Phonesthemes 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 MoreAre the grades in your classroom product based or process based?
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.
Read MoreDirected drawings are fun for any age. Seriously.
I know that directed drawings are geared towards preschool and kindergartners to teach following directions and pay close attention to details while also improving fine motor skills, but they can be super engaging for any age group when it focuses on who we are subconsciously. Who doesn’t love a hidden window into the subconscious?
Read MoreWe all know that teaching is a beautiful chaos. From lesson plans and grading to meetings and extracurricular activities, staying organized can feel like trying to herd cats. Enter Google Keep—your new best friend in the quest for classroom serenity. Here’s how this nifty tool can help you stay on top of everything with a smile.
Read MoreCan you believe how quickly summer flew by? Now it’s the start of another school year and first impressions are so important. Here are some ideas that we do on the first day of school to make sure to set the year off on the right note.
Read MoreTeachers, while often underpaid compared to the importance of their work, have several avenues to increase their earnings. Here are some strategies for teachers to boost their income:
Read MoreOur brains, having evolved for higher-order thinking and reasoning, require a sense of safety to access these capacities. When we feel threatened, our brains prioritize survival over learning, focusing on fight, flight, or freeze responses. This fundamental principle still applies today: for effective learning to occur, students need to feel safe both physically and emotionally.
Read MoreRacial injustices in America and around the world show the increasing inequalities which simply cannot go unnoticed or ignored anymore. I am routinely floored by people when they are presented with visual and factual information of historically preserved inequities and yet, somehow, still believe that racism doesn’t exist in the world and how some contribute and benefit from the system.
Read MoreTeaching is a noble profession, often described as a calling rather than just a job. Some might argue that this sentiment is used to justify not compensating teachers according to their expertise and educational level. However, it's no secret that many teachers leave the profession within the first five years. Understanding the reasons behind this exodus is crucial to addressing the issue and improving teacher retention. Let's delve into why so many teachers quit and explore potential solutions to ensure that more educators thrive in their careers.
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 MoreIn the ever-evolving landscape of education, the importance of effective reading instruction cannot be overstated. As teachers, we're constantly seeking ways to improve our methods, and an enlightening article by Natalie Wexler sheds light on a critical aspect of literacy education—building students' background knowledge in the early grades.
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