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

I enjoy teaching, and you can too!

After 35 years teaching upper elementary students, I still love it. What’s the recipe for a long, fulfilling career? To survive, happy teachers organize, plan, and simplify. To thrive, they learn, engage, and dive in. Read on for ideas, tutorials, and inspiration to enjoy teaching.

Brenda Kovich, NBCT

6 Steps to Enjoy Teaching

In a fair test, all but one variable are controlled.

How to Ramp Up Science Activities Using the Fair Test

August 9, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Science, Science Practices

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For a full-blown experiment, kids use the fair test. They compare two (or more) things. All other variables are controlled. Asking students to measure and repeat seals the deal. (more…)

How to Use Scientific Inquiry in Your Classroom

August 2, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Science, Science Practices

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Scientific inquiry means different things to different teachers. In this post, kids will start with a messy problem. Then they’ll find the solution by trial and error. Why not give…

How to Encourage Kids to Make Generalizations in Science

July 26, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Science, Science Practices

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When kids make generalizations in science, they focus on scientific concepts. For higher level thinking, give your labs a twist. Begin with a conceptual question. Present a science investigation. Then…

Improve narrative writing with twelve proven strategies.

12 Easy Ways to Improve Narrative Writing

June 22, 2018

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Narrative Writing, Writing

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Improve narrative writing in your classroom with a dozen handy hints! Focus on one or two each time kids write, and watch their writing shine! Read on for ideas and…

Teaching How to Write a Narrative – Writing Stories

June 14, 2018

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts, Narrative Writing, Writing

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Teaching how to write a narrative, or story writing? It’s a year-long process. To build strong structure, use these four steps. 1) Begin with a simple story line. 2) Help…

Teaching the Two Sides of Writing – Fiction and Nonfiction

June 9, 2018

Brenda Kovich

English Language Arts

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Teaching the two sides of writing is the essential piece in your ELA block. First and foremost, kids must understand structures of fiction and nonfiction writing. Fiction writing uses a…

Beginnings and Endings Tie Persuasive Writing Together

February 4, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Argumentative Writing, English Language Arts, Writing

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Beginnings and endings can unify persuasive writing. To open the paragraph, offer an invitation to read on. For example, hook them with a question, dialogue, or surprise statement. At the…

Transitions Make Persuasive Writing Flow

January 28, 2018

Brenda Kovich

Argumentative Writing, English Language Arts, Writing

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Transitions, or linking words, help readers navigate the text. When students use them, writing flows. For beginners, provide a list of terms. As they become more proficient, ask them to…

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

I enjoy teaching, and you can too!

How to Ramp Up Science Activities Using the Fair Test

How to Use Scientific Inquiry in Your Classroom

How to Encourage Kids to Make Generalizations in Science

12 Easy Ways to Improve Narrative Writing

Teaching How to Write a Narrative – Writing Stories

Teaching the Two Sides of Writing – Fiction and Nonfiction

Beginnings and Endings Tie Persuasive Writing Together

Transitions Make Persuasive Writing Flow

Visit my TPT store for 25% off on August 4th & 5th!

Brenda Kovich

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Ideas, Tools, and Expert Adviceto Get the Most Out of Teaching

I enjoy teaching, and you can too!

Visit my TPT store for 25% off on August 4th & 5th!

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