Teaching With Haley O'Connor

A lifelong journey in education.

The First Week in First Grade

I wanted to stop by today and share some a few of my "go-to" activities during the first week of school to build our classroom community and set expectations for the year! During the first few days of school, we are setting the tone for the rest of the year. Our students are looking to see what kind of teacher we will be and making judgements about their school year. They're deciding if school is ... read more

Teaching Vowel Teams and Diphthongs

Today I wanted to stop by and share some strategies for teaching vowel teams and diphthongs in our classroom! It's always challenging to teach spelling patterns that aren't easily decodable! Growing up, I remember the rhymes "when 2 vowels go walking, the 1st one does the talking" and "I before E except after C and sounding as A in neighbor and weigh." Who else remembers those??? Here's the ... read more

Supporting Students in Foster Care

Today I wanted to stop by and share something that's been on my heart for a few months and I finally feel like I have the words to say! As I've mentioned before, I'm currently volunteering at a local children's home each week. Every Monday, I get to spend the evening with some of the most resilient, kind, funny, and determined kiddos I've EVER met. I also get to work with incredibly dedicated and ... read more

Teaching Leadership in the Classroom

Hi teachers! I wanted to stop by today with some ideas for teaching our students how to be leaders! Each day we hope that we teach our students how to be kind, how to have courage, and how to be a great friend. Teaching them to be LEADERS means that they show kindness and courage even when no one else will! Leaders stand up for others and stay true to what they believe in. I've caught myself ... read more

Classroom Reindeer Party Ideas

Hi teachers! I wanted to stop by with some adorable ideas for your classroom Winter party! :) This year, as I'm staying home to focus on my family and volunteering, I get to help out with Liam's classroom parties! Liam (my sweet little brother) is in 2nd grade and always has the most amazing teachers that plan such fun activities and engaging lessons for them! Yesterday was their class party and ... read more

Diverse Holidays in the Classroom

Hi friends! I wanted to stop by today and share something that's super close to my heart! I've shared before but I have always taught in very diverse schools. My first school was 95% Hispanic and extremely high poverty. My second school had kiddos from all over...we had tons of refugee kiddos, families who came from India, Pakistan, Iraq, Africa, and so many other places. Some of my families were ... read more

Guided Reading Essentials

Hi friends! I just wanted to stop by tonight and share some of my favorite resources for Guided Reading! I've said before, and I'll say it again! I think Guided Reading is one of the most important parts of our day and also one of the most overwhelming! I wanted to provide some simple tools and tips for you to implement it most effectively! :)             I've broken this post down into a few ... read more

Promoting Great Character in the Classroom

Happy Sunday! I wanted to stop by today and share a bit about promoting and rewarding great character in the classroom! As I have been working hard on my Character Curriculum, I've been trying to think of ways to encourage our kiddos that are practicing the things we are teaching! Just like we praise their math thinking or handwriting, it's important to praise the choices they are making! I ... read more

Free Writing Graphic Organizer

Hi friends! I wanted to stop by with a quick but helpful little freebie! Today, I was able to go back to my old school and pull several small groups! I mostly did guided reading groups, but a 2nd grade teacher asked me to work with her kiddos on organizing their writing. They are working on small moments, and her sweet writers are having a hard time coming up with a beginning, middle, and ... read more

Respectful Conversations with Students

Hi friends! I am so excited to announce that I just finished Empathy in my Character Education Curriculum! It is my favorite packet so far, and I totally believe in the activities and discussions your students will have! As I was writing this curriculum, I was thinking about having empathy for my students. How often have I NOT taken into account their situation, their day, their ... read more

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