Let’s face it, grading can be a major buzz-kill. No matter how hard you try to prepare, or manage your time, or stay on top of the mounds of papers you collect, grading can be a huge time-sucker. Continue reading
Blendspace is a way to create interactive lessons that sync documents, Power Points, videos, pictures, and other materials in one succinct, easily managed, and organized space. Lessons are accessible by computer and allow students to use technology to learn independently! Continue reading
The Wolves Research Project is something that I did with my sixth graders from start to finish. I did a pre-activity (Adopt a Pet), taught them how to research, instructed them on the CRAP test for credible sources, then helped them take notes and create their unique projects. Continue reading
One of my students showed this website to me: Smore. This is a place where students, teachers, anyone can easily create an awesome-looking newsletter. FOR FREE! Continue reading
Looking for a way to engage your students in reading? Want to do something fun, easy, and relevant? Then use contemporary music! Continue reading
Looking for a great way to have your students use technology and create awesome posters/collages/calendars/cards via online templates? Then Poster My Wall is the resource for you and your classroom! Continue reading
“Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?” I pulled one of my Book Club students aside after class. He had been dozing on and off the entire thirty minutes (yes, Book Club is only thirty minutes) and I wanted to see what was up. “Look,” I said, “I know you’re tired, but it hurts my feelings when you fall asleep during my class. What if you were telling me a story about your weekend and I closed my eyes and started snoring. How would you feel?” Continue reading
Today my eighth graders read “Louie, His Cousin, and His Other Cousin.” In this vignette, we’re introduced to a family of cousins that live on Esperanza’s block (one of which is Marin, the oldest, who we will talk about tomorrow!) and one of them is the unnamed cousin who one day shows up with a brand new, shiny, yellow car. Continue reading
My sixth graders are going to begin a short research activity to prepare them for a larger research project on wolves the following two weeks. For this short research activity, I wanted them to research about an animal that they would want to have as a pet…but before doing that, I knew I needed them to understand how to research and how to find credible sources. Continue reading
