It's the third day back, and I've finally met all of my students (we are on an A/B schedule). As we begin a new year at my school, which has 6th-9th graders, there are a few things that I've observed that I thought I'd share. Some are just things I should already know but forgot… Continue reading First Week Observations from the Middle Grades
Dear First Year Teacher Me- A Letter to First Year Me From 20th Year Me
Dear First Year Me, It's the day before school starts on the 20th year of your career. Looking back on all that time, there are some things I wish you would have known as you embark on the very first year. Get ready for a bumpy ride. Finding out that you were pregnant two days… Continue reading Dear First Year Teacher Me- A Letter to First Year Me From 20th Year Me
Have Your Students Been Drafted?- Using the 11 minute essay to teach expository writing
Since I talked about timed expository/informational essays on Instagram , there has been some interest in an explanation of what it is, and how and why you should use it. I thought, instead of trying to explain it to each interested teacher, I would just write a post about the technique that has truly changed… Continue reading Have Your Students Been Drafted?- Using the 11 minute essay to teach expository writing
Pure Indulgence: My Summer Vacation to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
This blog post is nothing but pure indulgence for me. When we took our girls to Universal Orlando this summer, we were celebrating our oldest graduating from high school. She and I are equally obsessed with Harry Potter, so it seemed like the perfect place to go. Diagon Alley When you get to the entrance… Continue reading Pure Indulgence: My Summer Vacation to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Am I Flexing? My Journey with Flexible Seating in the Secondary Classroom
This post is part classroom reveal, part definition of flexible seating. If you only want to see my room, scroll down. 🙂 Like most school teachers, as the end of July approaches, I begin to think about when I can get in my classroom to get it ready. It seems counterproductive to spend part… Continue reading Am I Flexing? My Journey with Flexible Seating in the Secondary Classroom