I wish I would have known about Edpuzzle sooner! Since remote learning is the new normal, we are all learning about awesome, new-to-us tools. Teaching will never be the same, but I think that is a good thing. Let’s talk about Edpuzzle. Technology Spotlight: Edpuzzle Edpuzzle Features Edpuzzle is an easy-to-use platform where you can: Make any video your lesson (from YouTube, ...
Google Drive & Google Classroom Tips
If you were not a consistent Google Drive or Google Classroom user before, you may feel like you’ve been thrown into the deep end with the recent school closures and new technology expectations. While it is heartbreaking that many students won’t be returning to their classrooms this school year, I am grateful technology will allow students to continue learning. This begs the question - ...
Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Algebra 1
Growth mindset in Algebra is key. As I have written about before, I spent 1.5 years teaching remediation Algebra. Many of these students had failed Algebra the prior year and were not happy to be there. A few thought they knew everything about Algebra (they didn’t) but most had succumbed to the belief they would never be good at math. When I was hired (in the middle of the school year, ...
Remote Learning Technology and Websites
I thought it would be helpful to have one spot where all of the remote learning tools can live. We have also included some video tutorials to help show you how to use each tool! Shout out to all of our teachers in our Facebook Group for sharing all of these resources. Remote Learning Technology and Tools Recording Your Screen Tool: LOOM Cost: Free for Teachers | Video ...
5 Tips for Transitioning to Remote Learning
As our nation faces a national health emergency, many schools are closing and instructing teachers to move to a virtual classroom. Here are a few remote learning tips to help you make this move more manageable for you and your students. Guest post: Samantha Cast has her masters in Digital Learning and is a Texas History teacher. As a digital enthusiast, she is always finding new ...
Free Remote Learning Math Lessons
This has been quite the week. As I have watched the national headlines regarding COVID-19, and am now faced with the local implications, I find myself feeling anxious and overwhelmed. I am confident that I am not alone in this. We want to support you as you plan to teach in the midst of schools being closed. We thought about what we could provide that would not only meet your needs, ...
3 Tips for Teaching Algebra 1
If this is your first year teaching Algebra 1, or even your first year in a math classroom, this post is for you. I remember the stress of being responsible for students’ future success in high school. If they didn’t pass Algebra 1, then students would have to double up math classes in future grades or take summer school. The stakes were much higher than when I taught middle ...
Teaching Domain and Range in Algebra 1
Domain and range is heavily emphasized in the Algebra 1 TEKS. The concept is found in two readiness standards and a supporting standard. Having taught it, I thought I would share some tips from my failures and successes. A.2(A) determine the domain and range of a linear function in mathematical problems; determine reasonable domain and range values for real‐world situations, both ...
Getting Started with Algebra Tiles
The more concrete we can make algebra, the better students will understand abstract concepts. Algebra tiles provide students a hands-on approach to learning algebraic thinking and concepts of algebra. If you are brand new to algebra tiles, these pointers will help get you started. 1. Make a Plan for Managing Algebra Tiles Routines and procedures are king! Algebra tiles are tiny ...
6 Instructional Strategies to Try in Algebra 1
When I started teaching high school, I taught how I was primarily taught: lecturing followed by time to work on homework. However, my students were off task and not mastering concepts like I had hoped. After discussing this problem with my assistant principal, she encouraged me to channel my previous middle school experience and engage high school students in similar ways. Students want ...