I taught 4th grade Reading and Writing for fifteen years. In our state, it’s an intensive assignment because it’s the first year students take the state mandated writing test. Reading and writing go hand-in-hand. However, in the lower grades, writing sometimes takes a back seat to learning to read. I… Read some More »
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Differentiation Is Easier Than You Think
Differentiated instruction began hundreds of years ago in one room school houses. When students began to be divided into grade levels, differentiated instruction was no longer seen as necessary. However, when standardized testing started, it soon became apparent that even within a grade level, students learn at different levels and… Read some More »
The First Days of School
Do you get nervous about the first day of school? Do you feel like an actor about to go on stage–a bit self-conscious and afraid you’ll fall flat on your face? You Are Not Alone! Most teachers feel that way, even if on the outside they exude confidence. However, any… Read some More »
Ten Steps to a Great Meet-the-Teacher Event
You’ve worked in your classroom during your summer break. It’s a beautiful blank slate with bulletin boards waiting to be filled with student work and desks waiting to seat your smiling, eager students. They likely will be a bit nervous about meeting their new teacher. Most teachers get butterflies in… Read some More »