When it comes to creating a learning output in the ELA classroom, we can utilize either project based or problem based learning. While these two inquiry products can coincide with other subjects, finding a way to make them solely ELA can be just as rewarding in the classroom. Nine years ago, the word rigorous was …
My Blogging Story
I’ve always been a blogger. I found it to be a great creative outlet, and I have even encouraged my students to find a way to either blog or journal because of it. For me, blogging started out as a way to take my journaling to a digital platform. It gave me the ability to …
Reading Trends
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, reading has been on a decline since 2019. This isn’t too hard to understand considering the fact that 2019 and 2020 were pivotal years in education with the onset of Covid. Education was highly disrupted, and even though things have gone back to normal in the education …
One thing I’d do again: Classroom Jobs
Six years ago, I decided to implement classroom jobs as part of my classroom management. You would think that middle school students would be against it, but the truth is they enjoy having an important responsibility. Whether it was for a nine weeks or a month, it gave them something to do and they felt …
Are you ready for the slang?
I know, I know, I know. As soon as you get a grasp on the slang, things will change. Or will it? The word “FLEX” has been used, but considering it was used in a Will Smith (Fresh Prince) song from the 90s, was it really new? For some reason, old things become new again, …
Must Have Teacher Faves
When it comes to the beginning of the school year, there are a few things that I just have to have to make the school year start off and run smoothly.
How I like to spend the 4th of July
Of course, spending July 4th with family is a must. It has to be with family, and it has to include grilling out. We may come up with some crazy kind of game with the kids, or become kids ourselves chasing each other around with the water guns, but just know that it will involve …
Summers are getting shorter for teachers
With the trend of year round school, that means that summers are getting shorter for teachers. I don’t know about you, but our school year now starts in July for teachers (2 weeks worth for some districts). This past school year was nice having a ten day break between each 9 weeks, but our district …
Test Taking Strategies
One thing that I try to teach my students throughout the school year is test taking strategies. These are things that they can use and practice up until the state test rolls around at the end of the year. While we are to ensure that students know the material, helping them find the answer in …
Why did I become a teacher blogger?
Why did I become a teacher blogger? Considering that I love writing, and I teach ELA, I thought that I would take that to the internet. Truthfully, I went searching for information on classroom ideas, and I realized that while there were many blogs about Elementary and even High School, but Middle School seemed to …