Every once in a while, an idea pops into my head out of necessity for something better. Years and years ago, I was actually teaching 3rd grade at the time, I became fed up with the lack of repetition in my math program. There just wasn't enough review built in for the kids to grasp anything. I would teach a concept once and move on. Done and done. The problem was, the kids just didn't get it. After scouring the internet, reading tons of books, and using my own bag of tricks, Calendar was born. And, if you follow my blog, you know I LOVE Calendar. But it just wasn't enough. The kids needed more practice then even Calendar could provide. Word problems, higher level computation.... So I decided that their homework was what needed to change. I took a complete departure from everyone at my school and created a spiral homework. It was 10 problems a day, not of what we just learned, but of EVERYTHING that we learned. The kids were constantly seeing the same style problem over and over and over. Their skills were always being refreshed....and it worked like MAGIC! So when I moved to 4th, and then to 5th, I took this style homework with me. And every year I create sheets like this, my students math scores soar. Because nothing is being forgotten, the kids are always practicing those basic skills they need. I can honestly say that because of this homework (and Calendar) if I don't get to a lesson in math that day...I STILL FEEL OK! I know all of the standards are covered and I simply DO NOT EVER stress about math. Ever. Doing homework this way has the added bonus of freeing up some time to do all of those concept lessons that I like to do. I get the kids thinking about math processes, instead of always worrying about the rote memory of it all. It really is amazing what one little 10 problem page can do. However, doing the work isn't enough. The key to this is that every.single.day, without fail, we go over the homework. I have it worked into my math block (just 10 minutes) to go over the problems. I don't teach during this time, I just show the students how to do the work, with their help at times, on the ELMO and then they take it home to study for later. This review of the problems is what makes this homework better than anything I have done before. If they kids didn't get it at home the night before, they get it when we go over it. Then, when they see a similar problem on a homework that week (or the next or the next) they *do* get it. Another thing I add into my week are weekly spiral quizzes. These are where I get my data for small groups, intervention, and mastery from. Here is the form I use to break all the information down...and the post explaining it. It is also test prep (and you all know how I love test prep). I really just love this whole part of my classroom. I think...KNOW it works and it helps me room to run so smoothly. I know at this point you are probably sold (I seriously love this...it is my favorite thing I have ever created. Ever. Simply because of the value it holds in my classroom.) If you are interested in having it in your own room, I have sets for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. I realize this isn't super cheap, but it is worth every.single.penny that you spend. I honestly and truly believe that. It will help you to run your math block smoothly and keep you on target. (oh and it comes with an answer key too :) So there you have it....my sales pitch ;) How do you structure your math homework?
Throughout my years teaching middle school, I have had the experience of seeing many "work refusals". These are the situations when kids, for a variety of reasons, just refuse to start the work you give them. They might shut down and rest their head on their desk or lash out in anger, shouting about
It’s no secret that college is expensive. For many students, attending their local community college or in-state school is the most affordable option. Students wanting to attend out-of-state and private universities often feel like they
It works...to some degree.
15 exit ticket ideas for any subject or grade level!
How to help your child find the right learning styles to enhance their potential in school and to prep the brain for higher learning. Learning is unique and different for each child.
Cooperative learning can be a powerful learning strategy, but only if it works well. These small changes can make group work more effective in your classroom.
Classroom management strategies for middle school are not the same as elementary strategies. Learn how to manage a middle school classroom.
Use Mentor Sentences in your ELA middle school classroom to improve student writing! Find practical ideas to teach writing skills.
In 1889, British Prime Minister William Gladstone got out a wheelbarrow and began moving his personal collection of 32,000 books from Hawarden Castle in
We're sharing 10 things NOT to do on the first day of school. If you're a teacher wanting a smooth start to the school year, look no further. This post will show you what mistakes to avoid so that you have the best classroom management practices in place from the beginning!
Knowing prime numbers makes working with fractions easier. What better way to help students learn prime numbers than to play a game? I created this game to help my fifth graders review. First, we reviewed with foldables in their journal. Then, the students tried the game with the notes. Eventually, they go to the point […]
Looking for a little inspiration? Whether you're looking for some fitspiration and motivation to work out and exercise, need to get more energy to wake up in the morning, or searching for a little encouragement to keep working toward your life goals, look to these 100 seriously motivational quotes to inspire you to live your life to the fullest and make the changes necessary to make your dreams a reality.
Create your own controlled chaos.
We want students to work at their own pace, but when one student is significantly slower than his peers, it can cause problems for him and for his teachers.
19 free financial literacy games for high school students to add engagement and FUN to teaching personal finance. Financial literacy & budget simulations, too.
Outlawing the words "I'm done" changed my classroom! Find out how to reform fast finishers and improve the quality of work in your room!
*pays £9,000 a year in fees* *still has to pay £1.50 to print an essay*
These growth mindset quotes will inspire both you and your kids to work hard, not give up, and view challenges as opportunities.
Free, no-prep, editable spelling activities perfect for any word work center! #wordwork #sightwordactivities #daily5 #teachingreading #mrswintersbliss
There’s at least one in every classroom — yep, I’m talking about the kid who just sits there, and doesn’t work. The one who needs constant cajoling to put pencil to paper and get started. In some cases, there’s an attitude problem and the student is disengaged from school in general, and in other cases, … Continued
Obedience conditioning in the guise of education.
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Simple, straightforward accommodations to address your child's ADHD-related challenges.
Commonly overlooked sensory red flags and signs of sensory issues that could be a clue to your child’s needs, which will decrease...
Unwanted talking is near the top of the list of teacher frustrations. In this article, learn the actual strategies to finally get rid of it for good.
A metric conversion chart put together by Jenny Jones to help international cooks with her recipes.
Whether your students are lethargic or super-charged, adding movement to your lesson plans will help to solve both issues. Not only is it healthy to move throughout the day, but it can also help students focus and become more engaged with the content they are trying to master. Due to the nature of English classes, ELA ... Read More about 10 Ways to Add Movement in the ELA Classroom
Students take note: you're probably doing it wrong!
If you think I have the answers here, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I'm far from having any answers.
This parts of a circle poster displays the parts of a circle: center, diameter, radius, chord, secant line, tangent line, point of tangency, arc, and sector. It also shows the definitions and formulas for circumference and area of a circle. Printing: This poster is designed to be printed as a 24" by 36" poster. If you have Adobe Reader (free to download), then select the "poster" option when printing. Your poster will be printed on multiple 8.5"x11" pages that can be put together as a poster. You can also use a poster printer (some schools have them or an office supply store like Staples). Terms of Use: This product should only be used by the teacher who purchased it. This product is not to be shared with other teachers. Please buy the correct number of licenses if this is to be used by more than one teacher. Did you know? You can receive TPT store credits to use on future purchases by leaving feedback on products you buy! Just click on "My Purchases" under "Buy"! Connect with me! Blog Instagram Facebook Pinterest
Wondering how to sequence grammar instruction? You'll want this list that scaffolds grammar lessons so that one skill builds upon the next.
Are you in search of online jobs for college students at home with no experience? Some fun and creative online student jobs that...
The Unfair Game is a totally unfair twist on Jeopardy that your students will LOVE to hate! Learn how to play and find sample game boards in this post.
It is so much more than girls jumping. So much more.
What they don't teach us in education courses is just how freaking much students talk, and how hard it can be to quiet them down. Help is on the way.
These engaging, science-backed activity ideas are a must for you high school social studies classroom. - Let's Cultivate Greatness
When it seems like the only word they know is "no."
Differentiation and scaffolding can help students better understand and learn. Here are teaching ideas and tips to use in class.
A book pass is the perfect activity to get students hooked on reading! Learn how with The Secret to a Great Book Pass (and 30 Middle School Titles to Use!)
Resources, tips, and materials to help you, help children with autism
Today I am excited to welcome Kim from English Oh My as our guest blogger. She has some great ideas for teaching students to comprehend poetry in a manageable way. Enjoy! Happy April, and Happy National Poetry Month! Poetry is a timeless genre, and it is a part of most English Language curriculum. When I tell […]
Sit through enough meetings and you’ll start to think their only purpose is to book another meeting. While your main responsibility is to always make sure you’re planning (and attending) effective meetings, it’s what you do after the meeting that counts. But it isn’t always clear what that is...
"Pflege die Erinnerungen."
Are any of these ineffective teaching methods still part of your practice? Time to reconsider.
15 exit ticket ideas for any subject or grade level!
