The first few weeks of school can be a whirlwind of activity. You’re busy setting up procedures, going over class rules and expectations, and getting to know your students. One tried and true activity that we have had a lot of success with is what we call the Name Plate. Below are step by step directions on how you can make one amazing activity that will brighten up your classroom with color, and make your class a place that every student feels welcome and connected.
Read MoreHelp students set powerful goals with a letter-writing activity that blends reflection, motivation, and future-focused thinking — perfect for the first week of school or after winter break.
Read MoreIt is that time of year again! The time we open up our brand new teacher plan book from ban.do and begin to prepare for the up and coming school year. Aside from prepping our planners with all the fun stickers and noting all of the important dates and days off throughout the school year, we also take time for one more very important step.
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 MoreDiscover 4 powerful ways to help students become lifelong readers—plus get ideas for easy book trackers you can use in any classroom.
Read MoreUnderstanding the root causes of student apathy is essential if we want to create meaningful change in our classrooms and schools.
Read MoreHere are some English lessons that I like to end the school year with in my 7th grade core class:
Read MoreAs 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.
Read Moren 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.
Read MoreLooking 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.
Read MoreSometimes, 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!
Read MoreThe 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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