Three weeks until summer break, and it’s finally here, what we’ve been waiting for since the beginning–state mandated standardized testing. I don’t need to elaborate on the particular joys of the season as we are all aware of them, but there is one particular joy I’m trying to dampen just a bit. That’s having a
I’m still here, counting down to summer break with Simple Spring Engagement Tips. Last week, I talked about a crazy easy way to get students excited about the humble discussion. This week, I’m linking up with an amazing group of teachers to talk about something that, even though it is effective (especially in the heady
Spring is in the air (despite the need for sweaters in mid April), and the students are feeling it. They may be feeling it a bit more this year because of our lack of an actual spring. Something magically happens to their already abbreviated attention spans after spring break come rain, sleet, snow, or sunshine.
Some of you know that I have spent the past few months in a new school system. I’ve gone through the process of going 1:1 once, and now it’s happening again. Of course, I’m thrilled that I now have a Promethean Board, and my school will be adding one Chromebook per student very soon.
It’s that time of year. The time of year that is met with dread by students and teachers alike. The time of year that, in the winter, we need two weeks to recover from, and in the spring, at least eight. It’s Exam Time. Again. Exams give me a queasy feeling in the
What is talking about a problem without offering possible solutions? Complaining. Sometimes, it’s okay to complain. It can be cathartic, and it’s okay to talk through our disappointments, but if complaining is all we are in the habit of doing when faced with a problem, then nothing ever gets solved. I’ve been hearing a lot
This post originally appeared in the C.L.A.S.S. Newsletter in November of 2015 I know we’re not supposed to play favorites with the kids, but I can’t help it. I have six kids, but I most definitely have a favorite. Respectively, my kids are English I, English III, U.S. History, World History, Sociology, and Psychology.I love
If you are daunted by writing instruction, this post is for you. If you are looking for more 1:1 information, please check back next week. Writing is on my mind tonight. One of the most daunting tasks for any teacher is teaching writing. In the era of texting and Snap Chat, it can feel
Summer is a reflective time for me, and I’m guessing, it is for most teachers. I use the mini sabbatical to spend time with my family and recharge. But I also use it to plan for the next school year. That is a process that comes with a lot of reflection. So far this summer,
We’re mixing pen and paper with digital in our blended classrooms, and everything’s going great. At first (for me) it was just about throwing in some digital resources. The kids love it. It’s easy for me. But now that I’m getting a little more comfortable with it, I’m starting to experiment with different ways to
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