Author Archives : Deann Marin


Episode 38 Excedrin-Free End-of-the-Year Organization: Get Out Your Packing Tape!

The end is in sight, and you have to think about packing up your classroom for the summer. Whether you’re required to pack up your entire room for the summer, or tuck your teaching goodies away in cabinets and closets, this episode is for you. It doesn’t have to be a headache. Listen in as we discuss ways we keep ourselves organized… or not (SOME of us are a little unorganized, but we get an A+ for effort). We laugh a little, and bitch a little, but you’ll come away with a new idea or two!

Listen on iTunes here

Like what you hear? Visit our Facebook page here and out blogs where we offer teaching tips, ideas, funnies, and goodies!

Tracy @http://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Kathie @ https://triedandtrueteachingtools.blogspot.com
Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com
Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com


We Teach So Hard…Episode 37 Glue Gun At The Ready? It’s Almost Mother’s Day!

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day craft for your kiddos to do this week? SO ARE WE! Seriously though, sometimes Mother’s Day can be difficult to navigate. We’ve all had students who have lost mothers, are in foster care, or have absentee moms. This holiday can be emotionally challenging. In this episode, we share creative writing and craft ideas, a few good books, and some ideas for helping our kiddos who struggle this time of year. This episode is for you because YOU TEACH SO HARD!

Listen on iTunes here
Don’t have iTunes click the image below

Like what you hear? You can follow us on Facebook

OR visit our blogs where we share ideas, resources and freebies!

Tracy @ http://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com
Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com
Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com
Kathie @ https://triedandtrueteachingtools.blogspot.com


We Teach So Hard…Episode 36… So You’re Teaching Summer School?

You’re tired…bone tired, but someone has got to pay the bills, so you’re teaching summer school this year! It doesn’t have to be doom, gloom and drudgery. Summer school can be a fantastic time to try out new teaching ideas, themes, projects and lessons. It doesn’t have to be worksheet-driven. For your sanity, and your kiddos’ survival, give this episode a listen. We’ve got great ideas for you, because you TEACH SO HARD!

Listen on iTunes here

Like what you hear? Then check out our Facebook page

Visit our blogs
Tracy @ http://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Kathie @ https://triedandtrueteachingtools.blogspot.com
Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/
Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com


We Teach So Hard…Episode 35 Outdoor Education: The Antidote for Waning Attention

Do we hear wailing and the gnashing of teeth? The end is near, and your students are squirrely and CHECKED OUT. Don’t freak out! Take them outside! In this episode of WE TEACH SO HARD, we share fun end-of-year ideas for taking the learning and teaching outside. Spring is in the air, don’t despair! Take it outside. Student engagement will soar!

Listen on iTunes click here

Like what you hear? Be sure to give us a shout out. Leave a comment or rate us on your listening platform. We’re always looking for podcast ideas, share yours in the comments! Or, stop by and visit our blogs. We write weekly about teaching, learning, and teacher life.

Tracy @ https://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com
Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com
Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com
Kathie @ https://triedandtrueteachingtools.com


We Teach So Hard…Episode 34 Granola and Peace Signs…Lesson Ideas for Earth Day

 

We’ve got the future of the planet in our classrooms. Earth Day is a fantastic opportunity to begin conservation conversations and education with your students with the intent that Earth Day might be celebrated EVERY DAY. This episode is chocked full of ideas to use with your students throughout the spring months…literacy, math, science and social studies! We’ve got all the bases covered for your Earth Day celebrations.

Listen on iTunes here

Like what you hear? Then give us a shout out, leave us a comment or a rating. Or better yet, comment with an idea for a future podcast topic.

The Earth Day Special (referenced in the podcast) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz0HzS1O-ug

Visit us at our blogs!

Tracy @ http://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com

Kathie @ http://triedandtrueteachingtools.blogspot.com

Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com


April Teacher Talk



Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

It’s April already, the school year is almost over.  Now it’s time to look forward toward spring vacation if it hasn’t already come and gone. Stop by our blog linky and see what great tips and advice are there just for you.

If you’re interested in joining this unique group of teacher entrepreneurs, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here….The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, be sure to mention one of our names.

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 Spring Activities
Begin with mud and splash into fun learning this Spring.
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Music to Calm the Soul and Enhance Learning
“Music is the electrical soil in
which the spirit lives, thinks and invents.” –Ludwig van Beethoven. Why
is it that for many of us, music is an essential part of our personal
lives yet when we go to work or school we turn it off?
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 The Elephant in the Classroom
 Where is the elephant in the classroom? The recent college admissions scandal might give us a clue.
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 Scaredy Squirrel – Mentor Text
 What happens when Scaredy Squirrel visits YOUR home? This free writing activity will get your writers excited!
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 I Feel Bad for People Who Say They Feel Badly
 Do you know how to decide between the words bad and badly? Many people don’t.
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 7 Tips to Help Students Revise Their Essay
 Try out these 7 helpful tips to guide your students during the revising phase. Your writers can use these tips throughout during the writing process.
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 How to Start Book Clubs in Your Classroom
 Are you considering using book clubs in your classroom? Learn five things you should do before you introduce book clubs to your class.
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 Make Mistakes on Purpose
 When students have the opportunity to correct the teacher, it reinforces that language point, assesses the students’ understanding of that language point, gives the learner confidence, and teaches students to problem-solve.
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 Exploring Patterns With Project-Based Learning: Rotations, Reflections & Translations

Explore 4th and 5th grade geometry concepts with project-based learning. It’s always surprising who excels with this type of project, and who finds them challenging. This one doesn’t disappoint!
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Whole Body Learning
 Geometry was a daunting subject for me in high school. So when I started teaching, I was determined to think of a way to teach geometry that was fun and interactive.
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 Be sure to visit all of our teachers for some awesome ideas to use with your students.
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Click here to enter


We Teach So Hard…Episode 33… Interdisciplinary Projects Can Save Your Sanity

We’re galloping toward the year’s end. There’s standardized testing to get through…HOURS of it, in fact. Field trips, assemblies, learning celebrations, and don’t forget about your evaluation, report cards, common assessments, and closing up your classroom. When we think about our school life in the months of April, May and June, it’s hard not to hyperventilate. BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE TO TEACH, and let’s face it-our students are checked out! Interdisciplinary projects can save your sanity. They really can! They’ll keep the learning going, engage your kids, and help you get in all those standards you still have to teach. TURN UP YOUR VOLUME and get ready to rock your end of the year teaching!

Listen on iTunes here

Like what you hear? Give us a shout out, share a podcast link with a colleague, or leave a comment. OR VISIT OUR BLOGS! We have a ton of ideas to get you through the end of your school year.

Tracy @ http://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/

Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Kathie @ http://triedandtrueteachingtools.blogspot.com/

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/


We Teach So Hard…Episode 32 Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue, Sunshine is Yellow & National Poetry Month is COOL!

April is National Poetry Month and we at We Teach So Hard have collectively decided that it is one of our favorite months! Poetry can rock your readers and writers workshops. It doesn’t have to be intimidating, and we show you how. This podcast is filled with fabulous ideas for incorporating poetry in your classroom. Be sure to check out our blog posts too! They are overflowing with FREE poetry ideas this week, just for you! From free verse to formulaic patterns, from reading strategies to writing tools, we’ve got you covered!

Listen on iTunes here
Tracy @ https://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/
Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/
Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/


We teach So Hard…Episode 30 Standardized Testing and Your Sanity

It’s getting to be that time of year. Test prep… test prep… TEST PREP! You know what we’re talking about, don’t you? The testing manual says it should take an hour to complete the test, and it takes three hours. Nothing says, “I need a drink” like testing days. In this episode, we bitch and moan, share tips and tricks, and we laugh and cry a little, too. Listen to this instead of chewing your nails down to the quick!

Listen on iTunes click here

Like what you hear? Then you HAVE to check out our blogs. We share umpteen million years of teaching wisdom, tips, tricks and freebies. Check us out!
Tracy @ http://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/
Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/
Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/


March Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

St. Patricks Day and so many more tried and true teaching ideas are here
for you to check out this March.  Best yet,soon it will be spring and
the end of the year will be here before you know it.

If you’re interested in joining this unique group of teacher entrepreneurs, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here….The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, be sure to mention one of our names.

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A Stranger in a Strange Classroom, It’s Standardized Testing Time!

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

For a multitude of teachers and kids, the anticipation of spring and excitement of summer break are shrouded by stressful thoughts that emerge during testing season.  Of course, if you’re an educator, you can’t get away from it, stress is your ever present companion, it’s an inherent part of the job, especially during this time of year. To add insult to injury, if your students do poorly, it’s on you.

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The Thief of Joy
By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning 

 Finding joy in the selection of read-alouds this month.

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Slope for Vertical and Horizontal Lines

I work in the Math Lab at the community college where I also teach. Last week, I had two College Algebra students who were having difficulty with slope. They knew the equation y = mx + b, but were unsure when it came to horizontal or vertical lines. Read how I used visuals to help these students.

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 Advice From The Coach
By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight 

Check out this advice from a famous basketball coach. It can be effectively applied to teaching, too.

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 Watermelon Subtraction
By Margot Gentile of Margot Gentile

Watermelon slices naturally look like big smiles, don’t they? There will be smiles all around as children manipulate the movable parts to “bite” into watermelon slices and remove seeds. They will be delighted to “see” and understand the concept of subtraction and teachers will love this freebie!

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 6 Confusing Words to Master
By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

Learning to master confusing words, is an essential skill for all writers.

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Today We Are Leprechauns

Learn how you can use STEM in your elementary classroom this March with a fun Leprechaun activity. All smart Leprechauns hide their gold, but a truly tricky one will also build a protective container to keep out humans. Check out the ideas my students came up with in this St. Patrick’s Day STEM lesson.

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 Classroom Seating Arrangements for Grades 4-8
By  Marcy Howe of It’s A Teacher Thing

Classroom seating arrangements can make or break a classroom. Learn about four classroom seating arrangements that work and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

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Striving & Thriving: Remembering Purpose in the Reading Classroom
By Tracy Willis of Mossy Oak Musings

Sometimes, your teaching attitude just nose dives into the concrete pavement, and sometimes it takes new learning opportunities and our students to remind us that we are striving and thriving. Grab a box of tissues!
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Building Student Empowerment
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

 It was my first year of teaching and I was a little nervous and very excited about my first parent-teacher conferences. 3 parents out of my 27 students showed up. 30+ years later. . I have 100% parent participation.

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 Make sure you stop by and read the informative posts submitted by all of these awesome educators.
You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


We Teach So Hard…Episode 29… What Teachers Wished the Public Understood About Teaching

Calling all #LOSER teachers! This episode is just for you. Join us as we laugh, cry (and maybe rage, a little) about what we wish people understood about teaching. We’ll explore public perceptions, funding, political perceptions, and how we rise above the crap. You don’t want to miss this one!

Click here to Listen on iTunes.

Like what you hear? Be sure to follow us on your listening platform. REALLY like what you hear? Drop us a rating or comment. You can visit us at our blogs, as well. Check out the links below!

Tracy @ https://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com
Kathie @ https://triedandtrueteachingtools.com
Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com


We Teach So Hard….Episode 27 Teacher Fashion Throughout the Years

Do you remember floaty long dresses, appliqued with apple patches? Did you own teacher necklaces made from wooden blocks? How about your shoes? Did you wear “teacher shoes?” If you need a good laugh, this episode is FOR YOU! Join us as we talk trash about our teacher fashion sense throughout the years. We promise you won’t be sorry you listened!

Click here to Listen on iTunes.

Like what you hear? Then you MUST check out our blogs! Click the images below…This week, we’re writing about our fashion faux pas, too.

Inlinkz Link Party


We Teach So Hard…Episode 26… Finding the Bootstraps When Staff Morale is Low

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s at a state, community or building level, things happen that affect our morale. Sometimes, it’s really hard to come to work. When we’re down, it affects our whole learning community, including the students. How do you bounce back when everything or everyone around you is in the dumps? This episode is for YOU!

Click here to Listen on iTunes.

Like what you hear? Visit us at:

Tracy @ https://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/

Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/

Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/

Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/


February Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

Welcome to our February Teacher Talk.  All of us from the Teacher Talk collaborative would like wish you a Happy Valentines Day.  We have so many fab things this month from Field Trips and ELA and reading ideas, to celebrating Black History Month and President’s Day, you don’t want to miss reading these blog posts from some awesome educators. If you’re interested in joining this unique group of teacher entrepreneurs
and blogging buddies and our blog linky, sign up here….
The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative.
 If you decide to join, be sure to mention one of our names.

                                                              

 Adding more to the air than love this February.
 

Ya Gotta Love Field Trips or Not!
By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

 
I was inspired to write this blog post after listening to my 3 podcast buddies tell about their Field Trip Follies: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, on our podcast, We Teach So Hard. I, too have stories to tell. So pull up a chair, sip some wine and read on… 

Black History Month Celebration
By Michelle Webb of Teaching Ideas For Those Who Love Teaching

 Showcase your students’ learning with a black history month celebration. Show your students learning creatively, inviting parents along the way. 
 

Design a Monster: A Makerspace Activity
By Laura Cripe of Under One Roof 

 Makerspace activities are all the rage these days. Learn how my kids used our makerspace to design and create their own Halloween monster. This is the perfect activity for elementary students who are too excited about Halloween to do any kind of regular school work.
 

How to Choose Between Eager of Anxious
By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

 Be sure to say what you mean when choosing between “eager” and “anxious.”

 
 Writing with Colors
 I’ve found that using colors when writing on the whiteboard can be helpful in multiple ways. Colors can be used to create associations in the minds of learners, and the more you repeat the same method of color usage, the more those associations will strengthen in the learners’ minds. Using these associations, students are quicker to find mistakes or identify what they’re supposed to do.
 
Is Dyslexia a Gift?
 Can dyslexia be considered a gift? Read this post before you decide.
Put Your Heads Together to Brainstorm
Brainstorming can be an intimidating and daunting task for many students.  It’s hard for young writers to come up with ideas for a topic without having a lot of life experience.  It is necessary to brainstorm WITH your students in the beginning, then gradually hand over the responsibility to students once you have taught them strategies and skills to use.
 
Valentine Tabletop Decoration Gift for the Family
 Your older elementary(gr.4+) can make this beautiful Valentine tabletop decoration gift for their family. Part construction/part craft, the kids will enjoy making this project. It even lights up.  
Differentiation in the Classroom
By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Differentiating in your classroom can be a lot easier than you may think. Learn five easy ways to differentiate in your 4th through 8th grade classroom and help all students succeed.
 
 

By Lisa Robles of LisateachR’s Classroom

  Here’s your go-to for some Valentine’s help!!
 

3 Questions to Get You Through Teacher Evaluation Season
By Tracy Willis of Wild Child Designs 

 It’s that time of year…You’re going to be observed and evaluated. What will you teach? Sometimes, it feels like a dog and pony show. These 3 questions will help you authentically reflect on your growth.

 

 Tried & True Bookmaking: Pop-Up Book

 By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

Here’s an oldie but a goodie: the pop-up book. Kids (and adults) never get tired of making these because there are so many options for creativity.
 

Inlinkz Link Party


We Teach So Hard….Episode 25 Field Trip Follies: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Nothing says FUN (or mayhem) like taking 25 + kiddos to the zoo, the museum, or the farm. In this episode, we laugh, we cry, we commiserate, and we talk trash about our best tips for a successful field trip experience for EVERYONE! You don’t want to miss this episode!

Click here to Listen on iTunes.

Like what you hear? Then come visit us at our blogs. We write about our classrooms every week and offer ideas, resources and freebies. Come visit!

Tracy @ http://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com
Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com
Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/
Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/


We Teach So Hard…Episode 24…Brace Yourself & Gird Your Loins! It’s Teacher Evaluation Time!

It’s teacher evaluation season. Are you crunching data? Studying Marzano? Tossing and turning at night? This episode is just for you! Join us as we talk about the “good ole’ days” when teacher evaluation made sense, or at the very least, was more authentic. We’ve got some “do as I say, not as I do” stories to entertain you as well!

Click here to Listen on iTunes.

Like what you hear? Then stop by our blogs and visit us. We’ve got tons of goodies and ideas waiting for you!
Tracy @ http://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/
Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/
Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/


Episode 21…We Teach So Hard…Ringing in the New Year with Classroom Goal Setting

Everything feels fresh and new. It’s a new year…you have renewed energy…your kiddos are bouncing in their seats. How do you set goals with you students? How do you make sure those goals are meaningful? This is episode is chocked full of tips, advice, and secret confessions of failed resolutions! You don’t want to miss it!

Listen on iTunes
Don’t have iTunes, no worries, use this link

Like what you hear? Visit our blogs at:

Tracy @ http://mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Retta @ http://rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/
Deann @ https://socrateslantern.com/
Kathie @ https://www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/


January Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

It’s 2019! Time sure flies. We have some great ideas for you in our January
edition of Teacher Talk. So hurry on over to see what these 
creative educators are doing this month.

If you’re interested in joining this unique group of teacherentrepreneurs, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here….The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, be sure to mention one of our names.

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Success Begins with Baby Steps
Are you one of those people who starts the new year with the intention of making goals for yourself but never quite follow through? If you said yes, you’re in the majority, statistics show that only 8% of the people who make goals keep them. Why do so many of us, me included, fail at goal setting?
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Culturally Responsive Teaching
 Is your classroom culturally responsive? This post might surprise you!
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Tried & True Bookmaking: Poof Book
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools 

 There’s nothing like making a book to get students excited! They oooh and aaah, as if it is magic! This blog post is the first in a series: Tried and True Bookmaking. 
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How to Respond to Incorrect Answers
 By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

 Have you ever wondered if there is a helpful way to respond to students’ incorrect answers— a way that will improve not only their comprehension, but also their mindfulness when they are reading and participating in class discussions? Here are some constructive tactics to use in replying to incorrect answers. 

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 How Do Velcro Dots Help to Regulate Behavior
By Margo Gentile of Margo Gentile 

 This was a spontaneous last resort behavior mod intervention that was really effective! Whatever works!
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 THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF ZERO, The Exponent- Why Any Number to the Zero Power Equals One
By Vicki Rauch of Scipi 

 Sometimes my college students like to ask me what seems to be a difficult question. (In reality, they want to play Stump the Teacher.) One such infamous question is, “Why is any number to the zero power one?” Find out how I showed them that the answer is always one using patterns.
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 Goal Setting for the New Year: One Word
By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

 Be intentional! Choose one word to focus your year.

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 Be My Valentine Treats
By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess 

 Here are a free Valentine’s Day lesson idea and a free activity to help your students correct run-on sentences.
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 Hook Your Students in Writing
By Sally Hansen of Purposeful Plans 

The hook isn’t just the attention getter at the beginning of an essay. Get your students interested in the type of essay by playing an activity before you teach!
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Roses are Red: Using Poetry in Reader’s Workshop
By Tracy Willis of Mossy Oak Musings 

 Poetry + Reader’s Workshop = Common Core & Complex Text! It’s a winning equation. If you’re not using poetry in your reader’s workshop, you’re missing out on some phenomenal learning opportunities. This post is chocked full of ideas to help you incorporate poetry 
into your workshop.
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 5 Easy Ways to Implement Differentiation Into Your Classroom
By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing 

 We all want to help every student succeed. Learn 5-easy ways you can start implementing differentiation in your classroom today.
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We Teach So Hard….A Teacher’s Winter Break Potluck: Food, Booze & Books

We’ve worked so hard. YOU’VE worked sooooo hard! It’s time to kick your feet up, stay in your jammies all day, eat some good food, drink some yummy cocktails and read some great books. Remember? Some authors actually write fiction for adults, too! Join us as we potluck together. We’ve curated our favorite winter break recipes for entrees, cocktails, and desserts. And, we’re recommending some great reads to keep your heart happy. PSSSSTTTT! We’ve included some winter break freebies for you, too! Because YOU TEACH SO HARD!

Click here to Listen on iTunes.

Visit our blogs to snag recipes, book recommendations and freebies! Just click below on the blue link up button


We Teach So Hard….Episode 19 STOP the INSANITY! Teacher Self Care

We might be aging ourselves, but remember that fitness guru Susan Powell and her “Stop the insanity” commercials? That sums up our teacher angst this time of year. Stop the insanity…cuz we wanna get off this bus! December always feels like cardiac arrest for teachers. Give us a listen as we laugh and cry our way through self-care ideas!

Listen to our podcast on iTunes

Like what you hear?  Come join our Facebook group click here

You can read more by visiting us below!
Tracy @ mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Kathie @ www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/
Deann @ socrateslantern.com/
Retta @ rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com


December Teacher Talk

 
 
 
 
It’s December and time for our holiday version of Teacher Talk. Getting ready for the holiday festivities or just looking for some great ideas. You don’t want to miss what these creative educators are doing this month.
If you’re interested in joining this unique group of teacher entrepreneurs, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here….The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, be sure to mention one of our names.
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Connect Kids to the Real World with PBL
 

 

What if you could connect your units of learning to current events without missing a beat with meeting the standards? Find a way to accomplish this here!
 
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Qi Gong and Emotional Well Being
By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

This past summer, I developed a love of Qi Gong which is a mind-body-spiritual practice that enhances our mental and physical well being by integrating posture, movement, correct breathing, self-massage, sound, and deep focus

 

 

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Beware of Creating Sweeping Generalizations
Be careful not to say way more than you meant to say when comparing adjectives and adverbs.


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Recycle Drinking Straws Into Christmas CreationsBy Margo Gentile of Margo Gentile

Make a beautiful Christmas tree plaque using only drinking straws and paper! Teachers and students will enjoy making these and giving them as gifts. Learning happens incidentally-lots of math, “engineering”, and language skills involved.
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An Ideal Gift
By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

It costs not a penny! It’s so easy, and it fills everyone (teacher included) with genial feelings! Perfect at this time of year, or anytime! Give this gift to your students.
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Finding Success With a Challenging Class
By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

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My Favorite Teaching Things
By Michelle Webb of Teaching Ideas For Those Who Love Teaching

My favorite things to use in my classroom.  Simple tools to make a teacher’s life easier.  Pleasures perfect for teachers classroom gifts. 
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From a Wanna Be Organizer
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

Okay, I admit it. . . I’m a wanna-be organizer. I’m envious of those classrooms (and homes!) that never have piles. Here are some tried & true tips for what has helped me (attempt to) tame the chaos.

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Please check out the tips from all the members in this link-up. You’ll find 
some fab ideas.


We Teach So Hard…Episode 18 Fur, Feathers & Scales: Animals in Your Classroom

Hissing cockroaches, live chickens, exploding cricket cages and more! This episode is meant for all teachers who have ever contemplated having animals in their classroom…and for those teachers who would never dream of it! Seriously, this episode might make you pee your pants…some of us might have in the recording of it. Let us entertain you with the highs and the lows of classroom pets.
Listen to our podcast on iTunes
 

Like what you hear? Come join our Facebook group click here Or visit us at any of the links below!
Tracy @ mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Retta @ rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/
Deann @ socrateslantern.com/
Kathie @ www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/


We Teach So Hard……Episode 17 Stem…Steam…PBL? Decoding the Acronyms

STEM? STEAM? PBL? What’s the difference? Give us a listen as we discuss the differences, the reasons for incorporating it in your classroom, as well as some practical tips and tricks for success. Let us entertain you with a few fails of our own, as well!

Take a listen on iTunes

Like what you hear? Visit us at our blogs below! We promise, you won’t be sorry you stopped by! Don’t forget to comment or rate our podcast!

Tracy @ mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Retta @ rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/
Kathie @ www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/
Deann @ socrateslantern.com/

Would you like to take a look at some of our PBL Resources and Activities? Just click the images below.

 


We Teach So Hard…Episode 16…It’s a Teacher’s Thanksgiving

Mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries and TURKEY! It’s a buffet of Thanksgiving topics for teachers! We’re laughing and crying our way through Thanksgiving cocktails, teaching ideas, sing-a-long songs, culturally responsive teaching, and more! You don’t want to miss this episode…we PERFORM a head banging rendition of our favorite Thanksgiving song! The words are included for you below! (To the tune of Frere Jacques)
Turkey dinner, turkey dinner,
gather round, gather round,
who will get the drumstick…
yummy, yummy yumstick?
All sit down, all sit down.
Cornbread muffins, chestnut stuffin’
pudding pie, one foot high.
All of us were thinner,
’til we came to dinner,
me oh, my…
me oh, my.
 

Take a listen on iTunes

Like what you hear? Come visit us at the links below!
Tracy @ mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/
Retta @ rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/
Deann @ socrateslantern.com/
Kathie @ www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/
 
And don’t forget to enter our giveaway! It closes this Sunday. You could win $100 for Amazon, Tieks, Starbucks, or Teachers Pay Teachers! Check out the link below!

November Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

It’s November Teacher Talk Time…..Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. Time sure flies.  We have so many great tips and ideas for you from awesome educators. Be sure to take a look at what everyone has to say.

If you’re interested in joining this unique group of teacher entrepreneurs, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here….The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, be sure to mention one of our names.
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Politics, Elections & Voting, Oh My!
By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

We educators, need to have faith that students care enough about our democracy to become voices of change.
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Holiday Self Care
By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

My message today is about some ways that you might consider in taking care of yourself during these always fast paced couple of months ahead.
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It Depends on the Angle – Complimentary and Supplementary Angles
By Vicky Rauch of Scipi

Since most students are visual learners, I try to visually help them remember definitions. This is how I visually taught them the difference between complementary and 
supplementary angles.
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Why Does U Always Follow Q in English Spelling?
By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

Have you ever wondered why the letter U always follows Q in English spelling? Here’s the answer.
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Do You Know These Top 5 Core 2-Word Phrases?
By Susan Berkowitz of Susan Berkowitz

Far too many students never make it to the symbol sequencing stage of AAC use. Whether because of presumed lack of potential or lack of knowledge about how to move students along beyond single words, we end up with many AAC users who are not communicating as competently as they could – and need.

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Avoid Comparing Adjectives That Are Absolute
By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

Something can be unique, but not more unique.
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Free Art DecoChristmas Tree Coloring Pages to Support St Jude’s Childrens Hospital
By Margo Gentile of Margo Gentile

Get some free “Art Deco” Christmas coloring pages with links to powerpoint tutorials showing how to make Christmas graphics using basic shapes. 
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Five Tips for Teaching Literary Analysis Writing in Grades 5-8
By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Learn five practical tips for teaching one of the most challenging genres in writing.
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Preserving History
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

History books (& Hollywood) have often depicted Native Americans in very stereotypical and often degrading roles. Researching and creating scrapbooks of California tribes highlights the important relationship between the regions and natural resources, dependence on the land, as well as their beliefs.
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Reasoning with Evidence & Persuasive Thinking
By Tracy Willis of Wild Child Designs

 

Raise your hand if you wish your students would support their thinking with evidence! Visible thinking’s Claim-Support-Question is a great way to build your students’ capacity. This post explores how reasoning with evidence can flow across your curriculum with one BIG thinking routine!
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We Teach So Hard…Episode 15…Attitudes of Gratitude



Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Do your students? How do you teach gratitude? Join us as we explore books and resources for teaching gratitude, not just in November, but all year long! The research says our brains and our bodies are healthier when we learn how to incorporate gratitude into our daily lives.


We end this podcast by THANKING YOU, our listeners, with a $100 giveaway! We’ve got big things planned. 
Join us!

Take a listen on iTunes
And visit our blogs! We’ve linked up to offer some free teaching resources!
Tracy @ mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/ 
Kathie @ www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/ 
Retta @ rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/ 
Deann @ socrateslantern.com/

Click below to enter our giveaway and find out how to win your choice of a $100.00 gift card! 

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We Teach So Hard…Episode 14…The Election: Teaching With Intention to Work Through Contention

Join us as we explore approaches to use when you teach about the election. What happens when students have questions that are difficult to answer? How do you remain neutral? How do you discuss American politics today? DO YOU discuss American politics? This podcast can be a starting point for your classroom lessons!

Catch us on iTunes by clicking this link 

Like what you hear? Visit us at

Kathie @ triedandtrueteachingtools.com 
Retta @ rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/ 
Tracy @ mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/ 
Deann @ socrateslantern.com/ 


WeTeach So Hard…Episode 13….Parents and Students and Teachers…OH MY!

It’s that time of year again…parent-teacher conferences. Nothing causes sleepless nights and stomach butterflies like the anxiety we feel as we prepare for conferences. But guess what? Parents get nervous, too! And if you do student-led or student-involved conferences, your students are a bundle of nerves as well. That makes for a lot of anxiety around the conference table. Join us as we share tips and war stories to make your conferencing less anxious!
Like what you hear? SUBSCRIBE to WE TEACH SO HARD!

Rate us or drop us a comment and tell us what you’d like to hear more of. 

Or… visit us on our blogs! Consider joining our facebook group 

Be sure to listen to our latest podcast on iTunes here 

Tracy @ mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/ 
Retta @ rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com/ 
Deann @socrateslantern.com/
Kathie @ www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/ 


We Teach So Hard…Episode 12 Halloween Horror or Heaven?

Halloween is often a teacher’s personal horror story! LOL! We, at WE TEACH SO HARD, feel the pain, because we’re here in the trenches with you…scavenging the aisles of Target the night before for a costume that isn’t sexy…binging on the chocolate you bought for your students…watching the room parents take over…all on a full moon! We raise our pumpkin spice latte in empathy, sympathy and solidarity!

So, come laugh and plan your Halloween survival strategies with us at We Teach So Hard. We’ve got you covered with some funny stories and expert tips!

Be sure to listen to our latest podcast on iTunes here

Like what you hear? Please rate us. Consider joining our facebook group 

You can also find us on our blogs. We love to write almost as much as we love to talk. Come visit!

Tracy @ mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/

Deann @ socrateslantern.com/

Retta @ rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com

Kathie @ www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/


October TeacherTalk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

 

It’s October Teacher Talk Time…..Well, the first month of school is over and it’s BOO-tober, time for Halloween fun, Columbus Day and beautiful fall weather.  We have so many great tips and ideas for you from awesome educators. Be sure to take a look at what everyone has to say.
 
If you’re interested in joining this unique group of teacher entrepreneurs, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here….The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, be sure to mention one of our names.
????????????????????Bullies Not WelcomeBy Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

Some tips for creating a safe and accepting bully free zone in your classroom.
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Interactive, Mentor & Read Aloud? Oh My! Choose Your Next Read Aloud
By Tracy Willis of Wild Child Designs

Interactive read aloud? Mentor text? What are these and how do they elevate your reader’s workshop? This post explains how they “feed the beast” and take your reader’s workshop to the next level.
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Halloween Spooks

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

October is the perfect time to get those creative juices flowing in your students.
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Bring on FALL!
By Wendy McCarty of 1st Grade Fireworks

Bring on FALL! We are ready!
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Prefixes and Suffixes: Ready to Use Lesson Presentation
By John Dsouza of John Dsouza

A Lesson Presentation that presents Teaching Resources in Prefixes and Suffixes. This presentation presents perfect teaching resources that will help the teachers to walk into the classroom with ready to teach confidence as it covers all that a teacher and a student need for a vocabulary lesson on Prefixes and Suffixes.
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Make the Connection! Getting Parents and Speech Pathologists to Work 
Together.
By Susan Berkowitz of Susan Berkowitz

Make the Connection is my new book for bringing parents and professionals together as partners in working on teaching a nonverbal child to communicate.
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Be Lear Me. Fall is Great! Using Leaves in Science Investigations
By Vicki Rauch of Scipi

How do you save fall leaves so they can be mailed?
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One Student I Will Never Forget
By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

I will always remember her– she was the only student I ever had who wept hysterically in my class. I learned a lesson about the fragile ego of students who fail, which I knew, but failed to fully comprehend.

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     “I Spy” Collage Project
By Margo Gentile of  Margot Gentile

What’s more fun than searching for pictures in an “I Spy” type of collage? Making one yourself and then “trying it out” on your friends! You’ll find complete directions and a student’s finished product here.
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All About Spelling: Independent Product Review
By Thia Triggs of Print Path

 

One of the things I was surprised to find out when I started reading handwriting research is that handwriting is the most significant obstacle to the quality and quantity of written language composition. Now I’m finally going to get to my point: guess what the second most significant obstacle to written language composition is? You got it, spelling.
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Tips on Using Comparative and Superlative Adjectives and Adverbs
By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

 

Learning to compare adjectives and adverbs is easy. Here are some tips to help you get it right every time.
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Simple Ways to Build Relationships With Your Students

By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Learn easy ways to build relationships with your students and create a positive classroom environment.
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Questioning Strategies
By Lisa Robles of Lisa TeachR’s Classroom

Here is a quick explanation of the DoK levels of questioning
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