Eric Jayne

Students don't use the dictionary as often as they should. Part of the reason, I believe, is because they don't know how and they don't really know what's in there. I use this activity to force students to get into the dictionary and find out all that it has to offer. It's also a great activity to meet CCSS L.4.4.c or L.5.4.c. I start the activity with some basic instruction about guide words, pronunciation guides, and what is meant by parts of speech. I then provide students with a dictio

This is a brochure that outgoing students can make for incoming students (the following year) to read and learn about the grade they're entering. The brochure has areas for students to share what they learned in math, science, social studies, reading, and writing. There are also sections to describe fun activities students might do and advice that the outgoing student has. The brochure can be tri-folded, and students can design a cover, like "Welcome to ___ Grade!" I use this activity during

This packet contains everything needed to successfully run literature circles. Literature cirlces involve students reading a novel together and meeting to discuss what they've read. Each time they meet, students have assigned jobs to share. Each job makes up a piece of what comprises good comprehension. For example, one student is researching difficult vocabulary words. Another student is highlighting important passages. Students are also responsible for showing up to each meeting with a b

A reminder log is used for students to be accountable for their behaviors. When a student makes a bad choice, I usually give them a verbal reminder. If the bad choice continues, I ask them to sign the "Reminder Log," which is a binder that contains these reminder log sheets. Students are asks to take ownership of the choice they made by writing it down and deciding which type of rule was broken: safety, responsibility, or respect. This provides a log of student behavior that can be shared wi