by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist Can you see it approaching?  The end of the year is coming quickly around the corner and there still may be so many things to do!  For me, the end of the year means state testing.  Our state test is in May, but we have been steadily plugging along with
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by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist One of the biggest challenges when transitioning to the Common Core Standards was the problem solving element of the math standards. Sadly, in the past we “tacked on” problem solving at the end of a unit of study rather than incorporating it through the entire unit of study. I’m glad
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by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist Standardized testing is inevitable. Even if we as teachers don’t like them, in most states they are commonplace. I have come to the conclusion that if I do not prepare my students on how to take a test, then I am leading my students down a slippery slope without anything
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by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist Many teachers are familiar with Reading Workshop or even Writing Workshop. Did you realize that Math Workshop in the classroom is just as easy to implement? It is a more effective way to teach math because teachers are able to meet with small groups of students to teach concepts that
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by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist I’ve always thought of teaching as a multi-career. I’m sure you know exactly what I mean. I’m a teacher, a mother, a nurse, a therapist, a counselor, a referee, a coach, and more. How do we possibly get to the “teaching” part of our jobs with all of the other
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by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist Educational trends have come and gone over the years during the time that I have been teaching. However, one thing remains constant. We want all students to be able to read fluently and for meaning when they leave elementary school. Reading should not be a challenge as students approach middle
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  by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist The new buzz words around education are “Common Core”. Most states have adopted the new Common Core State Standards, so now what? That has been the focus of many planning sessions with teachers in my building. How do we address Common Core standards while still teaching our current state
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by Elizabeth Supan, Monthly Columnist Just the phrase itself sends shivers. Doesn’t it? I still get so nervous and excited on the night before the first day back that I have a hard time sleeping. I think the reason I am a bundle of nerves is because I want to make sure that I cover
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