One Teacher's Adventures

As middle school teachers, we know that math can be a challenging subject for many students. The abstract concepts, the layers of operations, and the sheer volume of practice required to master skills can sometimes overwhelm even the most diligent learners. This is where math routines come into play. By incorporating structured, predictable math routines into your classroom, you can create a supportive environment where students build confidence, deepen their understanding, and develop essential problem-solving skills. Why Use Math Routines? Math routines are consistent practices or activities that students engage in regularly. These routines help establish a classroom culture where math is seen as a daily habit rather than a daunting task. Here are some key benefits of using math routines: Builds Mathematical Fluency: Regular practice through routines helps students develop fluency with numbers, operations, and problem-solving strategies. Over time, students become more comfortable a...

As the summer winds down, the back-to-school season looms large. For middle school teachers, the challenge is to reignite students’ interest in learning while creating a classroom environment that feels fresh and exciting. We all know that the typical icebreakers and get-to-know-you activities can feel a little stale, so let’s explore some ideas that won’t just survive the first week back, they’ll thrive. Here are some creative, effective, and - most importantly - not-boring ways to kick off the school year with your middle schoolers. 1. The Classroom Redesign Challenge Instead of walking into a fully set-up classroom, invite your students to help design the space. Give them the freedom to arrange desks, create bulletin boards, or even choose themes for different corners of the room. This activity not only helps students feel a sense of ownership but also serves as a great team-building exercise. Plus, you won’t have to spend your time in the summer planning and decorating your classro...

As middle school teachers, one of the most challenging tasks is fostering a love of reading in our students. Almost all of my Grade 8 students last year told me they hated reading, but I’ve heard that if kids don’t like reading, they just haven’t found the right book yet. Enter the concept of "book tasting"—a creative, engaging way to introduce students to a variety of books and genres, all while making the experience fun and memorable. What is a Book Tasting? A book tasting is an event designed to give students a “taste” of different books. Think of it as a literary buffet where students sample a variety of genres and authors in a short period. The goal is to spark interest in reading by allowing students to explore books they might not normally pick up. Typically, a book tasting is set up in a classroom or library, with tables arranged to resemble a café or restaurant. Each table features a selection of books—these could be themed around a genre, topic, or author. Students ...

Effective communication with parents and guardians is a cornerstone of successful teaching. Building a strong school-home connection ensures that students receive the support they need both in and out of the classroom. Parent-teacher communication is often a concern for the new teachers I work with. Here are some strategies for middle school teachers to enhance communication with parents and guardians. Establish Clear Communication Channels From the start, it’s important to set up reliable and accessible communication channels. At the beginning of the year, send a welcome letter introducing yourself, your teaching philosophy, and important contact information. Ask parents and guardians about their preferred methods of communication (email, phone calls, text messages, or newsletters) and their availability. I usually create a Google form for families to fill out. I find it helpful that Google forms will generate a spreadsheet and I don’t have to input the information later. Regular Upda...

Middle school is a crucial period for developing students' writing skills and fostering a love for self-expression. As educators, finding innovative ways to engage students and make writing enjoyable can be challenging. One effective tool that has gained popularity is the choice board. A choice board typically includes 5-10 writing prompts centered around a common theme, allowing students to choose one (or more) to write about. This approach not only sparks creativity but also supports diverse learning styles and fosters a sense of autonomy. Here are some key benefits of using choice boards in middle school writing. 1. Encourages Student Engagement When students have the power to choose what they write about, they are more likely to be invested in the task. Choice boards provide a variety of prompts, ensuring that there is something that appeals to every student. This sense of ownership over their learning can increase motivation and enthusiasm for writing. 2. Fosters Creativity Ch...

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 every year. As Earth Day approaches, middle school teachers have a golden opportunity to infuse their curriculum with meaningful activities that honour our planet while meeting educational standards. From math, English, and French to social studies, science, and art, here are some creative ways to incorporate Earth Day into every subject: Math: Environmental Data Analysis Project : Engage students in a real-world math project by providing them with environmental data sets related to topics such as air quality, water pollution, or climate change. Students can use mathematical concepts such as statistics, graphs, and proportions to analyze the data, identify trends, and draw conclusions about environmental trends and patterns. Encourage students to present their findings in a report or presentation, highlighting the mathematical techniques used and their implications for environmental stewardship. This project not only reinforces mathematical skills bu...

April is not just the month of blooming flowers and warmer weather; it's also National Poetry Month—a time to celebrate the beauty and significance of poetry in our lives. For middle school teachers, this presents a golden opportunity to dive into the world of verse with your students. While some may view poetry as an intimidating or irrelevant subject, the truth is that teaching poetry in middle school can offer numerous benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. Let's explore the top ten reasons why incorporating poetry into your curriculum is a must: 1. Cultivating Creativity: Poetry is the ultimate playground for creativity. By exploring different poetic forms, structures, and styles, students are encouraged to think outside the box and express themselves in unique ways. Whether it's crafting haikus, sonnets, or free verse, poetry allows students to unleash their imagination and discover their own voice. 2. Enhancing Language Skills: Analyzing poetry helps student...