Ninja Notes

Let us help you teach like a ninja!

BrainNinjasWP

Amazing Activities Students Can Do Instead of Homework

by

Are you looking for activities your students can do at home instead of homework? We don't assign homework in our upper elementary classroom. Instead, we assign activities and it's been a big hit. Come find out what you activities you can do instead of homework.

We don’t assign formal homework to our students. It’s actually a district policy, but we also don’t believe that homework serves any real purpose other than causing frustration at home and making work for students. Instead, we assign a list of activities students can do at home instead of homework. We get WAY more engagement and everyone loves it.

[Read more…] about Amazing Activities Students Can Do Instead of Homework

Simple Art Projects for Back to School

by

Are you looking for some amazing back to school art projects? You can grab the instructions for this one on our site or get the free lesson plan in our Resource Library. Come check out these great art projects perfect for the first day of school.

One of our favourite things to do on the first day of school is a simple art project. We’ve collected some art projects for back to school that we’ve used over the years to help us get to know our new students. Self-portraits and names are great ways to get to know the personalities of your new students. Even more, having conversations while students are working is a fantastic way to get kids talking without realizing they are sharing.

Come check out these art projects for back to school (that can work any time of year)

[Read more…] about Simple Art Projects for Back to School

Hilarious Stories You’ll Love: Overheard in My Classroom

by

Are you looking for a light laugh to help you through your teacher tired days? We've collected some of our best overheard in my classroom quotes to tell you the stories behind the quotes. Come have a laugh and remember why you became a teacher (for the hilarious teacher stories of course).

Years ago we started keeping a journal of all the funny little things that happen in our classroom. This was a suggestion by one of our cooperating teachers when we were students teaching. Writing down little stories that happen at school each day has been one way to relive the sweetest moments of each school year.

Come read some of our favourites stories from our Overheard in My Classroom series.

[Read more…] about Hilarious Stories You’ll Love: Overheard in My Classroom

11 Differences Between Canadian and American Schools

by

Teachers in Canada and the United States have many things in common, but while Canadians often see American schools on television and in movies, the reverse is not often true. There are many differences so let's take a look at some of them.

While it might seem like schools around the world are similar, education is viewed very differently. Canada and the US are commonly lumped together as being the same, but there are many fundamental differences in schools in each country. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between Canadian and American schools.

[Read more…] about 11 Differences Between Canadian and American Schools

How to Assess French as a Second Language

by

If you're teaching French as a Second language, it can be a challenge marking or grading progress. We made a list of all the ways to assess French (but many are general assessment strategies) that will definitely help you out. Come take a read to see how to assess FSL lessons.

Many French teachers struggle with how to assess French in their upper elementary classes. This is especially challenging for teachers who aren’t feeling confident with their own French skills.

Assessing French is the same as assessing many other subjects that are taught in school, but the degree of progress can vary greatly between students. Here are some of the ways we assess French in our classroom.

[Read more…] about How to Assess French as a Second Language

How to Teach French as a Second Language

by

Have you been asked to teach French as a Second Language to upper elementary students but you have no idea where to start? Do you speak some French, but have never formally taught it? Let us help you out. Our lessons are written by a native Francophone speaker who teaches French as a Second Language. Get some ideas to get you started or use our resources to get you through the year. Come see!

Have you been asked to teach French as a Second Language (FSL) or Core French but have absolutely no experience? Maybe you don’t even speak French fluently? Maybe you took French in High School (15 years ago) and you are considered the most qualified in your school. As crazy as that may sound to some…it happens…all the time!

Whether you’ve been asked to teach FSL for the first time or you’re a seasoned teacher who is looking for new ideas, this post is meant for you. These reading, writing, speaking and listening ideas could apply to the teaching of any second language.

[Read more…] about How to Teach French as a Second Language