More beginning of the year things…getting together emergency sub plans! Leaving a video is a hassle for me because the sub needs to track down a TV since they are not allowed to use our Promethean Boards. Instead, I choose a short story from one of the copiable books that I have (this year, mine…
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First Day of School Plans and PQA
That’s right…we went back to school yesterday! It feels like I never left, but we’ve been gone since the end of May. My goal for the first day is to leave students feeling smart and successful and with a fun, unique experience! We have 50 minute periods at my middle school. Preparation and entering the…
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Standards Based Assessment
Standards-based assessment means assessing students’ performance in reference to predetermined standards, goals, or outcomes for the course. In language classes, teachers will typically set targets for students to reach in the different communicative skills: interpretive reading, interpretive listening, presentational speaking, presentational writing, and possibly interpersonal speaking. I began using Standards Based Assessment, or at least…
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Cornell Notes
Developed “far above Cayuga’s waters“, Cornell Notes are an effective note-taking strategy that can be used across grade levels and content areas. I was first introduced to Cornell Notes by my administrator in a 6-8 public school in Anchorage, Alaska. She didn’t have to sell me on it too hard since my grandfather, my parents,…
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Running Dictation Relay Race
Running Dictation is a review activity. Traditionally, language teachers have used this fast-paced team game to review a story. Students benefit from repeated exposure to information and to language, and so content area teachers will find this activity just as helpful as language teachers. Running Dictation in a nutshell In a Running Dictation, students are…
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Class Storybook Illustration
After most class stories that we tell (well, at least any story that isn’t totally lame), I like to have the class make a storybook to add into the class library. They are great to have when students stop in with friends or come in for conferences with their parents. I made a 14 page…
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First, Second
This can be done in pairs or individually. If it’s done in pairs, have one student write down the answers for his or her partner, then switch roles. If it’s done individually, students can write down their own answers. After you’ve “finished” a story (asked a complete script), have students take out a piece of…
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Four Square Vocabulary
Another four-square worksheet to explore vocabulary words. This is a good worksheet to leave for emergency sub plans 🙂 !! I recommend copying it front to back so that each student explores two words (1/4 sheets), four words (1/2 sheets) or eight words (if you give them the full sheet of paper). This is another…
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Four Square Story Map
One struggle for me has been to create questions and activities that help my students practice their critical thinking skills. Much of what we do in class, regrettably, is regurgitation and transformation. Standardized test results show that students at my school and at schools throughout the nation struggle when it comes to critical thinking and…
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Ninesquare reading activity
With the end of the year fast approaching (less than 2 1/2 weeks left for me!), I’m spending my afternoons trying to think of new ways to review old stories. Today, we’re working with one of the favorite stories from each class and doing an activity that I’m calling “Ninesquare”. Choose a text for Ninesquare…
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