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Let’s be honest, there are very few jobs where people assume you'll spend your evenings and weekends catching up… except teaching. And at the start of the school year, it’s easy to fall into that rhythm. The to-do list is endless, the supplies are everywhere, and you feel the pressure to make everything just right. If you’ve ever found yourself still at school long after dismissal, wondering where the time went... you're not alone. Early in my teaching career, I thought staying late meant I was being more prepared. But all it did was leave me drained. You deserve to go home at a reasonable time. You deserve to have a life outside the classroom, even during back-to-school season. So let’s talk about some small shifts and time-saving tips that can help you manage your day without living at school.  Start With One or Two Core RoutinesWe all want our classrooms to run smoothly. But trying to introduce every routine all at once will leave you and your students exhausted. Instead, choose 1–2 key routines to focus on for the first few days. Here are some suggestions:
 Batch What You CanYou know how hard it is to get anything done when you're being interrupted every five minutes? That’s why batching is your new best friend. Pick one afternoon a week to prep your materials for centers or group work. Print, copy, and organize everything at once. Try grouping your tasks like this:
 Let Your Students HelpYou don’t have to do everything yourself. Even little ones can pass out papers, stack chairs, or tidy supplies. These aren’t just time-savers. They build responsibility and help create a sense of ownership in your classroom community.  Use Systems That Reduce Decision FatigueIf you’ve ever stood in front of a stack of books wondering which to read aloud next, or tried to decide which early finisher activity to pull from your files, this one’s for you. Try having “go-to” systems like:
 Here are some classroom labels that will help with organizing things so they are ready to when needed. Get a free set of supplies labels.  Create a Clear "End of Day" CutoffThis one’s not a trick, it’s a boundary. For some people this is difficult, believe me I know because I was one who could keep going on for ever if I didn't set a time limit. Pick a time each day when you’ll stop working. Not just leave the building, but truly stop. Even if you take work home, give yourself a limit: 30 minutes of marking, then done. One evening a week for prep, not five. Whatever works for you, but make it clear, and stick to it as best you can. You are not more prepared just because you stayed later. You are not a better teacher because you didn’t rest.  The first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind, but they don’t have to be all-consuming. A few thoughtful routines, small systems, and gentle boundaries can give you back some time and energy for the things that matter most, both in and outside of the classroom. You’re allowed to work hard and rest. You’re allowed to care deeply without doing it all. And you’re doing a great job, whether you left early or not.   Related Posts It’s that time again. The calendar flips closer to the end of summer, and a mix of emotions starts to bubble up. Maybe it’s excitement for a fresh start, nerves about a new class, or even a little grief that summer is slipping away. All of that is completely normal. The first week of school is a big one. It sets the tone for the whole year. But here’s something I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way): you don’t need to have everything perfect on Day 1. Really. Whether you’re someone who loves the look of a clean, organized classroom or you’re clinging to the last slow mornings of summer, it’s okay to ease in. You don’t have to go from vacation mode to super teacher overnight. In fact, you’re not supposed to. Here are a few gentle reminders and practical tips to help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed as you head into those first few days with your new students.  Pick Your Non-Negotiables There are a million things you could do to prep for the first week. But what actually needs to get done? With the constant change in class sizes, enrollment, and grade reorganization at the beginning of the year, it's better to pick 3–5 essentials that will make your first weeks run smoother. Here are some possibilities that might work for you.
 If you really want a checklist to make sure you have things covered. I have just the resource for you. Here's a teacher's checklist with most things you will want to do as you get started. Feel free to add more if you need to.  Your Classroom Doesn’t Have to Be “Pinterest Ready”If decorating brings you joy, go for it. But if the thought of a fully themed room with color-coded bins makes you want to run for the hills, here’s your permission to keep it simple.
The most important thing in the room is you and the connections you’ll build with your students.  Have a “First Day” Plan You Can Flex WithYou don’t need a full month mapped out. For now, plan the first day or two with flexibility built in. Expect things to take longer than you think. Practice routines together. Leave time for unexpected questions, lost water bottles, and new shoes that need tying. Here are some possible activities you could try.
Remember to leave extra time between everything. You’ll thank yourself.  Focus on Feelings Over ChecklistsThe truth? Your students won’t remember how pretty the schedule cards were. But they’ll remember how they felt. Start by building trust, safety, and comfort. Let them talk. Let them move. Let them feel seen. That first week is less about teaching content and more about setting the stage for a year of belonging. Include activities that help to build the classroom community, trust, and respect. This will go a long ways in making for a positive environment for learning.  Plan Your Evenings, Too (But for Rest)It’s tempting to go home and keep working after the first day, especially if you feel behind. But you need a soft landing, too. Set a boundary: One hour of prep, then unplug. Anyone who has been teaching for any length of time knows that the beginning of the school year can be exhausting. Taking care of yourself and getting rest are as important as planning for your students. Do something unrelated to teaching: walk, eat something cozy, watch a show you’ve already seen three times. Let your brain rest. You’ll be a better teacher for it tomorrow.  You don’t need to be the perfect version of yourself to start the year. You just need to be present, prepared enough, and kind to your students and yourself. Remember, connection comes first. The rest can be built step by step. Wishing you a peaceful, positive start. You’ve got this. Related Posts Let’s talk about something real: You care deeply about helping your students become confident readers, but the energy, time, and mental load add up. You don’t have hours to prep elaborate centers every week or search for just-right materials for each reading group, especially when you’re supporting kids who need so much more: more practice, more repetition, more confidence-building. It’s easy to feel stretched too thin.  Common Challenges I Hear From Teachers:
 What Works Without the Overwhelm?Reusable, Predictable Activities Use consistent formats like task cards, sentence strips, and blending mats. You don’t need a new theme every week. Familiar routines free up student energy for learning. Pick a pattern, not a theme. Instead of changing activities every week, use the same structure:
Focus on consistency. Kids benefit from knowing what to expect. If the structure is familiar, they can focus on the learning instead of the directions. Target just one skill at a time. Keep your focus on one short vowel or one word pattern each week. You don’t need to rush through. Make it joyful. Games, mini whiteboards, colorful cards, and movement can turn a simple lesson into an engaging one. Don’t underestimate the power of silly sentences or a 2-minute phonics race.  Print-and-Go Resources You can support students without laminating or cutting for hours. Low-prep doesn't mean low-quality. Combine Small Group and Independent Work Use targeted phonics instruction during guided reading and repeat the same skills at a word work center the next day. No need to reinvent. Teacher Tip: Use “Spiral, Don’t Stack” Instead of moving from skill to skill in a straight line, spiral back. Reinforce short a words even while introducing short i. Let your students feel mastery before moving on—and revisit old skills weekly to keep them sharp.  Supporting Struggling Readers Without Burning OutLet’s be honest—differentiation, small group instruction, intervention, centers... it’s a lot. Especially when you're trying to meet the needs of 20+ little humans every day. This is why I focus on resources that are simple, consistent, and easy to use across the week. My word work activities aren’t flashy, but they’re effective. They offer:
 If you’re ready to make phonics and word work feel doable again, for both you and your students, take a peek at my word work and phonics resources in my TPT store. You’re Already Doing So Much Right Teaching reading is serious work. But it doesn’t have to feel heavy every day. A little structure, some targeted practice, and lots of encouragement go a long way. If you’re reading this, you care about your students and their growth. You don’t need fancy tricks or complex programs. You need tools that:
 I hope you have found some helpful tips in this series. If you missed the earlier parts of the series you can find them here. I wish you the best with your students and hope you see lots of success as they finally get excited about reading. Blog post 1 Blog post 2 Blog post 3  One of the best moments in any primary classroom is when a student picks up a book and says, “I can read this!” But for some children, it takes a long time to get there—and the road often feels shaky. They may know their sounds but struggle to string them together. They might decode a word on one page and not recognize it again on the next. That’s where we need to zoom in on two things: confidence and consistency.  Turning Word Work into Real Reading — Confidence Through Decodable PracticeThere’s something magical about the moment a child realizes, "I can read this!" For many students, that spark comes when we provide just the right amount of challenge with plenty of support. It doesn’t come from guessing or memorizing. It comes from recognizing a word, sounding it out, and making meaning. What Helps Kids Break Through? Here’s what I’ve found with my own students:
 Here’s the journey in simple steps:
 Try This Routine: Word Work → Sentence Work → Decodable BooksStart with Targeted Word Work Use picture-supported CVC cards or worksheets focused on just one short vowel. Have students build, write, and read the words aloud. (e.g., bat, map, sat) If students are learning short a words like "cat," "hat," "bat," and "sat," they should see them in:
Create success through repetition and routine. Use a word a day, and keep it visible all week. Read it, write it, stretch it, build it.  Move into Sentence Work Create or use pre-made simple sentences using those exact CVC words: The cat sat on a mat. Dan has a map. Celebrate the small wins. When a student reads a sentence with three CVC words independently, pause and cheer. Confidence builds from small steps.  Connect word work directly to books. If students have just worked on short e words, follow it up with a decodable book that uses those same words. Let them highlight or circle the words before reading to give a sense of success. Offer a mini-book or decodable page featuring short a words. It might seem repetitive—but that’s what makes it work. Kids start to recognize patterns, predict, and most importantly, read fluently.  Confidence Builders You Can Sneak Into Your Routine
 What About Kids Who Are Still Guessing? Sometimes kids guess because they don’t trust themselves. The goal isn’t just decoding—it’s helping them realize they can decode. That’s why using consistent, predictable materials focused on one skill at a time is so important. The repetition builds trust, and trust builds confidence. Even your struggling readers can become confident readers when they feel supported and know exactly what to look for. When a child picks up a decodable book and says, "I know these words!" the joy is unmatched.  In the next post, we’ll look at how to make all of this manageable for you, the teacher, without losing your weekends to prep. Related Posts Phonics is the bridge between knowing sounds and reading words. But just teaching letter-sound relationships isn’t always enough. What struggling readers need is:
 If you've ever worked with kids who almost get it but just can’t seem to break through with reading, you know how frustrating and heartbreaking it can be. They know the letter sounds. They try to blend. They want to read. But somewhere between the “c,” the “a,” and the “t,” the meaning gets lost. I've worked with students like this every year. Some of them just need time, but others need targeted, consistent support and they need it in a way that doesn’t make them feel like they’re failing. That’s where using carefully designed phonics activities like my Short Vowel CVC Activities Task Cards and Phonics Worksheets makes a real difference.  For many kids, reading doesn’t come naturally. And while phonics instruction has made a comeback in recent years, we sometimes forget just how much repetition, variety, and visual support these kids need. Some common struggles I’ve seen:
 A Low-Stress Way to Build Skills and ConfidenceMy Short Vowel CVC Activities resource was born out of these exact frustrations. I needed something that could help me work with students who needed a slower pace, consistent support, and activities that didn’t feel “babyish.” Here's how I use this set to build confidence and real growth: 1. Start with One Vowel at a Time We don’t jump into everything at once. We focus on one short vowel like short a and use the picture-supported task cards to work on isolating and blending sounds. The visuals help anchor the words in meaning, and we read the same words multiple ways (cards, sorting, matching, and worksheets). 2. Mix It Up, But Keep It Familiar Repetition is key but no one wants to do the exact same worksheet five days in a row. That’s why this set includes different formats: matching, sorting, and changing sounds work. I rotate the tasks throughout the week, so it feels fresh while still reinforcing the same skill. 3. Use It for One-on-One and Centers I use the task cards in small groups, especially for kids who need just a bit more. They can also be used for early finishers. The worksheets are great for independent practice because the directions are simple, and the visuals make the task more accessible. 4. Celebrate the Little Wins When a student reads the words from the worksheet or completes a set of cards without guessing — we celebrate! These little moments build the belief that yes, I can read, and that belief is often the turning point.  Why Confidence Matters More Than Speed Sometimes we get caught up in benchmarks and data. But when a child who’s been struggling all year reads their first book with CVC words on their own that’s the kind of progress that sticks. I’ve seen it happen more than once with this resource. It doesn’t solve everything, but it opens a door. And once the door opens, the learning starts to flow.  Want to Try It With Your Students? If you’re working with readers who just aren’t getting it — or who need a confidence boost the Short Vowel CVC Activities Task Cards and Phonics Worksheets might be just the support they need. Take a closer look at it here You can start with short a, move through the vowels, and build in review when they’re ready. It’s print-and-go, easy to prep, and flexible enough to use in whatever way works best for you and your kids. Here are some sample pictures taken one day while working with a student.
And after a few weeks of using these activities: task cards, picture prompts, word building, matching, and worksheets, I saw something shift. Kids who had struggled all year were reading simple books with short vowels. They were excited to read. They were proud.  Of course, that wasn't the only resource I used. I had to tap into various different resources and tools to help develop sound and letter recognition before they were able to actually put letters together and figure out the basic cvc words. Here are few other resources I used: Alphabet Sounds And Phonics Games - Soundo The Alphabet Rap With Supporting Materials and Activities Short And Long Vowels Activities Short Vowel CVC Activities Letter Tiles Task Cards Phonics Worksheets  Thanks for all the heart you pour into your students — especially the ones who need a little more. You’re making a difference every day.  Related Posts Some children arrive in the classroom already aware of how sounds work in words. Others need more time — and that’s okay. If you’ve taught primary, you know firsthand how wide the range can be when it comes to early literacy skills. I've been working this year with small groups and one on one with some students in Grade 1 and 2 who are still trying to put it all together. The key to helping them move forward was recognizing that they needed to work on phonemic awareness and phonics: two separate (but deeply connected) skills.  It All Starts With Sound — Why Phonemic Awareness Is Still the FoundationIf you’ve ever sat beside a young student who’s trying to read but just keeps guessing or skipping words, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Where did this break down?” Even with the best reading programs and phonics lessons, some kids still struggle—and it’s usually because something’s missing at the very beginning: phonemic awareness. If students can’t hear and play with the sounds in words, then decoding them with letters won’t stick. That’s why even in the early grades, we need to keep revisiting those foundational skills like:
Phonemic awareness is all about sounds. Can a child hear and manipulate the individual sounds in words?
 What’s the Difference Between Phonemic Awareness and Phonics?It’s easy to use these terms interchangeably, but they aren’t the same:
Phonics is about connecting those sounds to print. Once a child can hear and work with sounds, we help them attach letters to each one: /m/ = m, /a/ = a, /t/ = t. When a child is struggling with reading simple words, it often helps to pause and ask: do they really have the sound skills yet? We can teach all the phonics we want, but if the ears haven’t caught up to the eyes, reading becomes guesswork. Many struggling readers are missing that foundational ability to hear and work with sounds before trying to decode printed words. If we skip this step, phonics instruction feels like a foreign language.  Try This Activity: Sound Boxes With No LettersBefore you even bring out the flashcards or worksheets, give students 3-part sound boxes and say a word like “map.” Have them push a counter into each box as they say: /m/ – /a/ – /p/. Then ask: “Can you stretch it out again? Now say it fast: map.” You’re strengthening the idea that words are made of sounds—something many kids don’t naturally pick up without explicit practice. Here are some easy activities to try
 Once students can hear and work with sounds in words, they’re ready for simple phonics work. The transition should be seamless: introduce one vowel at a time (usually short a), pair it with a few consonants, and work in lots of different ways with the same small group of words.  Here's a resource that can help with building words or recognizing different cvc words. There's a set for each of the short vowels.  Teaching Tip: One Sound at a Time Still CountsWe often feel pressure to keep moving forward in our curriculum, but for struggling students, going slow is the fastest way forward. A week focused just on short a might seem like a lot—but it builds confidence and mastery that can transfer to other vowels and more complex words later. In your upcoming lessons, focus on:
 Here's a cvc activity sampler for the short vowel "a". Grab a copy here and try it out for yourself. Final Thought Remember: If a student can’t read a word, it doesn’t mean they’re not trying—it may just mean they never fully heard the word’s parts in the first place.  Next up, we’ll take that strong sound foundation and link it to letters with phonics. Related Posts Social Studies isn't just about maps and history books—it’s about people, places, traditions, and the way we live and work together. And summer offers the perfect chance to explore all of that in natural, memorable ways. Whether you’re at home or on the go, here are some simple activities to help children develop a better understanding of their community and the wider world—without it feeling like a lesson.  Explore Your CommunityTake walks or short drives to learn more about the places nearby. Ask questions like:
 Make and Read MapsStart small—like mapping your bedroom or backyard—and work your way up to neighborhood maps or road trip routes. Try:
 Learn Through Food and CultureTrying new recipes or attending cultural events can be both fun and educational. Explore:
 Celebrate Meaningful DaysMarking holidays or awareness days throughout the summer gives children insight into history and shared values. For example:
 Community Helpers Scavenger HuntLook for mail carriers, bus drivers, or construction workers and shopkeepers and talk about their roles. Visit local landmarks, museums, or parks. Talk about the roles different people play in the community.  Ask Big QuestionsSometimes the best way to teach Social Studies is to simply start a conversation. Questions to explore include:
 If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.  Social Studies is about understanding how we belong, contribute, and connect. Summer gives us time to slow down, notice more, and talk about the things that matter. By weaving in meaningful experiences and conversations, kids will naturally build understanding—and compassion—that lasts long after summer ends.  This concludes my Summer Learning series. If you missed my previous posts, you can check them out by clicking on the links below: Summer Learning Math Summer Learning Science Summer Learning Language Arts When kids think of summer, they don’t usually think of spelling, sentence structure, or punctuation—and that’s okay! The good news is that language arts learning doesn’t have to look like a school assignment to be effective. With a little creativity, reading and writing can be part of everyday fun. Whether you have five minutes or an afternoon, these ideas will help kids stay connected to literacy all summer long.  Keep a Summer Story JournalGive kids a notebook to fill with drawings, observations, and stories about their summer adventures. They might:
 Be a Letter WriterWriting for a real audience is powerful. Kids can:
 Play With WordsLanguage arts includes speaking, listening, and word play! Great on-the-go games include:
 Make Language Arts Fun With Creative IdeasReading and language development doesn’t need to be quiet or solo to count. Try:
 If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.  Language is all around us, and summer gives kids the time and space to enjoy it creatively. With just a little inspiration and the freedom to explore, reading and writing can become something they want to do—even on a sunny day. The key to success is keeping it fun!  Don't forget to check out my Math activities for the summer and my Science activities for the summer. My next blog post will feature some activities and ideas for working with Social Studies during the summer break. Related Posts
Summer is the ultimate science lab. Whether you’re in the backyard, the kitchen, or out exploring your community, there are endless opportunities to observe, question, and experiment. Best of all? Kids don’t need to feel like they’re “doing school”—these activities feel like play. Here are some easy, low-prep science ideas that help kids stay curious, keep learning, and connect what they see to the world around them.  Nature Walks with a TwistGrab a notebook or a few blank pages, head outside, and turn an ordinary walk into a science observation adventure. Ask kids to:
 Easy Experiments at HomeNo fancy materials needed—just some curiosity and a few kitchen staples. Try these:
If you would like some ready made science experiments that are fun to do, check out this blog post.  Water Play with a PurposeHot days and water go hand-in-hand—so why not sneak in some science?
Insect And Bug Investigations & Garden DiscoveriesTurn over a rock, peek under leaves, or dig a little in the dirt—you’ll always find something living! Some questions to ask:
Plant seeds and watch how they grow. Keep an observation journal of changes. You don’t need all the answers—wondering together is what makes it memorable.  Weather WatchersEven summer skies change quickly. Help kids become weather detectives by:
 Do A Beach StudyTake a trip to the beach and explore.
 Recycling ChallengeLearn about ways to reduce, reuse and recycle for a better environment,
 If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.  Kids are natural scientists—they love to explore, question, and figure things out. With a little encouragement, they’ll be learning all summer long without even realizing it.  If you would like to check out other science activities and resources, check out my science catergory in my TPT store. If you missed my blog post on summer math activities for primary kids, you can check it out here. My next blog post with have some Language Arts ideas and activities that might be fun to try during the summer break. Related Posts
Summer doesn’t have to mean a break from learning—especially when it comes to math! In fact, summer is the perfect time to show kids that math isn’t just something we do in school—it's something we use every single day. Best of all, these activities don’t feel like worksheets or homework. They feel like fun. Here are some simple, real-world ways to keep those math skills sharp while making lasting summer memories.  Working With MoneyLearning how to earn, budget, and spend money well are important life skills for everyone. Doing real activities with money will help children learn how to apply the skills they learn. Grocery store math is one example. Bring your child along on your next grocery trip and turn it into a math adventure. Ask them to:
 For more ideas about using money and learning how to budget, check out my recent blog post. A free sampler is also included. For more tips on using money and some hands on activities, check out this blog post. Cooking Up Some MathKids are curious and they love to learn about new things. Hands on activities in the kitchen are great for teaching math skills in a fun way with something delicious to eat in the end. Measuring, pouring, and mixing aren’t just kitchen skills—they’re math skills too! Get kids involved in:
It’s messy, meaningful, and tasty math all in one.  Games That CountPlaying games is a great way to build in math skills without kids groaning about having to do math. There are so many math-rich games that kids love, including:
These build mental math skills in a natural, pressure-free way. Kids have so much fun playing the games they don't realize that they are doing math.  Math Walks And Sidewalk Chalk MathWalking around the neighborhood is a great way to find out how math is everywhere.
A bucket of chalk can turn your driveway into a math playground:
 Build a Math Kit for On-the-Go FunKeep math tools handy for road trips, restaurant waits, or quiet afternoons. Try:
 If you would like a checklist for the activities given here, click the button below.  Math is everywhere, and summer is the perfect time to notice it. Whether you’re traveling, cooking, relaxing at home, or exploring your neighborhood, a little bit of math can go a long way.  Next time I will focus on Science and some activities that might be fun to try during the summer break. Related Posts
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About Me Charlene Sequeira
I am a wife, mother of 4, grandmother of 9, and a retired primary and music teacher. I love working with kids and continue to volunteer at school and teach ukulele. 
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