Citrus Teaching

05/16/2026

Want stress-free test prep that actually works?

In my latest blog, I share creative strategies to keep parents and families involved, motivate students to try their best, and turn review into purposeful games. From family-friendly activities to motivation hacks and anxiety-reduction ideas, this post has practical tips that are ready-to-go!

Preparing third graders for the FAST PM3 Mathematics test can feel like a challenge. The goal is not just to review math content but to build confidence and make testing day a positive experience. Over the years, I have developed several creative strategies that helped my students feel ready and mot...

04/19/2026

With stress, comes panic and within the panic, mistakes are made that actually end up hurting our students learning!

Every year, I see teachers
❌ Overloading students with tests: the continual practice tests don’t lead to higher achievement, they lead to burnout
❌ Isolating test strategies: If testing strategies, like the process of elimination, are taught separately, there’s no real world application. And that just means that students won’t use them and instructional time was wasted.
❌ Ignoring data trends: It’s all in the numbers! Don’t just guess and hope that your students will do well, KNOW IT!

So, how do we fix it?
✅ Use your data to drive small group instruction
✅ Spiral review the skills you’ve taught in the fall and
✅ Include testing strategies WITH content (exit slips, common formative assessments, quiz reviews)

What would you include in this list?

04/08/2026

Teacher joy is found in the little things — fresh markers, clean data, and watching students get it. That’s the real magic. ✨📊

If you know, you know. Drop your “it’s the little things” moment below ⬇️ 💛

🍎

04/06/2026

When I see my students walk into testing season feeling calm, confident, and actually prepared…that’s when I know the strategies are working ✨🍊

Test prep isn’t just about content — it’s about giving students the tools to manage their thinking, their time, and their mindset 💭💪

This bulletin board set from has quickly become our go-to reminder for strong testing habits—and I love that it’s something students can actually use in the moment!

And yes…even TPT sellers are out here buying gold from other creators 👀👏🏻

Save this for later, share with a teacher bestie, and tell me below—what’s your go-to test prep strategy? ⬇️

04/03/2026

Front-row seats to history + delicious blondes = an unforgettable night 🚀✨

We finished our final in-person Clinical Supervision I class for the semester and stepped outside to watch the Artemis II launch from Central Florida — talk about timing!!

The launch was a beautiful reminder: keep working, keep trying, and keep aiming high. ☀️

Our amazing professor surprised us with homemade goodies, which made the whole evening feel cozy and celebratory.

What moment made you feel like anything’s possible?

03/08/2026

Feeling the weight of a tougher semester as both a student and a school leader? You’re not alone — I’ve been there. That’s why I created a new motto to keep me grounded and motivated: “Be Comfortable, Being Uncomfortable.” It sounds simple, but it’s become a practical guide for how I show up every day.

What it means to me:
✅Lean into hard conversations instead of avoiding them. Difficult talks often lead to clearer expectations and stronger teams.

✅Take on stretch projects even when I’m unsure of the outcome. Growth happens outside comfort zones.

✅Build small daily habits (short reflection, quick check-ins with teammates, micro-goals) to stay steady during chaos.

✅Practice self-compassion when things don’t go perfectly — resilience isn’t about never failing, it’s about recovering and learning.

This semester has tested my time management, decision-making, and patience. But choosing to be comfortable with discomfort has helped me prioritize what matters and lead with more clarity. I wrote a blog post sharing specific moments from this term, the small rituals that kept me moving, and some tools I’m using to stay balanced.

What’s one uncomfortable thing you tried recently that helped you grow? Or, if you’re struggling now, what would help you take that next step? Share below — let’s support each other. ✨

It’s been a little over a month since I last shared an update, and this semester has truly tested my balance, perseverance, and resilience. That’s why I’ve embraced a new motto for this chapter in my life: Be comfortable being uncomfortable.

02/09/2026

Stressed day ➜ one feel-good song away from a better mood. 🎧✨

My go-to: “The Man” by, the one and only, Taylor Swift — instantly brightens the whole drive home and restores my confidence.

What’s YOUR feel-good anthem? Drop the title (and why it matters) — I’m building a vibe playlist! 🎶❤️

02/03/2026

Teaching area? Bring snacks. 🍪➡️📐

Cheez-Its turned my third grade lesson from “meh” to “wow!” ✨ Using the activity, students built rectangles, counted unit squares, and developed a strong foundation to understand that area = the measure of a shapes’ surface. Hands on, visual, and totally tasty! 😋

Try It:
1️⃣ Give each student/pair a handful of Cheez-Its

2️⃣ Have them cover each rectangle on the MashUp Math printable

3️⃣ Compare results and discuss strategies

What are some of your favorite area activities? Comment below! ⬇️ 🍎

02/03/2026

Looking for sub plans that actually keep learning on track while you’re away? 📝✨ I just published a new blog post with practical steps to write clear, easy-to-follow sub plans that respect your students’ time and the substitute’s workload. Ready-to-use templates, time-saving strategies, and classroom-tested ideas inside. What’s one thing you always include in a sub plan? Share below! 👇

When I prepare sub plans, my main goal is to keep learning moving smoothly, even when I’m not in the classroom. For third grade math and science, this means designing activities that are clear, engaging, and connected to what students already know.

02/03/2026

Groundhog beanie? Check. Mystery puzzle? Check. Cookies? DOUBLE check. 🦫✨

Today, I brought that Punxsutawney spirit to Florida for Groundhog Day — we loved a Groundhog Day mystery to practice multiplication facts, dove into a Nearpod lesson on how groundhogs adapt to the seasons, and snacked on some adorable groundhog cookies. Hands on learning + a cultural tradition = students who remember the lesson (and the snacks!)

How do you mix community traditions into your classroom lessons? 📸👇🏻