Instructional strategies and teacher tips - Tales from Outside the Classroom

3 Reads strategy for problem solving with poster on clipboard and math manipulatives around it

3 Reads Strategy for Successful Problem Solving in Math

Word Problems are often the hardest part of our math instruction. They can visually overwhelm students. They often contain extraneous information or multiple steps for completion. Students often struggle to persevere through complex problems. But, ultimately, it is through these complex problems that we are able to truly see our students’ understanding of math concepts and proficiency with the standards. Our students are expected to persevere through solving them, to demonstrate understanding, and to use

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$Math Test Prep text on image with math manipulatives, protractors, fraction tiles, base ten blocks, and dice$

Math Test Prep

The spring, especially in March, teachers in testing grades start really stressing the upcoming state testing. This year being everything it is, that state testing feels like a bigger beast in normal. The reality is, the work you do day in and day out each and every day prepares your kids for the test. You don’t need to do a ton of cramming or review just before the test. With that said, students need to

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Google Classroom Organization: a video tutorial

Organizing Google Classroom

In the last 8 months, Google Classroom, and other learning management systems (LMS), use has skyrocketed. As a classroom teacher, I mainly only used Classroom to share Google Docs and Google Slides activities easily. I would post the assignment, click to make a copy for teach student, and go. I never really organized materials in there, and just kept my Classwork just one big stream. We already had e-learning days, and so I would use

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Tools for Virtual Learning

Getting started with virtual teaching or distance learning is incredibly overwhelming! Especially if technology is not your forte! There are so many things to consider: behavior, programs, SEL, parent communication, engagement, lessons, and so much more. This collection of strategies and resources has been so helpful for me during virtual learning, but also in the traditional classroom as well. Virtual Learning Technology Tools There are so many things to consider when getting started with virtual

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Creating Checklists with Google Sheets

Organization can be so difficult in a digital setting. For those of us that haven’t grown up in a digital world, it can be such a mental shift to try and fit within the digital setting. While digital tools can be incredibly effective and time-saving, they also can be a hindrance if they’re not used effectively. I’m lucky to have come into adulthood as the internet started becoming commonplace, and I’ve been able to utilize

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Hi! I’m Tessa!

I’ve spent the last 15 years teaching in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, and working beside elementary classrooms as an instructional coach and resource support. I’m passionate about math, literacy, and finding ways to make teachers’ days easier. I share from my experiences both in and out of the elementary classroom. Read more About Me.