Building up Expectations… A Requirement in Every Classroom

Building up Expectations… A Requirement in Every Classroom

Posted on by Michele Luck
Almost a decade ago, I sat on a desk in my classroom talking to my student teacher on her last day.  She was sharing her fears about stepping into her own classroom, and I was trying my best to offer...Read More
Bellringers: Class Starters to Engage

Bellringers: Class Starters to Engage

Posted on by Michele Luck
What is a bellringer?   If you ask 10 different teachers, you will get 10 different answers.  And then, if you ask 10 administrators or curriculum legislators, you will add even more definitions to the list.  Some see bellringers as a...Read More
I’m Off To Make the Donuts: Your Boring Curriculum Problems Solved

I’m Off To Make the Donuts: Your Boring Curriculum Problems Solved

Posted on by Michele Luck
Every Social Studies certified teacher could be assigned a number of different courses in the Social Studies Department.  My first year of teaching was just that nightmare, with 6 different preps within 3 different courses.  I taught both honors and...Read More
Grading in the Interactive Social Studies Classroom

Grading in the Interactive Social Studies Classroom

Posted on by Michele Luck
The idea of having an interactive classroom fills teachers' minds with many different thoughts and visions:  Thirty to forty young minds all engaged and active in critical thinking.  Students discussing content and enjoying the learning process.  Thoughtful debate and content-based...Read More
Whose Line Is It Anyway? Lecture versus Student-Centered Instruction

Whose Line Is It Anyway? Lecture versus Student-Centered Instruction

Posted on by Michele Luck
As a high school student, I HATED my history courses.  I had boring teachers who stood at the front of the class and lectured to us from bell to bell.  And then came Mr. Hurt for my Junior year United...Read More
Make Your Move… In Classroom Seating

Make Your Move… In Classroom Seating

Posted on by Michele Luck
For the first few weeks of school, my students are tortured with sitting in straight rows, all assigned a specific spot for my benefit.  I am not a name person, so learning the names, first and last, of 200+ students...Read More
Teaching Styles and Strategies: Change It Up!

Teaching Styles and Strategies: Change It Up!

Posted on by Michele Luck
Most likely, you have taught your first few days or weeks with a safe and dependable teaching style.  You have used the same methods or strategies that you've practiced in years before, and you are comfortable.  So... it's time to...Read More
Start the School Year with Great Tools in Your Teacher Toolbox!

Start the School Year with Great Tools in Your Teacher Toolbox!

Posted on by Michele Luck
The tools you provide your students in the first weeks of school will be the ones that have the greatest impact on your students' success.  Introduce them to valuable learning skills, and help them to create their own learning tool...Read More
The Importance of Cheating for the New Generation

The Importance of Cheating for the New Generation

Posted on by Michele Luck
Way back in the old days, when I attended high school, we were mainly taught through the reading of textbooks, the writing of notes, and rote memorization.  There were no other tried and true strategies, and classroom teachers were held...Read More