Teaching Strategies, Tactics, and Methods

Teachers Pay Teachers, the online marketplace where educators can buy and sell resources, is having a site-wide sale this week. With a vast plethora of items on our wishlist, we have curated a must-have selection for you to explore and take advantage of these fantastic deals.

1) Interactive Boom Cards

These digital, engaging, and self-correcting task cards are perfect for distance learning. They cover various subjects such as math, language arts, and science catering to different grade levels. The sale is an excellent opportunity to stock up on these time-saving and interactive resources.

2) Themed Classroom Decor Bundles

Revamp your classroom with eye-catching decor bundles that include posters, labels, and organizers. Themes range from watercolors, rustic woodland to superhero-inspired designs. Transform your learning environment without breaking the bank.

3) Exit Tickets

Exit tickets are essential assessment tools to gauge student understanding after a lesson or unit. Add variety to your exit ticket collection by choosing from the diverse options available on Teachers Pay Teachers during the sale.

4) Project-Based Learning Units

Engage students in real-world problem-solving activities using project-based learning units available for multiple subjects and grade levels. The sale allows you to try them out at discounted prices and diversify your instructional approach.

5) Escape Room Activities

Escape room activities are a fun and engaging way to reinforce concepts taught in class. With an array of options across different subjects such as math, science, and social studies, make sure to grab some during the sale before they return back to their individual prices.

6) Seasonal & Holiday Activities Bundle

Festive and seasonal activities help promote creativity while reinforcing academic content. Take this chance to enrich your holiday-themed resource collection at a discounted price.

7) Growth Mindset Resources

Invest in nurturing a growth mindset culture within your classroom with the selected materials that promote positive thinking, resilience, and perseverance. Add these books, posters, and activities to your wishlist during the sale.

8) STEM Challenges

Incorporate more STEM activities into your lesson plans with the wide selection available on Teachers Pay Teachers. Grab these hands-on learning resources at a reduced price during the sale.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stock up on valuable resources for your classroom as Teachers Pay Teachers conducts its sale this week. Update your educational toolbox while saving money, and provide your students with a diverse, engaging learning experience. Happy shopping!

Brent Smith, a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker, has become an inspiration to countless young people across the world with his uplifting messages and positive outlook on life. Educators who wish to introduce their students to this exceptional individual can use a variety of methods to bring his story and principles into the classroom. By doing so, they will not only teach students about Brent Smith’s personal journey but also inspire them to pursue their own dreams with passion and determination.

1. Begin with Brent Smith’s Background

Introduce students to Brent Smith by discussing his background and humble beginnings. Share stories about his early years, such as his struggles with self-doubt and insecurity, which many students can relate to. Emphasize how Smith overcame these challenges through discipline, persistence, and self-discovery.

2. Share His Accomplishments

Highlight Brent Smith’s professional accomplishments in entrepreneurship, including successful business ventures and notable accolades. Discuss how his determination and positive mindset played a significant role in these achievements.

3. Teach His Principles of Success

Share some of Brent Smith’s guiding principles of success—such as setting clear goals, taking action, embracing failure as an opportunity for growth, and maintaining a positive attitude. Encourage students to apply these principles in their own lives and reflect on how they can pave the way towards success.

4. Study His Public Speaking Skills

Show students clips of Brent Smith delivering motivational speeches or interviews, focusing on his communication skills, body language, engagement with the audience, and key messages he conveys during these events. Discuss what makes him an effective public speaker and how students can develop similar communication skills.

5. Develop a Classroom Project

Encourage students to participate in a classroom project inspired by Brent Smith’s principles or entrepreneurial spirit. For example, they may brainstorm innovative business ideas or take part in a school-wide competition that promotes creativity and problem-solving skills.

6. Celebrate Student Successes

Incorporate Brent Smith’s emphasis on celebrating accomplishments into the classroom by recognizing students’ achievements, no matter how big or small. This will encourage students to adopt a similar mindset and stay motivated as they work towards their own goals.

Teaching students about Brent Smith not only highlights an inspiring role model, but it also encourages them to adopt the qualities and principles that could lead them towards success, both in their personal and professional lives. Educators play a critical role in fostering this mindset for the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.

1. Greet Students at the Door: A warm greeting and a smile can make students feel welcome and valued. This small gesture sets a positive tone for the rest of the class.

2. Start with an Engaging Activity: Begin the class with a brief activity that captures students’ attention and encourages them to think or share their ideas. This could be a thought-provoking question, a problem to solve, or a short video.

3. Clearly State Objectives: Make sure your students understand what they’ll learn in class by stating the objectives at the beginning. This helps set expectations and keeps them focused on the lesson.

4. Review Homework or Previous Lesson: Take a couple of minutes to review essential points from the previous lesson or homework assignment. This helps establish continuity and reinforces learning.

5. Utilize Visual Aids: Use visual aids like slides, images, or charts in your presentation to better engage students and cater to multiple learning styles.

6. Organize Classroom Setup: Make sure your classroom setup is conducive to learning by having materials readily accessible, ensuring students can easily see you and hear you, and minimizing distractions.

7. Designate a Daily Routine: Establishing a daily routine boosts efficiency and helps create structure for students. Have a specific order of activities each day so students know what to expect.

8. Encourage Participation: Foster an environment that invites participation by asking open-ended questions, allowing ample time for thinking, and giving praise for contributions.

9. Implement Warm-Up Exercises: Engage students’ minds right away through warm-up exercises that challenge them mentally or physically, such as math problems, word association games, or short physical stretches.

10. Provide Clear Instructions: Make sure you give clear, concise instructions for any tasks, activities, or group work you assign during class time. Be prepared to answer questions or clarify instructions as needed.

By incorporating these ten fixes in the first five minutes of class, you’re well on your way to creating a more effective learning environment for your students. These small changes can make a significant impact on student engagement, morale, and overall success in the classroom.

Introduction

School teachers are notorious for their ability to work around the clock. Lesson planning, grading, and dealing with administrative tasks can easily push a teacher’s workday well into the evening. However, this school year, things will be different. There is a growing movement among educators to not just prioritize their work, but also their own well-being by leaving work on time. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of leaving work on time and tips on how educators can achieve this goal.

The Importance of Leaving Work on Time

1. Mental health: Extended work hours can lead to burnout and affect mental health. Leaving work on time allows educators to focus on self-care and helps maintain a healthy work-life balance.

2. Improved productivity: By setting boundaries to leave work on time, teachers may find that their efficiency during the day increases as they become more conscious of managing their time effectively.

3. Enhanced professional growth: Focusing solely on school responsibilities may hinder opportunities for personal and professional advancement outside of work, such as pursuing further education or getting involved in community projects.

4. Increased job satisfaction: Striking a balance between professional and personal commitments can lead to increased job satisfaction and overall happiness.

Tips for Leaving Work on Time

1. Prioritize tasks: Not all tasks are created equal; prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Focus on completing high-priority tasks during your working hours.

2. Set realistic goals: Break down large projects into smaller, manageable tasks that can be completed within a specific timeframe.

3. Stay organized: Utilize digital tools like Google Calendar to manage appointments and deadlines efficiently.

4. Delegate responsibilities: Wherever possible, delegate tasks to other colleagues or make use of student assistance for smaller responsibilities.

5. Avoid multitasking: Studies show that multitasking can decrease productivity; focus on one task at a time to optimize efficiency.

6. Establish boundaries: Create clear boundaries for when your workday begins and ends. Communicate these boundaries to colleagues and students, if necessary, to avoid unnecessary interruptions.

7. Make a plan: Set a schedule for the day or week, outlining the tasks that need to be accomplished and the time allotted for each.

Conclusion

Leaving work on time as an educator may seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and prioritization, it is achievable. By following the tips outlined in this article, educators can better manage their workdays and find a healthy balance between work and life commitments. Ultimately, both teachers and their students stand to benefit from educators maintaining their well-being by leaving work on time this school year.

Introduction

Executive functioning skills are crucial for a child’s development as these abilities help them manage time, stay focused, and control their emotions. Developing executive functioning skills from an early age positively impacts a child’s educational journey and future life success. This article aims to highlight the essential executive functioning skills that children should learn grade by grade.

Kindergarten

1. Focus and Attention: Encourage young children to concentrate on a single task for an extended period without getting distracted.

2. Organization: Teach children how to keep their belongings organized and follow routines.

3. Self-control: Help them understand the importance of playing nicely with others and being patient.

First Grade

1. Working Memory: Enhance their memory capacity by practicing simple strategies, such as repeating information or using mnemonic devices.

2. Task Initiation: Develop a sense of independence by encouraging them to start tasks without assistance from parents or teachers.

3. Flexibility: Teach them to adjust their approach when something doesn’t work and adapt to new situations.

Second Grade

1. Goal Setting: Boost their ability to set realistic short-term goals and work towards achieving them.

2. Time Management: Teach students how to prioritize tasks and allocate time efficiently.

3. Emotional Regulation: Foster emotional understanding and help them learn how to cope with stressful situations or setbacks in a healthy manner.

Third Grade

1. Planning: Guide children in breaking down complex projects into smaller steps and creating comprehensive plans.

2. Problem-solving: Encourage them to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and evaluate outcomes objectively.

3. Reflective Thinking: Promote critical thinking skills by encouraging self-assessment, reviewing strengths and weaknesses, and setting areas of improvement.

Fourth Grade

1. Impulse Control: Reinforce the ability to think before acting in emotionally charged situations.

2. Metacognition: Foster awareness of their own thinking and encourage reflection on their learning process.

3. Decision Making: Teach the value of evaluating the pros and cons of different choices and making informed decisions.

Fifth Grade

1. Task Persistence: Develop their determination to stick with challenging tasks and persevere through difficulties.

2. Prioritization: Solidify the concept of categorizing tasks based on importance, urgency, and personal goals.

3. Emotional Intelligence: Enhance their ability to identify, express, and regulate emotions in a healthy manner.

Conclusion

Developing executive functioning skills in children is an essential component of education and personal growth. By focusing on these vital skills grade by grade, parents and educators can ensure that children are well-equipped for future challenges in academic and everyday life situations. Cooperate with your child’s teachers and provide a supportive environment to foster the growth of these critical cognitive abilities that serve as a foundation for lifelong success.

Education, by nature, is a continuously evolving process that seeks to adapt to the changing needs of learners and the world around them. One of the current discussions within the education community revolves around test retakes – should teachers allow students to retake exams they’ve performed poorly on?

Proponents of test retakes argue that these second chances offer psychological, educational, and practical benefits for both students and teachers. On the other hand, opponents argue that test retakes may encourage procrastination and reduce motivation among students. This article will delve into both sides of the argument to shed light on this important educational concern.

The Benefits of Test Retakes

1. Encouraging a Growth Mindset – Allowing students to retake tests sends a message that learning is a process, not defined by any single moment. A student who performs poorly on a first attempt can learn from their mistakes, study harder and improve their score during the retake.

2. Improved Test Anxiety Management – Test anxiety is a common stumbling block for many students. Having the option of a test retake can ease some anxiety for these students, knowing that one bad day doesn’t doom them to failure.

3. Greater Understanding of Material – When students are given a chance to better understand and reinforce material through test retakes, it increases their long-term retention and overall understanding of the subject.

4. Building Positive Teacher-Student Relationships – Offering test retakes can foster an environment where teachers are seen as facilitators and allies in the learning process.

Challenges Associated with Test Retakes

1. Promotes Procrastination – Students who know they have fallback options might put off studying for an initial exam, relying on retakes as a safety net.

2. Unfair Advantages – Students who genuinely struggle with course content might find it unfair if fellow classmates receive multiple chances when they only needed one attempt due to diligent preparation.

3. Time Constraints – Retakes require additional time and resources on the part of both teachers and students. Teachers need to create new test versions, grade, and manage the retake process, while students need to dedicate extra time for studying and retaking exams.

4. Reducing Intrinsic Motivation – When students are given multiple opportunities to retake tests, it might reduce their motivation to learn independently without relying on second chances.

In conclusion, test retakes have both merits and drawbacks that impact teaching methods, the quality of education students receive, and their overall motivation for learning. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, as each school, teacher, and student might experience these issues differently. It’s important for educators to consider their own context, teaching style, and student population when determining whether test retakes are appropriate for their classrooms.

Introduction:

In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, it’s essential for educators to be dynamic, inspiring, and resourceful. Sari Beth Rosenberg is a prime example of such an educator. With her impact on countless students and innovative teaching methods, she has become a beacon in the world of education. In this article, we delve into the world of Sari Beth Rosenberg and her journey in her classroom.

Background:

Sari Beth Rosenberg is a dedicated high school history teacher in New York City. She obtained her Master’s degree in Education from Pace University and is also a prolific writer who has contributed numerous articles to notable publications like HuffPost and Education Week.

Teaching Philosophy:

Rosenberg’s teaching philosophy revolves around the idea of fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment where students feel empowered to express their thoughts and opinions. She believes that when students engage with their peers in challenging intellectual conversations, they develop essential critical thinking skills needed for success in today’s interconnected world.

Innovative Strategies:

Sari Beth Rosenberg has a knack for creating thought-provoking lessons that encourage students to dive deep into historical events and examine their relevance to contemporary issues. One of her famous strategies is utilizing popular culture references, such as music or movies, to illustrate historical events. This approach enables students to connect with the material on a more personal level and fosters better understanding.

Another innovative technique Rosenberg employs is incorporating debates within her classroom. Debates help students sharpen their critical thinking skills while encouraging them to empathize with perspectives different from their own.

Rosenberg’s Impact on Students:

Students who have had the opportunity to learn under Sari Beth Rosenberg often find themselves inspired by her passion for education. They speak highly of her unwavering dedication towards fostering positive change in their lives, both academically and personally.

Through her commitment to creating an inclusive classroom environment, Rosenberg has helped many students who have previously felt marginalized or unheard in traditional classroom settings. Students gain a newfound appreciation for history and a stronger foundation in critical thinking, ready to face the future challenges that lie ahead.

Conclusion:

Sari Beth Rosenberg’s story is a testament to the power of a passionate educator. Her influence extends far beyond her classroom, inspiring others to think critically about the world around them and embrace new perspectives. As we continue to face unprecedented challenges in education, it’s essential that we celebrate those like Rosenberg, who strive to make our classrooms inclusive and engaging spaces where students can thrive.

Introduction

Becoming a certified teacher is a dream for many individuals across the country. With the many unique state requirements and testing standards, understanding each state’s certification process can be confusing. This article is your ultimate guide to understanding teacher certification exams in every state, so you can feel more prepared and confident as you embark on your quest to become an educator.

Alabama

The Alabama Educator Certification Testing Program (AECTP) includes three components: the Basic Skills Assessment (BESA), the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam, and the Praxis II Pedagogy exam. Prospective teachers must pass each of these tests to obtain certification.

Alaska

Alaska measures educator proficiency through the Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments, and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) tests. All teachers must pass these exams in order to be certified.

Arizona

Arizona requires aspiring teachers to pass the National Evaluation Series (NES) Essential Academic Skills test, as well as a subject knowledge exam and a professional knowledge exam relevant to their desired teaching level.

California

California teacher candidates must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), as well as either the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subject test or a Single Subject test depending on their focus.

Colorado

Teachers seeking licensure in Colorado must pass the PLACE (Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators) or NES exams, depending on the specific subject area or endorsement.

Connecticut

Aspiring educators in Connecticut need to pass the Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test along with the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam and PLT tests related to their specific subject area.

Delaware

Delaware’s teacher certification process revolves around passing Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, appropriate Praxis Subject Assessments, and PLT tests.

Florida

Florida requires prospective teachers to master three exams as part of the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) program, including the General Knowledge Test, the Professional Education Test, and the Subject Area Examinations.

Georgia

The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) program mandate Basic Skills, Content Knowledge, and Pedagogy assessments for teacher licensure in Georgia.

Hawaii

Hawaii relies on Praxis Core, Praxis Subject Assessments, and Hawaii-specific teacher performance assessments to assess educator competency.

Idaho

Idaho teachers must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests, relevant Praxis Subject Assessments, and PLT tests.

Illinois

The Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) includes the Test of Academic Proficiency, content-area tests, and the Assessment of Professional Teaching depending on grade level endorsement.

Indiana

In Indiana, prospective teachers must complete the Indiana CORE Assessments, which include tests in basic skills; developmental/pedagogy; and subject areas.

Iowa

Iowa uses the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam, Praxis Subject Assessments, and PLT tests to measure teacher competency.

Kansas

Kansas evaluates teaching candidates through Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exams and appropriate content assessment exams from either ETS or Pearson.

Kentucky

Kentucky requires individuals to pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam series along with appropriate subject-matter specific Praxis tests and Kentucky Teacher Internship Program assessments.

Louisiana

Louisiana prospective educators must pass a subject-matter exam through either the PRAXIS or NTE series before being certified.

In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, teachers are constantly searching for innovative ways to enhance students’ academic performance and emotional well-being. One technique that is gaining popularity is the use of micro-affirmations in the classroom. Micro-affirmations are small gestures or words of support, encouragement, and recognition that foster a sense of positivity, confidence, and self-esteem among students.

The importance of creating an environment where students feel valued cannot be overstated. Research indicates that a positive classroom climate contributes to improved academic outcomes and increased student engagement. By incorporating micro-affirmations into their daily interactions with students, educators can help build an atmosphere where all learners feel empowered to reach their full potential.

Here are a few ways teachers can utilize micro-affirmations in the classroom:

1. Praise effort: Acknowledge when students demonstrate perseverance or dedication to their work. Recognizing hard work, even if it doesn’t lead to immediate success, validates the student’s effort and encourages further persistence.

2. Encourage risk-taking: Emphasize the importance of trying new things and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Celebrate students when they take on challenges or engage in creative problem-solving.

3. Offer constructive feedback: Provide specific, targeted feedback that helps to improve students’ learning processes without undermining their confidence. Positive reinforcement can motivate learners to keep working toward their goals.

4. Make it personal: Connect with each student on an individual level by mentioning something unique about them, such as their interests or aspirations. Personalized affirmations help students feel seen and valued.

5. Create opportunities for peer recognition: Foster a supportive learning community by encouraging classmates to acknowledge one another’s achievements and progress throughout the school year.

When consistently applied within the classroom, micro-affirmations have the power to effect transformative changes in students’ perceptions of themselves and their capabilities. As they begin to recognize their strengths and believe in their ability to overcome challenges, students are more likely to become active, engaged participants in their own learning journeys.

The power of micro-affirmations lies not only in their inherent message of positivity but also in their capacity to change the way teachers and students interact with one another. By promoting a sense of belonging and self-worth among students, micro-affirmations serve as vital tools that inspire academic excellence and contribute to the creation of a supportive, nurturing classroom environment.

Introduction

Genetics, the branch of biology that studies heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics, is an essential subject for students to understand. However, it can be a challenging concept to grasp for many young learners. One creative and engaging way to introduce students to the world of genetics is by having them create “baby aliens.” This hands-on approach allows learners to explore genetic principles through a fun and interactive activity.

Creating Baby Aliens: The Genetics Lesson Idea

The premise behind this lesson idea is simple. Students will learn about basic genetic concepts such as dominant and recessive traits, phenotype, genotype, Punnett squares, and genetic inheritance by creating baby alien creatures.

Lesson Steps

1. Introduction of Genes and Traits

Begin by explaining how genes are responsible for coding specific traits in living organisms. Introduce the terms dominant and recessive traits, phenotype, and genotype.

2. The Alien Parents

Divide students into small groups and provide each team with two laminated or printed “alien parents” that possess different traits such as color, number of eyes or limbs, shapes or patterns on their body, antenna length, etc.

3. Assigning Genes

Randomly assign letters (both uppercase and lowercase) that represent each trait’s genotype to the corresponding alien parent. Uppercase symbols represent dominant traits while lowercase symbols represent recessive traits.

4. Creating Punnett Squares

Teach students how to create Punnett squares using assigned genotypes for each trait from both alien parents. Have students predict possible offspring genotypes based on provided parental genotypes.

5. Crafting Baby Aliens

Ask students to choose one resulting genotype from each Punnett square created in step 4. Then, have them draw or construct their unique baby alien using craft materials (colored paper, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, etc.) based on the genotypes selected.

6. Reflection and Discussion

Once the baby aliens are completed, have students share their creatures with their peers and discuss the genetic concepts they’ve learned throughout the activity. Organize a gallery walk to showcase the diversity of offspring produced during the lesson.

Conclusion

The “Creating Baby Aliens” lesson idea effectively simplifies complex genetic concepts in a hands-on manner while engaging students’ creativity and critical thinking skills. Not only will learners come away with a better understanding of genetics, but they will be entertained and inspired by the whimsical world of alien offspring they helped to bring to life.