A chatty class can be a big problem as we all know, but so is one where you can't get students to engage. In fact, based on my style of teaching, the latter is my least favorite issue to manage in my classroom. However, I have learned some strategies over the years that can jumpstart even the most … [Read more...] about What to do when students won’t talk
Student Engagement Strategy: try this one thing
We all know that student apathy is at an all-time high. However, that doesn't mean we just throw up our hands and say it's pointless. In fact I've got one simple student engagement strategy that just might make a difference in your classroom. This strategy requires no prep, no photocopying, and … [Read more...] about Student Engagement Strategy: try this one thing
Get students to do work that’s not graded
“Is this for a grade?” “Does it count?” If you’ve been counting, you are well aware that you could retire early if you got a dollar for every time you heard one of those questions. The constant barrage of them may even have you believing that if you don’t grade something, your students won’t do … [Read more...] about Get students to do work that’s not graded
Questioning Strategies in the Classroom
What's the best way to get our students to engage in deep and meaningful learning? I don't have the answer, but I do have a lot of questions. And it's my curiosity and desire to learn that drives my search for that answer. One method I use to get my students' heads in the game are question … [Read more...] about Questioning Strategies in the Classroom
Dystopian Fiction
If you're wanting a meaningful unit that your middle or high school students will get into, you should seriously consider doing one that features dystopian fiction. Why? Dystopian fiction is a genre that has long fascinated readers - and movie-goers. Stories set in dystopian worlds became very … [Read more...] about Dystopian Fiction
My Favorite First Day of School Activities
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. We've heard that many times before, right? I believe that life is full of second chances, but it's an adage that I do pay close attention to when I meet a new group of students. Starting off on the right foot can do wonders for classroom … [Read more...] about My Favorite First Day of School Activities
Taking Attendance for Distance Learning
Two weeks before our holiday break, we were abruptly slammed into remote learning again. We had been face-to-face since September, so there was a lot of scrambling to make the switch. This time, it was very different than last spring because the kids were actually expected to show up and do some … [Read more...] about Taking Attendance for Distance Learning
Using Movies in the Classroom
Watching movies in the classroom sometimes gets a bad rep. That's because there are some teachers who press play too often and with no purpose. However, movies in your classroom have a great deal of educational value and can be a very effective strategy for achieving some of your curriculum … [Read more...] about Using Movies in the Classroom
Using Google Docs for Student Collaboration
Group work is not so easy when teaching remotely. There are many tools that can help, like Zoom and Google Meets; however, I prefer using Google Docs for student collaboration. It's low tech, but it works beautifully. Google Docs & Student Collaboration: My go-to strategy for online … [Read more...] about Using Google Docs for Student Collaboration
Two Must Haves for Successful Distance Learning
There's no question that distance learning is a challenge for many students (and most teachers). By its very nature, it requires students to spend their days glued to a screen, something we know is not so good for them. That's why it's important that we build in action breaks and time … [Read more...] about Two Must Haves for Successful Distance Learning
Choice Boards and Distance Learning
Choice boards and distance learning are a marriage made in the crazy world of Covid. I was going to say heaven, but that word just doesn't seem to work right now, does it? So what are choice boards and how will they help you with distance learning? Like a menu, they offer students a selection of … [Read more...] about Choice Boards and Distance Learning
Using Room 213 Products for Distance Learning
So you have lessons and activities that you've purchased from my TpT store and now you are tasked with teaching from home. What can you do? (First of all, click here to get some freebies designed for online teaching). I would love to be able to convert all of my products to digital so those of … [Read more...] about Using Room 213 Products for Distance Learning