How do you welcome new students to your classroom when they arrive 2-6 months after the school year has started?

Some school districts have adopted Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures or other approaches. What tips do you have for increasing engagement in the classroom?

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.

How do you incorporate movement into math and literacy?

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?