Do you use bell-ringers or warm-ups in your high school science class?  Some teachers may call these “bell work” or “ticket out the door” I actually use them as both depending on the situation. I have found that students may understand a concept in class but when the concept is in a diagram, a graph, or a chart they get confused and have a tough time applying that knowledge.   I like to use them to review what the students have learned and have them apply it. We do this activity for no more than 1-2 minutes and because they are small they don't require a lot of paper. These are a nice way to get my students engaged in their learning from the second they walk in the door. They pick it up at the door and get started right away. When completed we then go over the questions.   By creating a “folder” in their Interactive notebooks they do not need to waste time cutting or glueing them in; it simply goes into the folder in that unit and minimal class time is u...

I know it's summer "vacation" but teachers never stop working or thinking about their classrooms. Every school year is a fresh start and a chance to revamp the way you have done things in the past. I love that I have that opportunity every year. For the past couple years we have used some "Brain Breaks" interactive notebook activities that I had created. They worked really well to help the students review what they were learning in class and I've wanted to expand on that this year. Back in the spring I came across Lee Ferguson and I was inspired by the Interactive notebooks that her AP Bio students create. I highly recommend that at some point this summer you go to her website and check it out. There are some amazing resources and ideas on her site . Lee Ferguson interactive notebooks in AP Bio Before you go to her site, let me show you what I have been doing. I have a belief that as a teacher if I am going to expect my students to do something...

On the website Teacherspayteachers a teacher can put in an idea or a request for something that they are looking for. This morning I checked the website and somebody requested a timeline that they can print and then post on their classroom wall to show the evolution of life on Earth.  All I could think was "what a great idea" and I wanted one too...so I got to work. Sure, it took me several hours but I'm excited to hang it on the big empty space in my new classroom. Yeah, teachers really know how to relax over our seasonal unemployment, right? I'll be sure to post pictures when it's up but there is some asbestos abatement going on now so that won't be for a while.  Here is what the file looks like: and here is where you can buy it: Evolutionary Timeline of Life on Earth For a limited time I have marked it down and given you a $3 discount for being my loyal blog reader. Enjoy those la...

Do you use interactive notebooks in your classes? I've used my summer to create new interactive notebook pages called "Brain Breaks" of concepts that my students have struggled with in the past.  I cannot wait to use these with my classes this year! Here are some examples: Because you are one of my loyal blog followers I'm giving you a $5 discount...for a limited time only. You can buy them here:  24 Interactive Notebook Pages for only $10.00 You can see the rest of my products here: My TeachersPayTeachers Store Do you use interactive notebooks in your classes? If so...post them on Teachers Pay Teachers and I will most likely buy yours too!