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Thanks for stopping by my blog. Here’s where I share tips and ideas around literacy, math, small groups, and student collaboration.
Please feel free to leave comments or questions on any of my posts!
After a few years of using close readings with my students, I’ve finally gotten to what I believe to be the optimal way to use this teaching strategy. I’m excited to share what’s worked for me and my students!
Meeting with each small group every day allows me to see exactly where my students need help. I can easily check in with each one individually and help them work through a misconception or a struggle as we work on the day’s math objective together.
I prefer to teach math in small groups. I begin each math lesson with everyone on the carpet as I introduce the concept. Shortly after, students rotate through three math centers in 15-minute blocks of time:
Before I teach a new concept, I give my students a pre-assessment that includes three different leveled questions.
Teach students to use their own data. This is one of the best ways to teach your students how to take ownership of their learning goals.
Do your students struggle to write content that actually follows the prompt? If so, you are not alone! It can be frustrating when students don’t comprehend the writing prompt, especially because the state tests are jam-packed with prompts that must be followed. In recent years, the Common Core writing standards have gotten laser-focused on writing to sources rather than process writing.
I recently polled teachers in my Benchmark Advance Planning, Organization, and Tips Facebook group to learn about how they are assessing students during distance learning. I asked teachers specifically about how they are assessing for Benchmark and if they were using the Benchmark Advance assessments. I found that some teachers are not giving the assessments at all, some are assigning them just to monitor progress (not record actual grades), and others are using them for true formative assessment.
During a regular year, it can be hard to find the time to fit in projects and project-based learning assignments. With this year being as difficult as it already is, making time for projects may be the last thing on your priority list, but it doesn’t have to be a crazy and overwhelming thing! You can incorporate PBL even in a distance learning environment.
I recently polled teachers in my Facebook group to learn about the different ways teachers are running and managing small group instruction during distance learning. There were many different strategies and tips shared that I will outline for you in this post.
Understanding fractions is one of the most common math struggles for young learners. There are a few reasons this might be the case, and in today’s blog post, I want to give you some concrete methods and fun interactive activities for teaching fractions. These methods and activities can be used even if you are teaching virtually.
Inquiry-based learning is learning that revolves around a question. It’s a teaching method that harnesses a child’s curiosity and encourages them to learn more because they want to, not because it will be on the test.
If you’re still doing spelling tests the traditional way—from a list of 10 words that you have students memorize each week before a Friday assessment, it’s time to let that go, my friend!
