Tag: secondary

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Say Goodbye to Traditional Book Reports

One a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most, how much did you enjoy doing book reports as a student? I’d bet that the majority of people would say they are at a 4 or lower. Traditional book reports are just so… boring. They aren’t fun to students to write, and if I’m being totally honest, I’d bet that most teachers don’t enjoy grading them. 

So rather than having your students write a traditional essay style book report, try something new! Students always appreciate when things get jazzed up a bit, and I promise you that alternative book reports are a whole lot more fun to grade. Plus, different kinds of “reports” get students to think about their books in different ways. Rather than just a summary, they get to use more critical and imaginative thinking skills to complete their assignment.

I taught junior high English for a long time, and quickly learned how to change up the boring book report and make it into something fun. Book assignments that feel more like a fun time (but are still assessing learning) rather than a monotonous summary of a book are a sure fire way to get students more engaged and more willing to do the work. 

So if you are a teacher who has students complete an assignment based on a book they’ve read, give some of these a try! I have used all but a couple of these ideas myself in my classroom with my students, so I assure you that they are fun and engaging for students!

  • Book quizzes— three or four short answer questions about their book. 
    • Describe the main character
    • Use good describing words to “show” what the scenery in the book is like
    • What was the biggest conflict in the book, and how was it resolved?
    • Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
    • etc.
  • Draw a new cover for the book.
  • Create a playlist of songs that would be the soundtrack to your book. With each song, describe what part of the book you chose that song for and why you chose it. Illustrate an album cover.
  • Create a comic strip for a scene in your book.
  • Write a test for your book— include some multiple choice questions, several short answer questions, and an answer key.
  • Write and illustrate a children’s book version of your book. 
  • Write an interview for one of the characters. Include the character’s answers.
  • Create a social media profile for one of the characters. Include a profile picture and a couple of posts with pictures and captions.
  • Rewrite the ending of the book.
  • ABCs of the book— think of something that has to do with your book for every letter of the alphabet. In 2 sentences, describe how that word ties to the book.
  • Write a text message exchange between two or more characters discussing something that happened in the book.
  • Choose one character and write 2-3 journal entries from their point of view.
  • If there was a certain food that the book mentioned a lot, find a recipe and make it. Bring it to share with the class.
  • Create a timeline of events that happen in the book.

Hopefully one or more of these ideas will be useful to you. If anything, it’s given you a reason to think about the way you assign book assignments and how you might be able to change things up a bit!

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Inauguration Day Freebie

Inauguration Day only comes every four years, so it’s likely that your current students don’t have any memories of the last one because they were too young, or they were old enough to know it was happening, but not old enough to really care too much. Since our next Inauguration Day will be one week from today, I’ve created a word search for you to print off and use with your students. You will find a list of words that have to do with the inauguration, which provides an excellent teaching opportunity as you go over the words and what they mean– and how each word ties to a Presidential Inauguration.

*Please only use for classroom or home use*

Inauguration Day WordsearchDownload
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The Wonder of Sleep

There are certain things that are essential for our bodies to have in order for them to function as they should: water, food, and sleep. Without these three things, our bodies would simply not work. Food and water fuel us and give us the nutrients, energy, and hydration we need to keep going. While sleep doesn’t provide us with nutrients, it is still essential to our survival. Children and teens, especially, need sleep. But why is it such an essential element of our survival? Let’s talk about it!

Sleep is beneficial for so many reasons. I know I personally function much better when I’ve had a good night’s rest, and I know my kids do too. I often wonder why my kids fight bed time with all they have, and find myself thinking that one day, they will realize just how amazing sleep is! 

Brain Development

Sleep is absolutely essential for brain development. During sleep, the brain is able to sort through the day’s happenings, save what it needs to, and delete what it doesn’t. Hormones that promote growth and repair are also released during sleep. Since the brain continues to develop and mature into early adulthood (I’m looking at you, frontal lobe!), sleep is incredibly important for children and teens. 

Cognitive Function

Have you ever tried to read, do math, think through things, or do really anything that requires any amount of focus on little sleep? Did it go well for you? Getting good sleep plays a big role in the brain’s ability to function cognitively. Proper sleep helps children’s brains to be able to process and understand information, retain what is learned, and focus on the task at hand. All of those things are part of their daily lives, especially once they are in school. 

Physical Function and Growth

Trying to do physical activity when you aren’t well rested is hard. Movements are sluggish and energy is low. Sleep also plays a big role in physical growth and development. During rest periods, the body is hard at work, growing, developing, and changing. 

Emotional Function

I don’t know about your kids, but with less sleep, my kids are an emotional mess! And let’s be honest, so am I. Lack of sleep can create a perfect storm for increased emotions, less patience, and increased anxiety. It is harder for kids to regulate their emotions when they are tired. Everything seems to be exaggerated when they are tired. Sleep is an excellent sanity saver!

Immune System Function

Sleep does wonders for the body’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses. When a person is asleep, the body is able to go to work repairing, healing, and fighting off the bad guys. Have you ever noticed that you get sick easier when you haven’t been getting enough sleep? Or that when you are sick, you just want to sleep all the time? Kids are the same way. Sleep is a natural way to heal the body. More sleep = healthier kids, and that’s something we all want!

Sleep is so much more than a cozy bed and rest. It is essential for the body to function at its fullest. Kids and teens who are still growing and developing especially need sleep to allow their bodies to grow and develop like they need to. Without sleep, I think we’d have a bunch of groggy, grumpy, brain-fog plagued kids on our hands. And I can’t think of one teacher or parent who wants that for their kids! Sleep is crucial, and does amazing things for us!

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Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King in the Classroom

With Martin Luther King, Jr. Day approaching, I thought it would be a good time to provide you with a few ideas you can use in your classroom to help your students understand and honor the life and impact of Dr. King. These ideas can be used and adapted for all ages and grades.

Watch the video of Dr. King giving his famous “I have a dream” speech

Sometimes hearing and seeing an event take place can make a greater impact than just talking about it. For younger students, have them listen to and watch the speech and listen for the things Dr. King hoped for. 

For older students, have them watch the speech, then provide them with a physical copy of it. Put them into small groups and have them do a close reading of the speech and discussing what makes this speech so powerful.

You can find the speech here.

Have students create their own “I have a dream” piece

This activity can be presented many ways. Students can create their own speech about their hopes and dreams. You can also have students create a “dream board” where they make a collage of pictures and words showing their dreams. You might also have students write a poem about the things they hope for.

Talk about what “the content of their character” means

Together as a class, brainstorm positive characteristics of people they know. Talk about what character is and how it can shape who you are. Then, have students write (length will depend on age and ability) about the content of their own character and what they hope to be remembered and known for. 

This gives students a great opportunity to analyze what makes a good person and reflect on their own characters. It provides an excellent text-to-self connection.

Create a timeline of the life of Dr. King

Have students— either in groups of individually— create a timeline of events in the life of Dr. King. Have them use the internet to gather pictures and information to create their timelines. 

This activity provides students a chance to research, learn, then practice putting things in chronological order.

Talk about bravery and courage

Dr. King was incredibly brave and courageous for doing the things he did. Talk with students about times they have had to be brave. Discuss what it means to have courage. Have them write about their own experiences with bravery and courage.

Discuss equality vs. equity/fairness

Many students don’t understand the difference between equality and equity. Take the opportunity to teach them the difference and why it matters. The discussion opens up a world of possibilities in talking about how we should treat people and how people need different things to succeed based on their own personal circumstances. Students can create a piece of art or writing showing their knowledge and understanding of these concepts.

Research famous quotes by Dr. King

Have students research famous things Dr. King said. Let them pick their favorite, then have them write it out and create a piece of art around the quote. Encourage them to match their art to the feeling of the quote. 

Plan a day of service

Dr. King was a big proponent of service and believed that everyone could serve. To honor this legacy, plan a day of service with your students. If possible, plan and execute a large scale service project together. If not, encourage students to find smaller ways to serve and help those around them. Service is something that benefits both the server and the served. It provides students with an incredible chance to look outside themselves and see others in a different light. 

However you choose to, I hope you take a minute to at least talk about and acknowledge the impact that Dr. King had and continues to have on our world. His legacy is one to not be forgotten, and it’s important that we continue to teach the rising generation that everyone matters and everyone has a voice.

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Dear Teachers

Dear Teachers,

I see you. I know your job isn’t easy. You’ve got a million things on your plate. I see those late nights spent planning the perfect unit and lesson. I see the stacks of papers that need to be graded and the list of grades that need to be entered. I know your email inbox has emails– both good and not so good– from parents and admin. You’ve got to juggle students with 504 plans and IEPs and find ways to challenge your gifted students. I know you’ve got that one student (maybe more) in your class that just can’t sit still and is constantly causing disruptions. By the time school is over, you’re tired of redirecting, repeating yourself, and helping students find their lost pencils (again). I know your feet ache by the end of the day from standing and walking around all day long. I know your voice is tired. I see you, simultaneously teaching the current lesson while mentally worrying about and planning the next several days. I know the PLC meetings, staff meetings, trainings, IEP meetings, and district development days are draining and time consuming, especially when you have a ton of other stuff you need to get done. I see you, taking time after class to straighten desks, pick up trash, and prep for the next day. I see you rushing to cram a bathroom break, lunch, and a minute to breathe into your 30 minute lunch period. I see you showing up to work sick because sometimes it’s just more work to prepare sub plans. I see you making hard discipline decisions. I see you trying to figure out seating charts because you know that those certain few students can’t be anywhere near each other without causing complete mayhem. I see you, and I see all the hard, tricky, not-so-fun parts of your job. 

But you know what? I also see the amazing things you’re doing and the really cool parts of your job. I see you taking your own personal time to plan and grade because you care about what your students are learning, and you want them to be engaged. The hard work you put into accommodating students with various needs shows how much you want your students to succeed. I see you taking time to help the one student who is struggling to understand the content. I see you helping them to grasp concepts. I see the smile on your face when you see the lightbulb go on for a student. I see you showing up, day after day, even when you don’t feel like it. I hear you saying kind and encouraging things to your students. I hear students in the halls talking about how much they love your class and how amazing of a teacher you are. I see those emails from parents thanking you for all you do. I see you worrying about your students because you care about them and love them. I watch as you head down to the counseling office because a student has turned in a writing assignment telling you about how they are neglected or abused at home. I see you helping a student get the resources they need when they tell you their family doesn’t have money for food or clothes. When a student has a hard day, I see you taking a minute to encourage them and lift them up. I see you attending games, plays, and concerts after school hours to support your students and their interests. I see you taking a genuine interest in your students and really getting to know them. I see as you celebrate the wins and mourn the losses with your students. They know you care. They know you are a trusted adult, and I see students come to you for help when they don’t have anyone else to listen to them. I hear the laughter coming from your classroom as you share a story or joke you know they’ll love. I hear you cheering them on as they learn, grow, make mistakes, and do their best. 

I know the days are long, and some days are really, really hard. But I see you, and I know you’re doing a fantastic job. The youth of today will build a better tomorrow because of the influence you have had on their lives. Thank you for your love, your dedication, and passion. 

Sincerely,

Someone who has been in your shoes

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A Time For Reflection

As we wrap up another year (how is 2024 almost over?!), it’s a good time for reflection on the past year and pondering on the year to come. I’ve never been much of a “New Year’s Resolutions” kind of person. I tend to make goals and adjust as I’m going along and see a need. I do, however, like to reflect on the year as it comes to an end and think about the highs and lows and everything I have learned as the year passed. As educators, reflection is a useful tool and can be used to propel us to be better teachers. 

There are so many facets to teaching, which provides much to reflect upon. As you think back on this past year, perhaps you will think about any or all of the following, among other things: classroom management, what went well and what didn’t, funny things students have done or said, and relationships with your students and coworkers. 

Classroom Management

Classroom management is one of the things I was constantly reflecting on and adjusting. What worked for one class didn’t work for another. What worked for one student didn’t work for the rest of the class. There was always room for improvement. One thing I always found when I’d reflect on my classroom management was that consistency was key. If I wasn’t consistent in my management techniques, I found that my classes were more difficult to manage. If students don’t know what to expect, they will try all sorts of shenanigans to see how far they can push things. And, as any teacher knows, that’s usually not a good thing. 

What Went Well And What Didn’t

Another great area for reflection is to think about what went well and what didn’t go as well over the year. Maybe it’s a particular lesson or unit that went incredibly well and you can’t wait to teach it again. Or, on the other hand, maybe you had a lesson or unit go terribly wrong and you find the need to adjust and rewrite your plan. Perhaps you had a classroom management technique work better than you anticipated, or maybe you had one that completely flopped. Think about some of your best interactions with students and make a mental note of what you did that worked well so that you can repeat that another time. Or, if you had an interaction that didn’t go as smoothly as you’d have liked, make a mental note of what didn’t go well and how you can do better next time. Whatever the case may be, there’s likely a million and one things that you can think of that went well or didn’t go so well in your classroom.

Funny Things Said or Done by Students

I don’t think there was a day that went by that my students didn’t make me laugh. They were always doing or saying things that made me chuckle. You know what I’m talking about— those moments that you know could write a book with or that you couldn’t wait to tell your coworker about at lunch time. Laughter in the classroom is not only a nice break in the day, but is, in my opinion, necessary for a positive classroom environment. After all, it’s said that laughter is the best medicine, and I think any teacher would agree with that! Reflecting on those funny moments can help give you the motivation to keep going in the midst of a difficult year and can help boost your mood on any given day!

Relationships With Students and Coworkers

Positive relationships with your students and coworkers are essential for a happy work life. I can’t imagine having to go to a job where you despise the people you work with; it sounds absolutely miserable. Taking the time to reflect on these relationships is an excellent opportunity to think about what is going well and what areas could use some improvement. In thinking back to the interactions you’ve had with the people you work with, perhaps you will think about what you do that fosters positive relationships. Maybe it’s your genuine concern and care for others. Perhaps it is that you are able to connect with others through humor. Or, it could be that you connect with people over their interests. If things aren’t going quite as well, maybe it’s a good time to reflect on how things could be better. Is it possible you need to focus more on others’ interests and needs so that you can better connect with them? Perhaps you will find that you need to slow down and really take the time to be kinder and more patient. Whatever it may be, I’m sure we could all take a minute to reflect on how we interact with and treat those we work with. 

For teachers, the new year comes at the middle of the school year. Mid school year reflection provides educators with a good opportunity to make immediate adjustments to things they see need improvement. End of school year reflection is obviously wonderful, too, but mid year reflection offers the chance for educators to think about what they can do better, then implement those ideas immediately with their current class(es). It provides an excellent opportunity for teachers to improve and be their best selves. And let’s be honest: we can all improve!

Happy New Year, friends! I hope you find a quiet minute to reflect on your year. Thanks for being here, and I hope the coming year brings wonderful things your way!

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Classroom Desks: Do they really matter?

One of the most essential parts of a classroom is the desks. Students need somewhere to sit while they learn, and they usually need some kind of surface to use for working. Desk type and arrangement can play a big part in learning and student success. In a science classroom where students are going to be working together to do experiments and other projects, single desks may not be the best option. In a history classroom, where students will be mostly working independently, individual desks are probably the best choice. In a college classroom, where lectures are often taught in large auditorium type rooms, it’s beneficial to have seats with folding desks. Whatever the case may be, desks are crucial to a classroom. Let’s dive into some of the different types of desks.

First, we have a traditional open front or top-lifting desk and chair. These desks are great for elementary aged classes where students stay in one room for most of their subjects, as students can store their school supplies in their own desk. Typically, these kinds of desks have a free standing chair that is not attached to the desk itself. This is great for easily rearranging desks into any configuration that might be beneficial for the teacher and students. It also makes for easy cleaning for the custodial crew, as the chairs can be stacked at the end of the day. The in-desk storage is also a nice feature for students who are going to be in the same classroom all day. It gives them a place to store their things and have a little personal spot of their own. 

Second, there is the single desk with a chair attached. This type of desk usually doesn’t have storage options, and is often found in secondary classrooms. These desks are often cumbersome, as the chair and desk are all once piece. Moving these types of desks is a pain, and trying to figure out an arrangement with them can be tricky. They work great for teachers who don’t want to deal with chairs and desks all over their room. One downside to this type of desk is that they aren’t very “user friendly” for students who are taller, have smaller body types, or have larger body types, as they can’t adjust how closely (or how far away) they sit to the desk. 

Next, we have tables and chairs. These can usually fit 2-3 students a piece, and are ideal for science, art, or other creation type classes. They offer ample space for writing, working, and doing experiments and other projects. They allow for students to easily work together. They are, however, more cumbersome, and don’t allow for as many seating arrangements. 

Lastly, there are the chairs that have folding desks attached to them. These desks are great for college classes where space is limited and no storage is needed. However, they don’t offer a ton of surface space for writing and working. This can get tricky if a student needs to have a computer, notepad, and textbook out at the same time: there just wouldn’t be enough space to hold everything. 

Obviously, these are not the only types of desks that can be found. These ones, however, are the most common. Picking the type of desk for your classroom is an important aspect of student learning and engagement. What kind of desks do you have in your classroom, or what is your favorite type of desk for students to use?