The week before Thanksgiving can feel like a carnival on wheels—school-wide feasts, cupcake drop-offs, half the class rehearsing for a turkey play, and attention spans migrating toward grandma’s pie. We lean into that reality with a grounded plan that keeps learning meaningful without draining your last nerve. Instead of cramming a full unit or launching new systems, we focus on survival with purpose: low-prep, high-engagement activities that create calm structure, protect your energy, and still spark joy.

What if the most meaningful lesson in a noisy month is the quietest one? I share the story of a short read-aloud—Molly’s Pilgrim—that shifted my classroom from scattered to centered, and why one complete book can spark more empathy and insight than a week of themed activities. 

The pre‑Thanksgiving stretch can feel like a sprint you didn’t sign up for, and we’re done pretending it’s fine. This candid bonus drop is for every tired teacher who needs permission to step off the hamster wheel, set healthier boundaries, and protect hard‑won peace. We name the pressure points—grading through the parade, last‑minute bulletin boards, “extra PD” masquerading as team building—and swap them for choices grounded in truth and sustainability.

Tired of being told to “just be grateful” while you’re juggling a crowded class, endless testing, and a to-do list that never ends? We open up about gratitude without the guilt—how to honor real exhaustion and real care at the same time—so you can model emotional health without faking it. Instead of platitudes, we break down the difference between a scarcity mindset and actual scarcity in schools, and why empathy—not forced positivity—is the thing that helps.

The quiet snap of November hits hard: the adrenaline fades, the sinuses throb, and suddenly “powering through” isn’t noble—it’s costly. We open up about the annual crash so many teachers face and lay out a calm, practical path to protect your peace without sacrificing your students’ progress. No fluff. Just a clear system for calling out with confidence, and a reminder that rest is part of the job, not a privilege you have to earn.

Keep learning on track during October’s Halloween excitement with practical classroom strategies, themed activities, and management tips for a fun yet focused season.

Learn how to seamlessly weave science into your reading and writing block using informational text and simple investigations—boosting engagement and saving time.

Combat digital distraction with simple, effective strategies to help students be present, focus, and engage in real-world learning—without competing with technology.

Don’t let pre-assessments and curriculum demands steal your read-aloud time. Discover 3 strategies to keep reading routines strong and spark a lasting love for books in your students.

Discover Wally Is Worried, Erin Waters’ new children’s book that teaches kids ages 4–8 simple strategies to cope with anxiety through story, collage art, and classroom resources.

Discover how teacher-turned-author Christine Devan brought her children’s book Elephant Beach to life, sharing insights on patience, shyness, and connecting with young readers.

Learn how to create joyful, sustainable reading routines that boost comprehension, strengthen classroom community, and make literacy instruction feel effortless.

Ditch the awkward icebreakers. Discover simple, fun activities that build authentic classroom connections, boost trust, and create a positive learning environment from day one.

Stop stressing about lesson plans when you’re sick. Learn how to create simple, effective emergency sub plans so you can rest without worrying about your classroom.

Tackle the top 3 teacher concerns for the first weeks of school—routines, behavior management, and classroom readiness—with practical, confidence-boosting strategies that actually work.

Ease into the new school year with 3 simple, sustainable teaching strategies that prevent burnout. Learn how to build routines, relationships, and a calm classroom environment from day one.