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.

Winter | Goal Setting

16 Picture Books About Goal Setting for the New Year

The start of a new year is the perfect time to help students set goals and dream big! Goal-setting picture books can inspire kids to think about what they want…

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Winter

22 Free Christmas Gifts for Students From Teachers

The holiday season is the perfect time for teachers to show their students a little extra love and appreciation without stretching their budget. A meaningful “gift” doesn’t have to come…

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Classroom Management

Kindness Videos for Kids: 10 Videos for Elementary SEL Lessons

Kindness is one of the most important lessons we can teach our students. It builds empathy, strengthens relationships, and shapes the kind of classroom community where every student feels seen…

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Math

Multiplication Keywords for Word Problems: A Grades 3–5 Teaching Guide

A student reads a word problem, spots the word “each,” and immediately writes a multiplication equation. That shortcut works sometimes—but it breaks down the moment “each” appears in an addition…

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Winter

13 Christmas Classroom Party Games for Elementary

The right Christmas party games can turn your classroom celebration from a chaotic sugar rush into something students actually remember. Here are teacher-tested ideas for Christmas classroom party games that…

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Classroom Management

Student of the Week Ideas: 27 Ways to Celebrate Students

A week in the spotlight can mean a lot to a quiet student. Student of the Week ideas like a special seat, a compliment jar, or a call home give…

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Classroom Management

Respect Videos for Kids: 10 Videos for Elementary SEL Lessons

Videos are one of the fastest ways to start a classroom conversation about respect. A short clip gives students something concrete to react to. And it’s easier to talk about…

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Fall

47 Thanksgiving Jokes for Kids

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, food, and, of course, a little laughter to bring everyone together. Whether you’re a teacher looking to sprinkle some humor in your classroom or a…

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Instructional Strategies

Student Engagement Strategies: 29+ Practical Ideas for Elementary Teachers

Have you ever looked out at your class mid-lesson and seen blank stares, restless fidgeting, or students who’ve mentally checked out? Every teacher has been there. The good news is…

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Teacher Professional Practice

100 Progress Report Comments for Elementary Students (Mid-Year + Quarterly Examples)

Progress report comments help families understand how a student is doing right now, not just the outcome at the end of the term. Writing them can feel tricky when you…

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Winter

75 Christmas Jokes for Kids to Share All December Long

Christmas jokes are one of the easiest ways to get students laughing in December—and unlike most classroom activities, they require zero prep. Just read one aloud and watch the groans…

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Instructional Strategies | English Learners

What is Turn and Talk and how to implement it in the classroom to Build Conversation and Connection

“Turn and Talk” is a powerful, quick-response discussion technique that gives students a chance to process their thoughts out loud, practice active listening, and connect with their peers. If you’re…

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