I think all teachers desire for their classrooms to be a cohesive community. I mean, why wouldn't you want it to be? You and your students spend a LOT of time with one another, wouldn't you want it to be a pleasant experience? Class building is the way to make it happen! One of the BEST ways to build community in the classroom is through class … [Read more...] about Class Building that Integrates Content
Early 20th Century Texas History
Let's talk about Early 20th Century Texas History! This unit, Early 20th Century history in Texas, covers an era with some VERY important events including World War I, the Roaring 20s, the Great Depression, and World War II. If I could, I would spend two months on this unit, but the reality of the situation is we usually have about two weeks. … [Read more...] about Early 20th Century Texas History
Communicating with a Difficult Parent
We all have them. That difficult parent that emails and calls you every day, sometimes multiple times a day. Sometimes these parents belong to our very special friends, but many times, these parents are just concerned. No matter where a difficult parent is coming from, their constant barrage of messages can quickly turn into what feels like an … [Read more...] about Communicating with a Difficult Parent
Cooperative Learning Strategies that are Great for Sharing Writing
One of the most important parts of the writing process is sharing your writing, but if you are anything like me it is tricky to keep this part of the writing workshop novel. It is way too easy to slowly slide into just sharing with your table partner each day because I mean, that's sharing, right? While sharing with your table partner is … [Read more...] about Cooperative Learning Strategies that are Great for Sharing Writing
Getting Students On Board
We all have them. Those few students that no matter how engaging, exciting, or well planned your day is, they just aren't with you. What I want to say to these students is that my team and I spent hours planning, prepping, and getting supplies so that our class could have a meaningful experience that would be remembered forever. We all know how … [Read more...] about Getting Students On Board