Teacher Toolkit by Shannon Ahumada

Introduction

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An effective teacher prepares with resources that support lesson planning, instruction, and student learning. Some lessons will work well, while others will require me change the lessons to adapt for the students. Having a teacher toolkit gives me a place to collect resources, strategies, and examples that I can return to when I step into my own classroom. It also gives me a way to share ideas and learn from other educators. I chose to build my toolkit in Google Docs because it is easy to organize, update, and share.

Unpacking the Standards assignment

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Lesson Planning Reflection

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Reflection

Planning this lesson gave me the chance to bring together what I learned about how students learn. The class profile showed English Language Learners, students in RTI, and students with IEPs for ADHD and dyslexia. I knew the lesson needed to be taught in smaller steps and in different ways so everyone could follow along. So for this lesson, I used fraction strips for visuals and allowed extra time when needed. Research shows that older students do better when they have steady routines and hands-on practice (Borich & Blanchette, 2022).

I also wanted the lesson to be culturally responsive. I used examples that connect to real life, like food, sports, and everyday problems, so the math felt real to students. I had the students work with partners and in groups to share ideas and help each other. Think-Pair-Share and group challenges give everyone a chance to take part, even students who are usually quiet (Johnson & Johnson, 2019).

Another goal is to help students see how they are doing. I used quick checks like thumbs up or down and had them solve problems on whiteboards. I used Kahoot as a review game. These activities gives feedback right away and show students what they already know and what they still need to work on. Research shows that feedback helps students set goals and understand what good work looks like (Hattie & Timperley, 2007). It also helps them notice their progress and take more ownership of their learning.

When I worked on this lesson, I was reminded that teaching goes beyond checking off a standard. It means looking closely at what students need in order to do their best. Some learners do better with step-by-step directions, others understand more when they see visuals or use hands-on tools, and a few just need extra time to finish. I linked the math to real-life examples. This helped me make sure everyone had the support they needed for the lesson.

State standards resource link

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Sample objective Bank for Different Grade Levels:

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Assessment plan from Topic 5 assignment:

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Exit ticket strategies (Edutopia resource).

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This article provides practical ways to utilize exit tickets as quick and informal assessments. It explains how teachers can check for understanding at the end of a lesson and use the results to plan next steps.

To be added later

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To be added later

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Differentiation Bank Assignment

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Article on Cooperative Learning (Prodigy Education)

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This resource explains three effective cooperative learning strategies, with clear examples that teachers can use in small groups. The article helps me see how to involve students in working together to build understanding.

To be added later

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To be added later

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Reading Rockets Resource (Tomlinson)

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Article explaining differentiation strategies for diverse learners.

Case study reflection on student accommodations (To be added later)

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District Special Education Accommodation Guide (WPUSD)

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This is the link to the Western Placer Unified School District’s Special Education page.

UDL Guidelines chart (CAST)

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COE vs. SIOP Lesson Plan Comparison

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Analyzed two lesson planning formats, explained their similarities and differences, and reflected on when each would be most useful.

Professional Growth & Ethical Practice Assignment

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Parent newsletter Assignment

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Notes from a PLC or Professional Development Session

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(To be added later) This will include reflections or notes I will take during future PLC meetings or professional development workshops. These notes will help me remember strategies, tools, and insights shared by colleagues that I can use to grow as a teacher.

To be added later

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To be added later

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To be added later

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To be added later

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References

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Borich, G. D. (2020). Effective teaching methods: Research-based practice (10th ed.). Pearson.

Hammond, Z. (2019, May 22). A framework for lesson planning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/framework-lesson-planning

HMH. (2020, February 3). The 5E instructional model. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. https://www.hmhco.com/blog/5e-instructional-model

Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.

Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Differentiated instruction. https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/differentiated-instruction

Prodigy. (2021, September 14). 21 simple differentiation strategies every teacher can use. Prodigy Education. https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/differentiated-instruction-strategies

sahumada7 — 2025-09-07 23:54:53 UTC

Borich, G. D. (2020). Effective teaching methods: Research-based practice (10th ed.). Pearson.

Hammond, Z. (2019, May 22). A framework for lesson planning. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/framework-lesson-planning

HMH. (2020, February 3). The 5E instructional model. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. https://www.hmhco.com/blog/5e-instructional-model

Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.

Reading Rockets. (n.d.). Differentiated instruction. https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/differentiated-instruction

Prodigy. (2021, September 14). 21 simple differentiation strategies every teacher can use. Prodigy Education. https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/differentiated-instruction-strategies