Sick days . . . they’re inevitable! Those days when you wake up and it hits you . . . I can’t go in! There’s nothing worse than the stress and confusion of digging up lessons for the sub when you’re feeling awful. That’s why, for me, preparing for sick days in advance is a must. I LOVE the feeling of knowing I have “stand alone” ELA substitute plans all set…
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Reflections and Insights from 2015 – Secondary Teachers
Though it’s not the end of the school year, the New Year is always a time for both reflection and looking ahead. I’m excited to share a few insights I’ve gained teaching my 7th and 8th-graders. So here goes . . . Be sure to check out all the posts in the link-up for tips and encouragement from secondary teachers! 1. A Teaching Strategy I Gained This year, I was lucky enough to…
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6 EASY Ways to Differentiate Instruction
Let’s face it, our students come to us with an incredible array of both talents and needs. When faced with the task of differentiating instruction, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I admit, I was one of those who said, “Yeah, right, with the little planning time I have, how can I possibly create different plans for all my levels of learners?” Plus, sometimes I just think, This is 7th grade,…
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Independent Reading – Simple Tricks For A Successful Reading Workshop
There’s nothing more wonderful than seeing students reading books of their choice. Yes, actually reading! And as a teacher, there’s nothing more satisfying than to hear a student say, “I didn’t really read much, but since we’ve had to do independent reading, I’ve found some authors I really like.” In my 7th and 8th -grade classes, independent reading takes place both in the classroom and at home. You’ll need to decide…
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