Data has become a central theme in classrooms today. We have formative assessments, summative assessments, reading level assessments, MAP testing, STAAR tests, other standardized tests, istation, the list can go on forever. The last thing we need as teachers is another thing to grade or another assessment! We do need to check in with our … Continue reading Exit Slips and Assessing Student Understanding
I started Science Concept Characters back in 2009 and they were such a hit that I kept the activity ready to go for any time I needed something extra. Students can pick a science word/concept, or you can assign a science word/concept to each student. Students will create a character for a science word or … Continue reading Making Learning Fun with Science Concept Character
I ditched behavior charts long, long ago, and I have never regretted it! (Don’t miss the FREE behavior toolkit download below!!) AND, I have had fewer behavior problems!! 😎 Not only was it more work to keep up with and more rewards to provide… I saw how it damaged a child’s view of themself and … Continue reading Ditching Behavior Charts for Better Behavior in the Classroom
1. Varied challenge levels This is a super simple, but effective differentiation strategy for any teacher. Think about the level of learning you want each student to achieve and start there. You may be asking one student to identify elements of a story, looking for main idea and details. But, another student may need deeper … Continue reading 10 Effective Differentiation Strategies for a Variety of Learners
“How do you teach science? What do you do each day of the week?” I saw this question this morning and decided to share my weekly science planning with you. This is my work smarter, not harder plan. So, what does a week in Science look like? I always have my year planned and resources … Continue reading Weekly Science Planning
Us teachers know: the weeks before a break are nearly impossible to keep students engaged and learning. We are just trying to keep everyone alive and maybe entertained. Am I right?! The week or two after break can be just as challenging. We have to get our students readjusted to classroom procedures and learning. I … Continue reading 4 Ways To Get Engagement Back After Break
My favorite place to look for new classroom goodies is the Target Dollar Spot. The prices are usually so much lower than education stores and Amazon. Here is a quick little video of what I’ve found so far this summer. I’m sure my ideas will change as I get settled into the classroom this Fall, … Continue reading June Summer Dollar Spot Finds
We all know that the couple of weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas/Winter Break can be rough on teacher energy levels and student behavior. And then, the weeks after Winter Break are tough, too. In December, we are all just waiting for that next break, and the kids more or less mentally check out. In January, its … Continue reading STEM and Literacy Activities for Surviving Christmas and Winter in the Classroom
The last post in this series covered #planninggoals. I talked about how to plan a scope and sequence for your school year. A mandatory prerequisite to lesson planning 🙂 What makes an outstanding Science program that supports the teachers in your school? Calling all teachers, specialists, and principals! Its not a daunting task. I am here … Continue reading How to Build an Amazing Science Program at your School- Part 3 #lessongoals
Last week we started off this series with #learninggoals. I listed some must have's for learning goals. What makes an outstanding Science program that supports the teachers in your school? Calling all teachers, specialists, and principals! Its not a daunting task. I am here to help! Do you wish your current science program included engaging … Continue reading How to Build an Amazing Science Program at your School- Part 2 #planninggoals
