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How to Build A Relationship with Your Students
Research shows that students learn better from teachers that they like. If you think about it, it makes sense. If you don’t like your instructor, you probably are not going to be as open to the information that they are sharing. Not every student is going to like you, and it is not our job to be their best friend. But if you can build an appropriate relationship with your students you will create a more positive classroom environment where more learning will happen. Build a Relationship by Asking Questions Students will feel like you care about them if you are curious about their life. On a Monday morning, ask…
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Why You Need a Bell-Ringer
What is a Bell-Ringer? If you are new to teaching, or in a school where this isn’t a term that is used, you’ve probably seen something similar. Bell-Ringers are activities students do as soon as they arrive in class. It is usually something quick and typically I don’t give a problem that the students are not going to know how to do. Here are the reasons why you need to be using a bell-ringer in your classroom. Classroom Management Bell-ringers are great for classroom management. We all know that students do better when they have a routine that is expected. Ideally, students know what to do as soon as they…
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Using Positive Language to Empower Your Students!
Do you use positive language to handle behaviors in your class? As teachers, we have the power to set the tone in our classroom. Do you want students to walk into your classroom feeling like they are constantly making mistakes and failing? Or, do you want students to walk into your classroom feeling like it is a safe space where they can thrive? If you are taking the time to get advice and read articles, I think I know the answer to that question. You are obviously the type of teacher who wants to make your classroom the best that it can be. Reminding yourself to use positive language in…
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What to Do When You’re About to Lose Your Cool
We’ve all had those days. The days where you are so frustrated at your class that you feel like you’re about to hit your breaking point. Don’t let this get to you, it does not make you a bad teacher or person. We are all human and sometimes we get frustrated with the situations that we are in. Working with students can be exhausting! Maybe you’re running off little sleep, and little Susie WON’T STOP TALKING during your lesson. Maybe you don’t feel good and your class just isn’t listening! There are so many situations that can bring out the worst in us and you can’t let it get you…
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My January 2018 Book Reviews
My March 2018 Book Reviews
November 2020 Book Reviews
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Things to Include In Your Classroom Website
So you want to start a classroom website? Here are a few things that you should consider before you begin, and what information you should consider including. Tip to Consider: How Often Will You Update? It is easy to go into creating a classroom website and think that you are going to update it every day. But, you know yourself better than anyone else does. Truly, do you think you will be able to maintain that standard? For some people, it is easy. Just add it to your daily routine and BAM! But for others, it is just impractical. When you are planning out your website, keep your updating timeline…
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4 Classroom Management Tips for Middle School
Teaching middle school is tough, heck being in middle school is tough! Everything about middle school makes people groan when I tell them what I do for a living. But, even though I never pictured myself as a middle school teacher (I was convinced I would be Ms. Honey from Matilda), I LOVE my job. I love the age and the kids and even the girl drama makes me chuckle from time to time. But it is a tough age for classroom management. The students are no longer at the age where they want to please you, and all they care about is what their peers think. Here are 4…
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Get Control Back in Your Classroom!
We all have those days where no matter what we do or say, the students just don’t cooperate. Sometimes those days get so bad that we sit back and wonder if we’re really cut out for this job! I know that I have had those days, more towards the beginning of my teaching career but they still happen. When you have that classroom that is just defeating you, here are some tips to regain control of your classroom. Stay Calm Letting the students get you worked up and get the best of you is not going to help anyone. This is the hardest of all of my tips, but it…
