QR codes allow students to scan a code from their phone or tablet and immediately view a website, document, video or presentation. Although many teachers know what QR codes are, most aren’t quiet sure how to incorporate them into their classroom. If you need more step by step instructions on how to create a QR code click here. Otherwise, check…
Spies and secret agents have always fascinated me! (CIA I’m still open to being recruited if you’re reading this). I once visited the National Spy Museum in Washington D.C. and it was so cool. If you ever have a chance, definitely don’t miss out on going there. Because I know I’m not the only one who is fascinated by the…
Whole-class discussions can encourage students to learn from one another and to talk about content in their own words. In a previous post I mentioned 5 tips for Leading a Great Discussion. Today I want to dive deeper into one of those tips. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your class discussions go from good to great, keep reading.…
Whole-class discussions can encourage students to learn from one another and to articulate content in their own words. Mixing in discussions can help maintain students’ focus. As they discuss their answers, they get different perspectives on the topic. Good questions and answers can get students to think deeply about the topic and make connections. However, not all class discussions are…
Goals can be a powerful motivator and tool for accountability. Several different years when I was teaching and preparing my students for external exams or just trying to motivate low performers, I asked each student to come up with a goal (a percentage) that they wanted to hit in the subject. I tried to steer them to set a goal…
Let’s face it, many students today wish they could spend every minute on the computer playing games. As educators, we can use their natural interest in the computer to create interest in doing other things. Beyond that, using techology is a critical skill all students need to know to be successful in our world today. The websites below are free…
You may be a classroom teacher, homeschooling mom or a parent who wants to give your child some meaningful activities at home. Mastering the basics of creating letters and being able to recognize them is key for ensuring reading success letter on! These ideas are fun, low-prep and great practice to help your child learn their letters. 8 Active Ways…
Looking for ideas for your Valentine party this year? Here are several great ideas that you can do with almost any age group. 1. Candy Heart Patterns Print these free candy heart patterns and have students use real candy hearts to continue the pattern. You can focus on colors using these pattern cards or you could focus on words if…
Kindness is a very important concept to teach and practice with your students. Before looking at three great activities to practice kindness, you should discuss what kindness looks and sounds like and why it is actually important. You can use the demonstrations below to help students of any age to visualize kindness in a concrete way. Teach About Why Kindness…
SEL involves teaching students about their emotions and what to do with them. It also involves purposefully teaching important social skills such as problem-solving, taking turns, being responsible and expressing their ideas. 3 Benefits of teaching SEL in the classroom: Students can know and manage themselves. Students understand the perspectives of others and relate effectively with them. Students are able…