#2ndaryELA is a group of middle and high school English Language Arts teachers looking to share ideas and best practices. We chat every Tuesday night at 8 pm EST using #2ndaryELA. We'd love for you to join us!
Is your calendar marked for tomorrow evening's free #CoreAdvocates webinar? Join the conversation about how to use ELA Mini-Assessments in your classes, schools, and districts! https://t.co/2U5BPB27Qa#elachat
Q1: This year we are testing the week before we get out of school so will spend most of our time https://t.co/lK4r1c6KdT is a great time for genius hour worked into research #2ndaryELA
The end of the year is a great time for inquiry and exploration of student interests (I mean, really, ALL year), and also book clubs and choice reading as a way to encourage students to continue reading on their own over the summer. #2ndaryela
Q2: This year we are exempting finals for those that are passing their classes and do not have many absences. It will be so nice! The Ss are motivated to get their work finished to be exempt! #2ndaryELA
A1: In the past, I've done a fun little project where Ss designed a vacation for their pine cone friends we made in class: https://t.co/4dFLww55CT#2ndaryELA
A1 (Part 2): I also always advocate that teachers use the last part of the school year as a sort of learning lab for themselves. What have you been curious to try, but nervous to attempt in the middle of the year? Test, troubleshoot, and then implement next year! #2ndaryela
Unfortunately, we have state made exams for all core classes - either EOCs or North Carolina Final Exams (NCFEs). I've been struggling with how to make the review for interesting instead of just taking the released test and talking about them. #2ndaryela
A2: In my last few years in the classroom, I started creating "performance" final exams--debates, TED talks, formal speeches, etc. It was a great way to close the year with celebrations of one another, AND it saved me from grading since I rubricked on the fly! #2ndaryela
Q3: I try to stay healthy by making sure I eat during the day somewhat healthy, drink plenty of water, and cheat on my diet when I want something special! It's about moderation and this is definitely the time for that! I make sure to exercise some too! #2ndaryela
I've used two strategies in the past:
1. Kids take short practice MC alone, then get in a group of 3-4 and compare. They MUST come to a consensus on correct answers as a group. Then you give answers. Great for student convos and persuasion. #2ndaryela
Unfortunately, we have state made exams for all core classes - either EOCs or North Carolina Final Exams (NCFEs). I've been struggling with how to make the review for interesting instead of just taking the released test and talking about them. #2ndaryela
2. Four Corners, but with answer choices. In each corner I put A, B, C, or D. Then kids go to the corner of the room that belongs to the answer they choose. You can have each corner confer and share out why they're there. Then give answer. #2ndaryela
Unfortunately, we have state made exams for all core classes - either EOCs or North Carolina Final Exams (NCFEs). I've been struggling with how to make the review for interesting instead of just taking the released test and talking about them. #2ndaryela
A4 There are a LOT of grade level and school events in our last two weeks. Most Ss are content on last day to enjoy the company of their peers within the classroom and share ideas/play games. It’s also grad the night before, so lots of yearbook signing. #2ndaryELA
A4: I usually bring in cards and games and put on a movie for those days after testing when there's really nothing to do but we have to be there anyway. If possible, I try to play with the kids. #2ndaryela
For vocabulary, I do Vocabulary Swat! Put words on the board in columns/rows. Divide class into two teams. Each team sends up one at a time with a fly swatter. You read definition/synonym/antonym/sentence, and the first team to swat the correct word gets a point. #2ndaryELA
A5: When it gets hot, I bring out the ice pops and use them as rewards for completing tasks or for winning a game. (Luckily we also have air conditioning) #2ndaryELA
Teams can yell support and encouragement but can't approach the board. It gets R A U C O U S, so make sure you alert your neighbors. 😂 I have also never had a fly swatter make it through the whole day--kids get competitive and start swatting full force! #2ndaryELA
Reading is at the center of every English Language Arts instruction, Whether it is happening as a whole class or independently, there is little students can learn or practice without reading first. This #2ndaryELA Twitter chat was all about reading strat… https://t.co/bx1zpUBxuc
We are doing a combined art and writing project. My students are going to paint rocks, hide them around town and then write a fictional adventure of the rock. They will have to change the setting (an ELA standard). #2ndaryELA@TchrMommy7
We have all been saying how badly we’ve been stress eating, thankfully the weather has been sunny and warm, so it’s a good excuse to get in the yard and work out that stress!#2ndaryELA@TchrMommy7
T @TeachBowTie is looking for Romeo & Juliet project ideas! Pray thee, don’t bite your thumb at this request – share your ideas here! #2ndaryELA#engchat
