Informal assessments can provide teachers with a wealth of useful information that will help guide their instruction on a daily basis. What are the strengths and weaknesses of informal assessments and how can you best implement them into your daily routine? Let’s take a look.
First graders are often still adjusting to attending school for a full day, so establishing an effective set of classroom rules is essential. Be clear and consistent from the start and your year will be successful.
As we give assessments for learning, we must ask ourselves many important questions about the process. Why are we assessing the student and what do we hope to achieve with the results? We as teachers need to be more accountable and educate ourselves on the principles of assessment.
The Developmental Math Assessment (DMA) is a researched based program that focuses on children from preschool through grade two. It focuses on the most important mathematical skills that students need to master higher math concepts.
We often don’t think of enrichment materials at the early childhood level, but students need to be challenged at even the youngest age. Be sure to choose materials that are durable and flexible in their use.
Summer is the perfect season for fun in the sun. But, there are also some safety concerns that come with all of that fun. These summer safety lessons for pre-K children will help your students enjoy summer while still staying safe.
It sounds simple; children need to read during the summer months to maintain current reading levels. It’s more than common sense though. There are statistics that support the importance of summer reading.
When summer rolls around, most kids are thinking of sleeping in and playing in the pool. Parents are occupied attempting to keep their kids busy and teachers are concerned that they didn’t prepare their students enough for the following year. However, all should be actively fighting braindrain.
Summer brain drain is a real concern for teachers and parents. Students who are not actively engaged in some form of academic activity during the summer can lose up to two months worth of knowledge. The good news is that it can be prevented by consistent and continuous engagement.
This Veggie Tales version of the bible story about Joseph and His Brothers is perfect for preschoolers. Focusing on family and one’s belief in God, there is a part of this story that will speak to everyone. Use these preschool activities for The Ballad of Little Joe in your classroom or at home.
Kids can lose over two months worth of knowledge over the summer if they do not engage in regular learning activities. Reading is the easiest way to engage your child over the summer to avoid the summer learning loss from occurring. Help them out by creating your own book club this summer!
Students engaged in active learning are more apt to master new skills. Using math manipulatives in early school years is the perfect way to accomplish this. Students who apply a hands-on approach to learning will often find more success.
The end of the school year arrives and classroom life becomes a little more hectic. The key is being prepared. Be sure you put together an end of the year survival kit to help you get through that crazy last week of school.
As the school year ends, we often reflect upon what we have accomplished with our students. Help you class complete their own reflection and help them make a end of school year memories book. It can help them look back and see how much fun they had this past school year.
Shel Silverstein has written some of the most popular poetry books for children. His books are found on just about every classroom shelf across the country. Students will enjoy learning some basic math concepts through these funny poems on money.
Homework can provide the backdrop for some epic battles in a home, no matter the age of the student. This article provide some 5th grade homework help; focusing on those pre-teens and their specific needs.