Teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies

In this blog I will share resources, educational ideas, and reflections

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10 Practical Ideas For Better Project-Based Learning In Your Classroom

10 Practical Ideas For Better Project-Based Learning In Your Classroom

Project-Based Learning that can be used when teaching multiple subjects

More and more teachers are using Project-Based Learning (PBL) in their classrooms. PBL is an instructional strategy in which students work cooperatively over time to create a product, presentation or performance. Two essential components are (1) an engaging and motivating question and (2) a product that meaningfully addresses that question. I strongly believe that using Project-Based Learning  helps to boost student engagement because they are given the opportunity to contribute to the class. I also love the idea of being able to use this in any class, no matter what subject you teach. One of the most difficult things for teachers to do when they first start trying to use PBL is letting go of some control of the classroom and trusting in students.

http://www.fusionyearbooks.com/blog/project-based-learning/

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Middle School Classroom Tour

Great ideas and inspiration in this middle school classroom reveal - from decorating to small group areas to hanging posters and anchor charts.

Decorating the Middle School Classroom when teaching more than one subject

For those teachers who teach multiple subjects, decorating can seem like a daunting task. This, in addition to the idea that Middle School classrooms do not require as much decorating as the Elementary classroom, is not necessarily true. While, yes, you don’t need to go crazy with the colors and pictures, middle school students still enjoy and need some type of organization and comfortable feel to the room. When it comes to teaching more than one subject, it’s important not to overwhelm students with busy boards or walls that will distract and/or cause confusion. Color coding baskets, folders, and dividing/designating sections of walls to specific classes will help create an organized look and minimize distractions/behavior issues. Here are some tips for creating a great classroom atmosphere, even when you teach multiple subjects!

https://www.weareteachers.com/classroom-decoration-ideas-home/

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Burnout Isn’t Inevitable | Edutopia

Teachers are stressed—but schools can help.

Factors such as teaching too many subjects can lead to teacher burnout

There are many challenging aspects that come with being a teacher. While most teachers go into the profession for all the right reasons, without the proper help they end up experiencing teacher burnout. The exhaustion, dispair, and sense of helplessness is what many teachers describe as teacher “burnout”. Working with students means constantly trying to respond to their needs while simultaneously meeting the various demands of the district. When teachers feel that there is a disconnect between all these demands and the available resources they have for coping with them, stress increases dramatically. In my experience taking on more than I could handle, for fear or saying no to administration, led me down the path of feeling “burnt-out”. The main trigger for me was teaching 5 subjects during my first year and not feeling adequately prepared to take on the task, especially because I was not told I would be teaching numerous classes until after starting the school year. Burnout is not an individual problem and can have a huge impact on student outcomes. This is why its important for teachers to looks for signs of burnout and talk to administration early on in order to turn it around and create a good and healthy environment. 

I’ve also attached a lengthy, but great article from Arizona State University which discusses teacher stress, burnout, and retention in further detail.

https://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/download/658/165/0

https://youtu.be/fccSZmVHU30

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My Top 5 Organizational Hacks for Teaching High School

Even if you're not a naturally organized person, you can overcome! These organizing tips from a vet are brilliant and time-saving!

It is common to teach more than one class subject in Secondary. Time management and organizational skills are key for success in the classroom. As a teacher, it is vital to prepare yourself mentally, but also physically when setting up your classroom and planning can either make or break you. These classroom organization ideas are idea for the secondary teacher and I plan to use these as I continue to plan for the upcoming school year. 

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Changing the subject: going beyond your teaching specialism

As teacher shortages hit, many schools ask staff to switch departments or take on additional subjects. But how do teachers cope with the workload?

Teaching Multiple Subjects in Secondary

There are many teachers who are able to focus on teaching one subject per day, but many are faced with the task of teaching multiple subjects. Finding different resources and planning for an array of classes can prove to be tiring, especially with so many other responsibilities in a day. Last year I was teaching four subjects and l know first hand that lesson planning was exhausting. I will be sharing resources, tips, and organization tools to provide teachers with that litle extra help that is much needed throughout the school year, especially those who teach multiple subjects