teachers

I usually try to stay positive about teaching, but today, I just can’t. I love my students. I love creating lessons that engage them. I love seeing those “aha” moments when something clicks. But I can’t ignore the reality anymore... Teachers are grossly underpaid. Last night, I sat down to budget (again), and after rent, groceries, and student loan payments, I had almost nothing left. And don’t even get me started on the hundreds of dollars I’ve spent on classroom supplies. Why am I paying out of pocket to do my job? I went into teaching knowing I wouldn’t get rich, but I also didn’t think I’d have to work a side gig just to stay afloat. I see my friends in other professions (who went through similar years of schooling) making double what I do. Meanwhile, I’m constantly told to do more with less , all while juggling overcrowded classrooms, standardized testing, and unrealistic expectations. I know I’m not alone in this. So many of us love teaching but hate how little it pays . And what’s worse? The low salary drives amazing teachers out of the profession. I’ve already seen some of my best colleagues leave for better-paying jobs, and honestly, I don’t blame them. So, what’s the solution? We can advocate. We can demand better. We can talk about it... because silence isn’t getting us anywhere. Teachers deserve fair pay. Period. Sorry about the rant, but I had to get this off my chest.... ✌️

Hi all, I wonder if anyone has and is able to share lesson plans and activities for 2nd grade around holidays and events happening in April. Here are a few specific areas I’m looking for: • Easter Activities - hands-on lessons that tie into E aster themes like bunny crafts, egg hunts, or Easter-themed math and reading activities. • Earth Day Lessons - Ideas for teaching kids about E arth Day through science experiments, environmental awareness activities, and creative ways to incorporate sustainability into lessons. • Spring-Themed Activities - Spring crafts and seasonal activities that focus on the changes in nature, planting seeds, or learning about animals that are associated with the season. • April Fool’s Day – I’m looking for fun and educational activities that incorporate April Fool’s Day in a lighthearted way, without disrupting the day’s lessons. • National Poetry Month – Ideas for introducing poetry in a way that is accessible for 2nd grade students, including writing exercises and poetry reading activities.

Hello everyone! I teach elementary school, and I’ve noticed more students bringing their phones to school.... Some of my students try to sneak them out during class, and others stay glued to their screens at recess instead of playing or talking to each other... How do you handle this in your classroom and school? Do you have rules, or incentives?

I’m a 2nd-grade teacher and am looking for efficient SEL activities to use in my classroom. I want to help my students build their emotional awareness, communication skills, and ability to work through conflicts. Do you have any favorite SEL activities or routines that work well for younger students? Thanx!

Hey guys! I teach 1st grade and could really use some ideas for remote learning. I'm mainly looking for something interactive to keep them engaged / busy, and as hands-on as possible. What’s been working for you all? Any ideas for teaching reading and math are welcome ❤️ Thank you!!

This is written in Python. This is the program for "REAL RANDOM NUMBERS" that the governments don't want out! The reason is with real random numbers you have unbreakable encryption even quantum computers cannot break. def challenge(): number_of_needed_numbers = 60000 count = 0 lowest_random_number_needed = 0 highest_random_number_needed = 1 while count < number_of_needed_numbers: start_time = time.time() time.sleep(0.00000000000001) end_time = time.time() low_time = ((end_time + start_time) / 2) random.seed(low_time) random_number = random.randint(lowest_random_number_needed, highest_random_number_needed) count += 1 print(random_number) if __name__ == '__main__': challenge() This solves two major problems, real random number generator and unbreakable encryption. https://www.mathisfunforum.com/viewforum.php?id=2 then Possible 'new knowledge'. Please read all three pages of this post. All is important to understand our world. Spoiler alert: We are not free.

Hey everyone! I recently wrote a guide for our faculty on student participation and wanted to share it here as well in case it might be useful for you all. 😊 How to Encourage Student Participation in Class Getting students to participate actively in class can be a challenge, but it's also one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. When students are engaged, they learn more, build confidence, and develop important communication skills. Here are some strategies that can help encourage participation in the classroom: 1. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment Our students are more likely to participate when they feel safe from judgment. Encourage a classroom culture where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Praise effort, not just correct answers, and remind students that every voice matters. 2. Use Think-Pair-Share Activities Some students hesitate to speak in front of the whole class. With think-pair-share, students first think about a question, discuss it with a partner, and then share with the class. This gives them confidence and prepares them for speaking up. 3. Ask Open-Ended Questions Instead of questions that have a single correct answer, try asking open-ended questions that encourage discussion. For example, instead of “What is 5 + 5?” try “What are some different ways to make 10?” 4. Use Participation Sticks or Cards Write each student's name on a popsicle stick or card and randomly select one when asking questions. This ensures that all students get a chance to participate rather than just the ones who always raise their hands. 5. Incorporate Movement and Hands-On Activities Some students learn better through movement. Use activities like acting out concepts, writing answers on whiteboards, or playing interactive games to keep students engaged. 6. Offer Choices and Student-Led Discussions Giving students choices about how they participate can increase engagement. Let them choose between answering a question, drawing their response, or discussing with a group. You can also assign student leaders to guide discussions. 7. Use Technology to Engage Students Tools like Kahoot, Quizizz, and Google Jamboard make participation fun and interactive. Many students feel more comfortable responding digitally before speaking in class. Encouraging participation takes time, but with consistent effort, students will become more comfortable learning together, sharing, and active in the classroom. Happy teaching!

What is a good amount of reading time for different age groups? Is there like a chart I should follow? My kids are 7, 9... I also have a 2 year old but might be a bit early for her 😅

Hey all, What are your favorite 1st grade spelling and phonics worksheets to use in the classroom or send home for extra practice? I’m working on a packet for parents and looking for some suggestions. So far, I’ve added: • Spelling word lists • Vocabulary drawing worksheets • Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check method worksheets • Spelling worksheets • Trace and write worksheets • Sentence writing worksheets What worksheets do you use all the time? What would you add to this list? Thanks in advance!

I have a few students with ADHD... What ways worked for you to help them feel successful and confident in the classroom?