teachersbrain, Author at Teacher's Brain

Unlock Learning with These Fun Escape Room Activities for First Grade

July 18, 2025 teachersbrain education, Teaching Tips

If you’re looking for a way to get your first graders excited about learning while also sneaking in essential ELA and math skills, look no further, this Escape Room ELA and Math Bundle for First Grade is a total game-changer!

These printable escape room activities are packed with mystery, teamwork, and skill-building fun. Whether you’re trying to spice up your weekly centers, celebrate a holiday, or need something engaging for a sub day, these ready-to-use challenges are a hit with both students and teachers.

What’s Included in the Bundle?

This bundle includes nine themed escape room activities that cover everything from sight words and reading comprehension to math, word building, and even a back-to-school icebreaker. Each escape room features printable clues, puzzle pieces, “locks,” and even a fun YouTube hook video to grab your students’ attention right from the start.

All you need to do is print, prep the envelopes, and you’re ready to go. Most teachers report needing just 40–45 minutes of prep time—totally doable even during a busy week!

Why Teachers Love It

🧩 Cross-Curricular Fun – You’ll reinforce important ELA and math skills while your students feel like they’re playing a game.

🎉 High Engagement – Students work together to solve clues, building not just academic skills but also collaboration and critical thinking.

📚 Versatile Use – These activities are perfect for holidays, review days, or just when your class needs something a little extra fun.

And the best part? Students feel so accomplished when they “escape” and earn their certificates!

A Little Teacher Tip…

Try splitting your class into small teams and giving each one a set of clues. Set a timer, play some suspenseful music, and let the problem-solving begin! This setup works beautifully for observations or fun Fridays.

Whether you’re a fan of escape rooms yourself or just want to bring something fresh into your classroom, this bundle is an engaging way to reinforce key skills and create memorable learning moments.

👉 Click here to grab the Escape Room ELA and Math BUNDLE for First Grade!

Let the learning (and escaping) begin!

Looking for more escape room fun? Check out my post here!

Why You’ll Love Using a Boho Rainbow Theme in Your Classroom

July 11, 2025 teachersbrain Classroom Decor

There’s just something about walking into a warm, inviting classroom that makes both teachers and students feel ready for a great day. And one of the easiest ways to create that feeling is with a cohesive classroom theme.

If you’re looking to refresh your space, I highly recommend trying a boho rainbow classroom theme, it’s calming, colorful, and completely adaptable to your teaching style.

Here’s why I made the switch, and why you might want to, too!

🌈 It’s Calm and Colorful

The soft, muted tones of a boho rainbow theme bring a sense of calm to your classroom without being boring. You still get all the fun of color, but without the visual overwhelm that can sometimes come with traditional bold primary palettes.

🧠 It Supports a Focused Learning Environment

Neutral tones with soft pops of color help reduce distraction and overstimulation, especially for our littlest learners. A soothing environment can help students feel more secure and ready to focus on the day’s lessons.

✏️ It Pulls Your Classroom Together

A unified theme makes your classroom feel more put-together, even if the rest of your life feels anything but! 😅 From bulletin boards to labels and schedule cards, having everything coordinate adds a sense of flow and order to your space.

🎉 It’s Editable and Easy to Make Your Own

One of the things I love most about this Boho Rainbow Classroom Decor Bundle is that it’s editable! You can customize it with your students’ names, classroom labels, schedule pieces, and more. It includes everything you need to set up your room with style without starting from scratch.

This bundle includes:

Calendar headers and numbers
Alphabet and number posters
Word wall pieces
Classroom job cards
Labels, name tags, schedule cards, and more!

💡 It’s a Style That Lasts

Boho rainbows are more than a trend—they’re a timeless, flexible style that works with a variety of classroom layouts and grade levels. Whether you’re a new teacher or a veteran just ready for a change, this theme is both on-trend and practical.

Ready to create a space that’s both beautiful and functional?
🎨 Click here to grab the Boho Rainbow Classroom Decor Bundle!

Your future self (and your students!) will thank you. Looking for more classroom decor ideas? Check out my post here for some other ideas!

How to Foster Independence in Kindergarten Starting with Morning Work

July 4, 2025 teachersbrain kindergarten survival

One of the most powerful things you can teach in kindergarten isn’t just letters or numbers, it’s independence. And one of the best ways to start building it? A consistent and simple kindergarten morning work routine.

Having a predictable structure each morning gives students the confidence to begin their day with purpose. And when they know what to expect, they can take ownership of their learning, without constantly needing help.

Here’s how you can use independent morning work for kindergarten to help your students become more confident and capable from day one:

1. Stick to a Predictable Format

Young learners thrive on routine. When your morning work follows a consistent format, students quickly learn the expectations and can begin working without your step-by-step guidance. I use monthly journals that combine math and literacy morning work so everything is in one spot and easy to manage.

2. Model and Scaffold Early On

In the first week of school, take time to introduce each type of activity. Use visual supports, model your thinking, and gradually release responsibility. By the second or third week, you’ll be amazed at how many of your students can complete their morning work on their own, and how proud they feel doing it!

3. Reinforce Effort and Progress

Remember: building independence in kindergarten takes time. Morning work should be a low-pressure space for students to try, make mistakes, and grow. Celebrate effort, not perfection. Give positive feedback for trying their best, finishing tasks, and staying focused.

4. Use a Tool That Grows With Them

If you want something ready-to-go and thoughtfully designed for K learners, I recommend this Kindergarten Morning Work Yearlong Math and Literacy Bundle.
It includes:

40 weeks worth of morning work
Developmentally appropriate math and literacy practice
Print-and-go pages that build in difficulty as the year progresses

It’s a simple and effective way to build student confidence and save yourself prep time each morning.

Adding independent morning work for kindergarten to your routine sets the tone for a productive day. It creates calm, structure, and space for students to take charge of their learning, all while giving you time to take attendance, check folders, or prep for small groups. For more morning work tips, check out my post here! 🎉 Click here to explore the Kindergarten Morning Work Bundle

10 Must-Haves for a Smooth First Week of Kindergarten

June 27, 2025 teachersbrain kindergarten survival, Teacher's Pay Teachers

The first week of kindergarten is exciting, busy, and—let’s be honest—a little chaotic. Between managing emotions (theirs and yours!), setting routines, and building classroom community, there’s a lot to juggle.

But with the right tools and mindset, that first week can be smooth, successful, and even fun.

Here are 10 must-haves to help you and your kinders start the year off right:

1. A Visual Schedule

Young learners thrive on routine. Having a simple visual schedule helps ease anxiety and allows students to anticipate what’s coming next, even if they can’t read yet.

Try this one!

2. Name Activities

Start the year with engaging name practice! Use name puzzles, tracing activities, or art projects that help students recognize and spell their own names.

Check out this option!

3. Plenty of Brain Breaks

The first week is not the time to expect long attention spans. Plan short, movement-based brain breaks every 15–20 minutes to help reset and refocus.

Check out these fun brain breaks!

4. Books That Build Classroom Community

Read-alouds like The Kissing Hand or Our Class is a Family are perfect for starting conversations about emotions, friendship, and working together.

5. Simple Routines Taught Step-by-Step

Whether it’s lining up, using glue sticks, or putting away backpacks, model, practice, and praise routines clearly and often.

6. Hands-On Centers

Introduce your center rotation system with low-pressure, hands-on activities like building blocks, puzzles, or playdough. Focus on getting the routine down before adding academic tasks.

7. Interactive Songs and Transitions

Use music to teach transitions, clean-up time, and circle time routines. Songs can turn chaos into calm when used consistently!

8. Kindness Activities

Kick off your classroom culture with lessons on being a kind friend. Anchor charts, role-play, and simple art projects help set the tone for the year.

9. Introductory Science Lessons

Yes, you can teach science the first week, and your students will love it! Try a simple, hands-on lesson from this Yearlong Kindergarten and First Grade Science Curriculum Bundle. It’s packed with easy-to-follow units that integrate literacy, vocabulary, and critical thinking, which is perfect for starting strong!

10. A Whole Lot of Patience (and Snacks!)

Remember: this week is all about building trust, making connections, and learning how to be part of a classroom. Keep expectations clear but flexible and give yourself grace. You’re doing amazing work.

With a little planning and the right tools in your teacher toolbox, the first week of kindergarten can be a joyful beginning to an amazing year.🎉 Ready to make science part of your weekly routine? Grab the full year of K–1 science lessons here »

For more kindergarten success ideas, check out my post here!