Worksheets is a part of education for generations of teachers. We use worksheets as diagnostics, exit tickets, and practice work. While worksheets can be practical, they aren't always the best choice when assessing what students know about a topic or subject. There are several techniques and activities you can use in your classroom to assess without a worksheet. Why Ditch the Worksheet We must first determine our ... Read the Post...
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The Problem With Common Assessments
As the school year begins, teachers spend a week looking at test scores from the year before. They painstakingly analyze the data to make decisions to determine the next steps. There is only one problem -- they are studying data of students they no longer teach. They have new students with different learning styles, interests, and needs. This scenario plays out year after year, and it can be frustrating for teachers. And ... Read the Post...
How Fun Improves Learning and Makes Classroom Management Easier
I want you to close your eyes and think about all of the classes you've taken over the years. What do these classes have in common? I've asked this question to several teachers and students and overwhelmingly the majority of people say the courses in which they were able to have choice, do projects, and create were the ones they still remember. They enjoyed the class, which leads me to believe fun improves ... Read the Post...
Daily Classroom Schedule
I want to spend some time answering a question I get asked a lot about "fitting it all in" to our overly crowded daily classroom schedule. One time, I had to make a blanket schedule for EVERY K-5 teacher in our district. They gave me specific things to include with time frames. For those of you who don't know, I am a systems girl. I can whip up a schedule or put a system in place in no time flat. However, this one was not ... Read the Post...
