What Is an Elementary State of Mind? (And Why It Matters More Than Ever)

Elementary State of Mind started as a mindset long before it became a website, a shop, or a brand. It was born in those moments when I looked around my classroom and thought, there has to be a way to teach deeply, meet standards, and still let kids be kids.

An elementary state of mind isn't about doing less.

It's about teaching with intention, imagination, and heart.

Why This Matters

Today's classrooms are full of contradictions. We're asked to increase rigor, follow scripted programs, analyze data constantly — all while nurturing creativity, social-emotional growth, and joy.

Teachers are burning out not because they don't care, but because they care deeply.

Elementary State of Mind exists to bridge that gap.

What an Elementary State of Mind Means to Me

At its core, ESOM is built on a few beliefs:

• Joy and rigor are not opposites
• Play is a pathway to deep learning
• Students deserve voice, choice, and creativity
• Teachers deserve resources that trust their professionalism
• Engagement is not extra — it's essential

An elementary state of mind honors how children actually learn — through curiosity, movement, discussion, storytelling, and meaningful work.

What This Looks Like in Real Classrooms

It looks like students rereading a text not because they were told to, but because they need evidence to prove their case.

It looks like anchor charts covered in kid language.

It looks like productive noise, collaboration, and pride.

Why Elementary Teachers Need This Space

So often, teaching resources are either:

• Too rigid, or
• Too fluffy

Elementary State of Mind is where evidence-based instruction meets imagination.

Everything here is:

• Classroom-tested
• Flexible
• Designed to make learning stick and feel good

What You'll Find Here

• Engaging ELA & PBL resources
• Ideas rooted in best practice
• Real classroom stories
• Tools that support teacher sustainability

If you're a teacher who wants your classroom to feel alive again — you're in the right place.