Search results for: lesson design
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Simple Math
Being an upper elementary teacher for a decade, I realized that no matter how hard the math concepts became for students to grasp, they seemed to still struggle with the foundational math skills of addition and subtraction, what I refer to as ‘simple math.’ Why? I can’t be quite sure, but I can make an…
Read Full PostHow to be a Coachable Teacher in 5 Easy Steps
The most impactful decision a teacher can make in their career is to welcome feedback from others about their teaching skillset. This is because your own opinions are limited by your perspective- you are one person, seeing yourself in one way. But, when you receive feedback from others who have a perspective unlike your own,…
Read Full Post168: Let Students Lead the Way
Students have the insight into how they learn best. It’s up to the educator to tap into this insight when designing lessons so that potential isn’t wasted in a child. There is always a reason behind a student behavior and when educators know their kids in and out, they can uncover these motivations and preferences…
Listen to EpisodeThe Power of Mentorship
Perfecting one’s craft is the key to having a successful career in any field. Improvement doesn’t come fast or easy though. In fact, it can be quite tricky to gain knowledge and expertise without the help of someone more knowledgeable to teach you the ropes. That’s why having a more experienced mentor in the same…
Read Full PostIncreasing Student Ownership in the Classroom PD Guide
Students learn best when they do the work, not the teacher. Learn how to better facilitate learning so that students take the ownership of mastering skills through the principles shared in this presentation. Learn how to use the backwards design method to plan lessons, incorporate student ownership strategies throughout a lesson, and create more engaging…
Read MoreTeaching Should Be More Like Chick-Fil-A
As a converted southerner (out of 8 states I have lived in, 3 have been in the south), I have a tremendous love for the delicious and highly addictive food chain, Chick-Fil-A [CFA]. If you have never heard about this company before, let me give you a quick run-down. Chick-Fil-A: The Company CFA is a…
Read Full PostWhat is the Difference Between a ‘Novel Study’ and ‘Book Club’?
It is no surprise that teaching out of a textbook can become dull and boring day after day. Many teachers want to spruce up their Literacy block in efforts to motivate any reluctant readers. (Need help structuring your Literacy block? Read my blog post here.) Two popular trends teachers are talking about to do just…
Read Full Post162: Integrate Technology the RIGHT Way
The technological myth in classrooms today is a trifecta: 1) if students aren’t learning on a technological device, then they aren’t learning at all 2) if teachers aren’t incorporating technology into a lesson, then they aren’t effective 3) if schools aren’t outfitted with the latest technology devices then they are behind, broke or operating on…
Listen to EpisodeCrack the Classroom Management Code
Classroom management is a fundamental characteristic of a well-run classroom because of its ability to exponentially make room for learning. It creates structure based on efficient, respectful systems and procedures that cut down on ‘time suckers’ like misbehaviors, misunderstandings and overall distractions. To successfully manage a classroom of students requires two essential teacher behaviors: 1)…
Read Full PostTips & Tricks for Departmentalizing Across Your Grade Level
It is no secret that educators want to make a positive change in and around their schools on a daily basis. That driving force puts student achievement and teacher efficacy front of mind as administrator’s plan and design academic structures for the upcoming school year. One method that seems to be gaining popularity in recent…
Read Full Post