Differentiation is a difficult concept for many teachers. However, it’s actually easier than many people think - and are probably already doing. According to ASCD, teachers can modify four elements to differentiate instruction: content, process, product, and...
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Textbook VS Texts: Pros & Cons Of Using Them in Social Studies
Are you Team Textbook or Team Passages? Often, teachers are solidly in one camp or the other. There are solid reasons for using either one and also reasons to not use them. Let’s examine the pros and cons of each.TextbooksAt one point I was solidly anti-textbook and...
10 Ways To Make Your Lessons More Student-Friendly
Have you ever planned a lesson you were completely excited about and then other people told you it was a bad idea? Or it just flat-out bombed? Sometimes, I think we come out with ideas that sound great on paper, but, in reality, they don’t work or we forget elements...
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Easy Ways to Differentiate Your Lessons
Differentiation is a difficult concept for many teachers. However, it’s actually easier than many people think and are probably already doing.
Textbook VS Texts: Pros & Cons Of Using Them in Social Studies
Are you Team Textbook or Team Passages? There are solid reasons for using either one and also reasons to not use them. Let’s examine the pros and cons of each.
10 Ways To Make Your Lessons More Student-Friendly
From my experience, I know things I have done that made my lessons less accessible, but I wanted to get ideas from students, too. (Luckily, I have access to students through my kids.)
Test Prep Strategies For Elementary And Middle School
Teachers should stop reviewing for the test and use strategies to ensure students master skills and concepts.
Strategies For Using Novels In Your Classroom
I have “Best Practices” based on the experiences of students and children. Here are strategies for using novels effectively in your classroom
How To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Your Classroom
While I like a party day, I always found it difficult to “give up a day” in the name of fun. Instead, I used Valentine’s Day to my advantage.
Improve Students’ Vocabulary with Greek and Latin Roots
Did you know explicit Greek and Latin morphological instruction is the most effective way to improve students’ English vocabulary?
Teaching With Paired Passages
Teaching with paired texts or passages can be daunting at first, but it really isn’t as hard as it seems – it just takes time.
Using Integrated Learning In The Classroom
As teachers know, one of the first things many students ask is, “Why do I need to know this? When will I ever use it?” Integrated learning shows students why.
Setting Boundaries To Save Your Sanity
I see teachers beginning to set healthy boundaries as they redefine their values. I have some suggestions that may help you.
Starting Fresh In The New Year
New Year’s is often seen as a new beginning or a fresh start. So how can you start fresh in your classroom?
Fun Ways To Practice Math Skills At Home
Students always want to know why they need to learn something (especially if it is difficult.) and showing them math “in the wild” is the perfect way to teach them.
Easy Ways To Engage Students Before Break
What can we do in our classroom that isn’t another animated film or “filler”? I found that boring activities led to behavior problems in the classroom.
Fever 1793
Although teachers always look for new books to read with their students, many of us have a shortlist of favorites they pull out year after year. Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson is on the must-read list of many middle school teachers.
Easy & Inexpensive Student Gifts
I’m sharing gift ideas that won’t break your bank and don’t take a lot of time and energy. Keep your sanity intact with these easy gift ideas!
Hello! I’m Amy Mezni!
- I believe that students need to be the leaders of the classroom. Even third graders are old enough to be held accountable and to take responsibility for their learning.
- I do not believe that kids were made to sit in seats. They need to get up and move around.
- Differentiated instruction is a must. I use guided reading and guided math groups to meet the individual needs of my students.
- Helping a student to discover their love for reading is a privilege that I never get tired of.
- School should be fun! We party in my class!