Diana Rowland

This 7-minute video on early numeracy and counting from Graham Fletcher is perfect for Pre-K to 1st grade teachers. gfletchy.com/progression-of…

Check out this multiplication chart drawn to scale from Anthony at The Chalkface! This version is so much more intuitive. Read more here: thechalkfaceblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/29/the…

OMG!!!! I have been working so hard toward an advanced certificate that I almost missed this: "UFLI is coming out with a program for 3rd grade and up." It was pure luck that I came across the webinar link. Guess who will use her own money to preorder it in April... ME!!!

Great idea…

Had a great time at the Aberdeen and Carthage Christmas parades yesterday! 🎄

What a great visit to Aberdeen Elementary this morning. Incredible work going on each day. I really enjoyed walking and talking with Assistant Principal Skelton!! #MCSProud #DivingDeeper #LeadershipMatters

🧡Happy Thanksgiving from Aberdeen Elementary!🍁 This season, we’re reflecting on all the things we’re THANKFUL for: 📚 Our students 🔁 Second chances 😊 Happiness 👩‍🍳 Our co-workers 💖 Being alive 🏡 Family 🤝 Giving and receiving These meaningful words come straight from our incredible staff — the heart of our school community. Now we want to hear from you! 💬 What are YOU thankful for this year? Share in the comments below. Wishing everyone a warm, joyful holiday from all of us at Moore County Schools! 🦃 #Thankful #Gratitude #Thanksgiving2025 #MCSProud #AberdeenElementary #WeAreMCS

This. All of this. I've had students come into my reading class with fidget spinners, with stuffed animals, with fidget bracelets, shiny pens, etc. When asked why they have it, they all say they need it for their anxiety. So, initially, I always let them all come in with it and set the expectations for how the set object will be used. Unvariably, by the end of the second day, it is obvious that their attention is split between me and their "anxiety object." This is when I have the conversation with them that their "anxiety object" (whatever it is) will have to wait at a different place in our room other than our table. At first, this is usually not taken well by students, which does not surprise me because I know how stressful reading can be for many students. But I explain to them that they are safe and loved, and that they are capable of doing hard things. I let them know that I understand that they are anxious and why. But I also let them know that we can get through tough moments as a team. I promise that I will never ask them to do something that I have not given them the tools to successfully do. I also let them know that we can take breaks if they need to, but when I am teaching, I want their attention. I want them to learn, because I know that they can learn, and this object is too distracting for them Yes, some resist it initially. But guess what, before the end of the school year, not only have their reading skills improved, but they also have learned that they can persevere through perceived challenges, and they all have gained confidence, and none of them brings that said, object to my class. Funny how improved reading skills frequently lead to decreased school-related anxiety.

Here’s the thing: when reading instruction lacks clear and consistent routines, the students who suffer the most are the most vulnerable ones. The daily novelty places a huge demand on their cognitive load, as they constantly have to figure out what to do and how to do it. Keep it simple!

Keepin' it positive...

Big words aren’t scary… when you know how to teach them. 💪 In our latest blog, we share flexible routines and practical tips focused on helping kids own multisyllabic word reading. 👉 Teachers, this one’s for you! Click the link to read. literacypodcast.com/blog/practical…

Learning is experienced.

Teachers asked for a printable…and it’s here! 🙌 A 6-Step Routine for Multisyllabic Word Reading, inspired by our convo with Jessica Toste & Brennan Chandler. ow.ly/NNAy50XeIAU 🎧 Listen to the podcast to hear about this routine and much MORE! ow.ly/yPVA50XeIAS

When you read a story about crafting a drum, how can you not take a quick brain break to play some desk drums?! 🥁 🎉

Build connection & trust with these phrases. (Bookmark it, use it)