One 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 MoreSo, here’s a weird concept. My husband has been working in the construction field as an electrician for the past five years. He has wired offices from Sales Force to Facebook, Twitter to We Work. A common thread amongst a majority of the office projects has been overhead sound machines built into the ceilings. The speaker system emits a hum throughout the common work space. One barely even notices the steady thrum unless it is unexpectedly turned off. This got me thinking, what if I added a sound machine to my classroom?
Read on for the results…
Read MoreTeaching syntax is not just about grammar; it's about unlocking the potential of every student to articulate their ideas clearly and confidently, setting the stage for academic and professional success.
Read MoreThe beginning of the school year is well underway, and your knowledge about each of your students is growing. If you have not done so already, now is the time to begin instilling clear expectations for your students about how you want your class to run. Whether you’re a veteran teacher or this is your first year, aside from building strong relationships with your students, classroom management is the most important thing you can do to keep your classroom running smoothly for the rest of the school year.
Read MoreConceptualizing includes practicing the skills of using information to understand important relationships and concepts. It encourages students to think bigger. Students learn deeper when they are taught how to conceptualize.
Read MoreImagine transforming your classroom into a dynamic stage where historical figures come to life, engaging your students in realistic and meaningful conversations. With Humy.ai, this vision becomes a reality, offering an innovative way to enhance your teaching and captivate your students' imaginations.
Read MoreEver wonder if your students are wizards of words or if there's some digital magic afoot in their writing? As teachers, we strive to nurture genuine creativity and honest effort. But in the age of AI, how do we ensure that the essays and reports we receive are truly the fruits of our students' labor?
Enter the Chrome Extension: Revision History. This handy tool doesn't just track changes—it reveals the story behind every keystroke. Let’s delve into how this can be your new favorite classroom assistant.
Read MoreAs Halloween approaches, finding engaging, educational activities that capture the spirit of the season can be a challenge. This year, I’ve designed a lesson that taps into middle school students' love for spooky stories through podcasts, paired with a deep dive into the psychology of fear. It’s a blend of literature, science, and, of course, a whole lot of chills—perfect for the Halloween season.
Read MoreAOW stands for article of the week. We have been doing AOW’s for years, ever since we read about them in Kelly Gallagher’s book, Deeper Reading. If you haven’t read that book or any of his books for that matter, they are must reads.
Read MoreBloom’s Taxonomy, in simple terms, is a classification system used to define and distinguish different levels of human cognition—i.e., thinking, learning, and understanding. Its original purpose was to give educators a common language to talk about curriculum design and assessment. The belief is that when students learn the basic foundational skills first, they can then progress to more complex types of thinking such as analysis and evaluation.
Read MoreBuilding a vibrant classroom community hinges on embracing the unique energy and spirit of each group of students. One creative way to cultivate this is through a class mood pin board. This visual representation not only captures the dynamic mood and humor of your class but also strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of belonging. Here’s how you can harness class energy with a personalized mood pin board:
Read MoreIn today’s digital age, classroom note-taking has evolved beyond pen and paper. Introducing thermal printers into your teaching toolkit can revolutionize how students capture and retain information. Here’s why thermal printers are a game-changer for note-taking and why handwritten notes still matter:
Read More
