I retired after 27+ years teaching elementary school.
Cooperative learning structures get everyone involved. Also, I think it's important to show the relationship between current learning and the real world to keep students interested. It also doesn't hurt to keep their attention with a little humor!
Elementary School Teacher of the Year in my district in 2008 (Given by Campbellsville University)
Graduated from Morehead State University in Kentucky in 1986 with Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education; Graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1989 with Master's Degree; Obtained my Rank I Certification in 2005 through the Continuing Education Option (CEO)
PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, Homeschool, Not Grade Specific
English Language Arts, Balanced Literacy, Creative Writing, Writing-Expository, Reading, Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary, Specialty, Math, Basic Operations, Geometry, Numbers, Science, Basic Principles, Social Studies, U.S. History, Arts & Music, Art History, Visual Arts, Music, Drama, ESL-EFL-ELL, ELA Test Prep, For All Subjects, Literature, Classroom Management, Character Education, General Science, Physical Science, Short Stories, Writing, Oral Communication, Reading Strategies, Writing-Essays, Holidays/Seasonal, Back to School, Thanksgiving, Christmas-Chanukah-Kwanzaa, Poetry, Autumn, Halloween, Winter, The New Year, Valentine's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Spring, Earth Day, Summer, Informational Text, End of Year, Phonics, Close Reading, Classroom Community