Ms. France is a first year teacher having recently graduated at semester. Following her student teaching experience, she has been thrown into a long-term sub position in a first grade classroom at the Normal Elementary School. Given that this position was in the building she served as a student teacher, even in same classroom, she was eager to accept and get started in her new role. Having been a fall student teacher, Ms. France was also able to come take part in the new math curriculum training over the summer, and participated a mini-conference in October. From a content and concept standpoint, she is on top of everything and understands well what is expected of her and her students. Fast forward and it is now February. The honeymoon period is over, and Ms. France is struggling to find creative and innovative ways to get her students engaged. Knowing the curriculum, it has been hard for her to relay the information she learned at her conference. She has the study materials and lesson-guides on-hand, but they don't seem to fit her specific style, or the style of her cooperating teacher. Following a recent principal walk-through, she received a note of concern that her students seemed disengaged of the content, which was difficult for Ms. France to hear, since she has become such a fan of the material.

What are some ways Ms. France could approach her classroom that would create a better learning environment?

What are some specific ideas that could be implemented tomorrow for his students?