A Slinky is a wonderful early language and literacy tool - check out the video I created on different ways to use a Slinky.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGQ-Kjh6JY/7JhAzf8qvFx_Q3JOaAa-sw/watch?utm_content=DAGQ-Kjh6JY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor
or
https://www.ginapepin.com/blank-19-1

Reading Interest Inventory: Here is a copy (feel free to use) of the RII that Eric Litwin and I share in The Power of Joyful Reading. What survey or interest inventory do you use with your students to learn more about their interests etc?

Teacher introduction

I am the Kids Voting Representative for my county. Recently, I received a concern from a school that stated the hesitancy to participate because of the Presidential Election and the possible opinions that might come from home. I used this quote in my response,

Young people need to vote. They need to get out there. Every vote counts. Educate yourself too. Don't just vote. Know what you're voting for, and stand by that. Nikki Reed

I explained that it is important to teach students about the responsibility of voting and why people need to be informed. Everything should be based on facts and finding ways to vote FOR someone and not against someone. So much is based on attacking and name calling that it is starting to hurt the educational process. We have standards and statutes that must be addressed about government and voting. Being afraid to teach something is normal. Nevertheless, it still needs to be taught.

how would you plan a lesson for a standard about an argumentative essay for fourth graders?

How do you help new classroom teachers mainstream exceptional students? Many new teachers struggle to make sure they are meeting the needs of all students. Any tips would be appreciated!

How would you explain the concept of exoplanets to a fifth-grade class?
How many of.you arr a little salty about Pluto being kicked out of the solar system club? The idea of Exolplanets is actually one amazing way to illustrate that as our understanding changes with research and knowledge gained, that science also changes! For fifth graders I like to immerse them in scientifically accurate diagrams and animations of our planetary system in movement around the sun that include Pluto
Through observation. I then ask various questions about the revolutions of each planet. Eventually it comes up that Pluto's orbit crosses through other planetary orbits. We use this as a launching point for characteristics of Dwarf planets. Other characteristics are the size - typically smaller than other planets, shape - round due to their gravity, and orbital paths are not cleared. Once they understand the characteristics of a Dwarf planet we do a "hunt " for other Dwarf planets in our solar system using nasa.gov. Once they learn of Eris, Orcas and Ceres we do a scientific investigation through research and check to ensure all of these names Dwarf planets fit the characteristics we discovered earlier using Thinking Maps or charts.

How do you teach your students about Dward planets and where they can be found? (Asteroid and Kuiper belts?

Pressure makes diamonds!

Many schools are switching to the CGI math curriculum this year. For those of you familiar with it, what advice do you have for teaching students who are entering below grade level?

How do you tackle new curriculum? We got new reading last year which I tackled one module at a time. This year we are switching to a new math and I plan on doing some work and planning this summer in small doses to prepare for next year. What tips do you have?

What are some back to school bulletin boards that you’ve done and loved? (Pictures appreciated!)

How do you include families as part of the end of year fun?

Involving students in documenting and reflecting upon their own assessment data can have a significant impact on their learning and self-awareness. When students take part in tracking their progress, they often gain a clearer understanding of their strengths, areas for improvement, and the goals they need to set. This practice fosters a sense of ownership over their learning, increases motivation, and can encourage a growth mindset as students see evidence of their improvement over time. Additionally, self-reflection helps students develop metacognitive skills, enhancing their ability to plan, monitor, and adjust their approaches to learning tasks.
However, there are potential drawbacks to consider.... what would you anticipate could potentially discourage students from making progress?
How do you balance guidance with independence in this practice?

What are you planning to do in your classroom for 9/11?

How do you prepare for your small groups so you can make the most of your time? I use these prepared baskets of materials so that students can get right to work when they visit with me!

What professional development opportunities have you found to be the most valuable in your teaching career?

Does your district operate under a modified calendar? What is your start and end date? What would your ideal school year calendar look like?

Truth

When I first started teaching, I had all types of catchy phrases to get students attention (elementary school students loved it!). A few years ago, I read something that changed my direction when it came to this. Instead of trying to get their attention by them responding in some way (verbally or with an action like clapping), I say, "if you can hear my voice, take a deep breath and let it out slowly and silently." Most of the time, after once (maybe twice) of saying this, students are quiet and have slowed down their nervous systems with a deep breath. Even when we're working independently, I will do it. Just to give students a chance to breathe deeply and give their minds a break. Have you tried this? What else do you use to get students attention that has worked well or what have you used to give your students a mindfulness break?

A lesson hook is a short opening to a lesson. It should grab your students’ attention and leave them wanting to learn more. Hooks can prepare your students for the content they will be learning.

A good lesson hook strategy can make all the difference when it comes to engaging students and maximizing their learning. You can use your lesson hook to establish connections between existing knowledge and the new content.

Any break from the ordinary can be exciting. Change your learning setting to get students engaged and excited for what’s to come.

There are tons of lesson hooks that you can use and find online. Here are some ideas:

Theme your classroom for the lesson (posters, learning centers, bulletin boards, etc.)

Use “feely” boxes or bags

Create a survey and graph the results

Use music

Guest speaker