“I’m not trying to tell you how to teach, but students are stressing out about this essay, Ms. George.” My heart began to race as I read the email sent from my fellow coworker and concerned parent. I took a deep breath and continued my nighttime routine. It was after 10:30 pm that I received […]
Comparing and Contrasting Tool for Reading
Do you have your students completing lessons identifying similarities and differences using two reading passages in your classes? According to Robert Marzano, a leader in education research, “Asking students to independently identify similarities and differences enhances students’ understanding of and ability to use knowledge” (15). Having students compare and contrast topics takes critical thinking skills […]
Using Formative Assessments To Gauge Learning
School districts are striving to improve test scores to retain students. Students are the future citizens of our community, and every community is trying to have educated people to run the city. Long are the days of having students complete a multiple-choice test that assesses comprehension, recall, and one evaluation question. Students are having to […]
How I Announce to the Class Where They Are Going
Students need to know what they are doing in your class every day. Since the start of my career, I have posted a daily agenda. It works! When a student asks what are they doing in class, I used to point to the board, and a student could read four to five steps listed for […]
Teaching Virtually Tips-First Week of School
Zoom-Online Classrooms Students come into the room with mics off, and I’m playing light jazz in the background. I was saying hello to each student that was entering the room by their first name, until I had to admit several students at the same time. I announced to the students to turn their videos on […]
The Secrets to How I Created Rules for My Classroom
The start of a new year brings excitement and some anxiety. The week before the students return, which is considered our teacher’s professional development, I jot down new ideas for my classroom. The Marzano strategies I used were: “using a small set of rules and procedures” and “explaining rules and procedures to students.” Typically, I […]
