When it comes to accommodations and modifications, very few educators have a solid grasp of the differences between the two. What’s the difference between accommodations and modifications? Here’s how to tell them apart! Accommodations vs. Modifications An accommodation helps a student with learning gaps experience the same curriculum as his or her peers. For accommodation, […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, How to Fix Education
12 Tips for Maintaining Classroom Self Control
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] The class is taking a weekly math test. Everyone is working quietly when a fly buzzes across the room. Suddenly, Bingo says in a clear voice, “Here’s my friend, Tony the […]
Posted inFeatured
4 Things Every Teacher Should Do Before Putting A Child in Time Out
Time Out: We all have that one student. The one that seems to know just how to disrupt, disrespect, and disassemble a class all without meaning to. They are the ones that, when absent, tend to get more done. But what will you do when they are present and ready to disrupt? How do you […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
A Light to Turn On
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] Little people. That is whom I teach. I have a room full of loud, curious, eager, fidgety little people who I must teach Reading, Math, English, Social Studies, Science, critical thinking, […]
Posted inEnglish Language Learners, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Technology
Wait for it… Esther Earle's Star
I saw the book cover on the nonfiction shelf at the library and was immediately hooked. This Star Won’t Go Out promised to fulfill the real world answers to questions swirling amongst YA followers of Fault in our Stars. The wonder and hopes that fans carry for the character heroes with terminal cancer will appreciate […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Uncategorized
Philadelphia Teachers Contract Cancelled
In my article “Teacher Activism,” I explained the background of the takeover of the School District of Philadelphia by the state of Pennsylvania. The District is still under the control of the School Reform Commission (SRC) which is not elected nor does it have any taxing power. Until 2013 the SRC managed to negotiate contracts with […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Teaching Creative Writing to Younger Kids
I love to teach writing to my first and second graders. These kids can spin stories like no others. The challenge lies in their fine motor skills and being able to write down all of the wonderful ideas they come up with. I have three methods that I use which I have found helps out […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher, From the Front Lines, Instructional Strategies, Middle School, Special Education
The Working Hours of a Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers work hard. People see smaller class sizes and equate that with less work, but that’s a fallacy. I can tell you that in my small class, I’m planning three different lessons and within those three lessons, I’m modifying within levels. In my inclusion classes, I modify assignments, and teachers look at it […]