Teaching With Inquiry

Send us a textUnlock the secret to transforming your classroom with our latest episode, where we reveal the magic of math centers in junior education. Imagine a world where students are not only engaged but also empowered to become independent thinkers and problem solvers. Join us as we explore how math centers can simplify teaching, facilitate guided math, and foster essential social skills through collaboration. With personalized learning at the forefront, we discuss how these dynamic hubs cater to diverse needs, offering activities that range in difficulty and promote differentiated instruction. Whether you're a fan of structured group rotations or prefer a more flexible, student-choice approach, we’ve got tips to help you integrate math centers seamlessly into your teaching routine.Assessment can often feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Dive into an array of effective strategies for evaluating student progress without the burden of excessive marking. Discover how quick check-ins an

Send us a textUnlock the secrets to a more effective language arts classroom by mastering the use of diagnostic assessments. This episode promises to transform your approach to teaching by helping you understand your students' current writing and reading abilities without overwhelming yourself. Discover how to make writing enjoyable for students while collecting valuable samples that reveal their storytelling and paragraph writing skills. On the reading front, find out how a simple spelling diagnostic can bridge the gap between writing and reading, using tools like Ignited Literacy or Words Their Way. We also highlight the importance of assessments like the Mays and oral reading fluency tools such as ORF or DRA in evaluating reading capabilities and forming guided reading groups.Explore strategies for advocating for students who require additional support, particularly those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). We underscore the power of diagnostic assessments in the first 20 days of instructio

Send us a textIn this video, we dive into the essential steps to establish strong relationships with students during the beginning of the school year. Building trust and respect sets the foundation for a positive classroom environment, especially when teaching language arts, where students often share personal thoughts in their writing.We'll explore strategies for creating a classroom based on mutual respect, emphasizing the importance of showing genuine interest in each student. Discover how activities like heart maps help students express their interests, making it easier for teachers to connect on a personal level. You'll also learn the benefits of a diagnostic approach in writing, encouraging students to explore freely without fear of immediate grading, which helps identify areas for growth.This video highlights practical ways to foster a safe space where students feel valued and supported, setting them up for a year of creativity, curiosity, and confidence in their literacy journey. Watch to le

Send us a textIn this video, we kick off a series on creating a structured, efficient routine for your literacy block. As many teachers struggle to fit all elements of language arts into their schedules, this video offers practical tips for establishing a consistent and adaptable framework that builds student confidence and helps teachers stay organized.We’ll walk through setting up a weekly schedule, dividing time between spelling, vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and writing. The goal is to create a structure that allows teachers to “plug and play” lessons without feeling overwhelmed. By focusing on relationship-building and diagnostic assessments early in the year, you’ll gather insights that will guide your instruction while helping students feel more comfortable and engaged.With flexible approaches for both 100-minute and 80-minute blocks, this video provides strategies that suit different classroom needs, helping you build a language arts routine that’s repeatable, manageable, and supports me

Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Erin Panda, a researcher from Brock University, to discuss her recent study on the Empower Reading Program. Collaborating with the Hospital for Sick Children and the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Erin shares insights into the impact of Empower, an evidence-based reading intervention program that helps struggling readers develop decoding, spelling, and comprehension skills.As a classroom teacher and parent, I’ve witnessed Empower's transformative effects firsthand. In our conversation, Erin explains the neuroscience behind reading, why some students need more structured literacy programs, and how Empower's research-backed strategies help students build confidence. We also discuss how teachers and parents can advocate for this essential program to make reading accessible to all students.Tune in to learn more about the Empower program’s design, the importance of early intervention, and how strong support for literacy can positively impact stud

Transform your teaching toolkit with the wisdom of Dr. Lori Friesen, the beacon for educators navigating today's classroom challenges. Unearth the secrets to lesson planning and assessment mastery, and let us guide you through shaping a classroom environment that's as organized as it is enriching. By the end of our discussion, the teacher planning binder and student data binders will become your new best friends, dramatically reducing your workload while amplifying the effectiveness of your teaching practice.Classroom culture is an ever-changing tapestry, and this episode weaves together the threads of connection, social and emotional learning, and the delicate balance of work-life integration. With Dr. Lori's insights, discover how to bridge the social skill gaps in students and tailor your approaches to combat the evolving landscape of education. From creating a community with interest inventories to secret compliment envelopes, we delve into strategies that foster a sense of belonging and he

We’re excited to have Dr. Lori, the author of "Dear New Teacher: Here's Exactly What To Do," join us for an insightful discussion on preparing for your first teaching job. This episode is filled with essential tips for new teachers, from classroom setup to managing classroom dynamics. Dr. Lori’s expert advice will help you start the school year strong.Discover the best practices for creating a welcoming and efficient classroom, establishing routines, and maintaining a positive learning environment. Dr. Lori’s extensive background in elementary education and teacher training provides a solid foundation for her practical advice.Click subscribe for more educational tips and support for new teachers!Show Notes: www.madlylearning.com/269Key Concepts:Preparing your classroom for successEffective classroom management techniquesEstablishing consistent routinesBuilding a positive classroom culturePreventing teacher burnoutMore About LoriBook: Dear New Teacher Here's Exactly What To DoWebsite: https

In this podcast episode, I introduce Simply Graded, a game-changer for teachers during report card season. Discover how this powerful tool simplifies and automates the report card comment process, saving you countless hours. Learn how Simply Graded uses advanced formulas in Google Sheets to streamline the workflow, making it easy to generate personalized, comprehensive comments for your students.Watch the video: https://youtu.be/4yItIZzjFqQKey concepts covered include:report card inefficienciesautomating comment generationcreating personalized commentsUsing Graded effectivelyDon't forget to subscribe for more tips on making teaching more efficient! Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching with efficiency and impact. Share your experiences and strategies in the comments to join the conversation with fellow educators.To find our highly effective, time-saving resources Checkout our Madly Learning Store at www.madlylearning.com/storeCheckout our Teachers Pay Te

Imagine stepping into your teaching interview with the calm confidence of a seasoned educator, knowing you've got the inside scoop on everything from the school's ethos to the principal's pet projects. That's exactly what we're equipping you for in today's insightful session, as we dissect the preparation process, ensuring you're not just another face in the applicant crowd. With my own experiences of being both the interviewer and the interviewee, I'll guide you through the nuances of making a lasting impression that resonates with the core values and mission of your potential school.Turn the nerves of an upcoming interview into excitement as we explore the strategic integration of educational jargon and the crafting of a philosophy that's uniquely yours, yet universally impressive. We've harnessed the power of AI, with tools like ChatGPT, to help you crystallize your thoughts and present a persona that's both polished and passionate. By the end of our c

Navigating the annual staffing shuffle can feel like a high-stakes chess game for educators, and we're here to coach you through it. Get ready to gain valuable insights into the decision-making process that can determine your next move in the world of teaching. Whether you've received an unexpected grade-level change or you're contemplating a transfer within a unionized system, this episode peels back the layers of complexity involved. We share stories from the trenches about the pivotal role of prep coverage, teaching partners, and classroom dynamics, along with the often-overlooked personal factors that can make or break an educator's experience.The question of whether to stay rooted or to transplant oneself to new educational soil is one many teachers grapple with. In this thought-provoking conversation, we weigh the emotional toll of leaving behind a familiar environment against the exciting potential of a fresh start. By tapping into the collective wisdom of seasoned colleagues and co

Have you ever felt like there just aren't enough hours in the day, especially when it comes to teaching literacy? You're not alone. In our latest episode, we dive straight into the heart of this dilemma, revealing how to maintain a high-quality English program within the tight squeeze of a 60-minute frame. We're handing over the blueprint for educators to seamlessly weave together the essential threads of literacy instruction, even when they're teaching English to students in French immersion contexts or juggling packed schedules.Key Topics Covered:- The Challenge: We kick off by acknowledging the difficulty of fitting a comprehensive literacy curriculum into a shortened timeframe and the factors that often lead to this situation.  - Leveraging Overlapping Skills: Discover how to identify and utilize the skills that overlap between English and French (for French Immersion teachers), allowing for a more streamlined approach to teaching literacy.- Advocating for a Supportive Schedule: Learn

As we transition into the second half of the school year, it's crucial to reassess our teaching strategies and classroom management techniques. In this video, we delve into the concept of Return on Investment (ROI) in education, examining how to balance innovative teaching methods with the practicalities of time management and mental health. We discuss the pitfalls of adopting every attractive idea seen on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest and the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout.Key takeaways include:Evaluating the sustainability and effectiveness of new classroom strategies.The significance of establishing routines that align with part-time teaching without overextending.Practical examples like the "blurt bean jar" and its implications on classroom management.Efficient parent communication methods and the balance between thoroughness and manageability.Join us as we explore actionable tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance while delivering impactful teaching e

Discover the secrets to transforming your classroom with our latest deep dive into the world of early finishers. I'm Patty Furth, and in this episode, we dissect the challenges that swift completers present to elementary educators. You'll learn about the three distinct archetypes—the rushers, the workhorses, and the intellectually gifted—and how to tailor your teaching to each student's drive. We don't just examine why these students finish early; we explore how to elevate their learning experience with strategies that emphasize quality over speed, ensuring that every task is an opportunity for growth and genuine engagement.As we navigate the educational landscape, we also unveil how to create an environment where learning never stops. With no guest this time, it's just you and me unpacking the power of 'genius hour' projects and passion-driven assignments that enrich and extend the standard curriculum. We discuss ditching the busy work in favor of meaningful challenges that

Ready to unlock the secrets to teaching nonfiction writing? We are setting you up for success in this episode by deconstructing the process of nonfiction report writing. We tackle the vital role of spiraled instruction in literacy and nudge you to ignite your teaching by shifting the focus from disseminating information to engaging students actively in the writing process. We lay out the five-step strategy for writing nonfiction reports, underscoring the necessity of a well-chosen topic. Expect practical insights on nurturing grades three to six students to leverage their past writing experiences and enhance their current writing abilities.Ever wondered how to teach your students the clever use of jot notes? We've got you covered! Building on the premise that jot notes require higher-order thinking, we stress the need for regular practice, hinting that it's a skill that needs revisiting throughout the academic year. We walk you through the process of organizing research into subtopics, and the pieci

Hey there, teachers! Welcome to another episode of the "Ignited Your Teaching Video Podcast."In this episode, we're diving into mindset strategies that can transform our classrooms and our sense of fulfillment in this incredible profession.Teaching has changed, and the demands on us as teachers are growing. We're losing some of our power, and it's time to take it back. In this episode, I'll be sharing some mindset shifts that have helped me along the way. My priorities have changed, and my life and career have gone in a different direction than I anticipated. But I'm content with where I am, and I know this is where I'm meant to be.Throughout this episode, we'll explore several mindset strategies, each with classroom examples and a simple three-step implementation plan. We'll start by reflecting on our reasons for becoming teachers and identifying our core purpose. Knowing our "why" will help us navigate the challenges and define our own version of t

What if you had the toolkit to boost your students' literacy levels? What if you could tailor your teaching styles to meet the individual needs of your learners? Welcome to a powerful episode that unravels the intricacies of incorporating assessments into your literacy program. We strip down the importance of diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments, helping you understand your students' starting point, observe their progress, and gain a comprehensive view of their proficiency levels. You'll discover how tools like Exocard's, guided reading, and spelling assessments can help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your students' learning process. We go further to discuss the value of literacy trackers and formative assessments, and how informal writing assessments can offer valuable insights into your students' writing skills. Discover how summative assessments can showcase overall proficiency and growth, and how encouraging students to select their work for assessment c

What if your students could effortlessly understand spelling patterns and rules, and not just memorize words for a test? What if you, as an educator, could transition smoothly away from traditional worksheets to an engaging and comprehensive spelling program? That's exactly what we're tackling in today's episode. We're voyaging through the fresh and comprehensive approach of teaching spelling to juniors using Ignited Spelling. We expose the gaps in foundational skills due to lack of explicit instruction and offer strategies to fill these voids, building on the knowledge your students already possess.We also roll up our sleeves to dive into the tricky task of integrating ignited spelling with ignited literacy. We acknowledge that the pace of each classroom differs and hence, the incorporation of ignited spelling into ignited literacy may not always be smooth. Fear not, we've got your back! We unfold a weekly plan for ignited spelling which teases off with an intriguing inquiry hook and

Master the art of creating engaging and effective literacy centers for students in grades 3 to 6. Join us as we debunk common myths and provide insights on how to make these centers standardized, easy to implement, and intriguing for students. Discover the power of student self-selection and how it can significantly improve motivation and interest levels in the learning environment. In the second half, we explore practical strategies for incorporating spelling and grammar lessons into writing, creating a richer assessment for students. We also discuss different organizational approaches for literacy centers, including fixed and flexible groupings. Don't miss our special bonus training for the Changing Tides Literacy Group. Get ready to revolutionize your literacy instruction and make a lasting impact on your students' learning journey.Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching with efficiency and impact. Share your experiences and strategies in the commen

In this episode of the Ignite Your Teaching podcast, host Patti Firth discusses the upcoming changes in the Ontario curriculum for language instruction in 2023 and how they will impact teachers in grades three and beyond. The new curriculum strongly emphasizes student-centred learning, communication skills, digital literacy, and integrating Indigenous perspectives and cultural content. Teachers must adapt their teaching strategies to align with these changes and create a more engaging and inclusive learning environment. Overall, the changes present both challenges and opportunities for educators to enhance their teaching practices and provide high-quality education for their students. To learn more about the resources mentioned in this episode, visit www.madlylearning.com/257.

Are you struggling to organize your math centers and feeling overwhelmed by the chaos?In today's episode of Ignite Your Teaching Podcast, we have some valuable insights on how to efficiently organize your math classroom and make your centers run like clockwork. Get ready to gain practical tips and simple systems that will transform your teaching approach and create a well-structured learning environment.In this episode of Ignite Your Teaching Podcast, we will discuss:●       The importance of having a system to store math center materials●       Utilizing bins with lids for easy access and organization●       Labeling manipulative sets for easy identification and storage●       Exploring the Trofast system from IKEA as an excellent storage solution●       Creating a dedicated math wall for anchor charts and reference materials●       Incorporating a pocket chart for center rotation management●       Choosing between notebooks, binders, or a combination for student organization●       Establishing a clear