Paragraph writing problems solved For years, paragraph writing in my fifth and sixth grade classrooms has relied on the colors of a stoplight. Most students do well with the formulaic nature and paragraph organization that is embedded within this model. I've had two problems gnawing at me though. The first problem is ... read more
Interactive Games in Google Slides
https://youtu.be/k7IirdE0vpoSharing interactive games in my classroom makes practicing skills like math facts much more enjoyable... as long as they stay interactive. Google Classroom was making that a challenge for me. Until yesterday. Here's how to solve the problem! ... read more
ELA Super Bundles
Are you constantly spending time searching for updated ELA materials? Or, are you always trying to find ways for students to have FUN while learning the content? Is there an anxious feeling while trying to differentiate for each student? Don’t worry, you are not alone! It can be so hard to find engaging content that will work for all ... read more
How to Teach Long Division So That Their Answers Are Accurate
Teaching Long Division. I can almost feel the pain just typing the words. I think I have some residual PTSD from erasing a hole through my paper in Ms. Donahue's fourth grade class in the 80's. Guessing wrong how many times 37 "go-zin-ta" 566... and not knowing until the end of a traumatic subtraction exercise complete with WAY too much ... read more
Video Math Lessons Help Students Self-Assess
One of the most challenging aspects of teaching math is assessing each student’s level of understanding. It feels like it changes minute by minute- and there’s no neon ticker scrolling over their heads! I was shocked when I realized that the video math lessons I was already making, might actually help with assessment. My biggest fear, ... read more
Digital Writer’s Notebook
In 2018, I toyed with the idea of digital writer's notebooks. In 2019 I piloted it with just one class during the Writer Wednesday part of our weekly ELA warm ups. When we found ourselves in a global pandemic in 2020, I was glad I took that risk! If you'd like to try my templates out for yourself, click here. I love this format for a few ... read more
How to Teach Multiplying Fractions
It took me years to figure out how to teach multiplying fractions so that students could conceptualize a part of a part. I learned that the traditional algorithm had to take a back seat to drawing and color coding models. When teaching this unit, I've found that the most important tool for my students- is sharpened colored pencils. We ... read more
Subtracting Mixed Numbers with Video Lessons
Every year, many of my students struggle to subtract mixed numbers when regrouping is needed. Flipping my instruction around subtracting mixed numbers has made a HUGE difference! Once I have initially launched the concept, students work through problems at their own pace. First, they attempt a problem independently. Next, they click on ... read more
Reading Each Other’s Writing
Are you hoping for your students to read and enjoy each other's writing? I was too! And I found it so challenging for so long. This strategy, I call the Writing Shuffle, has made all the difference. Not only do students get excited to read each other's work- but they are thoughtful about feedback, and can engage in the entire process from ... read more
No More Reluctant Writers
For years, the reluctant writers in my classroom were my biggest stressor when it came to teaching middle school writing. There were so many students in my class that just needed to pick up their pencil and write!! No matter how much I begged, some students just would not write... and if they wouldn't write, it was hard to get to those ... read more
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