As teachers, we know how important it is to stay healthy in order to both help our students healthy and create a productive classroom environment. It can be challenging to maintain a healthy routine and lifestyle when the school year gets busy. It is very common for teachers to prioritize
If you’re an elementary teacher, having detailed substitute plans is a must. Whether your district refers to them as substitute teachers, relief teachers, guest teachers, or any other term, the idea is the same: someone steps in to manage your class while you’re out. And typically, it’s your responsibility to
Exit ticket, exit slip, exit card, exit prompt, exit pass… All of these terms are used interchangeably to describe a quick assessment given at the end of a lesson or class period. Not only will I share everything you need to know about using exit slips in your classroom, but will
What’s the first word you think of when I say “homework?” It’s one of those hot topics that people feel very strongly about one way or another. However, more often than not, it’s a requirement. As a result, I am here to share homework ideas that will make your life
If you’re an elementary teacher, then you’ll probably agree… Education has become far too data-driven. Busy teachers are being asked to spend too much time looking at numbers when they know in their hearts that the true measure of student success can not be found solely in charts and graphs.
Are you looking to learn more about student portfolios and perhaps begin implementing them in your classroom? Did you already take the leap of faith and begin using them but haven’t found an organization tool you love? Wherever you are on your student portfolio journey, know this… Student portfolios can
When you draft your lesson plans, you have the following resources on hand: computer with internet, teacher manuals, thematic resources you’ve accumulated, pacing guide / curriculum maps, Common Core Materials and Standards, and plans from previous years. Wow, that’s a lot! Check out the tools for organizing lesson plans below to
Testing has very much become a part of school culture. Teachers often initiate assessments, using them meaningfully to plan purposeful, data-driven instruction that aligns directly with what they teach in class. Other tests, however, come as standardized mandates. They’re often not developmentally appropriate, and teachers must administer them to students,
Yesterday, I blogged about organizing your big ideas and teaching concepts for the school year using curriculum maps. Today I’ll focus on integrating some of those concepts together by designing an integrated multidisciplinary thematic unit. I’m a thematic girl at heart. I live for planning my children’s birthday parties. I
As you start to think about the upcoming school year, it is helpful to start by thinking about “the Big Picture.” What is it that you want and need to cover during your overall time with your students? Creating and utilizing curriculum maps will allow you to be sure that
