Hi! I’m Mona. Creator of First Grade Schoolhouse. Curriculum Writer. I help busy, hard-working teachers meet the needs of their students with time-saving tips, fun + creative activities, and easy to use, quality resources.
Teaching can feel overwhelming at times, but at the same time rewarding, as teachers work to meet the needs of their students.
Teaching is hard work.
As a teacher, you know the hard work of creating a classroom environment that facilitates learning – from organizing supplies to managing student use of materials to finding ways to encourage students to work cooperatively.
You want to use engaging and effective activities that are useful for students in your class. It takes time to find, modify, and improve resources for the unique needs of your students, so they can meet the educational standards. Refining activities and reflecting on best practices is time-consuming.
You also want learning to be fun. This takes some creativity. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the expression on a child’s face when they understand a new concept and are excited to use a new skill or strategy that’s learned.
If this sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place.
I’m here to support teachers with ideas, activities, and resources! How can I help?
Let’s connect.
Background
While taking a childhood development class at Arizona State University, I fell in love with teaching. The class took place at the university preschool. I observed preschool children and created developmentally appropriate activities for them under the guidance of the preschool director. It was then that I knew I wanted to teach. I loved the idea of learning how to positively impact the growth of a child.
I started teaching 6th grade, but I’ve primarily taught primary grades. I’ve even taught at the same elementary school where I attended school!
You may have guessed from the name, “First Grade Schoolhouse,” that first grade was my favorite grade to teach. It’s the grade that I taught for most of my years teaching.
I believe that learning is intrinsically rewarding. I’m passionate about creating classroom environments and activities that promote the love of learning.
I’m retired from teaching, and continue to share and collaborate with teachers to find ways to be more efficient and effective as a teacher. I look forward to sharing ideas and providing you with activities and resources that will help you on your teaching journey.
