Conversation-Based Grading: Empowering Students Through Descriptive Assessment
As teachers, our goal is not just to impart knowledge but to empower our students to become active participants in their own learning journey. One way to achieve this is by adopting conversation-based grading, an assessment method that focuses on descriptive feedback and clear directions for improvement rather than assigning numerical scores. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of conversation-based grading and share practical insights on how to incorporate it into your teaching practice.
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Why Every Classroom Needs a ‘Do Now’ to Boost Focus, Routine, and Learning
If you’ve ever wondered how to get your students focused the moment they walk through the door, here’s your answer: the “Do Now.” This simple, no-nonsense strategy is more than just a time-filler—it’s a game-changer for your classroom. A short, purposeful task that students tackle as soon as they sit down, the “Do Now” sets the stage for a smooth, productive class. .
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Boosting Note-Taking with Thermal Printers: A Cool Classroom Hack for Middle and High School Students
n the age of tech-savvy students, finding ways to enhance their note-taking skills with the latest classroom tools is key. One innovative tool that’s making waves in classrooms is the thermal printer. What if you could make notes more engaging, organized, and accessible by simply printing them out in class? Whether for visual learners or students who need additional resources, thermal printers could be the answer.
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How to implement Socratic Seminar in the classroom
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:
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Using Cyrano de Bergerac to facilitate meaningful classroom conversations
Looking for a super engaging unit of study that is guaranteed to be the highlight of your school year and a moment in time that your students will come back to comment on? Well, look no further. Cyrano is your lesson, especially if your students are taking a world history class!
Cyrano is great because it is a play that has something for everyone from fighting and wars to love, romance, and humor. Cyrano is that original (OG) play that so many modern day movies and TV shows are based on.
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Fun Language Arts Games to Play In Middle School
Sometimes, our students just need a break from learning, especially during the spring testing season. Here are some games that we use in our classroom, sparingly of course!
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Exploring the Holocaust Through 'I Never Saw Another Butterfly': Lessons of Remembrance and Resilience
The Holocaust stands as a dark chapter in human history, reminding us of the consequences of hatred, discrimination, and indifference. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that future generations understand the significance of this event and its impact on millions of lives. One powerful tool in teaching about the Holocaust is the use of literature. One lesson we use in our middle school classrooms is a collection of children's writings and art titled "I Never Saw Another Butterfly.”
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Why Brain Breaks Are Essential for Every Classroom: Boost Focus and Engagement
As teachers, we’ve all been there—students staring blankly at their work, the wall, out the window, squirming in their seats, or looking like they’ve mentally checked out. That’s when it’s time to call for a brain break! Brain breaks aren’t just trendy classroom treats; they’re a powerful tool backed by research to help students recharge, refocus, and perform their best. I promise, your students will love them, and you, for adding them into your daily curriculum.
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Unlocking Reading Comprehension Success: Strategies for Teachers
We understand the importance of effective reading instruction. In this blog post, we're here to dive into the world of reading comprehension, offering you clever strategies to inspire your students and tackle the notorious Fourth-Grade Slump. Get ready to revitalize your reading instruction and create lifelong learners!
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How to Teach Like Finland: 8 Key Principles to Transform Your Classroom
Discover how Finland’s education system leads the world in success and learn how to apply key principles like teacher autonomy, equity, and student well-being in your own classroom. Explore 8 essential strategies to transform your teaching and foster a thriving learning environment.
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Ideas on How to Teach Media Literacy
There are no two ways about it. Media, in all its positive and negative forms, has permeated the human experience. It will only grow more invasive as time and technology progresses. It is important to add media literacy to our ever expanding lists of things we must teach in the English classroom. Media literacy should be a focus in all subject areas, but it seems like the English and history classes are the dumping grounds for improving most societal problems.
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Lessons in Poetry
A 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.
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