MsG'sLessonPlans

You know what kids like to do? Argue! Yes, they can argue about anything from why they can't use their cell phones in class to why Takis are better than Hot Cheetos. So why not use their natural tendencies to speak their minds by giving them some structure and a safe space? Here is a lesson plan I created for grades 5-12th.  Here are some strategies and ideas: 1.) Click here to see a full lesson 2.) Before you have students discuss this topic, show them this video about China's innovative hotel run by robots:  Discussion Questions: Would you like to visit the Alibaba Hotel? Why or why not? Which jobs do you think robots should do? Which jobs should only be done by humans? Do you think we rely too much on technology?   3.) 4 Corners- If allowed, create 4 signs "Strongly agree" "Agree"  "Strongly Disagree" "Disagree" and then post them in 4 corners of the classroom or place them outdoors. Give students clear instructions to walk to their an...

There are times when students and teachers are tired of the same routine. With our current pandemic, it seems that life is dull and mundane. Here is great little video that I like to show classes when there is a little bit of free time or when there are no lesson plans. (I will admit it, I stole this lesson...so arrest me if you want!) This lesson is good for any grade level- yes, from kinder to 12th grade. Here are some ideas you can use: Lesson Ideas: 1.) Check out this link to see easy discussion and/or writing activities. 2.) Check out this link if you teach math, art, technology teacher, or just want to do a cool lesson. 3.) Here's a Google Slide presentation I show students to organize my discussions: Click here 3.) Strong academic summary writing is always important. Here is a template students can complete to help them develop their writing skills. Click here 4.) Are students tired of using computers? Here are some hands-on projects students can do:      -Using ...

Today I had to sub 7th and 8th grade science classes. The teacher had been out for a few days and the kids were tired of doing book work. Knowing that kids can get disruptive if they find classwork either too boring or too difficult, I decided to change up the lesson a bit. Instead of doing another worksheet or watching an outdated science video, I had students do a mini-research project. Middle schoolers definitely require lots of patience. They don't know if they should run around like 5-year-olds or drop the "F" bomb like truck drivers. Because I have taught myself to stay calm and in control, I just laughed at their squirrely behavior. Like Doug from the movie Up, they couldn't seem to settle down; however, I maintained calm and direct. I did not acknowledge silly questions or let them change the topic of our conversations. Once they saw that there was an exit ticket to leave the classroom, they settled down to work. Being prepared, calm, and confident in your les...

For the past 3 days, I have been subbing at various elementary schools. The kids have been amazing and the lessons plans that teachers leave have been outstanding. I know many teachers are feeling burnt-out and need to take care of their physical and mental health. Even though teachers are doing their best to leave highly detailed lesson plans for numerous days, I have noticed that sometimes I need to fill in some dead time. From my years of experience, dead time can be dangerous time. When kids are bored, they can easily become anxious, disruptive, or chaotic. That is why I have a list of go-to activities for those last 30 minutes that I need to fill. Here are some ideas: 1.) This month of January students are learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so I was able to have my 2nd grade students watch this short video. We then discussed why we celebrate his legacy.  Link to the YouTube video: Click here  2.) For my 5th grade class, we read a short article about MLK and the...

 Here is another quick lesson you can use with almost any grade.  Here are a few ideas: 1.) Begin a brief conversation before showing this short video. Ask:     -What challenges are we currently facing?     -What obstacles have you faced?     -What can people do to get through challenges? 2.) Show the 3 minute video titled "The Tree" by Lead India 3.) Have students Think/Pair/Share their ideas:     -What did you find interesting?     -What was the climactic moment in the video?     -What do you think is the message (theme) of this video?     -What do you think was the purpose of this video? 4.) After all students have had the opportunity to share their thoughts, call on some non-volunteers. As always, make sure to call on your English learners and your students with Special needs. Oftentimes these students shy away from responding and thus do not get an chance to develop their speaking skills.  5.) If...

 In need of a quick emergency lesson plan? As a 24 year classroom veteran, I would like to share some tips and ideas that have helped me build strong relationships with students, and have led to great conversations.  Here is a day 1 activity: 1.) Avoid spending your first day going over your rules and expectations. Yes, I said it. Instead, pass out your syllabus and tell your students to read it over for homework. You can then go over your syllabus throughout the week in short chunks. I mean, really? Who wants to listen to a teacher go on and on about hall passes and 3-ring binders on the first day of class...or any day for that matter? 2.) Get them talking- ask each student to find an object that represents who they are. Students can say, "I'm like a pencil. I make mistakes but can easily go back and make changes." Or "I'm like a backpack. I like to hold things in, but I'm also very helpful."  3.) Depending on your students' ages, you can have them ...