How to Use a Reading Response Journal

(Without Getting “It Was Good”)

Do you want your students to really love a book? Engage with a story? Deepen their own writing? Maybe even grow into stronger writers?

You already build community every time your students laugh at the same line, hold their breath at the same moment, or sigh at a story’s end. A Reading Response Journal (RRJ) just gives that community a place to live on paper — a spot for their thoughts, connections, and questions to take shape.

A Reading Response Journal isn’t one more thing to grade. It’s a bridge — a gentle structure that helps students reflect, write, and talk about books in real, meaningful ways. Think of it as an ongoing conversation between a reader, a story, and a teacher who believes their words matter.

If you’ve ever collected a stack of reading responses that all said “It was good,” you know the struggle. You want students to think about books — not just finish them. The RRJ gives you a simple routine that nurtures deeper thinking without adding hours of grading.

Start with the Story

Choose a read-aloud that invites reflection — one that stirs emotion or memory.

A favorite of mine is The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant. The story opens with:

“In a rainbow-colored station wagon that smelled like a real car, the relatives came.”

Even that first line holds a feeling — a sensory image that makes you smile.

Before you even read on, ask:

• Have you ever traveled to visit family or had relatives come to visit you?

• Was it crazy? chaotic? loud and full of love?

• Who did you visit — grandparents, cousins? What do you remember most?

Let them share their stories. Then wonder together:

• What might happen in this book?

• What moments might the author include?

And then simply say, “Excellent. Let’s read.”

When you start a read-aloud this way, you’re inviting students into the story before the first page even turns. You’re building connection and conversation right from the start.

Why We Read Aloud

Read-alouds aren’t filler — they’re foundation. They let every child experience the magic of reading without the pressure of decoding. They create shared experiences that knit a class together and build a community of readers.

You can read aloud to:

1. Enjoy the story together.

2. Let students hear the rhythm and beauty of language.

3. Make personal connections — the heart of an RRJ.

4. Study how an author writes — turning stories into mentor texts.

5. Learn something new about people, places, or life itself.

And here’s the truth: better readers become better writers, and better writers become better readers. The more your students connect with stories, the more they’ll notice how writers think — and the more they’ll want to write like that themselves.

Model the Response

When you first introduce the RRJ, try not to just say, “Write about it.”
They don’t yet know what that means. So, show them.

Before class, write a short response of your own. Then share your process aloud:

“When I read The Relatives Came, I remembered sitting on my great-grandmother’s porch swing. It was always so hot, and everyone sat close together, just happy to be near each other. Sometimes the insects went quiet, and we’d hear the soft hum from the flowers and bushes around the yard. It felt like magic — just being together.”

Then explain what you did:

• I picked my favorite part because it brought back a feeling and a memory.

• You don’t have to love every story — your response is about what it meant to you.

• Sometimes a connection is what turns a story into a memory that sticks.

You’re not grading here; you’re modeling thinking — and conversation.

Invite Students to Write and Share

Once you’ve modeled, invite them to write. Offer choices: a favorite part, a least favorite part, or a connection (text-to-self, text-to-text, or text-to-world).

Encourage them to set up their journal entries like this:

• Title

• Author

• Star Rating (1–5)

• Connection Type — circle one: Text-to-Self / Text-to-Text / Text-to-World

After they write, let them talk. Pair students up to share an excerpt or favorite line. Every writer — even a brand-new one — wants to be heard.

This is where the magic happens.
One student’s thought can spark another’s. One idea can make someone think differently.

This is how you help kids talk and think like writers.

Use Rubrics & Checklists as Gentle Guides

A simple checklist turns expectations into empowerment. Try one that includes:

• Effort: I listened to instructions and stayed on task.

• Conventions: My spelling and grammar make sense.

• Meaning: I explained my thoughts instead of writing “It was good.”

• Connection Type: I circled the type of connection I made.

Invite students to self-score and even peer-score. Let them sign both names on the rubric.

When students learn to reflect on their own writing, they start to understand why writing matters — and that’s the real win.

Choosing the Right Books

Not every book needs a deep response. Some are just plain fun — and that’s okay!

But for RRJ moments, choose stories that reach for something deeper:

• The Relatives Came — warmth, family, belonging

• The Gardener by Sarah Stewart — resilience, beauty, and hope

You want stories that make your students say, “That reminded me of…” or “I wonder why the author chose that ending.”

Those are the conversations that grow readers and writers.

Give Space for Thinking Time

You don’t have to expect a written response the same day you read. Sometimes it helps to wait. Tell your students, “I like to let a story sit with me overnight. I think about it when I’m doing other things.”

Then, when they’re ready, add the book to your reading or ELA center. Let them reread it before writing their response. That small pause gives them freedom — and takes away the pressure to perform.

Closing: Building a Community of Thinkers and Writers

When you use reading response journals this way, you’re not assigning more work. You’re building a community of thinkers and writers — students who talk about books, listen to each other, and connect ideas across texts and lives.

You’re showing them that their voices belong in the conversation.
That their opinions matter.
That stories connect us all.

Reading response journals help students see themselves as part of a community — where connection leads to conversation, and conversation leads to growth.

And journaling doesn’t have to stop there.
If you want to keep nurturing that habit of reflection and voice, you might also try using a Morning Positivity Journal to start the day. It helps students begin with gratitude, confidence, and calm — a few mindful moments that remind them their words can shape their day.

Or explore a Nature Journal, where students capture what they notice outdoors — a sound, a leaf, a color, a change in the sky. It’s another kind of listening: paying attention to the world and to themselves.

Each of these journals serves a different purpose, but together they strengthen something bigger — the practice of noticing, reflecting, and finding your own voice.

You’re already creating that space every day.
The journal just helps you capture the magic.

The post How to Use a Reading Response Journal appeared first on Help Writers Grow.

How to Use Read-Alouds to Strengthen Student Writing

The post Use Read-Alouds to Grow Writers appeared first on Help Writers Grow.

The Power of Writing Portfolios in the Classroom

A writing portfolio is a collection of a student’s work. This collection highlights their growth, strengths, and areas for improvement. These portfolios can include various writing samples from all different types of writing and subject areas. The ultimate goal is to have students see this portfolio as their visual learning journey. They are the ones (with guidance) who should decide what to include. They will have pieces that show their struggles and how they overcame them, pieces that they are proud of, and maybe even a writing piece or two where they failed and are still working to overcome. This variety of work reflects authentic learning and helps students understand that every part of their journey matters.

Writing portfolios shouldn’t be just a collection of perfect work assignments chosen by the teacher or student and shoved into a folder, never to be seen again. Portfolios should be an ever-expanding collection that students add to regularly. Valuable portfolios will have self-reflections attached to the samples that show evidence of the student’s evaluation of their work.

Benefits of Writing Portfolios

1. Highlights Growth: Portfolios provide a clear record of a student’s progress. Comparing early samples with recent ones helps teachers and students see how far they’ve come.
2. Encourages Self-Reflection: Regularly reviewing and selecting pieces for their portfolio encourages students to think critically about their work and identify their strengths and areas for improvement.
3. Promotes Ownership: Portfolios give students ownership of their learning process. They take responsibility for their growth as writers by selecting pieces to include.
4. Supports Goal-Setting: Portfolios provide a solid foundation for setting and revisiting writing goals, helping students focus on specific skills or strategies they want to develop.
5. Prepares for the Future: Writing portfolios can be valuable for future academic or professional opportunities, showcasing a student’s abilities and dedication.

How to Implement Writing Portfolios in the Classroom

1. Set Clear Expectations:  Begin by explaining the purpose of the portfolio and outlining what types of work should be included. Model these expectations. Show examples of how you have used portfolios for your growth. Providing a rubric or checklist can help guide students. Even better, create a rubric or checklist together as a class on what could be seen as a valuable portfolio contribution.
2. Start Small: Introduce the concept of portfolios gradually. Begin with a few key pieces and expand as students become more comfortable with the process. Don’t wait until the end of the year to create a portfolio. Help your students recognize the importance of one by allowing them time to create and develop their portfolios. Be open to the idea that their portfolios will grow in directions you may not have foreseen.
3. Incorporate Reflection: Include reflection prompts for each piece, such as “What do you like best about this work?” or “What would you change if you revised it?” With younger students, be conscious that the reflection should be somewhat easy. A reflection should not be seen as a punishment. Page-long reflection requirements could make younger students avoid using their portfolios at all.
4. Make It Collaborative: Hold conferences to review portfolios, discuss progress, and set goals. This personal interaction reinforces the importance of the process. Peer conferences, teacher-student conferences, and even whole group discussions empower your young learners and add new value to their portfolios.
5. Celebrate Achievements: Dedicate time for students to share their portfolios with peers or families. This builds confidence and fosters a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Could you allow students to decide what they want to celebrate? This can easily be added to your writing fairs and parent-teacher conferences. This celebration helps students see their work as valuable and motivates them to keep growing.

Ideas You Can Use for Portfolio Content

• First Drafts and Final Drafts: Allow students to show how they used the revision process and highlight the improvements they added to the published piece.
• Creative Writing Pieces: The class will love to add poems, short stories, or plays that they have written in class. Portfolios are the perfect safe place for published student work after it has finished its round in the reading center or wall display. A photo of a play or student-created prop can be a fun addition, too.
• Discussion Questions: Don’t forget extended answers from math, social studies, or reading tests that ask for explanations or student thoughts. (This area is heavily scored in state testing, and time for scoring and self-reflection throughout the year can benefit all learners.)
• Personal Reflections: Students may want to add journal entries, or reading response prompts that they are proud of or consider important.
• Multimedia Projects: Students can include digital writing, photos of class projects with included evaluations, and even group projects. (Think about adding self-evaluation and team evaluations to these projects.)
• Self-Assessments: Encourage students to evaluate their progress. Even keeping goal-setting sheets and assessment data helps highlight the progress over time.

“Writing portfolios are more than a collection of work—they’re a celebration of each student’s unique journey, fostering growth, reflection, and pride.”

Tips for Success

• Set Regular Checkpoints: Schedule periodic reviews that allow your students to keep their portfolios up-to-date.
• Be Flexible: Allow students to personalize their portfolios, making them as creative or straightforward as they like. Consider allowing time when you introduce portfolios for students to design and create their covers with a personal motivating quote and drawings of their favorite things. (Consider avoiding crayons, as the wax can transfer and smudge!) Remember it isn’t what is important to you, but what is important to them. Encourage your young learners to make additions to their portfolios whenever they choose.
• Highlight Milestones: Students should include pieces that represent significant growth or achievements and maybe even times they didn’t grow like they thought they should. We all learn more from our failures than our successes.
• Make Portfolios Accessible: Think about where you will keep the portfolios. (Not at their desks—desks eat student portfolios—seriously). Make it easy for both you and your students to get to. A lower file cabinet drawer where they can be alphabetized and each portfolio has its hanging folder works well to accommodate student work.

Final Thoughts

Writing portfolios are more than just a collection of work; they’re a celebration of a student’s journey as a writer. By incorporating portfolios into your classroom, you create opportunities for meaningful reflection and provide a foundation for goal-setting and personal growth. Furthermore, whether digital or physical, these portfolios empower students to take pride in their progress and develop a deeper appreciation for the art of writing.

P.S. Moreover, portfolios are perfect to pull out and use at the end of the year as another point of reference for your students. For instance, they can help students create their summer success goals, reflect on their year, or envision their future learning with a vision board.

 

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How to Use Journals to Inspire Growth and Creativity in Your Classroom

Have you ever wished there was a way to quickly capture every student’s growth, creativity, and understanding in your classroom?   A way that didn’t include another scored test?   Something that you could use as data points, part of their work portfolio, and an actual representation of their understanding and abilities?

It’s Journals!

Imagine this: Students start their day with a quiet moment of reflection, writing down their goals and dreams.   Later, they use journals to explore a math problem from a new perspective, connect deeply with a character in a book, or sketch out their understanding of a science concept.   These journals become a living record of their learning journey, showcasing their progress, creativity, and individuality.

Why Use Journals in the Classroom?

Journals are more than just notebooks; they are powerful tools for learning and self-expression.

With journals, you can:

1. Track Growth Over Time: Journals provide a tangible record of student progress.As students flip through the pages, they can see how their thought processes, writing skills, and understanding of concepts evolve throughout the year.   It’s an incredible way to celebrate their growth.
2. Encourage Reflection and Critical Thinking: Journals encourage students to pause and reflect.Whether they’re responding to a thought-provoking question, analyzing a story, or solving a challenging math problem, journals give students the space to organize their thoughts and develop critical thinking skills.
3. Foster a Love for Writing and Creativity: Journals provide a safe space for students to experiment with their ideas, without the pressure of getting everything perfect.Writing journals can nurture a love for writing and creativity and boost their confidence in sharing their unique perspectives.
4. Support Differentiated Learning: Journals can be adapted to meet the diverse needs of your classroom.For younger students, consider pairing written entries with illustrations or using audio recordings.   For reluctant writers, provide prompts or sentence starters to help them get started.   Journals can evolve with your students and their needs.

Types of Journals and How to Use Them

Interested in using journals in the classroom?

These are some journal suggestions that are easily implemented in the classroom:

Morning Journal.

Start the day with positivity!Use this journal for students to set daily goals, reflect on a motivational quote, or jot down what they are grateful for.   Focusing on improving or staying productive can help set a positive tone for the day and build a mindset geared toward growth and success.

Or, with limited time in the morning, try a weekly journal that incorporates all of the above and sprinkles it across the five days.  Hence, students can still participate in a daily journal with more guided intention in a shorter time (check out this one).

Reading Response Journal.

Create a space where students can respond to texts they read: storybooks or assigned readings. Encourage them to make personal connections, analyze characters, or jot down questions.   This journal becomes a repository of their literary reflections and deepens their engagement with texts.

Reading response journals helps students make multiple connections to one text.   From the text to other similar stories or movies, from the text to happenings in the world, or even to make connections to themselves and their own lives.

Writing Journal or Draft Book.

Use this journal as a space for students to experiment with their writing. It’s perfect for rough drafts, brainstorming, and practicing different writing styles.   By keeping all their drafts in one place, students can easily revisit and revise their work.

If students date their entries, you and your students have an authentic example of student growth and ability.

Science Journal.

Transform your students into young scientists! Encourage them to record observations, explain concepts, and write about experiments.   This journal helps students think critically and document their learning process in science.

Math Journal.

Give students a voice in math! Use this journal for problem-solving, explaining their reasoning, and even setting up dialogues about mathematical concepts.  They can share their work with classmates, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding.

Quick Start Guide for Implementing Journals

Here’s a simple guide to get started with journals in your classroom:

• • Choose One Journal Type: Start with the type of journal that aligns best with your current goals, such as a morning journal or reading response journal.
  • Set Clear Expectations: Explain to students how and when they’ll use their journals, and what you expect from their entries.Take the time to model writing an entry, even do it together as a group.   Share your thought processes out loud so students see and hear your thinking.   Practice the first couple together and take the time to discuss and reflect on what makes it a powerful entry (or not) and how to make it better.
  • Provide Prompts or Examples: Kickstart their writing with engaging prompts, sentence starters, or examples of what their entries might look like.Students who are just beginning can rarely write independently without guidance on where to start.   Keep the frustration from setting in by providing sentence starters, guiding questions, or prompts that students can choose to use as they write.

• • Create a Routine: Build journaling into your daily or weekly schedule to make it a consistent habit.Make sure to practice and that children know the expectations.  Then, some journal writing activities can transition to centers or independent work.
  • Encourage Creativity: Let students personalize their journals with colors, doodles, or sketch notes to make them their own.
  • Reflect and Share: Provide time for students to share their journals with peers or reflect on their entries to deepen their learning.Students can share their thoughts with others.   Remember that responses from others can always be included in sticky notes on the pages to keep the journal as a keeper of only the student’s thoughts and work.

Tips for Getting Started

If you’re new to using journals, start small.   Choose one type of journal that aligns with your current teaching goals and implement it consistently.   Set clear expectations for students about how and when to use their journals.   Build routines gradually, and as you see success, consider adding other types of journals to your classroom.

Weekly Teacher-Student Journals

Consider implementing a weekly journal exchange where students write letters to you, sharing their thoughts, questions, or reflections.   Write back with encouragement and feedback.   This back-and-forth communication fosters strong teacher-student connections and can even include community-building comments from peers.

A Note on Journal Use

Journals should primarily reflect student thoughts and writing.   Avoid filling them with preprinted worksheets or cut-and-paste activities.   Instead, please encourage students to use their journals as a repository of their thinking and understanding, showcasing their learning journey.

Encouraging Community Sharing

To foster a sense of classroom community, consider creating opportunities for students to share their journal entries with their peers.   This sharing of ideas could be through small-group discussions, partner work, or even a class journal where students collaborate on shared ideas.   These activities enhance communication skills and help build trust and collaboration among students.

The Power of Sketchnotes

Enhance the effectiveness of your academic journals by introducing sketchnotes.   Combining visual elements like drawings and diagrams with written notes can help students process and retain information more effectively.   Sketchnotes are particularly useful for subjects like science and social studies, where concepts can be complex.

Conclusion

Journals are powerful tools that empower students to express themselves, think critically, and grow academically.

When used correctly, they add a new dimension to students’ growth and understanding.   So, when you introduce different types of journals, you encourage creativity.  You give your students a magical space to explore their potential and shine.   Let their journals be a testament to their growth and an essential part of their learning journey!

Journals are awesome!

Consider introducing your students to the amazing world of nature with a Nature Journal.

Or allow students to track their own growth of their writing fluency with this Writing Fluency resource.

Teacher Friend.  Thank you for shining your light on your students.  Continue sharing your magic with the world.  The world needs you.

The post Use Journals in the Elementary Classroom appeared first on Help Writers Grow.

Put some zing back into your classroom instruction and consider adding in a study of Fairy Tales.  Chances are you have forgotten the magic and imagination that went along with fairy tales.  Fairy tales are so much more than stories covered in pink and reserved only for little girls who want to play princess.

These timeless stories can captivate even upper elementary students.  You have intrigue, scheming, fierce creatures, and brave heroes all wrapped up in the pretty bow of a fairy tale. Whether looking for a meaningful two-to-three-week unit before winter break or a high-interest topic during state testing, a fairy tale unit is the perfect way to combine fun and learning with classic tales that span generations.

Keep reading for actionable tips, creative ideas, and a suggested timeline to quickly and easily create an enjoyable fairy tale experience for you and your students.

Step 1: Immerse your classroom in a fairy tale world.

Immediately captivate your students’ attention with a classroom set up to transform your classroom into a fairy tale haven with a few simple touches:

• Display Fairy Tale Books: Line the tables, whiteboard, or your classroom library with fairy tale storybooks. Many can be found with a simple trip to your school library. Include a mix of classic tales, newer versions, and fractured fairy tales.  This mix will ensure that all your students are interested.  Also, include books with various reading levels so your lessons can be easily scaffolded for your students who need extra support.
• Add Visuals: Hang up a themed word wall and an anchor chart outlining the elements of a fairy tale.  Decorate the classroom door so students can step into a magical place.  You can use bulletin board paper to cover your door or buy a door cover like this castle entrance.
• Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Design a “Fairy Tale Nook” where students can read, write, and immerse themselves in the magical world of these stories. (idea list below)

These small changes create an inviting space that brings the unit to life.  (How-to Make a Fairy Tale Nook is below)

Step 2: Kick Off the Unit.

Start your fairy tale journey with engaging activities:

• Take a Fairy Tale Poll:  Ask your students what they think about fairy tales:

                  What do you think of when you hear the word “fairy tale”?

                  Do you have a favorite fairy tale—or one you dislike?

                  Are fairy tales just for little kids—or even just for girls?

           Use a simple poll with a construction paper chart labeled “Do You Like Fairy Tales?” Let students write their names on sticky notes and place them under “Yes” or “No.” Revisit  

            the poll at the end of the unit to see if opinions have changed.

• Design Crests and Banners:  Since many fairy tales revolve around kingdoms, have students create their own crests or banners. These can be displayed on desks or along the walls, creating a sense of their “royal” role in the unit.

• Read an Original Fairy Tale:  Start with a traditional version of Cinderella to spark curiosity. Discuss how fairy tales began as oral stories for adults, often with harsh or dark elements. For instance, in Grimm’s version, the stepsisters cut off parts of their feet to fit the slipper.

Classroom Idea: Compare a classic version of Cinderella to a modern retelling. Discuss how the themes, characters, and lessons have evolved.

Step 3: Explore the Universal Nature of Fairy Tales.

Fairy tales exist in every culture. The first written fairy tales date back over 6000 years ago.  Additionally, there is a ‘Cinderella’ version in every culture in the world.  Introduce your students to different versions, such as:

     Yeh-Shen (China)

     Rhodopis (Egypt)

     Rough Face Girl (Algonquin)

Use a world map to mark the origins of these stories. Then, discuss: Why do so many cultures share similar stories?

Step 4: Plan a Novel Study or Read-Aloud.

Dive deeper into fairy tale themes with a chapter book like:

     Ella Enchanted – A spirited retelling of Cinderella, where Ella must overcome a magical curse of obedience to reclaim her freedom and find her voice.

     The Whispering Fog – A mysterious and atmospheric tale of friendship and courage as a group of kids unravels secrets hidden in an eerie coastal fog.

     Fairest – A captivating Snow White-inspired story about beauty, identity, and finding strength in your true self amidst a world of song and deception.

Wand – an eleven-year-old girl named Mira, who, after the loss of her father, encounters a mysterious girl offering to grant her three wishes, leading her on a journey of self-

discovery and understanding the true meaning of family.

Discuss how these novels connect to traditional fairy tales while introducing fresh ideas.

Step 5: Add Fun and Creative Activities.

Bring the magic of fairy tales to life with engaging projects:

• Mini Book Reports: Use collected storybooks to inspire quick, student-friendly book reports.
• Fairy Tale Collages: Have students create visual collages representing their favorite stories.  This makes a great independent project.
• Fairy Tale Plays: Students can write and perform one-act plays or puppet shows and perform for families, book buddies, or other classes
• Character Parade: Host a dress-up day where students come as their favorite fairy tale characters.  Increase the fun, hold this on the same day parents come in for other activities, and challenge families to dress up, too.  Hold a costume contest and encourage family-themed costume ideas.
• Write Your Own Fairy Tale: Encourage students to share their original fairy tales with younger buddies.
• Build a Fairy House: Building a fairy house as a classroom activity invites students to unleash their creativity, collaborate, and bring the magic of fairy tales to life through imaginative design and storytelling.  See this book on Real Fairy Houses

Step 6: Celebrate Fairy Tales in Style.

End your fairy tale adventure with a memorable celebration.  Invite families and plan several activities.  Ask parents to volunteer to help with the different activities.

• Fairy Tale Bingo: Review vocabulary and elements of fairy tales with a fun bingo game.
• Candy House Building: Build candy houses inspired by Hansel and Gretel. Candy houses also doubles as a festive holiday activity.
• Movie Screening: Show Shrek and challenge students (and parents) to identify all the fairy tale references in the film.

Step 7: Reflect on the Magic.

Wrap up the unit with reflective prompts or discussion:

• What surprised you most about fairy tales?
• How did your opinion of fairy tales change after this unit?
• Revisit the poll from the beginning of the unit and discuss the shifts in perspective.

Fairy tales teach timeless lessons, inspire creativity, and engage students in a way few other units can. They’re the perfect blend of fun and meaningful learning, especially during those odd time slots before holidays or testing.

Additional Resources to Help You Prepare for Your Fairy Tale Unit:

1. Preparation Checklist for Your Fairy Tale Unit:

• • Visit your library or order books in advance.
  • Prep vocabulary cards, anchor charts, and activity materials.
  • Decorate your room with a cozy nook, fairy tale posters, or themed elements.
  • Order any materials you may need.  Special books, prizes, or fairy tale props.

     2. Ways to Involve Parents in Your Fairy Tale Unit:

• • Invite them to a celebration day with plays, candy houses, and costume parades.
  • Host a parent-student Shrek movie challenge.
  • Encourage parents to participate in creating costumes or props.

     3.  DIY guide:  Create a Fairy Tale Reading Nook:

• Transform your classroom into a magical fairy tale escape with these simple, affordable DIY ideas! This guide combines decor, reading tools, ambiance, and immersive elements  to make your nook a special place for students.

• • Add Magical Ambiance
    • Fairy Lights:
    • • Wrap string lights around the edges of the nook or drape them across the top. Battery-operated options are easy to use and safe for classrooms. fairy lights
    • Lanterns:
    • • Recycle jars by covering them with tissue paper and adding a battery tea light inside. Tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar for an extra flair.  There are even make-it-yourself Fairy Lantern kits
    • DIY Magic Mirror:
    • • Use a hand mirror from a dollar store. Paint the frame gold and write “Magic Mirror” on it with permanent marker or a vinyl decal. Magic Mirror
  • Create Cozy Comfort
    • Floor Cushions or Bean Bags:
    • • Sew or stuff pillowcases with foam or polyfill to make affordable seating options. Use royal colors like gold, blue, or red.
      • No-sew option: Use fleece fabric and tie the ends to create a quick cushion.
    • Rug:
    • • Use an old blanket or remnant fabric from a craft store to define the nook area. Add stick-on decals of stars or fairy tale symbols for extra charm.
  • Engage with Reading Tools
    • Fairy Tale Book Display:
    • • Stack books on a small crate or shelf labeled “Fairy Tale Favorites.” Decorate the crate with glitter or stickers.
    • DIY Character Bookmarks:
    • • Cut bookmarks out of cardstock and decorate them as princes, princesses, dragons, or wolves. Laminate them for durability.
  • Keep It Organized
    • Bins and Labels:
    • • Use plastic bins or small baskets to hold books, props, or art supplies. Label each one with fairy tale-themed names like “Treasure Chest,” “Royal Library,” or “Magic Supplies.”
    • Clean-Up Poster:
    • • Create a small poster with simple instructions like “Put the Magic Back!” as a reminder for students to tidy up after using the nook.

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“It’s just depressing. Nothing good happens in January.”

These are the thoughts one of my students shared on the first day after the winter holidays. I am sure you have heard the same and thought it yourself. I know I have. But listening to his words, I knew I wanted to help him change his mindset and learn to enjoy the season rather than focusing on what he felt was lacking.

Is the ‘post-holiday blues’ a real thing?

It is! You may even be affected by it and not even know it. I looked it up, and research says that people can become depressed after the holiday season is over and be filled with sadness or even disappointment. The articles I read said to be wary lest your temporary sadness give way to actual depression.

Additionally, there is another condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. People become sad and depressed with the loss of daylight hours and sunlight.  So, if you are struggling, you are not alone. This also means our students may be struggling with similar feelings (or even be influenced by adults at home who are struggling). 

Suggestions for conquering the holiday blues are to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy foods, and maintain healthy habits. Some of these things are out of our control as classroom teachers, but there is a lot we can do to help ourselves and our students. I scoured the internet and found some ideas.

Ideas to help combat the winter blahs. 

Please don’t ignore it, acknowledge it. Hold a class meeting and talk about these genuine feelings. Share how this time of year may make you feel, and allow the students to share. Once you have shared, then acknowledge the need to make a plan to help combat these feelings. 

Remember to remind your little honest hearts that these feelings of sadness or depression are ok to have, but we don’t want to keep them around. Make a classroom plan. Children love to help, and this is a beautiful way to collaborate and create ways to keep your classroom happy and the students looking out for one another. Students can spot fake a mile away. Be honest with your students. If you are struggling, let them help. And let them be safe enough to ask for help, too. This is what classroom communities do; they look out for each other.  

Create a list of activities they could do in the classroom that would be fun during this time. Make it special. Highlight the time for activities that help build relationships, classroom community, and even snuggly fun. Lists could include:

1. Learning origami
2. Blocks, legos, tinker toys, or stacking cups
3. Yoga (there is a lot of yoga for children on YouTube)
4. Mindfulness (journaling and role play)
5. Hot cocoa Fridays during read-aloud.
6. Turn on a fireplace recording during different times of the day
7. Play videos of winter walks through the trees, along frozen ponds and icy rivers, etc.

Explain the reason for the season. Get out a globe and explain the tilt and orbit around the sun and why winter happens each year. There is strength in knowledge. Knowing why something is happening makes it easier to be content with.

There is comfort in the patterns of nature. It will not last forever. It is just a season. 

Focus on what it is rather than what it is not. Winter is a time of rest for nature.

The trees rest before they burst forth in vibrant color in the spring. But there is still lots going on; look for the puffy birds flying around that look like they are wearing feathery coats. Baby animals like bears are born in their dens and snuggle with their mamas during this cold season. There are wilderness channels that offer live streams of bear dens. Go outside and nature journal with the students. Watch the same tree week after week and note the changes you see. Write them down or draw them.

Schedule out the rest of the year. Create learning goals for the remainder of the year with your students.

These goals can be classroom goals of things they would like to learn together and individual achievement goals for each student. Make a plan to reach the goals by the end of the year.  

Also, remember to write in the calendar of upcoming activities like field day, a spring field trip, or even a fun upcoming classroom project. Everyone needs to be able to look forward to enjoyable events in the future. (note: I focus on something other than the upcoming holidays or breaks since school breaks are not always a comfort for my students.)

Embrace your winter wonderland.  

1. Hang up the sparkly snowflakes and happy snowmen.  
2. Post winter words and vocabulary and use them in your speaking and writing. 
3. Track the winter weather and keep a record of the data. Compare your city’s weather data to another town in a different part of the world. 
4. Use the winter weather to inspire your students’ writing:

          Winter Poetry

         Creative Writing 

         Animal Research Projects

        Cold Weather Places and the animals that live there

        Nature Journaling

        How To Build a Snowman

Don’t let the after-holiday blahs rob you of the season’s beauty. Rest. Take care of yourself. Set goals for yourself and your students. Don’t fall into the trap of wishing your time away or longing for another place or season; embrace the wintry time and try to love it for what it is.

The winter season can be as beautiful for you and your students as you want to make it. Remember to model your behavior and actions for your students to see. They are watching you. Help them find the magic of the season.

I hope this helps. Sending you lots of sunshine, warmth, and happy thoughts. Enjoy your January.

Thank you, teacher friend. Thank you for sharing your sunshine with your students and bringing your magic to the world. The world needs you.

K

The post Embrace the Season. Don’t let the after-holiday blues rob you of the magic of the rest of the winter season. appeared first on Help Writers Grow.

Positive

Encouraging

Empowered

I was listing words out in preparation for writing this blog explaining why we, as teachers focus on ways to create encouraging classrooms and build classroom community for our students. I got hung up on the word empowered. That’s a great word. The word empower means making someone more assertive and confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights. What a beautiful world it would be if every precious little child walking into school could feel stronger and more confident. If  I can help accomplish that by setting up my classroom a certain way or establishing specific policies or procedures. Then sign me up. I am here for it.

What exactly is a positive classroom? 

What does it mean?

Many phrases get thrown around; among them are encouraging classrooms, positive classroom culture, or building classroom community. Their origins may all be unique, but the basics are the same.  

The classroom community is where the teacher and students work together towards common goals with shared values. This space is full of positive and uplifting policies and procedures where the teachers and the students feel appreciated for who they are. Additionally, time is taken from the beginning of school to focus on creating routines and putting practices into place that celebrate the individual student and build a strong team of learners that take the time to celebrate both their accomplishments and their team goals.

Why is a positive classroom environment important?

No one wants to continue to go into a hostile environment every day. People flood social media with the effects of working in a toxic environment. And during my research, I saw several trends online for creating, maintaining, and spreading positivity in the workplace. Positive workplaces report advanced productivity and fewer absences. Even better health is enjoyed by those working in a happier place. It is the same for school-age children.  

Students spend most of their day in the same classroom with the same group. A positive classroom environment can lead to fewer disruptions because supportive classrooms build a sense of trust among the students and teacher, and you can’t have much of anything without trust first. While building more positive classroom communities in my room, I have seen students build stronger peer relationships and learn to hold healthy conflict resolutions. And I have enjoyed seeing the respect students develop for each other and the happier supportive environment they help create for themselves.

3 Ways to Celebrate the Students

One of my favorite ways to help create positive classroom environments is by implementing student celebrations throughout the year. In addition to celebrating team goals like improved test scores and reading levels, I also incorporate individual celebrations.

Student of the Week.

We celebrate the individual student all week long. Student-of-the-week has been done and re-done. I know. And I love it. I created a couple of super simple forms (You can check them out here) that the child could fill out by herself and not need hours of home support to complete. Every day she shares something else about herself.  

My VERY FAVORITE part, and I urge you to do this too, no matter what student-of-the-week routine you use: Every day, the student-of-the-week shares something during the morning meeting. (I give my students a list a week or so ahead of time so they know what to expect and can prepare themselves).

Right after she shares, I go around the circle, and each student either comments on something that is the same for them or asks her a specific question about something they shared.

For example, my student could say she has two dogs and three cats at home. My other students going around the circle could also comment that they have a dog or cat or ask something specific like, “What are the names of your dogs?” “Do you have a favorite cat?” “What color are your cats?” etc.

I love seeing the children’s connections with one another and myself because I participate.

(Pro tip: sharing time and community building activities are always stronger when the teacher is a willing participant too and not taking this time to try to complete something else. Show by your actions that you value your students.)  

Birthdays.

Post birthdays on the wall near the student of the Week display and group names by month. I also have the students each sign a birthday sign for the student, and I leave it on the student’s desk on the morning of his birthday with his favorite candy and the class’ birthday animal.’ Since I make this a classroom job, keeping this going all year is effortless.  

My favorite part is during the morning meeting when the birthday child stands in the middle of the circle, and we sing happy birthday to him. He chooses a classroom cheer, and we all cheer for him, and everyone gives him a high five or fist bump. I love watching the student run around the circle, getting high-fived.

Class Compliment Jar.

Class compliments have also been done in many ways, but this is how I created and love it. We use the class compliment jar for one student at a time. I announce the name on Monday, and the students have until Thursday to write a compliment to the student on the provided slips and put it in the jar.  

Disclaimer: At the beginning of school, we have a lesson about complimenting someone. Give compliments directed at the student’s nature, not something they have or their athletic ability. Make compliments specific, not “You are nice,” but rather, “You always smile at me, and that makes me feel good.” or “You are nice because I see you making sure everyone always gets involved in our games at recess.”

On Friday, the student is “showered with compliments” the compliments are taken out of the jar and tied together with a compliment cover (you can see mine here). The students circle up on the floor. Place a chair in the middle of the circle, and the class president stands in the chair with a small bucket. The student with her name in the compliment jar stands in the middle of the circle of students in front of the chair with a bright-colored shower cap. The class vice-president reads each compliment as the president slowly showers the student with confetti. Afterward, present the student with the compliment book to keep. (Snap a photo of the child being showered with the compliments and slip it into the back of the compliment book).

My job is to help ensure every student feels loved and valued. These student celebrations are a great addition to an encouraging classroom.

One more thing is essential to mention. (I have said it before and will do so again). As teachers, we must remember that a positive classroom and a loving teacher cannot undo the effects of trauma, replace physical or mental health needs, or cover up underfunded or under-resourced schools. I know this. It hurts my heart, but I know this. I cannot do everything. But I can be a light. And the classroom can be a safe place to go every day where everyone can feel important.

Hugs, teacher friends. 

Thank you for sharing your light with your students and helping them grow. Continue to show your magic to the world. The world needs you.

May we all continue to bloom, thrive, and grow.

Kinla

Check out these other positive classroom ideas:

Student Celebrations

Positive Alphabets

Positive Classroom Decor

The post 3 Quick Ways to Help Build a Positive and Encouraging Classroom appeared first on Help Writers Grow.