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!
What are the first science topics or units you teach in the new school year?
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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?
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 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.
What are some things you do at the start of the school year to build relationships with students?
How do you build community in a new school setting as a new teacher? It seems like other teachers have already formed their own groups.
How do you use your PLC time? How is it structured? What roles to different members have and how does your meeting time flow?
I’m noticing that more behaviors are arising in class at this midpoint of the year. I am continuing to evaluate our practices and my interventions, but not quite understanding why this seemingly sudden shift in how my students are responding. Any tips?
