Category Archives: para educators

Metacognition and Test Taking

Using metacognitive skills help students manage test taking. By using the 4 processes, students come to testing with additional ways to better handle/access their own thinking. Plan and Organize skim and preview tasks breakdown the parts decide how to proceed Self-Monitor check your progress troubleshoot  problems ask for help when truly ‘stuck’ Self Reflect assess… Read More »

Special Offers for Teachers, Classrooms, and Parents

The school year is winding down for most educators. Hopefully this has been a great year with tons of student success and limited teacher stress. Before you step away for your much deserved summer break, I want to offer you opportunities to consider: FREE Summer math packets for K-2 or 3-5 grades FREE math games… Read More »

Educators and Classroom Assistants! We Appreciate You!

Day after day, week after week, month after month, you give our children everything you have to give. Enjoy these words of  praise for what you do: I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.  ~Lily Tomlin as “Edith Ann” A teacher’s job is to take a… Read More »

Brain-based Learning Tip#3 – Importance of Feedback

I recently read an article on edutopia.org, the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-based Learning. What follows are some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #3 All ages of students need positive and constructive feedback rather than praise that says. “That’s nice. I like it.”  It’s important to… Read More »

What is Scaffolding? How Can I Use It?

Definition: Scaffolding- breaking up learning into chunks Teachers as well a classroom assistants and parents use scaffolding whenever they break apart skills. Those pieces, or chunks, allow students to learn parts and then put the pieces together to understand the whole. Here are a few ideas on how to break  learning into manageable pieces. Model/Demonstrate/Show… Read More »

SALE: Educating America materials

Checkout these back-to-school materials to enhance your school year. SAVE 20% and receive FREE shipping and a thank you gift on each item you purchase between now and September 30th. *Free shipping and *Free 30-pack of note cards that say ‘A Note from the Teacher’ are limited to shipping to U.S. addresses. (Classroom assistants and parents… Read More »