Ok, for many of you school begins very soon. But there’s still time to start reintroducing school schedules like bedtime and daily chores. It is also time to sit down with your children and plan out their ‘new’, favorites for breakfasts, lunches and snacks. They can use their trips to the store for more than asking… Read More »
Consider instituting a family homework hour as the school year begins. It’s easy to do if you have the strength to turn off your electronics for an hour. Select an hour in the evening when the family is home and settled. Make it an hour where everyone works on homework, quiet projects (reading, knitting, puzzles,… Read More »
I recently read an article on edutopia.org, the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-Based Learning. What follows is the last blog about some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #4 Work to create a non-static classroom where routines vary, inquiry is valued and hands-on is an everyday occurrence.… Read More »
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 »
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 #2 Growth Mindset** is loosely defined as believing people can grow and change their brainpower by the actions they take. It believes learning… Read More »
I recently read an article on edutopia.org , the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-Based Learning. What follows over the rest of this month are some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #1 It’s important to create a calm, focused environment for learning. Consider beginning your classroom day… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. 1. Creating a graphic organizer is another way to meet students needs: Here is one example. 2. Copy the words in their story/book context and substitute words that relate to the students’ experiences/vocabulary. Look up and discuss how the substituted word(s) change the textual meaning… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. You can extend a vocabulary activity and ask students to write descriptive sentences and leave out their key word to challenge others to fill-in the missing word. It will challenge their abilities to think of the important details that lead others to the correct answer. Example:… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. Dictionary and Thesaurus investigation adds to helping the words ‘stick’ in kids’ brains. Locating definitions, synonyms and antonyms makes a great partner activity. Ask students to write the definition(s) and add their frame of reference, their schema, to make the word relate to their lives in… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. Vocabulary development creates a growing list and adding visuals (student drawings and images) may help students. So… Encourage students to update their vocabulary notebook and to add their own pictures to help them remember new words. Check out online resources for free images at Classroom Clipart,… Read More »