Colleen Fadden's Page

"I also do the index card idea to ensure  I call on more than the students that just raise their hand. I do, however, always put the name of students I call back into the pile. In my math class, I found that students, once called on, tuned out…"

"I use a similar technique in my classroom.  I have a bucket I use for attendance.  Each child's name is on a clothes pin and they put their name in the bucket when they come in to the classroom.  I then use the bucket throughout…"

"Force yourself to call on and talk to every student, every day.  I have every students name on an index card.  Each class period I go through the whole deck at least once.  I interact with every student and assess their progress at…"

"Where I have a struggle is in providing learning and collaborative opportunities in my classroom. Since I teach in an ILC setting my students are secluded from those students in the general education setting. In the ILC I have very few…"

"I find it a struggle in my math class to accomodate and modify assignments to best suit my students, while still giving them the rigor they are going to be faced with when the State Testing is being assessed.   Most of my classes are inclusion…"

"Ability grouping of students is one of the oldest and most controversial issues in elementary and secondary schools. In theory, ability grouping increases student achievement by reducing the disparity in student ability levels, and this increases…"

"Colleen, Erica's ability grouping pod idea that promotes collaboration is an awesome way to start.  Both are components of differentiated instruction and I believe this is a great way to reach as many students as possible when you are…"

"I don't think there is one particular strategy or set of strategies that you can pinpoint. It really depends on the collective group you are working with. If you are dealing with special education students then it depends on their…"

"Check with your school principal and counselor depending on your district policy. In Louisiana teachers, school staff, administrators, etc. are mandatory reporters. In addition many states protect you from lawsuit as well if you in good faith report…"

"What is the purpose of the homework first?  Children need to realize the purpose of homework in order for them to even want to di it. Second, is the piece of homework engaging or interesting?  If they see value in it or want to do it, then…"

"Have you ever heard of a homework grid? Google it and see if that would help. There is a great article on the topic but I can't find it for you. Hope that helps."

"I have my students in pods of 4. When they need help here is what I taught them, " Ask three then me." Within their pods they are grouped based on ability levels, stronger learners with struggling learners and vice versa. It is a great way…"

"Quite a few teachers in England use lollipop sticks. Each child has their name written on a stick. Names are drawn out randomly. Children enjoy this as they accept it is fair."

"I am a college student about to graduate and in one my classes we discussed way to treat students equally in the classroom.  As many know, boys are the more verbal students in the classroom and we tend to as teachers call on the more responsive…"

"I am also finishing up college and will be student teaching this fall.  I am working in a 4th grade class right now where there is a huge problem with students not turning in their assignments and projects.  Unfortunately, the teacher…"

"I think that the first day should be structured but also can be filled with games. Something to get the students to know one another and for you to get to know them. I do think that its more the teacher who is the one getting to know all the…"