Blog Posts

IXL Group Jam and Quizzes have changed how I teach – Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Koku8R8zixI&t=135s I made this video to show parents and teachers a couple of the new powerful features of IXL.  I use IXL’s Group Jam to teach my class, then assign related quizzes to see how students are doing.  These math lessons line up precisely with ...
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Post about California New Teacher Requirements

Interested in Teaching? – California Requirements

So you’ve decided you want to become a teacher in California.  Congratulations, you have chosen a noble profession. I have been a teacher for over 25 years.  The job has some great perks, but it’s not all fun and games.  Most of the time, I ...
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Blog Post about the Teacher Burn Out Crisis

Overcoming the Teacher Burnout Crisis

Overcoming the Teacher Burnout Crisis The teaching profession is in crisis.  Teacher burnout is at an all-time high, and very few teachers are happy with their jobs.  I’ve noticed that teachers have to do more every year, but it doesn’t always seem like school leaders ...
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Blog Post about making a Music Instrument from Toilet Paper Rolls.

Make Music with Paper Towel Tubes.

Make Music with Paper Towel Tubes. Get your students tapping their feet while creating their own instruments! Your class can make several unique sounds by cutting a paper towel tube into thirds and adding different kinds of dried beans. Allow each student to draw their ...
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What is Algebra?

What is Algebra? Algebra is a branch of mathematics in which equations and formulas use symbols and letters to stand for numbers and amounts. It covers mathematical operations and the properties of numbers, variables, and expressions.   Algebra gives us ways to solve equations and ...
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A young student writing at a desk.

Writing Prompts for Different Types of Journal Writing

Writing Prompts for Elementary School Students Elementary school students learn to write using three main categories. They are opinion writing, informative writing, and narrative writing. Within these categories, there are often subcategories. For example, 2nd-grade students are supposed to learn to explain directions and write ...
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Should Kids Use Educational Games?

Which Educational Games for kids or programs do I recommend? What are the benefits of online games for learning? Do these games actually help kids learn? - This article is written based on what I have seen in the classroom. ...
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Eureka Math Curriculum – Useful? – Featuring Math Resources

My experience using the Eureka Math Curriculum. Is it a good program? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Should I use for Math instruction? ...
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OLSAT Article Student Taking Test

The OLSAT: What It Is, What It Does, and What You Need to Know About It?

What is the OLSAT: What You Need to Know About It? The OLSAT is important for students because it helps to assess their academic ability and many school districts use the results to determine eligibility for gifted programs. When is the OLSAT Given? It is at each school ...
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Eureka Math Practice Tests