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Carla Byars Enables her Students to "Quill and Chill" with Writing Practice and Jazz Music

September 30th, 2024

By Maddy Maher

Every day, we hear about new, creative ways that teachers are implementing Quill in their classrooms. Carla Byars, an English teacher in Fort Smith, Arkansas, uses Quill for her 162 students. Byars’ students have completed over 4,000 activities on Quill and have noticed major improvements in their test scores. “On the standardized test, there’s always comma usage, parallel structure, subordinating conjunctions, active and passive voice, etc. The kids are learning how to do that with Quill. Last year, the students said that Quill was the most helpful tool they used to learn these concepts, so we’ve been using it even more this year,” said Byars.

For ELL students, Byars finds Commonly Confused Words and Irregular Verbs activities particularly helpful. “It’s exciting to watch when things go right and concepts start to click,” she commented.

How does Byars implement Quill in her classroom? “We Quill and Chill!” says Carla. “I put on jazz music, and the kids work through their activities. They’re allowed to work independently or help teach each other, and they always enjoy it.” Byars’ innovative technique allows students to refine their skills and increase their writing competence in a relaxed, comfortable setting.

Byars has also taken advantage of Quill’s activity analysis and scoring tactics. “I ask my students to replay all activities until the puzzle piece is green,” she says. “When they don’t understand why they didn’t get it on green the first time they submit, I can help them with the concepts they’re struggling with.” Quill’s reports have made it easier for her to keep students on track with their lessons as well. “I show students that I can see real-time reports of their lessons. This keeps them from sneaking whatever it is they sneak when I am not watching.”

Byars's Best Practices:

  • Use Quill as a break in the day for students. Allow them to increase their writing competence in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
  • Ask students to replay activities until the icon is green.
  • Use the Activity Analysis to keep students accountable and engaged in their learning process.

Byars’s story is one great example of how Quill supports effective and innovative learning. Find other teacher stories here.

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