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Valentine’s Day can be a really fun moment in the classroom — but it can also feel like a lot. Between candy, cards, crafts, and excitement, it’s easy for learning to get pushed to the side. Over the years, I’ve learned to approach Valentine’s Day a little differently. I still want it to feel special and joyful, but I also want the activities to be purposeful, hands-on, and manageable, especially for Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners. Here are a few ways I keep Valentine’s Day meaningful without overcomplicating it. Hands-On Valentine Centres That Build Real Skills Seasonal activities don’t have to be fluff. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to sneak in: fine motor development early literacy and vocabulary basic math skills language exposure in both English and French When activities are tactile and familiar, students stay engaged — even on high-energy days. Fine Motor Valentine Vocabulary Work Fine motor…

January has a way of feeling heavy, doesn’t it? The fresh start energy meets real-life challenges, and suddenly, the pressure to do it all is loud. This year, I’m choosing to let go of a few things—so I can show up for my students, colleagues, and myself in a more grounded way:   1. Letting go of “doing it all” I don’t need to have perfect centers, pristine bulletin boards, and seamless routines all at once. Showing up consistently and thoughtfully matters far more than perfection. 2. Letting go of comparison Every classroom, every support role, every student is different. What works in one space might not work in another—and that’s okay. 3. Letting go of guilt around downtime Rest isn’t optional; it’s part of the work. Taking breaks, reflecting, and stepping away when needed is essential for sustainable teaching. 4. Letting go of unnecessary pressure “Fresh start January” is…

Winter brings more indoor time, and that can make energy management tricky for little learners. One thing I’ve learned? Simple fine motor activities keep students engaged while strengthening the skills they need for writing — and they don’t require hours of prep. Here are a few of my go-to activities that work for both Kindergarten and Grade 1: 1. Torn Paper Fun Tearing paper might seem basic, but it’s actually a powerhouse for developing hand strength and coordination. Give students colorful paper to tear into shapes, letters, or even just strips. Not only does it build the muscles used for writing, it’s also satisfying and fun. 2. Cutting Practice Snipping along lines or templates is another simple way to reinforce fine motor skills. In the winter months, I love using snowflake templates or shapes for festive art projects. Students get practice controlling scissors while creating something they’re proud of. 3.…

January is supposed to feel like a fresh start. New year. Clean slate. Renewed energy. But for many teachers, January feels… heavy. The break ends, routines are rusty, students are dysregulated, and the pressure to “start strong” is suddenly everywhere. Add winter weather, shorter days, and emotional fatigue, and it is no wonder January can feel harder than expected. If you are feeling this way, you are not doing anything wrong. You are human. Why January Can Feel So Overwhelming By January, we are tired — even if we had time off. Students are coming back from disrupted routines, big emotions, and long stretches without structure. Many need time to re-regulate before they are ready to learn. Teachers are often carrying: Emotional exhaustion from the fall Pressure to reset routines quickly The expectation to “hit the ground running” A quiet sense of guilt for not feeling more refreshed January asks…

January can feel… a lot. The break is over, routines feel shaky again, the weather keeps everyone indoors, and energy is low — for students and teachers. I know for me, this is the month where I need things to feel calm, predictable, and manageable. Not flashy.Not complicated.Just steady and supportive. So instead of reinventing the wheel in January, I lean on a few simple, low-prep activities that help students stay focused without adding more to my plate. Here’s what that looks like in my classroom (and the classrooms I support). 1. Fine Motor Activities That Keep Hands Busy (and Brains Calm) January is when I really notice how much students need something to do with their hands. Simple fine motor tasks — things like tracing, pinching, sorting, tearing, or building — help students settle their bodies and stay engaged longer. These activities feel calm, but they are doing a…

January always feels a little different in the classroom. The holidays are over, routines feel shaky, students are tired, and teachers are often running on fumes. But January also brings something powerful: a chance to reset — without the pressure of “new year, new everything.” Over the years, I’ve learned that a successful January reset is not about doing more. It’s about simplifying, tightening routines, and choosing what actually supports students (and teachers) during a long winter stretch. Here are a few practical, low-prep ways I reset my classroom each January — especially when supporting bilingual classrooms or multiple learning spaces. 1. Reset the Space (Without Rearranging Everything) You do not need a full classroom makeover. Instead, I focus on: Clearing out materials we no longer use Refreshing one or two high-traffic centres Swapping in winter-friendly, calming visuals A small visual reset can make the room feel new without overwhelming…

December is a whirlwind in the classroom — concerts, crafts, celebrations, excitement, and a whole lot of “whoa, how is it already the end of the month?”But in between the busyness, I always try to carve out a few quiet moments to reflect. Not because I’m trying to plan ahead (that comes later!) — but because pausing helps me remember that the small things really did matter. Here’s your gentle reminder:✨ You’ve done so much more than you think this fall. Whether you’re teaching French, English, or supporting both like I am now, the work you’re doing is meaningful. And sometimes we don’t realize the impact until we stop long enough to see it. 3 Simple Reflection Prompts for December Grab a coffee, sit for two minutes, and ask yourself: 1. What’s one small win from this fall that made you smile? Think tiny — a breakthrough moment, a student…

December is such a special time in early years classrooms — full of excitement, anticipation, and a whole lot of energy. Between concerts, celebrations, and routines that feel a little wobbly, it’s totally normal to feel like you’re juggling more than usual. But here’s the good news: December doesn’t need to feel chaotic.A few simple shifts can help create a calm, connected, joy-filled learning space for our little learners (and for us, too!). Here are some of the things I lean into every year to keep things running smoothly: 1. Build in Predictable, Calming Routines Students thrive when they know what’s coming next — especially during busy seasons. A few ideas that help keep the energy grounded: A quiet morning tub (fine motor, loose parts, puzzles) A short movement break after transitions A cozy read-aloud right after recess A simple clean-up song that signals calm You don’t need to reinvent…

December in the classroom can feel magical… and a little wild. Between concerts, crafts, and countdowns, it’s easy for structure (and sanity!) to slip away. That’s why I lean into hands-on, low-prep activities that keep students engaged while giving me a chance to breathe. If you’re teaching in French, English, or both, here’s how to make the most of the season—without adding chaos to your plate. 1. Try My Favourite Holiday Bundle My Hands-On Christmas Centre Bundle is a classroom lifesaver this time of year. It includes bilingual activities designed for both French and English classrooms, so you can teach confidently no matter which language day it is. Inside you’ll find: 🎄 Roll & Build – Perfect for creativity and fine motor skills. 🖍️ Pin Art – A quiet centre where students poke out holiday shapes (fine motor gold!). 🧩 Geometry Shape Building – Students use shapes to recreate seasonal…

Winter can be a tough season in the classroom—shorter days, cold weather, and long stretches of indoor time can drain even the most energetic teacher. This year, I’m focusing on simple, practical self-care strategies that fit into a busy teaching schedule. Here are my top ways to protect your energy and keep your teaching joyful this season: Protect Your Time Set small boundaries that work for you—whether that’s no emails after a certain hour, scheduling prep time in chunks, or saying no to extra commitments when you need to. Even tiny boundaries can make a huge difference. 2. Build in Small Daily Routines A morning cup of coffee, a five-minute stretch break, or a quick check-in with yourself between classes can help ground your day. These little rituals remind you to pause and reset, even on hectic days. 3. Move, Even Briefly Movement boosts mood and energy. Try a quick…