Each year, my students take the MAP (measure of academic progress) test in the fall and then again in the spring. While the test does many fancy things, I use it to determine what grade level my students are coming to me on and tailor my instruction before I learn about their struggles organically. This year, I had students who fell in the second grade range. As a sixth grade teacher, ...
Search Results for: test prep
5 Teacher Organization Tips for Middle School
Over spring break, I was able to visit my sister, Mrs. Brack, and see her classroom. I love seeing other people’s classrooms and how they are organized. She is not only a fabulous math teacher but crafty and organized. I thought I would share 5 Teacher Organization Tips for Middle School. Some of these totally apply to any middle school classroom, but a few are ...
How to Create a Unit Plan
Unit plans are one of those things that we often consider nice to have if the district provides it. Unfortunately, not all districts provide this, especially with the frequent change in standards. Today, I am sharing how to create a unit plan that is both useful and practical for you and your students. Benefits of Creating a Unit Plan Content gets adequate time upfront Gives ...
Teachers Around the Globe
One thing that I love about being a teacher is that you instantly bond with another teacher. Whether it be the line at Starbucks or your spouse's holiday party, when you meet another teacher there is no shortage of conversation topics. This I have found to be true with all teachers around the globe. I have personally loved getting to meet other teachers through blogging and ...
Utilizing Parent Volunteers in Middle School
Parent volunteers in middle school can be tricky to find. I admit that I was jealous of my elementary teacher friends. They had classroom parties, room moms, and parent volunteers for field trips. I mentioned this to a friend, and she asked, "Have you asked them? Just make a quick sign up form." So I did. I asked parents to return the form with various ways they would help checked. ...
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 ...
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 ...