Teach The Way They Learn

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Open vs. Closed Questions - What You Need to Know

27/3/2021

By now we know the importance of asking good questions.

We know the relationship between asking questions and learning .

As we begin to look closer and learn more about asking questions, let’s talk about different types of questions.

Closed Questions

Closed questions have only one correct answer. These questions are fact-based, true or false, or yes-or-no questions. Closed questions can be very helpful in some situations, like when you need to get to the bottom of something and you want ‘just the facts, ma’am’.

These questions might be used on quizzes and tests - they’re quick and easy for the teacher to correct. Unfortunately, they show only surface knowledge rather than deep understanding.

Why Teach Questioning Skills?

20/3/2021

Every moment of every day, it seems, students are asking their teachers questions.

Students appear to have ‘questioning’ figured out - so why are we talking about teaching questioning skills?

Teachers have historically spent most of their time getting students to answer questions - turns out there’s plenty of research to support the value of students asking questions, too. Sure, students might ask questions in your classroom - but are they the right kind of questions?

9 Terrific Vocabulary Games for Intermediate Classrooms

20/2/2021

Vocabulary is an educational game changer - in reading and writing as well as in all content areas. The bigger a student’s vocabulary, the better the odds are that they will be successful both academically, and in life.

Among the many useful tools and strategies for improving vocabulary skills in students, games are a great option. Remember that in order to make improvement, student engagement is required. What better way to engage students than with a game? Check out the engaging games below the next time you’re practicing vocabulary in the classroom!

Six Slam-Dunk Read-Alouds for Fourth Grade

2/1/2021

Children of all ages LOVE to be read to - I know I love my audio books, don't you?

Unfortunately, with all of the things being added to our ‘plates’ as teachers, we sometimes don’t make time to read aloud.

This is a mistake.

We must protect our read-aloud time, and choose fabulous books for this purpose! Here are some wonderful examples of books that lend themselves to being read aloud and are eternally loved by all.

* Please note that I have included affiliate links below. I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one. It's a great way to support the website at no extra cost to you!

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (Realistic Fiction)

This classic story stars Peter and Fudge. Peter’s younger brother, called Fudge, is the bane of his existence. All of the adults think Fudge is sweet and cute, but Peter knows better. And Peter’s turtle, Dribble, is in constant danger from Fudge’s antics!

Five Author Studies for Fourth Grade

19/12/2020

An author study is a wonderful vehicle for demonstrating the work of a particular author. Showcasing a variety of authors introduces students to different styles and genres, while comparing and contrasting different works of one author gives a depth of knowledge about his or her writing. Providing students with access to a variety of authors helps to ensure that they find one who is "just right" for them. Here are five fabulous authors just perfect for a fourth grade author study!

* Please note that I have included affiliate links below. I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking one. It's a great way to support the website at no extra cost to you!

Patricia Polacco

Polacco is loved by elementary school teachers the world over not only for the many books she's produced, but also for her advocacy of reading and of teachers in general.
Polacco's books are filled with diversity, acceptance and kindness.

Mrs. Katz & Tush

Summary: Larnell, a young African American boy, befriends his older, widowed, Jewish neighbor, Mrs. Katz. Over time they recognize similarities in their lives and struggles. Mrs. Katz and Larnell learn a lot from each other and share good times and bad throughout their life long friendship.

Ten Can’t-Miss Books For Bedtime!

12/12/2020

“Come on...just one more story?”

If you’re a parent, or anyone who has put a child to bed, you’ve no doubt heard this plea during story time.
Why do kids love story time so much?

Because it’s so much more than just a book.

Why Is Reading Aloud So Important?

The value of reading aloud cannot be overstated.

When you read aloud to your child, you’re doing a lot more than just telling a story. You are also:

• connecting pictures with language
• connecting reading with feelings of love and security
• validating the importance of reading
• demonstrating fluency
• stimulating your child’s imagination
• fostering listening skills

So which amazing titles should you be sure to make time for? Read on!

How to Start Author Studies in Your Classroom!

5/12/2020

You’ve decided to incorporate author studies into your elementary reading, but how exactly do you go about it?

When?

Many districts have a mandatory reading/language arts curriculum. This means that the teacher must use this curriculum to teach reading in her classroom.

My own philosophy is this: while students will be just fine if they are only ever exposed to a basal reading curriculum, there’s a lot that they are missing if this is the only reading resource availed to them.

While a teacher may not be able to replace a basal curriculum, he or she can usually find a way to enhance the curriculum.

As teachers, we typically have some autonomy, therefore you can make time by consolidating a few lessons (or skipping one or two) and voila! Now you’ve got three, four, or even five days freed up for an author study!

If your school district does NOT mandate a basal curriculum, you should celebrate because your students will fall in love with the authors you spotlight!

A Book Tasting...Try it, you'll like it!

4/3/2020

I’ve been reading about book tastings in other teacher’s blogs and I thought they sounded wonderful! What a great way to introduce new books to students without pressure and to incorporate a little bit of play into the day!

The first thing I did was visit the children’s section of my local library. I don’t know about you, but my local librarians are ALWAYS incredibly helpful. I explained that I was a fourth grade teacher and gave her a little bit of information about my students’ current reading levels and then I told her the plan. I think she was just as excited as I was about the book tasting!

The Book With No Pictures...One of My Favorites!

26/1/2020

I was thrilled when I found this book.

If I remember correctly, I came across a video of the author reading it on a friend's Facebook page. I almost fell out of my chair because I was laughing so hard!

It is an absolute favorite of mine and my students.

They LOVE it!

My 2nd graders loved it and my fourth graders do too!

The best thing about it is that it always seems to intrigue my non-readers the most, and when I start reading all of the ridiculous words, they are SOLD! The students always ask to read it on their own and to have me read it again to them. There is nothing better than showing students that books can be nothing but pure joy.

If you decide to purchase the book, I'd love it if you would use my affiliate link, or click on the book below to take you to Amazon. I'll earn a small commission from the seller and it doesn't cost a penny more for you!

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- Classroom Teacher
- Doctor of Education
- Teacherpreneur

I specialize in creating PowerPoint slides, workbooks, and posters to accompany any/all lesson plans, but particularly for
Engage NY Math/
Eureka Math. Available for pre-k through 5th grade.