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Helping teachers fit it all together

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Make Inquiry Simple in Your Classroom

"What is inquiry?" So many times, the perception of inquiry is that students should be coming up with an inquiry question, and then developing this entire immense project that gets them to change the world.  In reality, inquiry doesn't have to be quite so broad: an inquiry can be narrowly ... READ the POST

Assessment and The Triangulation of Data

What is the triangulation of data...and how the heck do you do this in the classroom on top of all of the other things you need to do. What Is It? The triangulation of data creates a three-prong approach to assessment.  This means that all of your assessment does not need to be products.  You can ... READ the POST

Planning for Small Group Instruction

What are the instances in a day where you might need to use small group instruction? For me, there are two different key areas where I will have small group instruction. The first is with language and small group instruction with both reading and writing groups. The other area that is a ... READ the POST

Small Group Instruction: How to Group Students

As teachers, we spend so much time establishing rules and routines in our classroom.  We practice and rehearse how to complete work and move around our classroom. At some point, it is time to move on and begin our guided instruction. Guided instruction is an effective tool to provide ... READ the POST

Show What You Know

These four words have transformed my assessment practices in my classroom. This is the name of all of my final projects. It is this phrase that opens doors for students to show off their creativity. It allows me to differentiate the learning in my classroom. It also means less planning ... READ the POST

Building a Community of Learners in you Classroom

• Building a community of learners that trust one another If your students don't trust one another then they won't talk and they won't share with one another. Building a safe place for students to share ideas requires two things. One they need to know you have their back and will protect them ... READ the POST

Teaching Math to Grade 4 and 5

I take teaching math very seriously.  I think that this is next in importance to reading.  Basic computational skills in number sense and numeration is important.  I always tell my students the difference between myself and my husband and our ability to do math.  I up until a few years ago needed to ... READ the POST

4 Back to School How To’s: Do It Now & Save Time Later

So many teachers take time out of their summer to get things ready to go back to school. I am no exception. There are plenty of things that you can do now that will help make the transition from soaking in the sun poolside to teaching up a storm all year long. Getting back to ... READ the POST

So You Got a Split Grade Next Year? …. What To Do Now!

STOP FREAKING OUT! It's not that bad!!! You can do this.... Here is what you do when you find out you are teaching a split combined grade classroom Drink some Wine Grab Your Curriculum Look at Exemplars Make your schedule Write Out Your Long Range ... READ the POST