Teacher Idea Factory
Creating interactive whiteboard experiences in the classroom is a surefire way to increase engagement. One “experience” in particular came to mind today as I sat down to compose a piece on writing. What is this idea you ask? Classroom graffiti boards. These simple boards continue to blow my mind. This
Classroom pen pals are a game changer. Yes. I’m putting myself out there with such a bold statement. However, it’s spot on. Although it requires a bit of management on your part, there is NO BETTER away to provide valid friendly letter writing practice to your students. Classroom pen
As the weather warms and we rip April off the trusty calendar, it’s safe to say that the end of the year is near. Summer is within reach and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Therein lies the problem — so can our students. With this
California Gold Rush test prep? Yes, please. The Gold Rush is such an interesting part of westward expansion. It’s this interest that got me thinking. Why not use engaging historical events that we are required to cover as a form of test prep? I’m not talking about those straightforward read and
I am coming at you today with a totally new narrative writing idea. It’s an idea that not only challenges and engages kids, but it also downright excites them. I’ve seen these lessons play out in oodles of classrooms throughout my area (2nd-5th grade) and it’s a winner EVERY SINGLE TIME. I
Hold on to your hats, folks! I haven’t been this excited about a writing idea since . . . I don’t know when??!! This one SIMPLE addition to your writing instruction will ignite a passion in your students unlike any other. It sounds too good to be true. I know .
How do you feel about teaching writing? Writing hands down is my FAVORITE subject to teach. I love the challenge. I love the creativity. I love watching those babes spread their wings, come into their own, and find their voice. The list for me is endless. Despite my college training
April Fools Day is the perfect excuse to add some silly to your writing block! Over the years I have come to L-O-V-E this “holiday” in the classroom. Sure, April 1st brings a day filled with countless jokes from students that lack a punchline. It also means oodles of lame
There is nothing like that terrifying moment when you come to the realization that the student growth that you have come to expect just isn’t happening. Have you been here? I have had moments in my career when the growth wasn’t present for a handful, but I haven’t faced such a
I am finally back with the remainder of my writing post dissertation. Let’s be honest . . . I had to break this write up into two sections as I was getting a bit carried away in my lesson descriptions. However, I figured if I was going to spill my