Activities for teaching Inferring in Elementary

How to make inferences is one of my absolute favorite things to teach! Maybe because I love mystery books and making inferences is like being a detective looking for clues. Or maybe it is because students already know how to infer, even if they don’t realize it. Imagine a student

Read More »

Teaching Main Idea and Details

Reading comprehension requires numerous thinking skills. One of these important skills is identifying the main idea and details. Students who are able to identify the main idea and supporting details are able to increase their comprehension and get a better understanding of what is being communicated. Mastering how to identify

Read More »

Back to School Teacher Outfits

I swear if I wasn’t a teacher I would be doing something in fashion or design. It is so fun to pick out clothes and find different ways to wear pieces. I put this back to school outfit guide together after going shopping for my own Fall wardrobe. Most of

Read More »

20 Amazon Must Haves for the Classroom

I’ll just come out and say it – I am addicted to Amazon… anyone else? It is amazing to having everything you need in one place that ships fast and has reasonable prices. I have compiled a list of classroom must haves that you can find on Amazon. I have

Read More »

Best Picture Books for the beginning of the Year

Looking for picture books that are engaging and can be used to teach important reading and social skills? If so, then this list is for you! These books will become your go-to read alouds, as well as your student’s favorites for years to come! Best Books to Teach Rules and

Read More »

Behavior Management Idea with Among Us

I always see an increase in energy, behavior issues, and bickering between students every year when Spring rolls around and the weather starts to get warmer. Even my best classes seem to follow this trend. I created an engaging and relevant product to keep students on track and motivated as

Read More »

Friday Fun in the Classroom

I firmly believe in the motto “work hard, play hard” and follow that in my classroom. Just like adults, kids experience relief in the arrival of Friday and need a break in the regular classroom routine. Friday Fun is a great way to end a week of hard work. It

Read More »

Best Books for Teaching Cause and Effect

The relationship between cause and effect is a crucial higher order thinking skill for all ages. A toddler soon discovers that their actions create results – like if they run by the pool they could slip. Much like an adolescent learns that their actions have consequences that can affect their

Read More »

My 5 Must Have Teacher Products

Every teacher has their must have supplies that they need to make their classroom run smoothly. Whether you are a brand new teacher or have been teaching for years, these are 5 products that I highly recommend investing in for an organized and efficient classroom. #1: Wireless Doorbell This is

Read More »

Welcome!

I am Alyce Mikkonen. I am a 2nd grade teacher, wife to my awesome husband Matt, and mom of two beautiful girls – Harper and Hazel.  We also have a fur baby named Bentley.  I hope you can find something helpful on my page whether it be lessons to enhance your curriculum, inspiring books, or links to my favorite Amazon finds.  I am so happy you are here!