List of the most popular hashtags for theme #EMPOWERINGSTUDENTS

A few years ago, when I first presented on Interactive Writing, nobody showed up. OK, eight people showed up. I was happy anyone wanted to chat with me about the topic, but also a little disappointed more teachers weren’t interested in ways to make ‘their’ classrooms belong to students. But like all beautiful seeds, this one is growing.⁣ ⁣ Last Thursday, when I walked back into the room from getting some water and using the bathroom, there were no seats left. By the time we started, people were standing in the back. My heart was so full. I shared this with the group and got choked up. Why? Because in my teacher heart, I know the power of Interactive Writing. I know how simple (and FREE) it is. You literally need nothing but chart paper and a marker. I know how, without gimmicks, it engages kids and more importantly, empowers them to be writers.⁣ ⁣ I had the best conversations with attendees about it too. And as they always do, they pushed my own thinking about it. I challenged them and in turn, they challenged me back. This is how we grow. This is how we do better for our students. They also pushed me for more. More help. More resources. And I want you all to know I hear you and I’m on it. Stay tuned!⁣ ⁣ Also, if you’re looking for others to follow who share my passion for keeping it simple and empowering students, here are a few: @bluskyz @teachingwithoutfrills @msadamsteaches @researchandplay

This year I’m trying something new before testing. On the first day of school I’m going to have students write a letter to themselves while they’re still inspired, excited for the year, and before any limiting beliefs pop up. • I’ll let them open this letter on the third day of testing (the first two days they are usually pumped up and ready). • I want this letter to be encouraging and motivating. While I think it’s extremely important that teachers give their students thoughtful notes... there’s something profound about students encouraging THEMSELVES. • I may not have my students next year or the year after. So I want my students to learn how to pick themselves up and persevere through difficulties on their own. • If we can teach them to believe in themselves and push past their fears... I have no doubt they’ll leave a huge mark on this world • How are you planning on helping your students grow this year? • #backtoschool #elementaryteacher #elateacher #iteach5th #iteach345 #njteacher #loa #weareteachers #njteacher #readingteacher #growthmindset #targetteachers #flairpens #empoweringstudents #lettertomyfutureself #tpt #teachinspireplay #teachertips #teachersofig #teacherspayteachers

I put 30 different books on the table and let my kids pick what they were going to write about. And guess what?!?! THEY’RE PUMPED! They are taking notes like crazy, sharing facts with me every 5 minutes, and whispering information to their classmates. So at first I thought, “How do I get them to enjoy writing?” And now I’m like, “DUH! Let them be in the driver seat!” It only took me 8 months... - - - - #iteachtoo #teachersofinsta #iteachthird #iteach3rd #teachersofinstagram #teachersfollowteachers #teachersfollowingteachers #thirdgradetribe #teachertribe #teacherootd #teacherstyle #teachersofig #classroomcommunity #classroommanagement #igteacher #teachertalk #elementaryteacher #iteach #teacherlove #teacherappreciation #teacherlife #teachinglife #instateacher #thirdgrade #3rdgrade #teacherfollowfriday #scholastic #teachingwriting #empoweringstudents #studentengagement

I’m a BIG fan of April fool’s day. GOT ‘EM! - - - - #iteachtoo #teachersofinsta #iteachthird #iteach3rd #teachersofinstagram #teachersfollowteachers #teachersfollowingteachers #thirdgradetribe #teachertribe #teacherootd #teacherstyle #teachersofig #classroomcommunity #classroommanagement #igteacher #teachertalk #elementaryteacher #iteach #teacherlove #teacherappreciation #teacherlife #teachinglife #instateacher #thirdgrade #3rdgrade #teachingwriting #empoweringstudents #studentengagement #aprilfoolsday

Headed to the OC today for a couple meetings. You know they must be BIG if I shaved and threw on a collared shirt LOL. . . I hate ties and my wardrobe defines casual, even when I do events and conferences, it’s just me. My thinking is that I work hard, and I’ve earned the right to some comfort and elastic waistbands and cotton tees are #comfortclassics . . . A lot of students tell me that their “interesting” wardrobe or hairstyle is about self-expression ‍♂️‍♂️‍♂️. I’m all for it, but we must remember that some moments, some opportunities are not about you feeling good, their about making others feel good ABOUT YOU. Success requires you to recognize those moments so you can LEVEL-UP. . . Today is one of those moments for me. I’m sweating to death in this outfit, but best believe I’m about to SECURE THE BAG . . #givemetheloot #securethebag #smallunmarkedbills #entrepreneur #businesscasual #dresstoimpress #empoweringstudents #COGG #noexcusesjustdominate #doctor

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and I’d appreciate a nap and summer time right about now. . I kid I kid! . I flippin’ love my students so much and I’m going to bawl my eyes out the day they leave! . To all the teachers in my life, THANK YOU!!!!!! (Also I’m sorry I never brought you flowers and I’m sorry for ever talking when you were talking...)

MY STUDENT SAVED SOME YARN FROM MY PRANK AND MADE US MATCHING BRACELETS AND I CAN’T STOP SCREAMING BECAUSE THATS THE CUTEST THING I’VE EVER SEEN! - - - - #iteachtoo #teachersofinsta #iteachthird #iteach3rd #teachersofinstagram #teachersfollowteachers #teachersfollowingteachers #thirdgradetribe #teachertribe #teacherootd #teacherstyle #teachersofig #classroomcommunity #classroommanagement #igteacher #teachertalk #elementaryteacher #iteach #teacherlove #teacherappreciation #teacherlife #teachinglife #instateacher #thirdgrade #3rdgrade #teachingwriting #empoweringstudents #studentengagement #aprilfoolsday #classroomdecor

They say if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. . That’s crap. . When you love what you do, you work harder. . You eat, sleep, and breath your career. . You cry because you want to be better for those you influence. . You pull all nighters in order to move beyond “good enough”. . When you LOVE what you do, your work just begins to matter. . I can’t say I liked every single day this year (specifically yesterday #strep #impetigo #thelifeoftorrie), but I can say I have LOVED these 27 incredible kids and everything about this career. . Now that’s a wrap on year 1! #naptime

Early in my career, I read an article titled “You Can Grow Your Intelligence.” It discussed how the brain is like a muscle filled with neurons. When we learn new things and challenge ourselves, these neurons multiply and get stronger. As the brain gets stronger - “impossible” things become easier. . . I always read this article at the beginning of the year and during testing season. Most students believe people are born smart or are born “not being good at math.” However, most of it comes down to practice and duration. . . For example, a student who learns to speak 2 languages when they’re very young has stronger neurons in that regard. However, another student can learn to speak both languages very well if they continue practicing and give it enough time. . . What’s crazy is people miss out on the chance to grow a stronger brain because they think they can’t, or that it’s too hard. . . This also relates to having a positive mindset. We think thousands of thoughts a day and many people have a “habit” of thinking negatively. However, it’s JUST a neural pathway. We can rewire our brains and choose something new. . . If a person has low self esteem …. build a new pathway. Have trouble sticking with going to the gym/eating healthy?...build a new pathway. . . My point is… we have the ability to change things in our life by simply practicing and being patient. . . I think it’s important for our students to understand this as well as ourselves. They need to believe in themselves and know that with time they will grow, as long as they’re dedicated and we’re teaching them. We also need to believe in ourselves, take action, and be patient. The growth lies in the struggle. Build a new pathway. . . . . #teacherspayteachers #tpt #growthmindset #teachertruth #teachertees #iteach4th #affirmationsoftheday #teachersofinsta #classroomdecor #classroommanagement #classroominspiration #teacherbloggers #igteachers #Teachergram #motivateyourself #manifestationbabe #lessonplans #iteachwhatsyoursuperpower #empoweringstudents #studentmotivation #cricutexploreair2