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Showing posts from 2014

Meaningful Learning for the Big Test

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I often hear teachers say they don't want to teach to the test.  I, however, think it is important to teach children how to evaluate test questions, so they can make the best selection.  There is no need to allow students to fail on a test, just because they don't understand how to take a test. We as educators, are in deep thought about how to prepare students for that end-of-the-school-year test.  You know...the big one.  Well, then help students explore how to cancel wrong answers and narrow their choices to only 2-3 possible answers.  In addition, teach them how to read directions.  Finally, teach students the test vocabulary.  There may be action verbs on the test that students don't understand.  That's why I created a product of posters that gives definitions for those words.  Sure, you'll have to take them down, when it is test time.  But these mini-posters can help you teach these words throughout the year.  They can be found on Teachers Pay Teachers

Free Back to School Resources

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Every teacher can use some free resources!  Here is one I would like to share: Hope you can use these for back  to school time!  You may also find these for a free download at my Teachers pay Teachers store.  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Math-Mystery-Picture-on-120-Grid-Math-Secret-Snapshots-1339711

Free Back to School Resources

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Every teacher has a tight budget for school, so we all need free resources...right? I know I do. That's why I enjoy Teachers pay Teachers free products. It is fun to share free items and get free items from other Teachers pay Teachers sellers. Thankfully, teachers are willing to share resources for free or little cost! One of my favorite decorating ideas is the owl theme. This theme is great for primary grades. Whoooo doesn't like owls? They are so cute and look wise! All you have to do is draw 2 big round circles, then draw 2 small circles for pupils. Make a small pointed beak and a head with 2 points! Then you have a face that you can place at the opening of a paper bag placed at a learning center! The students will have fun digging into the bag with the learning center activities!

How to Become a Teachers Pay Teachers Seller

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Creating teaching resources that are meeting Common Core State Standards,as well as, creating resources that are fun for students is my goal. I think we have to keep students' interest in various ways, and that is why I use paper and pencil skills practice along with using my smartboard and other media. Do you feel you are creative enough to write curriculum, too? Then click here Become a Seller and join other creative teachers as a Teachers pay Teachers (TpT) seller!

Common Core and Have Fun!

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Students should be able to fulfill the "I Cans..." of school work and still use their creative sides. Too much emphasis is placed on just passing the test, that the creative side of students is lost. We, as teachers, should continue to make learning fun and allow students to express themselves. I like to provide many creative situations for students, along with the common core curriculum. I hope you will also try to instill the creative side of learning!

Common Core Directs Teaching

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Common Core in Math and English/Language Arts directs teaching. By using the Common Core State Standards and a pacing guide, one can make sure that all appropriate skills are taught throughout the school year. "So why is this important?" you may ask. It is important for the benefit of the students to become life long learners, as well as, being important to prepare them for testing. By using a simple pacing guide,Common Core State Standards, school calendar, and a classroom materials list, you can make sure all of the important skills are taught. The following is an example of a pacing guide: Click Here For An Editable Pacing Guide Template

Music Can Benefit Any Subject by Teresa Lomasney

You have all heard  it before...sit up straight, feet on the floor, pay attention.  These are words often heard in a music classroom.  How can this help with any subject?  These words help, because students must be alert and pay attention.  This kind of routine can help with any subject.  If students are used to being alert, then they are more likely to be ready to learn in all classrooms. In addition, students who have a regular routine of practicing an instrument are more likely to develop routines for studying.  These students are more likely to have discipline in their lives, which in turn can help with any subject.  Regular schedules seem to be beneficial in study. Furthermore, music  can  help with any subject, because many students learn more easily when information is set to music.  There is something about the rhythm and rhyme that can assist many  students with learning.  After all, how many of us know the chorus or tune to a song, and it just seems to stick in our hea

How Can Common Core Help the Homeschool?

Testing may be bad or it may be good, but ultimately, everyone has to take a test.  So how do Common Core State Standards help guide the homeschool?  Well, the Common Core State Standards have a scaffolding or building principle.  Each grade level has its own set of standards for Math and English/Language Arts.  Then the next grade level builds upon the last grade level. For homeschool teachers, this means following the CCSS(Common Core State Standards) to guide your instructional day.  You probably already teach these concepts, but this adds legitimacy to what you teach.  And what can be better, when someone from the local school district checks on your child's progress? Document what and when you teach.  Then by following the CCSS, you have your instructional objectives in line with most of the United States! http://www.corestandards.org For additional teaching resources please visit my Teachers Pay Teachers Store at: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Teresa-

Common Core in the Classroom

First, review the common core state standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts and Math for your grade level at: http://www.corestandards.org Second, allow these new standards to drive your instruction.   Don't get bogged down by what comes next in the textbook.   Make the curriculum work for you and the CCSS. Third, match the text and outside resources to the CCSS for your grade level.   These state standards have a scaffolding process.   Each grade level builds on the last, and each new concept builds on the former concept. Fourth, collaborate with other teachers in your school to make sure everyone is on the same track.   Using pacing guides will help you make sure you are covering all of the content required. Finally, have fun with what you are teaching.   The Common Core State Standards allow you to use materials from many resources to reach children with all learning styles. The following is a list of some great sites to learn more about Common Core