Here’s a list of routines and procedures that work for any K-8 group. I suggest you brainstorm with your students to discover and discuss which items you wish to focus on throughout the year. Then create a poster to hang up and periodically share and adjust the list with your class. Enter the classroom in… Read More »
Growth Mindset teaches us that learning is an ever-rising spiral that requires us to merge building blocks of our understanding and knowledge over time. We need to be patient and persistent with ourselves and students. We need to embrace flexibility and expect to not always ‘get it’ the first time we try something new. We… Read More »
As teachers look to the new school year, most are searching for ways to make quality more important than quantity. It’s a shift to making every problem, essay, writing stronger rather than longer. Here are a few ideas to tuck away as you plan. Plan activities that promote student skill development while interacting with others.… Read More »
Summertime is a chance to renew our energy as well as a time to look for new inspiration. While it may be fun creating new materials, is it the best use of your time? Consider using other people’s ideas that meet your needs. Look to libraries, classes you attend(ed), and how-to-books. These days the internet… Read More »
The four parts remain the same across learning math concepts: Plan and Organize skim and preview tasks breakdown the parts decide how to proceed Self-Monitor check your progress troubleshoot problems ask for help when truly ‘stuck’ Self Reflect assess our strategies Think-Pair-Share-Compare with others Direct Our Own Learning know what we know know what we… Read More »
Reading in schools takes up more than 80% of the school day. Finding meaning in any text requires us to think about how we think.** We must once again use these four basic elements: Plan and Organize skim and preview tasks breakdown the parts decide how to proceed Self-Monitor check your progress troubleshoot problems ask… Read More »
Metacognition is thinking about our thinking. It’s the driving force behind effective learning for kids from age 3 to high school and advanced learning and on through a productive life. As with growth mindset, it requires us to engage in a healthy struggle as we each develop this valuable life-long tool. We must think about… Read More »
The school year is winding down for most educators. Hopefully this has been a great year with tons of student success and limited teacher stress. Before you step away for your much deserved summer break, I want to offer you opportunities to consider: FREE Summer math packets for K-2 or 3-5 grades FREE math games… Read More »
It’s important to help students understand that thoughtful word choice makes their writing stronger and more clear. Create a mini lesson. Share samples of good and less successful writings. Ask students: Do the writer’s words describe the main characters so we can almost see them? Do the verbs show specific actions? (race instead of went… Read More »
Create a poster like the hand to the right as a quick reminder of a short Writing Process: Rough Draft (first collecting and organizing of your ideas) This will include your characters, setting, problem and solution. Primary Format Use a folder paper to create 4 squares on one side and 4 on the other as… Read More »