Teaching With Inquiry

Are you ready to set your math program up for success? Join us in this week's Ignite Your Teaching Podcast episode as we explore "How to Start Your Math Program Off Right: The First Three Weeks of School."Discover effective strategies for establishing a solid foundation that will benefit your students throughout the entire year.In this episode, we will discuss:The importance of rules, routines, and procedures in the context of math instructionCreating a smooth transition from bell work to whole-group lessons, independent tasks, guided practice, and consolidationLeveraging tools such as clocks, timers, and music to enhance time management and focus in the classroomCultivating collaboration and independence skills in students, empowering them to become active and self-reliant learnersPromoting a growth mindset, celebrating mistakes, and embracing the learning process in mathConducting diagnostic assessments to identify students' strengths and areas of growth, enabling targeted instruction an

Today we're diving into a topic that's close to every teacher's heart: ending the year on a positive note with your students.As we all know, this year has been filled with challenges, from behavior issues to a lack of support from admin and parents. It's no wonder we're feeling exhausted. But despite the chaos, we're determined to finish the year strong and leave a lasting positive impact on our students.In this episode, we'll explore strategies to end the year on a high note without falling into the trap of toxic positivity. We'll discuss how to reflect on your growth as a teacher and celebrate the progress you've made, even if it feels overshadowed by the challenges you've faced.In today's episode, we will talk about the following:Recognizing Student ProgressBalancing Success and FailureRecognizing Unseen ImpactEncouraging Student ReflectionAcknowledging Challenges and GratitudeTune in!Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the compl

Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to teaching? Have you ever wondered how technology can enhance the learning experience? In this episode of Ignite Your Teaching Podcast, we have a thought-provoking question: Can Chat GPT transform how students learn and write? Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of AI-powered tools and their impact on education.In this episode, we will discuss:The potential of Chat GPT to revolutionize teaching and learningStrategies for effectively integrating Chat GPT into the classroomNavigating the fine line between assistance and plagiarismExploring the benefits and limitations of AI tools in writingAlternative assessment methods to ensure academic integrityEmpowering students to develop their unique voice amidst AI toolsJoin us as we share insights on how Chat GPT can be harnessed to enhance student writing skills while maintaining academic integrity. Through engaging discussions and practical tips, this episode aims to inspire educators to embrace AI tools as a pow

How do you make assessments for your students to show their learning? Are you also requiring your students to create uniform projects where everyone's doing the same thing?I know how challenging it is to make assessments, but now you can say goodbye to the traditional way of giving assessments and prepare to immerse your classrooms in an atmosphere of excitement, curiosity, and genuine love for knowledge.In this episode, we will delve into a show-what-you-know project! Plus, we will look at innovative strategies and practical tips to empower you to become the extraordinary educator your students deserve. You can give your students different choices to allow for true differentiation of your final task so that you can assess students' knowledge and understanding of the content you're teaching them.In today's episode, we will talk about the following:The traditional way of assessments that many teachers doThe show-what-you-know projectCreating a success criteria checklist that students can fo

Writing report cards is a comprehensive assessment that provides a valuable snapshot of a student's academic progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. However, many teachers find writing report cards challenging and time-consuming, especially when the tools they are using are making them less effective and efficient.So if you're one of these teachers, this episode is for you. In this episode, we will look at different ways to simplify and create shortcuts so that we can produce personalized and tailored report cards for our students in meaningful ways.In today's episode, we will discuss the following:⚫️ Creating a structure and a format that allows teachers to systematize their process of writing report cards⚫️ Three different steps to follow in writing report cards efficiently⚫️ Student's skills to be evaluated⚫️ How students demonstrate these skills⚫️The next thing that students need to do to improve their current skills⚫️Creating report card comment banksFrom maintaining objectivi

In this episode, we dive deep into the three C’s of classroom management - connection, consistency, and compassion. They are the foundation and underlying root of successful classroom management.In today’s episode, we will discuss the following:Connection - building relationships with your students and establishing trust is crucial for creating a positive and productive learning environment.Consistency - having clear rules and routines that are consistently applied is key to creating a predictable and safe environment for students to learn and grow.Compassion - showing compassion and empathy toward students is essential for recognizing their individual needs and providing support where necessary.Whether you’re a new teacher just starting or a seasoned educator looking to refresh your classroom management strategies, this episode is full of practical tips and insights to help you build a strong and supportive learning community. Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of tea

Welcome to today's episode, where we will discuss why inquiry-based learning can be challenging for students. We will also review some strategies you can implement to help make inquiry more accessible to students in your classroom.Inquiry-based learning is important for learning and engagement among your students, but it can also be challenging for them. Students who struggle with inquiry often...✅ Have difficulties taking an active role in their own learning✅ Lack of independent learning and organizational skills✅ Have limited prior knowledge✅ Struggle with critical thinking and problem-solving skillsTune in to this podcast episode to learn how to build up these skills and provide access to the right resources to ensure students are better prepared for inquiry and have a more successful learning experience.Check out myFREETeaching Independent Work Skills Resource to help teach your students independent work skills. Remember to Subscribe for more insights on how to navigate the complexities of teaching w

Welcome to today's episode, where we will explore the concept of differentiation in the classroom. Have you ever been asked if you are differentiating for your students and wondered what it actually means?Well, in this episode, we will discuss the four different ways you can differentiate your student groupings each day and how they can benefit your students' learning.4 Ways to Differentiate in The ClassroomDifferentiating the content: refers to the "what" of what is being taught. It involves using different teaching strategies and tailoring the lesson to individual students. This can be done through small group learning opportunities like guided math or reading sessions.Differentiating the process: refers to the "how" of learning. It involves teaching students different ways to learn materials, such as through discussions or hands-on experiences. This can be done through modeling, manipulatives, and showing multiple strategies.Differentiating the product: refers to what students

Are you struggling to include inquiry-based learning in your classroom? Understanding how to implement it can be challenging, especially for teachers with a range of abilities in their classrooms.Inquiry is not just an open-ended free-for-all, but rather it is about empowering students to ask questions and guiding them through the process of discovering answers.In this episode, we discuss the following:· The four types of inquiry-based learning · How they're different · How they're the same · How there is a type of inquiry that all students can participate inAs teachers, we may have focused on getting through the curriculum during the pandemic, but now is the time to address the gap in our student's ability to use critical thinking skills to learn.4 Types of Inquiry-Based Learning1. Structured Inquiry - This form of inquiry-based learning has a lot of teacher support. It follows predetermined steps that allow students to explore and discover things they are learning in a very structured, linear

Critical thinking skills are essential for students to succeed in the classroom and beyond. These skills involve analyzing information, evaluating arguments, and making informed decisions based on evidence. By building critical thinking skills in the classroom, teachers can help students become more engaged and independent learners who are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the world around them.In this video, you will learn:● The gap in a student's ability to use critical thinking skills to learn● What critical thinking is● What are the higher-order thinking skills?● The transition from learning how to read to reading to learn● Teaching students the ability to make decisions based on the gathered information● Establishing a critical thinking space inside the classroom● The resources and the materials that boost critical thinking skills● What is metacognition?● The explosion of AI technology in this post-pandemic world● Incorporating real-world events and experiences into the classroom lesso

In this video, we dive into the crucial topic of creating a positive learning environment. As educators, we know that student motivation and engagement play a significant role in their academic success. A positive learning environment can make all the difference in fostering these qualities in our students.In this video, you will learn:The key components of a positive learning environmentStrategies to encourage student motivation and engagementThe impact of a positive learning environment on student academic successWe'll share real-world examples and practical tips that you can implement in your own classroom. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this video will provide valuable insights and inspiration for creating a positive learning environment for your students.Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your classroom into a space where students are motivated, engaged, and eager to learn! Watch the video now to start creating a positive learning environment for your

This podcast episode discusses the three primary assessment and evaluation types for teachers: diagnostic, formative, and summative.Diagnostic assessment is used to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses at the beginning of a school year or course to inform instruction. This can take many forms, such as diagnostic tests, skills assessments, and individualized learning plans.Formative assessment is used to monitor and improve student learning in real-time. It's an ongoing process that helps teachers gauge whether students understand the material being taught and allows students to receive feedback and adjust their learning strategies. Examples include quizzes, class participation, and exit tickets.Summative assessment is used to evaluate student learning at the end of a unit or school year; it often takes the form of a test or final project.The episode also provides examples of different assessments and evaluations that can be used in the classroom.Remember to Subscribe for more insights on ho

This is a video about How To Mark Using a RubricIn this episode, learn about- How to establish goals and success criteria- Determine the performance levels - How to mark and score the rubric fairly- How to provide feedback for students. Check out www.madlylearning..com/243 for the show notes, including some of my favourite rubrics for various subjects and links to our best units that feature these rubrics.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 Teachers storeJoin our FREE Facebook community for teachers here: https://bit.ly/IYT-FB

Managing your time as a teacher is not easy. But if you know what to do, it can be done!Teaching is an important job that requires lots of energy and focus. It also takes a lot of planning and preparation. Here are some tips for managing your time as a teacher.Set Goals.Setting goals is one of the first things you should do when starting out with teaching. You need to set goals so that you know where you want to go. If you don’t set goals, then you won’t know how to reach them.Plan Ahead.It’s also important to plan. This means planning lessons, assignments, and projects before you start teaching. Planning ahead will help you stay organized and keep track of everything you need to do.Prioritize.If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of things you need to do each day, prioritize them. Start with the most important tasks first. Then, organize your schedule so that you can complete those tasks efficiently. Finally, make sure you have enough time to accomplish everything you need to do each week.Create a Sche

Did you dread teaching a split grade...wishing that you could just be in a single-grade classroom again? Teaching a split-grade classroom doesn't have to be twice the work and double the hassle.  In this episode, we share why we embrace teaching a split-grade classroom and why you should too.  Why split grades make you a better teacherHow teaching a split can better support your students with Special Educations needsWhy a straight-grade classroom isn't better than a split.How a split grade classroom helps you focus on the needs of the student not the needs of the curriculumHow inquiry learning can be better developed in a split-grade classroom. Learn about this and more about the benefits of teaching a split grade.  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

What techniques and strategies should teachers use in their math programs if they want to teach math effectively? In this episode, we share a few techniques that you can use to spiral the curriculum, differentiate throughout the year, assess more efficiently, and engage your math students.In this episode we explore: Why teachers should have high expectationsHow to build students who are willing to take risks in their learning.How to use assessment to inform your instructionThe importance of differentiated instruction in the math classroom. Strategies to help students become better problem solvers. 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 Teachers storeJoin our FREE Facebook community for teachers

Ever felt the pressure of the Teacher Performance Appraisal (TPA)? Dive into what it truly means to teach authentically, aligning daily practices with evaluation criteria, and why it shouldn't be a one-off performance.In this episode, Patti dives deep into the intricacies of the Teacher Performance Appraisal (TPA) in Ontario. Sharing her journey of over 20 school days leading up to her TPA, she questions why many educators feel the need to put on a "performance" during evaluations instead of showcasing their daily teaching practices. This episode will encourage educators to think critically about how they meet student needs daily and challenge the over-reliance on outdated methodologies.Highlights in Episode 239- [00:00:09] What is the TPA in Ontario?- [00:01:03] The four core competencies educators are evaluated on.- [00:02:33] The contrast between pre-pandemic teaching methods and the shift during the pandemic.- [00:04:17] Patti's personal approach to her TPA.- [00:07:31] The problem wit

Is your math classroom the right place to be using reflective journals? I started using reflective journals in my math classroom a couple of years ago and now it’s one of my favorite things to use in math class.  If you’ve never used reflective journals in your math classroom before, I hope this episode will convince you to try them out! I’m covering what math reflective journals are, how they will help you evaluate your students, how to structure them, and how to introduce them to your class.  If you want to reduce the number of tests your students have to take and the amount of marking you have to do, math journals are for you. Learn more about them in this episode!  Show notes available at www.madlylearning.com/238   Resources Mentioned: Register for the Ignited Math Webinar: www.ignitedteaching.ca/mathplan Learn More About Ignited Math: www.ignitedmath.ca I would love to connect on Facebook: http://facebook.com/MadlyLearning I would love to connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madlylearning Don

How do you teach two grades in your math class at the same time? This episode is all about how to approach teaching math in a split-grade classroom.  These are my suggestions and strategies for teaching a split-grade class without constantly feeling like you’re doing two jobs at once. None of us have time for that!  You don’t have to double your workload to teach a split-grade classroom. I want to show you how to keep your workload the same as it would be if you were teaching a straight grade. You might have to tweak things here and there, but I promise you don’t have to start from scratch for each grade.  Teaching math to your split grade is like a train. You will pick up students along the way, let them off when their time comes, and keep going with those who can. What does that look like in your classroom? You’ll have to tune in to the episode to find out!  Show notes available at www.madlylearning.com/237   Resources Mentioned: Register for the Ignited Math Webinar: www.ignitedteaching.ca/mathplan Get Ign

Do you spend hours trying to make everything fit on your bulletin boards and look good at the same time? I’m taking you through my process of putting together a bulletin board and teaching you how to plan it out in advance so that you know everything will fit in the space that you have.  Creating a mockup to scale is the simplest way to plan out your board, and you can use software to make it even easier. It will save you a ton of time because you know exactly what your board will look like before you start putting it up.  I’m covering everything from planning color, text, shapes, and space. With a little help from this episode, you’ll be able to put your boards together faster than ever.  Show notes available at www.madlylearning.com/236   Resources Mentioned: Get Our Reading Bulletin Board: www.madlylearning.com/readingboard I would love to connect on Facebook: http://facebook.com/MadlyLearning I would love to connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madlylearningRemember to Subscribe for more insigh