Teaching With Inquiry

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.To find our highly effective, time-saving resources Checkout our Madly Learning Store at www.madlylearning.com/storeCheckout our Teachers Pay Teachers storeJoin our F

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

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!To find our highly effective, time-saving resources Checkout our Ma

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. To find our highly effective, time-saving resources Checkout our Madly Learning S

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. To find our highly effective, time-saving resources Checkout our Madly Learning Store at

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