Have you avoided poetry as a teacher as much as possible? Does your class groan when you say it's the next unit? Does poetry make you or your students feel uncomfortable or less confident? Poetry can be really fun! I hope at least one of these 10 ideas helps you embrace it!
10 Reasons to Let Readers Reach
When 5th grade students are reading at a primary level or a 7th grader is still at a 3rd or 4th grade level, it can be hard to make sure they're engaged in what they're reading and don't feel embarrassed by the books they hold in class. I'm sharing why I believe you should let students reach for texts that are out of their instructional level. There are benefits to this for them, books you can use that will be less of a stretch, and other strategies you can use to support them in their reading growth and identity as a reader.
Hi-Lo Books for Struggling Middle School Readers
Do you struggle finding age appropriate books that are still accessible based on the reading level of your struggling readers? These recommendations should give you lots of ideas for which books to press into your students' hands!
15 Nonfiction Graphic Novel Recommendations
I took awhile to get on the graphic novel train, but I'm on it now! I had no idea there were many quality, nonfiction graphic novels out there, so I want to share 15 I've enjoyed - both informational and biographical. I'll take more recommendations!
Educational and Active Games for Social Distancing
In this post I explain 18 games or activities that are educational AND appropriate for a socially distanced classroom. These are all intended to be used within content areas. These will get your students moving, interacting, and thinking when they might be stuck at their desks throughout the school day. I hope a couple get you brainstorming!
15 Ideas for Virtual Games and Community Builders
If you're teaching online/virtually or concurrently/hybrid, I hope at least one of these 15 ideas will inspire you! There are several free templates linked here to get you going. Have fun! Laughter is the best medicine. Spread some love to your students and build that classroom community no matter the circumstances.
12 Ways to Use Google Forms
I love google forms! I have done tons of assessments using forms, gathered feedback, used it to create groups based on student choices, and more. It's a fantastic platform that can fill many needs.
7 Ways to Use Breakout Rooms
If you're like me, you're teaching online, and breakout rooms are one of the few things that make my online classroom feel real and interactive. Here are 7 ways I'm using this tool and 9 recommendations for gradual release.
20 Morning Meeting Ideas For Staying At Your Desk
I love games and activities in morning meeting! While I know that carpet time may be gone as we re-enter classrooms, there are so many possibilities for maintaining connection and community even with physical distance.
Below are songs/chants and activities that I think would work well while staying at a desk space. These could make for great energizers or brain breaks as well. While many of these require standing up and sitting down, they should be able to stay in their area.