tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34343873230232023992024-02-23T01:43:38.670-06:00Teaching In The Fast LaneUpper elementary classroom tips and ideas with a focus on classroom management, student engagement, & cooperative learning. On the blog I like to share content that will make teachers' lives a little easier with quick tips that can be implemented right away. I have a passion for reaching all students, especially some of our more difficult clientele, and want learning to be fun and rigorous for everyone. 4th Grade Racershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991322059767162281noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-29094998077940470952017-12-11T06:00:00.000-06:002017-12-11T06:00:11.008-06:00Greatest Hits of 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdceq5QerAt8wHYshOPbuKv7YVJhQR_VP9F_ucBKY3se9yz3-bZIen6Q4QccB-CoCRcj1SlI-GNJgCcOQut6jGThpqACxY8bmU8fUDcJDXR-ykbmNwiIaCzB5Jk5t3OjYMtB2smDjryzp/s1600/2017+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The top ten blog posts from Teaching in the Fast lane in 2017! " border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdceq5QerAt8wHYshOPbuKv7YVJhQR_VP9F_ucBKY3se9yz3-bZIen6Q4QccB-CoCRcj1SlI-GNJgCcOQut6jGThpqACxY8bmU8fUDcJDXR-ykbmNwiIaCzB5Jk5t3OjYMtB2smDjryzp/s400/2017+%25281%2529.png" title="The top ten blog posts from Teaching in the Fast lane in 2017! " width="400" /></a></div>
Another year is coming to an end, and that means it is time for another round-up of all the best blog posts from the year. This post is full of the top ten posts on this blog in 2017 and includes a little bit of everything.<br />
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Click on any title to check out the full post!<br />
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<a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/10/how-to-unlock-your-full-math-class.html" target="_blank">How to Unlock Your Full Math Class Potential</a></h2>
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In this post, I discuss how I structured my math block along with strategies and resources for engaging students at each step. </div>
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<a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/02/jigsaw-method.html" target="_blank">Cooperative Learning: The Jigsaw Strategy</a></h2>
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All about my absolute favorite cooperative learning strategy for putting students in the driver's seat. This strategy allows students to become the experts on a given subject and incorporate literacy skills along with listening and speaking practice. What more could you want?</div>
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<a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/01/10-ways-to-test-smash-make-your-test.html" target="_blank">10 Ways to Use Test Smash</a></h2>
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Are you looking for a strategic way to prep your students for standardized testing? Look no further than test smash! </div>
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This post will link you to the resources as well as show ten ways to use the resource and keep engagement high! </div>
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<a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/02/can-teachers-be-millionaires.html" target="_blank">Can Teachers Be Millionaires?</a></h2>
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I never knew that investing could be so easy, but this book walks you through the steps and got me started down the right path for a more confident plan for retirement. </div>
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You can't afford to not read this one! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqSpuQtXzmMNARQckqcAchZdoRIuevgtNSdZ_CTCPTNklA9Dnogb72NxGSVrj4B8p7DjT7aUkS5-x732ILwck7BthA9w5FON0MIe5cjobfJmgReNmJoAs0jJU-10pP3o4TbfxNG6zWGls/s1600/2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The top ten blog posts from Teaching in the Fast lane in 2017! " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqSpuQtXzmMNARQckqcAchZdoRIuevgtNSdZ_CTCPTNklA9Dnogb72NxGSVrj4B8p7DjT7aUkS5-x732ILwck7BthA9w5FON0MIe5cjobfJmgReNmJoAs0jJU-10pP3o4TbfxNG6zWGls/s320/2017.png" title="The top ten blog posts from Teaching in the Fast lane in 2017! " width="213" /></a><a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-magic-of-math-stations-or-math.html" target="_blank">The Magic of Math Stations or Centers</a></h2>
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I used to think that math stations or centers were only for primary grades, but I would be very wrong. Read this post for why I changed my mind about math centers and how I managed them in my classroom. </div>
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<a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/05/small-group-strategies-that-work.html" target="_blank">Small Group Strategies That Work</a></h2>
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I struggled to find a routine that would work for my students and me during small group time. </div>
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I always felt like we were wasting time and not getting enough done. That's until I used these strategies.</div>
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<a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/06/cooperative-learning-strategy-inside.html" target="_blank">Cooperative Learning Strategy: Inside Outside Circle</a></h2>
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This cooperative learning strategy is great for sharing or brainstorming as well as having students work with many other partners. </div>
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Plus it is no prep!</div>
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<a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/06/happy-teacher-series-dealing-with-stress.html" target="_blank">Happy Teacher Series: Dealing with Stress</a></h2>
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As a teacher stress is inevitable, but it is all about how you deal with it. </div>
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Check out this post for a list of actionable tips to deal with stress in a healthy way that will ultimately make you a happier teacher. </div>
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<a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/07/15-pieces-of-advice-for-new-teachers.html" target="_blank">15 Pieces of Advice for New Teachers</a></h2>
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Whether you are a new teacher or a veteran, these pieces of advice are a great reminder for all! </div>
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<a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/08/how-to-be-unhelpful-when-speaking-to.html" target="_blank">How to Be Unhelpful When Speaking to a Student</a></h2>
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It is tempting to fall into these traps when speaking with students, but it is imperative that we don't! </div>
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Check out these useful alternatives for what to do instead. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-28480811329578350892017-12-04T06:00:00.000-06:002017-12-04T06:00:27.353-06:00Integrating Writing Into Content Areas<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyuS57iOWZ0wtwd4Vq3Y_mdY4Fq9g1hd-uIcYIh9wO1_chgOL23xmrw2PkzEgO0PeDfQS-4RG2KPq11zQ1QmFs99qfyAR4Yeo3WtpuQe1b1BvDJvg9KcnRiTRqbgZ1VTKEuWwJu4Gtdhs/s1600/Integrating+Writing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Check out these five strategies for integrating writing into any content area. The 2nd one has been the most powerful in my classroom. #integratedwriting #elementarywriting #writing " border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyuS57iOWZ0wtwd4Vq3Y_mdY4Fq9g1hd-uIcYIh9wO1_chgOL23xmrw2PkzEgO0PeDfQS-4RG2KPq11zQ1QmFs99qfyAR4Yeo3WtpuQe1b1BvDJvg9KcnRiTRqbgZ1VTKEuWwJu4Gtdhs/s400/Integrating+Writing.png" title="Check out these five strategies for integrating writing into any content area. The 2nd one has been the most powerful in my classroom. #integratedwriting #elementarywriting #writing " width="400" /></a></h2>
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In the elementary classroom, there is only one way to fit it all in, by integrating subject areas. As a fourth-grade teacher writing was integrated into every subject nearly every day, out of pure necessity, but it also lead to a deeper understanding of the content. Even the most reluctant writers can find success when writing in a content area, and their confidence will flow over into general writing too. </div>
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Why Should We Integrate Writing In Content Areas?</h2>
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First of all, writing is a life skill. It will continue to benefit our students long after they leave our classrooms. Writing is a tool for communicating thought and will never go out of style, although it may change how it is done. </div>
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Writing also aids in understanding. When you write about a subject you increase your depth of knowledge in the same way you would if you have a conversation. Writing helps us to cement vocabulary we have learned and use it in context. </div>
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Writing also ups student engagement and requires them to think critically about their topic. </div>
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The Benefits of Integrating Writing with Content Areas</h2>
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There are just not enough hours in the day to teach each subject in solitude, but also why would you want to? When we integrate subjects we accomplish more and go deeper. </div>
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Writing can be used to save time and encourage collaboration. Additionally, it can be used to assess students' learning all while putting them in the position of being an expert. </div>
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Strategies for Integrating Writing with Content Areas</h2>
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There are many ways to integrate writing, but these are a few of my favorites! Be sure to stick around until the end for a freebie that you and your students are sure to love!</div>
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Silent Conversations-</h3>
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<ul>
<li>Students form partners</li>
<li>Each student has their own piece of paper and writing utensil</li>
<li>A topic is given</li>
<li>Think time is given</li>
<li>Students start by writing a question or comment on the topic</li>
<li>Students trade papers with their partners</li>
<li>Partners respond to one another</li>
<li>Continue this process until time is out</li>
</ul>
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Quick Writes-</h3>
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<ul>
<li>A topic is given</li>
<li>Think time is given</li>
<li>A timer is set</li>
<li>Students write everything they know about the topic</li>
<li>Students share their writing</li>
</ul>
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I love to support my students during quick writes by providing them with either a photo as stimuli or content vocabulary for them to use, sometimes both. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Category/Photo-Quick-Writes-275200?utm_source=Teaching%20in%20the%20Fast%20Lane%20Blog&utm_campaign=Integrating%20Writing%20Photo%20Quick%20Write%20Link" target="_blank">You can check out resources for photo and vocabulary quick writes here. </a></div>
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Sticky Note Summaries</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdZYKU4G5y9izPn9MDCvDOciME3PZ8R3jZr79E1AXcPJaWivmGCTf55DfsDw0NB1BaAnvNtkipkUN7SWULxrowbu1jeOBrxpGqK88HRbyTu3DIyTdfLBQTc7Fhn-bVeVkwL6L9OHb8BDT/s1600/Integrating+Writing+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Check out these five strategies for integrating writing into any content area. The 2nd one has been the most powerful in my classroom. #integratedwriting #elementarywriting #writing " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdZYKU4G5y9izPn9MDCvDOciME3PZ8R3jZr79E1AXcPJaWivmGCTf55DfsDw0NB1BaAnvNtkipkUN7SWULxrowbu1jeOBrxpGqK88HRbyTu3DIyTdfLBQTc7Fhn-bVeVkwL6L9OHb8BDT/s320/Integrating+Writing+%25281%2529.png" title="Check out these five strategies for integrating writing into any content area. The 2nd one has been the most powerful in my classroom. #integratedwriting #elementarywriting #writing " width="213" /></a>For this strategy, you will need three different sized sticky notes.</div>
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<li>Index card sized sticky notes</li>
<li>Regular sized sticky notes</li>
<li>Small page marker sized sticky notes</li>
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This strategy is especially great for reviewing content ahead of an assessment, but can also be used to check prior knowledge. </div>
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<ul>
<li>Each student is given one sticky note of each size</li>
<li>Topic is given</li>
<li>Think time is given</li>
<li>Starting with the largest sticky note students write down everything they know about the topic</li>
<li>Students share what they wrote</li>
<li>Moving to the regular sized sticky note students write as much as they can fit, in normal sized handwriting, about the topic again</li>
<li>Students share what they wrote</li>
<li>Finally, students write their best summary of the topic on the smallest sticky note being sure to include all important information</li>
<li>Students share their summaries</li>
</ul>
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Draw and Label</h3>
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Drawing and labeling should absolutely be considered writing and serves a definite purpose in content areas. </div>
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<li>Topic is given</li>
<li>Think time is given</li>
<li>Each student draws a representation of the topic</li>
<li>Students label their drawing using content language and vocabulary</li>
<li>Students share</li>
</ul>
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Point of View Writing</h3>
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<li>Topic is given</li>
<li>Students write a narrative from the point of view of the topic e.g. a piece of sediment, a person on the Oregon Trail...</li>
</ul>
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I love to have my students complete dice simulations that inspire their writing. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Category/Dice-Simulations-180680?utm_source=Teaching%20in%20the%20Fast%20Lane%20Blog&utm_campaign=Integrating%20Writing%20Into%20Content%20DS%20Link" target="_blank">You can check out dice simulation resources here. </a></div>
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-21530307252143825422017-11-13T06:00:00.000-06:002017-11-13T06:00:14.852-06:003 Practical Ways to Supercharge Your Math Stations in Upper Elementary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUGyyK_foaukf5A1oTvKrl-lluPH78nZBsnqVsDdZf8maHJAock_KRBNZp0tVtJ-DrvLMtOLLyBQJOh7PEmLKVpLfyuBh7UeNKjuXJ3jmTGBJWWNesXv4m0OG7BoTPXwVET6IFXxL0pwy/s1600/supercharge+your+math+stations+facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Check out these three practical, but powerful ways to supercharge your math stations and make the most of math center time! #mathcenters #math" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUGyyK_foaukf5A1oTvKrl-lluPH78nZBsnqVsDdZf8maHJAock_KRBNZp0tVtJ-DrvLMtOLLyBQJOh7PEmLKVpLfyuBh7UeNKjuXJ3jmTGBJWWNesXv4m0OG7BoTPXwVET6IFXxL0pwy/s400/supercharge+your+math+stations+facebook.png" title="Check out these three practical, but powerful ways to supercharge your math stations and make the most of math center time! #mathcenters #math" width="400" /></a></div>
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When you think of math stations or centers what is the first thing you think of? Do you think primary grades? Me too! When it was first suggested to me I use math centers in my 4th-grade classroom I scoffed and didn't think twice about it. Then, a couple weeks later, I was observing in a co-worker's room and was in absolute awe at the power of how her student's used math stations with independence and confidence. </div>
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I had always thought math centers were more of a game and a waste of precious classroom time, but seeing her students using their math vocabulary and strategies with partners really sealed the deal for me. I knew I had to give them a try with my students. </div>
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I left her room ready to go, but I wanted to go in with a game plan. After school, we chatted and she gave me her three secrets to supercharge math stations and make them much more than a game. </div>
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<h2>
Build a Routine</h2>
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The first secret to making math stations powerful is to make them part of the classroom routine. </div>
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There is something to be said for novelty, but if you want math centers to be a big part of your math block they have to be permanent. You have to commit to using them on a regular basis, if not daily. </div>
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The power of math stations comes from the repetition and practice. This is the time students move from merely understanding a math topic to mastery. It is important we place value on this time because it is when students develop connections between their learning. </div>
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When you protect the time for math stations and don't sacrifice it your students will see the value you place on it and respect the time as well.<br />
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<h2>
Build in Accountability</h2>
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In my mind, the difference between a math game and a math station is accountability. </div>
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Math games are fun and are used from time to time in the classroom, but usually only broken out for special occasions or indoor recess when we are trying to sneak in a little bit of math. </div>
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Math centers, on the other hand, are standards-based and targeted at students needs. They are differentiated to meet students where they are and can be used to practice the skill students are currently learning or keep a skill from the past fresh on their minds. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm6B8XmPuPkK_rPg1RRkat7biAA0tO8Cf7uVxysbFjv6id54IvX-9GKfkWpFiKJVTWpDG75Ypdfcd_Aj61a3ML3XTsZfDz78U4DJv5HgeSjxqN94anPFv7gcOw5tzNdaqdF2fJSSKdoRq/s1600/Supercharge+your+math+stations+pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Check out these three practical, but powerful ways to supercharge your math stations and make the most of math center time! #mathcenters #math" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm6B8XmPuPkK_rPg1RRkat7biAA0tO8Cf7uVxysbFjv6id54IvX-9GKfkWpFiKJVTWpDG75Ypdfcd_Aj61a3ML3XTsZfDz78U4DJv5HgeSjxqN94anPFv7gcOw5tzNdaqdF2fJSSKdoRq/s320/Supercharge+your+math+stations+pin.png" title="Check out these three practical, but powerful ways to supercharge your math stations and make the most of math center time! #mathcenters #math" width="213" /></a></div>
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By keeping students accountable for the completion and accuracy of their work you ensure they are putting their best foot forward. </div>
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Accountability can be achieved in many different ways. </div>
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The easiest way to keep students accountable is through recording sheets. I prefer to have students complete a recording sheet for most math stations to show their work and reflect on their thinking. These recording sheets can be collected or saved for a running record of student work on a skill. </div>
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<div>
Another way to keep students accountable during math centers is to have students complete a self-reflection afterward. These reflections work as a mini-audit of students' work in which they can write down questions, share their learning, and reflect on how hard they worked. </div>
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<div>
If students are working with a partner or small group they can also complete a reflection on how they worked together. </div>
<h2>
Set Clear Expectations</h2>
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As stated before when talking about building math stations into your routine, if you show your students math center time is valued they will value it as well. </div>
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The BEST way to show students you value this time is by setting clear expectations, and the BEST way to set clear expectations with students is to clearly think through the process before bringing it to your students. </div>
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Before you even think about introducing math stations to your class make sure you have a plan for:</div>
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<ul>
<li>How you will prep the stations?</li>
<li>How will you store stations?</li>
<li>How will you organize stations?</li>
<li>Do I have all the materials for </li>
<li>How will students be partnered or will they work independently?</li>
<li>Where will students work on stations?</li>
<li>What will students do if they have a question during stations?</li>
<li>How students will clean up their station?</li>
<li>What will students do when they complete a station?</li>
<li>How long will students work on each station?</li>
<li>How will you hold students accountable for their station work?</li>
</ul>
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Once you have an answer for all these questions you are ready to share your expectations with your students. Just remember practice makes perfect, and beginning stations is no exception. </div>
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Once your routine and expectations are set for the year all you do is change the content! </div>
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Where Do I Find Quality Stations?</h2>
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When looking for math centers for your students focus on quality and content.<br />
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A quality math station will have all the things you need and be easy to prep. Due to the pieces making up math centers there will always be a little bit of prep but it can be minimal. Quality math stations also include teacher and student directions as well as recording sheets and answer keys when applicable.<br />
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As far as content goes, I prefer to use stations focused on the standard we are learning about currently in class. This allows students to see a skill or standard in multiple ways throughout the unit and lends itself towards mastery.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacSJHHhAx8DmE-GnluUYAa314Tn9Q9QCBib8lEozFG30DcmhM1LAzD8XU2f76hDl1LZIG6HyfHZbEjjd1ZoFRZ53TKizmSI3dzxnyZJi6ihhO96OHv-ku9i1WlMZvl96Uo9uZ2ax22Gxz/s1600/Math+Stations.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Check out these three practical, but powerful ways to supercharge your math stations and make the most of math center time! #mathcenters #math" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacSJHHhAx8DmE-GnluUYAa314Tn9Q9QCBib8lEozFG30DcmhM1LAzD8XU2f76hDl1LZIG6HyfHZbEjjd1ZoFRZ53TKizmSI3dzxnyZJi6ihhO96OHv-ku9i1WlMZvl96Uo9uZ2ax22Gxz/s320/Math+Stations.png" title="Check out these three practical, but powerful ways to supercharge your math stations and make the most of math center time! #mathcenters #math" width="320" /></a><br />
With these things in mind, I created these math stations. Each set of stations has ten complete stations based on one standard complete with student and teacher directions, recording sheets and answer keys when applicable, and content vocabulary. In addition, all of the stations are created entirely in black and white to make printing and prep easy. Just print on colored paper and go!<br />
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Check out these stations here:<br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Category/2nd-Grade-251301?utm_source=teachinginthefastlane.com&utm_campaign=Supercharge%20Stations%20Post" target="_blank">2nd Grade</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Grade-Level/Third/Category/Math-Stations-Centers-210112?utm_source=teachinginthefastlane.com&utm_campaign=3rd%20Supercharge%20Stations%20Post" target="_blank">3rd Grade</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Grade-Level/Fourth/Category/Math-Stations-Centers-210112?utm_source=teachinginthefastlane.com&utm_campaign=4th%20SuperCharge%20Stations" target="_blank">4th Grade</a><br />
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Grade-Level/Fifth/Category/Math-Stations-Centers-210112?utm_source=teachinginthefastlane.com&utm_campaign=5th%20Supercharge%20Stations" target="_blank">5th Grade</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-33374673020046634992017-11-05T16:02:00.000-06:002017-11-05T21:20:54.550-06:0010 Powerful Management Tips for Surviving in the Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I stood by my desk and looked around the room. It was total chaos. I don't mean a mess, I mean completely and totally unruly. My students had control of the classroom, and they were running over me like a freight train. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1GUAiBvVfkrEjWKO1ghJ6SYO05ZH1q2I-P7ymv_-CXmXcjZ_O4WlFDgCnN9CpSVWq9JaWUx0MOvSWiil2vIBzTewyL8e_MGI94TEhGmI-uTQW_2-W2ETiqa4WAjHGjSJAvpEaPUu14DJ/s1600/top+10+management+tips+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10 Effective, yet practical tips for surviving in the classroom. This is a must read if you are feeling the burn out and want to love your classroom again! " border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1GUAiBvVfkrEjWKO1ghJ6SYO05ZH1q2I-P7ymv_-CXmXcjZ_O4WlFDgCnN9CpSVWq9JaWUx0MOvSWiil2vIBzTewyL8e_MGI94TEhGmI-uTQW_2-W2ETiqa4WAjHGjSJAvpEaPUu14DJ/s400/top+10+management+tips+blog.png" title="10 Effective, yet practical tips for surviving in the classroom. This is a must read if you are feeling the burn out and want to love your classroom again! " width="400" /></a></div>
After my students left for the day I decided there had to be a change. It was only November, and we had a long way to go in the year together. I knew it was up to me to make this change.<br />
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So I put in the hours. I stayed late that night and cleaned the room from top to bottom. I rearranged the furniture into a completely new pattern. I wanted it to be as if my students were walking into a completely new classroom the next day.<br />
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While all the physical changes helped to set the scene for my students, what mattered the most was my mind shift when it came to classroom management. The whole time I had been changing the room I had been thinking about how to change the strategies which were lacking and replace them with strategies that would put the responsibility squarely on my students' shoulders because I knew they would rise to the occasion because here's the thing, this group of students was a great group which is precisely how I let them take me down this rabbit hole.<br />
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The previous year my class was a really tough group. They had a reputation rising through the grade levels, and by the time they reached me in fourth they knew how to get away with proverbial murder, but I didn't let them. Knowing their reputation I put measures in place to ensure we had a great year, and we did.<br />
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This new group was such a breath of fresh air and I allowed them a lot of breathing room. Too much. They took the inch I gave them, and they ran with it. Sprinted actually. By the time I wisened up it was going to take a drastic shift to change the course of our year, so that was exactly what I did.<br />
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You might be reading along and nodding your head because you have been there. You might also be laughing at me because you know where I went wrong and would never, ever fall into that pitfall yourself. Either way, we can all use a little reminder of what NOT to do.<br />
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<h2>
Don't Get Complacent </h2>
<div>
As I just said, I had come off of a really challenging year for students. That year had gone well due to high expectations and sticking with a plan, but it sucked the life out of me. I had to be on all day every day, no matter what. </div>
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With this new group, I saw an opportunity to relax and give myself some breathing room. The problem was I let it go too far. Soon students who under normal circumstances would have been thriving were going off the handle because they could. </div>
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I had to take back the high expectations I had kept for students every year and enforce them. My students, of course, rose to the occasion and immediately began to shine. </div>
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The moral of this little diddy is even when you have a great group of students, keep your expectations high from day one. I am by no means suggesting the "Don't smile until Christmas" approach, but instead being fair and firmly asserting the classroom is for learning. </div>
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<h2>
Conquer the Attention Seeker</h2>
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One thing which can really take the air out of the room is an attention seeker. I have experienced many brands of this type of student over the years, but the one thing they have in common is their ability to take over a classroom. </div>
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<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_UiVH6Ltj7IU_3YTNMD507hpU9wmw7ZH8d4gQjfxqd_pzzIK0WUVtyO74Kcbj5xm4tTEJxp0UMdPyzGuzWgO1UFZTpzYxu1kS8_PAWSeUltbJfs3gDBGhSM_m94frjFie_eFi-EvjjXh/s1600/top+10+management+tips+pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="10 Effective, yet practical tips for surviving in the classroom. This is a must read if you are feeling the burn out and want to love your classroom again! " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_UiVH6Ltj7IU_3YTNMD507hpU9wmw7ZH8d4gQjfxqd_pzzIK0WUVtyO74Kcbj5xm4tTEJxp0UMdPyzGuzWgO1UFZTpzYxu1kS8_PAWSeUltbJfs3gDBGhSM_m94frjFie_eFi-EvjjXh/s320/top+10+management+tips+pin.png" title="10 Effective, yet practical tips for surviving in the classroom. This is a must read if you are feeling the burn out and want to love your classroom again! " width="213" /></a>The unique thing about an attention seeker is they are rarely the student you first think of when contemplating challenging students, but yet they are the ones who often take up the most energy. </div>
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<div>
This year, my attention seeker was a sweet boy who just wanted my attention. He was a teacher pleaser and tried with all his might to get reactions from me all day long. When my attention was elsewhere he would act out drawing the attention back to himself. </div>
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<div>
With a class full of diligent students I found myself spending more time with this specific student because it was just easier, but as time went by more students started displaying these same attention seeking traits as a way to balance out the attention throughout the room, and then I was in trouble. </div>
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<div>
The GREAT news about an attention seeker is they are in it for the attention, and positive attention works wonders to break the cycle. Coincidentally, it is 1000% easier on me to provide positive, regular attention than it is to correct attention-seeking behaviors. </div>
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<div>
I sat down and made a list of ways I could shower my friend with positive attention. <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2015/02/giving-attention-seeking-students-right.html" target="_blank">I shared that list in this post.</a></div>
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<h2>
Make Student-Teacher Relationships a Priority</h2>
<div>
One thing I had glossed over this year was building meaningful relationships with my students. I mean, we had done all the requisite get to know you activities at the beginning of the year and I spoke with students on a regular basis about their lives, but I had missed a step. </div>
<div>
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<div>
In years past I had implored the 2x10 method the first few weeks of school to really build bonds. With this strategy, you spend 2 minutes a day with a student talking about anything they want to for ten days straight. It may not seem like a lot, but it really ads up. I would start on day one and usually speak with 2-3 students a day in the morning before school started, in the lunch line, or after school with those who stayed for after-school care. This meant I made it through my class of 22-24 students within the first three weeks of school. </div>
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These conversations really set the tone for our relationship through the year, because students felt they were listened to and valued. I love getting to know what drives a student, and these conversations often led me exactly there. </div>
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<h2>
Build Students Up</h2>
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When things are going swimmingly in a classroom, or not, it is easy to forget how fragile a student's self-esteem can be. When we work with students to build up their self-esteem we are building more positive, aware individuals. </div>
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This does not mean we overinflate their egos and lead them to believe they are the best person to ever walk the earth. What it does mean is we praise their efforts and progress over results and show them what it means to have grit and determination. </div>
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When we work to build our students up, they do the same for one another which is a beautiful thing. </div>
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For more on supporting students' self-esteem, <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/10/7-easy-ways-to-boost-student-confidence.html" target="_blank">check out this post</a>. </div>
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<h2>
Be an Example</h2>
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Throw out the do what I say not as I do and really lead your students by example. </div>
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This might mean showing them how to practice positive self-talk, how to problem solve when they and a friend are having a conflict, or readers really are leaders. </div>
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Our students are ALWAYS watching us, and we would be remiss to skip out on this valuable learning opportunity. In the classroom, we are the authority, and what we do is more important than what we say. </div>
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This encompasses items big and small. For example, are students allowed to drink soda throughout the day? Likely not, so why are you drinking a Dr. Pepper in front of them? (I am totally guilty of this.) Instead, take the opportunity to be an example of a healthy lifestyle by drinking water, like they likely are, and chug caffeine when out of sight. 😉</div>
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Throughout the day there are so many ways to be an example for our students including showing determination, being flexible when plans inevitably change and being a good friend. </div>
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<h2>
Follow a Routine</h2>
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I know every day in the classroom is going to look totally different, but there are many things which can stay the same. Bank on this routine, because students, and humans, in general, thrive when they can predict what is happening. It makes our brains happy. </div>
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When students know how to predict what is happening next it puts them at ease, allows them to bring their guards down, and prepares them for learning. </div>
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An informed class is most often also an engaged class. </div>
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<h2>
Take Care of Their Needs</h2>
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A student who missed breakfast is not in the best position to learn. Neither is a student who doesn't know who is picking them up from school or who doesn't have a coat to walk home in. </div>
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Food, water, sleep, and shelter are things our students shouldn't have to worry about, but in truth they do. </div>
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It is part of our responsibility to make sure our students' needs are met. When these basic needs are not met a student may lash out or just be unable to function. I know I fall into the latter camp. </div>
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While we would like for our students to come to school ready to learn, it isn't a reality for all students.<br />
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If your school serves breakfast, ask students if they ate on the way in. I always kept a box of generic cereal or crackers in my cabinet for those who either missed breakfast or weren't able to eat it for some reason.<br />
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Allow students to drink water throughout the day. We were fortunate enough to have a water fountain in our classroom, but I also had students bring in water bottles. Hydration is highly underrated, and can really affect the ability to learn.<br />
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Ask your students about their sleeping patterns and their home lives. This isn't to be nosy, but instead to get a more complete picture of their life and what struggles may overlap into the classroom. One year I had a student whose mom worked the late shift and didn't get home until past midnight, but he wasn't able to fall asleep until he heard her open the front door. This meant he was often exhausted in class, and sometimes unable to function. We worked together, with the school nurse, and determined when he felt it was necessary it was better to give up half an hour for him to take a short nap than try and push through the day.<br />
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Our students all come to school with their lives spinning in their heads. While the classroom may be a safe place, it doesn't mean they get to forget about what is going on outside.<br />
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<h2>
Give Students Responsibility</h2>
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Students of all ages should be assigned responsibility for themselves and within their classrooms. This might mean classroom jobs, practicing self-control, or simply being responsible for their own actions. </div>
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Responsibility is going to look different at every grade level and for every student, but ensuring students are responsible for themselves and their actions goes a long way towards maturity. </div>
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This goes right along with keeping high expectations. Students rise to the occasion time and time again to impress those around them with their ability to take on tasks and complete them beyond expectation. </div>
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<h2>
Practice Respect</h2>
Respect is a two-way street is a cliche for a reason.<br />
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I do not personally believe someone has to show you respect in order to receive it from you, and I certainly believe each and every one of our students deserves our respect from day one. There should not have to be a time in which they earn your respect. Privileges yes, but respect no.<br />
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The classroom is THE best place for us to model this for our students. Show them respect and require they respect their classmates as well. I like to tell my students about how teachers are all colleagues, and in turn so are students. Everyone in the class is on a level playing field, deserves respect, and has something to offer the group.<br />
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When you start from a place of respect, it is easier to build relationships and a true community.<br />
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<h2>
Plan for Engagement</h2>
<div>
As teachers, we spend a lot of time planning. Essentially we plan to plan, and for the most part, we enjoy the planning process, but sometimes it gets tedious. It is all too easy to fall into the trap of, "Well, this worked last year, so let's do it again."</div>
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<div>
When we plan we have to take into account our current students. Just because a lesson was a rock star last year does not mean it will fit the needs of this year's students. Sometimes it will, but we have to know when to walk away. </div>
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<div>
When we plan with our current students in mind we automatically up engagement, and then we can explore even higher engagement strategies like cooperative learning and passion projects to up the ante. </div>
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<div>
When students are engaged in their learning they automatically up their buy-in and that is a beautiful thing. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-51607384964667232842017-10-30T06:00:00.000-05:002017-10-30T06:00:15.220-05:0020 Books for Texas History<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknjbGrnvZKxA_sI7cbgVIxethm2tR4YiReABvK3_Mu9lTJHi-PxATTWmVliEFV6D8wvPVKk8IZmT4-AHsLGU24eyRjZ4kv-3BV7GWljFmLFEGKtj4O_bdPS5nmQJBaBxckoF_JYNpajtL/s1600/20+Books+for+TX+History.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="20 books to use while learning Texas history. These books are sure to engage students with facts and stories all about Texas!" border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknjbGrnvZKxA_sI7cbgVIxethm2tR4YiReABvK3_Mu9lTJHi-PxATTWmVliEFV6D8wvPVKk8IZmT4-AHsLGU24eyRjZ4kv-3BV7GWljFmLFEGKtj4O_bdPS5nmQJBaBxckoF_JYNpajtL/s320/20+Books+for+TX+History.png" title="20 books to use while learning Texas history. These books are sure to engage students with facts and stories all about Texas!" width="214" /></a></div>
Texas History is so hard to squeeze into our already packed schedules, so sometimes the only way to get it done is by incorporating books. Fortunately, there are a TON of awesome choices out there. Here are some of my favorites.<br />
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<i>The links included in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click a link and make a purchase Amazon gives me a little something back to help pay to upkeep this blog and my email list. This does not change the price you pay in any way.</i><br />
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Click on any of the book covers to check out the book on Amazon.<br />
<i><br /></i>
I LOVE to read L is for Lonestar on the first day of school. It is a great introduction to all things Texas and gets students excited to learn more throughout the year. Another quick read from the same series is Round Up, all based on the numbers of Texas.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lone-Star-Texas-Alphabet/dp/1585360198/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1509327212&sr=1-1&keywords=l+is+for+lonestar&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=202bd05f726b01d32ffa09be5485e132" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1585360198&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Round-Up-Texas-Number-Book/dp/158536133X/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=158536133X&pd_rd_r=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&pd_rd_w=8G0PK&pd_rd_wg=idXOl&psc=1&refRID=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=7fccc84285c34bc7d240cf471f5fc064" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=158536133X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1585360198" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
The Alamo is one of our students' favorite topics, and that means any book they can get their hands on will be exciting. I like to provide a variety of titles that will continue to peak their interest and keep them learning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Was-Alamo-Pam-Pollack/dp/0448467100/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1509327012&sr=8-3&keywords=texas+history+for+kids&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=ae07713819c2c39de4754e2723ddf4b9" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Susanna-Alamo-Story-John-Jakes/dp/0152005951/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1509327012&sr=8-16&keywords=texas+history+for+kids&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=baafbf756bb2f58574ffc0f846755e25" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0152005951&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-at-Alamo-Adventure/dp/1455618063/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1509327135&sr=8-1&keywords=bluebonnet+the+armadillo&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=f0dac3fe471da6eb49bf0516a4888330" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1455618063&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Was-Alamo-Pam-Pollack/dp/0448467100/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1509327012&sr=8-3&keywords=texas+history+for+kids&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=ae07713819c2c39de4754e2723ddf4b9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0448467100&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alamo-All-Stars-Nathan-Hales-Hazardous/dp/1419719025/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1509328374&sr=1-1&keywords=the+alamo&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=c00fdff13aefcb388252b83d0acdf971" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1419719025&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Remember-Alamo-Texians-Tejanos-Mexicans/dp/1426322496/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1509328418&sr=1-4&keywords=the+alamo&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=13127882ad0574b157b105af9c5ef60d" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1426322496&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0448467100" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
Once students get hooked on the Alamo they start to venture more into the colonization of Texas and the Texas Revolution, and the leadership of the Texas Army including their leader, Sam Houston.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Texas-Tell-about-Revolution/dp/1626191603/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1509328329&sr=1-1&keywords=for+the+love+of+texas&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=741dab2a627490786f618e261d1fb10d" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1626191603&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Picture-Book-Sam-Houston-Biographies/dp/0823423697/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0823423697&pd_rd_r=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&pd_rd_w=8G0PK&pd_rd_wg=idXOl&psc=1&refRID=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=02e01c8998c9592cb2b3937168ddd12e" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0823423697&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Texas-Tell-about-Colonists-ebook/dp/B00XRLX8NA/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1509327063&sr=8-32&keywords=texas+history+for+kids&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=40c32d93a7729eef9e1b4626b64941c0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00XRLX8NA&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0940672359/ref=as_li_ss_il?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3341940462&pd_rd_wg=P96qE&pf_rd_r=NB05EJ37RJSZ8ADTXT27&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=0940672359&pd_rd_w=s6Xbb&pf_rd_i=texas+revolution&pd_rd_r=abde1330-bd15-11e7-945a-cd65f7a7144f&ie=UTF8&qid=1509328642&sr=3&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=8c4570d66740425dd6d44a7d71015d44" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0940672359&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a></div>
One series that both my students and I absolutely adore is the Bluebonnet books by Mary Brooke Casad. The author visited my school when I was in 3rd grade, and I still share my signed copy with students!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-Texas-State-Capitol/dp/1565542320/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1565542320&pd_rd_r=J65T57G74MD2YY0W6EGP&pd_rd_w=YdezQ&pd_rd_wg=Xw5JQ&psc=1&refRID=J65T57G74MD2YY0W6EGP&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=026d3465a0bacab8b5235f92a5e290a9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1565542320&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bluebonnet-at-Johnson-Space-Center/dp/0882899635/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1509327135&sr=8-3&keywords=bluebonnet+the+armadillo&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=c7f2c6606217c7b7d320da5ea626cd58" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0882899635&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a></div>
When learning about legends and tall tales of Texas my favorites to share with students are The Legend of the Bluebonnet and Pecos Bill, but we throw in Armadillo Rodeo too, because who can pass up Jan Brett?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Armadillo-Rodeo-Jan-Brett/dp/0142401250/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0142401250&pd_rd_r=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&pd_rd_w=8G0PK&pd_rd_wg=idXOl&psc=1&refRID=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=b93fc26a72949a5922a09a15ca44655b" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0142401250&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pecos-Bill-Steven-Kellogg/dp/0688099246/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0688099246&pd_rd_r=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&pd_rd_w=8G0PK&pd_rd_wg=idXOl&psc=1&refRID=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=3d67089f8d9f1ab3ad432ec9c9425902" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0688099246&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Bluebonnet-Tomie-dePaola/dp/0698113594/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0698113594&pd_rd_r=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&pd_rd_w=8G0PK&pd_rd_wg=idXOl&psc=1&refRID=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=2f5fa81619509bdbee61b2b35e63ed42" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0698113594&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a></div>
When we are talking about geography and regions I love to have books available that allow students to see the different cities around the state. Larry Gets Lost in Texas is a great book for just this reason because students connect to the story while hearing a little bit about many of the cities around the state.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Larry-Gets-Lost-Texas-Skewes/dp/1570616809/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1509328733&sr=1-15&keywords=texas&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=0b1477c6c98316bfe5831fdfb60b1744" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1570616809&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/State-Shapes-Texas-Erik-Bruun/dp/1579121020/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1579121020&pd_rd_r=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&pd_rd_w=8G0PK&pd_rd_wg=idXOl&psc=1&refRID=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=822c0423ef09ae7841de426c23210f20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1579121020&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Our-Texas-Jackie-Mims-Hopkins/dp/1570917264/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1570917264&pd_rd_r=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&pd_rd_w=8G0PK&pd_rd_wg=idXOl&psc=1&refRID=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=35abb88c037fc57ea5c39488954b0e58" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1570917264&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Facts-Symbols-States-Their/dp/0736817646/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0736817646&pd_rd_r=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&pd_rd_w=8G0PK&pd_rd_wg=idXOl&psc=1&refRID=R2RS056G6DAJAYX0JW7V&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=5cdd96d5c83657946ecdf7e845ae957e" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0736817646&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a></div>
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No matter what books you choose and whether you get them for your classroom or borrow from the library, your students are sure to fall in love with Texas history through reading! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-56729816354070298892017-10-19T16:15:00.000-05:002017-10-19T17:12:51.245-05:007 Easy Ways to Boost Student Confidence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
School can be a tough place for a student that lacks self-esteem. The classroom can feel full of traps waiting to catch a student off guard and derail their confidence. </div>
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As teachers, we need to work with our students to build their confidence in a way that encourages them to take risks and grow daily. When this is achieved, our students can truly flourish. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Amazon links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click and buy an item Amazon throws a little bit back to me to support this blog. It does not in any way change the price of your item. Thank you! </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0e4w21kANUN3bY4x0qHS-rLjNfW1cphN8za-dAfAVU59GKVHm7SeQS3RDYRt5IoUVOugcUhEjz_ivrGSu5bIFgkKshL260k0L5ciEhxVoMsLdIO31AnPm9SNR81q6r3FckiUYhWPqVhc/s1600/boosting+student+confidence+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Easy Ways to Boost Student Confidence! #3 and #6 are sure to get your students thinking more positively! " border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD0e4w21kANUN3bY4x0qHS-rLjNfW1cphN8za-dAfAVU59GKVHm7SeQS3RDYRt5IoUVOugcUhEjz_ivrGSu5bIFgkKshL260k0L5ciEhxVoMsLdIO31AnPm9SNR81q6r3FckiUYhWPqVhc/s400/boosting+student+confidence+blog.png" title="7 Easy Ways to Boost Student Confidence! #3 and #6 are sure to get your students thinking more positively! " width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
Meet Students Where They Are</h2>
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A classroom full of students is likely coming to you from a variety of backgrounds, levels, and experiences. When you teach to the middle you are likely to miss a big chunk of students. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When beginning a new unit or topic activate prior knowledge and have students share their experiences. This serves to build community within your classroom and allows students to show you what they know and where there may be misconceptions. Be careful not to correct these misconceptions right away, but instead guide learning to correct them over time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By meeting students where they are you show them they have prior knowledge and something to add to the conversation. Their ability to contribute shows them and the class their input is valued. </div>
<div>
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<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl5hZmv8oShHZkekf0zw2tVAzRnRizJqQTQMrDz-r3rqzKSADVXv7WNRnSRCIkjmNaVcd86llhEqUrucmSROLZ1pE7pwWgTIUvh6kcij47Hwfqt7h2WQAjSt9zkYYMIUeJwmzN9yv5qY0/s1600/7+Ways+to+Build+Student+confidence.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Easy Ways to Boost Student Confidence! #3 and #6 are sure to get your students thinking more positively!" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl5hZmv8oShHZkekf0zw2tVAzRnRizJqQTQMrDz-r3rqzKSADVXv7WNRnSRCIkjmNaVcd86llhEqUrucmSROLZ1pE7pwWgTIUvh6kcij47Hwfqt7h2WQAjSt9zkYYMIUeJwmzN9yv5qY0/s400/7+Ways+to+Build+Student+confidence.png" title="7 Easy Ways to Boost Student Confidence! #3 and #6 are sure to get your students thinking more positively!" width="160" /></a>Differentiate</h2>
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Differentiation is a big buzzword in education, as it should be. When we meet students where they are we can then differentiate their learning to accelerate those who are missing pieces and enrich the learning for all. </div>
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Differentiation works in both directions. We can scaffold learning for those that have missing pieces, as well as challenge our students to go deeper when they already understand a topic. It is important to remember that with each new topic or unit students will need to be evaluated for misconceptions or prior understanding. We cannot make the mistake of grouping students once and keeping the same groups all year. </div>
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Sometimes differentiation means a different assignment or way of working through a topic, other times it means doing the same assignment, but in a different format. As the professional, you know your students and what is best for them. </div>
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<a href="http://www.classroomtestedresources.com/2016/07/8-ways-to-differentiate-worksheet.html" target="_blank">Check out this post for 8 ways to easily differentiate a worksheet.</a> </div>
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Build in Peer Coaching</h2>
<div>
When students work together in heterogeneous groups they automatically model learning, listening, and speaking for one another. By allowing students time to work with their peers through structured activities with a common goal students are able to scaffold for one another and enrich the learning experience for everyone. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cooperative learning strategies are the perfect example of students working together towards a common goal. When each student fulfills a role, they scaffold one another's learning and allow the teacher to facilitate rather than lead the learning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of my favorite strategies for getting students to verbalize their thinking and coaching one another is <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2013/04/making-test-prep-fun-6-rally-coach.html" target="_blank">Rally Coach</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Praise Effort</h2>
<div>
Often our students get so tied up in results that they negate all the hard work they have put in when they don't achieve their goal on the first try. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By praising effort instead of results we show our students that hard work leads to big things and failure is an opportunity to try again with some background knowledge. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This approach fits right in with growth mindset, which shows us the power of yet. When we can adjust our students thinking from I can't do this, to I can't do this YET big things happen. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some great books (affiliate links) to support growth mindset in our students are: </div>
<div>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2xSVMEj" target="_blank">The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2zAVtLx" target="_blank">The Most Magnificent Thing</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2gSj3eS" target="_blank">What Do You Do With a Problem</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2hRp0s8" target="_blank">What Do You Do With an Idea</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2zmiukn" target="_blank">Thanks for the Feedback, I Think</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Frontload Positive Feedback</h2>
<div>
No matter whether you are a child or an adult feedback can make or break your experience. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Imagine this:</div>
<div>
You are out at recess with your students and they are teaching you a new game, but you, being you, are terribly uncoordinated and having a hard time being successful. Are your students going to walk away and say better luck next time? I would bet not! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our students are incredibly patient with us when showing us how to do something new, but they aren't always so kind to themselves. This is why, as teachers, we must step in to model positive self-talk as well as frontload our students with positivity. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Research states that we should be offering up three pieces of positive feedback for every negative piece. This becomes that much easier when you start positive instead of trying to dig yourself out of a hole later. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By continuing to praise effort, positive feedback becomes much easier as well. </div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfetRfIG_KOFp3xzv3abCPAQ7b2Czzu77T5UFD8D2uzPy5geSf7hlXtC0j-I4RHnorBn0zgyecaAyCYz3jQRJtPvQhPACw8ZAXvPR3k-kn_tDjPNj-Y_LAl8i1QplmjVVTDVfe0pSITA3b/s1600/boosting+student+confidence+pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="7 Easy Ways to Boost Student Confidence! #3 and #6 are sure to get your students thinking more positively! " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfetRfIG_KOFp3xzv3abCPAQ7b2Czzu77T5UFD8D2uzPy5geSf7hlXtC0j-I4RHnorBn0zgyecaAyCYz3jQRJtPvQhPACw8ZAXvPR3k-kn_tDjPNj-Y_LAl8i1QplmjVVTDVfe0pSITA3b/s320/boosting+student+confidence+pin.png" title="7 Easy Ways to Boost Student Confidence! #3 and #6 are sure to get your students thinking more positively! " width="213" /></a><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Think about long division. How many times does using the standard algorithm offer a teacher the chance to provide positive feedback to a student? You guessed it, a whole bunch of times. By praising students' effort all along the way it is easier to take when a mistake is made and corrections are needed. It isn't self-esteem shattering either. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Reflect on Learning and Set Personal Goals</h2>
<div>
Not everyone is going to get everything perfect on the first try, and if you do, you are not living in the real world. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By celebrating effort and using mistakes as a platform to hone your skills student confidence can grow.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Allow time for students to think about their learning. What they have tried and done well in, and areas where they need to grow some more. Emphasize the opportunity that students have to grow and help them to set personal goals that can be celebrated when they are achieved. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In my experience, it is best to set three to four learning goals with students at a time. The first two or three should be quickly attainable and just outside of their reach, and then the last goal can be a bit more of a stretch and longer term. Double bonus points if the first few goals get them closer to the final goal! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkMcHwSXclJJeIeYja41L37B4RI59r2pfsB1ZMUw5Ajs948-i_n0HY_odHIqdfu3UyKf0vEohHPkm7At1xN3LaGxuRwUfZhXwReryeg0acJ0ikBUMzHU2tfbZQ37Ga6GwdcKGe3wAQG-j/s1600/boosting+student+confidence+facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="7 Easy Ways to Boost Student Confidence! #3 and #6 are sure to get your students thinking more positively! " border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYkMcHwSXclJJeIeYja41L37B4RI59r2pfsB1ZMUw5Ajs948-i_n0HY_odHIqdfu3UyKf0vEohHPkm7At1xN3LaGxuRwUfZhXwReryeg0acJ0ikBUMzHU2tfbZQ37Ga6GwdcKGe3wAQG-j/s320/boosting+student+confidence+facebook.png" title="7 Easy Ways to Boost Student Confidence! #3 and #6 are sure to get your students thinking more positively! " width="320" /></a>Build Routines</h2>
We all know students thrive on routine, but did you know that routine in the classroom builds student confidence and encourages risk-taking?<br />
<br />
It is as simple as this: when you know you are in a safe place and can predict the outcome to a certain extent you are more likely to give something new a try.<br />
<br />
By providing our students with a bit of predictability they know they will be supported and encouraged to take risks. This leads to bigger leaps in learning, achieving goals, and high self-esteem which in return leads to more risk-taking.<br />
<br />
We can provide routine in the classroom without making the day monotonous. For example, our math block always included the same structure of warm-up, mini-lesson, practice, stations and small group, and then exit ticket. While the order and structure stayed the same we varied what practice would look like through cooperative learning strategies, problem-solving activities, or opportunities to choose who you wanted to work with. Students knew practice time was the time to take risks and push their learning boundaries within the safety net of the larger math block.<br />
<br />
<h2>
In the End</h2>
<div>
Being a kid these days is tough, and the classroom should not be one of the reasons students' self-esteem suffers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To make sure all students feel appreciated, confident, and ready to take risks:</div>
<div>
Meet students where they are</div>
<div>
Differentiate assignment in both directions</div>
<div>
Build in peer coaching or scaffolding</div>
<div>
Praise effort, not results using growth mindset principles</div>
<div>
Frontload positive feedback</div>
Reflect on learning and set goals<br />
Build routines into daily classroom activities<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-52534130113754668422017-10-16T06:00:00.000-05:002017-10-16T06:00:25.904-05:006 Proven Education Trends You Need To Know<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the world of education, trends change quickly. It is hard to keep up with every new strategy as well as decipher what works in the long run and what is a temporary fix or fad. When it comes to current educational trends, there are a few I have found are necessary to know. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh505PST77bhJHVtoxDSNSLFQ64dlTrfEbd37ajBdw8gfSlyPCU1HeR8uRxwMsknMIRlFnbMZ0tVjdj34CjEMRn6ihdKfiXVgWRsjQYE6rHhHU9W3_YQtNeFMIZEfGhwLnWktS_F9s4MbTX/s1600/education+trends+to+know+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How can you tell when an education trend is here to stay or is just a fad? Check out these six trends that are here to stay! " border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh505PST77bhJHVtoxDSNSLFQ64dlTrfEbd37ajBdw8gfSlyPCU1HeR8uRxwMsknMIRlFnbMZ0tVjdj34CjEMRn6ihdKfiXVgWRsjQYE6rHhHU9W3_YQtNeFMIZEfGhwLnWktS_F9s4MbTX/s400/education+trends+to+know+blog.png" title="How can you tell when an education trend is here to stay or is just a fad? Check out these six trends that are here to stay! " width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
Personalized Learning</h2>
<div>
In a rapidly changing world, it is important for each and every student to find something they are passionate about and explore it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This doesn't mean a teacher has to cater to each and every student when writing problem-solving questions but instead encourages students to explore passion areas of their own. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One way to do this is through Genius Hour or Passion Projects. Students are able to choose something they want to learn more about and explore their topic in depth. These projects often end with students presenting their learning in some way to the class or community. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Through passionate learning, students are able to step outside of the traditional classroom model and learn about topics which interest them directly and then learn from one another. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Technology</h2>
<div>
Technology in the classroom is here to stay but that doesn't mean it has to be the end all and be all of every lesson. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Technology allows students to experience a world outside of the classroom and what they encounter in daily life. Technology provides tools for learners to augment what they are learning and stretch their thinking. Technology does NOT have to replace paper and pencil tasks. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUaZcn2QYpyJ8g97MrDk9kEkZwfP47dOwEqINMi1ueQp6J1EJ3-iE1F__tiUmXC-O4QPkLqwmyZVzeBY8bL1G4Gvu7OM6eHGwu8p1drCo0JvQtFiVWsUGLaI97CbnesrA8_MtSmhAvWF9/s1600/education+trends+to+know+facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="How can you tell when an education trend is here to stay or is just a fad? Check out these six trends that are here to stay! " border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUaZcn2QYpyJ8g97MrDk9kEkZwfP47dOwEqINMi1ueQp6J1EJ3-iE1F__tiUmXC-O4QPkLqwmyZVzeBY8bL1G4Gvu7OM6eHGwu8p1drCo0JvQtFiVWsUGLaI97CbnesrA8_MtSmhAvWF9/s320/education+trends+to+know+facebook.png" title="How can you tell when an education trend is here to stay or is just a fad? Check out these six trends that are here to stay! " width="320" /></a>Technology can provide a new way of communicating with others or for presenting ideas, but it can not replace the critical thinking students so desperately need. When thinking about whether or not to include technology in a lesson ask yourself whether it is a substitute for paper and pencil or if it enhances the lesson. If it isn't an enhancement, you may want to think twice. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Teacher's Role</h2>
<div>
For a long time, the teacher was viewed as the authority in the classroom, the sage on the state if you will, but with new developments in research about how we learn this is changing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now instead of being the learning leader, teachers are taking on the role of guide. We are still there for our students every step of the way, but we are there in a supportive rather than star role. Students are encouraged to share their learning with one another and lean on each other for peer coaching. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Project-Based Learning</h2>
<div>
Project-based learning is real-world learning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Instead of students completing assignments in isolation, they integrate different subject areas to solve real-life problems in the comfort of the classroom. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These projects allow students to stretch their minds and prepare them for a world which is ever-changing. Through projects such as <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Plan-Your-Own-Field-Trip-A-Culminating-Project-1819807" target="_blank">planning their own field trip</a> or a <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Plan-Your-Class-Party-A-Culminating-Project-2521959" target="_blank">class party</a>, students are able to apply their learning across multiple subjects without getting bogged down with the standard test. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbE0v5OgorOW2MUqVE7ni_usS8l01EUYomLrVDsTUMVILUpnqF-ff7BBVOM7STjNAaJK668h1s9iXDA7USkvqEfgpnGct1isuXVWkUd0MfQIKlPAulhpVfW1qaRc4bUlHIrJWXztKTYQX/s1600/education+trends+to+know+pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How can you tell when an education trend is here to stay or is just a fad? Check out these six trends that are here to stay! " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbE0v5OgorOW2MUqVE7ni_usS8l01EUYomLrVDsTUMVILUpnqF-ff7BBVOM7STjNAaJK668h1s9iXDA7USkvqEfgpnGct1isuXVWkUd0MfQIKlPAulhpVfW1qaRc4bUlHIrJWXztKTYQX/s320/education+trends+to+know+pin.png" title="How can you tell when an education trend is here to stay or is just a fad? Check out these six trends that are here to stay! " width="213" /></a>Collaborative Learning</h2>
<div>
In the working world rarely do you see one individual working alone. Instead, you see teams of people working together to accomplish a common goal.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In classrooms, we often see the opposite. This system, which is not effective for most learners, leaves many to struggle and does not simulate real-world experiences which value collaboration and teamwork. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By utilizing <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/03/ultimate-cooperative-learning-strategies-guide.html" target="_blank">collaborative or cooperative learning</a> in the classroom, students are not only working on problem-solving, and learning new material, but they are also honing their social skills and learning valuable life lessons. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Digital Citizenship</h2>
<div>
With technology taking such an important place in our world it is vital our students learn how to be good digital citizens. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The landscape of technology and its uses are ever-changing, and often more rapidly than we know, but as teachers, we must help our students to navigate what it means to be a good digital citizen. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We can model what this looks like, but explicit instruction is also a must. This will include everything from conversations about what information you share with others online, as well as how to present yourself on social media, and how your online presence is like a permanent file which will follow you forever. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Growing up during a time when everything is recorded and posted online for the world to see comes with a new set of challenges that have not been faced before. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Ever Changing</h2>
<div>
The world of education continues to evolve every day. Some trends will take root, gain momentum, and be around for the long haul while others will fade away as soon as they come into popularity. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When you are looking at a new to you education trend remember to always ask yourself if it is what is best for your students. Will it make learning more personal and meaningful? If so, give it a try! If not, don't be afraid to sit that one out. </div>
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-56835486516398817192017-10-09T06:00:00.000-05:002017-10-09T19:39:06.014-05:00How to Tackle a Really Bad Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bad days happen. They happen to the best of us. We have the best of intentions. We are prepared for the day. We do everything we can, but despite our best efforts, the day goes awry. This happens, and when it does we have to remember it won't last forever. </div>
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Instead, we need to remind ourselves we make a ton of choices throughout the day and have the ability to turn our day around, or at least make sure it doesn't permeate our whole week. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14wHFrn89ptSAqCcoInlPqot-A09BAEaOPOmee6Rn14VdN_TNpM_3t81Z4_QyDXDLo3pV_jpoa6JVv7G7UUdayTPi1h4HpJI_Zcyrxfz-efcC7zhUi6Yx4SzB-5YOsj47f6XHvPGwlVo-/s1600/how+to+tackle+a+bad+day+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you having a bad day? Check out these 9 ideas for tackling your bad day and moving forward!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14wHFrn89ptSAqCcoInlPqot-A09BAEaOPOmee6Rn14VdN_TNpM_3t81Z4_QyDXDLo3pV_jpoa6JVv7G7UUdayTPi1h4HpJI_Zcyrxfz-efcC7zhUi6Yx4SzB-5YOsj47f6XHvPGwlVo-/s400/how+to+tackle+a+bad+day+blog.png" title="Are you having a bad day? Check out these 9 ideas for tackling your bad day and moving forward!" width="400" /></a></div>
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Reflect On Your Day and Choices</h2>
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Sometimes our choices are what make a day go downhill. Sometimes it is others' choices causing us stress, but either way, there are choices you can make which will either stop the snowball or allow it to gain momentum.<br />
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Stop and take a moment to re-center yourself and think about the task at hand. If a choice you made is causing stress take a look at what you can do to work backward and make a different choice.<br />
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If your stress is a result of others' choices then think about how you can make choices allowing you to take back control.<br />
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Put Your Day in Perspective</h2>
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From time to time it is important to remind ourselves our worst moment in a day is not entirely terrible in the grand scheme of life.<br />
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I am not here to say your bad day doesn't matter because it most definitely does matter, but what I am trying to say is when we remind ourselves of what is important in our lives we can gain a bit of perspective in moments when the world seems to be crashing down around us.<br />
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By taking the time to think about what is going right instead of living in the doldrums of what is going wrong we are in a better headspace to bring ourselves out of the funk of a bad day.<br />
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Do Something for Yourself</h2>
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When I have a truly terrible day I try to take the time to do something for myself I otherwise wouldn't.<br />
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This serves a couple purposes. The first is it lifts my mood, and the second is because it ends the day on a good note. Then when I am lying in bed thinking about my day I end my thought process with the special something I did for myself.<br />
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Personally, I eat my feelings, so this something for yourself is a special meal most of the time. I have also taken the time to get a pedicure, treated myself to a mid-week evening movie, or gone to play trivia with friends. All of these things are special to me for different reasons, but all of them help me to stop a bad day in its tracks.<br />
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Hit the Reset Button</h2>
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When a situation is going off the tracks, when possible, try a complete reset. I have used this strategy in and out of the classroom.<br />
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One day, while teaching, I was just miserable and told my students, "I need a redo." I walked out of the classroom, stood in the hall for about ten seconds taking a few deep breaths, then walked back in with a smile to begin the day again.<br />
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Did it fix everything? Absolutely not! It did give me the opportunity to reset and try again though.<br />
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My students were absolutely fascinated, and for the rest of the year, when having a bad day, would ask if they could do a quick reset. I would always oblige them, and it was a game changer for our classroom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_DZCQGfkdRK80UadDwwlI1t2SIT8NF2lTq2jaqIrA8koBwR1WWS_9gNzzxCbIGySTGVqTiucddNlsqjNBS8RyCj3gcpEKrKHSja8W_ZyW1Lu4AK3KUDVQJ2yHt8QaY8Z9ky30TvSZ57M/s1600/how+to+tackle+a+bad+day+pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you having a bad day? Check out these 9 ideas for tackling your bad day and moving forward!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_DZCQGfkdRK80UadDwwlI1t2SIT8NF2lTq2jaqIrA8koBwR1WWS_9gNzzxCbIGySTGVqTiucddNlsqjNBS8RyCj3gcpEKrKHSja8W_ZyW1Lu4AK3KUDVQJ2yHt8QaY8Z9ky30TvSZ57M/s320/how+to+tackle+a+bad+day+pin.png" title="Are you having a bad day? Check out these 9 ideas for tackling your bad day and moving forward!" width="213" /></a>Work It Out</h2>
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I am a huge fan of sweating a problem out. When I take an hour to take care of my body and just get sweaty I always gain clarity about a situation.<br />
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Some people do their best thinking in the shower, mine it while rowing on an erg.<br />
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Get Some Space</h2>
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When possible, sometimes the best solution to a bad day is walking away from it. I am not advocating you walk out of the school in the middle of the day leaving all your worries behind never to return.<br />
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What I am saying is maybe you leave school right after your students and get a little bit of distance from the situation. This isn't always applicable because some problems need immediate attention, but when it is can be a lifesaver.<br />
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Talk It Out</h2>
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Fresh eyes, or ears, can make a world of difference. I for one, become a bit of a "poor me" individual and fall into the trap of complaining instead of problem-solving. This is a terrible place to be unless you are trying to turn a bad day into a bad week. </div>
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By talking it out you put yourself back in control and you bring in others who can help. Honestly, sometimes I talk it out with my dog. She isn't particularly helpful with the advice, but sometimes hearing it out loud brings me clarity. </div>
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Blast Your Favorite Song</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUBJJku4L3y2BcE1mKCX2a_gEy82JKQLUj0afs4ayaCQPxLaJFk0HCfHB0jXhYp2I8f1b_tQEM4SLYJ6QCOR5IcmlqsdPW_NPjBg51KngVTPe8rUOhYUJ_1a9AhhNSleGKM_vI2ccRCZo/s1600/how+to+tackle+a+bad+day+facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Are you having a bad day? Check out these 9 ideas for tackling your bad day and moving forward!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUBJJku4L3y2BcE1mKCX2a_gEy82JKQLUj0afs4ayaCQPxLaJFk0HCfHB0jXhYp2I8f1b_tQEM4SLYJ6QCOR5IcmlqsdPW_NPjBg51KngVTPe8rUOhYUJ_1a9AhhNSleGKM_vI2ccRCZo/s320/how+to+tackle+a+bad+day+facebook.png" title="Are you having a bad day? Check out these 9 ideas for tackling your bad day and moving forward!" width="320" /></a>When a bad day is just a bit of a funk and not an acute stressor there is nothing better than music to bring me out of it.<br />
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In the car? Crank it up!<br />
At school? Have a single song dance party!<br />
At home? Blast yourself out!<br />
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I mean, who can resist singing along and getting a little dance into their favorite songs even when a dark cloud is hanging overhead.<br />
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Remember There is Always Tomorrow</h2>
When absolutely all else fails, remember there is always tomorrow. Take a hot shower, hit the bed, get a good night's rest and try again the next day with a fresh attitude!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-60285629998730498882017-10-02T06:00:00.000-05:002017-10-02T06:00:02.222-05:00How to Unlock Your Full Math Class Potential<div style="text-align: left;">
We have all struggled to make our math class the most it can be. With a growing number of standards thrown at our students each year, it can be a struggle to feel successful while teaching math. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eT5tW991WXHrSvwbvwOTTz8UnGpzGNG2z7wfxoacE2caxjGmYQOppIj5QcMg-WZ8z5rHBA9P1mE2Se8DHmA20aA7HiHdFVxAoT2-YOmPfSUTD_bX1H_hzRt6dQ54IKw1p-uB1NCGCXco/s1600/how+to+unlock+your+full+math+class+potential.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="How to unlock your full math class potential and make every day in math powerful with 5 easy steps!" border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eT5tW991WXHrSvwbvwOTTz8UnGpzGNG2z7wfxoacE2caxjGmYQOppIj5QcMg-WZ8z5rHBA9P1mE2Se8DHmA20aA7HiHdFVxAoT2-YOmPfSUTD_bX1H_hzRt6dQ54IKw1p-uB1NCGCXco/s400/how+to+unlock+your+full+math+class+potential.png" title="How to unlock your full math class potential and make every day in math powerful with 5 easy steps!" width="400" /></a></div>
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There I sat at my blue, small group table with my head in my hands. I had graded yet another district assessment, and the results were not good. I had followed the plan, I worked hard every day to fit it all in, and still, we had failed. I had failed. </div>
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I began to rethink my plan. Instead of trying to throw everything against the wall and see what stuck I would be more methodical, more strategic. I had to find a way to reach my students which wasn't happening now. </div>
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What I Was Doing</h2>
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I had always taught math whole class. We relied heavily on the document camera and projector to go through many, many examples together then they practiced, but still heavily under my guidance. A small amount of time was spent on math stations and small group, usually during review periods. </div>
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This method had worked for years, but then the standards changed. With the more rigorous standards, I saw a need for change. </div>
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What I Began Doing</h2>
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The first change made was to shift from the most lengthy part of our math block being teacher focused and whole group to a more student-focused small group and math station approach. </div>
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This meant I was able to spend more time focusing on students who needed my help and accelerate the learning for those who had already mastered the standard we were working on. </div>
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Then came the structure of our math block. Once I saw how this changed up approach was working I spent some more time building in structure. I am incredibly structure driven, as are most students, and while they were enjoying the new found freedoms of more station work I needed each day in math to look and feel consistent. </div>
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The Structure of a Math Block</h2>
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Each math block begins with a warm-up or review of the standards we are currently working on. This consists of typically four questions and should not take students more than 3-5 minutes to complete. We go over this warm-up together and students use their tracking sheet to highlight areas they are excelling in as well as areas where they can set goals to improve. </div>
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Next, we take part in the whole group portion of the math block. This didn't go away from our original structure, but it did shrink way, way down. Whereas an old whole group lesson would have taken thirty or more minutes of our math block our new whole group lessons are mini, even micro-lessons, typically lasting a max of ten minutes. </div>
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During this time we make and discuss anchor charts, have number talks, and model problem-solving strategies for the concepts we are working on. </div>
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From there, students practice their learning from the mini-lesson. I tried to incorporate as much cooperative learning as possible because my students excel when working with peers, as most do. This practice piece should again, take no longer than ten minutes. </div>
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Finally, we would get to the meat of our math block. This time, the bulk of our block was spent with students working in standards-based stations with partners and me, working with a small group. While this was the largest part of our ninety-minute math block it was also the most flexible. </div>
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Students were assigned partners, but the partner chose stations to complete so long as they reached them all within the time period allotted. I worked with students in a small group to reinforce the standards we were working on in a more immediate way than I was able to during whole group. This meant students' needs were being met more quickly, all while providing them with more autonomy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk3E6xmHmbtKl-jLLRUBqoowsKAg8M-XtwJ1FbAwaZjfnt76Mlgo7iAkDxXjlS92DPh-g5RwJeRQhLKAYj4FZ9BzPmPhLJyPHivH_dwB6K2Uj59LB6y7VZRj4S3Ab6P5g57YUogaIeXUV/s1600/how+to+unlock+your+full+math+class+potential+pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How to unlock your full math class potential and make every day in math powerful with 5 easy steps!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkk3E6xmHmbtKl-jLLRUBqoowsKAg8M-XtwJ1FbAwaZjfnt76Mlgo7iAkDxXjlS92DPh-g5RwJeRQhLKAYj4FZ9BzPmPhLJyPHivH_dwB6K2Uj59LB6y7VZRj4S3Ab6P5g57YUogaIeXUV/s320/how+to+unlock+your+full+math+class+potential+pin.png" title="How to unlock your full math class potential and make every day in math powerful with 5 easy steps!" width="213" /></a></div>
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At the end of the math block, we would clean up and come back together to complete an exit ticket. I prefer to have exit tickets match the standards being learned in the unit, but connect our learning to standardized testing. This meant I did not have to "teach to the test," but my students were still seeing the style of question they might encounter later in the year.</div>
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Our exit tickets took about three minutes to complete and collect and then we would go over the question together for about another two minutes. </div>
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Overview of our structure for a 90-minute math block:<br />
<b>Warm-Up</b> 5 minutes to complete 2 minutes to check</div>
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<b>Mini-Lesson </b>10 minutes</div>
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<b>Practice</b> 10-15 minutes</div>
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<b>Small Group and Station Work </b>55-60 minutes</div>
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<b>Exit Tickets</b> 5 minutes</div>
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Tips for Success</h2>
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The move from whole group math to more student-focused was not easy and took a lot of self-control on my part. I mean, was two examples enough, or did they need more? </div>
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My biggest struggle was with sticking to the mini-lesson being mini and not turning it into an ordeal. I had to remind myself over and over again I would see these students again in small group and would be able to work out any misconceptions or confusion then when it was easier to do. </div>
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I also struggled to let go of control in the area of math stations. It would have been easier to me to assign partners to stations and tell them when to switch as I switched math groups, but would have taken away from their autonomy and would have likely lowered their engagement. </div>
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Instead, I focused on making sure every station was full of quality materials would challenge my students to look at the standards in a different way. Each station available to them was standards-based and high quality. I also explicitly modeled my expectations for station work and held all of my students to these high standards throughout the year. This meant accountability for my students and made all the difference. </div>
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Where Do You Find Materials?</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc4hVNp9T82rR1e-Fcl992ATLyE4zUHKa4O1GDgVptdukuWR_SiyBZtpQ1QxdsZ3Q1H8tSQD6hUrV6KN0TFsXAng6uBcUv6CTQDsx__OIT9Emajwh-s96WDiJCNhUs3Vcj9d_0WVhJnWB/s1600/how+to+unlock+your+full+math+block+potential+math+stations.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="How to unlock your full math class potential and make every day in math powerful with 5 easy steps!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc4hVNp9T82rR1e-Fcl992ATLyE4zUHKa4O1GDgVptdukuWR_SiyBZtpQ1QxdsZ3Q1H8tSQD6hUrV6KN0TFsXAng6uBcUv6CTQDsx__OIT9Emajwh-s96WDiJCNhUs3Vcj9d_0WVhJnWB/s320/how+to+unlock+your+full+math+block+potential+math+stations.png" title="How to unlock your full math class potential and make every day in math powerful with 5 easy steps!" width="213" /></a>To be honest, when I first moved our math block in this direction it was a struggle. I used what we had and made it work, but slowly I pulled together resources meant for this by creating my own. </div>
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Now I have math station sets which each have ten math stations based on the same standard. This means students can see a standard in ten different ways allowing them to continue practicing the standard for mastery. These stations are built around the concept of gamification to keep student engagement high. Most stations include a recording sheet, and if applicable, an answer key to hold students accountable for their work. </div>
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You can check out these stations here:</div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Grade-Level/Second/Category/Big-10-Math-Resources-210112" target="_blank">2nd Grade</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Grade-Level/Third/Category/Big-10-Math-Resources-210112" target="_blank">3rd Grade</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Grade-Level/Fourth/Category/Big-10-Math-Resources-210112" target="_blank">4th Grade</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Grade-Level/Fifth/Category/Big-10-Math-Resources-210112" target="_blank">5th Grade</a></div>
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Along with math stations, I have also begun creating full units for math, beginning with fourth grade. Each unit includes a preassessment, content vocabulary shown in three ways, daily warm-ups, lessons and student activities, daily exit tickets, a post-assessment, and ideas for how to continue the lesson in small group. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Category/-Math-Units-304065" target="_blank">You can find these units here</a>, or get the most bang for your buck with the <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/4th-Grade-Math-Unit-GROWING-Bundle-3361679" target="_blank">bundle here</a>. </div>
<script src="https://assets.convertkit.com/assets/CKJS4.js?v=21"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-31710609981023114462017-09-25T06:00:00.000-05:002017-09-25T06:00:00.962-05:00How to Build Student Teacher Relationships That Last<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9dgGPBrQzF54JR1POEvRU0e600wawAMVRTQjDlYjQAi8Ng-Xo3UfF14latzzEOQgpcM-QufyfKHd1KbwPRznedCFPzcNhXD6lgW4zK9vrROVPZPRSL7Tk4PfEcflzL8hkrpK3l25A-tF/s1600/BuildingRelationships-02.png" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Are you struggling to build relationships with your students? Check out these essential tips for building relationships that last!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9dgGPBrQzF54JR1POEvRU0e600wawAMVRTQjDlYjQAi8Ng-Xo3UfF14latzzEOQgpcM-QufyfKHd1KbwPRznedCFPzcNhXD6lgW4zK9vrROVPZPRSL7Tk4PfEcflzL8hkrpK3l25A-tF/s320/BuildingRelationships-02.png" title="Are you struggling to build relationships with your students? Check out these essential tips for building relationships that last!" width="400" /></a></div>
My first year of teaching I had a student I couldn't seem to reach. I thought I was doing everything right. I had planned engaging lessons. I encouraged students to work together through cooperative learning strategies. I even spent extra time with my students by having lunch together in the classroom once a week.<br />
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What I <b>didn't</b> do was take the time to get to know my students as people, instead of students. This was my critical mistake.<br />
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Once I realized I needed to get to know my students as people, not students, the tide turned and our classroom became more of a family and less of a group of people randomly thrown together. Some strategies for getting to know my students were no-brainers I needed to stop thinking about and just do, while others required a bit more effort, but they were ALL worth it.<br />
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Start the Day Off Right</h2>
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I know it is tempting to use the time while your students arrive to get a little something done, but this time is essential to relationship building. Instead of hanging out at your desk greet each student at the door. I am a big fan of the hug, handshake, or high-five choice for students to greet you. </div>
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I know things come up, and there are days when I was busy when my students arrived, but I always made the effort to greet each of them by name as they walked in the door. This made all the difference. </div>
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Similar to greeting each student in the morning, I also made sure to say a personal goodbye to each student as well. Most of my students were bus riders, so I was able to walk them to their bus and give a high-five or fist bump to each as they boarded. </div>
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While both of these tasks seem so simple, they give each student a moment of individualized attention made it worth it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOtbXRlAudtwuA1etohbDOg6XDr2ftw4crosmc21CtJJk2_Z_XmTXfnlxpcfQjCJS8XHLoyFRp0y-n56jzsEafaJrsvadaO3Fm4Epdl8MxVEBMLZ7nowe-154K-uCo3tPAGb1rodMKpTb/s1600/BuildingRelationships-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Are you struggling to build relationships with your students? Check out these essential tips for building relationships that last!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOtbXRlAudtwuA1etohbDOg6XDr2ftw4crosmc21CtJJk2_Z_XmTXfnlxpcfQjCJS8XHLoyFRp0y-n56jzsEafaJrsvadaO3Fm4Epdl8MxVEBMLZ7nowe-154K-uCo3tPAGb1rodMKpTb/s320/BuildingRelationships-01.png" title="Are you struggling to build relationships with your students? Check out these essential tips for building relationships that last!" width="213" /></a>Implement a Classroom Meeting</h2>
<div>
Classrooms meetings are something I learned about in grad school, but didn't fully implement for a few years. Sure, we sat in a circle and shared a fact or two about ourselves, but we didn't truly dig deep. </div>
<div>
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<div>
When we did start digging deep to problem solve issues which came up among our classroom community is when the magic happened. Students saw we were truly in it together. When a problem came up in our classroom, or sometimes in their home lives, we worked together to find a solution. </div>
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<div>
Dedicating a set amount of time each and every day to a classroom meeting was a turning point for our class which was definitely worth it. </div>
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<h2>
The 2x10 Strategy</h2>
<div>
The 2x10 strategy is invaluable when it comes to our toughest students, but is valuable for each and every one. </div>
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<div>
To begin this strategy you select a student and dedicate two minutes each day for ten days to talking to them exclusively. The power in this strategy is the chosen student gets your undivided attention for the full two minutes to talk about anything they want to. If the two minutes gets interrupted you start it over again. </div>
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When your ten days is up with one student you are ready to move onto the next one. I generally had more than one student going at the same time. I would talk with one student early in the morning, another during lunch, and a final student at the end of the day, usually during after school care. This way I was able to make it through my whole class list much faster, so I could start over again. </div>
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This undivided attention allows students to see personal, individualized attention is important. This strategy is definitely worth it! </div>
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<h2>
Front-Load Your Feedback</h2>
<div>
It is easy to fall into the trap of providing too much negative feedback, especially with out most challenging students. It is vital we front-load positive feedback when our students are having a great day and giving their best effort. </div>
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<div>
Ideally you want to provide three positive pieces of feedback for every negative piece of feedback. There are a few ways to make sure this happens. <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/02/hack-31-feedback.html" target="_blank">You can read more here</a>. </div>
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<div>
Along these lines, it is important to remember praise should be public while corrections should be received in a more private atmosphere. </div>
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Taking the extra time to provide extra positive feedback will always be worth it. </div>
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<h2>
Follow Their Personal Passions</h2>
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Our students, no matter how young, have their own passions. Chances are they are ready and willing to talk about their passions to no end. Why not embrace these passions and use them in the classroom?</div>
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If you have a student who is incredibly knowledgable about sharks bring in a bunch of shark books and use them to learn about non-fiction text features. </div>
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Do you have a student who is passionate about football? Have them teach the other how to throw the perfect spiral and then have a contest measuring how far each student can throw the fall and then graph the results. </div>
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<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppArzfx1mR24NBwFdnLByfUpnZiN18SEZvNTmnSZD1Mzj5nWkCQVL8Uyb2cvfPp_OmTFv8bPsH5fBa7KhseVNW7QMoka879H6YmKUSI8DxMZOG7_IL8aHnpR3Qfk-IMbh8u_w29jH7HXH/s1600/BuildingRelationships-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you struggling to build relationships with your students? Check out these essential tips for building relationships that last!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppArzfx1mR24NBwFdnLByfUpnZiN18SEZvNTmnSZD1Mzj5nWkCQVL8Uyb2cvfPp_OmTFv8bPsH5fBa7KhseVNW7QMoka879H6YmKUSI8DxMZOG7_IL8aHnpR3Qfk-IMbh8u_w29jH7HXH/s320/BuildingRelationships-03.png" title="Are you struggling to build relationships with your students? Check out these essential tips for building relationships that last!" width="320" /></a>Does one of your students play a musical instrument? They can bring in their instrument during science when you study sound waves and energy. </div>
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<div>
All of these ideas are win-win, because students get to use their passions and share them with others. Seeing their faces light up will make it worth it!</div>
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<h2>
Share About Yourself</h2>
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I still remember the first time I saw one of my teachers outside of school. I was horrified to run into her at the grocery store, and my mom looked at me and asked, "Did you think she lived at the school?" Honestly, as a seven year old, I did. </div>
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Students inherently want to know about you. They want to know each and every detail about you. You are like a reality show they watch every day, and they want all the behind the scenes footage, even the B-roll. </div>
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I am not advocating for sharing every little thing with your students, because privacy is important, but choose a few areas of your life you share freely with them. </div>
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<div>
For me, I shared my hobbies of reading and racing cars with my students. I made a point of always telling them what I was reading and how late I had stayed up, because I had to read one more chapter. I often had students check out the books I had mentioned, and it built up our bond. Additionally, sharing my hobby of racing cars with my students gave me major extra credit cool points and an instant conversation starter. </div>
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<div>
While it sometimes feels a little cringy to share details of your life with nine-year-olds, it bolsters your relationship which makes it worth it! </div>
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<h2>
Wrapping Up</h2>
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In the end relationships count for a lot. They can get you out of a hole and build your students' confidence in you. No matter if they are easy or hard, they are worth it! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-84500310962216925152017-09-11T06:00:00.000-05:002017-09-11T09:59:51.630-05:007 Strategies for the Ultimate Innovative Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomN-VdEgZcKXJCKOkYahEervZZLJ6vN9lj7YZ2xr6OuIPJu-BvAdemZlNGnFYlbOdHEIb735zIDqaU3IOuREm2yqm9ELeFGv4dFUvXdh-hT8TStZlu2YxWMLWPldB9CtMpHlpODIJ0IDR/s1600/7+strategies+for+the+ultimate+innovative+classroom+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space. " border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomN-VdEgZcKXJCKOkYahEervZZLJ6vN9lj7YZ2xr6OuIPJu-BvAdemZlNGnFYlbOdHEIb735zIDqaU3IOuREm2yqm9ELeFGv4dFUvXdh-hT8TStZlu2YxWMLWPldB9CtMpHlpODIJ0IDR/s400/7+strategies+for+the+ultimate+innovative+classroom+blog.png" title="Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space. " width="400" /></a></div>
Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space.<br />
<br />
More than likely you are already doing one or more of these strategies to a certain extent. I would venture to say you have at least heard of all of them, but if you are looking to expand your classroom horizons give this list a scan. At the bottom of the post, you can find your own free brainstorming sheet for ways to include these strategies in your classroom.<br />
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<h2>
Growth Mindset</h2>
<div>
Growth mindset has become very popular in classrooms. The essentials of growth mindset are showing students the power of yet. This encourages them to continue to strive to be better each and every time they work at something.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DTyffoJbJDlBHnyr8TbMfI_rH0oB6ZZM24OrgSrarB8xNHcIUB2ylFUFGrd2qcFOqYMXhxyd7r6aK0jUUx2mYern_mWdBETQzG-REs9zhEHCVkvh7HaDp2VGKq7hEXE-37AIrP4YNJex/s1600/7+strategies+for+the+ultimate+innovative+classroom+pinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space. " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DTyffoJbJDlBHnyr8TbMfI_rH0oB6ZZM24OrgSrarB8xNHcIUB2ylFUFGrd2qcFOqYMXhxyd7r6aK0jUUx2mYern_mWdBETQzG-REs9zhEHCVkvh7HaDp2VGKq7hEXE-37AIrP4YNJex/s320/7+strategies+for+the+ultimate+innovative+classroom+pinterest.png" title="Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space. " width="213" /></a>Growth mindset is in direct contradiction to a fixed mindset. Someone with a fixed mindset believes intelligence and ability are stagnant, while someone with a growth mindset believes they can continue to reach for goals and accomplishments they have not mastered yet.<br />
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Can you see why growth mindset is so popular with teachers?<br />
<br />
To encourage a growth mindset in your students, show them how to work towards small attainable goals. This allows them to feel success and continue working towards larger goals. While they are working towards these goals focus your praise on their effort and hard work, not the outcome. Students need to know failure happens, and is only one step along the way to success. Work with students to understand how learning works. This metacognition is a powerful tool for students to find how they learn best and set themselves up for success.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
Gamification</h2>
<div>
Gamification works. As humans, we are automatically built with the drive to compete against others. Why not harness the energy in the classroom to promote learning?<br />
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Gamification in the classroom works best when students are working to solve a problem, but gamifying your classroom does not have to be complicated. In fact, in many cases, gamification makes prep easier.<br />
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An easy way to gamify an assignment would be to assign points to different categories and have students work to earn a certain number of points to complete the assignment. This allows for students choice and ups the engagement ante.<br />
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I would caution against any gamification which pits the students against their teacher like me v. the class tally charts which pop up in classrooms. You want students on your team, not working against you.<br />
<br />
For more ideas on gamification, <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2016/02/gamifying-test-prep.html" target="_blank">check out this post for how I use it during test prep</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxchvUpbd2F_VScZTdwdaajYFgAtGEJUxX_kFEhDQUrre69j0_YmNulAmFmqLxTS0wyM1Nm-ytcSi7A1iI91GP04rWsWKmPvDi90Ug2dS6L4rS3OaaJcQvREiQbKdc4oUp650zIlz74djJ/s1600/7+strategies+for+the+ultimate+innovative+classroom+pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space. " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxchvUpbd2F_VScZTdwdaajYFgAtGEJUxX_kFEhDQUrre69j0_YmNulAmFmqLxTS0wyM1Nm-ytcSi7A1iI91GP04rWsWKmPvDi90Ug2dS6L4rS3OaaJcQvREiQbKdc4oUp650zIlz74djJ/s320/7+strategies+for+the+ultimate+innovative+classroom+pin.png" title="Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space. " width="213" /></a>STEAM</h2>
<div>
STEAM is another popular movement in classrooms that is definitely worth it. You may be more familiar with STEM which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEAM has all of these components but also introduces Arts into the mix too. In a time when so many schools are saying goodbye to arts programs, it is more and more important for us to include them in daily lessons within the general ed classroom.<br />
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There are abundant resources out there for following a STEAM framework. My personal favorite is <a href="http://steampoweredclassroom.com/" target="_blank">Steam Powered Classroom</a>.<br />
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<h2>
Stations</h2>
<div>
Learning stations have been in classrooms for many, many, many years. This is not a new strategy, but it is a tried and true one with a history of student-centered learning, so I included it in this list.<br />
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What has changed about stations is how content rich they are. I remember being in second grade and playing file folder math matching games. When I started teaching, the room I took over had the same file folder stations I had used as a student more than a decade before.<br />
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Station work is great for using during small group remediation and enrichment time because they allow a student driven pace and focus. Stations are easy to differentiate among your students and allow partners to scaffold learning for one another acting as another teacher.<br />
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Stations can be found for every subject and every level, and because of this, they have lasting power. To check out my math stations which are built to support practicing individual standards in multiple ways <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/Category/Big-10-Math-Resources-210112?utm_source=My%20blog&utm_campaign=Innovative%20Classroom%20Post" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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<h2>
Cooperative Learning</h2>
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlkKVQIbn3WxoEfpE_8ReB2BYUgZyrOcxdufr_M5e-qO-l94PO0eYF40wb4wCLHGsycFei3mthpRtPyHgANeBDy4i8IvFDn7r4lmEK7N7mFtI9uyELRen70zsvlC92iSK1qY-z-GKc4KD/s1600/innovative+classroom.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space." border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlkKVQIbn3WxoEfpE_8ReB2BYUgZyrOcxdufr_M5e-qO-l94PO0eYF40wb4wCLHGsycFei3mthpRtPyHgANeBDy4i8IvFDn7r4lmEK7N7mFtI9uyELRen70zsvlC92iSK1qY-z-GKc4KD/s320/innovative+classroom.png" title="Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space." width="213" /></a>Cooperative learning is a style of teaching taking the teacher off the stage and allows students to learn from one another. Students work together in collaborative groups through different strategies to reach a common goal. This positive interdependence allows students to hold one another accountable for sharing the work load and learning. The group nature of cooperative learning strategies allows many student-to-student interactions to occur at the same time instead of one interaction at a time which happens when teachers call on a student. To see cooperative learning activities in action is every teacher's dream!<br />
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Cooperative learning is better than competitive learning at increasing student engagement and building relationships in the classroom. It is this positive interdependence that makes cooperative learning strategies so unbelievably powerful.<br />
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For more on cooperative learning <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/03/ultimate-cooperative-learning-strategies-guide.html" target="_blank">check out this post.</a><br />
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<h2>
Integrated Technology</h2>
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Integrating technology into lessons is a big buzz phrase right now within education, and with good reason.<br />
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Careers that have been around for decades are changing rapidly due to the influx of technology in the workforce. In order for our students to be career and college ready they need to be immersed in technology.<br />
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This comes with a few caveats though. The first being our students are digital natives. They likely know way more about the apps and tech in our classrooms than we do, and they aren't afraid to let us know. Another is even the careers we have today won't be around by the time our students graduate, so instead of asking them what they want to be, it is more apt to ask them what kinds of problems they want to solve. Finally, because you can include technology in a lesson doesn't mean you should.<br />
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I see so many teachers struggling to integrate technology into EVERY lesson, and why? Why not take a more traditional approach to some things and then include technology where it fits and students can expand their experience?<br />
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The <a href="http://www.schrockguide.net/samr.html" target="_blank">SAMR model</a> is a great place to start is you are struggling to decide how to integrate technology in your classroom. While substitution is a great place to start, we should all be striving to use technology to redefine how we are learning. </div>
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<h2>
Genius Hour</h2>
<div>
Genius Hour is a learning trend also known as passion projects because this strategy is completely dependent on the student's interests. Genius Hour allows a student or group of students to determine a topic they are interested in and explore that topic through inquiry based self-paced learning.<br />
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Students decide what they want to learn about as well as what their learning goal is. For one student this might mean creating their own line of greeting cards for kids who became an older brother or sister recently. Another student may have an interest in how different materials affect the environment. Both of these passion projects are ripe with learning opportunities students follow through with while the teacher acts as a facilitator and consultant.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQ7ABSYWzmTGaE10YinlyMqdA0e-GkAdSOigp9-WCRJfCmKc2eIIxmzp3jWiR2wO3fCp7Zr5Cv_T-xCckX8luENxeTIGJZtYXd2jkixyBu6U5Mf73z2eyh0-yk8YXUdGFCVvW5aGnIHMY/s1600/7+strategies+for+the+ultimate+innovative+classroom+facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space. " border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQ7ABSYWzmTGaE10YinlyMqdA0e-GkAdSOigp9-WCRJfCmKc2eIIxmzp3jWiR2wO3fCp7Zr5Cv_T-xCckX8luENxeTIGJZtYXd2jkixyBu6U5Mf73z2eyh0-yk8YXUdGFCVvW5aGnIHMY/s320/7+strategies+for+the+ultimate+innovative+classroom+facebook.png" title="Are you looking for ways to spice up your classroom routine? Are you ready to try something new? Then this post is sure to give you the inspiration to make your classroom a more innovative, student-centered space. " width="320" /></a><br />
Genius Hour has its roots at Google where they provide time for each of their employees to follow their own passion projects for about 20% of their time at work. The guiding principle is those allowed to follow their passions will be more invested and happier in their work environment. The same goes for our classrooms.<br />
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Read on at Teach Thought for the <a href="http://www.teachthought.com/learning/6-principles-of-genius-hour-in-the-classroom/" target="_blank">6 Principles of Genius Hour</a> and to get started in your classroom.<br />
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<h2>
What Now?</h2>
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<div>
If you are anything like me the ideas for how to create a more innovative classroom are swirling through your head right now. </div>
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A little advice:</div>
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Start small. Take some time to brainstorm how each of these strategies could be included in your classroom (the freebie below can help) and take stock of what you are most passionate about. </div>
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<div>
Choose one strategy you are ready to try, make a plan, and do it! Make sure to get your growth mindset going, because there will inevitably be some hiccups along the way, but you can do it! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Once you have a strategy mastered, and you will, you can choose the next one to give a try! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-42106483216736783092017-09-04T06:00:00.000-05:002017-09-09T18:17:07.742-05:00How to Include More Movement in the Classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghacDo1XDCCDgYDRbtObPXPFdvJJS96ANbX5-w4cu15jXPXIGYMkO0cPKJSY0w1OfHiQDSmCOWOJNNS7U0pj1hRFLeCfCjzgk7O1CpGx6f99Y4KsZcg7UgfuDzKL9NCYBpqgEyF4-F0Pq7/s1600/Blog-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you looking for ways to include more movement in your classroom? Try these easy to manage, but totally worth it tips!" border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghacDo1XDCCDgYDRbtObPXPFdvJJS96ANbX5-w4cu15jXPXIGYMkO0cPKJSY0w1OfHiQDSmCOWOJNNS7U0pj1hRFLeCfCjzgk7O1CpGx6f99Y4KsZcg7UgfuDzKL9NCYBpqgEyF4-F0Pq7/s400/Blog-02.jpg" title="Are you looking for ways to include more movement in your classroom? Try these easy to manage, but totally worth it tips!" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we know movement is important for kids, why do classrooms often look the same way they did a hundred years ago with desks in lines or groups? As teachers, we know our students are not meant to sit at a desk all day. I don't think anyone is. </div>
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There is sometimes a disconnect between what we know is best for kids and what happens in our classrooms. Our school days are full to the brim with content, and it feels as though there isn't enough time to fit in movement, but it is vital we do. </div>
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By being strategic about including movement into our lessons and everyday routines we can up student movement and engagement will follow. For your own FREE checklist scroll down to the bottom. </div>
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<i>This post includes affiliate links to Amazon. If you click a link and choose to buy I get a small payment in return, however, it does not affect the price of your item.</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTssEXjPKcKVZgWEti_UYUYXqNr6byph8kHDfE8gbDQTzpVsU6Y_D4fyTf038PyotnxdOIIUiRzX6_kE04A-rXnI6qeNMWr_yv9uuYFHKWugy6e9OsLZD48mtTrl-eKkAGpzn58XPCG1m9/s1600/movement.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you looking for ways to include more movement in your classroom? Try these easy to manage, but totally worth it tips! Includes a FREE idea list! " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTssEXjPKcKVZgWEti_UYUYXqNr6byph8kHDfE8gbDQTzpVsU6Y_D4fyTf038PyotnxdOIIUiRzX6_kE04A-rXnI6qeNMWr_yv9uuYFHKWugy6e9OsLZD48mtTrl-eKkAGpzn58XPCG1m9/s320/movement.png" title="Are you looking for ways to include more movement in your classroom? Try these easy to manage, but totally worth it tips! Includes a FREE idea list! " width="213" /></a></div>
Ways to Include More Movement in the Classroom</h2>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Make it part of the daily routine-</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Start the day strong and wake up student brains with a little movement. For example, you might have a movement of the week, say jumping jacks. When students first enter the room in the morning they get ready for their day, but right before sitting down they do ten jumping jacks. This wakes up their brains and gets the blood flowing. Even I, who am NOT a morning person, feel a bit better after ten jumping jacks.</li>
<li>If you want to get your whole school involved add a structured stretch or exercise to the morning announcements. Twenty to thirty seconds of movement is a GREAT way to start the day together. Some exercises to consider are jumping jacks, push-ups, planks, sit-ups, squats, high-knees...</li>
<li>Another way to include movement is to do an exercise right before a part of the day. For example, our school participated in a program which involved each class getting 30 seconds of exercise right before lunch. We would walk as a class to lunch and then outside the cafeteria the "Move of the Day" was posted. As a class, we completed this exercise for thirty seconds and then headed on in to have lunch. <br />Note: we made sure to not include any exercises where students put their hands on the ground since we had washed them.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Cross the Midline</b></li>
<ul>
<li>There is a ton of research out there explaining when you perform movements which cross the midline of your body it engages more areas of your brain. To cross the midline you can do something like <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2015/03/waking-brain-with-morning-stretches.html" target="_blank">morning stretches</a> or simply have students praise themselves with a pat on the back using their right hand to pat their left side or vice versa.<br /><br />Other ideas for crossing the midline are touching your foot with the opposite hand or doing high-knees and tapping your knee with the opposite hand.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Brain Breaks</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Never underestimate the power of a good brain break. There are lots of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=brain+break" target="_blank">YouTube</a> videos with great brain break ideas, but my absolute favorites still come from Go Noodle and <a href="http://amzn.to/2vDifE0" target="_blank">Silly Sports and Goofy Games</a>.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Make Learning Physical</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Using kinesthetic movements to reinforce learning is the perfect way for students to move all while being immersed in content. Science is an ideal area to do this. Have students create their own movements to help them remember parts of the water cycles, the rock cycle, or how weathering, erosion, and deposition occur and then teach them to the class. This practice allows students to cement their knowledge and move their bodies. Win-win!</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Scavenger Hunts or Scoot</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Are you working to solve multiple problems with task cards or a worksheet? Instead of having students stay seated while working "hide" the problems or cards around the room or simply place them on different desks and have students rotate through them while standing. If you want some extra movement, include cards or spots for exercise movements like jumping jacks or toe touches.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Flexible Seating Options</b></li>
<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGRCvcV1RLG5u8HtjWHYf9c4PwtTn6JvYv90NjYr3F5rlMVANRoi9mN0-eAXbpk9KmCrtquVqtLu-RUuck0EtzyV8awg8ggyhI3QzBwJIlUXkvCj970I1tX-VSRpOQOzReACX47Cdiicq/s1600/Including+movement+in+the+classroom.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Are you looking for ways to include more movement in your classroom? Try these easy to manage, but totally worth it tips!" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGRCvcV1RLG5u8HtjWHYf9c4PwtTn6JvYv90NjYr3F5rlMVANRoi9mN0-eAXbpk9KmCrtquVqtLu-RUuck0EtzyV8awg8ggyhI3QzBwJIlUXkvCj970I1tX-VSRpOQOzReACX47Cdiicq/s400/Including+movement+in+the+classroom.png" title="Are you looking for ways to include more movement in your classroom? Try these easy to manage, but totally worth it tips!" width="160" /></a>
<li>Flexible seating has become fashionable, and with it comes the chance to provide opportunities for movement while students are working. Some ideas might be <a href="http://amzn.to/2wvDOW0" target="_blank">Hokki stools</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/2evWDP7" target="_blank">under the table bicycle pedals</a>, or <a href="http://amzn.to/2x3pHZD" target="_blank">balance balls</a>. Students could choose these options to complete a task, all while getting a little energy out.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Dance Party!</b></li>
<ul>
<li>My students always loved when we took the time for a one song dance party! We would stop what we were doing, take a song request from a student, and dance our hearts out for one song. This is an awesome way to build community as well and inject a little humor into the day because our dance moves were always hilarious.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Relocate</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Sometimes we need a break in routine and a little walk to clear our minds and focus on the tasks at hand. Why not take a walk outside and have a lesson there. This might mean using chalk on the blacktop to work out math problems, a nature walk to observe the local ecosystem or time to read in the grass or under a tree.</li>
</ul>
<li><b>Get You PE Teacher Involved</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Our wonderful physical education teachers are overflowing with ideas on how to get students moving and most would LOVE to share with you. Pop on by their office for a little chat on how you can include more movement with your students. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
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While there are infinite numbers of ways movement can be included in the classroom, I hope this list will help you get started. The important thing is to do it because no one wants to sit all day, and our students shouldn't have to. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-65313920454922497162017-08-28T06:00:00.000-05:002017-08-28T06:00:20.701-05:00How to be Unhelpful When Speaking to a Student<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm3NzxrHKVuwGLYHVv-3LLIQG1Y1w6XUX-n7d-yCsU8Bxzym-SVYBsbvgY0E0l3j0iiHJ6KuKhxaIu0YSWcAHggi_oZMVo5defgHyEN3ZOgPr5W8_BpoEMmH4Ncrg-A9vB5QJze7nJWv0/s1600/TalkToStudent-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are there wrong ways to talk to students? There just might be!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBm3NzxrHKVuwGLYHVv-3LLIQG1Y1w6XUX-n7d-yCsU8Bxzym-SVYBsbvgY0E0l3j0iiHJ6KuKhxaIu0YSWcAHggi_oZMVo5defgHyEN3ZOgPr5W8_BpoEMmH4Ncrg-A9vB5QJze7nJWv0/s400/TalkToStudent-02.png" title="Are there wrong ways to talk to students? There just might be!`" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I couldn't handle it. My class had been a complete disaster for our guest teacher. We are talking all out insanity. I knew my students knew better. They knew it too. But somehow things had gotten out of control. I kept my cool, until they started blaming the guest teacher for what had ensued. Then---I completely lost it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did what you never do as a teacher. I completely lost my cool on a classroom full of nine and ten-year-olds. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As teachers, we have the best of intentions when speaking to students. We do. Sometimes though they know exactly how to push our buttons, and push they do. I mean, pushing boundaries is a kid thing. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As the adult, the responsibility to respond in a fair, but firm manner lies squarely on our shoulders. Because they are kids, and we are not. Nothing more to it. When our students are out of control, losing their minds, or pushing to find their own way we must remain the calm, responsible adult. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The truth is kids want to hear from you, but there are a few lines of communication that should NEVER be opened. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Screaming</h2>
<div>
Screaming is NOT an effective means of communication. It isn't. When you scream or yell at a student you are letting them know you are no longer in control of the situation. You gave away all of your authority by raising your voice.<br />
<br />
If you are anything like me, screaming leads to your voice cracking, and that is not endearing or authoritative in any way. Don't do it.<br />
<br />
Instead, drop your voice. By lowering your voice either by an octave or in level students have to work to hear you. Their brains automatically switch into listening mode, and you get a little piece of their attention.<br />
<br />
The strategy of lowering your voice works with multiple age levels and allows you to remain calm, at least on the outside.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9r_5D1jk2UHQPqmfXTRMBVw1nn_paddobNU1YEggA6SGY4HazkWJ4zb49QOTubrae1r6EyjUdbRwRhzHnkoonxEnEpQHiDEEZBoP-4r3qDLe8yZODPgBB4f5Mbk58QGzr3nU3ANZw2Zy/s1600/TalkToStudent-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Are there wrong ways to talk to students? There just might be!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9r_5D1jk2UHQPqmfXTRMBVw1nn_paddobNU1YEggA6SGY4HazkWJ4zb49QOTubrae1r6EyjUdbRwRhzHnkoonxEnEpQHiDEEZBoP-4r3qDLe8yZODPgBB4f5Mbk58QGzr3nU3ANZw2Zy/s320/TalkToStudent-01.png" title="Are there wrong ways to talk to students? There just might be!" width="213" /></a>One possible caveat to not screaming or yelling is when safety is concerned. If little Johnny is about to do something dangerous, by all means, bellow out a quick and sharp warning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Sarcasm</h2>
<div>
Sarcasm has no place in the classroom, plain and simple. This leads to misunderstanding, hurt feelings, and general disaster.<br />
<br />
The temptation to break out a little sarcastic humor to try and lighten a situation or respond to a student's choices but resist at all costs.<br />
<br />
Instead of using sarcasm when moments get tense lean on I statements. They center the emotion around you and how a student's choices can change the trajectory of the classroom.<br />
<br />
When a student uses sarcasm with you, it is not an open invitation to respond with sarcasm. Again, you are the adult and should lead by example. Sarcastic conversations with students can take ugly turns at the drop of a hat and are not worth it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Under Your Breath</h2>
<div>
Anything you are willing to say about or to a student should be something you are willing to say in front of them, their parents, and your administration. Easy.<br />
<br />
Under your breath remarks are not helpful, but instead, work against you. At least one student is bound to hear your comment, at least in part, and then the game of telephone begins. Your remark, however tame will likely become much more.<br />
<br />
When you are feeling upset, riled up, or frustrated hold in those under the breath remarks. While they may be bubbling up inside you, there is no need to spread them through the classroom.<br />
<br />
Instead write your thoughts down, with a quick scribble, to revisit later. By doing this you are able to collect yourself and respond in a more appropriate manner. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfsoifC3MtT_TRAuBmTFTs4QQ1QoUP_TNXXh4z0LgkuMk4mIoCCquPKlYLfPywgB4ZvDBY-Oc0-w0TJHqGRarVhpYh0OLSN4yU_4rq63nj3MSqlRx49JvnqraO6mZtAuAru600YE5DT1L/s1600/TalkToStudent-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are there wrong ways to talk to students? There just might be!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfsoifC3MtT_TRAuBmTFTs4QQ1QoUP_TNXXh4z0LgkuMk4mIoCCquPKlYLfPywgB4ZvDBY-Oc0-w0TJHqGRarVhpYh0OLSN4yU_4rq63nj3MSqlRx49JvnqraO6mZtAuAru600YE5DT1L/s320/TalkToStudent-03.png" title="Are there wrong ways to talk to students? There just might be!" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<h2>
Taunting</h2>
<div>
I would like to say I have never taunted a student, but that wouldn't be true. I don't think I thought of it as taunting at the time, but in hindsight it was.<br />
<br />
When you tell a student, especially in front of their peers, they are missing out on something it is taunting. Some view this as peer pressure, but I would beg to differ.<br />
<br />
Telling a student you wish you were able to give them a reward for completing their homework when they didn't--that's taunting.<br />
<br />
Pointing out to a student they are the only one who hasn't turned in a permission slip in front of the class--that's taunting.<br />
<br />
Often we forget most of these actions are out of the control of our students. They cannot help their parent got home after their bedtime and wasn't able to help them or sign a form. This should not be used against them.<br />
<br />
Instead, take the time to have private conversations with your students. Ask them if they need another permission slip or help with their homework. This gets to the root of the problem without taunting and shaming.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Wrapping Up</h2>
</div>
<div>
When speaking to students:<br />
<ul>
<li>If you feel yourself getting ready to yell, drop your voice instead.</li>
<li>Avoid sarcasm at all costs, even when you think it is funny. </li>
<li>Use I statements instead of speaking under your breath. </li>
<li>Hold private conversations to get to the root of a challenge instead of taunting students in front of their peers. </li>
</ul>
<div>
The next time a situation occurs you are prepared to handle it with authority and respect--and won't totally lose it. </div>
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-12724647165132298122017-08-21T06:00:00.000-05:002017-08-25T15:04:55.134-05:00How to Create the Best, Engaging History Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcb5ug_Hs740UX2pzbC7gWjEDO1u72FzZCDB07Bpb-pUlry-2H-pFjjElfeak3KllJD5zzW3mBZGxljG9H9-pWknYShOb04rPIwBxLWD-QQBxpBgCEkdcgI0cRopIgxUttvM0IlqQHMIn/s1600/HistoryBlock-02.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you struggling to get your students to connect with their history? Follow this EPIC formula to engage students and get them excited about history!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcb5ug_Hs740UX2pzbC7gWjEDO1u72FzZCDB07Bpb-pUlry-2H-pFjjElfeak3KllJD5zzW3mBZGxljG9H9-pWknYShOb04rPIwBxLWD-QQBxpBgCEkdcgI0cRopIgxUttvM0IlqQHMIn/s400/HistoryBlock-02.png" title="Are you struggling to get your students to connect with their history? Follow this EPIC formula to engage students and get them excited about history!" width="400" /></a></div>
My first year in the classroom history was the subject that didn't get done. I couldn't find a way around it. As a self-contained teacher, I tried to fit it all in, but I didn't have the organizational skills, the time management, or the know how to make it work.<br />
<br />
There were WEEKS I did not manage to get to history. I mean, when you are being held accountable for three of the five subjects you teach we all know where our focus would be. This doesn't make it right--but it is the truth.<br />
<br />
As the years went on history became more and more of a focus within our classroom, because I enjoyed it more and my students LOVED it! Through a few easy to follow routines we were able to take our history block from total blah to an epic experience for all!<br />
<br />
<h2>
Give Context to History Through Literature</h2>
<div>
Often students have no idea how to even begin wrapping their minds around a time period. When you are ten years old a century ago might as well be five hundred years, because you weren't there for it. by beginning each unit of history with a historical read aloud students are able to develop a context for their thinking. </div>
<div>
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<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYJ3R-QXeWMRc047eWcC_NbNYUiIhQ-_Z2CuAu7EBuf0yw777buHBIxCWraSbyfUS1sYGUvrDzo4H18qbSJ-tFZrmzC996pOcdzms38SQ3Ds2DvqXiVXJyI2f5OdTLYDFUHf7MH6NIvcb/s1600/HistoryBlock-03.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Are you struggling to get your students to connect with their history? Follow this EPIC formula to engage students and get them excited about history!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYJ3R-QXeWMRc047eWcC_NbNYUiIhQ-_Z2CuAu7EBuf0yw777buHBIxCWraSbyfUS1sYGUvrDzo4H18qbSJ-tFZrmzC996pOcdzms38SQ3Ds2DvqXiVXJyI2f5OdTLYDFUHf7MH6NIvcb/s320/HistoryBlock-03.png" title="Are you struggling to get your students to connect with their history? Follow this EPIC formula to engage students and get them excited about history!" width="320" /></a>A bonus to using a read aloud is you can make cross curricular connections with the literature during your English Language Arts block. We all know integration is key, especially in self-contained classrooms, because otherwise it doesn't all fit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By using a historical book you tap into students background knowledge and give them cues as to what is to come. Many times our students know about historical events, but don't have all the facts. This process helps them to bring their knowledge to the surface. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Send Students Back in Time</h2>
<div>
Many, if not most, time periods our students are interested in lend themselves to demonstrations or simulations. One of my favorite ways for students to engage with their history is to take part in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teaching-In-The-Fast-Lane/PreK-12-Subject-Area/US-History/Category/Dice-Simulations-180680?utm_source=Engaging%20History%20Block%20Blog%20Post&utm_campaign=Dice%20Simulation" target="_blank">dice simulations</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These simulations put students in the shoes of a person at a certain point in history. They go on a journey as their person recording what happens at each station, which is determined by the roll of a die. This unpredictability can lead to frustration, excitement, and most vital of all, empathy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After students have completed the simulation they write a narrative from the point of view of their historical person. These narratives are ALWAYS a powerful learning tool which allows students to form deep connections with the time period they are studying. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In addition to dice simulations, you can also find online simulations and experiences that can be provided to students to let them walk a mile in the shoes of a historical figure. The important thing to remember is when students build connections to their history they are more likely to remember it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5ewoIwkfqDQp083W7JrDF0DgRGdLuBSnolWhistcne0ceG5cMO040ROo2T7qOc9Rua0bCxsUBqmBaAH8qkXVTmYD7YxQEJkxa9PKh0mTHZCorYQoszTaqlV7SRV-GiyH90oDgWH587Qo/s1600/HistoryBlock-01.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you struggling to get your students to connect with their history? Follow this EPIC formula to engage students and get them excited about history!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5ewoIwkfqDQp083W7JrDF0DgRGdLuBSnolWhistcne0ceG5cMO040ROo2T7qOc9Rua0bCxsUBqmBaAH8qkXVTmYD7YxQEJkxa9PKh0mTHZCorYQoszTaqlV7SRV-GiyH90oDgWH587Qo/s320/HistoryBlock-01.png" title="Are you struggling to get your students to connect with their history? Follow this EPIC formula to engage students and get them excited about history!" width="213" /></a>Bring in Primary Resources</h2>
<div>
Let's face it, textbooks and photographs of historical items are boring. Sometimes they are the best we can do, but other times we can knock it out of the park! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For example, when learning about the Alamo your students could look at pictures of items used during the battle, or you could apply to borrow a <a href="http://www.thealamo.org/educators/resources/history-trunks/index.html" target="_blank">Trunk of Primary Resources</a>. I mean, is there any question which students are more likely to remember?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Providing experiences through history for our students is what makes it stick! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Make It Interactive (Notebooks) </h2>
<div>
Picture a spiral notebook FULL of notes from the year. Now picture a neatly tabbed and organized notebook with unique activities for each unit of study. Which one do you want your students using?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Interactive notebooks are a GREAT way for students to become more immersed in their history. They allow students to organize their learning in a way that makes it easy to refer back to. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Along with their academic benefits, students enjoy interactive notebook activities WAY more than regular note-taking! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Check out interactive notebook activities for <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Texas-History-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-1359747?aref=tvew4nm9&utm_source=History%20Block%20Blog%20Post&utm_campaign=TX%20INB" target="_blank">Texas History</a> and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/United-States-History-Interactive-Notebook-Bundle-2690936?aref=tvew4nm9&utm_source=History%20Block%20Post&utm_campaign=US%20INB" target="_blank">United States Histor</a>y. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Mix It Up!</h2>
<div>
If you are doing the same thing every day, with a new time period your students are going to HATE history. Instead, try your hand at using cooperative learning strategies such as <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/02/jigsaw-method.html" target="_blank">jigsaw</a> for students to share the information with one another. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Y6ZhW4Cz0G7ufsBLBAsa8xWxXBn-zpBDczjQMERDMmhtq0mypunH2CSPTMr8mMNe7sVZjhMmmSWbWdtXqisvAWlXMqVPkRBFrz1YEWGTFu-Lkw-QDZuyIqUlf29sdeXXyVicUI3PGiJ4/s1600/HistoryBlock-04.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Are you struggling to get your students to connect with their history? Follow this EPIC formula to engage students and get them excited about history!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Y6ZhW4Cz0G7ufsBLBAsa8xWxXBn-zpBDczjQMERDMmhtq0mypunH2CSPTMr8mMNe7sVZjhMmmSWbWdtXqisvAWlXMqVPkRBFrz1YEWGTFu-Lkw-QDZuyIqUlf29sdeXXyVicUI3PGiJ4/s320/HistoryBlock-04.png" title="Are you struggling to get your students to connect with their history? Follow this EPIC formula to engage students and get them excited about history!" width="320" /></a>This strategy takes teachers out of the spotlight and places students directly in it! Each student is responsible for learning and sharing key concepts. This positive interdependence allows students to flourish and share their knowledge with one another. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the end, no matter how you choose to spice up your history block to make it engaging for your students remember it has to work for them! History is worth the time it takes to teach, it might not be convenient,--but it is the truth.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Wrapping Up</h2>
</div>
<div>
Our students want to learn about history, and now may be the most important time for us to wrap our minds around teaching it in an accurate, but engaging way. Remember to keep history engaging:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Use literature to frame historical periods to allow students to establish context</li>
<li>Provides experiences for students to connect their learning and establish empathy</li>
<li>Use primary resources whenever possible</li>
<li>Interactive notebooks are a GREAT way to organize student learning</li>
<li>Try new teaching and learning strategies to keep the classroom fresh and novel</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-22208832274758611652017-08-14T06:00:00.001-05:002017-08-14T06:00:08.573-05:005 Best Ways to Top Your Grading Pile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2mfYudNnFyI6mnfJ4ibP8eIesesl1ddfXBVw5gtfN7je-rMxCfBki6huhj4W62GSRklLPk9h9_eMnK8HFMWkyevD3DxhtoOhgqpRdI-vLA7fhqZe1XsysemafXC-8ROKS2Hi-86dpLTL/s1600/SmartStrategies-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Are you drowning in grading? Check out these SMART strategies for keeping up with grading and conquering the paper pile!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2mfYudNnFyI6mnfJ4ibP8eIesesl1ddfXBVw5gtfN7je-rMxCfBki6huhj4W62GSRklLPk9h9_eMnK8HFMWkyevD3DxhtoOhgqpRdI-vLA7fhqZe1XsysemafXC-8ROKS2Hi-86dpLTL/s400/SmartStrategies-02.png" title="Are you drowning in grading? Check out these SMART strategies for keeping up with grading and conquering the paper pile!" width="400" /></a></div>
I can see it now, clear as crystal. My students have just gone home and I return to my classroom at the end of the day to find huge, overflowing stacks of papers seemingly everywhere. They are toppling off of the turn in bins, piled on the small group table, and scattered across the floor. It has never been more tempting to scoop them all up and place them in the safety of the recycling bin.<br />
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Seem familiar? I have encountered this scene more times than I care to admit, but it seems no matter how much I tried to stay on top of grading it always caught up to me. Not going to lie. There were a few items that did happen to end up in the recycling bin, but that wasn't truly an answer.<br />
<br />
Instead I slowly had to figure out smart strategies that would keep the papers from piling up, and me from going insane. These strategies helped to tame the grading beast, allowed me to offer more prompt feedback to my students, and helped our classroom be a little less flammable. 😏<br />
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<h2>
#1 Only Collect What You Truly Want to Grade</h2>
<div>
There is a lot of practice that goes on in the classroom, and when you ask yourself if you should be grading practice I hope that your answer is no. When we work with our students we are helping them to build mastery and don't want to assess every single thing they do. This can be detrimental to our students' self esteem as well as our workload. When it comes to practice allow students to check their work informally with you, a partner, or an answer key. This doesn't mean that you don't "look over" their work, you just don't formally grade it. </div>
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When it comes time to collect a grade on a concept collect those papers and grade them as soon as possible. This means that instead of a week's worth of practice and then an assessment, you just have the single assessment to grade. This cuts WAY back on the amount of grading and allows you to get it done more quickly providing prompt feedback to your students. This also provides you with the data you need to build small groups for reteach. </div>
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<h2>
#2 Use Technology to Your Advantage</h2>
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There are new apps, Chrome extensions, and other items being released every day to make our lives a little easier. Take advantage of these items! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee5intZTbEF0P2pQ6gcHKqIFLYpg8kFI6Clp-vzPf4892NErDeQCk0RGO6sp_TADmR501Bv2ws4Z2zzzfFiuIOkhDlzXs3WX2FHMoLSMVdw4sVE572cx5xajpcm27B5j2M5k4TRgaj37t/s1600/SmartStrategies-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee5intZTbEF0P2pQ6gcHKqIFLYpg8kFI6Clp-vzPf4892NErDeQCk0RGO6sp_TADmR501Bv2ws4Z2zzzfFiuIOkhDlzXs3WX2FHMoLSMVdw4sVE572cx5xajpcm27B5j2M5k4TRgaj37t/s320/SmartStrategies-01.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
In <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2016/07/using-google-forms-with-task-cards.html" target="_blank">this post</a> I detail how I used Google Forms to collect answers from students using task cards. This could be adapted to just about any item that students complete. After I wrote this post I was introduced to <a href="http://www.flubaroo.com/" target="_blank">Flubaroo</a>, that actually checks the answers for you! Woo hoo, mega time saving potential right here! </div>
<div>
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<h2>
#3 No More Lengthy Assessments</h2>
<div>
Let's face it, many of the assessments that we give our students are way too long. You only truly need three questions on a concept to know whether a student has reached mastery or not, so why are we giving assessments that are forty plus questions long over one concept? </div>
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<div>
These lengthy assessments serve as a point of frustration for our students and for us, because they don't want to answer fourteen questions over place value, and we don't want to grade them. Why not take a look as your assessment and pair it down to what is necessary. </div>
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<div>
I understand that our districts give us assessments that must be completed, and there isn't a lot that can be done there, but I am talking your own in class assessments or checks for understanding. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
#4 Stay Organized and Consistent</h2>
<div>
Grading never truly bothered me until it became a monstrous task because it piled up. When I would go through the turn in tray and find multiple assignments per subject is when my knees got a little weak. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then I started a new system. After each assignment was turned in I would take a binder clip and clip those papers together. This served a couple of purposes, the first being that when students went to place their next assignment in the tray it wouldn't get accidentally shoved in with another assignment, and secondly it was a really easy visual for me to glance over and see how many binder clips, and therefor assignments, had accumulated in a given subject area. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Along with the binder clip system I tried to make time to grade every day. By setting aside about ten minutes a day, I preferred to do this first thing in the morning when I got to school, I was able to stay on top of grading instead of having a heaping pile waiting for me when it was time for progress reports to be submitted. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another way I saved time was by always having grading with me. This was especially useful when it came time for meetings, because let's face it, waiting for a meeting to start is like watching paint dry. Participants slowly drift in, and if you are on time you generally have a solid five to ten minutes before the meeting begins. By having a little something with me to grade it kept me from getting antsy and felt like I was accomplishing something. </div>
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<div>
I am NOT however proposing that you grade through the entireties of meetings, as that is where your attention should be. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRv1AcsZn6WeWHhB9uF1DSfPezXub4eBVPnr31_G6sp9JfPPXaPRJiDzgrYES-2GeP-dBqunxv0LT1UIrm9is7zp1S4HqklXv_B2yYXki1v3CYT6pfbNKYbmMSG-FVgHiTtOAL5Gt8n0O/s1600/SmartStrategies-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you drowning in grading? Check out these SMART strategies for keeping up with grading and conquering the paper pile!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRv1AcsZn6WeWHhB9uF1DSfPezXub4eBVPnr31_G6sp9JfPPXaPRJiDzgrYES-2GeP-dBqunxv0LT1UIrm9is7zp1S4HqklXv_B2yYXki1v3CYT6pfbNKYbmMSG-FVgHiTtOAL5Gt8n0O/s320/SmartStrategies-03.png" title="Are you drowning in grading? Check out these SMART strategies for keeping up with grading and conquering the paper pile!" width="320" /></a>#5 Make Grading Enjoyable</h2>
<div>
I know what you are thinking, "Is that even possible?" I am here to tell you that it is, or at least more enjoyable than just sitting at your desk making marks on a paper. </div>
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<div>
There are a few ways that I have found to make grading a bit less of a hassle and more of an experience that I can live with. </div>
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<div>
The first is smelly markers. I am a big fan of Mr. Sketch because the scent lasts and the colors are vibrant. Their chisel tip is my fave. You can grab your own from my <a href="http://amzn.to/2fn0CkB" target="_blank">affiliate link</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My next tip to enjoying grading is all about your environment. Sometimes at the end of the school day my classroom is the last place on earth I would want to be, so a change of scenery made all the different. I would take my stack to our library, which had huge windows that let in a lot of natural light. This was an instant mood lifter for me. On particularly heavy grading days I would treat myself to a Blizzard from DQ or a Sonic drink to get me going. </div>
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I am not normally an advocate for taking grading outside of school, because frankly most of the time I did this it just meant that it went for a car ride while I felt guilty that I was not getting it done, BUT from time to time I would go get a pedicure and grade my little heart out while getting pampered. </div>
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Regardless of how and where you choose to grade, just remember to make it work for you, don't wait until the day before grades are due, and don't overdo it! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-75876772478290340792017-08-07T06:00:00.000-05:002017-08-07T11:18:52.012-05:00Benefits of a Daily Warm Up You Need to Know<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The bell rings and students hustle to their seats, fearful that they will be the last one and get called out in front of their peers. On their desks they find their first bright white warm up of the year. I wait silently in the corner for the magic to happen, but instead students just ignore the paper and start chatting with friends. This was the moment that my principal walked in. I felt flush with emotion, but mostly I was mortified.<br />
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<br />
My first year teaching using a warm up was pretty worthless. I was using a warm up that didn't seem to fit the needs of my students at all, and it was a waste of time to be honest. I didn't take the time to set my expectations, and I certainly didn't show them that I valued it. Instead, it was something I did because I was told that I had to, not because it had any benefit for my students. It was the worst.<br />
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Using a daily warm up in the classroom can be a wonderful thing, but they can also be a real pain. Constantly making sure copies are made, students are engaged, and ensuring that the time is well used can really put a strain on a teacher.<br />
<br />
Then I started to think of warm ups as an integral part of our day. When I placed importance on them, and used them consistently my students saw their value as well. I quickly determined a few key benefits of using a daily warm up that I wish someone would have told me on day one.<br />
<br />
<h2>
They Provide Focus and Structure</h2>
<div>
By starting each day or lesson with a daily warm up you are telling students, and yourself, that it is time to focus in on the subject matter at hand. Whether you are starting the school day or switching gears from one subject to another, a good daily warm up can serve as this transition and allow students' minds to get in gear. </div>
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We all need a little more structure in our lives. Students and teachers alike can have a hard time functioning when not in a structured environment. By starting every day or lesson with a daily warm up completed in the same way a little bit of structure is gained while maintaining the novelty of new content each day. </div>
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<h2>
They Start Conversations and Spark Interests</h2>
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A great daily warm up will stretch the brains of your students. Yes, they absolutely include spiral review from your content area, but sometimes they also include a little something, something that your students don't already know. </div>
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These questions or prompts provide students with the opportunity to explore the content either through research, conversation with their peers, or a class discussion. It is often these questions that may spark an interest or passion in students that they want to pursue further. </div>
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<br /></div>
<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW4ZSPCgjW06r0oN9MnPDtnL9BYf_porDC1onbAyiTP4mBLX_x8A3QE-3VDphek5UcQYKcqVYV_rBdxEjk9pPVmGfDGtL_Vc0_QQ4_k9RVWZtSjjXq3BFTADo9d-U_vFemsYhdMHj-d2-/s1600/Pinterest-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The benefits of a daily warm up you need to know! Do you use a daily warm-up with your students? Have you tried one? Find out why daily warm-ups can be a real game changer in your classroom!" border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtW4ZSPCgjW06r0oN9MnPDtnL9BYf_porDC1onbAyiTP4mBLX_x8A3QE-3VDphek5UcQYKcqVYV_rBdxEjk9pPVmGfDGtL_Vc0_QQ4_k9RVWZtSjjXq3BFTADo9d-U_vFemsYhdMHj-d2-/s320/Pinterest-03.png" title="The benefits of a daily warm up you need to know! Do you use a daily warm-up with your students? Have you tried one? Find out why daily warm-ups can be a real game changer in your classroom!" width="212" /></a>They Work Like Glue</h2>
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It is said that you have to hear something three to five times before it sticks. By using daily warm ups you will go over the same content that you are teaching again giving it another chance to stick with your students. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Daily warm ups also give students to stick together information learned in different units. For example, you may be studying European Explorers in history when a warm up question comes up over Native Americans' way of life. Students may make connections between how their way of life changed, or you could introduce the conversation. This helps history units to be more cohesive and less of separate time periods. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
They Are Like a Time Capsule</h2>
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I love, love, love to have students keep their daily warm ups from the whole year whether they do it in a journal, or I print them out, hole punch them, and put them in a bradded folder. This is because it gives me (and the student and their parents) the opportunity to see how far they have come in a year. </div>
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Whether warm ups include a daily word problem, a journal prompt, or answering questions there is sure to be growth throughout the year, and it is simply amazing to have it all at your fingertips! </div>
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<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pro Tips for a Successful Daily Warm Up</h2>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Get Organized-<br />I prefer to print and bind (usually in a bradded folder) a years worth of warm ups before school even starts, because simply it is one thing less I have to do during the crazy times. This also means that I won't be struggling for content throughout the year.<br />I have also printed one copy of a warm up to use with the projector and had students complete warm ups in their journals. This works too!<br />The moral of this story is to make sure you have your whole year's worth of warm ups covered so that you are running around like crazy looking for daily content!</li>
<li>Value the Time-<br />Warm ups are worth it and should be treated as such. They do not have to take a long time, but the time you spend on them should be valued and not rushed. </li>
<li>Structure, Structure, Structure<br />Take the time up front to show students your expectations. I find it best to do the first week (or two) together and show students that again, this time is valuable and worth it. </li>
</ol>
<h2>
Ready to Get Your Daily Warm Up On?</h2>
</div>
<div>
If you are ready to get started with your warm up routine I have daily warm ups for you available in <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/US-History-Weekly-Warm-Up-Daily-Review-3315294?utm_source=Warm%20Up%20blog%20Post&utm_campaign=USHWU%208%2F7" target="_blank">U.S. History</a>, <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Texas-History-Weekly-Warm-Up-Daily-Review-311575?utm_source=Warm%20Ups%20Blog%20Post%208%2F7&utm_campaign=TX%20History" target="_blank">Texas History</a>, and <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multi-Step-Story-Problems-for-the-WHOLE-SCHOOL-YEAR-432616?utm_source=Warm%20Up%20Blog%20Post%208%2F7&utm_campaign=Daily%20Problem" target="_blank">Word Problem of the Day</a>! Click on over to check them out for yourself!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/US-History-Weekly-Warm-Up-Daily-Review-3315294?utm_source=Warm%20Up%20blog%20Post&utm_campaign=USHWU%208%2F7" target="_blank"><img alt="The benefits of a daily warm up you need to know! Do you use a daily warm-up with your students? Have you tried one? Find out why daily warm-ups can be a real game changer in your classroom!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCSqjExiwlEzPShZONm_MzsoftsA4RhoXltPcw69wJC8DAnP4rSuKrxtzoB-BqFLEgN5ibkwK4iNlykKJFnlSjNpaeXklLiai43RguoGPC_zMGFDLiGKvMOohOzxvY2Uf0h4c989oXBBb/s200/1.png" title="The benefits of a daily warm up you need to know! Do you use a daily warm-up with your students? Have you tried one? Find out why daily warm-ups can be a real game changer in your classroom!" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Multi-Step-Story-Problems-for-the-WHOLE-SCHOOL-YEAR-432616?utm_source=Warm%20Up%20Blog%20Post%208%2F7&utm_campaign=Daily%20Problem" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The benefits of a daily warm up you need to know! Do you use a daily warm-up with your students? Have you tried one? Find out why daily warm-ups can be a real game changer in your classroom!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBG4XgZtv5wtJcHnYQpclu5LD17HyUWLAF0Rt7nq7Zks2TXke9k3At3vJKnwQc3gM-oKPoetX1NKecU2y68wbqtJDSBkkk-CuppC9hBg-1Syzwuxw_GnxAdRR1hczIpTV8M4ANS8ScOkj/s200/1.png" title="The benefits of a daily warm up you need to know! Do you use a daily warm-up with your students? Have you tried one? Find out why daily warm-ups can be a real game changer in your classroom!" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Texas-History-Weekly-Warm-Up-Daily-Review-311575?utm_source=Warm%20Ups%20Blog%20Post%208%2F7&utm_campaign=TX%20History" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The benefits of a daily warm up you need to know! Do you use a daily warm-up with your students? Have you tried one? Find out why daily warm-ups can be a real game changer in your classroom!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-r1m_j8l_opE8JEPgKYPJgHTGTBlqPLqGX8l1Cn5qPlAyKw0_naqr0vMhRofIf_goAjZkaYm02BIWt2A7u6Us5vrBjdNlAdHWS-bkbxuSstQU894YLvY-zPxgew1KBR4slCGZxAa61G5/s200/2.png" title="The benefits of a daily warm up you need to know! Do you use a daily warm-up with your students? Have you tried one? Find out why daily warm-ups can be a real game changer in your classroom!" width="133" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-51160978498276227182017-07-31T14:02:00.002-05:002017-08-07T11:31:45.974-05:00How to Use Cooperative Learning for the Best Back to School Ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Back to school is a crazy time, and it is important that we do it right. We have a precious amount of time to build relationships with and among our students to turn our class into a classroom community. There is no better way to accomplish this than through cooperative learning strategies.<br />
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Why you ask? Cooperative learning activities allow students to work with multiple people through partners or teams, build positive interdependence through working towards a common goal, allow students to move around, and they are fun! I mean, what more could you ask for in back to school activities?<br />
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There are a million and one cooperative learning strategies out there, and they will all accomplish the goals of building community, but the following are my absolute favorite for back to school!<br />
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<h2>
Find a Partner with Timed Partner Share</h2>
<div>
Okay, so this first one is actually a combination of two cooperative learning strategies, but they are both so simple and go flawlessly together that I couldn't help it!</div>
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<div>
To complete Find a Partner students first stand up and push in their chair if necessary. Then they look for a partner to make eye contact with. Once eye contact has been made they move towards their partner safely, and finally they form a partnership by high-fiving another student . It's just that easy! </div>
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<div>
When I model this for students I make sure to point out that while you want to find someone that isn't already in your table team you also don't want to run across the room to your best friend. Instead, make eye contact with someone near you and partner up. I also model an appropriate high-five, because some of our students can get a little rough and no one has time for stinging hands and hurt feelings from an overly aggressive high-five. </div>
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<div>
One students are partnered up you are ready for Timed Partner Share!</div>
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<div>
For Timed Partner Share the teacher first poses a question and students are given think time. It is very important that everyone is given this think time to form an answer before moving on. After a moment the teacher gives a directive as to which partner should answer first such as the person with the birthday closest to today, the person with the shortest hair, or the person wearing the most blue. The timer is then started for a set amount of time depending on how detailed the answer to the posed question will be. During this time only the assigned person is allowed to talk. When the timer goes off the other partner thanks their partner for sharing, the timer is reset and roles are reversed. </div>
<div>
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<div>
You can repeat this process as many times as you would like and ask students to work with a new partner each time. </div>
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<div>
This combined strategy is a great way to spend an extra few minutes during the first week, because it requires zero prep, can be completed anywhere, and allows students to work with many partners. Have a spare couple of minutes before special? Did you arrive to lunch just a hair too soon and your table is still occupied? These are the PERFECT moments to practice! </div>
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<h2>
Opinion Pieces</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjkt_jTuLhUsCJOCA2ojumKMRB0exrP_iJHsUzjxsmfo_8-Y0SqTldcbli1NJWVYe6UzCtc4S_0-EP7_8cp-hdZi4B6ZWSfwX1LLoPYgbl5LHG_aUEIAuL-gIn-H9QsXH0_-Z95GMhpxg/s1600/Pinterest-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="How to Have the Best First Day of School With Cooperative Learning Start the year off right with cooperative learning. Cooperative learning strategies are a great way to build relationships and community with and among your students." border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjkt_jTuLhUsCJOCA2ojumKMRB0exrP_iJHsUzjxsmfo_8-Y0SqTldcbli1NJWVYe6UzCtc4S_0-EP7_8cp-hdZi4B6ZWSfwX1LLoPYgbl5LHG_aUEIAuL-gIn-H9QsXH0_-Z95GMhpxg/s320/Pinterest-07.png" title="How to Have the Best First Day of School With Cooperative Learning Start the year off right with cooperative learning. Cooperative learning strategies are a great way to build relationships and community with and among your students." width="213" /></a>Opinion pieces is a great cooperative learning strategy for helping students to take turns. It goes like this:</div>
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Students are in teams, preferably of four. Each student is given a certain number of pieces. I would recommend starting with two. The pieces can be anything. I have used math manipulative blocks/cubes because I already had them around. The teacher poses a question and gives all students think time. Then students are able to respond to the prompt by placing one of their pieces in the center of the table and stating their answer. They can only respond as many times as they have chips. </div>
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This cooperative learning strategy ensures equal participation among teammates and makes sure that no one is hogging all the response team as well as no one is sitting like a log just listening. Through this strategy students are able to practice taking turns, patience, active listening, and speaking. </div>
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To extend this cooperative learning strategy the teacher can then ask random students to share something that one of their teammates said. </div>
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<h2>
Visual Telephone</h2>
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We have all played the game of telephone as kids. You know, where one person starts with a phrase and whispers it to the next person. As it makes its way around the group it becomes flawed and is usually unrecognizable by the time it reaches the end. Visual telephone follows these same principals, but with a visual aspect. </div>
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Students are in teams, preferably of four, and lined up facing the board. If you do not have a large whiteboard or chalkboard then individual whiteboards can be used. The student furthest away from the board is given a card with a simple drawing on it such as a flower, a house, a tree, or a star. This student uses their finger to draw the image on the back of the person in front of them. This is repeated until the image reaches the students closest to the board. This student uses their drawing utensil (dry erase marker or chalk) to draw the image on the board. </div>
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Once all teams are done the first student reveals the original card and image. There is usually much laughing at how much the image has changed when being passed through the team. The student closest to the board goes to the end of the line and the process can be repeated as many times as you would like. </div>
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When modeling this cooperative learning strategy make sure to show students your expectations for drawing on one another's backs including the correct amount of pressure and staying in the center of the back.</div>
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This activity is a great way to lead into a discussion about rumors and gossip. </div>
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<h2>
Want More Cooperative Learning Activities?</h2>
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Are you ready for more cooperative learning, but don't have the time to prep endless get to know you activities? Check out his set of <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cooperative-Learning-Activities-for-Back-to-School-3300140?utm_source=Blog%20&utm_campaign=BTS%20CL%20Post%2073117" target="_blank">10 Cooperative Learning Activities for Back to School</a> that are ready to print and go! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cooperative-Learning-Activities-for-Back-to-School-3300140" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokwJ_lZdw1X20MCxPVA4wBT8DcMPgSrodblUn34QIbKETAoA4ntGW99A_LP7mLG90y9zZoKmeCvPoWXwYWUVcbG4qjBxBcvsGGH_LPlZU5fBQMXrwKEr8yEn1ro1V-W0XeV4cLyWp3UcC/s200/Slide01.jpg" width="154" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cooperative-Learning-Activities-for-Back-to-School-3300140" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGYhQ5oR3UKb06N7wzHX83kqOlbFelzkdv4jhsqFwNDQDVcCkhwmiqfz-qd8Dl3eLWAwRmFii_SJUTaqf5_At_1eVsEMAXyv0y1y0_yOx2bhc-TQM2uXNg1UmocIg6U8oevJJQQjqo0RQ/s200/Slide08.jpg" width="154" /></a> <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cooperative-Learning-Activities-for-Back-to-School-3300140" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyi5SCnUfr4sJwt279bHr4YUBSzelzMW2TdT-qBlG2nvWTiA1-cWQLCUYQ_DmanMlpyJkpdLYvo6MeXEnohPCGjb6PN1iLmlntRTcH1xeNIEtlFTZQO5QBqteCAuaDnfN70TjQZ5oBuHs/s200/Slide25.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div>
Included are ten different activities that are perfect for back to school, but great for community building all year long! These activities can be used over and over again to keep your community tight and positively interdependent! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-87036391763475971282017-07-24T06:00:00.000-05:002017-07-24T06:00:28.074-05:00Cooperative Learning Theory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nw6EstrzvlECsW6RkmjzeFgiIXTLaFlkIei5eie-s5pdnP2PfnjM6zcaKXVoJ9QubiRXzCLXb8saAK9XY7wAeGlFZLt9SR8Wwpj2fQpMNnwsCPDkBX38f-a9dDfpJyT-2PV7rWnZDMA/s1600/All+About+Cooperative+Learning+Strategy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Have you heard about cooperative learning, but aren't sure what it is? Does your principal question why you are so passionate about cooperative learning strategies? Check out this post for the how and why of cooperative learning in the classroom! " border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nw6EstrzvlECsW6RkmjzeFgiIXTLaFlkIei5eie-s5pdnP2PfnjM6zcaKXVoJ9QubiRXzCLXb8saAK9XY7wAeGlFZLt9SR8Wwpj2fQpMNnwsCPDkBX38f-a9dDfpJyT-2PV7rWnZDMA/s400/All+About+Cooperative+Learning+Strategy.png" title="Have you heard about cooperative learning, but aren't sure what it is? Does your principal question why you are so passionate about cooperative learning strategies? Check out this post for the how and why of cooperative learning in the classroom! " width="400" /></a></div>
Have you heard about cooperative learning, but aren't sure what it is? Does your principal question why you are so passionate about cooperative learning strategies? In this post I hope to answer those questions and more!<br />
<br />
I first heard about cooperative learning while I was working on my M. Ed. at Texas State University. I still remember receiving a big ol' book titled cooperative learning and when I first heard about the strategies they seemed to be a bit gimmicky, but boy oh boy was I wrong. VERY quickly I learned all about collaborative learning theory and why cooperative learning strategies work for ALL students. Soon I knew that I could never be in a classroom without cooperative learning, and became an evangelist myself. I now want to spread the good word about cooperative learning and make sure that everyone knows the miracles it works with out students.<br />
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<h2>
What is Cooperative Learning?</h2>
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Simply put, cooperative learning is when partners or small groups of students with differing abilities work together to accomplish a common goal. </div>
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Of course, there is a ton more to it than that including positive interdependence, specific roles within the group or partnership, and imbedded social skills. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv_MKq2hh8iUruQb-pGarvOtKn5DNYUmpsVV5_4AbcB4mg1zGLfUdKvgSqhXRGJdRscDn8-zYI0LspSfONYIpLvFG-qzuFbtHNIm43IUq4h54sf9KQOebWqJPERUISz8Gpg6ElaRBEhs/s1600/bulid+community+through+cooperative+learning.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Have you heard about cooperative learning, but aren't sure what it is? Does your principal question why you are so passionate about cooperative learning strategies? Check out this post for the how and why of cooperative learning in the classroom! " border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFv_MKq2hh8iUruQb-pGarvOtKn5DNYUmpsVV5_4AbcB4mg1zGLfUdKvgSqhXRGJdRscDn8-zYI0LspSfONYIpLvFG-qzuFbtHNIm43IUq4h54sf9KQOebWqJPERUISz8Gpg6ElaRBEhs/s320/bulid+community+through+cooperative+learning.png" title="Have you heard about cooperative learning, but aren't sure what it is? Does your principal question why you are so passionate about cooperative learning strategies? Check out this post for the how and why of cooperative learning in the classroom! " width="213" /></a>Each cooperative learning strategy highlights students abilities and ensures success of the group by building in ways for students to scaffold for one another. When executed well, cooperative learning strategies leave students with a pumped up self esteem and confidence in their team. </div>
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You can read more about the <a href="https://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/04/key-benefits-of-cooperative-learning.html" target="_blank">key benefits of cooperative learning here. </a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Tell Me More About Collaborative Learning Theory...</h2>
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Collaborative learning theory is rooted in Vygotsky's Social Learning Theory. The short version is that when a learning experience maximizes a students's interaction with others the new information stands that much better of a chance of being cemented into a student's brain. </div>
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This is achieved through shared conversations, questioning, physical interactions, following of social norms, and peer feedback. The general idea is to get students talking more with one another and the teacher talking less, while acting as a facilitator.<br />
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For more information on collaborative learning theory check out these articles:<br />
<a href="https://elearningindustry.com/cooperative-and-collaborative-theory" target="_blank">Instructional Design Models and Theories: Cooperative and Collaborative Theory</a><br />
<a href="http://gerrystahl.net/pub/clhandbook.pdf" target="_blank">Theories of Cognition in Collaborative Learning </a><br />
<a href="https://www.novapublishers.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=51224" target="_blank">Collaborative Learning: Theories, Strategies, and Educational Benefits</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Where Should I Start?</h2>
<div>
Anywhere! Truly, there is no wrong cooperative learning strategy to start with. When I throwback to my grad school days I think about how we were taught strategies. We learned about one new strategy a month to take back to our classrooms and really hone and master. </div>
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In the classroom is is vital that you take the time to front-load the proper procedures for each strategy and take your time to get it right. Model the strategy for students with examples and non-examples, practice the structure with easy content or social questions, and then get down and dirty with content. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To check out more on specific cooperative learning strategies click on over to the following posts:</div>
<div>
<a href="https://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/06/cooperative-learning-strategy-inside.html" target="_blank">Inside Outside Circle</a></div>
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<a href="https://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/04/cooperative-learning-strategy-showdown.html" target="_blank">Showdown</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/03/cooperative-learning-strategy-fan-pick.html" target="_blank">Fan & Pick</a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/02/jigsaw-method.html" target="_blank">Jigsaw</a> (A personal favorite of mine!)<br />
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For more all about cooperative learning check out <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/03/ultimate-cooperative-learning-strategies-guide.html" target="_blank">this post</a>! </div>
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<br />4th Grade Racershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10991322059767162281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-41714809186282966982017-07-10T06:00:00.000-05:002017-07-10T06:00:06.850-05:00Professional Books to Motivate Your Teaching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVp2mtRoOqxcc4k29O-lw-KOHgmohskCcoAYkYIaaczgjUjQdsobzaVOZhZpNmeaJXRVohhd2PiPb-Mmi1FPbDBFmj_7FX_oXhUtBfrLIjWxa_0DuBexvqE8ut-5bjghYOOlCEl9H7JmT/s1600/Professional+Books+to+Motivate+Your+Teaching.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you looking to renew your passion for teaching and motivate you to get started with a new school year? Check out these professional books that will leave you refreshed and ready to conquer the school year!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVp2mtRoOqxcc4k29O-lw-KOHgmohskCcoAYkYIaaczgjUjQdsobzaVOZhZpNmeaJXRVohhd2PiPb-Mmi1FPbDBFmj_7FX_oXhUtBfrLIjWxa_0DuBexvqE8ut-5bjghYOOlCEl9H7JmT/s400/Professional+Books+to+Motivate+Your+Teaching.png" title="Are you looking to renew your passion for teaching and motivate you to get started with a new school year? Check out these professional books that will leave you refreshed and ready to conquer the school year!" width="400" /></a></div>
I don't know about you, but I LOVE to read professional books about teaching. You probably think that I am kidding, but I am not. There is something about reading about teaching that is really refreshing to me.<br />
<br />
The bigger struggle for me is always finding time to read all the books that I want to. With this being said, I pulled together a list of seven professional books that I have read over and over again. Not only are these books motivating, but they continue to be resources that I return to over and over again.<br />
<br />
Links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a purchase Amazon gives me a little bit back, but it does not change the price that you pay. The money that Amazon gives me goes for the upkeep of this blog.<br />
<br />
When I was trying to decide which books to include in this post as well as what order to put them in, I decided to go with the order in which I read them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2tWneOk" target="_blank">Setting Limits in the Classroom</a></h2>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Limits-Classroom-3rd-School-wide/dp/B01NBP7X79/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1499475558&sr=8-1&keywords=setting+limits+in+the+classroom&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=54e0ddedff68128055f78455a85bed8c" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B01NBP7X79&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><br />
This book was required reading for my very first education course in college and has been my best buddy ever since. I honestly reread it at least once a year, even years that I am not in the classroom. It is just that good. It is FULL of common sense actions to take in the classroom to build relationships with your students and have a healthy functioning classroom. I really cannot sing its praises high enough.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2u1Sigk" target="_blank">Positive Discipline in the Classroom</a></h2>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Positive-Discipline-Classroom-Cooperation-Responsibility/dp/0770436579/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0770436579&pd_rd_r=HS3G416XP97KMP9ZK231&pd_rd_w=9diKb&pd_rd_wg=MWfoY&psc=1&refRID=HS3G416XP97KMP9ZK231&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=15217925c0ad5997b219965deb5facab" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0770436579&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=B01NBP7X79" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />I grew up in an extremely strict household and held the belief that discipline had everything to do with punishment and negatives. That is until I really dove into this book, another required read for a college education course.<br />
<br />
This book is the way that I learned to build a positive, interdependent classroom community from day one. It helped me to establish class meetings which began an absolutely integral part of our community and led to our classroom feeling much more like a family than a bunch of strangers thrown in together for a year. This meant that when struggles did arise we were able to handle them with dignity and love towards one another. <br />
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2sXgtaK" target="_blank">Who Moved My Cheese?</a></h2>
<div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-My-Cheese-Amazing/dp/0399144463/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1499476412&sr=8-1&keywords=who+moved+my+cheese&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=ed481537786116d2137804bd724a1da9" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0399144463&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a>While this book is clearly not a strictly teaching book it is important to just being a human, especially if you are going to be an adult human. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This book is all about change and accepting change rather than fighting it. As teachers we have to come to terms with change on a yearly, monthly, weekly, daily basis, and even at just a moment's notice. This book is a SUPER quick read, and another one that I have read over and over again when I need to be reminded to move with my own cheese.<br />
<br /></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0399144463" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginnIiDrjuLq0MKaXMe1TsgXaQQX54CDyi0sQHaowb2Pp6TLi1_gqBKxCoah6aI5UAO74XoYaG1fAd4xJrsVTeLNUUeRXMTOpxE403ttZf7DZ90U06hzf3hGHv-u6Ep_6Ry1P2TzzRo416/s1600/Professional+development+books+to+help+motivate+your+teaching.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you looking to renew your passion for teaching and motivate you to get started with a new school year? Check out these professional books that will leave you refreshed and ready to conquer the school year!" border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginnIiDrjuLq0MKaXMe1TsgXaQQX54CDyi0sQHaowb2Pp6TLi1_gqBKxCoah6aI5UAO74XoYaG1fAd4xJrsVTeLNUUeRXMTOpxE403ttZf7DZ90U06hzf3hGHv-u6Ep_6Ry1P2TzzRo416/s320/Professional+development+books+to+help+motivate+your+teaching.png" title="Are you looking to renew your passion for teaching and motivate you to get started with a new school year? Check out these professional books that will leave you refreshed and ready to conquer the school year!" width="213" /></a>AND because learning to deal with change is such an important lesson there is also a <a href="http://amzn.to/2uUrN8Q" target="_blank">children's version</a> of the book that I have enjoyed sharing with my students.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2sX4H00" target="_blank">Kagan Cooperative Learning</a></h2>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kagan-Cooperative-Learning-Structures-MiniBook/dp/1933445289/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1933445289&pd_rd_r=4JEBNKD0A5EMZW5S24Y8&pd_rd_w=NotKD&pd_rd_wg=4O0xN&psc=1&refRID=4JEBNKD0A5EMZW5S24Y8&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=54f55724b8600e7ff93877b1e57c5c5a" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1933445289&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a>The final book from my college days that motivates me to this day is <a href="http://amzn.to/2sX4H00" target="_blank">Kagan Cooperative Learning</a>. This is where my love affair with cooperative learning started, and it has never ended. This book has everything you need from rationale, to structures, to cooperative learning activities to get you started with cooperative learning. Soon you will be as in love with it as I am.<br />
<br />
The truth is that there are so many nuances that go into cooperative learning that you may as well go straight to the source and get all the details.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2tSV86K" target="_blank">Drive</a></h2>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates/dp/1594484805/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1499476375&sr=8-1&keywords=drive+daniel+pink&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=42a9bfc571757f792206633e96514dde" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1594484805&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="http://amzn.to/2tSV86K" target="_blank">Drive</a> is another book that does not fall strictly into professional teaching books, but applies none the less! I first read this book because I had forgot a book for my flight and it was recommended in the overpriced airport book store. True story. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is all about motivation and I took home lessons about what motivates me as well as how I could work to motivate others around me, namely my students. While reading this one, keep an open mind as to how the different ideas can be used in your classroom and you are sure to come away motivated!<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1416606092" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2u1RDeL" target="_blank">The Strategic Teacher</a></h2>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Teacher-Selecting-Research-Based-Strategy/dp/1416606092/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1499475524&sr=8-1&keywords=strategic+teacher&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=71f1f6f5a2590f09e3bfb3354d6bf16e" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1416606092&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a>This last book on this list is the newest addition to my absolute must have and refer to all the time teaching books. It was recommended by Jennifer Gonzalez of <a href="https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/" target="_blank">Cult of Pedagogy</a> at a conference last summer. If you are familiar with Jennifer and her blog or podcast you will jump all over this one. Everything she recommends is pretty much amazing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This book is chock full of twenty teaching strategies that you can use in your classroom pretty much as soon as you read them. They are all research proven and pack a whole lot of bang for their buck. I mean, aren't the most motivating professional books the ones you can apply right away?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-11181501950431863632017-07-03T06:00:00.000-05:002017-07-03T06:00:19.269-05:0015 Pieces of Advice for New Teachers from Teachers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt_VccdmzD2PzODJ0-83f93amSKOlWggQX4IWESuF5DtfRQXEoqh-FKOJmHZbzlJ5T9vOrCikg0elw4K1Dw7YtwOuHe0HflyKmUDzrA6-wETRVmr9sNIA-XdZ3i1hwozN6bnBrQXRPZpb/s1600/Advice+for+New+Teacher.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are you new to the classroom this year? Check out the advice that real teachers want you to know before you get started to have your best, successful, and fun year in the classroom!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVt_VccdmzD2PzODJ0-83f93amSKOlWggQX4IWESuF5DtfRQXEoqh-FKOJmHZbzlJ5T9vOrCikg0elw4K1Dw7YtwOuHe0HflyKmUDzrA6-wETRVmr9sNIA-XdZ3i1hwozN6bnBrQXRPZpb/s400/Advice+for+New+Teacher.png" title="Are you new to the classroom this year? Check out the advice that real teachers want you to know before you get started to have your best, successful, and fun year in the classroom!" width="400" /></a></div>
Whether you are fresh out of college, coming to teaching from another career, or are going back to teaching after some time away from the classroom I am willing to bet that the rumor mill has been swirling surrounding the world of teacher, and it isn't all positive.<br />
<br />
In order to combat the negative teacher mentality I set out to ask teachers for what advice they would give a first year teacher. I posed the question on Facebook and as I knew would happen, teachers were ready to jump in with their best advice.<br />
<br />
Teachers are amazing about helping one another out, and this was no different. While MANY teachers responded to the post there seemed to be a few themes that were touched on over and over again which I will highlight in this post. You can check out the whole original thread <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TeachingintheFastLane/posts/1669494643069192" target="_blank">here</a>. A huge thank you to all of you who responded!!<br />
<br />
At the end of the day, while all of these items are amazing advice for someone just starting out, they are also great reminders for us each and every day of our teaching careers!<br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"Not to worry when you feel overwhelmed...it happens <br />to all of us!"<br />-Debbie</span></h2>
<div>
Overwhelmed is kind of a way of life for teachers, but it is a matter of how you harness this feeling and take care of business that will define you. My biggest recommendation would be to talk to a team mate when you are feeling overwhelmed. This accomplished a few things in that you get it out, find out if others are stressed about the same thing to gain perspective, and will most likely be offered support.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"Take care of yourself!"<br />-Michele</span></h2>
<div>
This one is everything. If you are not the best you then you can't possibly be the best for your students as well. This means that sometimes you are going to have to put yourself first, say no to taking on more than you can handle, and relax a little bit.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"You will always have more to do than what you can get done, so don't stress over the unaccomplishable!"<br />-Lacey</span></h2>
<div>
The to do list for a teacher is infinite. Instead of becoming overwhelmed rank your list in order of importance and take care of what needs to be done first and be ready to let some of the other stuff go.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"Keep it simple! Less is more!"<br />-Andrea</span></h2>
<div>
In the world of Pinterest it is really easy to feel like you are not keeping up with other teachers, but I have news for you, your classroom does not have to be perfectly decorated in order to be inspiring. At the end of the day it is the substance of the classroom that matters so much more than the decor, so don't beat yourself up about not going all out on every item.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"Be flexible and value the support of experienced teachers."<br />-Nicole</span></h2>
<div>
No matter how well you have your day planned out it isn't going to happen. Something will come up or change and you have to move with it. The sooner that you can accept that flexibility is vital the better off you will be. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Experienced teachers have been in your shoes, and often will feel like they still are. When I first entered the classroom I thought I had all the tools I needed to lead my students into the brave new world, but quickly got a slap across the face that is real world classrooms. Fortunately I had an amazing mentor, and great team that were there to dust me off, offer advice, and get me going again. Use and abuse advice from your teammates. If nothing else, two+ heads are always better than one!<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"You will hate it. You will want to quite every day, but don't, because it truly is rewarding. Make sure your class rules/procedures are explained and understood during the first week of class."<br />-Shdya</span></h2>
<div>
Now, I hope that you won't want to quit every day or hate it, but I have certainly been there. I have even sat in a cubby while my students were at specials and balled my eyes out. At the end of the day though I do love teaching, and while I am not in the classroom right now, I will be again at some point. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As far as procedures go, give up the first week of school to drill in on those procedures. You will have ample time to make up for it later when your classroom is running like a dream, and it will, because you took the time to establish norms from day one.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"Find your calm place in the middle of the storm."<br />-Ingrid</span></h2>
<div>
At the end of the day you are the only one that can find your own zen. One of the biggest pieces of advice for remaining calm that I was ever given was to drop your voice when you are upset instead of raising your voice. I am telling you, it works wonders, plus you don't have to worry about your voice cracking out of anger.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"Be firm, but fair. Kids respect it."<br />-Rachael</span></h2>
<div>
Firm and fair is what it is all about. When you offer this to your students they respond with respect and allegiance. It does not matter if the rest of the school views you as the "strict" teacher, because your students know that when you take care of business you get to have fun, and that is what matters.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"Each day is a new day. Also, to be kind to yourself."<br />-Stefanie</span></h2>
<div>
One of the best things about teaching is that you, and your students, get a fresh start each and every day. Seize this opportunity and treat each day as a new chance to make a difference in the world.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"Look for balance. Take care of yourself. Give yourself grace-you're going to make mistakes. Use them as learning opportunities, just like we want our students to do."<br />-Kelley</span></h2>
<div>
Life is about balance and teaching can make you quickly forget that, but you can't. You have to take the time to enjoy your family and life outside of school. It will make you a better teacher. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mistakes happen. They happen every day, and there are plenty of them to be made. Keep your head about you and work to correct mistakes when they happen. Be an example for your students, and don't be afraid to share your mistakes and how you are working to find a fix with them.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"Make sure your students always know they matter!"<br />-Shannon</span></h2>
<div>
After all, our students are what it is all about. If absolutely nothing else, every student should leave your classroom knowing that they matter and are cared for.<br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXliQJNvgmbM8F57use8PpJXryAfJh1l4fwUjvS1Q2Uq7xsqTfSHhhmhAGRdNOk2mVLR_RKY51w1T3RllqK07AaLDRheOFAnAQE5ChlxjlOdn6FPtHzOUBRXnUUSCf6ppqEokdCXYRAzif/s1600/advice+for+first+year+teachers.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Are you new to the classroom this year? Check out the advice that real teachers want you to know before you get started to have your best, successful, and fun year in the classroom!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXliQJNvgmbM8F57use8PpJXryAfJh1l4fwUjvS1Q2Uq7xsqTfSHhhmhAGRdNOk2mVLR_RKY51w1T3RllqK07AaLDRheOFAnAQE5ChlxjlOdn6FPtHzOUBRXnUUSCf6ppqEokdCXYRAzif/s320/advice+for+first+year+teachers.png" title="Are you new to the classroom this year? Check out the advice that real teachers want you to know before you get started to have your best, successful, and fun year in the classroom!" width="213" /></a></h4>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">"Work smarter, not harder."<br />-Merri</span></h2>
<div>
I have met so many teachers that make their lives so much more difficult than they need to be by not streamlining their processes. Teaching is a ton of work, don't make it harder than it needs to me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On this note, if your students can do it then they should. There is no reason why students can't do the things that keep your classroom running.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"Build a good rapport with your students ad most of them will do anything for you. Start out firm, fair, be consistent, then you can ease up."<br />-Janet</span></h2>
<div>
Relationships are what make the world go round, and classrooms are no different. Take the time to get to know your students and let them get to know one another and you. When you build a true classroom community it is more like family, and it becomes easier to handle possible problems as they arise.<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"You are not alone! Don't give up."<br />-Jessica</span></h2>
<div>
There are millions of teachers the world over that are ready and willing to help you when you need it. Reach out to a teammate, a friend, a blogger, or a teacher leader when you need it. Teaching can feel really lonely when you are the only adult in the room, but you are never truly along. If you are struggling reach out!<br />
<br /></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: red;">
"If you make every decision with someone else in mind (students) you will be just fine."<br />-Sandra</span></h2>
<div>
Our students are the end all and be all of our classrooms. When you focus your attention on them above all else you cannot go wrong. Thing of every decision that you make through the lens of what is best for your students, and you will rock as a teacher! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-80749836571854579612017-06-26T13:40:00.002-05:002017-06-26T13:40:58.895-05:0010 Things It's Time to Start Being Honest About <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnrLsmMnnN0_Wt2Ddcb8VwbfGzN442IFP0P3HfyEG9g236VGnJd5f6prx-Ak2kLmMYLudxGRqxVXswi0Gwk7yU8UatiiRO3zwrs1O1X4BTOVxwPlB4ceO4ixqC9Irkr25VzykYfZW2w4w/s1600/10+things+its+time+to+start+being+honest+about.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Why do teachers lie to themselves when the truth can go so much further? Check out these ten things it's time to start being honest about!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnrLsmMnnN0_Wt2Ddcb8VwbfGzN442IFP0P3HfyEG9g236VGnJd5f6prx-Ak2kLmMYLudxGRqxVXswi0Gwk7yU8UatiiRO3zwrs1O1X4BTOVxwPlB4ceO4ixqC9Irkr25VzykYfZW2w4w/s400/10+things+its+time+to+start+being+honest+about.png" title="Why do teachers lie to themselves when the truth can go so much further? Check out these ten things it's time to start being honest about!" width="400" /></a></div>
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I Will Only Stay Late Today</h2>
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Come on now, this is the lie that we all tell ourselves as we sit in our classrooms after the sun has faded cutting lamination and making lesson plans for the next day. </div>
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I understand that late days happen, but why not keep them to a minimum. Your life does exist outside of school, and if it doesn't, it is time to create one. Instead of staying late all the time learn to say when enough is enough and go home. </div>
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I Will Go to Bed Early Tonight</h2>
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I tell myself every day that I will go to bed early. Early may mean different things to different people, but for me it is anytime before about 11 pm. On the rare occasion that this does happen I then tend to stay up, even though I am in bed, reading or playing on my tablet. Bad move. </div>
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When you have the opportunity to bank some extra sleep hours take it! Lock in that extra rest and take full advantage of it. </div>
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I Will Cook Every Night This Week</h2>
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I always have the best of intentions when it comes to cooking. I go to the grocery store and get everything I need to cook healthy meals for myself and my family all week long, but by Tuesday there I am in the What-a-Burger drive through picking up a quick meal with absolutely zero shame. </div>
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Instead, now I plan to make three meals a week. The meals that I choose make a ton so that there are leftovers for the other two days as well as lunches. I wish I could say this cut out drive throughs altogether, but it does at least minimize my ventures there to when I am craving fries instead of when I just can't pull myself together to make dinner. </div>
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To those of you who dedicate an afternoon or evening to meal prep for the week I salute you, but it is not something I have ever successfully completed. </div>
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I Will Make Time for Myself</h2>
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First thing in the morning each day I wake up and say, if I get everything on the to do list done today then I will spend some time on me. Fast forward to pouring myself into midnight and I neither completed everything on my to do list nor did I do anything for myself. </div>
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Instead put yourself on your to do list. Start small by treating yourself to an extra long hot shower at the end of the day to relax before going to bed. From there you can take advantage of putting you on the list. My favorite ways of making time for myself are taking time to read a for pleasure book, taking time for exercise, or taking a bath. </div>
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I Will Workout Every Day</h2>
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If you look at my calendar you would think that I workout every day, and during the summer this is mostly true, but even my best intentions fall apart when I get busy. Why is it that the one thing that works best for my health, sanity, and stress levels is the first thing to go?</div>
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Instead build in an exercise routine that you can stick to, and furthermore enjoy. There is no reason to dread working out when there are so many options for getting exercise. The most important thing is that you enjoy it and get in a good sweat.</div>
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I have found that one of the best ways to ensure that I exercise is through group classes. Whether I go with a friend or make friends once I am there peer pressure goes a long way to making sure I continue going. </div>
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My Family Is Fine While I Work</h2>
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It took me way too long to realize that my family cannot be placed on the back burner all of the time. They are my number one priority these days. This may mean that not everything for work gets done. It may even mean that nothing gets done some days. </div>
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Here's the thing though, at the end of the day it is really our families that matter, especially if you have young kids. </div>
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A special note: I do not personally have kids, and it was always a personal pet peeve of mine that some teachers with kids automatically assumed that those without kids would take care of the "extras" that tend to come up in the evenings at school. Just because my family does not include kids does not make my time with them any less valuable. </div>
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I Will Only Eat Ten Skittles</h2>
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I have a huge sweet tooth, so having any sort of candy around is dangerous for me. There was a time in my teaching career when I would keep a huge bag of Skittles in my desk and grab a handful at random intervals, of course when I wasn't being watched by students. This led to bad, bad things. </div>
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Now when I choose to have a sweet snack I am very conscious to make a choice that limits my consumption. Can we say fun sized? This keeps my sweet tooth in check. </div>
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One thing that I have started doing is when I crave something sweet I drink a glass of water first. If the craving is still there I go for it, but often the water takes care of it and keeps me on track. </div>
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I Will Not Hit Snooze</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9btkKYCzQhJBve6AK9PoTLaLwzebM6EC9eV2Z_Nx44UCCVWyud-zboG-2M-mpO27Nplzfs_-Q2vBK_wg1panW1sg0_YtwFVfoTdAgQNx0i7wVrz82e-yqyK2h_nYDbSjF4y_J4ZoiaEw/s1600/ten+things+its+time+to+start+being+honest+about.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Why do teachers lie to themselves when the truth can go so much further? Check out these ten things it's time to start being honest about!" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9btkKYCzQhJBve6AK9PoTLaLwzebM6EC9eV2Z_Nx44UCCVWyud-zboG-2M-mpO27Nplzfs_-Q2vBK_wg1panW1sg0_YtwFVfoTdAgQNx0i7wVrz82e-yqyK2h_nYDbSjF4y_J4ZoiaEw/s320/ten+things+its+time+to+start+being+honest+about.png" title="Why do teachers lie to themselves when the truth can go so much further? Check out these ten things it's time to start being honest about!" width="212" /></a>I am NOT a morning person, and even that is putting it mildly. If left to my own devices I would easily sleep until noon every day even if that meant pressing snooze seventy times. It is just how I am. </div>
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Instead of hitting snooze nine gazillion times I try to set realistic expectations for myself in getting out of bed in the morning. I mean, does the snooze button really help any of us? I would love to be the person that gets up nice and early to take a leisurely run and then sip my cup of coffee before heading to work before rush hour begins. This just isn't me. Instead I fall out of bed at the last possible morning, and my only morning cardio is running to the car with my breakfast in hand to then sit in traffic. </div>
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These days I set a reasonable alarm that will give me plenty of time to get up and get ready without having to do a hundred yard dash in record time, but still does not allow me to press snooze. </div>
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I Am Fine</h2>
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This is a lie that I have told myself on way too many occasions when I was anything but fine. Fine is what we tell ourselves when the ship is on fire and sinking rapidly. Fine is what we say when we don't want to tell someone how we are actually feeling. Fine is a lie. </div>
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Stop the fine lie in its tracks and do something for yourself that will change the answer from fine to great, or better yet amazing. By taking the time to ensure your own "fineness" you are doing everyone around you a favor too. </div>
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I Can Do It All </h2>
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This one is the lie of all lies. No one on Earth can do it all. Not one of us. If you look around and see someone who appears to be getting it all done I can guarantee you that there is some area of their life that is failing. </div>
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At a certain point you have to know when enough is enough and stop. This will make you a happier teacher, a better person, and all around more awesome! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-51349818689321542722017-06-22T06:00:00.000-05:002017-09-03T19:15:26.497-05:00Happy Teacher Series: How Happy Teachers Spend Their Time Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPENpwdkzG4Dfdda1dxYrukC-4e-1sGXSsGGGtPmsfKr5ceQOkT-KPygdXrq3f3Jxe0DdC5Kzd4iRPUyUhb3SB91Yiv4Dsoq0gEvKoPB56uT4ndDWDsxytYWy9iapaSUvYJL8FSm8NE0d2/s1600/how+happy+teachers+spend+their+time+off.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How happy teachers spend their time off might surprise you! Are you making the most of your vacations?" border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPENpwdkzG4Dfdda1dxYrukC-4e-1sGXSsGGGtPmsfKr5ceQOkT-KPygdXrq3f3Jxe0DdC5Kzd4iRPUyUhb3SB91Yiv4Dsoq0gEvKoPB56uT4ndDWDsxytYWy9iapaSUvYJL8FSm8NE0d2/s400/how+happy+teachers+spend+their+time+off.png" title="How happy teachers spend their time off might surprise you! Are you making the most of your vacations?" width="400" /></a></div>
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As teachers we know that we work more hours during the time we are in school than most other professions. We also work when we are not in school, particularly over the summer by attending professional development opportunities, prepping for the school year, and planning with our colleagues. While these are all great ways to stay on top of our teaching game, they are not always the best for our mental health. </div>
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When you think about time off I want you to think about all the time you are away from school. This means that evenings, weekends, breaks during the year, and summer vacation are all a part of time off. When you shift your thinking from just vacations to all of this time, it is easier to make some choices on how to spend your time.</div>
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The truth of the matter is that there are a few distinct ways that happy teachers spend their time away from school that seem to make a big difference, and they aren't a stretch either!</div>
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Happy Teachers Make Time for Family</h2>
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Do you find yourself still at school late into the evening when your own children or family are at home carrying on with their lives? While it is bound to happen from time to time don't let this become the norm. Prioritize your family, because they should come first. </div>
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I chose one day a week that I would stay late and take care of everything that needed to happen. My family knew that Thursdays I would be home later, and we tried not to plan anything for that day. The reason I chose Thursdays is that it was also the day most likely to have after school events such as family nights or PTA meetings. This way I didn't have to rearrange my schedule when those events occurred. Some Thursdays I would still be at school way after the sun when down, but most of the time I was able to get out the door just a bit later than I would normally leave. </div>
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By choosing one day and committing to taking care of business on that day I was able to spend more time at home without the worries of when things would get done at school. </div>
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Spending time with your family, and friends, is like hitting the recharge button on life. Getting together, laughing, and enjoying yourself is the best way to reground your life. While it might be hard to step away from something you could be doing for school, you will never regret it. </div>
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Happy Teachers Have a Hobby</h2>
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Do you ever find yourself with some time off and don't know what to do with yourself? While it happens to everyone, if you have a hobby to fall back on you can feel like your time is more meaningful. Hobbies also give you a chance to look forward to something when you aren't working. </div>
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My personal hobbies include reading, quilting, racing cars, and napping while Netflix plays in the background. All of these hobbies require a time commitment, but some more than others. There is nothing I love more than a day when I can feel a sense of accomplishment from doing something that I want to do. A rainy day of quilting and reading all day? Yes, please! </div>
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It is important for us to remember that before we are teachers we are people, and people need to enjoy themselves. On top of this, when you take the time to do what you like it leaves you more refreshed to re-enter the classroom when the time comes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqjnRQ581Y8kfArO4ryMcVCUYg_GYnaIvVAxap3kQVdkrzZMtmcPYnpZqz9EXaUJ5cDxV4PR1dxdltVI6fdyL8lAvYigWEjwelKldqOQ0r_IATBuCI1rAVRQvb6yZi5a0CeW-YEgjmnr3/s1600/how+you+spend+your+time+off+could+make+you+a+happier+teacher.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="How happy teachers spend their time off might surprise you! Are you making the most of your vacations?" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqjnRQ581Y8kfArO4ryMcVCUYg_GYnaIvVAxap3kQVdkrzZMtmcPYnpZqz9EXaUJ5cDxV4PR1dxdltVI6fdyL8lAvYigWEjwelKldqOQ0r_IATBuCI1rAVRQvb6yZi5a0CeW-YEgjmnr3/s320/how+you+spend+your+time+off+could+make+you+a+happier+teacher.png" title="How happy teachers spend their time off might surprise you! Are you making the most of your vacations?" width="213" /></a>Happy Teachers Know When to Unplug</h2>
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These days we are all so connected at every moment of every day. Between laptops, tablets, cell phones, and everything else we are almost always reachable, and that can be a good thing or bad. When I really want to relax I turn it all off. I put my phone in do not disturb, I turn off the TV, I have even been known to unplug the wireless router to remove all temptation. </div>
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By unplugging I am able to get back to my roots. I read a book, go outside, play with my dog, and just be me. Screen time can be a dangerous thing when we are already overwhelming by life, so while it has its place, it feels amazing to turn it off. </div>
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Lately I have been trying to turn off all screens for two hours before bedtime and I have never slept better! </div>
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Happy Teachers Know When to Rest</h2>
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When you are a teacher there is always something that can be done, but the happiest teachers know when to stop and rest. This might mean saying that enough has been done that day so you go home and take a nap. It could also mean making sure that you go to bed before that last load of laundry is folded or choosing to sleep in on a Sunday when you could be up and cutting out laminate. </div>
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I know it is popular to utter the words, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," but why? Why would you do that to yourself? When your body is properly rested you are able to be a better you. Your thoughts are clearer, you can make better choices, and you are better to be around. Our bodies need rest. Now this doesn't mean that there won't be times when you are totally exhausted, because there will, but you can choose to limit them. </div>
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Happy Teachers Know How to Work Hard and Play Harder</h2>
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Teaching is hard work, and we work year round to make sure that our students are getting our absolute best. This means too that when we have the time off we should do something fun. I don't mean sit and read all day fun, even though that is dreamy, but really cut loose and party it out a bit. </div>
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This is going to look different for each person, because while I think a backyard potluck with friends who all bring their dogs is an idea for a great night others are going to think more about a night out on the town or skydiving. The key is to make it something you want to do, and have maybe been putting off. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Happy Teachers Know When to Think About Work</h2>
<div>
Up until now I have been talking about turning your school brain off and focusing on your life outside of school, but the truth is the happiest teachers don't ignore school during time off. When you think about the tasks that need to be done and how you can get them done in the most efficient way, sometimes this means doing them in your time off. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For example, the summer is the longest period of time in which we have few commitments to school. This is the time in which I would print, color, laminate, cut, and put together math stations or things of this sort. Doing this during the school year would totally stress me out, but doing it during the summer while binge watching my favorite Netflix shows is just something to keep my hands busy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Along the same lines, I am a sucker for a great professional development session. Even more, I am a sucker for a girls trip. Why not get a couple of teacher friends together, choose a fun destination with a great PD opportunity, go in on a hotel room together, and make a trip out of it? I am not talking flying across the country, although you could, but driving a couple of hours to get a little space and check out another city with your friends. This can also be a great relationship building experience with coworkers! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Do What Makes You Happy!</h2>
<div>
In the end, I could tell you what makes me and many other teachers happy, but you have to decide for yourself what works. The important thing to remember is that how you spend you time off should be fulfilling, restful, and leave you feeling ready to conquer your classroom!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For more ideas on how to be a happier teacher check out<br />
<a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2016/10/11-things-happy-teachers-dont-do.html" target="_blank">11 Things Happy Teachers Don't Do</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-78483289689037241082017-06-19T15:23:00.002-05:002017-06-19T15:33:00.513-05:0020 Books For Your U.S. History Block<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJespp1fIFg5ML4Pu6uSFpuhnbSA-PHFUCLRHY3EIG25VKIcKey-1dxBeGvBd2j4m7-6uCYNak1x4Pv-Nr2D_l9CxjUMtn7nPDHdUJLzBslRCGsxatgYYqwqEFfnMpj4_zZaxomHVPhOs8/s1600/20+books+for+your+us+history+block.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="20 books that are sure to make your U.S. History block come alive!" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJespp1fIFg5ML4Pu6uSFpuhnbSA-PHFUCLRHY3EIG25VKIcKey-1dxBeGvBd2j4m7-6uCYNak1x4Pv-Nr2D_l9CxjUMtn7nPDHdUJLzBslRCGsxatgYYqwqEFfnMpj4_zZaxomHVPhOs8/s400/20+books+for+your+us+history+block.png" title="20 books that are sure to make your U.S. History block come alive!" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Are you looking for ways to incorporate more literature into your United States History block? With more and more needing to be fit into our classrooms each day the only way to get it done it through content integration. In addition to saving time, reading books about United States History builds engagement with out students and gets them excited to read and learn more about our country. The following are all books that I have shared with students that we have all loved. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>The links included in this post are Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click and decide to buy Amazon gives me a little back without increasing the cost to you. This helps me to maintain this blog. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Some of the books included on this list are nonfiction and others are historic fiction. I have found that using a good mix of genres that pertain to history encourage students to learn more. Click on the <u>title</u> of each book to be taken to the Amazon listing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316312096&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316312096&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a>The <u><a href="http://amzn.to/2tlefmO" target="_blank">Guts & Glory</a></u> series. This series covers a variety of American history events with high interest topics such as the American Revolution and the Civil War. My students were totally entranced by this series and continued to check out more and more of them over various history topics throughout the year.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Our-50-States-Adventure-America/dp/0689867174/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1497900968&sr=8-8&keywords=u.s.+history+kids&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=1a04338c3463239bdb3ec28c4b0e753d" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0689867174&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/America-Patriotic-Primer-Lynne-Cheney/dp/0689851928/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0689851928&pd_rd_r=98HHPQKN6C5551G9R1JV&pd_rd_w=gi1nV&pd_rd_wg=lV53Z&psc=1&refRID=98HHPQKN6C5551G9R1JV&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=79ae59dabea2802778fdba653a2a6095" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0689851928&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2rx1XGF" target="_blank">Our 50 States</a></u> is a beautifully illustrated story of travel through the 50 states and features unique qualities of each of them. This book is a great way to get students a lot of information about sights in different areas of the country in a concise way.<br />
<br />
By the same author is <u><a href="http://amzn.to/2sQfOvE" target="_blank">America</a></u> an alphabet book which is a fun way to start the year of American History.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0689867174" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0689851928" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />When it is time to discuss the formation of our country and founding fathers some of my favorite choices are:<br />
<u><br /></u>
<ul>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2sPXgfa" target="_blank">We the Kids</a></u> a book all about the preamble to the Constitution of the United States</li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2rx4h0i" target="_blank">John, Paul, George, & Ben</a></u> which is a great introduction to our Founding Fathers</li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2sPCMTI" target="_blank">What is the Declaration of Independence?</a></u> is fantastic for introducing the Declaration of Independence to your students along with why the colonists wanted independence</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-Declaration-Independence-Was/dp/044848692X/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=044848692X&pd_rd_r=Z9FS115N9B6JVHST60G2&pd_rd_w=KutVu&pd_rd_wg=ocGHM&psc=1&refRID=Z9FS115N9B6JVHST60G2&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=cca2426be77e88b5a7d743e23b5a6472" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=044848692X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/John-Paul-George-Lane-Smith/dp/0786848936/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497901678&sr=1-1&keywords=paul+george+and+ben&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=eeba38527613a4d2e1893b370b9c40ee" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0786848936&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/We-Kids-Preamble-Constitution-United/dp/0142402761/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0142402761&pd_rd_r=CQP4DFPRR5Z6M6SQ03DJ&pd_rd_w=lc4ug&pd_rd_wg=T37vf&psc=1&refRID=CQP4DFPRR5Z6M6SQ03DJ&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=d273a2ae0080c0e817e07d1141f5639d" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0142402761&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ironclad-Nathan-Hales-Hazardous-Tales/dp/1419703951/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1419703951&pd_rd_r=44W58HS4738GS9PQYK38&pd_rd_w=Zqf7b&pd_rd_wg=jdEEc&psc=1&refRID=44W58HS4738GS9PQYK38&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=ef4cbecb900b346c5af66e4df55d4b50" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1419703951&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" style="cursor: move;" /></a>Another GREAT high interest series that students are sure to love are the <u><a href="http://amzn.to/2tkX7O7" target="_blank">Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales</a></u> series. These graphic novels will get even your most reluctant learners excited about reading and learning their history. The first one that I read was <u><a href="http://amzn.to/2sPXtyX" target="_blank">Big Bad Ironclad</a></u>, but soon my students were begging for more to be added to our classroom library. </div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1419703951" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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Yet another wonderful series for getting students excited about history and placing them in the shoes of historical figures is the <a href="http://amzn.to/2tlEw4L" target="_blank"><u>You Wouldn't Want to Be a... </u>series</a>. <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0786848936" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Wouldnt-Want-American-Colonist/dp/0531245020/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0531245020&pd_rd_r=Z9FS115N9B6JVHST60G2&pd_rd_w=KutVu&pd_rd_wg=ocGHM&psc=1&refRID=Z9FS115N9B6JVHST60G2&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=c4af9bc58cce3bb6dab40fb4651ac52a" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0531245020&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a>This series covers topics such as life on the Mayflower, as an American colonist, during the American Civil War, and a part of the Boston Tea Party among other topics.<br />
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This series was always highly sought after in my our classroom and spent very little time on the shelves.<br />
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I have found that one of the surefire ways to get students interested in history is to talk or read about some of the shall we say grosser parts of history.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dreadful-Smelly-Colonies-Disgusting-Colonial/dp/1429663510/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1429663510&pd_rd_r=X7Z7RZB3B5WN1HGHAST7&pd_rd_w=vRz8f&pd_rd_wg=D4uVv&psc=1&refRID=X7Z7RZB3B5WN1HGHAST7&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=682243a6ba223dba909aca53e65533bb" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1429663510&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a>This book, <u><a href="http://amzn.to/2sPRE4s" target="_blank">The Dreadful, Smelly Colonies</a></u> is a great way to capture all the "ewwwws" and "ah grosses" that you kids have to offer. Make no mistake though, later they will all be rushing to check this one out to read more about how terrible life in the colonies way.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-You-Lived-Colonial-Times/dp/059045160X/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=059045160X&pd_rd_r=4Q004FBEVKNXEKRZW2EC&pd_rd_w=39QBP&pd_rd_wg=SYx2G&psc=1&refRID=4Q004FBEVKNXEKRZW2EC&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=84b9521b6155d4d9e560bab6a539416b" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=059045160X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1429663510" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=059045160X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Are you done hearing about series yet? I sure hope not, because the <br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2sQ6mbU" target="_blank"><u>If You...</u> series</a> is another great, historically accurate series with topics that will take you all the way from Colonial America to Westward Expansion.<br />
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This series has great illustrations that capture the imagination of students and lead to amazing discussions that will have students digging deeper into history.<br />
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One period of history for which there is a ton of amazing literature is the time period surrounding the Civil War and the history of slavery in the United States. Some of my absolute favorite books to share with students take place during this period, and I never seem to be able to fit them all in. My favorites include:<br />
<ul>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2sQgqkW" target="_blank">Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2sM88ee" target="_blank">Follow the Drinking Gourd</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2tGaSGn" target="_blank">Henry's Freedom Box</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2rwFObt" target="_blank">Moses</a></u></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Clara-Freedom-Reading-Rainbow/dp/0679874720/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0679874720&pd_rd_r=3MEWNDMDGHBE2A4M2NQB&pd_rd_w=PaLw5&pd_rd_wg=gEbTY&psc=1&refRID=3MEWNDMDGHBE2A4M2NQB&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=14135c4bfb3f7b9111343d1b2f580ffa" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0679874720&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0679874720" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Henrys-Freedom-Box-Underground-Railroad/dp/043977733X/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=043977733X&pd_rd_r=NC671AQ7EQEZMNPP9AHN&pd_rd_w=vhL7L&pd_rd_wg=3k482&psc=1&refRID=NC671AQ7EQEZMNPP9AHN&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=1ad1c470f7425a2a9309bd82e8b88551" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=043977733X&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=043977733X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moses-Harriet-Tubman-Freedom-Caldecott/dp/0786851759/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0786851759&pd_rd_r=NC9QV3C6XE1EWE50RDD5&pd_rd_w=YBoj9&pd_rd_wg=elXUx&psc=1&refRID=NC9QV3C6XE1EWE50RDD5&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=daa2fd1383ed2f997a9b65ebcb175082" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0786851759&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0786851759" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Follow-Drinking-Gourd-Dragonfly-Books/dp/0679819975/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0679819975&pd_rd_r=E23KSMQRP3FD05ERPBGS&pd_rd_w=4Eqkd&pd_rd_wg=XiFvz&psc=1&refRID=E23KSMQRP3FD05ERPBGS&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=b65d9032cca1f187e40d4a684fad3b43" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0679819975&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0679819975" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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There are also an amazing collection of books for the Civil Rights era. These books are amazing for showing the triumph of the human spirit as well as the diversity that makes our country so great. By sharing stories of the difficulties that people have suffered through in order to make their lives, and the lives of those around them better we can encourage our students to always strive for better.<br />
<ul>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2sQ6CHU" target="_blank">Ruby Bridges</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2rOm8iR" target="_blank">If a Bus Could Talk</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2sPPNNj" target="_blank">Martin's Big Words</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2rwGb69" target="_blank">Fly High!</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2tlhxqn" target="_blank">The Hallelujah Flight</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2rO8En6" target="_blank">The Other Side</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2rwGnCp" target="_blank">Goin' Someplace Special</a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2tld46W" target="_blank">Harvesting Hope</a></u></li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Story-Ruby-Bridges-Special-Anniversary/dp/0439472261/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497903191&sr=1-1&keywords=ruby+bridges&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=54b4d55484ff4a14511ae0bef4f548d4" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0439472261&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0439472261" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/If-Bus-Could-Talk-Story/dp/0689856768/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0689856768&pd_rd_r=SD19E506DQE0HGXYZ3MK&pd_rd_w=bePxD&pd_rd_wg=ybg9B&psc=1&refRID=SD19E506DQE0HGXYZ3MK&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=0aac9f4a22d3625df8bcd30d18c04035" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0689856768&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0689856768" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Martins-Big-Words-Martin-Luther/dp/1423106350/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1423106350&pd_rd_r=SEEJNGFFE8FE98N55QFF&pd_rd_w=Ko8T7&pd_rd_wg=M7ruS&psc=1&refRID=SEEJNGFFE8FE98N55QFF&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=eba95d72c438ba64ceb57871d60a5fcc" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1423106350&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1423106350" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fly-High-Story-Bessie-Coleman/dp/0689864620/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0689864620&pd_rd_r=SEEJNGFFE8FE98N55QFF&pd_rd_w=Ko8T7&pd_rd_wg=M7ruS&psc=1&refRID=SEEJNGFFE8FE98N55QFF&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=77d9d3fa7ce765982dc6dac8bc8af2f1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0689864620&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0689864620" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hallelujah-Flight-Phil-Bildner/dp/0399247890/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497903295&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=the+hallalujah+flight&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=4ca16a3d95aabdb8673da6aea723f619" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0399247890&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0399247890" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Other-Side-Jacqueline-Woodson/dp/0399231161/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497903312&sr=1-1&keywords=the+other+side&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=9472dbc28eda00f84391834cc2ba0342" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0399231161&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0399231161" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Goin-Someplace-Special-Patricia-McKissack/dp/1416927352/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497903335&sr=1-1&keywords=going+someplace+special&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=20d6e2b2fd221414a94651a0f02c33b8" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1416927352&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1416927352" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harvesting-Hope-Story-Cesar-Chavez/dp/0152014373/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1497903359&sr=1-1&keywords=cesar+chavez+books+for+kids&linkCode=li2&tag=teainthefas09-20&linkId=21f0393bb0f662ffddfa6bbe310defa6" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0152014373&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=teainthefas09-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=teainthefas09-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0152014373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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If you are keeping count, I missed the mark by a couple, but I just couldn't help myself! I can only hope that your students will be as excited by these books as well! </div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1atJsP6UQXD1ocbA-9k_ykxUlboLAOs4rzmt08yaxHE_8BSFRLTuLCwjdDtd45qLu8DQGqnA4qzphypdAXwwVmGYcqmkRQnfpB4w1t2GMiH30cnQC_gNJTtovAGKVC3bw9zLBwYYwUbDV/s1600/20+books+for+us+history.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="20 books that are sure to make your U.S. History block come alive!" border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1atJsP6UQXD1ocbA-9k_ykxUlboLAOs4rzmt08yaxHE_8BSFRLTuLCwjdDtd45qLu8DQGqnA4qzphypdAXwwVmGYcqmkRQnfpB4w1t2GMiH30cnQC_gNJTtovAGKVC3bw9zLBwYYwUbDV/s320/20+books+for+us+history.png" title="20 books that are sure to make your U.S. History block come alive!" width="213" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-37798967352289041752017-06-15T06:00:00.000-05:002017-09-03T19:15:56.892-05:00Happy Teacher Series: Dealing with Stress <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsz0V1OcdAuijiqUa_wjnjDS0gQMWwnmeDIURG9vH_PROE1Q_fahuoDYJ540a8TK8qPIbyF5Gr71K_qrfObBbQLw6Zwm_iBFkVLFxf1wK9ifKoBY2rrkAC_HGbOJhg53SwJJTgynfk379/s1600/dealing+with+teacher+stress.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Teaching is stressful, but it doesn't have to be as bad as we make it. Try these 4 proven tips to be on your way to happier teaching!" border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsz0V1OcdAuijiqUa_wjnjDS0gQMWwnmeDIURG9vH_PROE1Q_fahuoDYJ540a8TK8qPIbyF5Gr71K_qrfObBbQLw6Zwm_iBFkVLFxf1wK9ifKoBY2rrkAC_HGbOJhg53SwJJTgynfk379/s400/dealing+with+teacher+stress.png" title="Teaching is stressful, but it doesn't have to be as bad as we make it. Try these 4 proven tips to be on your way to happier teaching!" width="400" /></a></div>
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Teaching is stressful. There is no arguing that point, and if you would like to I have a classroom with 25 nine year olds that were just given cupcakes to introduce you to. There are so many parts of the job that can make us want to hide, and spoiler alert the kids with cupcakes are rarely one of them. Instead teachers are given what seems like an unending list of tasks to do, paperwork to complete, and then there is the actual teaching. </div>
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While we can't really help that teaching is stressful, there is a definite difference in the way that a happy teacher handles stress versus a teacher that is feeling burnt out. The truth of the matter is that happy teachers choose to put themselves and their health first, and when you consider every situation through that lens the stress becomes a little easier to deal with. </div>
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No two people, or teachers, relieve stress in the exact same way, but there are a few tried and true methods that pretty much everyone can agree on. </div>
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Happy Teachers Exercise</h2>
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If you can make the time to exercise you are really getting a double whammy. Exercise is taking time for yourself, keeping yourself healthy, plus it just feels good to sweat it out sometimes. Trust me, even when I am feeling at my absolute worst, if I make myself work out I always feel a bit better afterwards. </div>
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Find a routine that you can stick to. For me, it is group work out classes because they are fun, and once you meet a few people if you aren't there at your regular times they ask about you. The accountability is key and will keep you coming back. I joined a regular old gym that I liked the classes at, and it has done wonders for my waist line and mental health. </div>
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After exercising is when I feel at my best. I am ready to take on whatever comes my way. I also tend to let thoughts that are bothering me simmer just a bit during a workout, and often I think of something to try. Some people make breakthroughs while showing, for me it is while I am sweating. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKQjs56BIK2eEcv_wuK1djVRxbDwCuZM_NjoAau-DyLzhSmgVmVH7UE5E8fZmxHDaN6tHfao-GwhLrLe5chLQ47IMqwiXhshncGfYyqd3gmOArEr9_-Q-Cd0juMgHJbd58B0DEdngV9xR/s1600/Dealing+with+stress.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Teaching is stressful, but it doesn't have to be as bad as we make it. Try these 4 proven tips to be on your way to happier teaching!" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKQjs56BIK2eEcv_wuK1djVRxbDwCuZM_NjoAau-DyLzhSmgVmVH7UE5E8fZmxHDaN6tHfao-GwhLrLe5chLQ47IMqwiXhshncGfYyqd3gmOArEr9_-Q-Cd0juMgHJbd58B0DEdngV9xR/s400/Dealing+with+stress.png" title="Teaching is stressful, but it doesn't have to be as bad as we make it. Try these 4 proven tips to be on your way to happier teaching!" width="160" /></a>Happy Teachers Take a Break</h2>
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If you are able to stop what you are doing when you are most stressed and take a break it can be a life-saver. Not all situations allow for this, so use breaks with caution, but giving yourself some time to think and formulate a plan rather than going full steam ahead when completely overwhelmed is worth the wait. </div>
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Often by gaining a little bit of distance between yourself and a stressful situation you can find some composure and are ready to tackle the problem later. </div>
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For me, parent emails where the tone was a bit tough were some of the biggest stressors I have ever faced. I always felt that I needed to respond right in the moment when my feelings were strong and I might have lost a bit of my professional filter. Instead I learned to walk away, think about how I wanted to response, and come back to it later. This doesn't mean that I would let the email sit in my inbox until it started growing wildflowers, but I would wait an hour or two and gain some perspective. </div>
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Side note: I also learned that when I received what I felt was an email with a harsh tone it was about a million times better to pick up the phone and have a conversation rather than respond by email, and this is coming from a person that dies a little inside every time they have to make a phone call. </div>
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<h2>
Happy Teachers Use the Buddy System</h2>
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One of the absolute best things about being a teacher is the colleagues. We are one great bunch, and even more than being amazing people we are fantastic listeners and problem solvers. If you are feeling overwhelmed then find a buddy and talk it out. </div>
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At the least you will find a sympathetic companion, and sometimes all we need to know is that others are feeling the pressure too. I am willing to bet though, that more often than no your buddy will have just the idea that you need to get through. A fresh set of eyes on a situation always offers a new perspective. </div>
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Using the buddy system will also let you know when you are being irrational about something that is stressing you out. Sometimes we get caught up in the minutiae of teaching, and need to be told that worrying about a tiny detail is not time well spent, because we can't always do it for ourselves. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ606QmfSeaPPxhyJMCcWiLy9y18WflMrT9-oxz-qnM4xZh50y5FO4LISnilk6RzGkRJ-mNODBPf7PZiQNFgajd9P77hDKGY0jcV6QB-Yp9DGbwseZG5-vOS88RCwxBMpjfSlqObOWYiBm/s1600/how+happy+teachers+deal+with+stress.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Teaching is stressful, but it doesn't have to be as bad as we make it. Try these 4 proven tips to be on your way to happier teaching!" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ606QmfSeaPPxhyJMCcWiLy9y18WflMrT9-oxz-qnM4xZh50y5FO4LISnilk6RzGkRJ-mNODBPf7PZiQNFgajd9P77hDKGY0jcV6QB-Yp9DGbwseZG5-vOS88RCwxBMpjfSlqObOWYiBm/s320/how+happy+teachers+deal+with+stress.png" title="Teaching is stressful, but it doesn't have to be as bad as we make it. Try these 4 proven tips to be on your way to happier teaching!" width="212" /></a>Happy Teachers Remember <br />That They Are Only Human</h2>
Sometimes it is hard for us as teachers to remember that we are mere mortals. I mean our students worship us, so our heads can get a little fuzzy on the idea. It is okay to take a step back and say that is enough for today or it is okay to not be perfect. We don't have to be all the things all the time for all the people try as we might.<br />
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For me, <a href="https://www.blogger.com/post-preview-auth.g?postID=2471446191297837723&blogID=3434387323023202399" target="_blank">learning to accept imperfections</a> within the classroom was one of the hardest lessons for me to learn. I had the worst time not redoing items that had a smudge or practicing my handwriting when both of these things were trivial, had no effect on my students, and really just stressed me out more. Talk about lose-lose.<br />
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It wasn't until I was able to tell myself that I could only do so much and <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/04/happy-teacher-series-stop-pretending-to.html" target="_blank">stopped pretending to have it all together</a> that I was able to flourish as a teacher. I spent more time on what mattered and less time, if any, on the things that didn't. This also allowed me to rediscover some hobbies I had before teaching.<br />
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For more ideas on how to be happier as a teacher check out <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2016/10/11-things-happy-teachers-dont-do.html" target="_blank">11 Things Happy Teachers Don't Do</a>.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12714774165012676856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3434387323023202399.post-2822536795644053162017-06-12T12:52:00.001-05:002017-06-12T12:52:40.121-05:00Cooperative Learning Strategy: Inside Outside Circle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8UmR3naU9jj1hG4EwJZDRpPnoXIn3IuwSXcKPVJ1WAEYTf784SNO3tkU2cHDeRQTD5LlDFjmsU7NwoEdDkstkttR5ImeR2mRslh56Dam-UicroT262hAQPT6cUf_fOIXB7Y0Yb8IkcuW/s1600/inside+outside+circle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Inside outside circle is a great cooperative learning strategy for sharing student writing, opinions, or answering short questions. Students love it! " border="0" data-original-height="1101" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8UmR3naU9jj1hG4EwJZDRpPnoXIn3IuwSXcKPVJ1WAEYTf784SNO3tkU2cHDeRQTD5LlDFjmsU7NwoEdDkstkttR5ImeR2mRslh56Dam-UicroT262hAQPT6cUf_fOIXB7Y0Yb8IkcuW/s640/inside+outside+circle.png" title="Inside outside circle is a great cooperative learning strategy for sharing student writing, opinions, or answering short questions. Students love it! " width="425" /></a></div>
<h2>
About Inside Outside Circle</h2>
The cooperative learning strategy inside outside circle is a sharing or discussion based learning strategy that allows students to work with multiple partners. Inside outside circle works best when used with the whole class, or a large group.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Materials</h2>
<div>
Inside outside circle is a unique cooperative learning strategy in that no materials are really needed. Instead students can share their work or respond to a prompt that is given. </div>
<br />
<h2>
How to Use the Cooperative Learning Strategy Inside Outside Circle</h2>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Students are divided into two equal groups.</li>
<li>The first group forms a circle facing outward. </li>
<li>The second group forms a circle facing inward, the outer circle, and across from a member of the inner circle to make partners. </li>
<li>The teacher prompts students to answer a question or share something they have done. </li>
<ol>
<li>The inner circle partner goes first, followed by the outer circle partner. </li>
<li>Partners that one another for sharing their responses.</li>
</ol>
<li>The teacher gives directions on how to rotate.</li>
<ol>
<li>I like to mix up rotations. For example, one time I may tell the inner circle to move three partners to their left or the outer circle to move one partner to their right. <br />Pro tip: only have one of the circles rotate after each turn, but vary which circle it is. <br />Pro tip two: when asking students to rotate a certain number of partners, have the whole class count aloud as they rotate. </li>
</ol>
<li>Repeat the process for as long as time allows or until out of prompts. </li>
</ol>
<h2>
When to Use Inside Outside Circle</h2>
</div>
<div>
Inside outside circle is a great strategy for sharing. This might mean sharing student writing as discussed in <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2016/01/cooperative-learning-structures-that.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, sharing opinions on a matter, or sharing about what a student did over a school break.<br />
<br />
Inside outside circle can be combined with other strategies such as quiz quiz trade with task cards to include more content in the strategy.<br />
<br />
Inside outside circle is NOT a strategy to use when students need to show their work or write down answers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
What is the Teacher's Role in Inside Outside Circle?</h2>
<div>
During the use of the inside outside circle strategy the teacher is the facilitator. You work to manage the rotations as well as keep and eye and ear on when students are finished sharing to begin the next rotation.<br />
<br />
Occasionally, if there are an odd number of students I have participated in the structure myself to make the circles even.<br />
<br />
Are you looking for more information on cooperative learning strategies? Check out <a href="http://4thgraderacers.blogspot.com/2017/03/ultimate-cooperative-learning-strategies-guide.html" target="_blank">The Ultimate Cooperative Learning Strategies Guide</a>. </div>
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