Author name: Dylan Callens

Importance Of Critical Thinking: Benefits And Practical Tips

Importance Of Critical Thinking: Benefits And Practical Tips

Critical thinking is the everyday habit of slowing down, asking better questions, weighing evidence, and making a fair, well‑reasoned judgment. It’s not about being skeptical for sport or arguing every point; it’s about being curious, precise, and open to changing your mind when stronger information appears. Put simply, it’s how we move from “I think”

Importance Of Critical Thinking: Benefits And Practical Tips Read More »

AI PEEL paragraph helper

Day 32: Refining Writing with the AI PEEL Paragraph Helper and Correlative Conjunctions Quiz

1. Correlative Conjunctions Quiz Start today’s class by reviewing correlative conjunctions. Students have already been introduced to pairs like either/or, neither/nor, and not only/but also. This short quiz will check for understanding before moving forward. Encourage students to take their time—remind them that strong grammar skills support better paragraph writing. Once the quiz is complete,

Day 32: Refining Writing with the AI PEEL Paragraph Helper and Correlative Conjunctions Quiz Read More »

Classroom Rules and Consequences: Free Templates + Tips

Classroom Rules and Consequences: Free Templates + Tips

If you’re spending more time redirecting than teaching—or if expectations change depending on your mood, the class period, or who’s in the room—you’re not alone. Without clear classroom rules and predictable, logical consequences, even great lessons can unravel. Students feel uncertain, you feel inconsistent, and the day ends with both sides frustrated. The good news:

Classroom Rules and Consequences: Free Templates + Tips Read More »

peel paragraphs

Day 31 – PEEL Paragraphs and Correlative Conjunctions

1. Correlative Conjunctions Lesson Before diving into writing, begin class with a refresher on correlative conjunctions—pairs of words that work together to join equal parts of a sentence (like either/or, neither/nor, both/and).These conjunctions make writing more sophisticated by adding balance and rhythm. For example: Either the hero wins, or the story ends in tragedy. Not

Day 31 – PEEL Paragraphs and Correlative Conjunctions Read More »

Differentiated Instruction for Reading: The Complete Guide

Differentiated Instruction for Reading: The Complete Guide

Differentiated instruction for reading is simply teaching to the same standards while adjusting the path to get there. You vary what students read (content), how they engage with it (process), how they show understanding (product), and the setup that supports them (learning environment). Using quick assessments and flexible small groups, you match instruction to each

Differentiated Instruction for Reading: The Complete Guide Read More »

book presentations

Day 30: Book Presentations, Celebrating Reading and Communication Skills

Today’s class is all about student book presentations—a chance for everyone to share what they’ve been reading, demonstrate their comprehension, and practice public speaking skills. This is the culmination of the reading unit, and it’s one of my favorite days because it highlights how different books spark different ideas, interests, and perspectives in the classroom.

Day 30: Book Presentations, Celebrating Reading and Communication Skills Read More »

Effective Teaching Strategies: 12 Research-Backed Examples

Effective Teaching Strategies: 12 Research-Backed Examples

You’re juggling curriculum pacing, unfinished learning, behavior hiccups, and a full inbox—and every week another “must‑try” strategy lands on your desk. The challenge isn’t finding ideas; it’s choosing a few that reliably boost learning, fit real classrooms, and won’t take your weekend to plan. Add in wide skill gaps, multilingual learners, and limited minutes for

Effective Teaching Strategies: 12 Research-Backed Examples Read More »

grade 9 essay exemplar

Day 29: Grade 9 Essay Exemplar and Outline Planning

Today’s class begins with a short grammar quiz and then transitions into a brand-new writing unit: the opinion essay! This marks a shift from reading and analyzing fiction to expressing personal viewpoints through structured writing.   Lesson Flow 1. Subordinating Conjunctions Quiz Begin class with the subordinating conjunctions quiz. This will serve as a quick

Day 29: Grade 9 Essay Exemplar and Outline Planning Read More »

Imperative and Interrogative Verbs

Imperative and Interrogative Verbs Lesson

Imperative and Interrogative Verbs: Lesson Notes   Rules Imperative verbs give commands, instructions, or requests. Example: Close the door. The subject (“you”) is usually implied, not stated. Imperative sentences often end with a period (.) or exclamation mark (!). Interrogative verbs appear in questions. Example: Did you close the door? The sentence usually starts with

Imperative and Interrogative Verbs Lesson Read More »

Scroll to Top