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Canva Timer

       Using a timer during independent coursework is a simple yet powerful strategy to keep students focused and on task. When students know they have a set amount of time to complete a task, they are more likely to stay engaged and work efficiently. Timers create a sense of urgency, helping students manage their time better and avoid distractions. This technique also encourages accountability, as students can track their progress and adjust their pacing to ensure they complete their work within the given time frame.      Additionally, timers help teachers structure classroom activities effectively. Breaking tasks into timed segments, such as “work for 10 minutes, then check your progress,” keeps students from feeling overwhelmed and promotes a productive workflow. It also allows teachers to monitor progress and provide support when needed. Whether using a visual countdown, a digital timer, or even a fun classroom challenge, incorporating timers can c...
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Surviving January

  January often feels like the longest month of the school year for teachers. After the holiday break, students return with a mix of excitement and forgetfulness—especially when it comes to classroom expectations. Teachers spend the first few weeks reteaching routines, reinforcing behavior expectations, and helping students regain their academic momentum. This period can feel like a reset button, requiring patience and persistence to rebuild the structure that may have faded over the break. Adding to the challenge, winter weather brings unpredictable snow days, disrupting lesson plans and making it difficult to maintain consistency. Some days, students arrive energized from an unexpected day off, while other times, they struggle to re-engage. On top of it all, many schools wrap up a grading period in January, meaning teachers juggle assessments, report cards, and planning for a fresh start in the next term. With all these factors combined, it’s no wonder January feels endless! But ...

Winter Break Recharge

  The holidays are upon us, and with them comes the much-anticipated winter break. For teachers and students alike, this period of respite isn't just a welcome pause in the academic calendar—it's a crucial time for rejuvenation, reflection, and reconnecting with what truly matters. In today's fast-paced educational environment, the importance of this break cannot be overstated. Why Winter Break Matters for Teachers: Preventing Teacher Burnout: Teachers face immense demands, from lesson planning and grading to managing classroom dynamics and addressing individual student needs. The risk of burnout is high, and winter break provides a vital opportunity to recharge and avoid exhaustion. Reflection and Professional Development: While some relaxation is essential, winter break also allows teachers time to reflect on the past semester, assess their teaching practices, and plan for the future. This period of reflection can lead to improved teaching strategies and a renewed sense...

Comparing Decimals without Place Value

  My students this year have taken a different approach to comparing decimals. While we have been focusing on place value, many students are taking a different approach to order with decimals. 

Boxplot Generator

  Our school is back in session and this means planning activities and projects. This year, I want to create a boxplot project for my students but grading all of them would take a very long time so I was looking for ways to speed up the grading time. I found this generator which I think will be helpful.

Co-teaching Teacher Expectations

  One of many items to discuss with your co-teacher is how instruction will be delivered. There are many different options, these are just a few from my experience. 

Building Relationships for co-teaching

  I've spent 10 of my 14 years co-teaching in a secondary classroom. During this time, I've learned a good deal about what sets a year up for success, how to change things in the middle when they aren't working, and what is not helpful.   This video is short and shows just the basic conversation I would recommend having with your co-teacher before you even jump into talk about the classroom.