Growing up with dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder, I didn’t always see rows of bookshelves as an invitation; sometimes, they felt like a challenge. However, once I discovered the transformative power of picture books, my world changed forever. Today, as a fifth-grade teacher and the founder of Ramona Recommends, I am constantly reminding my students and fellow educators that the most accessible place to “Open The Magic” is at your local public library. It isn’t just a building filled with quiet corners and dusty spines; it is a vibrant community hub where every reader can find their next big “Confetti Moment.”

A Treasure Trove of Diverse Stories

When we walk into a library, we are walking into a world of endless possibilities. For teachers and parents alike, the library offers a rotating selection of picture books that might otherwise be out of reach for a personal or classroom collection. I always say that picture books are my jam because they bridge the gap for readers of all abilities. By visiting your local public library, you can explore diverse authors, unique illustration styles, and stories that serve as both windows and mirrors for the children in your life.

More Than Just Books

If you haven’t visited lately, you might be surprised by what’s happening behind those doors. Modern libraries have evolved into dynamic centers for creativity and connection. Many offer:

1. Creative Makerspaces
   These are essentially innovation labs right in the heart of your community. Makerspaces often provide access to tools that might be out of reach for a single classroom or home, such as 3D printers, coding kits, sewing machines, or high-end art supplies. For a child who might struggle with traditional reading, finding a “Confetti Moment” while building a robot or designing a digital circuit can be the confidence boost they need to see themselves as a successful learner. It turns the library into a place of active doing rather than just quiet sitting.
2. Museum Passes
   One of the best-kept secrets of the local public library is the “Library of Things.” Many branches offer physical passes or digital vouchers that grant free or deeply discounted admission to local zoos, science centers, and art museums. This is an incredible resource for building experiences. It allows families to take the themes we read about in picture books and see them come to life in the real world, regardless of their budget.
3. Dynamic Reading Programs & Events
   Libraries are masters at turning literacy into a celebration. Beyond the classic summer reading challenge, look for “Winter Bingo,” guest author visits, or “Paws to Read” programs where children can practice reading to therapy dogs. These events are designed to “Open The Magic” for reluctant readers by removing the pressure of grades and replacing it with pure engagement. These programs often feature digital read-alouds and interactive storytimes that are perfect for auditory learners.
4. Curated Thematic “Book Bundles”
   Librarians are the ultimate curators! Many libraries now offer “Book Bundles” or “Binge Boxes” where they have already gathered 5–10 high-quality picture books on a specific theme—like “Winter Wonders” (perfect for pairing with a Blizzard unit!), “Social-Emotional Learning,” or “National Days.” This is a massive time-saver for busy teachers and parents. Instead of hunting through the stacks, you can grab a pre-made bundle that ensures your classroom or home library is always fresh, diverse, and ready for your next morning meeting. (Also look for their STEM kits! Same idea, but with something to build along with the theme.)
5. Specialized Literacy & Accessibility Tools
   For my fellow educators and parents supporting students with dyslexia or auditory processing disorders, the library is a goldmine of accessibility. Most libraries provide free access to apps like Libby or Sora, which offer audiobooks that students can listen to while following along with a physical copy. They also frequently stock “Decodable” book collections and e-readers that allow you to change the font to a “dyslexic-friendly” setting. These tools are essential for helping every child rise above their challenges and find the joy in a great story.

Courtney’s Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your local librarian for a “Teacher Card!” Many libraries offer special accounts for educators that allow for longer checkout periods and higher item limits—because they know we can never have too many picture books in our classrooms!

Finding Your Confetti Moment

Because libraries allow children the freedom to choose their own books without the pressure of a price tag, they are the perfect environment for confetti moments to flourish. When a child chooses a book they are genuinely excited about, they aren’t just practicing literacy; they are building an identity as a reader.

If you’re looking for other ways to bundle books and curate a classroom book box, check out my blog about using National Days and our amazing digital National Days resource to get you started.

Whether you are looking for a new read-aloud for your classroom or a quiet place to rediscover your own love of stories, your neighborhood library is waiting. Grab your library card, head out the door, and get ready to Open The Magic!

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Every November, when the days got shorter and the holiday sparkle started to appear, high school Courtney had one favorite after-school ritual watching Oprah’s Favorite Things.That really was a highlight for me during my high school years. I loved watching people’s excitement and waiting to see which new treasures Oprah would debut each year. I remember when the Oprah magazine came out and she would share all her gems. I would grab a marker and circle everything I needed “hoped” to have for Christmas. Spoiler alert most everything was WAY out of my budget. 

While I’m not Oprah (and no, no one’s winning a car today 😅), I do love sharing things that bring me joy — both in and out of the classroom. So here are a few of my favorite things for teachers, book lovers, and humans who love a little happy.

💛 Favorite Human Gifties

Red Plate

We had a family tradition whenever my sisters and I did something special, spectacular, or just needed a boost we got to have the red plate at dinner. When each of us got married our parents gave us our own red plate to use with our new family.

Ice Cream Scooper

If you ever invite me over for dinner, move into a new house, move away, tell me you like ice cream, have a birthday, or celebrate a holiday with me I am going to buy you this ice cream scooper. It is by far the best scooper I have ever held in my hand. Do I dare tell you, I have a white one (we got from our wedding), red, green, and pink. 

Make Up Sponges

When I wear makeup which is rounded to never, I swear by these makeup sponges. They are so good and flawlessly add foundation to my face. The pack comes with 5 colors and I always start with the red one. They are super cheap and last awhile. 

🍎Favorite TEACHER gifties:

Rainbow Post-it Notes 

Every subject in my class has a color. These post-it notes make my organizational heart glow. They are sticky, but not too sticky. The colors are the perfect hue. When I need a sticky note on math worksheets, I grab all the blues. Yes, math is BLUE! 🙂 

Astrobrights Paper

I could not function as a teacher without Astrobrights paper. Dramatic? Maybe. True? Absolutely. My classroom thrives in color, and Astrobrights is the heartbeat behind it. I use it for everything—Thanksgiving crafts, Halloween crafts, rainbow classroom touches, and more. Bright paper just makes life better.

Click for more Astrobright details!

Expo Markers 

The only negative about these makers is that they are not bullet tip. The colors are vibrant. The usage is the whole year plus some. At the end of the year, I will add the markers to my kid white board marker box. Some people have shared that they leak, but I am going on 7 years strong with no leakage. I also store mine upside down to keep the strong color flowing

📖Favorite PICTURE BOOK gifties:

Food Group Series

is my favorite picture book series for upper grade. The illustrations are intriguing, the books have great tier 2 vocabulary words for instruction, and the life lessons really stick. I have made the Food Group Series my teaching partner. Every table in my classroom is named after a book, the windows are lined with the plushies, and we read the books all the time. Check a quick view of the group here. Have you seen the newest Humble Pie? If I went into my classroom right now, I would find at least 5 of the books on my 5th grader’s desks.

Rainbow Book Ends

In my Open The Magic Headquarters, I have the cutest rainbow bookends that I purchased at Homegoods years ago, but I found these cute ones on amazon and now I want them too!

Kid Kindle

I have had my kid kindle for 2 years and I absolutely love it. Shhhh…. There is no difference between the adult and kid kindle that I am aware of….. I never thought I would be a Kindle person and …..you guys… I am a Kindle person as of June 22nd, 2024. The end. I love the ease of it when traveling or waiting at an appointment. I love a good girlie book or historical fiction. The Nightingale and The Bromance Book Club have been my favorite reads so far.  

I hope a few of my favorite things bring some happiness, color, and inspiration your way this season. 💛

I read a quote this week that really stuck with me. “I hope you find time to be happy, not just strong.” This is from @the_poetry_of_being on instagram. 

Don’t forget to grab your free November Picture Book Favorites list — perfect for your home or classroom library!

The post Ramona Recommends’ Favorite Things for Happy Classroom Days appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

What does a cute banner, bookmarks, and a book recommendation have in common? A way to get your kids to fall in love with reading. It is the little things that bring the most joy.

How to make your own……BOOOOKS Banner

This ghost friendly banner is perfect for your reading corner, classroom library, or hallway display. It’s bright, bookish, and just the right amount of boo!

For this project, I used paper from two of my favorite Astrobrights Paper Packs:

• Astrobrights® Naturals Assorted Paper Pack using the color Stone™
• Astrobrights® Tropical Paper Pack using Outrageous Orchid™, Lift-Off Lemon™, and Cosmic Orange™

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make your own BOOOOKS banner:

• Astrobrights^® Paper (colors listed and linked above)
• Ribbon of your choice
• Scissors
• Mini Clothespins
• Optional: A laminator if you want your banner to last

How to Create Your Banner

1. Print and cut out each letter of “BOOOOKS” on your favorite Astrobrights Paper colors
2. Attach the letters to a ribbon using mini clothespins.
3. Hang it above your classroom library, a bulletin board, or your October book display.

It’s the perfect way to make your reading space feel festive and inviting this season. Grab the template HERE and get crafting! 

A Little Reading BOOfull Magic ✨

I will set out Halloween themed color-your-own bookmarks. I typically allow them to create their bookmarks after recess and/or lunch for about 5 minutes to help calm the vibe of the room. During this time, the lights are low, the classical music is jamming and kids are building memories of magical reading experiences. For lasting durability, print the bookmarks on Neenah^® Bright White™ Cardstock Paper or Lift-Off Lemon™. To add a little magic, holepunch the bookmark and add some ribbon or purple, orange, or lime green yarn.

Lastly, under the banner, I like to display a book review sheet where students can share what books they’re reading. The students can choose if they review a Halloween themed picture book or what chapter book they have read. I love a good theme and will print my book review sheets to match the BOOOOKS banner.

Want to add more Halloween picture books to your collection? I have the perfect list which outlines my favorites.

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Astrobrights^® Papers and Walmart.

The post Create an Astrobrights BOOOOKS Banner for Reading Magic appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Why Classroom Jobs Matter

Before diving into the how, let’s pause for the why. Classroom jobs are more than just tasks. They:

• Foster responsibility and independence
• Build community and teamwork
• Create ownership of the classroom space
• Save teachers time and energy
• Add a little sparkle of fun to the day
  

When students walk in each morning knowing they have a role to play, they’re more engaged and ready to contribute.

💡 Want even more ways to build classroom community? Check out my blog on Empathy Picture Books for Upper Elementary for read-alouds that spark kindness and connection.

Creative Classroom Jobs Kids Will Love

Sure, you’ll want the classics—line leader, board eraser, and librarian—but why stop there? Infuse your classroom with a little personality by trying jobs like:

• Techies: Support with Chromebooks or other devices
• Teacher in Training: Your right-hand helper for anything and everything
• Confetti Analyst: Choose the daily picture book to spark a Confetti Moment
• Texas Toast: Control the reading light (yes, it’s a thing, and yes, kids love it!)
• Morning News Anchor: Share the daily schedule with flair
• Joke Finder: Lighten the day with a silly joke
• National Days Expert: Announce quirky celebrations that connect to your lessons
  

These unique titles not only make jobs more exciting but also reinforce that your classroom is a special place where kids matter.

3 Key Pointers for Implementing Classroom Jobs

Ready to start? Keep these tips in mind:

1. Keep it Consistent – Post jobs in a visible spot and assign them weekly or monthly so kids know when it’s their turn.
2. Teach First, Expect Later – Model exactly what each job looks like. Don’t assume students know how to be the “Techie” without a quick tutorial.
3. Rotate and Refresh – Give everyone a chance to try different jobs, but also be willing to swap out jobs as your class needs change.
   

✨ If you’re setting up the first weeks of school, my 10-Day Back to School Classroom Calendar is the perfect companion to your classroom jobs routine. It’s filled with picture books, activities, and ready-to-use plans to make your first days seamless.

Building Ownership with Jobs

Classroom jobs are small, but the impact is huge. Students feel seen. They learn responsibility. They see that the classroom belongs to all of you—not just the teacher. When every child plays a role, the classroom hums with energy, respect, and shared pride.

So, whether you use jobs like “Cleaning Crew” or “Confetti Analyst,” the goal is the same: kids who feel connected and invested in their learning environment.

And if you want to make assigning jobs fun and seamless, check out my resource with editable job charts and adorable graphics. It makes the process simple, organized, and oh-so-cute.

Along with my free Classroom Jobs Chart, you might also love my Back to School Must-Haves Resource which includes 20 picture books with extension activities to help you build routines, confidence, and connection from day one.

And for something extra fun, the National Days Picture Book Resource ties perfectly to the “National Days Expert” classroom job—your students will love celebrating quirky holidays while practicing reading fluency.

The post Classroom Jobs Kids Love (and Teachers Need!) appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

I used to hate the first thirty minutes of the day because they felt chaotic. Then I created a routine that made me smile and the kids successful. When the bell rings and students rush in, everything you do in the first 30 minutes of the day sets the emotional tone for your classroom. In my fifth-grade room, those precious first moments aren’t about diving into content—they’re about creating calm, building connection, and laying the foundation for a Confetti-Filled kind of day. In fact, I believe this small window of time holds huge power—for both teacher and student. That’s why I’ve crafted a gentle, intentional routine that welcomes students, lowers anxiety, and prepares their minds and hearts for learning.

🌞 A Morning Routine That Builds Calm & Community

I call it “Hello To You”. When my students walk into my classroom, I have calming music playing and a To-Do list on the board for them to follow. (I will be real with you- I still have kids in May that ask me what to do. Just keeping it real.) My students will come in and unpack, write down their homework, and then silently read or work on their monthly journal. During this time, I am taking attendance and walking around to help focus students. This looks like a tap on the shoulder, a shout out to someone following directions, or a soft reminder. At 8:05, our news anchor will come up to the board, greet the students, and then read the schedule. Then our teacher-in-training will read the lunch menu, homework, and lead us in the pledge. Next up is the reading of our National Days. [Don’t forget to grab your National Days for August!] I used to move into Open the Magic here, but this year is where the JOY JAR will shine! Finally, we’ll transition to our Open the Magic moment: a read-aloud that inspires discussion and creates space for student voices. This year, I plan to start this time with my 10 Days to Shine resource—especially during the first two weeks of school. It’s my go-to for morning meetings, picture book pairing, and SEL discussion starters. I cannot wait!!

💛 Inside 10 Days to Shine

If you’ve ever asked, “How can I build community without feeling overwhelmed?”—this resource is your answer.

Each day includes:

• A quote and daily mindset theme
• A book recommendation that reinforces the theme
• A discussion question to prompt thoughtful conversation
• A writing prompt tied to daily focus
• A collaborative activity for team-building
• A small routine or procedure to teach gradually
  

The first 30 minutes of the day using 10 Days to Shine helps students feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s not just about classroom management—it’s about classroom magic and community.

✨ Add Joy with the Joy Jar

Another way I plan to sprinkle connection into our mornings? The Joy Jar. With 180 engaging questions, it’s a game-changer for opening up even the quietest students. I will use it during morning meetings, brain breaks, and transitions. Our student leader will read the question and then I will help facilitate how to respond to the question. Each day it will look different. Sometimes everyone in the class will answer, sometimes I will do partners, or small groups. I just want my students talking and taking risks and being respectful.

The best part? It’s simple, joyful, and endlessly reusable. And let’s be honest—kids love it. (and you will too!)

📚 Picture Books That Anchor Our Mornings

Of course, no morning is complete without a picture book to Open the Magic! During this time, all of my 5th graders come to my reading corner and I will read them a picture book. Whether it’s The Magical Yet to spark growth mindset or Our Class is a Family to build connection, books are our anchor. They provide rich conversation, emotional grounding, and of course, the chance for Confetti Moments. Here’s more book recommendations for Back to School and Social Emotional Learning. If you’re looking for an SEL deep dive, head to this blog.

🪄 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or a seasoned pro, I encourage you to rethink the first 30 minutes of the day. Slow down. Start soft. Open the magic. These small decisions can change everything—for your students and for you.

Want everything planned for you? Check out 10 Days to Shine and The Joy Jar—two resources built to bring joy, connection, and calm into your classroom from day one.

The post The First 30 Minutes that Transform Your Day appeared first on Ramona Recommends.

Calling all Type A teachers and parents—this blog post is for you! I’m sharing my top 5 favorite ways I’ve become ultra organized in my classroom. Each of these systems or tools has brought me real joy—and yes, even made me smile big! Staying organized helps me feel calm and gives me space to actually process life. Can I tell you something? When I walk into a messy space, I instantly feel anxious. That’s called visual clutter, and it really can trigger stress. And here’s a little honesty: by 2:32 p.m., my classroom desk might be a HOT mess because I’ve been too busy to keep up with it. But before I leave for the day? You better believe my desk is back to thriving.

RAINBOW Organized Desk Area:

Everything has a home—and it’s usually organized by rainbow colors! I color-code each subject to help both myself and my students stay on track. Red stands for Reading, Yellow for Writing and Conventions, Green for Social Studies, Blue for Math, and Purple for Science. (Full disclosure: I treat pink and red as the same color. 😉)

Behind my desk, I use colored bins and folders for each current unit. For example, during our fractions unit in math, all materials go into the blue folder, and my teacher edition lives in the blue bin. When a unit wraps up, everything returns to the filing cabinet, ready for next year.

My rainbow rolling carts hold weekly copies. Before I head out on Friday, I sort everything into the bins. It’s probably my favorite system—it’s visual, easy, and effective. You’ll also notice a tall rainbow organizer under my printer. That’s where I keep any parent-made copies I’m not ready to use yet. My goal is to stay two weeks ahead. Goal being the key word—yes, there are weeks when I’m copying up to the last possible minute!

The Most Simple To Do List

This list changed everything. One Friday afternoon last September, overwhelmed by a sea of sticky notes, I opened a Google Doc, grabbed a cute rainbow template from Pinterest, and created the simplest to-do list ever. I separated my grading from general tasks, which instantly made things feel more manageable.

If you’re a new teacher, here’s a golden tip: grade things as soon as students turn them in. Waiting for a better time? Trust me—it never comes. I’ve made that mistake plenty. Of course, when you’ve got 35 essays, it’s not realistic to finish them all in one day. That’s when I use my “35/5 rule”—I commit to grading 7 to 10 papers a day.

Best part? My to-do list is editable and honestly kind of fabulous (if I do say so myself).

Schedule/Calendar

Do you want to know what the number one thing my students do when they come into Room 35 each morning? They look straight at the schedule. Like me, they want to know what is going on during the day.

Teachers, we are busy and sometimes simple is best. 

I used to buy all the fancy planners, which I loved, but I never used most of the papers. While I like to be organized, I am a very simple organizer. I created this very simple planner and it has been going 7 years strong.

Picture Book Organization

When you have 3,000 picture books and counting you have to have some kind of plan or you might have a disaster 24/7.

 Here are my tried and true book organization tips:

1. All of my SEL (Social Emotional Learning) picture books are grouped together by spine color—because it’s visually satisfying, and I love it that way.
2. I start with broad categories (like Biographies) and narrow them down (like Female Biographies). This layered system makes it easy to find exactly what I need.
3. To keep track of what I own, I rely on a Google Sheets database. And yes—you can grab either my editable or non-editable version to start your own system! (Read the blog for more!)

If you have an amazing organization tip, I’d love to hear it. Send me an email—I’m always looking to learn from fellow organization lovers!

Looking for better Reading Group Organization ideas? I’ve got you covered!

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