11 Fun Ways to Help Students Track Print While Reading

Tracking print is an essential early literacy skill that helps students connect spoken words to written words. When students learn to track text from left to right and match one spoken word to one written word, they build the foundation for fluent reading.

Here are 11 fresh and fun ways to practice tracking print in your classroom:

1. Finger Tracking

The simplest method—students use their own finger to follow along under each word as they read. 

2. Use a Reading Pointer

Craft sticks, straws, or coffee stirrers can double as reading wands. Switching up the tool keeps students engaged.

3. Point with Seasonal or Fun Items

Take tracking up a notch with playful, themed items! Think Halloween monster (or witch) fingers, Christmas candy canes, Valentine’s Day pencils, or even lemonade stirrers in the spring. Kids will look forward to using them!

4. Highlight Strips or Rulers

Transparent strips or rulers placed under the text help students keep their place and focus on one line at a time.

5. Echo Reading

Model good print tracking by reading a line while pointing to each word. Students then echo it back, following along with their own finger or pointer.

6. Choral Reading

Read aloud together as a group while tracking with fingers. This helps reinforce rhythm, pacing, and directionality.

7. Word Windows

Create a card with a cut-out “window” so only one word shows at a time. This is a great tool for emerging readers who need extra focus.

8. Bookmarks

Students use bookmarks to keep their place. Students can use the corner or place the ruler under the line of text. They may enjoy decorating their bookmark!

9. Tracking with Technology

Many e-books highlight words as they are read aloud. These digital supports can be excellent for visual reinforcement.

10. Partner Reading

Pair students up! One student tracks the words while the other reads aloud. Then they switch roles.

11. Whisper Reading

Students point and read in a whisper voice (or squeaky voice or whatever voice you can tolerate!)

Consider using these ideas with shorter passages. Rotate tools and ideas to keep your students engaged. 

With faith and friendship,

Following Directions: The Secret Ingredient for a Successful Classroom

Whether it’s lining up quietly, getting materials ready, or transitioning between subjects, students need to hear, process, and act on instructions many times throughout the day. Following directions isn’t just a classroom management tool—it’s a life skill! 

Why Students May Struggle with Directions

Even the most well-meaning students sometimes miss steps. This can happen when:

• Instructions are too long and overwhelm young learners.

• Students are distracted or not actively listening.

• They need more processing time before beginning a task.

• They’re still learning routines at the beginning of the school year.

The key is to provide clear, consistent instructional strategies and opportunities for practice:

Model First 

Show students what the directions look like before asking them to try. A quick demonstration saves time in the long run.

Chunk Instructions

Instead of giving five steps at once, break them into smaller parts. “Take out your notebook. Then write today’s date.”

Repeat or Rephrase

Ask a student to repeat the directions back in their own words. This ensures they’ve heard and understood.

Use Visuals

Post step-by-step directions on the board or use icons for common tasks (scissors for cutting, pencil for writing, etc.).

Practice Playfully

Turn following directions into a game so students stay engaged while building this essential skill.

Fun Ways to Practice Following Directions:

The best way to build listening and direction-following skills is through practice—and practice doesn’t have to feel like work! Some classroom favorites include:

Simon Says with a Twist

Add academic prompts: “Simon says hop three times and then name a synonym for happy.”

Crafts and Projects

Activities with multiple steps are perfect for practicing careful listening.

Following Directions Games

Students play short, engaging games where they listen carefully and respond quickly. They have fun while strengthening an essential classroom skill.

These activities get kids moving, listening, and laughing while practicing a skill they’ll use every single day:

When students learn to listen carefully and respond appropriately, they build independence, confidence, and responsibility. The good news? Like reading and math, following directions is a skill that can be taught, modeled, and practiced. 

With faith and friendship,

A Simple Classroom Economy That Actually Works

Classroom management can feel like one of the trickiest parts of teaching. We want our students to feel motivated, responsible, and engaged—but we also don’t want to spend hours setting up complicated systems. That’s where a simple classroom economy comes in.

A classroom economy is essentially a reward-and-responsibility system that teaches students accountability while keeping your classroom running smoothly. The best part? It doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective.

Here’s a no-stress way to get started:

Pick Your Currency

You can use tickets, play money, or even just a simple point system on the board. Don’t overthink it—the “money” doesn’t have to be fancy to be fun.

Decide How Students Earn It

Choose just a few behaviors to focus on. For example:

• Following directions the first time

• Showing kindness to classmates

• Staying on task during work time

• Keeping the classroom clean

Keep the list short so students remember, and so you don’t feel like you’re tracking a million things.

Set Up Rewards

Rewards don’t need to cost you money! Students can “spend” their classroom cash on things like:

• Sit by a friend

• Use a special pen or marker for the day

• 5 minutes of extra recess or computer time

• Teacher’s helper job

• Lunch with the teacher

Simple, free choices often become the most popular.

Keep It Fresh

Even the best systems can get stale if you don’t switch them up every once in a while. Here are a few ideas to keep your classroom economy exciting all year:

Theme Weeks: For example, “Back to School Bucks” in September, “Holiday Cash” in December, or “Springtime Savings” in April. A quick rename and new clip art can breathe life into the same system.

Special Auctions or Stores: Once a month, hold a classroom “store” or mini-auction where students can spend their saved-up earnings on bigger rewards.

Surprise Rewards: Every now and then, add a mystery reward option—students love the suspense!

Why It Works

This type of classroom economy is:

• Easy to manage for busy teachers

• Teaches responsibility and decision-making

• Encourages positive behaviors without constant nagging

• Flexible—you can scale it up or down based on your class needs

If you’re looking for a ready-to-go option to save time, I have a Classroom Economy resource on TpT that includes printable money, reward coupons, student tracking sheets, and more! Everything is designed to keep things simple and stress-free for you. You can also purchase each of the items individually to fit your needs!

With faith and friendship,

Monica

7 Creative Ways to Motivate Middle Grade Readers

Motivating middle grade students to read can sometimes feel like a challenge. With so many distractions competing for their attention, books don’t always make the top of their list. But with the right strategies, you can help students rediscover the joy of reading. Here are 7 engaging ways to motivate your middle grade readers!

1. Reading Buddies

Pair up students so they can share stories together. Buddies can take turns reading aloud, summarize chapters for each other, or even quiz one another on details. The social aspect makes reading feel more like a shared adventure.

2. Guest Readers

Invite parents, other teachers, or even community members to come in and read a favorite book or short story. Middle graders love seeing familiar adults in a new light—and it’s always fun when the principal shows up with a silly picture book!

3. Author Visits

Nothing excites young readers more than meeting the creator behind their favorite stories. Whether in person or virtual, author visits give students the chance to ask questions, learn about the writing process, and see that authors are real people just like them.

4. Book Clubs

Give students a voice in choosing books for small reading groups. Book clubs create accountability, encourage discussion, and help students discover new genres. You can make it extra fun by providing snacks, cozy seating, or themed activities related to the book.

5. Reading Challenges

Turn reading into a game! Create punch card bookmarks, track books in a class jar, or set up milestone prizes for completed books. A little gamification can go a long way with middle graders.

6. Choice & Ownership

Let students pick their own books whenever possible. Graphic novels, biographies, magazines, and audiobooks all count as reading. When students feel ownership over what they’re reading, their motivation naturally increases.

7. Special Reading Events

Host a Flashlight Friday, a classroom reading picnic, or even build a cardboard “reading clubhouse” where students can read inside for a few minutes at a time. Simple changes in the routine make reading feel exciting again.

Teacher Corner: Start a Teacher Book Club 📖

If we want our students to be lifelong readers, it helps for them to see us modeling a love of books. One fun way to do this is to start a teacher book club at your school! Not only will you stay motivated as a reader yourself, but you’ll also build community with your colleagues.

Here are 3 ideas to get your teacher book club started:

Genre Rotation – Rotate genres each month (mystery, historical fiction, memoir, etc.) so everyone gets a chance to explore something new.

Snack & Story Night – Combine your meeting with a potluck snack night for a cozy, bookish get-together.

Lunch or Winery Meetings – Host your book club at a favorite lunch spot (inservice days may work well), or plan an evening gathering at a local winery for a relaxing, grown-up twist.

How I Afford My Teacher Book Club Books 💡

I use the Ibotta app to earn cash back on my everyday grocery shopping, and then I use that money to purchase my teacher book club books with Amazon gift cards. It’s a fun way to treat myself guilt-free!

👉 Check out Ibotta here – my affiliate link

After I finish the books, I sell them through Sell Your Books, which gives me a little extra money to put toward the book club meeting. 🍷😋

👉 Check out Sell Your Books here – Not an affiliate link

With the right mix of creativity, social connection, and ownership, middle grade readers can develop a lifelong love of books—and you might find yourself more inspired to read right alongside them!

🎒 5 Must-Dos and 5 May-Dos Before Heading Back to School

Whether you're sipping your final iced coffee of summer or already knee-deep in laminating, the back-to-school season has a way of sneaking up fast! Here's a simple list of 5 must-dos and 5 may-dos — to help you focus on what really matters and start the year feeling confident and calm.

✏️ 5 Must-Dos Before Back to School

These are the non-negotiables. Taking care of these will make your first week go smoother and set the tone for a strong school year.

1. Prep Your First Week Plans

You don’t need to plan the whole semester, but having your first few days mapped out allows you to focus on building relationships, teaching routines, and setting expectations.

2. Set Up Your Classroom Basics

Get the essentials in place: bulletin boards, student name tags, seating, supply areas. This helps students feel welcome and ready to learn on day one.

3. Review IEPs, 504s, & Class Lists

Take time to understand your students’ needs ahead of time so you can start supporting them right away.

4. Check Tech & Logins

Make sure your classroom tech is working and you’re able to access your district platforms, gradebook, and learning management system.

5. Rest & Reset

Don’t underestimate this one! Prioritize rest, movement, sunshine, or whatever fills your cup. A calm, centered teacher is a gift to every classroom.

🌟 5 May-Dos to Start the Year Strong

1. Prep a Go-To Outfit

Laying out your first day outfit takes one decision off your plate — and helps you start the year feeling confident and pulled together.

Still looking for that perfect back-to-school teacher look? Find some great additions to your wardrobe on Poshmark! (affiliate link + sign-up bonus for you and me)

2. Stock Your Teacher Emergency Kit

Tuck away a few personal essentials in your desk or bag — lip balm, hand lotion, deodorant, extra snacks, breath mints, and whatever keeps you feeling human at 2 p.m.

3. Draft a Parent Welcome Letter

This is a great way to introduce yourself, share classroom expectations, and invite parent communication from the start.

4. Treat Yourself to a Back-to-School Read

Choose a motivational PD book or just a fun novel to spark your brain and remind you why you love to learn, too.

5. Schedule a Fun Night Out (or In!)

Celebrate the new year your way — dinner with friends, a solo movie night, or a relaxing evening doing nothing. You’ve earned it.

By taking care of your must-dos and sprinkling in a few may-dos, you’ll feel ready, refreshed, and excited to meet your new students.

With faith and friendship,

5 Meaningful and Easy Ideas for Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Vacation Bible School is such a special time for kids to grow in faith, build friendships, and have fun!

Whether you're planning a weeklong program at church or helping out with activities at home, here are 5 easy and meaningful ideas to bring your VBS theme to life:

1. Prayer Beach Ball

Grab a beach ball and write a prayer prompt on each color section (like “Thank God for something,” “Pray for someone who is sick,” or “Say something you love about Jesus”). Toss it around, and wherever a child’s thumb lands, that’s the prayer prompt they share!

2. Faith Walk Obstacle Course

Set up a simple obstacle course and have kids try it with and without blindfolds. Use this activity to talk about trusting God to guide us—even when we can’t see the whole path. It’s active, memorable, and ties beautifully into Bible stories about faith.

3. Snack with a Scripture

Turn snack time into a learning moment by attaching short Bible verses to juice boxes or snack bags. Kids can read the verse aloud before eating. It’s a simple way to reinforce the daily message.

4. Jesus Saves Craft (TpT Resource)

This easy-to-assemble craft is a great way for kids to remember that Jesus is our Savior. Kids can decorate it with bright colors, add a photo, and keep it as a reminder of their VBS experience. Perfect for ages 6–10 and simple to prep for a group!

5. Fruits of the Spirit Craft (TpT Resource)

This colorful, hands-on activity helps students reflect on the Fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more! Great for a small group or individual station, this craft includes simple cut-and-paste pieces and thoughtful writing prompts.

VBS is about more than just fun—it’s about planting seeds of faith. These simple activities can make the experience even more meaningful and memorable for kids of all ages.

Looking for more easy-prep Christian crafts? You can find the Jesus Saves Craft,  the Fruits of the Spirit Craft, and more in my TpT store!

Wishing you a joyful and faith-filled summer! 🌞✝️

With faith and friendship,

7 Free Things Teachers Can Do on TpT This Summer

Summer is a well-earned time to relax, recharge, and maybe even catch up on a few things you didn’t have time for during the school year. If you’re popping onto Teachers Pay Teachers over break, there are plenty of productive things you can do without spending a dime. Here are some free ways to make the most of your TpT time this summer!

1. Leave Feedback to Earn Credits

Before you start buying anything new, check your My Purchases tab and leave feedback on past resources. TpT gives you credits for every review, which you can apply toward future purchases. It's a quick and easy way to save money—plus, you’re helping out fellow teacher-authors by sharing your thoughts!

2. Search for High-Quality Freebies

TpT is full of amazing free resources! Take some time to search for freebies that will work all year long. Think graphic organizers, classroom management tools, writing prompts, math games—there are so many gems out there. Bonus tip: Once you find them, save them into organized folders on your device or Google Drive so you can grab them quickly when school starts back up.

3. Follow New Sellers

Summer is a great time to explore! As you're browsing, keep an eye out for sellers who match your grade level, teaching style, or curriculum. When you follow a seller, you’ll get updates when they post new products or sales. Some sellers even offer follower freebies or sneak peeks!

4. Build Your Wishlist

Wishlisting now means quicker shopping during the next big TpT sale. Browse your favorite categories and add resources you might want to grab before the year begins. It's like creating your own personalized teacher shopping guide.

5. Organize Your TpT Resources

If you’re anything like me, you’ve downloaded a ton of amazing resources that you haven’t quite filed yet. Take an hour or two to sort through your TpT files and set up folders by subject, month, or standard. Future you will thank you during the school year!

6. Join a TpT Email List or Facebook Group

Many TpT sellers have free email newsletters or teacher Facebook groups where they share tips, freebies, and classroom ideas. Joining a few of these over the summer can be a fun, low-key way to stay inspired and connect with other teachers.

7. Leave Questions for Sellers

If you’ve downloaded something and aren’t sure how to use it, don’t be shy—ask the seller a question! It’s free, and most sellers are more than happy to help you get the most out of their resources.

Summer is your time—whether you’re diving into professional development or just poking around TpT for inspiration. These ideas can help you save money, stay organized, and be ready for a fresh start in the fall… all without spending a single cent.