EduKatie - A straight-forward, jargon-lite educational reference and commentary on k-12 educational topics, namely literacy.

Beginning of Year, Educational Topics, Personal Development, Professional Development

Personal Professional Development: Stay Current On Your Own Terms

Now that the new school year is well underway, it’s time to start thinking about professional development. I’m not talking about those presentations your school makes you sit through, which may or may not be helpful for your practice. I’m talking about personal professional development. Personal professional development answers these questions: What do you do to stay current in your practice? How do you ensure you’re pushing yourself forward and growing as a teacher?

Beginning of Year, Strategies for the Classroom, Teacher Topics

Beginning of Year Classroom Organization

Maybe this is your first year teaching, if so: congratulations! Or maybe it’s your 30th. Congratulations to you, too! Either way, teachers spend the end of summer and beginning of school year the same: preparing for new students. The first order of business is usually getting that classroom ready for instruction. Your classroom is your school home, and it’s important that it reflects your personal style as a teacher (you’re going to spend a lot of time there–might as well enjoy yourself!) and is welcoming, safe, and conducive to learning. Consider these ways of organizing your classroom this year.

Beginning of Year, Classroom Management, Educational Topics

Building Relationships: The First Step in Creating Classroom Culture

At the start of each new school year is a fresh beginning–a chance to re-brand, try new things, or make an impact on your students. No matter what your focus is this school year, make sure you take the time to build relationships. In the classroom, relationships are your foundation. These relationships are the first step in creating a positive classroom culture. Building relationships costs zero money, is easy to accomplish, and sets a positive tone for your year ahead.

Beginning of Year, Classroom Management, Educational Topics, Personal Development, Teacher Topics

Eight Tips To Start The School Year Off Right

It’s August, which means a new school year is rapidly approaching. If you haven’t already, it’s time to begin thinking about school. In order to…

Content Literacy, Reading

A Case For Wide Reading

As the push for content area reading increases, and becomes more complex with the growth of technology and new literacies, I hear a lot of buzz around “wide reading.” Wide reading is a push for students to have regular reading time integrated into daily classroom practice, in all content areas. The idea that students need to read isn’t a new one. What is new, however, is how students should go about this reading and why.

Educational Resources, Educational Topics, Professional Development

How To Write A Brilliant SMART Goal

This week I’m thinking about goal setting. I wrote a blog for Smart School Counselor, so I’ve had goals on the brain. If you…

Personal Development, Professional Development, Summer Topics, Teacher Topics

Making The Most of Your Summer Break: 4 Must-Dos

Any teacher can tell you summer is a much needed break from the chaos and excitement of the school year. Once this time of year hits, it’s so easy to sprint to the finish line and stay in summer mode up until you start seeing back to school sale ads. Enjoy your summer, but make it a productive one with these 4 must-dos.

End of Year, Strategies for the Classroom, Summer Topics, Teacher Topics

Packing Your Classroom For Summer

The finish line is in sight! You’ve made it this far; it’s only a short sprint to summer break. I’ve given you some good advice on how to end your year on a high note. Now it’s time to think about packing up your classroom for next year.

Classroom Management, Educational Resources, End of Year, Strategies for the Classroom, Summer Topics

Ending The Year on a High Note: Five Tips To Focus On

As the end of the year takes shape, I wanted to take a moment to remind us all that it’s important to end your year on a high note. The most patient teachers have shortened fuses, and even the most well-behaved students are prone to erratic behavior as summer approaches. For some, it’s a recipe for disaster. Don’t let this deter you from ending your school year happily! Here are 5 tips to end your year on a high note.

Reading

Four Factors that Play Into Literacy Comprehension

When a reader selects a text, it’s not immediately apparent whether he or she will be able to comprehend it. Teachers typically use a text’s Lexile or reading level, but there’s more to reading comprehension than that. Beyond text complexity, here are four factors that play important roles in literacy comprehension.