The Joy of Teaching

Sharing creative ideas and lessons to help children learn

April 21, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Emergency Substitute Lesson Plans

All teachers quickly learn that staying home sick is so much more work than just going to school! We’ve all gone into school on days when we know we should have stayed home. But what if it wasn’t so much … Continue reading

April 16, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Ideas for Seasonal Activities and Free Printables

My favorite part of school was always the festive decorations. As seasons changed, my classrooms’ décor did, too. When I began my work in after-school programs, I found that it was quite natural to structure themed activities around the seasons, … Continue reading

February 17, 2015
by Evan-Moor
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Common Core Reading and Writing – Ways to Support Students and a Free Sampler of Common Core Lessons!

Research shows that reading and writing are interconnected and interdependent, and that a child’s literacy development is dependent upon the integration of both. The Common Core State Standards further emphasize vocabulary knowledge, close reading, and text-based writing as ways to … Continue reading

February 14, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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Simple and Effective Vocabulary Lessons

Vocabulary is an essential focus of current standards, with emphasis placed on teaching vocabulary through meaningful engagement, not memorization. We know this is ideal, but how do we give students meaningful experiences with words? Our veteran teachers on staff have … Continue reading