Mitten Science: Questions to Explore

…students are new to science inquiry, I suggest choosing one question to investigate together as a class. Later your students can choose another question to explore with a partner or…

Cooperative Learning – More Than Group Work

…be extremely effective. Easy Cooperative Learning Discussion Strategies Introducing accountability and rules of equal participation can be as easy as changing to a new team discussion format. Think back to…

Top 20 Tips for Landing a Teaching Job

…of responses, I compile the best answers to create a helpful blog post. This week’s top question is timely because many new graduates and current teachers are already actively searching…

5 Ways to Make Your Students Smile

…Teacher” Day. I love giving my new students a little something special when I first meet them in person. It can be a pencil, a note, or a baggie of…

25 Bulletin Boards You Can Keep Up All Year

Advice from Real Teachers Series Even if you love creating bulletin boards, chances are good that you don’t have time to dream up a new bulletin board every month for…

20 Tips for Motivating Gifted Kids to THINK!

…in tackling difficult work. Dweck wrote, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success and it’s a life-changing resource. If you aren’t familiar with her work, watch this fascinating YouTube video that…

Tips for Classroom Goal Setting

…The same is true for students. Since the goal-setting process can be unfamiliar and challenging, I’d like to offer a few tips, a freebie, and some additional resources for teaching…

20 Terrific Quiet Signals That Work!

…– I say “Sharkbait” and they say “Ooh ha ha” and freeze. Mindy Halverson – My favorite is a throw back to Vanilla Ice. I say “Stop” and the kids…

How to Cope with a Disrespectful Parent

…it from happening again. A few weeks ago I posted a question on Facebook that had been submitted by “Lynn,” a new teacher who wanted to know how to handle…