Good Teaching Practices: Gradual Release of Responsibility
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.
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Teaching Argument Writing
We 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.
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How to Use Google Classroom for Maximum Efficiency
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.
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Core Literature Units of Study for the Meaning of Life Themes and Symbolism
A 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!
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Must-Have Tech Tools for Today's Classroom
In 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.
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Advancing Classroom Dynamics: Embracing LCD Writing Tablets Over Traditional Whiteboards
Today, 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.
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The Importance of Teaching Emerging Readers Single Letter and Multi-Letter Phonogram Sounds
In 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.
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How to Teach a Character Study Unit
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.
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Sound Machines in the Classroom to Increase Productivity and Decrease Distractions
So, 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…
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The Importance of Teaching Writing Syntax in the Classroom
Teaching 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.
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Classroom Management Strategies That Work
The 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.
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Teaching Conceptual Note Taking Skills
Conceptualizing 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.
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