Most teachers juggle multiple preps. No matter your content or grade level, if you have been teaching for any length of time, it is inevitable. We asked our Facebook group how many preps they taught, and one teacher said 7! Wow! Let’s talk about some of the ways we can manage teaching multiple preps. Keep scrolling to learn about something HUGE that Maneuvering the Middle is ...
The Self-Paced Classroom
We are diving deep into the Grid Method with Jodi Rookhuizen. She runs a self-paced classroom using our Maneuvering the Middle resources and the Grid Method. Scroll down to grab a Grid freebie to get yourself started with the Grid Method. LISTEN ON: APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY Who is our expert on the self-paced classroom? Jodi lives in Billings, Montana. She taught middle ...
Are Math Video Lessons Effective?
Teaching has changed so much in a year and a half. With many schools going back to face to face next year, it begs the question - are video lessons here to stay? Will the use of this technology continue and if so, what will it look like? LISTEN ON: APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY Maybe a way to phrase the question is - are video lessons effective? Effective teaching practices stick ...
Teaching the Real Number System
The real number system can really confuse students. I will admit, at times, I felt confused too! Let’s check out 4 strategies that will help you teach classifying real numbers, and will help your students master the concept. Vertical Alignment Before we jump to that, let’s take a look at the standard and how it progresses through middle school, and then take a look at some STAAR ...
Tips for a New Math Teacher
After eight years of teaching math, there are still several things I wish I had known before I started. Today, I am sharing five tips for a new math teacher. Whether you are fresh out of college or shifting careers, this is for you. 1. Create a Safe Environment for Mistake Making You are responsible for creating a safe learning environment for students to make mistakes. ...
Setting Teacher Boundaries
Not setting enough boundaries is potentially one of the reasons that educators feel so burnt out early in their careers. I am going to share with you some ways we can put healthy boundaries in place so that we can thrive in our roles as educators, family members, and friends. Why we need boundaries As educators, I think we are prone to struggle with setting healthy teacher ...
Professional Development & Online Collaboration
Professional development - let's talk about it! Since so many events have moved online, there really are quite a few opportunities available for teachers without the cost of traveling or hotels. Why You Should Attend One thing we know about summer is that we are in a completely different mindset than we are during the school year. When we are rejuvenated and well rested, ...
Teacher Summer Todo List
It is almost summer! Can you hear the angels singing? Summers are exactly what a teacher needs to refresh their minds and to fill their tank back up. Here are some things you should definitely do this summer as a teacher, as well as things you should definitely not do. DO: Reflect and audit for next year DON’T: Stress about next year You survived the year that ...
End of the Year Ideas for Middle School
The end of the year is upon us! While there is no tired like teacher tired, I would argue that there is no tired like end of year teacher tired. If you are reading this, hopefully, state testing is behind you and you are looking for some easy ways to make the end of the year memorable but doable. Here are 8 end of the year ideas for middle school. 1. Try Something ...
The Flipped Classroom
A flipped classroom might be the perfect solution for the teacher who has spent the last year making instructional videos. Those videos represent so much time and energy - surely they don't have to go to waste when everyone is back in the classroom. We interviewed the flipped classroom expert to learn more. Check out the player to hear the interview, or you can read the transcript ...