As a teacher, I firmly believe that students can learn anything. This applies to academics, character, and …. helping you around your classroom! Today I will share some practical tips on utilizing classroom jobs to save time. Benefits of Classroom Jobs Provides students a sense of ownership and community in their classroom When done correctly, classroom jobs can remove another task ...
20 Must Have Teacher Supplies
If I had to draw one broad generalization about teachers, it would be that teachers love school supplies. To this day, I am exhilarated by walking down the school supply aisles. I have compiled a list of my favorite teacher supplies, all priced under $20. These are all supplies that I have found useful in my classroom, along with some great ideas for incorporating them. Some supplies ...
How to Teach Problem Solving
Problem solving can be a challenge to teach. Perhaps, it is because we are trying to teach students to manage and implement a myriad of skills: thinking, observing, investigating, reasoning through situations, and accessing prior knowledge. Check out these strategies to get students thinking! LISTEN ON: APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY Problem Solving with Word Problems In the book The ...
Math Problem Solving Strategies
How many times have you been teaching a concept that students are feeling confident in, only for them to completely shut down when faced with a word problem? For me, the answer is too many to count. Word problems require problem solving strategies. And more than anything, word problems require decoding, eliminating extra information, and opportunities for students to solve for ...
5 Ideas for Open Number Lines
What is an Open Number Line? An open number line is exactly what it sounds like - a blank number line that students can use to solve a multitude of middle school math problems. Open number lines provide a great visual for abstract concepts. Let’s talk about 5 ways to use open number lines in middle school math! 1. Fluency Adding friendly numbers - This method leaves one ...
5 Tips for Implementing Performance Tasks
The first performance task that I ever implemented was district provided and meant to replace the standard benchmark assessment. It did not go well; students felt defeated and I felt frustrated. Here is what I should have done: Before I begin, let’s talk about what a performance task is: “A performance task is any learning activity or assessment that asks students to perform to ...
3 Benefits of Math Word Walls
Word walls contribute function, beauty, and support students’ acquisition of math content. What is not to love?! Let’s chat about why every math classroom can benefit from a word wall. You can also read more tips about implementing a word wall here. What are the benefits of a math word wall? 1. BUILD A COMMON VOCABULARY BANK Word walls are a necessity for math. In middle ...
Using a Word Wall in Middle School
Word walls can feel like one more thing to maintain in the classroom, but when I see a student reference the word wall for help, then the word wall is well worth the extra effort. Here are a few tips I have for creating, maintaining, and maximizing the use of a middle school math word wall. Keep reading to check out Maneuvering the Middle's new Middle School Math Word Wall. 1. ...
Student Surveys: An End-of-the-Year Reflection
The end of the year will be here before we know it! Summer is soooo close. With the end of the year approaching, the time for reflection is upon us. Let’s dive into student surveys - why we love them, how to implement them, and how to grab our free middle school survey (+ Google Form option too!) WHAT IS A STUDENT SURVEY? A student survey is a great tool to get students thinking ...
Using Test Corrections as a Tool for Mastery
Teaching students to do test corrections doesn’t have to be time consuming or result in a paper pile! Test corrections are actually one of my favorite tools for pushing students and measuring their progress. Giving math tests can be equally rewarding and frustrating. As a teacher, you can see what skills your students really understood and what skills you ...