Author: fishmaninfourth

Teacher. Blogger. Wife. Cat Mom.
Teacher Hacks

Teacher Hack: Storing Student Earbuds

fishmaninfourth

Markers ✔️ Pencils ✔️ Paper ✔️ Earbuds ❌ Integrating technology in the classroom is on the rise. A common school supply item on our back to school list is headphones or earbuds. With the use of Chromebooks and laptops, students can use this small, but important, item to listen to videos, interactive games, books, and much more. It can be a teachers worst nightmare when a student comes up with twisted earbuds that seem impossible to undo. Plastic baggies do not protect, rip easily, and are just not cutting it! I offer you this very easy, effective, and affordable way … Continue reading Teacher Hack: Storing Student Earbuds

Motivation, Reading

How To Get Students Excited To Read

fishmaninfourth

We all know that feeling that we get when we come across an activity or lesson we wished our teachers did when we were in elementary school. The one that changes our approach and perspective and is a total game changer in our own classroom. This is one of those activities!! I am talking about reading with flashlights. Many teachers refer to it as Flashlight Friday; reading to self with a handheld flashlight on a Friday. I thought it would be a fun activity to do every once in a while or even as a reward incentive. I took the … Continue reading How To Get Students Excited To Read

Reading

Book Reports Through Flipgrid

fishmaninfourth

Book reports. Students tend to have a love-hate relationship with these simple book summaries. Want to be able to bring in the fun to book reports while also exposing other students to a variety of genres, personal opinions, and recommendations of a variety of novels? I have a fun and engaging way to have students interact with books! In the past, I have had students complete book reports and I met with them one-on-one to discuss story elements, favorite parts, interesting characters, and opinions of the book chosen. I wanted to intertwine this conversation that I have one-on-one with students … Continue reading Book Reports Through Flipgrid

Teacher Hacks

Teacher Hack: DIY Folder

fishmaninfourth

It’s the middle of the year, half of the school supplies the students brought are warn out, broken, or even lost. Many of the supplies are in use already and you just can’t seem to find enough folders for every student in your class. You don’t want to go out and spend a fortune on folders and other supplies that will not even last a month, so what do you do? Teachers, I have the perfect hack for you- The DIY Folder! This folder is great for thematic units of study or information you want to keep all together. With … Continue reading Teacher Hack: DIY Folder

Motivation

Someone is always watching

fishmaninfourth

I am never the one to show weakness in any situation. I think it’s the competitive athlete in me. I persevere through pain and discouragement and turn to positivity for my coping mechanism. But sometimes not even I can avoid the overwhelming feeling that comes along with the profession of teaching. Circumstances pop up, mistakes happen, and we are human. Not everything in this life was meant to be a cake walk. Out of the many things I have learned in this crazy, rewarding, patience testing, outstanding profession that we call teaching is that someone is always watching. I am … Continue reading Someone is always watching

Teacher Interview Tips

Rock Your Teacher Interview And Get The Job You Want!

fishmaninfourth

I wouldn’t consider myself an expert in interviews, but let’s just say I’ve been through enough to know what to and what not to say in a teacher interview. During my senior year of college, I did everything I could to get the interview at the schools of my choice. I applied wherever I wanted and researched by butt off to see which schools would be compatible. I was very lucky to get an interview at most schools I applied to. My resume was apparently good enough that administrators wanted to see what I was all about. With as many … Continue reading Rock Your Teacher Interview And Get The Job You Want!

Teacher Interview Tips1 Comment

30 Interview Questions

fishmaninfourth

Here are 30 interview questions that I have been asked over the years at interviews. I have recorded each in the hopes to help future teachers land their dream teaching job. They are in no particular order. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you know about RTI? Have you ever team taught and describe that experience? Tell us what you know about (insert state test). How will you prepare your class for (state test)? What’s the difference between classroom discipline and classroom management? Why do you want to teach at this school? What are three of your … Continue reading 30 Interview Questions

Motivation

How to Integrate Positivity Within Your Classroom

fishmaninfourth

I wouldn’t be where I am today without my positive mental attitude and my urge to always look on the bright side of every situation. In my opinion, this aspect of my personality is why I make a good teacher. Positivity is a work in progress though. You should never be satisfied with where you are and always strive to be better than what you were yesterday. Having a positive outlook on life, work, and daily activities, especially what goes on in your classroom, turns everyone’s attitude around. It not only encourages students to do their best but also allows … Continue reading How to Integrate Positivity Within Your Classroom

Activities

My Favorite Back to School Activities

fishmaninfourth

The start of the school year has arrived! I wanted to share with you my favorite back to school activities that can be done on the first day or any day that first week. That first day/week can be tiring just because you are prepping for the new school year, learning all about your new students, and setting and explaining your classroom expectations and procedures. The beginning of the school year is the start of a wonderful opportunity to know your students and form a trusting relationship. What better way to start your school year than with some fun and … Continue reading My Favorite Back to School Activities

Uncategorized

Classroom Transformation

fishmaninfourth

I made a really hard decision a few weeks ago to pick up everything and move to a new town and take a new teaching position. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make because I loved my old school, my colleagues, the students, and the community. I was comfortable were I was at but I knew that I needed to make the choice for my changing life. I broke the news to my principal and started packing up the classroom I created into my own the past three years. It was hard not only because it was … Continue reading Classroom Transformation