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 ...
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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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
Successful 50 Minute Classes {Part 1}
What should a typical 50 minute class look like? Just like any other classroom question, it is going to look different in each classroom. There are components will benefit students and teachers alike, that I would venture to say are necessary. Part of these components tend to be on the routines and procedures aspect of the classroom dynamics, while others are more essential for the ...
6 Steps to a More Peaceful Classroom (Part 2)
This week we are discussing how to be best prepared for a calm and collected classroom environment. If you missed Part 1 be sure to check it out here. Next on the list are two more successful methods for strong classroom management skills: 3. Be consistent Being consistent is by far my greatest struggle. Consistency is all encompassing in the classroom and ...
Classroom Mangement on One Page
After thinking through all of things classroom management, I remembered one of the simplest procedures I implemented a few years ago. I used to call it the Panther Express Card, because we were Panthers :) I made a few modifications and now call it an Express Card. I love using it in class! Basically every student receives one each grading period. I copy it onto colored card stock ...