Problem solving strategies must keep the focus on the “thinking” that is occurring. Math is often about a variety of skills and processes, but how we creatively use those skills is what leads us to finding solutions for difficult situations. When we “coach” our students through different problem solving puzzles, we are allowing them to … Read more
The value of teaching math problem solving is that students become involved at a deeper level. Are you teaching through how to solve math problems or just teaching for it? Problem solving activities are part of every day life. Teaching these strategies provides students with: However, there should never be a prescribed “correct solution.” We … Read more
Calendar math is a perfect way to start your day. When your daily routine incorporates a math calendar, kids retain information longer and it is a perfect time to stretch their thinking! This is a perfect way to start your day. When your daily routine incorporates a math calendar, kids retain information longer and it … Read more
Differentiated math instruction is about teaching math developmentally. Here are great ways to integrate evidence-based strategies into your math lesson plans. When you use differentiation you are integrating assessment as part of your everyday lesson planning. Teachers can provide methods of instruction and learning in a variety of ways since the teaching process, methods used and … Read more
Math Lesson Plans Elementary – a daily review is a must for your classroom. This reduces the need for math interventions and promotes mastery. When a daily review is done systematically and with integrity, it provides remediation for students who are struggling with daily math concepts in number sense. It also gives a way for … Read more
Teaching mathematics to young children is about developing strong number sense, mastering their facts, using vocabulary skills and providing concrete elementary math activities. “When students are engaged in a ‘balance’ of math activities, they can succeed where it counts – in applying their skills and reasoning ability to solve real-life problems requiring mathematical solutions,” (Ainsworth, … Read more
4 easy ESL strategies every classroom should use. These techniques work for any child that is struggling with understanding the lessons. Daily immersion in social language allows students to quickly make associations between routine words and meanings. Learning academic language, however, with its unfamiliar words and often novel contexts, is more of a challenge. English … Read more
This easy method for building vocabulary skills can be used with any book, at any grade level and in any subject. I can’t believe nobody else has ever thought of teaching vocabulary like this, but lucky for me (and you!) I tried it out in my own classroom and it works. Even the ESOL teachers … Read more
This is the vocabulary graphic organizer you need to be using in your classroom – simple and highly effective for any subject and grade level. Kids usually don’t need instruction in Tier 1 vocabulary. This is their everyday language that they use with each other in social settings. It is part of receptive vocabulary as … Read more
It’s really hard to watch kids struggle with reading and writing. This is where sentence frames can make a huge difference for ESOL and struggling learners. Teachers are looking for new strategies to use with all of their students. I know I do, but I consistently come back to a few core strategies, and this is … Read more
Teaching vocabulary isn’t just part of a literacy block. It has to happen in all subject areas. and these 5 ideas can fit into every lesson. Children who come from impoverished language backgrounds or are ESOL have to be directly instructed in word play and descriptive language. When we consider the idea of creating vocabulary … Read more
Easy lessons – great results. There’s no mystery about how to teach vocabulary when you put these strategies to work in the classroom. We know that all kids need solid instruction in developing their “toolbox of words.” This is why it is critical that we incorporate solid vocabulary lesson plans into our day. Teachers must always … Read more
These vocabulary strategies are perfect for elementary students. With a little tweaking, these indirect instructional techniques can be done every day. When children learn the meaning of words through oral language and reading experiences, it becomes locked into their long-term memory. This means we have to teach higher order thinking skills and give our students … Read more
Effective vocabulary instruction is both direct and indirect, and provides multiple opportunities to use a word in a variety of ways. Vocabulary is the cornerstone of comprehension. Many of our kids have difficulties in this area due to a poorly developed vocabulary. Teachers can increase comprehension skills by teaching vocabulary in a variety of ways. … Read more
How to teach vocabulary with Kevin Henkes books! They are also perfect for author studies and reading comprehension activities. Why do students love listening to and reading picture books like Sheila Rae, the Brave? Because the characters are endearing and relatable. They are direct reflections of Kevin’s own childhood experiences and also tap into the … Read more
This is a Patricia Polacco author study for grades 2-4. You will love teaching with picture books and studying the memoir genre. Many teachers use novel studies in their classrooms. They provide a week or two of continuity, allow us to go in-depth with our students and exposes children to literary works they might otherwise not ever … Read more
Author studies activities for Eric Carle, Patricia Polacco and Kevin Henkes books. Perfect for grades 2-4 and correlate to the Common Core. One of the goals in this type of study is for students to make connections between the book, the author’s life, and their own experiences. A really great unit will provide students with … Read more
DIBELS testing explained! How reading fluency passages evaluate and drive instruction and indicate a need for academic interventions. DIBELS was developed by Dr. Roland Good from the Dynamic Measurement Group. It is a standardized, individually administered measure of early literacy development that is given 3 times (Benchmark Periods) throughout the academic year. Progress monitoring is used … Read more
Using color to improve reading comprehension is not a new strategy, but why does it actually work? And are there best practices in teaching reading that teachers can apply by using colors? Every year there is at least one student, often more, that just seem to have more difficulties than the other children with tracking, … Read more
These are my four favorite reading intervention strategies when a child is struggling with fluency. In reality, they are excellent best practices that are perfect for Tier 1: great classroom instruction. Reading comprehension and fluency strategies can be used both in small group and whole class on a regular, systematic basis. These are considered … Read more
Powerful reading interventions that are both research and results based will grow your students (if you choose the right medicine for the illness). Interventions happen when data is analyzed from either a universal screener or progress monitoring. If the data shows a consistent lack of growth in an academic content area, under state and … Read more
Cinderella stories are exciting for students of all ages. This teaching unit is well-designed, uses cultural variants of the Cinderella story, and is kid tested for fun (and teacher approved!). These stories provide an opportunity to go in-depth with cultural literacy, which is a standard for my grade level (second). But what does that mean? … Read more
What are the characteristics of fairy tales and how can teachers use them in the classroom? Here is a detailed explanation plus a terrific unit on teaching tales from around the world. Fairy tales have been around for thousands of years, beginning with oral traditions. These fictional stories come from all cultures and many have … Read more
You will be amazed at how much your students will love Reading Karate! This is a great solution for motivating readers at all levels while improving fluency and comprehension. There are very good reasons why Reading Karate has sold over 3000 copies: teachers know it works. I promise you that it is so easy, you … Read more
Get ready for reading comprehension exercises with Reading Karate! Your students will chop through books at their level to become a Black Belt reader. Motivation to read is a key issue for struggling readers: these kids need a reason to read, one that THEY feel is worthy. Sometimes the simplest of rewards can be the … Read more