Student skills develop over several years. Here is a common set of skills for each K-12 year. Kids vary in their personal abilities, but these are standard skills and standard grades where students gain specific thinking skills. Specific Skill K-3 3-6 6-9 9-12 Observation X X X X Communication X … Read More »
Reading is a vital part of literacy development. Here are 6 ways to become a reading family. Have a designated reading area. It needs comfy places to sit, good lighting, freedom from electronics (unless you are using an e-reader) and bookshelves or crates of books close by. Those books may be owned favorites, borrowed from… Read More »
Here’s one brief way a student can assess their personal organization and productivity for school or homework. Before I begin my work: What are my tasks for today? What questions do I still have about my task before I start? Where can I find answers? What help do I need from adults? (supplies? resources? thinking… Read More »
A couple of interesting reading facts to consider: 71% of parents feel reading is a vital skill, yet only 31% of kids read for fun 5-7 day each week. While we teach kids to walk, talk and eat and practice sports, we seldom get involved in helping them learn their letters and numbers. (If you… Read More »
Search-Institute.org is a great site for ideas on working with kids. In their latest article they mentioned what they call HOT and COLD thinking. They call thinking ‘hot’ when it is energized and enthusiastic. ‘Cold’ thinking includes reflective notions such as analyzing and integrating ideas. As teachers, assistants and parents, we can help students develop… Read More »
It’s spring but it’s not too late to offer your services in classrooms! Yes, I know, you may want to weed your garden, or go for a walk, or spend an hour with a friend over a lemonade, BUT… consider also spending an hour or two helping in a classroom or in a school office.… Read More »
There are 2 types of learners: analytic and global. We are both types of learner, but each of us tend to lean toward one more than the other. Here are the traits of an analytic learner: 1. Prefers true-false and multiple choice test questions. 2. Sees things separately rather than as a general idea. 3. … Read More »
Learning is a constant trial and error activity with positive outcomes as a goal. With that in mind, it becomes imperative that we, as adults working with children, provide encouragement. That includes monitoring our words and body language. A parenting magazine as well as www.kidshealth.com agree, suggesting that we think about how our split second… Read More »