I know that parents oftentimes don't expect a lot of communication from their child's high school teacher. I am probably an exception. I have found that periodic contact cuts down on the nit picky notes and complaints when parents don't know what's going on. As Wednesday is the first day of school (which translates I'm … Continue reading Reach Out: My Parent Welcome Letter
classroom management
Stay Sane: Join the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club
It's the time of year when Angela Watson opens the doors to her 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club. Have you seen it on social media, in blogs, or maybe even in your email? Well, don't ignore it when you do see it. Do me a quick favor and check it out. I remember how I … Continue reading Stay Sane: Join the 40 Hour Teacher Workweek Club
Who's Next: An Easy Solution to Kids Lining up at your Desk
I've always thought that conferencing with my students is an important aspect of essay instruction. But, dang, it can be overwhelming to have ten kids lined up at your desk waiting for help. While you're trying to focus and help the student, you're peripherally watching the kids in line joking with each other, pushing each other, … Continue reading Who's Next: An Easy Solution to Kids Lining up at your Desk
High Volume Doesn't Mean High Confidence: A Reminder
Wednesday was speech day in Public Speaking. The air was buzzing with the nervous excitement of the first day of speeches. The kids have butterflies in their stomachs, but they're also ready, after writing and practicing their speeches, to perform for their peers. Their first speech is an easy one: a speech of introduction. But … Continue reading High Volume Doesn't Mean High Confidence: A Reminder
Classroom Organization that Worked in my High School English Classroom this Year
Last week we had one lest ten-minute PD, and I showed my colleagues (okay, two of them) what methods I use in my classroom to make things run smoothly. Come on a tour with me... First up, last year I used my school money to purchase this smaller (3' x 4') white board that I … Continue reading Classroom Organization that Worked in my High School English Classroom this Year
What I Learned from Writing Notes to all of my Students #lastbell
Y'all. It's May. And, in case you aren't aware, May is hard. I have a love / hate relationship with this time of year. On one hand I love the weather; I love seeing the flowers blooming; I love how well I know my kids at this time of year; I love how comfortable we … Continue reading What I Learned from Writing Notes to all of my Students #lastbell
How to Organize for Multiple Preps using Chrome Windows
How many classes do you teach a day? How many preps? This year, I teach five classes (the norm here) and I have two different preps, but for the past three years, I've taught three preps and coached debate, so I was usually on the brink of losing my mind. I am also the … Continue reading How to Organize for Multiple Preps using Chrome Windows
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