Most students view specials classes as a break from regular learning. That’s not true, of course, but it’s how they see it.

In many students’ minds, it’s not necessary to sit still and listen to the teacher until “real” learning takes place again back in their own classroom with their “real” teacher.

So if you can, plan those less active lessons for the days students have PE or other specials that permit them to move around, and on the days when students will need to concentrate during specials, try to plan more hands-on activities in your classroom beforehand.

A Treasury of Virtual Field Trips

Unshakeable: Innovate and adapt to make teaching an adventure

reflecting on our own practices

Just by taking a few moments to write it out, you are already more prepared for next year when you pull out that lesson again.  Much like a artist, you are honing your craft and tweaking it until it is the best version of your teaching.

Navajo Weaving!

Poetry Unit Mini Lessons for Reading and

Writing Worksho

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ***Update 3-10-14. The entire unit was rewritten with many added graphic organizers, posters, and other resources. If already purchased, please re-download. This poetry unit was written for fourth to sixth grade. It was written to be taught as mini lessons for reading and writing workshop. Each lesson should take about 15 minutes. There are ten reading workshop mini-lessons and ten writing workshop lessons, so the unit should last about two weeks if done five times per week. The reading and writing mini lessons are meant to coincide, so can be done on the same day. Additional materials needed to use the unit: chart paper and sharpies various poetry books This is not a complete comprehensive poetry unit, but introduces the students to: - different types of poems (both reading and writing them) -