"When students are actively reading and applying multiple reading strategies as they read, they are able to understand the text at a deeper level."
Should I Be Teaching Important Topics in December?
By the time December rolls around just about everyone is either thinking about some time off or getting ready for the new year. December is not necessarily the shortest month in the school year, but it is difficult to get a lot out of students as the month progresses. What can you do?
December should be a month where you can create some cross-curricular projects that keep students engaged and busy, while you can focus on the topics where students need additional practice. You can combine ELA, Science, and winter together by allowing students to create their own winter poem about cells. Take this and make it apply to whatever it is you need to teach. You can now use your science or ELA class to have students work on this project. If you only teach one subject that this becomes even easier to plan. This is just one example of the creativity that you will need in order to get through the month with a smile on your face. :)
More Great Ideas to Use This Year
Gamify Creative Writing
Although most sites mentioned on this newsletter is free, this one is a paid site. Having said that, if you struggle with writing in your class and your students love games, then this could be one of the greatest sites for your class! Interactive cards prompt students to devlop characters and themes in their writing.
Leveled Book Library
Step1: Print out a level chart for your class. You can find one here.
Step 2 - Get bins with different colors or stickers that you can place in a section of your classroom.
Step 3 - Go to https://bookwizard.scholastic.com/ and write the level on the book with a sharpie.
Vocabulary Charades / Pictionary
Do you introduce vocabulary words on a weekly basis? Tired of Kahoot or the "same old review?" Try Vocabulary Charades or Vocabulary Pictionary!
8 Strategies You Should Be Using to Teach Main Idea
Teaching Main Idea is one of the most important things you can teach as an ELA teacher. Students' success with main idea will result in better writing, better vocabulary, and better fluency when reading. Here are some ways you should be teaching main idea:
Start with an Anchor Chart
Use Pictures
Emphasize Titles
Look at the first and last sentences of each paragraph.
Use Key Words (words that are repeated throughout a story)
Compare Supporting Details to the Main Idea (make sense of it)
Prioritize Information (have students find out what supports the main idea and what's "fluff")
Add the Missing Title (try to have students read a story without a title. Have them all create their own after reading a story and see who is the closest.)
