Socratic seminar lends itself nicely in a high school setting, but students in middle school need a bit more scaffolding to be successful with this structure of learning. There are a few ways that you can organize a middle school class discussion:
Read MoreMany people, teachers included, have an aversion to audiobooks. For some, there is a deep seated belief that listening to audiobooks is “cheating.” While there are many benefits to reading text, there are also plenty of benefits for allowing your students to listen to audio versions of the text they are reading. For our most reluctant readers, opening up the door to audiobooks can be a game changer for their reading lives.
Read MoreThe Skill Passport is a simple, student-friendly tool used during the last week of school to help students reflect on their reading and writing growth—and pass that insight to their next ELA teacher. It builds continuity, encourages metacognition, and makes the end of the year meaningful without adding stress. One short activity, long-lasting impact.
Read MoreOh hello May, you beautiful month you. You signify the last full month of teaching for us, the last big stretch before the sweet and magical days of summer. You are also one of the most challenging months. The state standardized tests are done, a majority of the standards have been covered, the weather is warming up, and students have spring fever like never before. So…how do you keep them engaged and coming to class excited to learn? Have we got some fun ideas for you!
Read MoreWe've uncovered a gem for teachers among the digital chaos, and its name is Figma.
Read Moren recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to honor the diverse cultures and histories that shape our world. One important aspect of this recognition is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Throughout May, AAPI Heritage Month provides a valuable opportunity for educators to foster inclusivity and broaden students' understanding of the rich and varied experiences of AAPI communities.
Read MoreOpen House and Teacher Appreciation Week should be moments of connection and gratitude—but for many educators, they highlight the widening gap between what teachers give and what they receive. In this honest reflection, I unpack the frustrations of being underpaid, overworked, and asked to smile through it all. From navigating awkward parent questions to surviving superficial appreciation gestures, this post offers practical tips, boundary-setting phrases, and a reminder that you’re not alone. It’s time for real recognition—not just snacks and slogans.
Read MorePhonesthemes are like the secret ingredients in a recipe that make words taste just right. They're recurring sound patterns that carry a particular meaning or feeling. For example, think about the words "glitter," "glow," and "gleam." They all start with "gl-" and give off a shiny, sparkly vibe. Cool, right? 🌟
Read MoreA unit of study that we always teach at the beginning of the school year is from the book Strategies that Work by Stephanie Harvey.
Read MoreThinking of switching grade levels? This honest breakdown of teaching kindergarten through 7th grade covers the real pros and cons—from crayon chaos to middle school meltdowns—plus a quick guide to every grade K–12. Find the teaching fit that matches your strengths.
Read MoreA poem is a small but powerful thing. It is the history of the human heart. It has the power to reach inside of you, to ignite something in you, and to change you in ways you never imagined. There is a feeling of connection when we read a poem that articulates our deepest feelings. Poems can inspire us to write our own journeys, to find our own voices.
Read MoreIn the ever-evolving landscape of education, one constant remains: a robust vocabulary is foundational to reading comprehension and overall academic success. For teachers across all grade levels, incorporating daily vocabulary instruction is pivotal. This post explores effective strategies for teaching vocabulary daily, drawing insights from the research of Isabel Beck and emphasizing the importance of repeated exposure to Tier 2 words.
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