Escape Room The Game

I am thinking about implementing something new in my classroom. What's that you ask? I'll be happy to tell you! Mastery Checklists I think that students no longer understand how to study or how one learns. The mastery checklist will help combat that.  For  each new set of literary terms I introduce to the class they will get a mastery checklist.  The check list will contain I can statements so that students know exactly what and how they will be tested. Whenever students have extra time I will tell them to practice their mastery checklists with a partner. If the paper says that the student will be able to define simile, then they should practice doing so. This will also teach them how one studies! Participation will be the same with each checklist (see below) I then list the activities that we will be completing with this unit. Students will be able to calculate their classwork grade themselves (I grade classwork based on completion).  For the quiz I will ask the stu...

I don't know about you kids, but my kids suck at sequencing. I think it is because they don't pick up on transitional cues very well. Whatever the cause I knew that I needed to go back to the basics this fall. I've decided that I am going to: 1. Buy a few picture books that have a clear path: 2. Count the number of pages in the books 3. Number the pages randomly in sharpie    4. Write down the random order numbers from start to finish for an answer key. Trust me and do it NOW.  5. Gently take the books apart 6. Determine the plot diagram of each book 7. Place the deconstructed books separate ziplock bags 7. Sit back and watch my diligence pay off What will happen is that I will split my class into their learning groups. Each group will get a deconstructed picture book. They will need to reconstruct the book from start to finish and determine the plot diagram of the book. When each group is done they will switch books with another group. Here is an example the sheet ...

So I have watched the flexible seating craze go on for the last few years and I always dismissed it. I thought it would cause to much chaos in my carefully crafted middle school classroom. I think I have had a mini change of heart...not a full change of heart mind you. I am thinking about having a few flexible seating options for SOME students. I've been doing my research and have found some potential options: I didn't want anything that was SUPER comfortable. Middle schoolers love to try to fall asleep so I wanted items that would keep the fidgety kids at bay without them falling to sleep.  Because the floors are always gross at my school I think I will keep some yoga mats on hand for those that choose the lap desks.  I know that the kids who are not allowed to try flexible seating will complain but tough: I will spend the first few weeks of school observing the students in order to determine who could benefit from flexible seat (or a desk band). Once I have sussed out the ne...

One of the best way to introduce literary elements in the classroom is through picture books! The students remember them nostalgically from elementary school which helps to hook them. They are simple enough to help the lowest students understand the concept before moving on to more difficult text.  I always see the pins on Pinterest about mentor texts for (insert subject here). I wanted a list that was condensed all in one placed...so I created one! I buy some of the books on Amazon, but I also look at Goodwill and used bookstores like 2nd and Charles to save on costs! Click on the books pictures to be taken to them on Amazon.com Alliteration Characterization   Conflict Character Vs. Society Character Vs. Character Character Vs. Nature Character Vs. Self Context Clues Foreshadowing Hyperbole Idioms Inference Irony Onomatopoeia Personification Smile and Metaphor Symbolism Text Structures Cause and Effect Problem Solution   Compare and Contrast Sequencing Descriptive Proce...