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
Halloween Math Choice Boards
Differentiating math lessons for ALL of your learners can be hard. With a few go-to strategies though, it doesn't have to be overwhelm you! One of my favorite ways to reach students at a a variety of levels in one lesson, is by creating math choice boards. I create my choice board with three student avatars in mind: one who is working on ... read more
Cooperative Learning: Jigsaw
Are you looking for a cooperative learning structure that will really get your students working together? If so, the jigsaw strategy is for you! Using a jigsaw in your classroom is a great way to teach students to work cooperatively, as they truly rely on each other. Just like all of the pieces of a puzzle are needed to complete a ... read more
Group Work Tips: Partnering
I'm always on the lookout for a handy student group work strategy. This one, Clock Partners, is one of my favorites! Sometimes when you prepare for group work, you stay up too late the night before making sure everyone has just the right partner. Have you been there? I have! And, honestly, even if it goes well- it leaves me dreading doing ... read more
Turn and Talk Tips
This is one of my favorite strategies to teach my classes- and my life as a teacher has become so much easier since I implemented a few key steps. My teaching partner and I experienced our very first Turn and Talk as participants in a workshop by Bobb Darnell in 2008 and we've been using it with students and adults ever since. I have ... read more
Nonfiction Text Strategies
Do I really need to explicitly teach reading strategies in my class? Yes. Science news articles, social studies chapter sections, primary source documents... These are all fabulous resources to use in our classrooms! We have to make sure however, that we are teaching students how to consume the content. While our students may be able to ... read more
Daily ELA Warm Ups
As a middle school ELA teacher, I became aware very quickly that there are NOT enough minutes in a class period to possibly address all of the Common Core State Standards. After experimenting with a variety of different lesson planning and scheduling strategies, I landed on this. Whether you call them warm ups, bell ringers or do nows- ... read more
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