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Flexible Seating Review

Flexible seating in the Secondary classroom offers a myriad of benefits for both teachers and students. One option is the yoga ball, which not only encourages better posture but also provides students with the opportunity to engage their core muscles, helping them stay focused during lessons. Wobble stools are another fantastic choice, and the most popular in my class, as they allow students to subtly move while working, promoting active learning and preventing restlessness. Bouncy bands, which attach to the legs of traditional chairs, provide a discreet outlet for excess energy, ensuring that students remain attentive and engaged without causing disruptions to the class. Rocker chairs and podiums are also excellent additions to a flexible classroom. Rocker chairs allow students to shift their weight and find a comfortable position, which can boost concentration and reduce discomfort. Meanwhile, podiums enable students to present their work confidently and encourage standing, which can...

Introducing Logic

  If you are looking for a new or different way to introduce logic statements to students, check out the brief video below.

Honeymoon Phase Over

  The first month of school is often a honeymoon phase for teachers and students. As many of us approach the end of the first month or even the second month of school, we may see students behavior change, our tolerance for behavior change and our relationship with our coteacher change. Here are some suggestions that may help during this transition.  1. Collaborate and Communicate: Regular education teachers and special education teachers should establish open lines of communication from the start. Regularly meet to discuss students' individual needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Sharing insights and strategies will benefit all students in the class. Discuss how and who will be teaching lessons as you move into the next month.  2. Continue to Get to Know Your Students: Take the time to understand each student's strengths, interests, and learning styles. Building positive relationships with students helps create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.  Try to ...

Improper to Mixed Numbers

  We are working on converting between Improper fractions and mixed numbers.  My students know the tricks but they didn't know why or how it worked.  This visual has been helpful in picturing what is occurring when converting between the types of fractions. 

Teaching Fraction Operations with Visual Aids

In the realm of mathematics, fractions have long been regarded as a challenging topic for both students and educators. However, with the right approach, teaching operations with fractions, can become a smoother journey. One tool in achieving this clarity is the use of visual aids and representations.  Building a Solid Foundation: Visual aids provide a tangible bridge between abstract mathematical concepts and the real world. When teaching addition and subtraction of fractions, employing diagrams, pie charts, or number lines helps students grasp the fundamental idea that fractions represent parts of a whole. By visually breaking down fractions into common denominators, learners can see how pieces fit together and visualize the process of adding or subtracting. Tackling Complexity: For multiplication, visual models help students comprehend the concept of "of" or "times," turning complex equations into manageable steps. When it comes to division, visual representations...

Descending Order with Visuals

  I took a similar approach with descending order.  This has been a tremendous help to students as they learn to place number along a number line and then order the numbers. 

Ascending Order with Visuals

  I have always taught ascending order by having students convert between decimals, fractions, and percentages.  This year I tried something different and it is working much better.  If your students are struggling, I recommend giving the number line a try.