My first year in the classroom history was the subject that didn't get done. I couldn't find a way around it. As a self-contained teacher, I tried to fit it all in, but I didn't have the organizational skills, the time management, or the know how to make it work. There were WEEKS I did not manage to get to history. I mean, when you are being held … [Read more...] about How to Create the Best, Engaging History Class
5 Best Ways to Top Your Grading Pile
. Grading is the bane of my teaching existence. It seems there are always piles just waiting to be graded all the time. I can see it now, clear as crystal. My students have just gone home and I return to my classroom at the end of the day to find huge, overflowing stacks of papers seemingly everywhere. They are toppling off of the turn in bins, … [Read more...] about 5 Best Ways to Top Your Grading Pile
Benefits of a Daily Warm Up You Need to Know
Students hustled to their seats, fearful that they will be the last one and get called out in front of their peers. On their desks, they find their first bright white daily warm up of the year. I wait silently in the corner for the magic to happen, but instead, students just ignore the paper and start chatting with friends. This was the moment that … [Read more...] about Benefits of a Daily Warm Up You Need to Know
How to Use Cooperative Learning for the Best Back to School Ever
Back to school is a crazy time, and it is important that we do it right. We have a precious amount of time to build relationships with and among our students to turn our class into a classroom community. There is no better way to accomplish back to school bliss than through cooperative learning strategies. Why you ask? Cooperative learning … [Read more...] about How to Use Cooperative Learning for the Best Back to School Ever
Cooperative Learning Theory
Have you heard about cooperative learning, but aren't sure what it is? Does your principal question why you are so passionate about cooperative learning strategies? In this post, I hope to answer those questions and more! I first heard about cooperative learning theory while I was working on my M. Ed. at Texas State University. I still remember … [Read more...] about Cooperative Learning Theory