Category Archives : SPECIAL EDUCATION


May 2022 Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern 

 

Welcome to our MayTeacher Talk.  All of us from the Teacher Talk collaborative would like to wish you a happy and prosperous summer. We have so many fab tips this month from fun activities, ELA and reading ideas, to high interest learning. 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, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here…The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com for any questions you might have.”
 
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Rejoice! It’s the End of the School Year

Rejoice, it’s the end of the school year. We’re so eager for summer that we sometimes forget about all the things we have to do for the last few weeks of school.  Hopefully, you’ll be celebrating a successful year with our students.  For those of you who didn’t have a great year, it’s time to cheer, you never have to see this group of kids again, at least not in your classroom. 

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Welcoming the Summer Slide
It’s an exhilarating time of the year! Testing should be over by now (Pleeeease tell me that’s true for you!), classrooms are getting packed up and summerized, and we’re celebrating all the learning that has happened for our students in this important piece of their childhood.
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Patriotic Karaoke

If your classes need a pick-me-up before the school year ends, consider patriotic karaoke for some rousing fun with educational value.

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Create a Focused Learning Environment using Feng Shui for the Classroom
Do you feel like your classroom needs an uplift, but you don’t have the time or money to achieve your goal? Consider making a few Feng Shui adjustments. Your classroom will go from stuffy to energized with only a few changes because the “chi” or the energy of the room, is happy to circulate.
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How to Correct Mixed Metaphor and Malapropisms

 

The use of mixed metaphors and malapropisms can be quite comical. Learn how to avoid them.
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Classroom Organization Ideas: What to Do Now to Reduce Your Workload Later

Check out these 7 great tips to learn what you can do now in your classroom to reduce your workload later.

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April 2022 Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern 

Welcome to our April Teacher Talk.  All of us from the Teacher Talk collaborative would like to wish you a happy and prosperous spring.  We have so many fab tips this month from fun activities, ELA and reading ideas, to high interest learning. 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, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here…The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com for any questions you might have.”
 
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April Activities Just for Your Students
Some fun and engaging activities for you to do with your students during the month of April or whenever.
 
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Read Aloud Magic
Add a little magic to your read-alouds by taking your students through a portal inside the book.
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5 Ways to Up the FUN Factor at the End of the School Year
 

The end of the school year can be difficult at best and disastrous at worst. Your students are ready for summer, and you are anxious to close the year out without incident. Here are 5 ways to up the FUN factor at the end of the year

 
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Make an Old Story New Again
 

Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Rework a plot from a story you’ve read or a movie you’ve seen and make it your own.

 
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Junk Art
 

One of the best things about teaching reading is that you can find anything to read about any holiday and make it teachable. When April rolls around, one of my favorite Earth Day activities is making art from junk and having students write stories about their creations.

 
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Let’s Play Bingo!
 
Learn 3 ways to use BINGO in your math class.

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The Best Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged During Tough Teaching Times
 

Learn some of the best strategies for keeping students engaged during the most challenging times of the year.

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March 2022 Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern 

Welcome to our March Teacher Talk.  All of us from the Teacher Talk collaborative would like to wish you a happy and prosperous spring.  We have so many fab tips this month from fun activities, ELA and reading ideas, to high interest learning. 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, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here…The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com for any questions you might have.”
 
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It’s… March Let’s Go Fly a Kite
As an award for good behavior, my special needs class’s favorite activity was making & flying kites. When I taught sixth grade, my kids also loved this project.

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Starting with Scribble

Ideas for celebrating National Scribble Day!

 
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The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Study Practices
In spite of what many people think, there are some very common study practices that are not very effective. There are others that are somewhat helpful, and then there are several that research shows are very effective.
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What to Have in a Literature Circle Resource Center

By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Discover the most important items to have in your literature circles resource center.

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Tips to Save Money on Groceries

Grocery prices are soaring. Here are some tips to save money on groceries.

 
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The Value of Project-based Learning -A Solid Gold Learning Nugget

The value of project-based learning goes beyond keeping your students actively involved in their own education. It teaches them cooperation, time management, and public speaking. Try this solid gold nugget in your own classroom.

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February 2022 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 to wish you a Happy February.  We have so many fab tips this month from Math, ELA and reading ideas, to High interest learning and our featured author for the month, 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, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here…The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com for any questions you might have.”
 
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All You Need is Love and Kindness

 

My husband got up one gloomy morning and went to the gas station to fill his car, when he went to pay, the gas pump said, “prepaid.” A kind person, from the goodness of his/her heart, paid for his gas. Needless to say, it brought a big smile to his face.
 
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Celebrate Reading
 


Ways to celebrate March is Reading month.

 
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Discover How to Effectively Use Running Record Assessments with Primary
 Students

 

Wouldn’t it be great to get insight into what a student does when he/she reads? Learn how in this post!
 
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Bully Tales
My encounter with this student who was a school bully produced a surprising result.

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Tips to Use Whose vs.Who’s and Their vs. There, vs.They’re

Help your students learn an easy way to choose between confusing words.

 
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Palindromes in Words and Numbers
I was getting ready to pay for my meal at a buffet when I noticed the cashier’s name tag. It read “Anna” to which I replied, “Your name is a palindrome!” The cashier just stared at me in disbelief. I explained that a palindrome was letters that read the same backwards as forwards. Because you could read her name forwards and backwards, it qualified as a palindrome. In fact, February 22, 2022 will be a palindrome if written as 2-22-22!

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How to Deal with Common Problems During Literature Circles
 
Learn about 6 of the most common problems teachers face during literature circles and solutions for each problem.

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Teacher Talk’s Featured Author – Alison Monk


Alison Monk of The Literacy Garden is Teacher Talk’s Featured Author. Alison’s TpT store at https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Literacy-Garden has amazing ELA resources, book companions, and morning work for your classroom. Get her free close reading lesson using nonfiction magazine-styled passages.

 
 
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January 2022 Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

 
 

It’s 2022! 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 teacher entrepreneurs, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here…The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com for any questions you might have.”
 
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I Dreaded My Third Period Class
It was cold and blustery outside, one of those days you just wanted to stay under the covers, but truth be told, I immediately thought about how I dreaded my third period class, I so wanted to turn over and forget about it for a while. I knew I had to face it, so I begrudgingly got out of bed. Alas, it was only hump day, and I had a busy schedule, so I dragged myself out of bed, had my cup of coffee and a piece of toast.
 
 
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Goals and Dreams
Ideas for going beyond “I Have a Dream” for MLK Day.

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New Year, New Focus
 


First week back after winter break. . . what a week! With our classroom numbers fluctuating due to students quarantining or testing positive, and so much uncertainty, diving right into the curriculum was not an option. We went back to the basics: what do we need to improve in?

 
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Under The Blotter: Engagement Questions
Need a way to encourage independent reading? I have kept these particular reading engagement questions under my desk blotter for many, many years—so many that I don’t even know who did the research for them, but I do know these questions are effective in improving reading motivation, in the person who responds, AND in those who listen to the answers.
 
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The Beauty of Math Patterns

Some people say mathematics is the science of patterns which I think is a pretty accurate description. Not only do patterns take on many forms, but they occur in every part of mathematics. But then again patterns occur in other disciplines as well. They can be sequential, spatial, temporal, and even linguistic. Discover more about pattern in this blog post.

 
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MLK in ELA: Ideas for Reading & Writing About Martin Luther King, Jr.
 
 
10 ideas for reading and writing about Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Essential Literature Circles Mini Lessons: What to Teach Your Students
Literature circles and mini-lessons go hand-in-hand. Discover the most important mini-lessons to teach your students and take your literature circles to new levels!
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Test Prep Tournaments That Work!
 

Get your students ready for your chapter tests, district-mandated tests, and the high-stakes state tests with test prep tournaments! They are a fun way to review for upcoming tests AND they work!

 
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December 2021 Teacher Talk

 Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

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, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com if you have any questions”
 
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An Amazing Holiday Values Lesson

I woke up this morning, December 19, 2021, and thought about how much things have changed since the pandemic. 

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A Celebration of Values for the Holidays

Ideas for bringing reflections and values to the celebrations of the season!

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The Best Gift of All: Connection

One of the biggest challenges I’ve noticed since being back in school in person is the need for conversational skills. In class during morning meeting, we spend time devoted to talking and interacting with one another. While I can foster this in the classroom, I know practicing communication skills need to continue at home.

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Giving Books as Gifts
Books make great gifts for everyone, but here are two keys for giving books that children, especially, will enjoy and that will motivate them to read even more.

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Measuring Snow – A Craft for the Un-Crafty
 
I am not a very crafty person; so, I am always looking for items that are easy to make that I can give to my grandchildren. One year, I gave them a snowman making kit that included buttons, a carrot, six rocks and two sticks. This year, I am giving them a Snow Measuring Tool. Not is it only fun to use, but it also helps them to practice using a ruler. Learn how you can make one!
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The Benefits of Literature Circles in the Classroom
Ever thought about using literature circles in your classroom as part of your reading program? Learn more about what literature circles are and why they are an effective addition to your classroom reading program.
 
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Good Writers Vary Their Sentence Patterns
 

Good Writers Vary Their Sentence Patterns and often place phrases and dependent clauses at the beginning of their sentences.

 
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5 Tech Tips to Keep Teacher Sanity
Technology Tips for Teachers in the Classroom.
 
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August 2021 Teacher Talk

 Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

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It’s August Teacher Talk Time…..Hopefully you have a wonderful year whether you are physically in your classroom, using a hybrid model, or distance learning.  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, If you decide to join, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com for any questions you might have and mention me when you sign up.”
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Is Summer Vacation Over Already?

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

Someone posted on Facebook that August is like Sunday for teachers! We’re elated when the weekend comes around, and love Saturday, it’s one of our fun days, but then the dreaded Sunday comes, you have to correct papers, do lesson plans, and go to bed at a reasonable hour, you know the routine. Here are some great tips for connecting with your students on the first day.

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Take the Stress Out of This year’s Teacher Evaluations

By Retta London of Rainbowcity Learning

How to get a head start on prepping for stress-free teacher evaluations this year.

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Starfish Up!

By Gini Musanno of Reading Spotlight

Hopefully, normal and safe school operations will be returning this fall, but will your students be wilting at their desks before long? This a simple reminder that a constant requirement for kids to sit in desks quietly hour after hour will be a difficult challenge for all, and actual torment for some.

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How Many Classroom Rules Do You Need?

By Vicky Rauch of Scipi

Now that most of us are getting geared up for a new school year, it’s time to think about what classroom rules need to be established. I would suggest making a few general rules that are clear and understandable since being too specific often leads to complicated, wordy rules that might cover every possible situation.   ✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿

Bingo Lingo

By Renee Heiss of  All-American Teacher Tools

Bingo Lingo gives teachers many options for creating and playing bingo with their students.

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Comparing and Contrasting Two Short Stories

by Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

Learning to compare and contrast two short stories is a great lesson for the beginning of the fall semester.
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Back-to-School Writing Activities In-Person & Digital

By Katie Auer of Loving Language arts

10 engaging back-to-school writing activities for grades 4-8
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6 Helpful Tips for the First Day of School

By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Learn 6 great tips for a successful first day of school

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First Day of School Picture Books

By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

Are you looking for diverse reads that are inclusive? A great class library has books that provide those mirrors, windows and sliding doors that are for all students!
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How to Teach Word Problems? Teach 5 Steps in Solving Word Problems on the First Day of School…

By Victoria Leone of The Best of Teacherpreneurs

If teaching word problems continues to be your math nemesis, try something different this year and start teaching the Word Problem of the Day.


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Be sure to click the images below to see what our teacherpreneur members have to say.

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Teacher Talk March 2021

 Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern 

Welcome to our March Teacher Talk.  All of us from the Teacher Talk collaborative would like wish you a happy and prosperous spring.  We have so many fab tips this month from Math, ELA and reading ideas, to High interest learning and our featured author for the month, 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, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here….The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com for any questions you might have.”
 
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Coffea for Mental Health (Restlessness)
 
 

Can you imagine coffee to be an alternative medicine that supports and improves mental health? 

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Greet Students with the Arts
 
 
Suggestions for a kinder, more gentle way to welcome students back to class this Spring.
 
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Let’s Hear it for the Women!
 
Although March is designated as Women’s History Month, we obviously learn about women who have made a difference throughout the year. This was a quick and easy group assignment: Women’s History posters.
 
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5 Renewable Energy Sources: The Pros and Cons Simplified
 
Do you want to learn more about renewable energy sources? Read about the pros and cons in a simplified way!
 
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The Gift: Cancelled By Culture
 
 

I learned that cultures are complicated, but they do have profound effects.. My small touch cannot alter very much, but, hopefully, being able to read will open doors for them when they do knock.

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How to Make Earth Day Relevant in the Classroom
 


Learn 6 easy ideas to increase the relevance of Earth Day.

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3 Tips on Using Blog Posts Correctly
 


Learn to use apostrophes correctly. Never use an apostrophe to make a noun plural.

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Attitude Really IS Everything: Encouraging Students to Own Their Attitudes
 
 
Attitude really is everything – instill this in students!
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Picture Books for Growth Mindset
 
Growth mindset is HUGE in my class and here are some of my favorites with a few tips on how to use them in your classroom.
 
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Photos into Cartoons
 
My current post is about turning photos into cartoons and using it in my blog and my Jamboard lessons when I return to work from spring break vacation.
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May 2021 Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern


It’s May already, time sure flies.   Time to stop by and see what our teaching friends are doing during the school closures. This is the last link-up for this school year. We’ll see you again in August.


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, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com for any questions you might have.”

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Rejoice! It’s the End of the School Year
 
We’re so eager for summer, we sometimes forget about all the things we have to do for the last few weeks of school, one of which is celebrating a successful year with our students.  For those of you who didn’t have a great year, it’s time for you to rejoice, you never have to see this group of kids again, at least not in your classroom. So sit back, have a Margarita, or something else you love and breathe a sigh of relief.
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Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month
 
Did you know there are 23 million Asian Americans and 1.6 million Pacific Islanders living in the United States? Did you ever learn about the contributions of Asian Americans or Pacific Islanders (AAPI) while you were in school? With Asian hate crimes on the rise and anti-Asian sentiment in the news, this was the perfect time to learn all about the many contributions of AAPI.
 
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Narrative Nonfiction Brings History to Life
 

Ideas for using archaeology as a doorway to reading and writing narrative nonfiction.

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Advance Preparation for a Substitute Is a Must
 

Emergency lesson plans are a must and give you peace of mind.
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A Summer Nightmare

 

A more devastating movie plot for education could not be imagined—student educational loss compounded exponentially in years of COVID. Plus, of course, the emotional losses. For some children, few, if any, reading skills were learned or practiced…in more than an entire year. So the setback will grow and grow and grow GIGANTC as…

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It Depends on the Angle – How to Distinguish Between Complimentary and Supplementary Angles
 

My students always have difficulty distinguishing complimentary from supplementary angles. Since most of my students are visual learners, I had to come up with something that would help them to distinguish between the two.

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Summer Fun for Everyone – 5 Ways to Make this Summer Special
 

This year, summer takes on a whole new meaning – fewer COVID restrictions and plenty of opportunity to join others for some good old fashioned fun! Check out these ways to increase family summer fun.

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Uplifting Native Literature: Picture Books by Indigenous Voices
 
Tuesday Uplifting native literature: picture books by Indigenous voices Uplifting native literature: picture books by Indigenous voices Indigenous literature matters! We need to hear the native voices and let kids see themselves represented in literature.
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Renee Heiss – Teacher Talk’s Featured Author
 
 Renee Heiss of “All-American Teacher Tools” is Teacher Talk’s Featured Author. Renee enjoys giving half of her TpT earnings to teachers who have requested much-needed materials at Donor’s Choose. Your students will have fun with her free lessons, “STEM Daily Discussion Starters, Journal Prompts, and Fillers – September.”
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How to Survive and Thrive During the Last Month of School
Learn three easy tips to help you survive and thrive during the last few weeks of school
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How Will You Remember this School Year?
Tips to remember and celebrate the 2020-21 School year with your students.
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February 2021 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 February.  We have so many fab tips this month from Math, ELA and reading ideas, to High interest learning and our featured author for the month, 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, blogging buddies and/or our blog linky, sign up here….The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com for any questions you might have.”
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Chaos at the Capitol, How Do You Talk to Your Students About It?

You’re a middle school teacher, you and your 11 year old have just turned on the television to watch the news. What you see in front of you nearly blows you away, you rub your eyes, no, you’re not imagining it, there’s a riot at the United States Capitol.

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Small Moment Stories

Small moment stories and a Faith Ringgold author study for “March is Reading Month”.

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Tried & True Fraction Freebies

What are you teaching in math right now? We are exploring fractions but doing this virtually has needed some thinking outside the box! Here are some of my tried & true activities and websites to use.

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5 Tips to Changing the Atmosphere in your Classroom
Learn 6 easy tips to help you improve the reading skills of your most reluctant readers.

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See You Later Alligator

By Vicky A. Rauch of Scipi

How do you teach your students how to use the greater than and less than symbol without having alligators in your lesson?

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How to Unstruggle Struggling Readers

Now that the first semester is over, have you recognized your struggling readers? Teachers are very busy teaching, teaching, teaching…but is everyone learning and retaining?
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Five Capitalization Hints
Here are 5 capitalization hints that will help your students write correctly.

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Cool Google Slides Tips and Tricks

CUE Los Angeles just had their CUE Palooza today and my mind is blown ? by everything I did not know about Google slides. I’m going to give you a few of the tips and tricks I learned today.
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Easy Tips to Sneak in Test Prep Activities

Learn easy tips for sneaking engaging test prep into your upper elementary or middle school classroom.

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Michelle Webb – Teacher Talk’s Featured Author

By Victoria Leone of The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs

Michelle Webb of “Teaching Ideas For Those Who Love Teaching” is Teacher Talk’s Featured Author. Learn more about this National Board Certified Teacher. Your students will enjoy her free product, Paul Bunyan Reading Lesson on Hyperbole and Pop Up Book!
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My Rule #5 for Teaching Middle School
My rule #5 in a series of how to bring out the best behavior in middle school students. Includes ideas of high-interest topics you can use for reading and writing activities.

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Teacher Talk November 2020

 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 andideas 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 link-up, sign up here….The Best of Teacher Entrepreneurs Marketing Cooperative. If you decide to join, “Feel free to email me at deann.marin@gmail.com if you have any questions”
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Holiday Indulgence

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

The holidays are fast approaching and if you’re anything like me, you will indulge in the things you love to eat and drink. Of course, I’d rather eat than drink, but there are some delicious cocktails that I can’t resist. It’s tough when you have to get up the next morning feeling physically and mentally unfit to do anything.
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Telling Our Stories

By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

Easing into personal narrative writing for catharsis as well as instruction.

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It’s Up To You!

By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

Yes, teachers, it IS up to you! The 2020 election brought different kinds of fears and tears to most, for different reasons. But one glaring term stood out: “uneducated.” I have something to say about that.
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Using FREE Milk Lid Jug Lids for Hands-On Math Activities

By Vicky Rauch of Scipi Products

Start saving milk jug lids because there are countless hands-on math activities you can do in your classroom using this free manipulative. In my latest blog post, I give you four ideas that can be used with a whole group, small groups or as math center activities.
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Help with the Active and Passive Voice of Verbs

By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

Using the Active Voice will make your writing more efficient and compelling.
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How to Teach Grammar Skills So Kids Remember

By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Learn 3 easy tips to make your grammar lessons meaningful and fun. Increase student engagement and learning by adding simple grammar activities to enhance your grammar lessons.
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When was the last time you took time for YOU?

By Renee Heiss of All American Teacher Tools

You’ve been creating virtual lessons, implementing virtual rewards and discipline procedures, and possibly keeping up with in-class separation shenanigans, as well. It’s overwhelming and not what you signed up for, right? Here are some ideas to help you relax and enjoy a small part of your day or week so you tell yourself that you are special (channeling Mr. Rogers here!)
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October Teacher Talk 2020

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, Stop Bullying Month 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.


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Searching for Our Future Selves

By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

Adding futuristic thinking to your reading and writing practice.


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A Peek Into Learning

By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

For all the grumbling about distance learning (and there is a lot of grumbling!), there are also some perks! I have a love-hate relationship with classroom bulletin boards. They are such a pain to put up, then you have to change them frequently and other than during Open House, no one actually looks at them! Anyone else?


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Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

For my teacher friends who are torn about going back to school physically, or teaching using a hybrid model, these times are challenging.  If you are someone who HAS to go into your classroom, you are literally risking your life and possibly those around you. You probably stay up many nights tossing and turning over what you should do.  While those of you who teach through distance learning have to acquire new skills, and let’s face it, not all of us are tech savvy. It’s hard enough doing what you all love to do but Covid19 is making it difficult if not impossible for you. So how do you function when feeling emotionally drained and stressed out. In some of my other posts, I’ve mentioned Qigong as a way to relieve stress, there are also homeopathic remedies that may help. 

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Using Glyphs to Gather Information, Interpret Data and Follow Directions By Vicky Rauch of Scipi

A glyph is a non-standard way of graphing information to tell a story. It is a flexible data representation tool that uses symbols to represent different data. Glyphs are an innovative instrument that shows several pieces of data at once and necessitates a legend or a key to understand the glyph. They require problem solving, communication, and data organization.


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Boo! Meow! Eek!Woo! Ha-Ha- Haaaa!

http://www.readingspotlight.com/boo-meow-eek-woooha-ha-haaaa/

Reading poetry helps students improve fluency because the natural rhythm of most poems enhances ease of expression. Adding sound effects to group or individual Halloween readings incorporates pleasure into reading aloud, often a difficult task for beginning and struggling readers. Read this post to find out how to throw in even more levity.


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Tips for Knowing When to Use Who, That, and Which

By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

Choosing between the the relative pronouns who, that, and which is an important decision. Using the correct word will help you say what you mean and get your point across successfully.


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3-Easy Tips for Making Grammar Fun

By Marcy How of It’s a Teacher Thing

Learn 3 easy tips for adding fun to your grammar instruction and increase student learning and engagement.


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Teacher Self Care During Distance Learning

By Michelle Webb of Teaching Ideas for Those Who Love Teaching

Tips to take care of yourself during distance learning.


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Coding with the Littles

By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

Have you done coding with your littles? I’m currently doing Scratch Jr. with my Kindergartners and they are loving it. What is Scratch Jr.? It’s a programming language that lets kids ages 5-7 create stories and games. Kids use blocks to create the code.


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Be sure to check out the block posts from all of our members.

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May 2020 Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern


It’s May already, time sure flies.   Time to stop by and see what our teaching friends are doing during the school closures. This is the last link-up for this school year. We’ll see you again in August.

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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Now That School’s Out. What Will We Do for the Summer?

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

Summer is the time for fun, fun, fun! School is out no more hitting the books. The only problem is that much of what was learned during the school year is forgotten, “out of sight, out of mind.” Not so with these fun educational activities that will keep the children looking for more and not even realizing they’re learning.

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Tried & True Tools for Managing Distance Learning

By Kathie Yonemura of Tried & True Teaching Tools 

 I am SO thankful for the many teachers who know more than me and their willingness to share their expertise! There is no reason to reinvent the wheel! Here are some tried & true tools that have saved my time and sanity with distance learning!

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Slipping into Summer

By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning  

 
Reflections on our “new normal” ways of teaching and learning.

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 Should You Red Shirt Your Kindergartner?

By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight 

Will a delayed start to kindergarten improve a child’s success in school? Many kindergartners have not experienced a full school year due to the pandemic. This re-post might help some parents and teachers in reaching what might be a more difficult than usual decision this year.

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 Integrating Sustainable Development Goals into OurTeaching

By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

Integrating sustainable development goals into teaching

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Teaching Reading in the COVID19 Restructured Classroom

By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Learn practical tips for teaching reading in our COVID 19 restructured classrooms.

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March 2020 Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

St. Patrick’s 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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It’s March…Let’s Go Fly a Kite

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

A great activity for home and at school.

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Learning During Our New Reality: Social Distancing

By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

Just a few tips on some activities to add to your distance learning.

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Teaching Data, Graphing and Scientific Process with Paper Airplanes

By Tracy Willis of Wild Child Designs

Read how a paper airplane project sparked students to collect data, try out different graphs, and explore the scientific process! Remote learning freebies included with this post.

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Simple Ways to Make Classroom Lessons More Engaging

By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Learn simple tricks to liven up even the most unexciting topic. It’s easier than you think!

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The Best Principal I Ever Had

By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

What principles make a great principal? Read about them here.

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Easy-to-Implement Home Instruction Ideas

By Renee Heiss of All-American Teacher tools

Prepare now for the possibility of home-instruction for all of your students. Find easy ways to send them home with a packet of work until you come back together again!

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St. Patrick’s Day Myths and Fun Facts

By Vicky Rauch of Scipi

March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day. Read my latest blog post to explore some of the myths surrounding this Irish holiday as well as to discover a few fun facts.

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How to Choose Between Affect and Effect

By Charlene Tess of CharleneTess

Here’s Help with Choosing Between Affect and Effect.

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School closed: Now what?

By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

Our schools have closed. Now what? Here are some links that could be useful during this time to keep your kids learning.

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Be sure to stop by and read the posts from the rest of our awesome educators, click the images below.

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February 2020 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, 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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Teaching Effective Note-Taking

By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

Have you ever told your students to take notes and they either highlight almost everything (sometimes even changing colors with their fancy highlighters to make it look like a rainbow pattern) or they take bullet points on everything? Mine used to write pages of bullet points, with no organization or greater understanding of patterns, themes, or bigger ideas. In comes Note-taking Stations!

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All You Need is Love & Kindness

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

Did you know that there is a Random Acts of Kindness Week? It runs from February 16 through the 23rd. Actually, this is the first I’ve heard of it, but what a groovy way for all of us to unite by being kind to each other. It begins with one simple act – one hello to a stranger, a simple smile, a pat on the back, a cup of coffee for someone you don’t know, or as my husband experienced, pay it forward.  This is a chance for participating individuals to make our world a better one and inspire others to follow suit. 

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Why you Need a Teacher Bestie

By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

I have been so lucky to have a teacher bestie at every twist and turn in my teacher life, and this post is just a love letter to each of them, and to the universe for placing each of them in my life.

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Does a Circle Have Sides?

By Victoria Rauch of Scipi

Does a circle have sides? Believe it or not, this was a question asked by a primary teacher.  I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, but in retrospect, I was stunned. Therefore, I decided this topic would make a great blog post. Discover the answer on my blog.

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Learning From Students: Issac

By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

A teacher learns about disrespect, resiliency, and lack of initiative.

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Christopher Ludwick – Revolutionary Baker and Spy

By Renee Heiss of All-American Teacher tools

Celebrate Washington’s Birthday with the story of Christopher Ludwick, Baker General.

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Say What You Mean and Avoid Redundancies

By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

Good writers say what they mean and avoid excessive verbiage. This blog post will help you avoid redundancies in your writing.

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Help Your Student Gain Perspective and Build Gratitude

By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Surviving tough teaching years by helping your students gain perspective and build gratitude.

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January 2020 Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

 It’s 2020! 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 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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The Proof is in the Pudding….Proof Reading that Is!

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

I’d like to share some effective proof-reading tips that I’ve used to help students improve their writing skills, and to make my life a bit easier.

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Speaking Up for Justice

By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

Along with honoring Martin Luther King, Jr., this week is our union’s one year “strikeversary”. What a perfect time to reflect and teach our students to stand up for what is right.

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A Lesson for MLK Day

By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

A lesson for Martin Luther KIng Day to try this week!

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Remember to Take Time for Yourself

By Renee Heiss of All-American Teacher Tools

Do you have enough “me time”?  A few minutes can be just as valuable as a week-long vacation!

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Fostering Creativity

By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

Sister Rosemary ruined my poem, but she fostered creativity as she did. Read about how teachers can encourage creative ability in their students.

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New Year’s Resolutions Again?

By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

Is it time for new year’s resolutions again?

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Using Two-Sided Colored Beans to Add and Subtract Positive and Negative Numbers

By Vicky Rauch of Scipi

“When it comes to adding and subtracting positive and negative numbers, many students have great difficulty. In reality, it is a very confusing and abstract idea; so, it is important to give the students a concrete visual to assist them in seeing the solution. Find out how I teach this concept to my remedial college math students in my newest blog post. “

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10 Test Prep Skills for ELA Performance Task Success

By Marcy Howe of It’s A Teacher Thing

Learn 10 essential test prep skills to help your students be more successful on the ELA performance tasks.

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Using specific texts to delve into  Craft and Structure with the Common Core Standards

By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

Using specific texts to delve into  Craft and Structure with the Common Core Standards.

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August 2019 Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

It’s August Teacher Talk Time…..Hopefully those of you who are back to school this month are off to a great beginning with the best classes
ever. 
 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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 Is Summer Vacation Over Already?
Someone posted on Facebook that August is like Sunday for teachers! We’re elated when the weekend comes around, and love Saturday, it’s one of our fun days, but then the dreaded Sunday comes, you have to correct papers, do lesson plans, and go to bed at a reasonable hour, you know the routine.  Then there’s the month of August, it just seems to zooooom by and before you know it your summer vacation is like a dream gone by.  But you do Love teaching, it’s your calling. Read on for some first day teaching tips.
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How Morning Meeting Can Become a Sacred Space
By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

 Adding new practices to make Morning Meeting a peaceful and calm transition to your teaching and learning day.

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 5 Meaningful No-Prep Activities for the First Week of School
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools 

If you’re frantically planning for your first day or week of school, here are five tried & true activities (not busy work!) to keep your students engaged while you get to observe and learn more about them. And be sure to download all the FREEBIES!

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 Developing Powerful, Enthusiastic Readers

 Every teacher wants a classroom filled with powerful and enthusiastic readers. This is a terrific goal for the new school year…and it can be accomplished with
this design.
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 Free Video to Teach Prepositional Phrases
By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

 Here’s a FREE video to teach prepositional phrases.

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 Developing and Writing Effective Lesson Plans for Math
By Vicky Rauch of Scipi

 We often hear of research based strategies and how to use them in our classrooms. Having worked at two colleges in the past ten years, I have discovered that some who are doing this research have never been in a classroom or taught anyone under the age of 18! (Sad but True) 

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  Using Math Centers in the Upper Elementary Classroom
By Kris McWilliams of Mistakes Allow Things to Happen

 Thinking about adding Math Centers to your classroom math block? This article will help you take steps to implement a plan in an upper elementary school classroom.

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 Ease New School Year Teacher Anxiety
 By Michelle Webb of Teaching Ideas For Those Who Love Teaching

 Tips to ease Teachers’ back to school anxiety.

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 Math Games: Observing Your Students Makes Back-to-School a Breeze!
By Tracy Willis of Wild Child Designs 

 Want to know an easy peasy way to really get to know your kiddos at the beginning of the year? Play some math games with them and sit back and watch. This is one teacher’s approach to collecting student data.

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Recommended Reading Board
By Erik Arndt of Insights to English

Create a wall display of books (or better yet: series of books) that your students should consider reading. Make sure to have a variety of formats and genres so that there’s something for everyone!
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 This is the Time to Start Your Year Off Right With an Amazing Close Reading Lesson
By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

 This is the time to start your year off right with an amazing close reading
lesson. As the school year starts, this is the best time to start with
close reading.

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Be sure to click the links and mosey on over to all the fabulous blog posts submitted by our members. Lots of tips on back to school activities, mathematics, reading and so much more.

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May Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

It’s May and June is just around the bend. You’re probably counting the days till summer vacation. Be sure to stop by and see what these teachers are doing in their classrooms and gather some great tips and ideas. This is the last link-up for this school year. We’ll see you in August.

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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 Rejoice, The Last Day of School has Arrived

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

When that last day comes around, we’re elated, and yes, a little wistful, and the kids feel the same way….buuuut they’re also quite excited and hyper, it’s the end of the year after all. We know we have to come up with some groovy ideas to give them a great send off, all while maintaining our sanity. This post has just what the doctor ordered to help make this final day memorable for everyone, including you.

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Slide into Summer

By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning 

Create a Super Summer Kit to ease your students into summer and get them ready for the next school year!

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 Mining for Gold Gets Even Better

 By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools


Gold fever! It’s what drew thousands of men to California in 1849 and it still sparks student excitement and dreams of wealth today! Challenge your students to improve

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 Wrapping Up the School Year

By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom


How do you wrap up your school year? I know it’s easy to coast to the end but I see it as a time to go out strong! Leave your kids with amazing memories and fun stuff. Since testing is over, it’s a good time to branch out and do some really fun activities.

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 America the Beautiful

By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

For your patriotic enjoyment, watch this one minute slideshow.

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 Activities for the End of the Year

By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess 

 Here are 2 HOTS Activity for the End of the Year.

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  The “Lure” of Fish – The Benefits of Keeping an Aquarium in Your Classroom

By Vicky Rauch of Scipi Products 

 When I taught third grade in an inner city school, I knew the children needed something to love, but being a city girl, my love of animals was deficient. That is when my husband helped me to set up an aquarium. I purchased a water heater, a bubblier, chemicals, plants, fish food, and of course the fish! Little did I know what effect this would have on my students.

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 Review Activities

By Erik Arndt of Insights to English

Here are some activities that you can use with your class to review vocabulary and grammar. There are quite a few to choose from, and each is customizable; use whatever is best for your class!

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 7 Tips to Help Students Edit Their Essays

By Sally Hansen of Purposeful Plans

With technology today, it’s hard not to edit during the revision phase. But it’s important to keep the creativity flowing during the revision phase and wait to makes edits during the editing phase. Read more for some useful tips to help your students stay focused during the editing phase.

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 Preparing for Book Clubs: Tips for Success

By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

If you are considering using book clubs in your classroom, I’ve shared essential tips to help your book clubs be a success. You don’t want to miss these pointers for engaging all students and for reducing teacher workload.

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 Citizen Scientists ready For Summer

By Margo Gentile of Margo Gentile 

 Summer is the perfect time for kids to be outside and appreciate their natural surroundings. Wouldn’t it be nice if they could learn about nature and science as “casual learners? They can! I’d like to share some terrific citizen scientist programs that kids could participate in without even leaving their back yard.

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Be sure to read the rest of the posts in our link up….. 

 

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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 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 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/


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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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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We Teach So Hard: Read Aloud Books for the Beginning of the School Year

Join WE TEACH SO HARD as we talk shop about great back-to-school reads that foster community, conversation, and collaboration. In this episode we explore ways to use picture books with all students, as well as some great chapter books to start your school year. Project ideas abound! Be sure to visit our blogs this month for more ideas and free resources about starting your year off right with winning books. 
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A Good Book Can Start the Year Off Right
By Tracy Willis of Wild Child’s Mossy Oak Musings

My room has a lot of soul. I learned early on in my career that a good book can change my classroom world, create a paradigm shift, and cultivate respect, empathy, imagination and empowerment. I moved around a lot early in my career, so I needed to take those powerful books with me. I never stopped hoarding. Let me tell you about some of my back-to-school teaching treasures.

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Tried & True Picture Books to Begin the Year
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried & True Teaching Tools

You’re never too old to be read to and who doesn’t love a good picture book? I always begin the school year reading picture books to my class, rather than jumping right into a novel. (And I continue to read them throughout the year!) There are so many great themes in pictures books, as well as starting points for meaningful discussion.

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Read Aloud Books for the Beginning of the Year in Middle School

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

As Teachers, we want our students to step over stumbling blocks, and not be intimidated by obstacles that stand in their way. We want them to realize that they can do anything they set their minds to. Characters in novels can help them overcome these challenges head on, and develop strategies to alleviate them. The books I’ve chosen to share with you are humorous, thought provoking, and great for 6th graders.
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A Gift from the Sea to Start Your Year
By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

Maybe you have already started your school year, or maybe you are about to start. There are so many wonderful picture books to get your students off to a great start: Enemy PieEach Kindness, and of course First Day Jitters! The best ones, I think, speak to us about how we treat each other and the everyday choices we make.

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Like what you hear? Then follow us at the links below:
Kathie @ www.triedandtrueteachingtools.com/ 
Tracy @ mossyoakmusings.blogspot.com/ 
Retta @ rainbowcitylearning.blogspot.com 

 

OR join our We TEACH SO HARD Facebook groupbit.ly/2voXw4C
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We Teach So Hard Episode 4: Setting The Stage For Parent Curriculum Night & Open House

Got the open house blues? Got the curriculum night flop sweats? This episode is just for you! Crickets and second graders running amok work wonders for establishing those parent relationships! This episode of We Teach So Hard is filled with tips and tricks (along with a few nightmare stories) for a successful open house or curriculum night. Like what you hear? 

Give us a listen on iTunes by clicking the link

If you don’t have iTunes click image below.

Like what you hear, join our Facebook Group here and/or follow us at the links below.

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


August Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

 

It’s AugustTeacher Talk Time…..Hopefully those of you who are back to school this month are off to a great beginning with the best classes ever.  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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Qigong,The Healthy Body Routine that I Fell In Love With
By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

If you’re anything like me, you just don’t love exercising, no matter how much you try to like it, you just don’t. Of course you want to eat that delicious cookie, ice cream, or chocolate, but you don’t dare because it goes right to your hips and you’ll feel oh so guilty! 
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August 
By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

Aaaaahhh….August! August is the Sunday night of a teacher’s year. We are looking forward to our learning and teaching days to come, yet longing for just a little more summer.
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Back to School & The First Days’ Razzle Dazzle …Feathers & Sequins Not Necessary
By Tracy Wills of Wild Child’s Mossy Oak Musings

I used to feel a lot like Billy Flynn on the first few days of school. Billy Flynn is the flim-flam lawyer character in the musical “Chicago.” The first day of school felt like opening night at the theater…a little bit of grease paint, some sequins, some feathers… and JAZZ HANDS! 

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3 Tried and True Tips to Start the Year off like a Boss!
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

In my earlier years of teaching I used to spend the time before school focusing on the physical aesthetics of setting up my classroom (and it sure was cute!), but my focus has shifted over the years. Read on for 3 tried and true tips to start the year off like a boss!
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Integrating Contemporary Algerian R and B Music in the French Classroom
By Lorraine Sabio of Urbino12

Algerian R and B in the French Classroom
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Back to School 2018
By Charlene Tess of Charlene Tess

Here’s an idea for the first week of school.
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Common School Irritations
By Scipi of Scipi

Have you ever noticed that the same old problems keep resurfacing year after year in your classroom? Isn’t it funny how the little things sometime put us over the edge?
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How to close read a novel with your whole class.
By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

Step by step instructions on how to close read a novel with your whole class.
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4 Easy Steps to Master Buttoning
By Thia Triggs of Print Path

Teaching children to button is easy and straightforward, but is a skill that is often overlooked.  
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My Five Favorite Apps for the Classroom

By Katie DeLeon of A Basket Full of Apples 

Do you want to know what awesome apps to use in your classroom? This is the blog post for you! Learn all about my favorite apps. 
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Easy Ways to Reduce Your Grading 
By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Learn three easy ways to help reduce your grading and increase your valuable time with students. 
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Students are Busy as Bees earning Brag Bracelets
By Sally Hansen of Purposeful Plans

Brag bracelets provide a fast and easy form of positive reinforcement for students’ behavior and academic effort in school. This immediate award is a positive boost reminding students of their worth. You can use them throughout the school year to encourage students to apply their best work ethic while boosting self-esteem.  
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First Week of School Activities
By Michelle Webb of Teaching Ideas for Those Who Love Teaching

 

Great tips for activities to do with your class the first week of school.

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Be sure to check out all of our wonderful teacher authors’ posts by clicking the links in our link up.

 


April Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

 

It’s April already, the school year is almost over. Easter and Passover have come an gone, 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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April Activities Just for You
By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

Turning my thoughts to sunny days and warmer weather!!! Can’t you just smell spring in the air? Daffodils beginning to bloom, Lilac trees starting to flower, and Lilies of the Valley popping up. I just love the aroma. Not only is my birthday in April but it brings us Passover, Easter, and one that you may never have heard of, can you guess? If you said Jelly Bean Day, you’d be right.  I don’t know about you, but I looove jelly beans. They come in so many awesome flavors, no I don’t like the black ones, but I had an aunt who used to love them.
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STEAM: From Sandbox to Spectacular
By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

How to take your STEM activities to the next level for upper elementary students.
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Tone
By Gini Musmanno of The Reading Spotlight

A message to Myself: My tone of voice has a greater influence on children than I might think. Remember the time…
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C-Stem
By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

Learn about C-Stem and tools for coding!
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The Hidden Curriculum
By Michelle Webb of Teaching Ideas for Those Who Love Teaching

Finding books to read with your class that tell more than a single story.
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The Teacher’s Role in Classroom Book Clubs
By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Simplify using classroom book clubs by understanding the role of the teacher on meeting day. Learn key tips to ensure your classroom book clubs will run smoothly.
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Now that you’ve come to the bottom of the page, make sure you hop on over to read the rest of the posts in our April Teacher Talk.



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  proof-reading ideas, to ELA to math activities, to celebrating Black History Month and President’s Day, you don’t want to miss reading these blog posts from some awesome educators. This month, we’re honored to have Daniel with us, as our  guest blogger.
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. 
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Navigating Life as a Single Dad
By Daniel of Dad Solo whose guest post can be found at Rainbow City Learning 

Single parents have a difficult job, and even in the best of circumstances, it can be a struggle. Moms have it tough, but so do dads.
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I Dreaded my Third Period Class
By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

It was cold and blustery outside, one of those days that you just wanted to stay under the covers. But it was only hump day and I had a busy schedule, so I dragged myself out of bed, had my cup of coffee and a piece of toast, jumped into my car and was on my way. 
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Is This Routine? Why Not?
By Susan Berkowitz of Susan Berkowitz

 

Research tells us that routines are the heart of language and symbbol development. Routines are a sequence of actions or events that are repeated over and over again.
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Add Projects to Your Bag of Tricks!
By Sally Hansen of Purposeful Plans

 

Have you ever set a goal to cover everything you are required to teach during the school year?  Many teachers try to meet this goal each year and end up frustrated because we are short on time!  It is very difficult to get everything we are required to teach during the school year, take the cross-curricular approach!
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Improving Class Cooperation
By Gini Musmanno of Reading Spotlight

 

Wishing and hoping, and thinking and praying, for a courteous and amenable class? Then give students a little nudge toward cooperation and affirmation of each other this month.
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Amazon Alexa in Your Classroom
By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

Learn about using Amazon Alexa in your classroom.
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Building Understanding, One Brick at a Time
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried & True Teaching Tools

 

Getting your hands muddy is a great way to learn! Social Studies is meaningful when students experience content learned.
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How to Select Books for Your Classroom Book Clubs
By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

 

Read five essential tips for finding “just right” books for your classroom book clubs. The books you choose are crucial to running successful classroom book clubs.  
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The Fine Motor Advantage
By Thia Triggs of Print Path

 

What does research tell us about the impact of fine motor skills on early academics?
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January Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

 

It’s 2018. 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 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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Problem Students Got You Down? Begin the New Year Right, with These Discipline Tips

By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

Have you been struggling with Johnny or Sally since the beginning of the school year? Have you been racking your brain trying to come up with some creative ways to turn their unacceptable behavior around? Did you dread coming back to work in January? Well, I’ve been there and know exactly how you feel. If you said yes to any of these questions, I can give you a hand.
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Lessons Learned With Miss Brooke

By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

Musings on what I have learned from a long ago favorite teacher.

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The Mini-Lesson: A Natural Scaffold For Struggling Learners
By Tracy Willis of Mossy Oak Musings

Would you rather attend a doctor’s appointment or your own autopsy? Mini-lesson structure helps teachers avoid an academic autopsy with end-of-unit assessments. It’s scaffolded instruction at its best

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A How-To Guide on Writing Conferences
By Sally Hansen of Purposeful Plans

Just like when you scaffold and model the requirements for an essay in a mini-lesson, you do the same thing individually for each student through conferencing. Many students don’t need to hear the lessons you taught at the beginning of the school year. Conferencing will help you deliver differentiated instruction. Here are some tips of how you can implement writing conferences in your classroom.

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The Five Best Reasons You Should Be Using Book Clubs as Part of Your Classroom Reading Program

By Marcy Howe of It’s a Teacher Thing

Book Clubs can be an essential tool for boosting rigor and engagement in your upper elementary or middle school classroom. Learn five reasons why you should consider Book Clubs as a regular part of your reading program.
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What About Social Studies?
By Michelle Web of Teaching Ideas for Those who Love Teaching

Have Fun With Social Studies

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Mentor Sentences – Teach It So They Remember It
By Alison Monk of the Literacy Garden

Effectively teach grammar skills in the context of authentic literature through the use of mentor sentences.

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New Year, New Goals
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

 New Goals Happy New Year! The new year is always a great time to reflect back, set goals, and start fresh. Repurpose those NYE decorations for some fun health goal setting with your students!
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Is Your Child Afraid of Going to the Doctor?
By Thia Triggs of Print Path

If your young child is fearful of going to the doctor, there are many things you can do to help them feel calmer and to prepare them for their next visit.
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Sit back, relax and check out all the great advice  you’ll find on these blog posts from our seasoned educators.


December Teacher Talk

Posted by Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

It’s December and time for our holiday version of Teacher Talk. Getting ready for Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza and New Years, 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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The Quiltmaker’s Gift: Anticipation, Generosity, Reading Lesson Ideas & A Freebie!By Tracy Willis of Wild Child Designs

In this post, I use a picture book, “The Quiltmaker’s Gift” to unpack our thinking about protagonists, antagonists, theme, conflict and persuasive talk and writing. This includes an idea for a motivating Generosity Challenge, too.
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Holiday Musings
By Deann Marin of Socrates Lantern

For some of us, this is a joyful time, but there are many who are alone, and unhappy.  Some have no money to buy gifts and others are out in the cold with no homes.  It breaks my heart realizing that some people feel alienated from their families which can lead to depression and in extreme cases, suicide. Our kiddos aren’t immune, they see what’s going on and may not know how to deal.  
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The Great Homework Debate Comes Home
By Retta London of Rainbow City Learning

 

Thoughts on the place homework has in real life. What makes homework authentic and a part of lifelong learning?
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Hour of Code is coming: My top 5 web sites/apps!
By Lisa Robles of LisaTeachR’s Classroom

My top five programs/apps for coding!

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Identifying Learning Disabilities in English Learners
By Rebecca Olsen of 2livNearn

Distinguishing between the second language acquisition process and a learning disability can be tough, even for seasoned professionals. But it’s not impossible to tease apart the two in order to make appropriate educational decisions for students. Click to find out more!  
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How Many Ways Can I Use This Toy?
By Susan Berkowitz of Susan Berkowitz

If you’re gearing up for holiday gift giving, here are some tips for ways to build language through play.
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Wiggly Kids: 5 Easy Ways to Improve Thinking & Remembering!
By Thia Triggs of Print Path

 

Researchers have found evidence for the use of movement tools, but there are some children with whom these tools have the opposite effect.
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Geology Rocks!
By Kathie Yonemura of Tried and True Teaching Tools

Teaching Next Generation Science Standards is easy with the help of theater arts! Students explore the various aspects of earth science while reading, speaking, singing, and dancing about the concepts!
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Bring History To Life With Informational Texts
By Michelle Webb of Teaching Ideas For Those Who Love Teaching

Tips on how to use more informational texts with your students.

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Don’t foget to click on the linkies and read all the posts