How do you reduce test anxiety for state testing?

This year, we are having our younger grades who do not test "adopt" a class and make cards that will be put on our testing students desks each morning.

How can you teach empathy in your classroom?

“Children don’t learn from people they don’t feel connected to.” – Rita Pierson

As educators, it can sometimes feel like there’s no room for social-emotional learning (SEL) in our already-packed days. But here’s the thing: SEL isn’t an added extra, it’s part of the foundation. When students feel safe and connected, they’re not only emotionally supported but ready to focus, behave, and perform better academically.

The best part? SEL doesn’t require hours of extra work. A quick morning check-in, an “emotion of the day,” or modeling empathy can have a lasting impact. Research even shows that students in SEL programs tend to perform 11% better on standardized tests because when you teach the heart, the mind follows.

What challenges do you face while making room for SEL in your day? Share your thoughts in the comment. Let’s learn from each other!

What are some ideas or lessons you do with students for Earth Day or Arbor Day?

I have a single student in my class with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This student demonstrates needs in developing empathy. At this time, I do not have outside support in addressing these needs for this student so any efforts will be my own, alone (hoping to look into additional services soon). My content area is language arts and finding time to address these specific needs is a challenge.

How might I support this student’s social emotional needs with so little time to invest?

What are some fun activities/collaboration between buddy classrooms (3rd and kinder)?