Author: Jessica Boschen

Jessica shares her passion for teaching and education on What I Have Learned. Jessica has 16 years of elementary teaching experience and currently homeschools her two middle school boys. She enjoys scaffolding learning for students, focusing on helping our most challenging learners achieve success in all academic areas.

Classroom Management

How to Be a Great Substitute Teacher: 10 Simple Ways to Stand Out

Substitute teaching often means walking into the unknown with just a schedule, a list of names, and a smile. It can feel like stepping into someone else’s shoes while juggling…

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Writing

10 Effective Ways to Support Reluctant Writers in Second Grade

Getting second graders to write can sometimes feel like pulling teeth—especially when you’re working with students who avoid writing at all costs. Whether it’s due to lack of confidence, fear…

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Writing

6 Types of Rubrics Teachers Can Use in the Classroom

Rubrics are one of those classroom tools that quietly do a lot of heavy lifting. They help clarify expectations, speed up grading, and provide specific feedback that helps students grow….

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Back-to-School

Five Cooperative Learning Activities to do on the First Day of School

The first day of school is full of fresh notebooks, nervous energy, and new beginnings—for students and teachers alike. Do you remember your own first days as a student? The…

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End-of-the-Year

End-of-the-Year Memory Book Flap Book

As the school year draws to a close, why not make this End-of-the-Year Memory Flap Book and look back on all that has been accomplished? From second grade to fifth…

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Life Science

Teach Inherited vs. Learned Traits with a Fun Sorting Activity

Helping students understand the difference between inherited traits and learned behaviors can feel like a big task, especially for third or fourth graders who are just starting to explore life…

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End-of-the-Year

Fun Classroom Theme Days for the End of the School Year

By the time May (or June) rolls around, the energy in a classroom is a little… different. You can practically hear the clock ticking toward summer break. Students are buzzing,…

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Early Reading

18 Spelling Activities That Work with Any Word List

Spelling practice doesn’t have to be boring! With the right mix of creativity and structure, spelling time can become one of the most engaging parts of the day. Whether you’re…

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Writing | Reading Comprehension

The Ultimate Character Traits List with Synonyms for Elementary Students

Teaching character traits can sometimes feel like you’re repeating the same lesson—students identify that a character is “nice” or “mean,” and that’s the end of the discussion. Helping students go…

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Math

Build Fact Fluency with These Fun Fact Family Houses

Fact fluency is foundational in first grade—and while a few of my students are already flying through their math facts, most still need plenty of practice, especially when it comes…

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Instructional Strategies

Why I Keep Homework Simple and What I Actually Send Home

Let’s be honest: if I had it my way, I wouldn’t assign homework at all. I’m a firm believer that kids need time after school to play outside, create, explore,…

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Writing

How to Teach Transitions in Writing: Strategies That Improve Student Essays

Ever read a student essay that jumped from idea to idea like a game of hopscotch? You’re not alone. One of the most overlooked—but essential—parts of teaching writing is helping…

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