Tag: learning

Slow Down to Speed Them Up: Why Rushing Helps No One

by adampetersoneducationLeave a Comment on Slow Down to Speed Them Up: Why Rushing Helps No One

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to race through the curriculum like you’re running late for a flight, trust me — you’re in good company. Teachers everywhere are juggling pacing guides, multiple curriculums, assessments, meetings, behavior plans, lost glue stick lids, and the occasional mystery smell coming from someone’s backpack. (kidding, not kidding)

It’s a lot.

But here’s the truth we sometimes forget in the frenzy:
Learning isn’t a sprint. It’s not even a marathon. It’s a walk with kids who stop to look at every butterfly, rock, and weirdly-shaped cloud along the way.

And that’s exactly how it should be to save ourselves from the stress of a fast-paced schedule.

I was stressing about getting things done last week and this stop sign caught my eye. I was hitting the road for another out-of-town workshop with teachers – the third one in a week. I had a long drive ahead of me, a lot on my mind, and I wasn’t even 100% sure I was ready for the day ahead of me.

As my mind was racing with everything I had to do, I found myself stopped at this stop sign for longer than usual. Like most of you probably do, I typically roll through this stop sign unless there is a car coming that forces me to wait. This day, however, I found myself thinking about the real meaning (and law) that surrounds this stop sign. That day, I actually followed the rule. I stopped – but not forever.

As I started going again I began to think about why I might have stopped and thought about things for so long on that particular day. The reason? I had procrastinated getting things ready for this event and was beyond stressed, thinking I had forgotten things at home. I rushed and rushed that morning to pack my car and collect everything needed to take with me to the conference.

The same thing goes for the way we handle things in our classroom. We rush and rush to get through things when we really should be stopping and thinking more often.

The Magic Happens in the Slow Moments

We’ve all done it — felt the tug of the calendar, heard that little voice saying, “You should be on Unit 5 by now,” and sped through something kids clearly needed more time with.

But when we slow down, everything shifts.

That’s when students start asking the good questions.
That’s when you see that little eyebrow lift that means, “Ohhhh… now I get it.”
That’s when learning clicks instead of clunks.

Those moments don’t happen because we rushed.
They happen because we lingered long enough for understanding to take root.

Doing Things Right Beats Doing Things Fast

There’s an old-school wisdom here that still holds strong:
If students don’t understand it, moving on won’t magically fix it.

It’s like trying to teach a kid how to ride a bike by shouting instructions while you sprint next to them. Sure, everyone gets a workout, but nobody’s actually riding.

The same goes for blending sounds, regrouping in subtraction, writing complete sentences, or any of the million little things we teach every day. Kids need repetition. They need time. They need us to breathe, slow down, and let them practice the wobble until they’re steady.

Forward-thinking teaching isn’t about doing more faster —
it’s about doing what matters well.

Your Pacing Guide Is a Guide… Not a Stopwatch

Listen, I love a neat box to check as much as the next teacher. But pacing guides are exactly that — guides. Not iron-clad, no-wiggle-room contracts sworn on a stack of Scholastic flyers.

If your students need:

  • one more day
  • one more example
  • one more mini-lesson
  • one more round of practice
  • or just one more chance to breathe

…it’s not a setback.
It’s good teaching.

Great teaching, honestly.

When We Slow Down, Students Speed Up Later

Here’s the magic twist:
Slowing down now often means moving faster later.

When students deeply understand foundational concepts, everything built on top actually goes smoother. You spend less time reteaching. Less time redirecting. Less time untangling misconceptions that hardened like a rogue glue stick on the rug.

A strong foundation is the ultimate time-saver.

Give Yourself Permission to Pause

If no one else has said it today, let me be the one:
You’re doing enough.
You’re covering enough.
You’re moving at the right speed because you’re responding to the kids in front of you.

Take the extra day.
Sit in the moment.
Work it out together.

You’re not falling behind — you’re building them up.

And, if you need to spend a little extra time at a stop sign to collect your thoughts, that’s ok. As long as there isn’t someone honking behind you. 🙂

-Adam

Wrapping Up the Year with Heart: Celebrating, Remembering, and Saying Goodbye (for Now!)

by adampetersoneducationLeave a Comment on Wrapping Up the Year with Heart: Celebrating, Remembering, and Saying Goodbye (for Now!)

Well friends, here we are—that magical, bittersweet, glitter-and-glue-sticks-covered time of the year: the end of the school year! 🎉

You’ve done it. You’ve guided your class through hundreds of read-alouds, lost approximately 47 pencils per week (minimum), and built a classroom family that laughs, learns, and maybe gets a little too excited for indoor recess. It’s time to celebrate the growth, the giggles, and the glorious mess that was this school year.

Here are some tried-and-true ways to make the end of the year unforgettable—for your students and for you!

🎓 Celebrate the Successes

Before the glue bottles go dry and the crayon boxes get packed away, take time to spotlight how far your students have come.

1. Student Superlatives with Heart
Skip the typical “Most Likely to…” and instead create personalized awards that highlight each child’s unique strengths.

  • “Kindness King”
  • “Queen of Curiosity”
  • “Master Mathematician”
  • “Most Likely to Brighten Your Day”

Click here to get my pack of 25 classroom awards for only $5.00!

2. Growth Reflection Books
Have your students make “My Year in Review” booklets. Pages could include:

  • “My favorite memory from this year…”
  • “Something I learned that made me proud…”
  • “What I want to remember forever…”

You’ll be amazed at the depth, humor, and honesty that comes from even the youngest learners.

📸 Create Lasting Memories

1. End-of-Year Photo Booth
Set up a corner with a simple backdrop (wrapping paper works wonders), some silly props, and signs like “1st Grade Grad!” or “Peace Out Kindergarten!” Snap individual photos or small group shots and print them as keepsakes.

2. Memory Videos
Compile a slideshow of classroom moments throughout the year—field trips, dress-up days, those oh-so-proud moments when they finally “got it.” Set it to some upbeat music and cue the happy tears!

3. Class Time Capsule
Have each student write a note to their “future self” or draw a picture of something they loved this year. Seal them up in a big envelope and encourage parents to open it with their child a year later. The cuteness level? Off the charts.

🎁 Thoughtful End-of-Year Gifts (Without Breaking the Bank)

You don’t need to spend a fortune to leave your students with something meaningful.

1. Personalized Pencils or Crayons
Tie a ribbon around a pencil that says, “You’re SHARP! Have a great summer!” Or melt broken crayons into fun-shaped molds with a tag that says, “You color my world!”

2. Books with a Note Inside
Gift each student a favorite picture book (hello, Scholastic points!) with a handwritten message inside the front cover. You never know which one becomes that book—the one they hold onto for years.

3. Summer Fun Bags
Think bubbles, sidewalk chalk, stickers, and a freeze pop. Add a tag that says, “Have a POPpin’ Summer!” These make great last-day handouts and smiles are guaranteed.

🧡 And Don’t Forget…

This time of year is hectic, emotional, and full of change. But it’s also a time to slow down and soak in the joy you helped create. You were their safe space. Their encourager. Their constant. That matters.

So go ahead—shed a few tears, take all the pictures, give those last hugs, and know that you’ve made an impact that lasts far beyond the classroom walls.

Here’s to YOU, teacher friend, and to a summer full of rest, reflection, and maybe… just maybe… an empty email inbox! 😉🌞 -Adam

🌸 Spring Into Learning: Easy Ways to Take the Classroom Outside!

by adampetersoneducationLeave a Comment on 🌸 Spring Into Learning: Easy Ways to Take the Classroom Outside!

Spring has officially sprung—and if your students are anything like mine were, they’re itching to break free from the four walls of the classroom and breathe in that fresh spring air. And honestly? I don’t blame them one bit!

The good news is, learning doesn’t have to stop when the doors swing open. In fact, some of the best lessons come to life when we step outside. Here are some simple, low-prep ways to bring your PreK–2nd grade learners outdoors for some sunshine-fueled fun (and yes, you can count it as instructional time 😉).

Nature Walk & Write

What You’ll Need: Clipboards, paper, pencils or crayons
Take a walk around the school yard or nearby park and turn it into a writing adventure!

  • PreK–K: Have students draw something they see outside (a flower, a tree, a bird) and label it.
  • 1st–2nd: Turn it into a “Spring Senses” writing prompt. What do they see, hear, smell, and feel?

Bonus Tip: Add magnifying glasses for a little scientist flair! 🔍

Sidewalk Chalk Spelling & Math

What You’ll Need: Chalk. That’s it. Boom.
Let kids practice spelling words, math facts, or even writing sentences with chalk on the sidewalk or blacktop.

  • Write word family “houses” and have students fill in rhyming words.
  • Hopscotch their way through number bonds or math facts.
  • Create a life-sized number line or alphabet trail to jump through!

Messy hands = happy minds.

Outdoor Story Time

What You’ll Need: A book and a blanket (or just the grass!)
Take your read-alouds outside and let nature be your cozy classroom. Add a fun twist:

  • Read The Very Hungry Caterpillar and then go hunt for bugs!
  • Read If You Find a Rock and let students collect their own rocks and write stories about them.

Because let’s be honest—books + birds chirping = teacher bliss.

Science in Bloom

What You’ll Need: Curiosity and a few simple tools
Spring is science gold.

  • Plant seeds in clear cups and observe root growth daily.
  • Use clear jars to create mini greenhouses.
  • Bring out the bubbles to explore wind, force, and direction.
  • Set up a “weather station” with student-made tools to track changes.

Your classroom meteorologists will be all in.

Art in the Wild

What You’ll Need: Paint, paper, nature
Take art class outdoors and paint with Q-tips, leaves, pinecones—you name it.

  • Try “Nature Collages” using twigs, grass, petals, and more.
  • Let kids lie down and sketch what they see above them.

Creative + calming = teacher win.

Scavenger Hunt with a Purpose

What You’ll Need: Printed checklists or picture boards
Make a simple scavenger hunt focused on shapes, colors, numbers, or letters.

  • “Find something shaped like a triangle.”
  • “Find 3 things that start with ‘S.’”
  • “Find 5 different colors.”

This is sneak-attack learning at its finest.

💡 Final Thought

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—or even roll the cart outside. Sometimes all it takes is a good book, some fresh air, and a little imagination to turn a spring day into a teachable moment.

So go ahead—open those doors, let in the sunshine, and take learning outside. Your students (and your sanity) will thank you. 🌞

Let’s make learning bloom,
Adam

Lights Still Up? That’s ok!

by adampetersoneducationLeave a Comment on Lights Still Up? That’s ok!

Teaching is a profession filled with hustle and bustle, with days that feel like a sprint from the moment the bell rings to when the last student leaves the room. But what if we paused? What if we allowed ourselves to slow down, to breathe, and to embrace the moments that make this career so beautiful? Today, I want to remind you of something simple yet profound: it’s okay to slow down, to soak in the good moments, and yes, even to still have your Christmas lights up in January (or beyond!).

The Beauty of Slowing Down

In a world where everything feels urgent, teaching can sometimes become a checklist of tasks. Grade these papers, prepare that lesson, respond to those emails. But when we’re running at full speed, we can miss the magic that happens in our classrooms.

Slowing down isn’t just about pacing yourself; it’s about making space for the moments that matter. It’s the spontaneous laughter during a lesson that didn’t go as planned, the quiet “aha” moment when a student finally gets it, or the heartfelt conversations that remind us why we chose this profession. When you slow down, you’re not just teaching—you’re connecting, inspiring, and being present.

Soak in the Good Moments

Every day in the classroom is filled with little gifts if you know where to look. The student who doodled a picture of you on their math worksheet, the one who stayed behind to say “thank you” after class, or the way your students’ faces light up when they finally understand a tricky concept. These moments are the heartbeat of teaching, and they deserve our attention.

When we rush through our days, we risk glossing over these precious snippets of joy. Make it a habit to notice them. Write them down in a journal, share them with a colleague, or simply let them be the highlight of your day. These moments are not interruptions; they are the essence of why we teach.

The Christmas Lights Stay Up

Now, about those Christmas lights. If you’ve still got them twinkling in your classroom well past the holidays, let me tell you something: it’s okay. More than okay, actually. Those lights might be the cozy glow your students look forward to each day. They might be the small piece of joy that makes your room feel like a home away from home.

Teaching isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. If your Christmas lights bring a little happiness to your students (and let’s be honest, to you too), why rush to take them down? There’s no rule that says holiday decor must disappear with the new year. Sometimes, the best traditions are the ones that linger.

Permission to Be Human

We often feel pressure as teachers to have it all together all the time. But here’s the truth: it’s okay to be human. It’s okay to leave the decorations up, to have a stack of ungraded papers, and to not always have the perfect lesson plan. Your students don’t need you to be perfect; they need you to be present.

When you slow down and let go of unnecessary pressures, you create a space where both you and your students can thrive. And isn’t that what teaching is all about?

Final Thoughts

As you move through this week, give yourself permission to pause. Take a moment to notice the joy around you. Keep the Christmas lights up if they make you happy, and remember that some of the best parts of teaching aren’t found in the lesson plans or the to-do lists—they’re in the connections, the laughter, and the moments of shared humanity.

Here’s to slowing down, soaking it in, and shining—just like those twinkling lights. You’ve got this. -Adam

Building Strong Number Sense in Elementary Students: A Teacher’s Guide

by adampetersoneducationLeave a Comment on Building Strong Number Sense in Elementary Students: A Teacher’s Guide

As elementary teachers, we know that teaching math goes beyond just giving students algorithms to solve problems. We need to focus on building number sense—a deep understanding of numbers and their relationships—so that students can approach math confidently and flexibly.

At its core, number sense is all about making sense of numbers, seeing the connections between them, and being able to use that understanding to solve problems in creative ways. Strong number sense helps students not only understand how to solve problems but why those solutions work. When we nurture number sense early on, we set our students up for success throughout their entire math journey.

Let’s explore some practical strategies to build number sense in your classroom—no fancy programs required!

1. Make Math Talk a Daily Habit

One of the simplest and most effective ways to develop number sense is through daily math talks. Start each day with a short, low-pressure discussion around a math concept or problem. The goal isn’t to get the “right answer” quickly but to get students talking about their thinking process.

For example, show your class a number like 24 and ask, “What do you notice about this number?” You’ll be amazed at how much your students will say. Some might mention that it’s even, others might connect it to a multiplication fact (6 x 4), while some may break it into 20 + 4. These kinds of discussions allow students to see numbers in many different ways and build their confidence to share ideas.

Tip: Use visuals like ten frames, number lines, or base-ten blocks to support these conversations. Students often need to “see” numbers before they can manipulate them mentally.

2. Play with Numbers—Literally!

Learning number sense is much like learning a language: kids need lots of exposure, practice, and playful interaction. Incorporate games that emphasize number sense into your routine. Simple card or dice games like War, I Have/Who Has, or Find And Cover can provide endless opportunities for students to practice number relationships. My Number Sense Fun Pack has multiple versions of Find And Cover and is available for only $5.00!

Not only do games engage students and make math fun, but they also provide opportunities for meaningful practice without the pressure of formal assessments. Games naturally allow students to think strategically and make connections between numbers, all while having a great time.

Try using classic board games like Chutes and Ladders or Connect 4 for more number fun with your students!

3. Encourage Multiple Strategies

When we teach students that there’s more than one way to solve a problem, we empower them to be flexible thinkers. Encourage your students to share different strategies for solving the same problem. For example, when solving 28 + 17, one student might use traditional stacking and adding, while another might break apart the numbers to add (20 + 10) + (8 + 7).

Ask students to explain their thinking and compare different strategies. This type of discussion helps all learners understand that math is not just about getting the answer but understanding the why behind it. Plus, seeing a variety of strategies reinforces that numbers are fluid and can be manipulated in many ways.

4. Use Real-Life Contexts

Number sense becomes even more powerful when students see how it applies to the real world. Use real-life contexts to show students that math is everywhere. Whether you’re estimating how many chairs are in the cafeteria or figuring out how much time is left until recess, involving students in these everyday number decisions builds their practical understanding of numbers.

Classroom Idea: Create a classroom economy where students can earn and spend “money” for classroom jobs or privileges. This kind of activity makes number sense more meaningful and gives students authentic practice with numbers, operations, and problem-solving.

5. Build Mental Math Muscles

Mental math is a key component of number sense because it forces students to rely on their understanding of number relationships rather than pencil-and-paper algorithms. Regularly practice mental math routines in your classroom to help students strengthen their mental math muscles.

For younger students, start with simple tasks like “What’s 5 more than 12?” or “What’s 2 less than 9?” As students become more comfortable, increase the complexity by asking questions that encourage flexible thinking, like “What two numbers add to 25?” or “What’s 23 + 9?”

Pro Tip: Celebrate the process as much as the answer. Ask students to share how they solved the problem and, if appropriate, invite others to share alternate strategies.

6. Create a Number-Rich Environment

A number-rich environment is key to helping students build number sense. This doesn’t mean your classroom has to be filled with complicated math posters. Instead, focus on creating an environment where students can explore numbers in ways that make sense to them.

Put up interactive number lines, have math manipulatives readily available, and use anchor charts that showcase different strategies for solving problems. When students see math in their everyday surroundings, they’re more likely to make connections on their own.

These dots from SitSpots are a great way to create an interactive number line on the floor that can be manipulated by students!

Go DO Math!

Building number sense takes time, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of teaching math. When students understand numbers deeply, they become more confident, flexible thinkers. And when they can approach math problems from multiple angles, they’re better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.

Remember, number sense isn’t just a skill we teach in one unit—it’s something we nurture every day through conversations, play, and authentic experiences. So, let’s keep our classrooms buzzing with math talk, playful learning, and a love for numbers!

If you’re looking for a fun way to practice number sense through games and activities in your classroom take a look at my Number Sense Fun Pack on TeachersPayTeachers. It is 100 pages of various activities covering numbers 1-20, greater than/less than, and beginning fractions!

Click the image to get it today for only $5.00!

Keep believing in your students, and keep fostering that love for learning!

Happy Teaching! -Adam

Making Parent-Teacher Conferences a Positive Experience

by adampetersoneducationLeave a Comment on Making Parent-Teacher Conferences a Positive Experience

Parent-teacher conferences are a crucial opportunity to connect with families and build strong relationships that support student success. But let’s face it, they can be nerve-wracking for everyone involved—teachers, parents, and even students. How can we as educators create a welcoming, productive, and positive environment that ensures the best outcomes for our students? Here are some ideas and tips to help make your parent-teacher conferences a positive experience for all!

1. Prepare with Purpose

Preparation is key! Before the conference, review each student’s progress and have specific examples ready. Data like test scores and grades are important, but be sure to include anecdotes that highlight students’ strengths, growth, and areas for improvement. Personal stories or projects they’ve worked hard on help parents see the whole child, not just the numbers.

The BEST way I’ve ever found to collect, review, and report data in a parent-friendly way is with ESGI! ESGI is a one-stop-shop when it comes to progress monitoring and offers a multitude of assessments as reports! You can sign up for a free 60-day trial of ESGI with no credit card requried at this link! Try it today!

It’s also helpful to think about the questions you might ask parents. What insights can they offer you about their child’s learning habits, challenges, or interests? Engage them as partners in their child’s education.

Tip: Send home a brief questionnaire or survey before conferences. Ask parents if there’s anything specific they’d like to discuss. This not only helps you prepare but also shows parents that their input is valued.

2. Set a Welcoming Tone

The atmosphere you create can have a big impact on the tone of the meeting. Begin with a warm, welcoming greeting, and make sure your classroom or meeting space is inviting. This could mean soft lighting, having student work on display, or simply arranging chairs so it feels less formal and more conversational.

Start the conversation with something positive—share a win or a success story about the student. This helps put parents at ease and sets a collaborative tone. When parents see that you know and care about their child as an individual, it makes the tougher conversations about areas for improvement easier.

Tip: Have a “glow and grow” mindset. Celebrate what students are doing well (the glow) and then move into what they can improve on (the grow). This framing keeps the meeting balanced and positive.

3. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems

When discussing challenges, it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong, but try to steer the conversation toward solutions. For example, instead of saying “Liam doesn’t finish his homework,” you might say, “I’ve noticed Liam sometimes struggles with finishing his homework. I’d love to work with you to find some strategies that might help him stay on track.”

This approach turns the conversation from a critique into a team effort. Ask parents for their thoughts and suggestions, and share strategies you’ve used or are planning to implement in the classroom.

Tip: Have a few resources ready to share. Whether it’s a list of homework tips, reading strategies, or tools for helping with organization, giving parents tangible takeaways can make them feel empowered to support their child at home.

4. Be Mindful of Time

Conferences are usually packed into a tight schedule, so keeping track of time is crucial. Start by giving an overview of the conversation: “We’ll begin with some positives, discuss areas for growth, and finish with next steps.” This lets parents know what to expect and ensures that no topic dominates the meeting.

Tip: Set a timer if needed, or use a visual cue to stay on track.

5. End with a Plan

Leave parents with a clear plan for how you’ll support their child moving forward. What steps will be taken in the classroom? What can parents do at home? Make sure the parents know they’re part of the team and that you’re available for follow-up questions.

Tip: Send a follow-up email after the conference, summarizing the key points and any action items. It’s a great way to reinforce the partnership and keep communication open.

6. Build Long-Term Relationships

Parent-teacher conferences are just one touchpoint in the school year. Continue to engage with families beyond these meetings. A positive phone call home or a quick note about something great the student did can go a long way in building trust and collaboration with parents.

Tip: Consider holding student-led conferences. These give students the chance to take ownership of their learning and share their progress with their parents, making the experience even more meaningful.

Final Thoughts

Remember, parents want what’s best for their child, just like you do. By preparing thoughtfully, focusing on solutions, and fostering a collaborative environment, you can turn parent-teacher conferences into a powerful opportunity to strengthen the school-home connection and support student success.

Happy conferencing! -Adam