Students take turns teaching peers at the start of each class. They review, reflect, problem solve and define new terms while you take attendance, hand back papers and ready to begin presentation of new material. This activity places ownership for learning on the students and buys you the time you need at the start of each hour. I have been using this concept in Foreign Language classes for years successfully and recently adapted this idea to math class for one of my graduate courses. Download contains directions for how to execute Teacher of the Day and the two templates you need for terms and problem of the day. Works best for middle school math, basic algebra and geometry, but could be adapted for higher levels courses. Students enjoy leading the class and calling on their peers, once they figure it out, you will have to plan out who is the teacher so everyone gets their chance in the spotlight! Great way to get ELL students practicing their English skills in a safe situation.

This is a kind of spooky little short story from Puerto Rico about a girl who has a crayfish stuck in her leg. (Magical Realism) It has a surprise ending and lots to talk about in how the characters treat each other. I taught this story in my Heritage Language Speakers class this year but it would also work well for a level IV or V class with older students who are willing to work through the vocabulary. My students enjoyed the story and creepy surprise ending.