I do it. (Teacher modeling)
We do it. (Teacher with class and small groups)
You do it. (Independent practice)
All lessons that teachers design should have this gradual release of responsibility. True learning happens with the help of others and is always intentional.
Read MoreWe sell our argument research text sets in our Teachers Pay Teachers store. We have seven engaging arguments topics for middle school students. We have also bundled them all together at a nice discount, too. In addition, we sell our argument writing presentation in our Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Google Classroom has revolutionized the way teachers manage their classrooms, making it easier than ever to distribute assignments, communicate with students, and keep everything organized. However, to truly leverage its full potential, it’s essential to understand the best practices and tips for using Google Classroom efficiently. Here’s a guide to help you maximize your productivity and enhance your teaching experience.
Read MoreA back-to-back unit of study that we love to teach with our students is a unit that focuses on literary response and analysis for theme and symbolism. First, we read The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry which is a classic story that reflects upon childhood, imagination and the inevitability of growing up. Perfect for middle school students!
Read MoreIn the fast-paced digital age, integrating technology into the classroom has become essential for enhancing student engagement, fostering collaboration, and streamlining administrative tasks. As teachers, we are constantly seeking innovative tools to enrich our teaching and improve learning outcomes. Here’s a comprehensive list of must-have tech tools that can transform your classroom into a modern, interactive learning environment.
Read MoreWinter break is finally here! We hope that you enjoy every minute of your time off and enjoy the holidays with your family and friends.
Read MoreToday, let’s dive into a game-changer for classrooms everywhere: the LCD writing tablet. As teachers, we're all about finding tools that spark excitement and boost learning, and these nifty gadgets are rocking the chalk-dusted socks off traditional whiteboards.
Read MoreIn the world of literacy education, phonograms are foundational tools that enable young readers to decode and understand written language. Teaching both single letter and multi-letter phonogram sounds is crucial for developing strong reading skills. Here’s why focusing on phonograms can make a significant difference in a child’s literacy journey.
Read MoreIt’s that time of year again…December. Such a hard month to engage students when they are so excited for the festive holidays and winter break. December and May are the hardest months to teach, but at least May offers an end in sight. Alas, we are in the midst of December yet again.
Read MoreWe love this time of year. The air grows crisp and cold and sweater weather is in full effect. It is also when we begin our unit on the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. If you are anything like us, you have started to decolonize your curriculum. We have put serious thought into the texts we use for our teaching and have made sure that we no longer cling to texts that only represent the white dominant culture. You may be asking, well then, why are you teaching A Christmas Carol?
This year we have focused on the theme of systems and power. We got the idea from Matthew R. Kay’s Book, Not Light But Fire. We have been trying to center each of our units of study with the frame: “How are systems created and defined? How do systems shape the world? What is the role of the individual in systems?” We have discussed the ideas of systems in history, and A Christmas Carol is a great intro into these systems when it comes to English Language Arts.
Read MoreOne of our favorite week long units of study focuses on character analysis. It is a sure fire lesson to increase student engagement. They love learning more about themselves and others around them. Some of the topics we teach with our students involve character analysis vocabulary, direct vs. indirect characterization, and emotions vs. traits.
Read MoreA heartfelt thank you!
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