Getting the most out of IXL

First through eighth grade have access to IXL to support reading and math. This week, IXL sent out a great implementation guide to help teachers get the most out of IXL's platform. The guide includes tips on matching the IXL lesson to a specific objective, helping students set goals, and helping students and teachers analyze progress. Need help getting students into IXL? For now students can find the link to IXL under the For Students tab on the BISD homepage. When Classlink and IXL begin syncing (it's getting close, guys), the students will see an icon for IXL on their dashboard when they log into Classlink. If you need IXL help, please email me. 

Getting the most out of Google Classroom

Google Classroom just keeps getting better and better. I remember using it in the early years (LOL: 2015) and I wasn't a huge proponent. But the tool has definitely evolved into something that I can comfortably recommend for early childhood teachers to high school teachers. Check out Kasey Bell's 10 Google Classroom Tips. There may be a couple of new ones for even you Google Classroom veterans out there!

Supporting Reading Across the Curriculum

Miguel Guhlin from TCEA is one of my educational heroes. Want to talk instructional technology? Miguel is the guy. Want to talk computer operating systems? Talk to Miguel. Want to talk about good instruction? Again, Miguel's the man!

On all four campuses across the district we are talking about reading and writing. How can we improve our instruction to effect progress? How can we help our kids make connections? When I read Miguel's review of  Talk-Read-Talk-Write I had to smile.There is nothing earth-shattering about the Talk-Read-Talk-Write process. But how often do we guide the kids through the process? Like Miguel, this book is going on my to-be-read list.  Save this post for when you have seven minutes to really take in what he's saying and think about the benefits of incorporating this process into your own classroom.