Teaching writing can be difficult, even for English teachers. Many of us set our focus on whatever test our state mandates, which causes us to neglect writing instruction for fear of “wasting” time. If our state includes a writing assessment, we will ignore cultivating a love for writing in favor of a more clinical approach. […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inFeatured, Fine Arts, Instruction & Curriculum, Middle School, Series, The International Teacher
Broken Beauties—the Art of Brokenness
By Guest Writer Melissa Kandido Melissa Kandido teaches IB Art, IB History, IB English, & IB Geography for middle and upper grades at the Windhoek International School in Windhoek, Namibia. She is sharing with us her experiences and adventures this year as an international educator and IB teacher. The synthesis work I gave to my IBDP12 (International […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum
The Door to Genuine Learning
They line up at the door when the morning bell rings. Twenty-some second graders with book bags and coats snake down the hall. It is a sort of single-file line filled with chatter and laughter. There usually is some pushing and goofing off. All that is required is a “teacher” look from me to get […]
Posted inCommon Core, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Literacy
Digital Writing Text: "Snow Fall-The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek"
[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 blizzard raging outside recalls the looping GIF of drifting snow that opens the 2013 Pulitzer Prize winning New York Times feature story, “Snow Fall: The Avalanche at Tunnel Creek.” As a model […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies
Let Them Make T-Charts!
Pity the copier. Stuck in the windowless corner of the teacher’s room, churning out page after page of quizzes, newsletters, and course descriptions. Probed and shoved and slammed, the oft maligned copier needs a break. What could teachers do to lessen the toll that results in the overheated roller or stapler malfunction? Stop the madness….there is no […]
Posted inElementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, The Student Teacher Diaries
Student Teacher Diaries: The First Lesson Plan
I see lesson plans everywhere! I have always been the teacher that goes somewhere, looks at something, picks up a book and can think of ways to bring it into the classroom as a lesson. A friend once commented, “It does not matter where we go you think of a way to teach kids.” There […]
Posted inEducational Apps, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum
Teaching Strategies: Using Kahoot! Software
Teaching Strategy: Using Kahoot! Software 1.Go to www.kahoot.com (or just Google Kahoot if you forget it) 2.Create an account. Use your school info (email and such) 3. If you’ve already created an account, log in 4. Then you’re at your Kahoot homepage a.On the right-hand side of the page, you’ll see the following: 1.My Stats […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Eight Ways to Teach Spelling to All Learners
For some of us, spelling comes easily. For others, like me, it is wildly apparent that English is derived from a confusing array or sources. While most good spellers are good readers, not all good readers are good spellers. Still, kids need to be held accountable for their spelling. Every fall parents ask about spelling: […]