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The Teacher Studio

Learning, thinking, creating

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Providing Computation Practice Without Sacrificing Rigor or Engagement

Developing a deep understanding of different math operations and estimation is essential...but we want students to be fluent with computation too, right? Students NEED computation practice--whether they use concept-based strategies or a standard algorithm.  We also know that piling on worksheets isn't the best option.  Students need a variety of experiences to do "computation practice" where the ... Read the Post

Writing Summaries: A Gradual Release Lesson

Are you a fan of the "Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR)" model?  Our district works this "I do it, we do it, you do it" method into all our unit plans. Let me share how I worked this model into my lessons on writing summaries. The one thing that I have heard many teachers discuss is the LINEAR nature of the model.  This always reminds me a little of my high school trigonometry class. ... Read the Post

Algebraic Thinking Activities: Fun with Monster Math

We don't celebrate Halloween at my school, but we DO like to have a little fun.  There are so many cute monster books out there--so I like to do some "monster work" in the fall! I haven't had any monster MATH until now! Check out these great ways to teach algebraic thinking and problem solving with a fun monster theme! Monster Math with a Purpose What was my goal? To get students thinking ... Read the Post

Stellaluna: Combining Fiction and Informational Texts

One thing is for certain--teachers do not have enough time to teach every standard, especially the way we truly want to.  When possible, we need to "double dip" and create lessons that tackle multiple targets!  One way I do that is with a few lessons related to research, informational texts, and the book Stellaluna. Fiction and Nonfiction Together?  Yup! In the fall, we talk both about ... Read the Post

Opinion Writing Flipbook: Using a Graphic Organizer

Opinion writing can be a really fun way for students to express themselves. Learning how to state a claim, or "thesis" is a hugely important writing concept that can be practiced in a ton of ways. Whether you write reading responses where students comment on a text and then provide text evidence or write a true opinion essay, this idea of "proving" your point is a key part of our curriculum. Check ... Read the Post

8 Reasons to Use Fish in a Tree as a Mentor Text

If you aren't familiar with the book Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, I am here to encourage you to CHECK IT OUT!  I've tried to highlight some of the reasons I use this book every year as a read aloud, mentor text.  I hope you find this information helpful! 1. A Foundation Text What I love about Fish in a Tree is that by using it early in the year, I find myself referring to it ALL ... Read the Post

Growth Mindset: Everything You Need to Know!

So, it's time for some more real talk about growth mindset.  Educators talk about it all the time.  We put up bulletin boards and read books and tell our students to have a "growth mindset" when things get tough.  But what does it all mean?  What more should we be thinking about? Check out some more musings about mindset below--and then check out the other blog posts I've linked for even ... Read the Post