most of our … [Read more...] about 4 Actions to Make Whole Group Reading Instruction Engaging and Effective
If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to support students who either won’t start their work or rush through it so fast you wonder if they even tried, you’re not alone. This was one of the challenges I faced as a teacher, and let’s be honest—college didn’t exactly prepare us for managing either of these situations.That’s why I put together some practical strategies that really … [Read more...] about Strategies for Students Who Won’t Finish or Rush Their Work
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by students freezing up on constructed response questions, you’re not alone. This is a common challenge among teachers at seemingly every grade level.But here’s the thing: constructed responses are where students get to show real understanding. This step-by-step guide will make the process clear, doable, and meaningful for both you and your … [Read more...] about Step-by-Step Guide: Teaching Constructed Response Questions in 4th & 5th Grade
What the Science Says About Helping Students Tackle Constructed Response QuestionsOne of the biggest surprises when I finished college and got into my own classroom was realizing just how much I didn’t know. There’s so much research out there to help us teach better—sometimes, it takes years of trial and error to learn what really works.In this post, I’m bringing you … [Read more...] about Research-Backed Strategies for Teaching Constructed Response Questions
Why Do Constructed Response Questions Feel So Hard for Students?If you’ve ever seen a student leave a constructed response blank or fill it with random thoughts, you know exactly what I mean. Unlike multiple-choice questions, which give students a “hint” with answer choices, constructed responses take away that safety net. Suddenly, students are on their own. And without … [Read more...] about Why Constructed Response Questions Challenge Students
My third year teaching almost broke me.I started off strong after college (after the second time around - graduating at 28). Hopes, dreams, ambitions—I had them all. And, it wasn’t easy. I graduated during a recession, and I couldn’t even get an interview in any of the surrounding districts. I had no connections in the education field, and I had to drive 45 minutes away … [Read more...] about The Year That Almost Broke Me: How I Learned to Save My Teaching Soul
The first day of school can be full of excitement, nerves, and, yes, a little bit of chaos. As teachers, we hear all kinds of advice: “Make sure they’re excited to come back!” and “Just make sure they’re fed and get home safely!” How do we actually make that happen?Let me share with you exactly what I did to create a first day that was safe, structured, and yes—fun! … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Guide to a Successful First Day of School: Safety, Structure, and Fun
Teaching is demanding, and by the end of the day, you might feel completely drained—mentally, emotionally, and physically. You’re not alone in this feeling. It’s not just about doing too much (even though you likely are); it’s often about the sheer number of decisions you’re making every day. This is called decision fatigue, and while you can’t control everything that … [Read more...] about Feeling Worn Out? Here’s One Part of Teaching You CAN Manage
Have you ever heard the saying, "You should never assume?" Well, that advice doesn't just apply to everyday life—it was something I found incredibly valuable in teaching, too. As a teacher, I lived by several mottos, but one that had a profound impact on my students’ success was this: never assume students know anything. This approach wasn’t about doubting my students’ … [Read more...] about You Don’t Have to Guess What Your Students Know: Proven Strategies to Build Strong Foundations in Every Subject
We all have our passions as teachers. For some, it’s keeping those bulletin boards up to date or decorating doors for every occasion. For others, it might be something totally different—like keeping frogs in the classroom to add a little fun and levity. No matter what your passion is, as long as it’s appropriate, it brings something special to your classroom.I have a lot … [Read more...] about Organizing the Classroom Library in Upper Elementary: Getting Students Excited About Books and Teaching Genres
Interactive notebooks—some teachers love them, while others either haven’t figured out how to use them effectively or are unsure if they’re worth the effort. If you find yourself in either camp, this blog post will help you make or solidify your decision and give you tips on how to make interactive notebooks work in your classroom.First, let's start with the two stories … [Read more...] about Why Interactive Notebooks Are Worth the Commitment: Two Stories That Prove It
