Author: Christina Hughes

Ed Tech & Literacy Best Practices

~ Christina Hughes ~ Leave a comment

From the start of my teaching career, I integrated technology into my classroom.  I used to be a rarity!  People would come observe me using tools and ideas that today are commonplace in schools across the country.  As education begins its transition into the 21st century, schools are quickly adapting by purchasing technology to aid instructional practices.  Teachers are beginning to use these tools to have students conduct research, create multimedia, and take the lesson plan to a different, exciting level!  
All of these are steps in the right direction.  However, we must remember that this venture into the new land of Ed Tech must be rooted in best practices.  
Using Roskos & Neuman’s article from The Reading Teacher as a guide, we’ll be discussing how educational technology can help teachers be more effective and engaging while being sure to implement best practices.

Best Practices in Reading: A 21st Century Skill Update by Roskos & Neuman
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How can you integrate technology into your literacy block while still holding true to the best practices highlighted by Roskos & Neuman?

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Instant Kinesthetic Learning – Get Students Moving Now!

~ Christina Hughes ~ Leave a comment

We went one-to-one two years ago, and while I love it, there are definitely some unexpected challenges.

 

The biggest challenge?  Antsy students!  

Now teaching 7th graders, one develops a certain tolerance for this type of thing.  Anyone who’s ever spent time in a middle school classroom knows someone falls out of their desk at least once a week for no reason whatsoever (LOL).

But I’m not talking about the typical, hormonal kid antsy.  This is the “I’ve been sitting at a computer all day and need to move” antsy.  That antsy is no good.  That antsy does NOT lead to learning because let’s face it.

 

Learning cannot occur when they are bored and uncomfortable.

 

To combat this problem, my goal is to get the kids up and moving at least once during our English block.  While some of the strategies I use are more extensive, below are some of the easiest ideas to implement into your classroom to get your kids moving!

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The Card Trick:  I always keep a deck of cards at my desk!  On a whim, I can pass out cards and assign students to number partners, suit partners, or even black/red if I’m looking to split the class in half!

 

Nice “Shoe” Meet You:  Super simple.  Twist on a Turn and Talk.  “Find someone in the class who has shoes most similar to yours and share your response/discuss XYZ.”

 

Take a Stand:  Pose an opinion question to the class.  Tell them to “take a stand” on the issue and jot down their thinking.  Once all students completed their written response, students quite literally “Take a Stand!”  Depending on your students, they can stand at their desks or on their chairs to share their response.  My quirky kids love the “Huzzah! Huzzah!” I have them do once each person is done sharing!  🙂 (Get the freebie here!)

 

Musical Chairs:  Play music, allow students to walk around the room, up and down the rows until the music stops.  Then they sit in the seat closest to them and work with that group for the upcoming task.  (Get my fav songs here!)

 

Gallery Walk:  Final products of group work is taped on the wall around the room.  Instead of simple report outs, students can rotate around the room to read and analyze their peer’s work.

Hope you find these strategies helpful and easy to use!  Please feel free to share your favorites below!



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How to ROCK your Return from Maternity Leave

~ Christina Hughes ~ Leave a comment


This week I returned from maternity leave for the second time.   
As expected, the experience is bittersweet.  Part of me can’t wait to get into the classroom, but the other part is filled with anxiety about the return to school and leaving my girls.  My daughter, Emmeline, was born in May and had turned six months just before my return to school, a similar timeline from my experience with my oldest daughter.  The two go to a daycare a few days a week and are watched by their grandparents for the other days, which makes the transition easier, but still!!!
There was no way I could bring these emotions into the classroom with me!  Kids smell fear.  My students need an emotionally prepared teacher; someone ready to dive into the trenches with them and get the work done.  

After careful consideration, thoughtful discussions, and experience, these are some of the things that have helped me ROCK my return to the classroom!
 
1.  Adjust to your Child’s Daily Caregiver
 
There was no way I’d be able to drop the girls off at daycare for their first day and go to school focused.  No way.  I’d be too occupied worrying and wondering about them!  Therefore, before I returned to work, I sent the girls to daycare for 2-3 weeks a few short days.  This gave me an opportunity to get to know their teachers, school policies, and also provided my kids time to get used to the new routine.  After a few weeks, drop off was easier, and I wasn’t worried during the day; I knew my babies were okay and in good hands!  Plus, that alone time during the day gave me time to prep materials I knew I’d be using when I returned!
2.  Get Used to the Morning Routine
 
  I tried to wake up at our quasi-normal time a few weeks before going back so I could test a two things.  First, I wanted to see how traffic was on the way to daycare at that time.  More importantly, I needed to know how long it took me to get ready in the morning with the kids.  One day, it took me TWO HOURS to get out of the house with the girls.  That was good to know!  I made adjustments to our routine, did some more prep work at night, and was able to sleep in a bit longer in the morning.
3.  Start Later in the Week
 
The first week back to school is EXHAUSTING, add a baby at home in the mix?  Forget it!  You need time to recuperate.  Also, starting later in the week has worked wonders for me in the classroom.  I like to start on a Thursday.  On Thursday, the students get to know me and my expectations.  On Friday, I assess the students through an activity or practice.  Then, I analyze their progress over the weekend, plan for the next week, and come Monday it’s like I never left!
 
4.  Get to Know Student Names ASAP
 
This is important.  The kids are already in the school mentality.  The sooner you learn their names, the sooner they take your class seriously.  When you don’t remember your student’s names, it feels like September when it’s just review, and in their brain, no real learning is going on.  But!  When you learn their names, there is a noticeable change in the students.
For me, having a conversation with each child works best.  The kids come in and complete a Getting to Know You quiz.  While working, I sit with each student and have a 30 second – one minute conversation with them.  I ask about their shoes, jewelry, pencil cases, weekend plans, anything that gets them talking!  I use their names as much as possible in this conversation.  My kids sit in pods, so after I talk to all students in a pod, I stand and recall the names of all the kids I just spoke with.  By the time I finish talking to all students, I know all of their names, and they are thoroughly impressed!
 
5.  Plan Out Dinner for Your First Week – and Order Take Out on Friday!
 
The last thing I wanted to do when I got home was cook dinner.  Even though I don’t normally meal prep, I did that first week!  What a life saver!  Find quick, easy foods that you can make without hassle for that first week.  And definitely order delivery on Friday!  You deserve it!!!
6.  Get a Support System
 
Find friends, family, colleagues who can help you in any way.  Maybe a friend can make copies for you one morning.  Maybe your spouse can help pick up the baby.  Find someone you can talk to, someone you trust.  I’m very lucky to have so many close friends in my building.  My first day back I had multiple calls and texts from colleagues saying they were excited I was returning.  Yes, I was leaving my girls, but after those messages, I couldn’t wait to get to school!
 
Breathe – enjoy – and try to relax!
 
Going back to work is a huge adjustment.  Find happiness every day in your classroom and with your students.  It makes the drive to school that much easier!

Photo Credit:  Designed by Freepik

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Using Graphic Organizers with Google Drive

~ Christina Hughes ~ Leave a comment
Graphic organizers are a teaching no-brainer.  
View product here!

We all know how beneficial they are for helping students organize their thinking.  However, when all students have access, sometimes it can be difficult to integrate these tried and true teaching methods.

What websites do we use to help us?  
 
Do we use mind mapping software?  
 
Is Google Drawings the best option?  
 
Should I just create a table for the students to edit? 
View product here!
Honestly, all of these ideas work, but, in my experience, have been difficult to assess!  But using Google Slides has made this process a breeze! I’ve created multiple graphic organizers in Google Slides and can share them easily with my students through Google Classroom!
Students can access the document, make edits as needed, and resubmit.
When I was using Google Drawings, I had problems with the set up.  Students would click and accidentally move the boxes which messed up the format, which absolutely halts all progress until they fix it … lol!
But with Google Slides, I haven’t had that issue… and I can also easily assess by leaving students comments in the margins and by using my favorite tool ever…. DOCTOPUS!  (see future post!)
I hope you find these graphic organizers helpful in your 1:1 classrooms!
Until next time!

 

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Google Classroom VS. Calendar: Clearing Up the CLUTTER!

~ Christina Hughes ~ Leave a comment


Last year, our district went One-to-One and purchased Chromebooks for all middle school students.  Agendas weren’t needed anymore since the students had the technology and Google Classroom, which we were using, had a feature to integrate assignments to Google Calendar.  Great!  Right?
Not if you use Classroom like I do!  
Here’s what I’ve found with the Google Classroom Calendar:
 
* Classwork assignments look like homework assignments so labeling is critical
 
* Tests or quizzes can’t be posted on the Calendar unless you make them an assignment – which means posting them in advance?
 
* The calendar itself gets overwhelming, especially if you’re like me and have 3-4 documents per day (90 minute blocks!)

This is a snapshot of ONE WEEK of assignments in Classroom.  This seems overwhelming, even though it’s all classwork!
This is how one month of my Google Classroom looks in my calendar.

Here’s how I’ve remedied the situation:
 
I created a Google Calendar for my classes, in addition to the one for Google Classroom.  Yes, it takes an extra step to set this up, but I found that last year this was a game changer.
 
Step One:  Turn OFF Google Classroom calendar in Google Calendar
Have the students complete this task!

 
Step Two:  Create a NEW Calendar for your classes.
This one will be used for YOU to post homework, test, quiz, and project dates
 
Step Three: Set up calendar
I set mine to PUBLIC so parents can access as well!

Be sure to CREATE calendar at bottom of screen!

Step Four: Share with students and parents! 
You need to send the URL to parents and students!
Step Five:  Have students register to the calendar!
Use the following video the help students enroll in your new calendar!

 

 

From here, you can post assignments to the calendar without using Google Classroom!  Parents have access to the calendar, kids calendar’s are no longer filled with assignments, and you can post due dates for things not done through Classroom!
Hope this helps you in your journey with Google Classroom!

 

 

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For more Google resources, check out my Pinterest board!

 

 

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9 Best iPad Apps for Toddlers

~ Christina Hughes ~ Leave a comment

I know, I know.  The blog is supposed to be about middle school classroom tips and tricks, but let’s face it.  Lots of teachers are moms, and as a mom, I can tell you it is hard to find good information about technology appropriate for my babies!  So let me tell you my story…
We were heading to Florida to visit my in-laws and wanted to fly with the girls.  (Are you getting anxiety already for me?)  Although I had a backpack, diaper bag, and purse filled with books, toys, and snacks, I also knew that I needed a good last resort: the iPad!
I tried to do research and find apps that would be fitting for my two year old and infant, but it was difficult!  After hours of searching, I finally have a solid list.  
I filled up the iPad with a variety of apps, and the girls were GREAT!  
And I shall share my life-saving apps for toddlers with you here!
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1.  Peek-a-Boo Party:  This app is $4.99 and well worth it!  The graphics are adorable, the sound effects not nearly as annoying as they could be, and best part? It’s educational!  Ellie’s favorite when she was younger was Peekaboo Barn!  An animated barn comes on the screen.  The viewer hears knocking and an animal sound as the barn door shakes. When the kid taps the door, it opens to reveal the animal making the noise, the word for the animal and it says the word, too!
2.  Infant Zoo:  Emmeline loves this app!  When we were on the plane, my poor little one was so bored.  She loves walking around and looking at new things, so traveling all day was not her cup of tea.  This app saved us (and our fellow passengers) from a cranky cranky baby!  You can either WATCH or PLAY the app; Emmeline watches.  The screen has a blank circle with a high contrast screen, it shakes, confetti is flying, and then it POPS and changes into an animal face!  She was laughing and smiling the whole time!  Absolutely adorable.  And the Lite version will suffice!  
3.  Memory Train:  This $0.99 app is adorable.  I wanted to start getting apps that would stimulate Ellie and make her think!  This one worked.  Basically, you follow the elephant’s POV as he sits on a train and watches shapes go by.  Then he stops to think.  A thought bubble comes up, and the child has to pick either the shape or the color of the shape that passed.  She got very competitive!  Wonder where she gets it… 
4.  TinyHands Sorting: TinyHands has several versions of this Free app, and all of them are great!  The images are colorful and the games are easy!  This kids have to sort different items into its appropriate spot.  For example, one of the games has various sized clothes, and the child needs to sort the clothes to the correct person (either the adult koala bear or the baby koala bear)!
5.  Endless Reader:  These Endless apps are so amazing!!!!  I cannot say enough about them.  They offer free versions, but I definitely recommend paying for them.  They have one for learning the alphabet, one for numbers, and this one for reading sight words.  The word comes up on the screen, the speaker says the word, then, a crowd RUNS through the word scattering the letters everywhere!  The child clicks each letter (which says its name the whole time its being held) and must put the letters back in place.  Then, the word is used in a sentence which the crowd destroys again and the child must put select words back in place.  
6.  Toca Band: Ellie has so much fun with this app – it’s not educational, but it’s so cute.  There’s a stage with spots for singers.  The bottom of the screen has all different singers, think aliens, balloons, yodelers, and grandmas.  The child selects singers, puts them on the stage and they begin to sing.  The child adds singers to add to the harmony and create music.  It’s amazing… but can be slightly annoying.  Invest in headphones 🙂
 
7. Elmo Calls:  This one’s on my iPhone.  Kids can FaceTime Elmo (or Cookie Monster)!  They hit the telephone, it rings, and Elmo answers!  Sometimes he plays pretend, others he’s on a farm, but all the time, the kids are having fun!
8.  Sesame Street GO!  A free app FILLED with short video clips from Sesame Street.  There are games on the app as well, but they’re not too great.  The videos are the best part.  You can select videos based on character, topic, or skill.  They also have a lot of classics, like C is for Cookie!
9.  The Monster at the End of This Book: Growing up, this was my favorite book, so naturally I spent the $4.99 on the app for my chickies.  It’s interactive, the words are read aloud and highlighted, and it’s just great.  Grover reads the whole book, but the kids have to tackle the obstacles themselves.  At one part, the kids have to hammer down a brick wall!  
I hope this list helps you find appropriate, fun, and educational apps for your little ones! 

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Classroom Management for Middle School

~ Christina Hughes ~ 18 Comments


Being the crazy person that I am, I’ve been at school the last week and a half setting up my classroom even though I won’t be returning until November because of my maternity leave.  In between the hot gluing and book labeling, I met the person who will be filling in for me while I am out.  She’s fresh out of college, completed her student teaching, and came to meet me with a list of questions and color-coded notes.  She was prepared … and I was impressed!
We got talking about the big picture: curriculum, routines to establish, units to cover.  Before leaving, she asked me several questions, but one in particular made me pause…
What is your behavior plan?
 
I literally stared at her for a few awkward beats and started flipping through my mental rolodex (youngins, look it up lol).  Then it hit me.  I don’t have one!  I don’t have one because I don’t need one, and why don’t I need one???
I’m sure most veteran teachers feel this way!  Most of us don’t have explicit behavior plans, so what do we know, what do we do, that new teachers don’t?
Tip One:  It starts with the first interaction.
 
The first day of school and every day after, I am at the door greeting the kids when they enter my room.  I make eye contact, say hello, once I learn it, I say their name, and smile!  The first day of school I shake their hands and welcome them into the classroom.  
THIS IS KEY.  
If a student tries to enter the room in a way that I do not approve of, I do not let them enter.  I literally say these words:  “That’s not how we come into this classroom.  Let’s try that again.”  There is no yelling.  I keep a pleasant smile, but my tone is strict.  They try again, and you bet they enter in a more appropriate way and the correct tone is set.  She means business!
Tip Two: Loud vs. Quiet
 
My first year teaching I had all these cute call and responses to get the class’s attention, but they never worked and I couldn’t figure out why.  But after observing master teachers I figured it out.  When students get loud, new teachers get louder.  Master teachers get quieter.
I don’t know about your house, but in my house if we told our parents something and they were silent, it was WAY worse than if they yelled.  Same thing in the classroom.
  
Never, NEVER talk over the students.  There are 20+ of them and one of you; they will win every time.  The louder they get, the quieter you get.  Stand completely still and wait.  Wait.  Wait.  Until every student’s attention is on you.  It may take a bit, but do it.  
I normally watch the clock.  Standing there waiting can feel like a while, but watch the clock – count in your head 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 1 minute if it takes that long.  As soon as you have everyone’s attention, glance around the room and move on.  They get it.  EVERYONE’S attention matters.  It’s important that they ALL hear what is about to be said.  Once they learn this, they get each other quiet when you call for attention.
What to do with the one student who still talks?  
Use the power of a dramatic entrance!
I wear heels every day (another story lol), so if a student continues to talk while I’m waiting, I walk… slowly… click… click… arms crossed… making my way over… until I’m standing next to them.  I glance down and wait.  No yelling.  No scolding.  No lecturing.  Just waiting.  Once they finish, pause a beat, then move on.  Continue teaching.
This quiet waiting game prevents chaos from ensuing!  There is no yelling, no lecturing needed!
Tip Three:  Know their priorities… Most likely, it’s not you.
 
Having taught for almost ten years in a middle school, I can tell you there is no greater influence on tweens than their peers.  They are so hyper-conscious of how they appear in front of their friends or classmates – keep this in mind!  It can be to your advantage, or if used the wrong way, can be a nightmare.
Because of this social awareness, confronting a student’s behavior in front of the class is not going to work.  Most of the time, they get embarrassed and act out because everyone is watching.  Corrections need to be discreet.  
Walk over to a student’s desk.  Tap on the desk and in a low voice tell them in a few words what needs to be done. 
Student playing with something they shouldn’t have?  Walk over, tap the desk, make eye contact:  “We’re doing xyz now.”  Wait until you see action, and then keep walking. 
If they behavior doesn’t improve, I normally give the kids one more chance.  If after I address them twice there is no change, I ask them to step into the hallway.  That is where I will have the conversation about appropriate behavior.  But NEVER in front of their peers!  That is a sure-fire way to start a hostile relationship with a student.
Let’s Wrap Up…
 
1.  Set the tone at the start of class
2.  Keep your voice calm and strong
3.  Redirect students in a discreet manner
 
I hope these tips help all new teachers or even veteran teachers!  They have worked for me with my 7th graders!  
If you have any tips you’d like to add, please comment below!
 

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Classflow: Make Your Presentations INTERACTIVE! ::cross post!::

~ Christina Hughes ~ 1 Comment



Like many of my teacher readers, I like starting class with a Do-Now, and since I teach English, we complete a daily grammar practice.  Prior to having a one-to-one school, this would be a worksheet students would complete, and every day a different student set would come to the board.  We tried to make it collaborative, tried to assess every student quickly and daily, but it took time… too much time for a warm-up.



But there is good news!  I’ve discovered a new tool that has revolutionized my classroom, especially this section:  Classflow.

Classflow turns any presentation interactive, allowing me to send individual slides to the entire class, small groups, or specific students and have them engage with the material.  I can conduct polls, formative assessments, and even summative assessments using Classflow.  The image beside shows the options for the polls; my favorite is the creative response!  

For the creative response, students can use text, images, and even a marker to annotate the slide and return it to the teacher.  But here’s the best part.  Remember those daily grammar practices? 

Well, now I can send them to the students through Classflow, have the students individually annotate them, and when the students submit their responses, each student’s answer comes on the screen and I can review them all quickly and easily!  The students receive instant feedback, I can assess the entire class on the skill quickly and accurately, and best of all, I have data collected from the kids in front of me to guide the instruction for the class period!  

I use Classflow for so much more than these grammar exercises, but it’s a quick and easy example of how my teaching has changed!  

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about this tool!



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Virtual Field Trips: Links Included!

~ Christina Hughes ~ Leave a comment

Looking to try virtual field trips with your class?  
Check out some of my favorite resources to really engage your students with the content!

1.  Google’s Virtual Field Trips
 
2. Google+ or Skype
 
 
3.  YouTube Virtual Field Trips
 
Atlanta’s International Terminal:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isxfYBSh2q4
 
Plimoth Plantation: The First Thanksgiving:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5qi3Meqy24
4.  National Parks/Monuments
5.  Other
 

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Google Classroom in June – 3 Essential Tips!

~ Christina Hughes ~ 1 Comment

If you’ve been using Google Classroom for the first time this year, you and I are probably sharing similar thoughts as the school year comes to an end:  What do I do with my Classroom?  Do I really have to start ALL over next year?




After doing some research of my own, I hope you’ll find these helpful tips to successfully finish the year with your online classroom.
Tip One:  Download all grades!

Most (if not all) of my record keeping has been completed digitally this year, but we still need to turn in our grade books in June.  This is one way to download your grades so you can have them all in one spot.  You can export them to Google Sheets, download one assignment as a CSV, or download all assignments as a CSV.  
Downloading Grades from Google Classroom
make animated gifs like this at MakeaGif

Tip Two:  Create an Archive Folder

I’ll be archiving my Google Classroom from this school year, but unfortunately, in my Google Drive, the folder for the class will still be there. Therefore, my suggestion is to create an Archive Folder that you can literally move your Classroom folder into so you can have remaining access to those files, just not for your current school year.
Creating an Archive Folder

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Tip Three: Archive Classes

This is the easy one.  You can archive classes in Google Classroom which is amazing because then you can reuse the posts!  Reusing the Classroom itself, while tempting, is not ideal for K-12 education because there’s no flexibility when it comes to reordering assignments, etc.  Therefore, archiving and reusing posts is the way to go!

Hope these three tips help you close out your school year with Google Classroom!
Any other tips you’d like to add, please comment below!

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