By Guest Writer Mindy Thierolf [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”] Recently I was watching one of those early morning news programs, and they were interviewing a man that was giving a list of the five best […]
Posted inNew Teacher Bootcamp
Teacher Prep Programs Can Not Be a Dry Land Practice
“Stand up. Now, put out your right arm,” the instructor was encouraging. “OK, pull your arm back past your body.” We all did as we were told. This was the first night of EDR 505, a graduate level course in teaching remedial reading to pre-school and elementary aged schoolchildren. “Now try with the other arm.”We waved […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Forming Your Lessons with Formative Assessment
[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”] Testing is not a new idea in education. I remember taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills when I was young. We had yellow number two pencils, small black circles, and […]
Posted inElementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
5 Things You Need to Freshen Up in Your Centers this Year
[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 New Year often brings resolutions, starting over, and throwing out the old. Reflection is a powerful tool in classrooms that we often overlook. If you are new to centers, check […]
Posted inFeatured, How to Fix Education, Opinion
10 Ways to Fix Education: #1 – Increase Planning Time
I look at the clock, and it’s the last period. The students are ready to bustle out the door, but there’s so much for me to do. It’s Friday after school, and I’m going to be in school at least another two hours. Maybe 3. I planned on accomplishing a list of things today, but […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Uncategorized
Myths About Snow Days
The recent Polar Vortex has caused snow days and cold days along with delays and early dismissals across the country. Georgia was recently hit with snow causing delays on major highways to the point where people were abandoning cars. Students and and teachers were even forced to spend the night in school because they were […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Middle School, Social Studies, Uncategorized
Week 2- Rollout 1:1 iPads- Introducing Aggregators
Last week’s article, “Teaching in the 1:1 Digital Classroom”, focused on accommodating Luddites and iPad enthusiasts and this week is dedicated to keeping routines. I need transitions towards technology to be smooth or learning will be set aside for entertainment value only. Notability is my go to workflow application for editing and downloading class notes. […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Teaching Inference in Reading
“Since it is a sunny day today, I infer we’ll have recess.” My mouth dropped open in shock. Did this seven year old, first generation Latina really use the word “infer?” It was odd sounding, to be sure, but there it was. I laughed with delight and said we most certainly would have recess. She […]