Classroom, school

Tips for Teaching Students on the Autism Spectrum

Every teacher has taught or currently has at least one student on the autism spectrum in their class. Teaching students with autism requires a patient, individualized approach that takes into account their unique learning styles and needs. Students are, of course, unique in their own interests, skills, and abilities. ASD is also, obviously, a spectrum… Continue reading Tips for Teaching Students on the Autism Spectrum

Classroom, Elementary, High School, Junior High, school

Tips to Help Students with ADHD Follow Steps in a Plan

I’m sure we’ve all had students who have had very high aspirations and want to do well, but when push comes to shove, they lack  follow-through and/or don’t know where to begin. It’s really important in these instances to teach students how to effectively follow a plan. Perhaps these kiddos are very distracted, get anxious,… Continue reading Tips to Help Students with ADHD Follow Steps in a Plan

Curriculum, Elementary, ell, High School, Junior High, school

Teaching Ideas for Conversation Classes

Teaching a conversation class to English language learners can be both challenging and rewarding. As a language teacher, it's crucial to create an environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and practicing their speaking skills. One of my favourite classes that I teach is English Language Development. It’s a course for students who are learning… Continue reading Teaching Ideas for Conversation Classes

Curriculum, Elementary, High School, Junior High, school

Effective Ways to Help Ease Text-Anxiety

We all know students (and maybe even ourselves) who suffer from test anxiety. It’s not only beneficial for those students who suffer from test anxiety to learn some effective tips and strategies that they can use to help ease their anxiety, it’s also great for other students to recognize that we all need different strategies,… Continue reading Effective Ways to Help Ease Text-Anxiety

Elementary, school

Why Are Sight Words So Important?

We spend a lot of time as educators in the early years working with kids of sight words. It's important for us to do so as literacy lays the foundation for our children's success academically. Sight words are a fundamental part of early literacy development, but many people are unaware of their importance. Sight words… Continue reading Why Are Sight Words So Important?

Classroom, Elementary, High School, Junior High, school

How to Make the Most Out of Class Study or Work Periods

As teachers, we know we can't spend all of our time lecturing students and then have them complete all their work at home. Having work or study periods is just part of the job. We've all been in classes where "work periods" is just slang for "hanging out" or literally doing anything expect for work.… Continue reading How to Make the Most Out of Class Study or Work Periods

Classroom, Elementary, Fun Stuff, school

13 Awesome Ideas for Class Body Breaks

Not only do kids need body breaks, so do we! I find the best way to get kids really invested in moving (especially when they start thinking they're too cool for awesome stuff like exercise) is to make it fun. I also always participate myself; if you don't, it makes it seem like only kids… Continue reading 13 Awesome Ideas for Class Body Breaks

Classroom, Curriculum, Elementary, school

10 Tips for Teaching a Split Grade Class

When I was still teaching in elementary, June and September always held a lot of stress for me. How many students are registered? How many will register over the summer? Do we have enough for straight grade classes? Is the universe on my side, or does it feel like throwing a stressful wrench into my… Continue reading 10 Tips for Teaching a Split Grade Class

Classroom, Elementary, Junior High, school

8 Tips to Set-Up Your Classroom with Different Teaching and Working Areas

If I was not a teacher, I think my dream job would be to design teacher classrooms. I swear, I could spend hours and hours at a time perusing Pinterest for different decor ideas, and I just love creating desginated spots in my own classroom for different activities. When you have designated areas in your… Continue reading 8 Tips to Set-Up Your Classroom with Different Teaching and Working Areas

Classroom, Curriculum, Elementary, ell, High School, Junior High, school, Uncategorized

7 Tools, Strategies, and Tasks for Bridging English Language Learners

Bridging English Language Learners are almost at the level they’re completely fluent in English. In fact, many native English language speakers never get to this level! This is great, because these bridging ELL students are basically completely integrated in your classroom and can complete work quite seamlessly with their peers. WORK INDEPENDENTLY At this point,… Continue reading 7 Tools, Strategies, and Tasks for Bridging English Language Learners