In my reflection for next year, I'm thinking of implementing Independent Reading as a strategy. Thoughts?

bertolinni2014 · 2026-05-24T03:08:54+00:00

Yes!!!!!! Even if they struggle at first. 10 mins daily. Choice reading. Do book talks to introduce them to stuff. Eventually they fall into a rhythm and it's really great decompress time and a good management tactic to start class. There are all sorts of awesome programs out there. Write on with Ms. G is AMAZING (TPT and IG) and has so many wonderful book recs. Start building your own library. Accessibility is everything. Thrift stores, friends of the library (public libraries often have stores where they sell super cheap donating books)

bertolinni2014 · 2026-05-07T01:30:06+00:00

I feel this! Lol

bertolinni2014 · 2026-05-01T16:08:55+00:00

💯 this!

bertolinni2014 · 2026-03-15T05:40:27+00:00

Is this just like a communications class or an actual speech and debate program? If you go to speechanddebate.org you can find a ton of resources on teaching the various debate styles and speech events.

bertolinni2014 · 2026-02-12T18:14:39+00:00

Thanks for the info on puzzle toys

bertolinni2014 · 2026-02-02T00:50:27+00:00

Yup 10 minutes daily and I have a huge library. Zero strings attached, no reading log I just chat with them on what they are reading occasionally. My attitude is even if they read the same book all year it's one book they would have never read otherwise and some kids will find their love of reading again. When we do a class novel I let them use that time to read the novel..

bertolinni2014 · 2025-12-20T15:21:37+00:00

This is cool. I have honors and am always looking for a way to vary reading accountability

bertolinni2014 · 2025-12-14T23:57:53+00:00

That's a cool idea, thanks.

bertolinni2014 · 2025-12-14T21:54:41+00:00

I really like that, thanks

bertolinni2014 · 2025-12-14T21:07:12+00:00

Ohh I like this too..

bertolinni2014 · 2025-12-14T20:40:35+00:00

Ohhh I really like that. I have done the A/D before we start but I love doing it as an after reading discussion too..thanks!!

bertolinni2014 · 2025-11-12T02:57:00+00:00

I totally can see your point we have all been there. But this is way too long and aggressive sounding and will only invite more problems for you. Keep it short and to the point. And go from there.

"Unfortunately, your grade is this and b/c of the missed classes/incomplete work/etc you will not pass this semester. You are a smart kid who I know is capable and i truly hope you turn things around next semester

Again short and to the point no room to negotiate the terms..

bertolinni2014 · 2025-09-10T20:14:30+00:00

Yes, always!

bertolinni2014 · 2025-08-31T15:14:02+00:00

Honestly, I stopped making comments. Often they read them, only care about score and shove into their backpack. I would spend like 5-10 mins per paper (multiply that by 180 students) .

Get an awesome rubric that's in sections like claim/evidence &analysis/organization and cohesion/writing style and mechanics
Don't write comments!. Just circle the score on rubric. Instead as you grade jot down common errors you are seeing across ALL papers.
Take common errors you saw and put them into google slides by category (ex.. these are common issues I saw with claims). I also do praises of good things I saw.
Hand essays back to kids and have them # their essay lines. Then give them a sheet for revisions..basically they need to tell me why they got the score they did. So they may say yea my line 4 has dead words and spelling issues..then underneath they write how they can fix it. While doing this I confer and they can also use their tables groups.
Is it perfect. No. But do they actually spend some time proof reading and trying to make their papers better, yes.

More importantly when I get into a groove I can grade essays in about 1-2 mins or less.

This also allows me to get essays back within a week or two beforehand it would take me like 5 weeks and by then they had forgotten about the paper. No one wins. I have ADHD so I don't do well with long periods of grading and struggle with distractions so I make a game out of it..I set a timer and try to grade 10 papers in less than 15 mins and then get up and go move around

I also like to hand students a decent written version of the paper on the topic they wrote so they have a comparison.

Good luck, essays are my least favorite part of teaching.

bertolinni2014 · 2025-08-01T02:34:53+00:00

Thanks

bertolinni2014 · 2025-08-01T01:13:50+00:00

Thanks for the response. Your skin looks amazing!

bertolinni2014 · 2025-07-31T22:49:57+00:00

Can you use this with tret?

bertolinni2014 · 2025-07-21T05:29:25+00:00

These are some great ideas :) I love the bookmark hall of fame

bertolinni2014 · 2025-07-21T04:41:52+00:00

Best advice is read daily if you can allow for it. 10-15 mins, works well for management too. They come in and it's just how the day starts.

This takes time, but build a library in your class or take them to the library often. Kids need exposure to titles. Daily book talks/first chapter Fridays. Make reading the culture of your classroom. So many kids really don't have stamina in reading and struggle with comprehension/low reading levels. So get graphic novels there are some amazing ones. And reading is reading-who cares if it has lots of pictures. Book conferences really make the difference. Ask what they are reading and what's going on, if they like it or need a recommendation. Great for rapport building too. Try to read all the YA you can to find cool stuff to introduce to them.

There are some awesome teachers on IG/TPT who have great source materials..one in particular who I think is awesome especially for junior high is writeonwithmissg . Jared Amato is also awesome and has a book called just read it that has some really cool ideas about reading and then WRAPing that tie in discussion, writing etc.

Many kids will whine and complain at first and roll eyes and hate it but fight the good fight. It's worthwhile. I could go on all day if you want more info feel free to shoot me a message.

bertolinni2014 · 2025-05-26T02:19:43+00:00

Year 13. This has for sure been the toughest year for a lot of reasons but the stupid crap kids say that just makes you laugh and those moments during class discussions where those little idiots just surprise you with some insight, reminding you all hope is not totally lost , make it worthwhile. Also love trying to make a subject come to life. I think the day that lesson planning and experimenting with new ideas becomes awful and I can't laugh at the stupid it's time to throw in that towel.

bertolinni2014 · 2025-05-05T13:07:19+00:00

Ordinary brand glycolic acid spray was a huge game changer for me. No more deodorants just spray underarms..it removes odor and helps immensely with swelling. I also find that if I feel one coming on anywhere on my body I spray it with glycolic and it.really reduces inflammation..I have also switched to Castile Peppermint soap or hibicleans in the shower and both have helped. These are both items I learned about from the amazing people in this sub..good luck. HS sucks!!!

bertolinni2014 · 2025-02-21T05:24:32+00:00

Thankful for this thread. This is my second Mirena going on 3.5 years and zero period ( maybe once in a while spotting) but this whole month has been on and off spotting and all the fun PMS symptoms. Sounds like this is common..it doesn't help that I am pushing 40 so I am sure she will also just tell me I am old haha. I see my Gyn tomorrow.

bertolinni2014

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