Our state writing test is right around the corner. Nerves are kicking in and some are weary. When motivation seems to be dropping, this is usually an indication that a classroom transformation is in order. Just walking into a "new room" is enough to get students motivated to work their hardest. At this time of the year, I create a courtroom experience for my students where they were able to apply ... Read More about Classroom Transformation: Courtroom Edition – Opinion Writing
Classroom Transformation – Winter Wonderland
Many teachers love the idea of transforming their classrooms, but dismiss the idea because they think it will take too much work, time, and/or money. I'm here to tell you that there is no need to become overwhelmed when thinking of creating an engaging environment for your students. Many classroom transformations can be set up in less than an hour, and materials can be gathered all in one ... Read More about Classroom Transformation – Winter Wonderland
7 Effective Behavior Management Strategies for Upper Elementary Classrooms
Helping students learn is our primary concern as educators, but that can definitely prove to be challenging in a chaotic classroom environment. Therefore, we must do our best to provide a safe and calm environment for our students. So, how can we most effectively accomplish this? First, let me start off by saying that it is near impossible to have a perfect day, everyday, every year, ... Read More about 7 Effective Behavior Management Strategies for Upper Elementary Classrooms
A Writers’ Workshop to Motivate Students During Text-Based Writing
How can we continue to inspire students to give 100% while practicing their text-based writing skills so late in the school year? Why, candy extrinsic motivation of course. Let's be honest. Getting eight, nine, and ten year olds to write a well developed, multiple paragraph essay, after reading and synthesizing multiple nonfiction texts, is no easy task. It takes lots and lots of ... Read More about A Writers’ Workshop to Motivate Students During Text-Based Writing
Classroom Transformation – Italian Restaurant for Commas & Periods
Have you implemented a classroom transformation in your classroom? They have been so successful in my classroom and have proven to be a great way to engage students. The most recent transformation was a pizza classroom transformation. Our classroom became an Italian restaurant where students were able to implement all of the comma skills they had recently been exposed to. My students had ... Read More about Classroom Transformation – Italian Restaurant for Commas & Periods
Classroom Transformation – Roots and Affixes Surgery Room
Keeping students engaged and motivated, especially at the end of the year, can be quite a challenge. For this reason, I have been evaluating the best ways to keep students excited to come to class and "work" (well, to them this seems more like playing). You may be wondering if this works with older students, and the answer is DEFINITELY YES! I am a 5th grade teacher, and the students absolutely ... Read More about Classroom Transformation – Roots and Affixes Surgery Room