Have you ever felt like there just aren't enough hours in the day, especially when it comes to teaching literacy? You're not alone. In our latest episode, we dive straight into the heart of this dilemma, revealing how to maintain a high-quality English program within the tight squeeze of a 60-minute frame. We're handing over the blueprint for educators to seamlessly weave together the essential threads of literacy instruction, even when they're teaching English to students in French immersion contexts or juggling packed schedules. Key Topics Covered: - The Challenge: We kick off by acknowledg ..read more

As we transition into the second half of the school year, it's crucial to reassess our teaching strategies and classroom management techniques. In this video, we delve into the concept of Return on Investment (ROI) in education, examining how to balance innovative teaching methods with the practicalities of time management and mental health. We discuss the pitfalls of adopting every attractive idea seen on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest and the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout. Key takeaways include: Evaluating the sustainability and effectiveness of new classroom ..read more

Discover the secrets to transforming your classroom with our latest deep dive into the world of early finishers. I'm Patty Furth, and in this episode, we dissect the challenges that swift completers present to elementary educators. You'll learn about the three distinct archetypes—the rushers, the workhorses, and the intellectually gifted—and how to tailor your teaching to each student's drive. We don't just examine why these students finish early; we explore how to elevate their learning experience with strategies that emphasize quality over speed, ensuring that every task is an opportunity fo ..read more

Ready to unlock the secrets to teaching nonfiction writing? We are setting you up for success in this episode by deconstructing the process of nonfiction report writing. We tackle the vital role of spiraled instruction in literacy and nudge you to ignite your teaching by shifting the focus from disseminating information to engaging students actively in the writing process. We lay out the five-step strategy for writing nonfiction reports, underscoring the necessity of a well-chosen topic. Expect practical insights on nurturing grades three to six students to leverage their past writing experien ..read more

Hey there, teachers! Welcome to another episode of the "Ignited Your Teaching Video Podcast."In this episode, we're diving into mindset strategies that can transform our classrooms and our sense of fulfillment in this incredible profession. Teaching has changed, and the demands on us as teachers are growing. We're losing some of our power, and it's time to take it back. In this episode, I'll be sharing some mindset shifts that have helped me along the way. My priorities have changed, and my life and career have gone in a different direction than I anticipated. But I'm content with where I am ..read more

What if you had the toolkit to boost your students' literacy levels? What if you could tailor your teaching styles to meet the individual needs of your learners? Welcome to a powerful episode that unravels the intricacies of incorporating assessments into your literacy program. We strip down the importance of diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments, helping you understand your students' starting point, observe their progress, and gain a comprehensive view of their proficiency levels.  You'll discover how tools like Exocard's, guided reading, and spelling assessments can help you ..read more

What if you had the toolkit to boost your students' literacy levels? What if you could tailor your teaching styles to meet the individual needs of your learners? Welcome to a powerful episode that unravels the intricacies of incorporating assessments into your literacy program. We strip down the importance of diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments, helping you understand your students' starting point, observe their progress, and gain a comprehensive view of their proficiency levels.  You'll discover how tools like Exocard's, guided reading, and spelling assessments can help you ..read more

What if your students could effortlessly understand spelling patterns and rules, and not just memorize words for a test? What if you, as an educator, could transition smoothly away from traditional worksheets to an engaging and comprehensive spelling program? That's exactly what we're tackling in today's episode. We're voyaging through the fresh and comprehensive approach of teaching spelling to juniors using Ignited Spelling. We expose the gaps in foundational skills due to lack of explicit instruction and offer strategies to fill these voids, building on the knowledge your students already p ..read more

Master the art of creating engaging and effective literacy centers for students in grades 3 to 6. Join us as we debunk common myths and provide insights on how to make these centers standardized, easy to implement, and intriguing for students. Discover the power of student self-selection and how it can significantly improve motivation and interest levels in the learning environment. In the second half, we explore practical strategies for incorporating spelling and grammar lessons into writing, creating a richer assessment for students. We also discuss different organizational approaches for li ..read more

In this episode of the Ignite Your Teaching podcast, host Patti Firth discusses the upcoming changes in the Ontario curriculum for language instruction in 2023 and how they will impact teachers in grades three and beyond. The new curriculum strongly emphasizes student-centred learning, communication skills, digital literacy, and integrating Indigenous perspectives and cultural content. Teachers must adapt their teaching strategies to align with these changes and create a more engaging and inclusive learning environment. Overall, the changes present both challenges and opportunities for educato ..read more