Students participate in many observable ways. It’s important to stop and take a look at how students are engaged in both whole class activities and small groups. Here’s a chart to record your observations.
Long-term memory is the goal in schools. Here are a few ideas to help foster that goal. Teach students how to explain their thinking to themselves and others: What are the key elements I should remember about this topic? Can I find tricks or rhymes or illustrations or key words that help me remember details?… Read More »
Here’s a list of routines and procedures that work for any K-6 classroom. I suggest you brainstorm with your class to discover and discuss the items that you wish to focus on early in the year. Then create a poster to hang up and periodically share and adjust the list with your class. Enter the… Read More »
Recently I ran across a list of silly rhymes worth sharing. They are the beginning of a never-ending list kids could add onto and create their own silly rhymes of ways to say good-bye. Enjoy a smile, crocodile! See you later…Alligator Adieu…Cockatoo After while…Crocodile Better swish…Jellyfish Got to dash… Succotash Chop, chop…Lollipop In an hour…Sunflower… 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 »
Using metacognitive skills help students manage test taking. By using the 4 processes, students come to testing with additional ways to better handle/access their own thinking. 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… 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 »