Whether you're brand-new to block scheduling or you've been doing it for years, these strategies will have you handling those 90 minutes like a boss.

Find out what an actual ELA class looks like in fifth grade. This is a detailed look into my classroom and our routines.

I had an opportunity to teach on a 45-minute traditional class period schedule and a 90-minute block. Both models have their pros and co...

We all remember the first time we were told we would be teaching on a block schedule, the dread that immediately permeated the room. In my first six years of teaching, I actually only taught on a b…

Whether you're brand-new to block scheduling or you've been doing it for years, these strategies will have you handling those 90 minutes like a boss.

I had an opportunity to teach on a 45-minute traditional class period schedule and a 90-minute block. Both models have their pros and co...

As some of you may know, we are moving from a 45-minute block of ELA time to a 90-minute block. I cannot tell you how excited I am for this to happen. To actually have more time to dig in, to hav…

We all remember the first time we were told we would be teaching on a block schedule, the dread that immediately permeated the room. In my first six years of teaching, I actually only taught on a b…

My math block structure and schedule in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades that increased my students' engagement and achievement.

How do you create a guided reading schedule? Get not only ideas, but trial schedules for a variety of guided reading times.

I suggest a schedule for your 90-minute literacy block that can be used in kindergarten, first, and second-grade classrooms. I break it into three parts 1) whole group phonics instruction 2) small group instruction and 3) whole group language comprehension. I explain what specific literacy skills should be taught in each part of the 90-minute block. Finally, I leave you with a FREE downloadable 90-minute literacy block planning template.

The Spanish Culture Points Project is a student-centered cultural project that puts students in the driver's seat! This was one of my students' favorite projects to complete because it let them explore their own interests. It was also one of my favorite to grade because each one was different!Studen...

I had an opportunity to teach on a 45-minute traditional class period schedule and a 90-minute block. Both models have their pros and co...

What to Teach Your First Day of Class Planning your first day of class–whether you’re a seasoned teacher looking for a change or a teacher new to the middle school ELA classroom–is laid out right here for you! Whether you have a 45 minute class or a 90 minute block schedule, knowing what you will

How do you create a guided reading schedule? Get not only ideas, but trial schedules for a variety of guided reading times.

How can you plan your lesson to avoid running out of time? How can you make lesson planning take only 15 minutes? Wouldn't that be amazing? And it's possible! ✨️ This tool is designed to help you think through and achieve the exact results you need. I’ve used it to plan both 45-minute sessions and 2x90-minute seminars.

In the 90 minute block I teach, I’d be bored to tears if my students did independent work the whole time. As the student sitting there for 90 minutes not moving, not collaborating? Forget it! Maybe it’s the part of me that can’t sit still, but I need the kids to be talking, moving, working together for me to feel the class period was not only engaging, but effective. And it’s true! Research shows group discussions, even just for 10 minutes, can have a “substantial impact on student performance” (Fall, Web, & Chudowsky, 1997). So if I can get Middle Schoolers talking for ten minutes… and let’s get real - that is totally manageable - I can significantly improve their understanding of the concepts in class? Count me in! Every day my students work in groups, and each day I try to vary the way they work together. Using the Group Work Expectations set from the beginning of the year (see the blog post here!), I scaffold the skills and techniques each Marking Period to teach the students the Eight Strategies below. In the following section, I’ll introduce you to each of the collaborative strategies and explain how they’re used in my classroom! 1.Echo Response What Is It? One student in a partner or group shares their response and the other students in the group say their answer following. It should sound like an Echo with answers being the same; however, if an Echo is different, students stop and discuss the answers provided. How It’s Used: I use this for anything that has a simple one word/number or one letter response. For instance, multiple choice questions,vocabulary homework, or math problems! 2.Choral Response What Is It? All students in the group or both partners say the answer at the same time. It should sound like a Chorus of answers! If there’s a discrepancy, we stop and discuss! How It’s Used: Again, this is used this for anything that has a simple response - fill in the blank, multiple choice, true/false, etc. 3.The Master What Is It? In groups, one student from each group (teacher selected to vary!) is chosen as The Master! Depending on your class, the teacher can check those students' responses only or students can assess themselves. The Master in each group shares their answers with the group. Everyone at the pod checks their answers off of The Master. Again, different answers should be stopped and discussed. How It’s Used: This is typically used to check vocabulary homework or quick comprehension quizzes for short stories or chapters. This is more for formative and informal tasks. 4.Round Robin What Is It? Starting with one person in the partner set, triad, or group, students rotate sharing responses. Any questions are asked immediately and discussed together. How It’s Used: Round Robin is another technique used for smaller tasks, such as vocabulary or quick homework. 5.Turn and Talk What Is It? Students sit in pairs and “Turn and Talk” to the person seated closest to them. I call them their “Shoulder Partner”. How It’s Used: This is used every day. As I’m teaching, if I pose a question, I ask them to Turn and Talk with their Shoulder Partner. These questions will be easier to answer. Review of the previous day’s material. Definition of a word. The format of a body paragraph. Quick things students are comfortable with! Instead of calling on one student and only assessing their understanding, a Turn and Talk allows the teacher to observe the whole class and see who understood/understands the material! 6.Think Pair Share What Is It? After posing a deep thinking question, give students time to “Think” individually, “Pair” with their partner to discuss their thoughts, then “Share” with the class How It’s Used: I use this for class discussion, reflections, anything that really requires in depth thought! Something I found that helps is having students jot notes to themselves during the “think” section. Though it takes a bit longer, I’ve found that the responses overall are stronger! 7.Jigsaw What Is It? Students in groups are given an assignment with multiple parts. Each group member is assigned a different part. As a class, students meet with the others assigned to the same part as them and complete the task. Then, the students “Jigsaw” and return to their home group to share the answers with everyone. This ensures one student from each group is an “expert” in one section of the task. How It’s Used: I use this frequently for building background knowledge. For example, when learning aboutThe Pearl, all groups are responsible for covering all of the topics; however, we Jigsaw to expedite the process! One group researches pearl diving, another the history of Mexico, a different group researches John Steinbeck, etc. After becoming an expert in a given area, they return to their home group and share the knowledge! 8.Speed Dating What Is It? Students are seated in pairs facing each other. Teacher sets the timer (between 2-7 minutes depending on the task), students complete the task with the person they’re facing. When the timer is up, one student rotates to the next group and the process repeats! How It’s Used: I’ve used this in a few ways. First, I’ve used it for practicing speeches. Students can get very nervous when giving presentations, but if they can practice one on one like this they get more comfortable! I’ve also used this for students to complete certain questions together on a given assignment or share answers/writing pieces with each other. Though there are other collaborative strategies that are effective, these are some of those most commonly used in my classroom! I have posters that I display at the front of the room to signal to the students which cooperative learning technique we’ll be using for the period. Get the product here! I hope the descriptions and examples help you encourage collaboration in your classroom! Feel free to share other ideas, comments, or questions below! Happy Teaching! =================================================================== Want more iMrs Hughes? Keep the conversation going on Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram! Be sure to check out my TeachersPayTeachers store for additional resources!

Photo Source: First Grade Fabulous Fish If you're looking for a convenient way to provide your kiddos with literacy review, check out this 90 minute literacy block featured over at First Grade Fabulous Fish! The 90 minutes are divided into a 30 minute whole class session, followed by four 15 minute centers. Whole Class Session In the whole class session, focus is on reviewing the 5 domains of literacy: Phonics, Vocabulary, Phonemic Awareness, Fluency and Comprehension. Stephanie recommends starting with a quick phonemic awareness warm-up, and then heading into phonics practice by constructing and sounding out words (approximately 10 minutes). The next 10 minutes is spent practicing vocabulary (sight words, object words, etc), followed by 10 minutes reading a story and working on the skill of the week for comprehension. Center Practice After the whole class session is completed, students break off into groups to work in centers. Stephanie has her centers divided on a cute board to match her classroom theme. It tells students which group they belong to and in what order they should complete the centers. Photo Source: First Grade Fabulous Fish Centers are divided for practice in the following areas: Independent Reading Vocabulary Phonics Comprehension Students carry a folder with them to each center where they collect their completed work. The folder also contains a log Stephanie uses for grading the student's work at each center for the week, as well as an independent reading log at the bottom. The log is provided as a FREE download here, along with copy of the grading scale. For a breakdown of how Stephanie runs her 90 Minute Literacy Block (complete with pictures), be sure to head over to her site First Grade Fabulous Fish!

Plan a 90 minute reading block with what a general schedule can look and how to set up the classroom. Make your 90 minute reading block count!

As some of you may know, we are moving from a 45-minute block of ELA time to a 90-minute block. I cannot tell you how excited I am for this to happen. To actually have more time to dig in, to hav…

Whether you're brand-new to block scheduling or you've been doing it for years, these strategies will have you handling those 90 minutes like a boss.

We all remember the first time we were told we would be teaching on a block schedule, the dread that immediately permeated the room. In my first six years of teaching, I actually only taught on a b…

This bundle package includes every activity that I use throughout an 8 day, (90 minute block) or 16 day (50 minute periods) Introduction to Government unit. Most of the days include the following: Bell Ringer Activity (Introduction activity with questions) Main Activity Lesson review or homework You can get a massive discount on the full American Government Curriculum by purchasing my American Government: A Full Course which is a bundle package including every lesson you will need when teaching Government. You can find “Full Unit’s” for World History, US History, Economics, and Government at my store.

Do you have a double blocked class? Are you responsible for teaching a 100 minute class? Ideas for how to structure a 100 minute class period

What is the source of truth? In this activity, students will examine a variety of online sources to learn about key thinkers of the Enlightenment and the contributions of each. Each section includes a resource (or resources) on the left and questions or a task on the right. Students will open the li...

Should art reflect our dreams or our reality? In this activity, students will examine a variety of primary and secondary online sources to learn about three artistic movements of the 19th century: romaticism, realism, and impressionism. Each section includes a resource (or resources) on the left and questions or a task on the right. Students will open the link, read or examine the source, and complete the questions or task. This activity is designed for a 90-minute block or two 60-minute class periods. It can be used as independent work, partner work, group work, a jigsaw, or a whole-class activity. Ideally each student will have their own computer, but students working in groups could manage with shared computers. Field tested with 10th grade World History students. Corresponds to Module 6 Lesson 4 in Modern World History (2019 Houghton Mifflin). This is a Google Doc. You can find the DOCX version here!

How can you plan your lesson to avoid running out of time? How can you make lesson planning take only 15 minutes? Wouldn't that be amazing? And it's possible! ✨️ This tool is designed to help you think through and achieve the exact results you need. I’ve used it to plan both 45-minute sessions and 2x90-minute seminars.

How did constitutionalism take hold in England? In this activity, students will examine a variety of primary and secondary online sources to learn about how Parliament checked the power of absolutist-minded rulers. Each module includes a resource (or resources) on the left and questions or a task on...

In a teaching tailspin? These four research-based principles of instruction will help you focus on what really moves the needle.

Whether you're brand-new to block scheduling or you've been doing it for years, these strategies will have you handling those 90 minutes like a boss.

This bundle package includes every activity that I use throughout a 6 day (90 minute block) or 12 day (50 minute periods) Introduction to Economics unit. Each of the days include the following: Bell Ringer Activity (Introduction activity with questions) Main Activity (Notes, Group Project, Activity, Simulation, etc) Homework You can get a massive discount on the full Economics Curriculum by purchasing my Economics: A Full Course which is a bundle package including every lesson you will need when teaching Economics. You can find “Full Unit’s” for World History, US History, Economics, and Government at my store. Be sure to follow me to receive product updates.

Language Comprehension instruction is an important part of your 90-minute literacy block. Learn what skills to teach during this time and activities to help you do so!

As some of you may know, we are moving from a 45-minute block of ELA time to a 90-minute block. I cannot tell you how excited I am for this to happen. To actually have more time to dig in, to hav…

This is the schedule guide you’ve been looking for! There are FIVE different schedules for both 90 minute and 120 minute literacy blocks. Each one offers a very different way...

Whether you're brand-new to block scheduling or you've been doing it for years, these strategies will have you handling those 90 minutes like a boss.

How to make the best of your 90 Minute ELA Block with hyperlinked resources, freebies, and suggested buys! Ideal for a first year teacher . The schedule is complete! Nice for a seasoned teacher to see some alternative ideas. Enjoy the freebie!

Does your district have a policy or recommendation for how many minutes of reading instruction you need to do a day? Many people ask me how to get in 60 to 90 minutes of reading instruction a day when we have SO. MUCH. TO. COVER!! It can feel really overwhelming to hear such a big ... Read More about Fitting 90 Minutes of Reading Instruction In A Special Education Class

Whether you're brand-new to block scheduling or you've been doing it for years, these strategies will have you handling those 90 minutes like a boss.

How can you plan your lesson to avoid running out of time? How can you make lesson planning take only 15 minutes? Wouldn't that be amazing? And it's possible! ✨️ This tool is designed to help you think through and achieve the exact results you need. I’ve used it to plan both 45-minute sessions and 2x90-minute seminars.

One of my favorite activities for the memoir Night. This is the perfect way to wrap up a Night unit. Students love how the argument is set up. Within the debate, there are roles for all types of students. (There are roles for two sets of lawyers and a set of judges). The debate lasts about 40 minutes when you account for transitions and verdicts being delivered. 2 debates are a perfect filler to a 90 minute block. Students wanted to debate every day after this! Included in this resource: Common Core standards covered Assignment scenario Two debate topics (Is Elie Wiesel a good son?/Does Elie Wiesel maintain his humanity?) Debate structure and time limits Rubrics for both debate topics >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> DOWNLOAD PREVIEW TO SEE FULL ASSIGNMENT! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Please feel free to leave feedback about how this activity worked out! __________________________________________________________________ Other resources in my store similar to this one that you may be interested in: Night Guided Reading Questions and Reading Quizzes __________________________________________________________________ Enjoyed this resource? ************************************************************************************************************* Click here to visit my store for other great products! Follow me for updates, freebies, and new resources! *************************************************************************************************************