Ideas, Tools, and Expert Advice to Get the Most Out of Teaching

Engage, Learn, Plan

science stations

Science stations let kids explore concepts with their peers. Traveling from center to center, they hit multiple concepts in a short period of time, use inquiry and make generalizations. (more…)

How to Use Your Textbook as a Resource

November 7, 2019

backward design, ditch the textbook, standards-based instruction, use textbook as resource

We hear it all the time: “Use your textbook as a resource.” But what does it really mean? After studying your standards, use backward design to plan instruction. Your text…

What Teachers Must Know About Standardized Tests

October 24, 2019

understanding standardized tests

Standardized tests – friend or foe? Consider the standards as your roadmap and the test as your destination. Your job is navigating the trip – and acting as tour guide.…

How to Deconstruct Standards

October 17, 2019

deconstructing standards, standards-based instruction

Don’t trust the textbook! Instead, deconstruct standards to figure out what your students must learn and do. First, list nouns to determine content. Second, analyze verbs to find what students…

Standards-Based Instruction Improves Teaching

October 10, 2019

backward design, standards-based instruction

Standards-based instruction ups your teaching game. When you move away from the textbook, the standards become your road map. You embrace backward design and move to a higher level of…

How to Squeeze More into Your Overcrowded School Day

August 11, 2019

lesson plans, organizing instruction, overcrowded school day, solving teaching problems

Plan, Simplify

Overcrowded school day? Try these sure-fire ways to squeeze more in. (more…)

How to Get Meaningful Writing Samples on the First Day of School

August 7, 2019

Engage, English Language Arts

back to school, beginning of the school year, first day of school, writing sample

Writing samples can be boring. But you can get something meaningful on the first day of school. Just ask kids to write letters to you. They’ll open up about their…

Why You Should Take Advice from Veteran Teachers

August 1, 2019

back to school, Beginning of School Year, Teaching Advice

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