4 Ways to Promote Quality in the Classroom

As educators we want to provide quality learning experiences for our students.  We also want to instill an expectation and appreciation for quality work from them.  To simply complete a task is not the goal – but to create a product that extends thinking and shows exemplary effort – that is time well spent.  It is a…

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What's Your Best Lesson of 2015?

What comes to mind when you think back on your instruction in 2015?  Would you say you played it safe or you took risks?  Did you try a strategy multiple times so you could tweak it or did you knock it out of the park on your first try?  Whatever the lesson, it is worth…

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4 Ways to Encourage Reading

Readers are lucky people.  They can travel to new worlds, embark on exciting adventures, learn the latest scientific findings, and glimpse into the past with the turn of a page.  What rich opportunities reading gives us! In today’s world being able to comprehend and communicate the written word is imperative, so encouraging our students to…

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7 Ways to Refocus and Recharge

A packed schedule + rigorous standards + assessment outcomes + the expectation to maintain a quality learning environment that supports and motivates every student = STRESS!  Sadly our schools are filled with stressed educators and students.  Stress was a survival skill for our ancestors, but today we are faced with stressors that fill us with…

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3 Ways to Build Thinkers

It was Socrates who said, “I cannot teach anybody anything; I can only make them think.” Meaningful learning takes place when our students are engaged and genuinely thinking – not simply spitting back facts.  At ERG our focus is growing all learners, so we encourage students to question, ponder, contemplate, deliberate, reason, defend, and create.  Effective…

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5 for 5 – Take Five for a Brain Break

Brain research has shown that movement in the classroom improves our students’ focus, memory, concentration, and creates better overall attitudes.  When you see your students getting a little restless – try one of these quick brain break activities to stimulate your team of young learners.  Take five for a brain break! Copy My Pattern –  The…

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Math Anxiety? Here's an Idea to Help

Did you read ERG’s blog about there’s no such thing as a math gene? Do you as a parent dread helping your child with math homework because you are unsure of your math skills?  Are you looking for something to help you and your child gain skills and confidence in math?  Then the answer may…

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