Teaching With Haley O'Connor

Let's build a better world together-one classroom at a time!

3 Things I Learned As A New Mom

On June 11, 2018 our worlds changed forever. I went to the hospital thinking they’d send us right home…we still had a month left of my pregnancy and I was able to talk through most of my contractions.  But just a few minutes later the nurse told us my water had ruptured and we would be leaving the hospital with our baby girl.  About 18 hours later, our sweet Everly Kate entered the world in the ... read more

Child Abuse Awareness Month

Did you know April is Child Abuse Awareness Month? I didn't until recently, and am so thankful such an important topic is being given news and media coverage! Personally, I wish everyday was Child Abuse Awareness Day...it's truly that prevalent! In honor of this important month, I wanted to share some important information for teachers about identifying victims, supporting them, and some general ... read more

Teaching in Dubai {What’s It Really Like}

Several months ago, one of my best friends and I posted this little freebie to hang outside classroom doors. Even though a poster "is just a poster" we wanted to do something small to help teachers make all students feel included! The vertical one is in my store here and the horizontal one is in Jessica's store here. A few weeks later, an amazing teacher named Lauren commented on my Instagram ... read more

Teachers Pay Teachers for Schools

Today I wanted to share a story about my first year teaching. I was hired to teach 3rd grade at a title 1 school in the same district I graduated from. I was SO excited to start this new journey, and couldn't wait to meet my students. I would be teaching ESL at a Dual Language campus. That meant that there were 7 3rd grade classrooms. 6 teachers were paired off in English/Spanish and shared two ... read more

Teaching Honesty in the Classroom

Have you ever had a student tell a lie to get out of trouble? Or tell a story to impress their friends? I think lying is something ALL children try out a time or two. Most of our students will have heard an adult say "be honest!" or "tell the truth." Unfortunately though, most children have never had someone discuss the importance of being trustworthy...or the effects of being dishonest. I am a ... read more

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

Latest on Pinterest

  • Get a year's worth of editable classroom newsletters! It is full of 115 adorable and eye-catching newsletters that you can send out weekly or monthly! | printable classroom newsletter, printable class newsletter, editable class newsletter, editable classroom newsletter, class newsletter templates, classroom newsletter templates, 5th grade newsletter, school newsletter, class newsletter template, school newsletter ideas, newsletter for teachers, newsletter ideas
  • Books about Jewish Holidays
  • This 275-page packet includes centers, activities, word lists and printables to teach vowel teams and dipthongs in your kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade classrooms! These games and activities are the perfect addition to your phonics instruction and can be used as a class activity or as literacy centers.
  • Holidays around the world is the perfect way to promote diversity and acceptance! This packet includes teacher discussion questions and prompts for 6 of my favorite holiday read alouds. I've also included printables for after reading to reinforce retelling, comprehension, and writing. These read alouds and comprehension activities talk about Hanukkah traditions and fun facts about the holiday.
  • Kwanzaa is a secular festival that observes and celebrates the cultural heritage and traditional values of African Americans. Kwanzaa takes …
  • Guided reading is one of the most powerful times of the day, and I wanted to make sure teachers had simple and effective tools at their fingertips to use! | guided reading survival kit, guided reading elementary, first grade guided reading, elementary guided reading, guided reading groups, guided reading first grade, guided reading activities, guided reading ideas, guided reading for first grade, guided reading organization
  • Before students are ready to talk about things like self-control and mindfulness, they need to be comfortable talking about their feelings. Kindness is a great place to start your social-emotional curriculum and I'm excited to share some of my favorite ideas with you! | lessons on kindness, kindness in the classroom, how to teach kindness, kindness lesson plans, character lessons #kindnesslessons #growthmindset #characterlessons
  • easy ramadan crafts for children, eid crafts for kids
  • Many of us have seen the infamous elephant toothpaste experiment before. But, have you ever considered turning that into a social-emotional lesson for the beginning of the school year? Check out my ideas for turning this exciting recipe for science fun
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