Teaching Strategies

There are so many effective teaching strategies to help our students! I especially like lessons that allow for collaboration, group work, and deeper thinking.  But, sometimes we need easy and quick ways to enforce learning and practice skills.  Take a look below…

Professional Development session to build better curriculum…

This PD presentation was used to help staff members come together to build a plan for teaching personal narrative writing from TK to 5th grade.

Technology Integration

Here is a short list of free websites for classroom usage:

  • ABCYa
  • Khan Academy
  • National Geographic Kids
  • PBS Kids
  • READWRITE THINK
  • www.ports-ca.us/

Using educational websites can supplement the adopted curriculum or be used for intervention and practice.

Games 

Using learning games to teach concepts and practice skills is fun and engaging.  I like to use the following games in my classroom:

  • math games using dice to practice place value and comparisons
  • phonics games such as sight word BINGO
  • Around the World to practice Math facts
  • Kahoot (online game)
  • Race to the Board
  • Four corners
  • Progressive spelling practice

Movement activities like using task cards help kids get out of their seats.  I use GoNoodle when we need a brain break.

Assessment and Data Collection

Assessment

 

Regular, periodic, effective assessments can include:

  • rubrics
  • journals
  • quizzes
  • partner talk
  • quick writes
  • comprehension questions
  • Google Slides presentations
  • reports
  • online games 
  • portfolios
Data Collection

For phonics, pre-tests and preliminary skills tests are helpful at the beginning of a school year.  It is a starting point, but combined with one on one periodic assessments such as Fountas and Pinnell (https://www.fountasandpinnell.com/), the educator can get a clearer picture of learning skills and needs. Periodic benchmarks can be helpful, as long as the benchmarks are firmly established by the educators and based on real-life pacing guides.  Remember, data is not just for grading. It is used to help us see our students’ strengths and weaknesses and address individual goals.

 

Using data to inform instruction

Teachers often give assessments because they are required to, but wouldn’t it be great if we actually used the data to inform instruction and increase learning?  Start by grouping the students based on test scores and then as you observe their writing and listen to their reading, use this to reevaluate and regroup.  I know there is controversy about grouping students based on abilities, but there are best practices for reading instruction that recommends this strategy.  I don’t use these types of groups in every subject, but they are effective tools for specific learning activities.

For pros and cons of ability groupings, go to: https://study.com/learn/lesson/ability-grouping-pros-cons-school.html

Edtech innovations

Edtech companies are finding new ways to reach students in more equitable, sustainable ways. Many online learning programs have built-in assessments, engaging skills practice through games, and research-based instructional strategies.

 

 

Email

audrey@gocrusade.com