TL;DR: We often don’t expect to become leaders. Sometimes we may even avoid it. There are moments when you see the need for your leadership, and you step up to help create change. Pssst…I am going to share a secret about myself. I didn’t want to be a leader. Never have, and I never thought I would be calling myself … Read More
Gifted Strategies Are Just Better Teaching
TL;DR: Using strategies that support gifted students can support all students in your classroom. While at the Teach Better conference, I attended several sessions that would work well for gifted students, including using Depth of Knowledge and the Grid Method as well as finding ways for students to look at math creatively. Gifted Strategies Are Just Good Teaching These are … Read More
In Praise of Split Classes
TL;DR: A split class is a class created with students from two different age groups. Split classes allow you to form deeper relationships with students. Students are seen as individual learners in a split classroom. A split classroom allows students the opportunity to lead younger students. split class: a class grouping that includes students at two adjacent grade levels (for … Read More
No More Giant Backpack: Using the Grid Method
TL;DR: Follow the journey of Michelle as she discovered the Grid Method. Read five reasons why using the Grid Method is so effective: (1) standards-based (2) strategic and timely assessments (3) varied assessment (4) students work at own pace (5) enrichment opportunities. I recently saw a teacher meme that showed a man with a GIANT backpack and the caption, “When … Read More
Math Mastery Grid Tips & Tricks
TL;DR: Using The Grid Method in your classroom provides extreme differentiation all the time! Try to use what you know about creating typical lesson plans when you make a grid. Add in assessments as checkpoints. Strategically place check-ins in common places where students have misunderstandings. Collaborate with others when creating your grids. Developing a grid in a math classroom is … Read More