Category Archives: Teaching Methods

From EDI to Madeline Hunter, these are the teaching methods I use and share with others. I like them but more importantly, they work!

What Teaching Strategies are You Using This Close to the Test

Share

You know I write these posts to archive the good teaching stuff I have run across. But more than that, I selfishly love getting your comments. Many times I find reader comments more helpful than my own material. PLEASE COMMENT. … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching Diary, Teaching Methods, Teaching Tips | Tagged test prep | Leave a comment

Professional Learning Communities – Worth the Effort

Share

Professional learning communities are revolutionizing teaching. We are learning at my school how powerful it can be when teachers work together. Unfortunately, it does require a lot of patience and work to make happen. Continue reading

Posted in Teaching Methods, Teaching Tips | Tagged test prep | 3 Comments

Backward Map Review – A Great Way to do Test Prep

Share

If you want your kids to feel comfortable with all the material, you need to get them familiar with it now. Using the past test to go over and review with the kids is like gold. Continue reading

Posted in Teaching Diary, Teaching Methods, Teaching Tips | Tagged test prep | Leave a comment

Great Lesson Basics – Mixing Methods

Share

A few years later since my initial EDI training, I have created sort of a hybrid set of “great lesson basics” that work to foster student achievement. I am happy to share them here with you. Continue reading

Posted in Teaching Methods | Tagged classroom management, education, lesson plans | Leave a comment

Common Core and Collaborative Groups

Share

Common Core has a component of collaborative learning and problem solving that makes it distinctly different from the previous state standards. Continue reading

Posted in Issues in Education, Teaching Methods | 1 Comment

Guided Practice

Share

Guided practice is showing and releasing the students to do the task or standard at hand. It is probably the most important step of a dynamite lesson plan. Continue reading

Posted in Teaching Methods | Tagged lesson plans | Leave a comment

Closure

Share

When you have gone through all the steps of EDI you arrive at closure.  But wouldn’t you know it? There is still another step after closure but it doesn’t involve the teacher.  It’s called Independent practice.  This is where you … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching Methods | Leave a comment

Backwards Mapping for Planning Instruction

Share

In planning instruction toward a dynamite lesson plan, one extremely effective form of CFU is called curriculum mapping. It is referred to by many teachers as: “backwards mapping.” This can be used to strategically work toward test goals. Backwards Mapping … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching Methods | Leave a comment

The Enigma of Setting Up Desks

Share

Every new year teachers ask themselves “How should I put the chairs?” I know this because I have been a teacher for 13 years and I have seen the amazing difference desk placement and patterns can make in the classroom. … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching Methods | 2 Comments

To Teach Same Kids or Rotate, that is the Question

Share

Teaching groups that rotate has advantages. Staying “self-enclosed” with one group of students all day can also be helpful. Which is right for your teaching goals and learners’ needs? Continue reading

Posted in Teaching Methods | Leave a comment