Incorporating a warm-up or “bellringer” activity into your class time can have many benefits. This is an opportunity to hit on skills that might otherwise not make it into your regular lessons, or skills that are important to your “unwritten curriculum” like lessons on life skills and social emotional learning. Another benefit to bellringers is …
Throughout the year we use a variety of desk configurations to help with solo, paired, and group work. But like many of you I share a classroom with other teachers. This means I often have to reset the room at the end of a class period. And let’s be clear moving a ton of desks …
Back to school can mean a lot of things. It means a fresh start, a new set of students and the start of something special. It also means a chance to get a new crew of students excited about reading. One of my favorite ways to do this is through First Chapter Friday. What is …
The ELA Matters team has collaborated to bring you a range of fantastic back-to-school activities. These activities are not only designed to help you get to know your students on a deeper level but also to foster a sense of community.
How the Power of Word Choice Started The words we use with students and the words that students use in their educational experience, social worlds, and internal monologue matter. Teaching them the power of word choice is key. Last year, Miss Krzyzanowski had an exit ticket early in the year that asked “What is something …
Using collaborative posters is a fun, low-risk activity that is a great way to begin creating community in your classroom.
Why Include Social Emotional Learning in ELA? Creating a classroom community is essential at the beginning of a new school year as it fosters a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable and safe to express themselves and learn from each other, which can positively impact students’ social and emotional well-being. Social emotional learning (SEL) …
It’s hard to believe that it is time to start thinking about the next school year. The moment has arrived to shift our focus towards the back-to-school season. And you know what that means? New faces, new learners, and new adventures await us in the coming year. But here’s the thing, if we want our …
While traditional assessments have a place in the classroom, I always look for innovative ways to assess my students’ learning. In my search, I’ve found that poetry encourages students to think deeply and analyze text. It’s also a way for them to articulate their thoughts in a manner that goes beyond traditional tests and quizzes. …
The end of the school year can be a stressful time, but taking a few moment now to plan and organize with help make the transition back to school in the fall smoother.
