It’s always a good idea to review the various thinking stages wel-before yo begin planning for student groups . The Lawrence Hall of Science skill list works very well for all types of learning. It is based on age appropriate use of seven levels of thinking and questioning skills: Observation Communication Comparison Organization Relationships Inference… Read More »
We all have times when you need extra time to understand concepts or ‘get our heads around’ a task. When that occurs for our students, we need a plan in place. A chart of suggestions students can refer to on their own becomes a self-directed learning experience. 1. Reread the directions. 2. Ask yourself, “What… Read More »
Classrooms can be chaotic places, full of lots of children doing lots of different things at the same time. That is not necessarily a bad thing. It depends on how the teacher structures the activities. One of my favorite remembrances of classroom chaos happened during a culminating FOSS (science) kit activity for Balance and Motion.… Read More »
Word play is fun and it stretches the brain to see words and letters in different ways. Anagrams are one kind of word play to excite learners. Try these words, with rearranged letters back-to-front, as new words: on becomes no and spot becomes tops or pots Try these with your students: dare teas stale slap pear … Read More »
When you are planning a lesson or activity, think about the organization of your ideas as well as your time. The nitty-gritty basics are: 1. Focus. Introduce the lesson/activity by creating a straight-forward 1-3 sentences. This overview lets the students “in on” your plan. It also forces you to clarify your goals, thus weeding out unnecessary… Read More »
When we think of giving people gifts, we often forget the most basic kinds; the gift of time and self. As families with school children begin winter breaks and have more time together, it’s the perfect time to begin a lasting tradition that has a ‘payoff. It’s the gift of a family homework hour. The payoff is family… Read More »
As adults we work. Some of us work at home, others leave to work elsewhere. Our kids also have work. Their work is school. It is important that we give their ‘work’ proper respect and help them understand that they have a responsibility to do their best while they are at work. That means we… Read More »
It’s important to think of how you will approach a school or teacher when you offer to volunteer. Take a minute to organize your approach. 1. Do you know a staff member or a family of a student who attends the school? If so, speak with that person. Ask about which classrooms want or need… Read More »
Two key strategies (active listening and wait time) used in classrooms also work in small groups. They assist group leaders as well as the groups they lead. Both show respect for the learning in progress. Active listening demonstrates taking turns as well as respect for the speaker.When a person is speaking, all attention needs to be… Read More »
Organize for success: plan ahead. The first minutes of your group time determine the success of your task. That’s when you ‘set the stage’ through your demeanor and expectations. 1. Focus on your current task. Leave your life outside the classroom at the door so you can give 100% of your focus to the students you will… Read More »