Today I'm excited to have my real-life teaching friend Callie on the blog! She's here to share her thoughts on giving meaningful feedback to students. You'll learn about how she uses both "praise points" and "teaching points" to help her students grow and to build strong student relationships. I remember doing my student teaching in a second grade classroom and my cooperating teacher having a list taped to her desk. On it consisted of at … [Read more...] about Giving Meaningful Feedback to Students
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How to Empower Your Students
Teaching is undoubtedly one of the most valuable professions required in any society. Young minds must be shaped in a way to help continue the productivity and advancement of a civilization. While there are many strategies and techniques debated about the best way to accomplish the goal, the end result is that children must be prepared to take their place in society. The education system is one place that young minds can and should be … [Read more...] about How to Empower Your Students
Mid-Year Community Building: Why It Matters and 4 Ways to Do It
For those first weeks of school in September, most teachers are doing a lot of classroom community building activities. I teach ESL to 5th, 6th , and 7th graders at the moment. In September, my walls are full of world maps where students mark their home countries, pages from all-about-me-books, and the results of lots of collaborative team-building activities. We all know that icebreakers and community builders create a friendly and safe learning … [Read more...] about Mid-Year Community Building: Why It Matters and 4 Ways to Do It
How to Use Magic Square Puzzles!
I've had several people comment that they don't understand how to prepare and/or play Magic Square Puzzles. So this post is going to explain how to use Magic Square Puzzles. {You'll also have access to some great Magic Square freebies for grades K-6, so stick around!} Want to skip right to the video directions? Click here for the video version, or click here for the video with audio! What are the Benefits of Magic Square Puzzles? Before we get … [Read more...] about How to Use Magic Square Puzzles!
AHHH! State Testing!!
If you are anything like me, you are starting to freak out about state testing! Ours start on Monday, and we have just a two week testing window. (Did I mention that Easter break - aka a 4-day weekend - just happens to fall in there as well!?!) I feel particularly stressed this year because I will be reading the test aloud to my 5th grade special ed kiddos. There are nine kiddos who need the test read aloud! (I have one of the bigger caseloads … [Read more...] about AHHH! State Testing!!
Working with a Paraprofessional in the Classroom
Not every teacher has the luxury of working with a paraprofessional in the classroom. But I am here to tell you a good parapro is worth their weight in gold (and in many cases, even more!). I want to share tips and ideas I've heard or collected over the years to make this working relationship the very best it can be. Please note that I use the terms paraprofessional, aide, and parapro interchangeably. I know some people may view one term better … [Read more...] about Working with a Paraprofessional in the Classroom
Real Life Math: Getting a Pet
Making math exciting through real life math is a great way to keep students engaged in learning. When you can tie in some financial literacy and project based learning, you've hit the trifecta! This download will help 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade elementary students plan to get a new pet in a hands-on, differentiated way. WHAT YOU GET: 52 student printables in PDF format 2 teacher direction pages 52 editable student … [Read more...] about Real Life Math: Getting a Pet
6th Graders – Helping Them Find Success
In a recent post, I wrote about how sixth graders are such a unique group of students to teach due to how much they vary. In this post, I want to share ideas on how I help these students find success in their academic careers while also helping them develop into wonderful young adults. Choice I find that giving any grade level students choice is a great thing. However, 6th graders especially appreciate getting a say in their education. My … [Read more...] about 6th Graders – Helping Them Find Success
Classroom Games: 8 Reasons to Use Them
Kids like games. That's why as teachers games can be a great way to enhance student learning in the classroom. Don't believe me? No problem! Today I've created a list of eight reasons to use classroom games to enhance student learning. 1. Kids don't realize they're still learning. When you tell the students you're going to play any type of classroom game, they are immediately drawn in. They get excited. Learning is guaranteed to take place … [Read more...] about Classroom Games: 8 Reasons to Use Them
