Now that access to tablets is increasing in classrooms dramatically these days, teachers and students able to utilize e-books like never before. One overlooked resource is the public domain, which has a number of classic books, which have enduring value, offer historical insight, and present great opportunities for critical analysis. And because they are in the public domain, ... Read the Post
7 FREE Public Domain e-Books for Grades 4-8!
Teaching Order of Operations
When it comes to teaching order of operations, we need students to think beyond PEMDAS. One activity that does just this is "Order of Operations Riddles." This essentially consisted of me having them write down 3 to 4 numbers on their white boards with plenty of space in-between them.  They would then grab 6-8 post-its and writing one of the following on each: +, -, ×, ÷, (, ), 2, 3 (the last two ... Read the Post
The Fish Bowl: A Cooperative Learning Strategy {Post 5 of 5}
Well this wraps up my 5-part series on some of my favorite cooperative learning activities I have used over the years. If you missed the first 4, you can find them here: "Expert Groups," "Q and A Match-Up," "Four Corners,"and "Circle Chats." How It Works: Divide your class in half. One half will form the center circle, facing inward. The other half of the class will form the ... Read the Post
