The Marshmallow Challenge is going to get you through May, I promise. It is that time of year. The time you look forward to all year. But, when it arrives can be difficult, busy, and overall chaotic. May has arrived. It is tempting to want students quietly working in their seats, but the reality is that is more difficult than planning some fun, engaging activities. That is where ...
Determining What to Review
March 1st always brings about two things: the impending countdown to spring break (yay!) and the daunting task of test prep review (eek!). In my years of teaching, testing season began immediately after spring break. Different grades and subjects were state tested towards the end of March and throughout April. First and foremost, I support best teaching practices, which involve ...
Standardized Test Review, Yes or No?
With the increase in testing days, the time for a standardized test review can be difficult to find. Each district and even school take their own stance on benchmark exams, unit tests, common assessments, and even weekly quizzes. In this day and age of assessment as "king", we see the impact of instructional time in the classroom. In one school, the district provided exams every three ...
Making Math Relevant
We encounter math on a daily basis. As I prepared my tax documents (ugh) I was reminded of this truth. We see it at the grocery store and Christmas shopping. The year I taught Algebra 1, was the year I really struggled to show my students this concept. As we graphed linear equations, it was difficult to communicate to them how we used this so frequently. I think I am not alone in ...
Fractions. Decimals. Percents. Oh My!
Yesterday, I shared with you how the Common Core State Standards have emphasized fractions and number sense. As many of you can relate, this is a much needed area of support for our students. Today, I would like to share a few quick ideas for supporting this need in the classroom or tutoring setting. Ordering | once students have a clear understanding that numbers can be ...
Maximizing Your Planning Time
Conference. Planning. PLC. Team Meeting. To the outsider these all seem very similar, time away from your students throughout the day. Today, I am going to share ideas for maximizing your planning time, or whatever you call it. To the teacher, we know better. Each name comes with a distinct expectation and amount of flexibility. I have worked in each of the settings below at a ...
Back to School Math Activities
That first week of school can be so overwhelming! I don't know about you, but I really want to get to know my students. I want to develop a classroom community, set procedures (I am super picky), but I have this conflicting feeling inside that says, "I don't have enough days. I will be behind". Also, there is usually some pressure from administrators and the curriculum to not "waste ...
Bright Idea: The Sticky Side of Painters Tape
With July ending and August around the corner, this Bright Idea will be one you can use all year long. I personally have used this in the math classroom, but I have seen it in social studies as well. It basically is a revamp of the number line (or time line, or sequencing events in a story, etc). Enter the key ingredient: Painters Tape Painters tape can be found at any home ...
Substitute Trouble in Secondary
I recall when my substitute instructions looked like this: Not the best instructions and consequently my students were unlikely to complete their work, it was almost like a waste of a day. Can anyone relate? Along the way, I realized that the more clear instructions I left, the more likely I was to return to peace, calm, completed work, and a good report. That's the goal, ...
Successful 50 Minute Classes {Part 2}
Earlier this week, I began a blog series Successful 50 Minute Classes. This year I am working with some brand new first year teachers, so this has been constantly on my mind. Plus, it is easy to get caught by the bell when you are rocking and rolling! Today, I am going to focus on the small things that eat away at those 50 minutes, without us even realizing. Supplies Scissors, ...