We all know that our students have a limited capacity for sitting still and taking in information; typically, 10 minutes is all you get. And it is nearly impossible to have all of their undivided and thoroughly engaged attention at any one time. When one student starts losing focus, it can quickly snowball to the students around them, and before ... read more
Using Bloom’s to Guide Enrichment Activities
Now it's time to talk about the "what" of enrichment. What should my students do? How do I differentiate for my high-achieving students? The Bloom's Verbs you use determine the enrichment activity decisions you make in your classroom. Did you miss the first blog post about the Six W's of Planning for Enrichment? Click here to catch up! There ... read more
What is Tier II Intervention?
What exactly IS Tier II intervention? Tier II intervention is part of a broader system called Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). There are three tiers in MTSS; Tier I, Tier II, Tier III. Tier I instruction refers to all of the students receiving core grade-level instruction (i.e. your whole class, the whole grade level). Tier ... read more
Student Enrichment; Where Do I Start?
I started my career as a teacher (longer ago than I'd like to admit) knowing that I needed to meet the needs of all of my students. In college, I was taught how to meet the needs of students who are below grade level, but what about those who already ‘get it’? I had no idea how to meet the needs of my students who needed a challenge. They ... read more
12 Brain Break Games for the Classroom and on Zoom
Brain breaks are an integral part of a classroom environment and culture. For one, students need to build up their stamina toward the amount of time they can attend to one topic or subject. For another, they want to have fun. Lots of it. And of course we cannot forget that they're active. So active. Brain break games can be the cure-all. Whether ... read more
Differentiation for High-Achievers
Not sure how to differentiate for your high-achievers who have already met the standard before you even teach it? Don't have time to search for new resources or recreate the wheel for each and every lesson for each and every student? Have no fear! There are several things you can do to take what you are already teaching to the majority of your ... read more
Math Center Games Using a Hundred Chart
Looking for some fun ideas to incorporate into your independent math centers? Hundred chart center games may be just what you're looking for! There's no need for copying thick packets or having students complete boring worksheets. Give them something hands-on or make their learning into a game. Engagement and learning will skyrocket. Each ... read more
5 Ways to Use Hundred Charts in Math
Hundred charts can be a very powerful tool to help students with the concept of number. Many teachers classically use them during their calendar or 'focus wall' time, but there are so many more ways to use them throughout the day to help students take ownership over their learning. 1. Use Pocket Chart Hundred Charts Over the years, I have ... read more
10 Fluency Games for Students
Kids want to have fun. All day, all night. Inside or outside. Clean or dirty. Loud or quiet. Life simply needs to be fun. That's where games come in! Here is a peek at some of the many engaging fluency games that students can play at school (and home) to help become fluent in each subject area. Reading Fluency Games Flashlight, ... read more
Success Criteria- The HOW of Teaching
Success criteria are a visual way to show and tell your students the steps they will take to be successful in meeting their learning targets. They can help your students take ownership over their learning as they can: use it as a reference when they are working independently if they get stuckcome up with the success criteria themselvestrack ... read more
