Aa professionals we need to be at the table where decisions are made about our profession.

Since I'm in the land of fractions right now, I thought I'd share my favorite teaching math meme! It honestly never fails! You feel like you've seen all the light bulbs go on and then this happens!

The United Way in our area just shifted their focus and formed a School Readiness team… and we attend Summits every couple of months. Do you have anything like this in your area? What are they focusing on?

One thing that I hear teachers say is that they do not teach to the test. I feel that if the test is assessing the standards, and you are teaching the standards then you should teach to the test. I use the released test to show the students how questions are worded and how to look for patterns in the format. I liken the test as playing a game. The more a person knows the rules of a game, the better they will do. Likewise, the more a student understand the testing structure, the better they will do.

Not a question per se, but I wanted to share a book I’m reading this year that I think is a struggle for all teachers in the area of mathematics instruction.
“Underestimated and over- scaffolded” is what stood out to me and mostly because I know that I am guilty of both as a teacher.
Has anyone read this book?

With this being an election year, what are some of the activities that you do at your school to promote voting? With that, how do you maintain balance in the classroom with the current climate?

What are some ways you spiral review throughout the year for students in math so that concepts stay fresh, and also students remained engaged?

I want to have some options for teachers as I coach them. I’ve done daily 3-5 questions review at the start of a lesson and I’ve added a review station to my station rotation. Just looking for other ideas!

Just a little word of encouragement means the world to anyone.

What are the first science topics or units you teach in the new school year?

How can you make your classroom a positive and inviting environment?

How do you start off science in your classroom? Do you have an introductory lesson you can share?
I like to use the children's book titled, "What is Science?" as it shows children that science can be lots of things and that they are already scientists!

Tis the season...for progress monitoring! We use MAP testing in our district for elementary students and one of my favorite ways to encourage them to meet their goals is to first meet with them before the test and discuss what they feel their strengths are and what is something that they'd like more help in. For MAP, they receive their score at the end so I love to write a sticky note (or put it at the top of their scratch paper) what their goal score is so they know immediately if they met it or not. I will also put an encouraging note beside it to remind them how awesome they are.

What are some ways you encourage your students to meet their goals when taking tests?

A reminder for.our students and some adults...

Questioning science is DOING science!

How can I help my students track (better) while reading?

When I am teaching my students trick words, I make sure that I teach them ways to remember the words. For example when I teach my students how to spell the word together, I teach them that the word has the words to, get, and her in it. After a month or so my students are able to teach each other tricks to spell words and begin to identify words or parts that they see in certain words. They are so proud of themselves and are very confident.

How can I incorporate play-based learning into my classroom, even if it’s not the primary instructional method?

What are some ways you incorporate play into your day?

What are some steps you take to engage with parents at the beginning of the year?

We have our second progress monitoring next week. There are some strategies that I use to help the students prepare for the test. For example:

1. Arrange the seating beforehand so the students are not asking, "Why are the desks moved"
2. Give out 2 pencils everyday and collect them.
3. Have timed assignments. This helps pacing and focus.
4. Since we take the test on line, I email the students the link to the practice test so they can get used to navigating the program.
5. Lengthen a reading block so the students can build academic endurance of sustained reading.
6. Conference with the students to show them their first score and show a reasonable goal for the next test.
7. Use the dividers for the students during the weeks prior to the test.
8. Give test taking strategies for the students on how to "flag" and questions and go back to answer.
9. Email the parents with suggestions of foods, study habits and other tidbits to help them prepare their student.
10. Since my favorite animal is an elephant, I give the students a little elephant figuring to keep at their desk because they are part of my herd and they are special.