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Tips for Google Classroom
So most of us have had to move our teaching online. Unfortunately, there is also no sign as to how long this is going to last. I am using Google Classroom for the first time and trying to figure it out as I go. To try and help you out, I compiled a list of tips for using Google Classroom! For context, I teach eighth-grade inclusion. I co-teach with a math teacher and an ELA teacher and together we are running classes. Create a classroom for each section Maintaining multiple Google Classrooms can seem overwhelming. Especially when this is something that is new to you. When I first started creating…
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March 2020 Book Reviews
Looking for something to read while in quarantine? I read a few books in the month of March that were pretty good! I am sure my April book reviews are going to have a lot more since there isn’t much else to do. Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner I had a hard time with this book, I think I took it out from the library three different times because I just couldn’t get through it. This is the story of two sisters growing up through a time where women were not typically encouraged to be themselves and be different. Jo is a lesbian in secret but follows the path of…
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Keep Yourself Sane During Social Distancing
So this is something that I don’t think any of us were prepared for. I personally live alone, but I have never wanted to spend 10 days (so far) in my house, by myself. Don’t get me wrong, I love some good alone time to relax and recharge, but this is tough. It gives me all the time in the world to dwell on every mistake I have ever made and all the things I am still hoping to accomplish… sounds fun, right? Well, I assume that a lot of us are in a new boat. A place that no one expected to be. Whether you are an essential worker…
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Tips for Homeschooling
During this difficult time in our country’s history, there are a lot of people who are homeschooling their children that have never even considered this before. Here are some tips to help you navigate these unfamiliar waters! You Need a Workspace Set up an area in the house where you are going to do all of your work. This is a good tip for kids and adults. Make sure that your workspace is free of distractions. Don’t set up your students to do their work right next to you where you will be having the news on the television. This will make it challenging for them to focus on their…
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February 2020 Book Reviews
I am determined this year to finally meet my ongoing goal of reading 50 books in a year. That works out to be about a book per week. I manifest it in my start today journal and I keep a book on me at all times! This month I read some interesting ones. Carnegie’s Maid by Marie Benedict It tells the story of a young girl that comes from Ireland to America to make money to send back to help her family. Clara is mistaken for a girl who is to become the maid to Andrew Carnegie’s mother. Clara sees this as an opportunity and she tries to fit into…
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Accommodations for Writing
I find helping students to write to be very challenging. For some people, it comes naturally and for some people, it can be a life long struggle. When I am developing an IEP with the parents and the rest of the team, it is important to include accommodations for students who have a writing disability so that they can be successful in the classroom. I have compiled a list of accommodations to share with you that could be helpful for your students. Obviously there is never a one size fits all solution to helping students. But these are just different ideas that I have tried for different students. Students who…
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Why you Need to Be Creating Fresh Pinterest Content
“This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. I was also compensated to create this post, though all opinions are my own.” Every so often, Pinterest changes its algorithm. When this happens it is crucial for bloggers to adapt their pinning strategy to try and get the best possible traffic on their content. Well, Pinterest has announced, through Tailwind, that they are making some major changes! What do I need to know? Pinterest’s changes are really focusing on promoting “Fresh Content” This means that you can not post the same…
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My Teacher Planner
Do you keep a teacher planner? My teacher planner from Erin Condren is so versatile that it can be used for so many different types of teachers! I am obsessed. This year’s cover that I selected is gorgeous! Each year I choose a new cover that I love. The covers are interchangeable so you can buy a few and rotate them but that isn’t something that I’ve ever done. Teacher Planner – Weekly View The weekly view is fantastic. I use it to keep track of my rotating schedule. I track what each of the teachers on my team is covering and I keep track of homework. This way if…
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Should You Start a Blog?
We are spending a lot more time at home right now. And the financial future of our country is very unknown! Have you thought of starting a side hustle? Starting a blog can be a low cost way of bringing in some extra money. You can work at your own pace When you start a blog, you can put an hour at a time into it. Or you can turn your blogging into a full time job. The time commitment I make to my blog changes as my schedule changes. I am a teacher who works summers. This week I am not scheduled to work so I anticipate putting a…
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My January 2020 Book Reviews!
I started the year strong! This month I read FOUR books. I am so pumped to get a jump start on my goal of reading 50 books in 2020. I actually really liked most of the books that I read this month, so let me dive right in and tell you about them. City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert This was my book club read for January. I was excited to read it because even though I haven’t read Eat, Pray, Love by Gilbert, I absolutely loved the movie. Reminder to add Eat, Pray, Love to my reading list! I was very underwhelmed by this book and I wasn’t alone. …