When I first started teaching, I had all types of catchy phrases to get students attention (elementary school students loved it!). A few years ago, I read something that changed my direction when it came to this. Instead of trying to get their attention by them responding in some way (verbally or with an action like clapping), I say, "if you can hear my voice, take a deep breath and let it out slowly and silently." Most of the time, after once (maybe twice) of saying this, students are quiet and have slowed down their nervous systems with a deep breath. Even when we're working independently, I will do it. Just to give students a chance to breathe deeply and give their minds a break. Have you tried this? What else do you use to get students attention that has worked well or what have you used to give your students a mindfulness break?
Does your district operate under a modified calendar? What is your start and end date? What would your ideal school year calendar look like?
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What professional development opportunities have you found to be the most valuable in your teaching career?
FREE SEL Resources for quick check-in/s and support: https://www.ginapepin.com/_files/ugd/5fe563_dde7da71d3674f06a3764b08ee207c3e.pdf
How do you hold your students accountable during math centers? I give my students notebooks and they have to show how they solved math word problems or math fact families.
I was looking for things for some new teachers for math talk and I came across this list. Are there any you would add or change?
Algebra Readiness: How can you help students understand the concept of variables when they are just beginning to learn algebra?
In my experience, this can be done early on with students learning basic addition and subtraction facts. One of the things that I often do with my math intervention students is discuss the importance of an equal sign. I will do this by incorporating a scale and have them put manipulatives (bears, base ten blocks, counters, etc) in both sides to show that equal amounts are on both sides and that the scale balances. Then we talk about missing addend problems (3 + ____ = 7) and we build it, with 7 on one side, 3 on the other and they add the manipulatives until it balances. Once we do this, I will put an object (or a letter) in for the blank (3 + a = 7) and we discuss that a=4. This is a great way to set up students for success later on!
What ideas do you use to help students?
How do you help students who have not been in a school setting before, learn when interacting with certain areas of your classroom?
What are some of your favorite dramatic play experiences that you set up for your students?
Something that I’ve found with some of my students throughout the years is that they don’t know how to regulate their emotions. Instead of yelling at them, I prefer a conversation about what happened but only after I give them some time to cool down. I love this suggestion though because I think it’s the perfect conversation starter. What other ideas have you used with students?
Consider a teacher who wants to introduce a text that includes content that might be sensitive or upsetting for some students. How should the teacher prepare to address potential issues that students might have due to their prior experiences, while also fostering a sense of safety and respect in the classroom? What steps would you recommend for the teacher to take in order to ensure that both students and parents are adequately prepared for the content of the text?
Children's engagement in reading is shaped by various motivational factors that cater to their interests and needs. Curiosity drives children to explore texts that answer their questions or introduce new topics, while involvement in reading activities helps them feel connected to the content, making reading more enjoyable. Recognition boosts their confidence, reinforcing the desire to read more. For some, grades serve as a motivator, linking reading to academic success. Social interactions, like group discussions or shared reading experiences, make reading a collaborative activity, and competition, such as reading challenges, adds a fun element that can motivate children to push themselves further. Together, these factors enhance engagement by appealing to different preferences and encouraging sustained interest in reading.
How do you create engaging experiences tailored to your students' collective and individual interests and needs?
Does anyone have good texts or assessment to help me teach 9th grade reading literature: Compare and contrast the representation of a subject or key scene in two artistic mediums, including what is emphasized absent in each treatment.
During a summer workshop, the presenter posted this set of questions that I will be implementing this year.
What work do you do over the summer to make the beginning of the next school year easier?
How would you plan a lesson for having students evaluate the significance of key individuals leading to the Civil War? (eg Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, Fredrick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Abraham Lincoln)
Would you like to start the upcoming school with less stress and feel more organized?
Right now, at the end of this school year, there are things that you can do upfront to make the upcoming school year start out smoothly:
1. Reflect on your Procedures and Routines - What worked? What didn't?
2. Get your room organized by getting rid of things that you will not use.
3. Plan for the First Day (or Week)
* getting to know you games
*first day read alouds
*procedures to teach
*a fun math about me craft
*tips for managing supplies
*community building ideas
4. Map Out Your Year.
Mapping out your lesson plans a year at a time is an effective way to stay organized and focused as an educator. While it may seem like a lot of work upfront, taking the time to plan out your lessons in advance can help you stay on track and ensure that you’re meeting your students’ needs.
5. Get Ready For Open House / Meet The Teacher:
*Introduce yourself with a slideshow
*Provide important dates
*Share your goals and expectations
*Provide a schedule of a "typical day"
What things can you add to this list?
Another favorite family literacy activity that we encourage is a New Year New You - Vision Board! Together as a family - members can create a vision board using magazines, books, or printed words. Each of these represent hopes and goals for the year ahead.
What family literacy activities do you share with your families?
