TL;DR: It isn’t enough to just have more substitutes; we need better substitutes. Substitutes, teachers, and administrators can all work to be better prepared. The Case for Better Subs Substitute teacher. Guest teacher. Sub. Whatever you call them or know them as, they are a crucial part of the education system. This year especially, as the world continues to grapple … Read More
Using Differentiated Instruction to Teach a Novel
TL;DR: Introduce the author first, and let students know why they are reading this particular novel and what the background of the story is. Teach essential questions, themes, motifs, and symbolism ahead of time, especially with difficult texts. Include visual art with their reading. Allow students to differentiate their pace. Using differentiated instruction in the classroom does not have to be … Read More
Setting Up ISNBs and ISJs Part 2: Procedures
TL;DR: This post shares procedures and tips for using ISNBs and ISJs. Make a classroom notebook, use a table of contents, and make the pages fit to the composition notebook. Conduct weekly notebook checks. Remember the Purpose of an ISNB/ISJ In a recent Science Better blog post, I wrote about why I use an interactive science notebook (ISNB) and an … Read More
Setting Up ISNBs and ISJs Part 1: Materials
TL;DR: This post shares the process for setting up ISNBs and ISJs and the materials that are needed. Use composition notebooks (not spiral bound), colored pencils, and liquid glue. Be sure to teach students how to use the glue correctly before giving them a notebook. Remember the purpose of an ISNB/ISJ In my last Science Better blog post, I wrote … Read More
Reinventing Culture
TL;DR: Dr. Courtney Plotts is the guest speaker on The Good News, Brad News Podcast. Right now is the time to reflect on our practices as we continue to survive through this pandemic. How could you restructure your teaching to be more inclusive? Make sure all of your students’ needs are being met and take action if they aren’t. Take … Read More