Exit Slips and Assessing Student Understanding

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

Science Lab Kits to complete your science lessons

If you’ve ever thought, “I just need a good lab so my students can master this week’s science content.”… My new Science Lab Kits are for you! If you’ve ever thought, “I just don’t have the materials to set up a good lab this week.”… My new Science Lab Kits are also for you! I am including … Continue reading Science Lab Kits to complete your science lessons

Making Learning Fun with Science Concept Character

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

Christmas Science and Literacy

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and maybe the most chaotic! I love making things fun around holidays because higher engagement equals fewer behavior issues. Plus, it’s just more fun! These are some of my favorite Christmas/ Winter Holiday activities. My absolute favorite part of these lesson units is the real world connection … Continue reading Christmas Science and Literacy

Ideas for teaching Cell Structures and Functions

Cell Structures and Functions are a favorite topic for me. Students love looking at cells under a microscope and students love These activities are created to incorporate reading and writing into the Science curriculum. You can click any link or image in this post to grab the printables and activities for yourself. The informational text … Continue reading Ideas for teaching Cell Structures and Functions

Planning Your Whole Month of Science in 5 Minutes!

I am always looking for a better way to streamline planning and prep so I can leave work on time and enjoy my family time. This Summer, I created a monthly planning page that has allowed me to plan an entire month in 5 minutes!! Talk about a time and sanity saver! I love tools … Continue reading Planning Your Whole Month of Science in 5 Minutes!

10 Effective Differentiation Strategies for a Variety of Learners

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