Preparing for a camping trip is no easy feat. It takes a lot of prep work to make sure that once at the lake, stress is at a minimum. There is nothing less relaxing and less fun than having to get into the car and drive off in search of whatever it may be that is needed when you are hours away from home. I am a huge fan of checklists and pretty much use them for everything. Over the years I have created my go-to camping checklist to make sure that all my gear and camping needs are packed and ready to go. When your life is organized, things go so much more smoothly and your time can be spent enjoying your friends and family. There may be no wi-fi in the mountains, but you’ll find no better connection.
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.
Read MoreAre you tired of the same old boring discussions in your English Language Arts (ELA) classroom? Do you want to spice things up and get your students thinking outside the box? Well, look no further than hexagonal thinking! It's the perfect way to engage your students and inject some creativity into your lessons.
Read MoreHere are some English lessons that I like to end the school year with in my 7th grade core class:
Read MoreIn this blog post, we'll explore the insights shared by Daniel T. Willingham in his article "Beyond Comprehension" and how they can reshape our approach to teaching reading.
Read MoreThis may be an unpopular opinion, but teachers, we need to stop working for free. The term “we do it for the outcome, not the income” is straight up harmful and perpetuates the myth that teachers will happily work for very little pay because we care so much about the future of our children. Why can’t we care a lot about kids and receive a livable wage?
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 MoreAs educators, we often find ourselves grappling with the question, "What does disciplinary literacy actually look like in my content area?" Teaching literacy skills for real-life applications can be challenging, but fear not! In this blog post, we'll delve into the insightful work of ReLeah Cossett Lent, offering you a guide to navigate the world of disciplinary literacy and empower your students.
Read More