Sweaty palms? Check. Racing heart? Yep. A bad case of butterflies in the stomach? You bet. It must be test time. Many students struggle with exam anxiety, but those feelings of panic and dread can be even worse for struggling readers and English learners. Here are a few simple strategies you can use to help your students relax and get ready to ace those tests:
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Stress-busting strategies for test season
Friday, February 17, 2012
A month to commemorate–and celebrate
February is a great time to celebrate important events: Presidents’ Day, Valentine’s Day, even Groundhog Day. But did you know it’s also dedicated to celebrating the achievements of black Americans? Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is a special time set aside each year to recognize the central role African Americans have played in US history. From academic research to professional sports to scientific inventions, black Americans have helped shape this country by achieving many great milestones. So how can Black History Month energize your lesson plans during February? Read on to find out about some of the incredible accomplishments of black Americans—and how you can turn those into exciting learning opportunities! Read more »
Thursday, February 16, 2012
5 Presidents’ Day preparations
Valentine’s Day is over, but the celebration doesn’t have to stop. Presidents’ Day is coming up fast, so trade in those candy hearts for a powdered wig and get ready to party presidentially.
Do you know how Presidents’ Day really came to be? Who is the center of celebration on this holiday? How many presidents had birthdays this month? Has a school teacher ever become a US president? Which president had beagles named Him and Her?
Find all these answers and more as you prepare for Presidents’ Day with this list of classroom ready resources:
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentine’s Day!
It’s Valentine’s Day, and Imagine Learning has teamed up with Booster to put together an online valentine creator for loved ones of all ages. If you liked Booster’s Halloween Costume Creator, you’ll love Booster’s Valentine Creator!
Here’s how to put a little razzle and dazzle into your valentines: First, choose a character—all the Imagine Learning stars are here, from loveable Pete the Prairie Dog to chatterbox Mike the Microphone. Next, select a colorful background. If roses are red and violets are blue, then we’ve got a color that’s perfect for you. After that, it’s time to pick a memorable message and send it off to your special someone. True love is just a click away, so start crafting your heart-work now.
Or click here to print some quick and easy pre-made valentines for your class.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Free webinar this Tuesday, February 14: Helping long-term English learners
Do you know what long-term English learners need? Listen in as presenter Lily Wong Fillmore addresses key questions related to this growing group of students who rarely receive the support they need to attain true proficiency and succeed in secondary grades.
In this webinar, you’ll learn why so many English learners appear to stall in their efforts to learn English as a second language. You’ll also learn how to use academic English instruction and the right kind of instructional support to help long-term English learners overcome obstacles and reach proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking. Don’t miss your chance to find out what you can do to help your long-term English learners find success–register today.
Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. MST
Presenter: Lily Wong Fillmore, Professor of Education Emerita at University of California, Berkeley
About the presenter:
Lily Wong Fillmore, Jerome A. Hutto Professor of Education Emerita at University of California, Berkeley, is a linguist and educator whose scholarship focuses on the education of language minority students. Dr. Fillmore has studied social and cognitive processes in language learning, cultural differences in language learning behavior, and primary language retention and loss. Her present research efforts focus on how academic English instruction can help teachers support students’ literacy development.
