Close reading is engaged reading. It’s the opposite of read-as-fast-as-you-can. It encourages readers to read for deeper meaning and requires taking time to understand what is read. Here are a few tips to focus your thinking about close reading: Practice close reading yourself. As you read ask why questions and open-ended questions to move beyond… Read More »
Show and Tell is more than talking about your weekend or the new puppy, especially with older students. It’s an early step in scaffolding (early steps in breaking down learning into chunks). It involves talking, looking at vocabulary and information as well as previewing text. So how does Show and Tell fit in? Learning by… Read More »
The Search-Institute.org writes interesting articles for educators and families. Their article on February 3, 2016 addressed ways to support students as they take on m. Here are a few of their comments with my suggestions added onto each item: “Play with” the problem. Brainstorm, manipulate the facts, build models, step outside the proverbial box before… Read More »
While the list of ways to say thank you to volunteers are near endless, the following inexpensive ideas stood out for my followers: Write a note sharing specific acts a voluinteer has done and thank them for their contribution. Ask your class to write short thank yous. Present the volunteer with a small house plant… Read More »
Whether it’s now or later in the year, it’s important to thank volunteers. I stumbled onto great ideas on Pinterest. They are filed under Volunteers and also Volunteer Appreciation. Here’s a sampling of inexpensive ideas for school classrooms: Thanks a Latte for all you do. A tag to add to a coupon for a free… Read More »
“Doing good does more than give you a warm glow – new research shows that volunteering can actually add healthy years to your life.” The opening quote came for an article in The Costco Connection dated June, 2015. The article goes on to say that volunteers live longer, healthier lives and reduce their risk of… Read More »
Do as I say, not as I do is NOT the best way to share yourself with kids. Instead, it’s important to model behaviors you want your children or children in your care to emulate. So, what are those behaviors? (1) Manners How we treat others says a lot about who we are. Kids are… Read More »
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Commitment to the days or weeks you volunteer helps the teacher plan ahead. Be there when you say you will. The kids will notice. Continuity in following school rules and guidelines matters. Those ideas are in place for important reasons. Collaboration with the… Read More »
Ever think about volunteering your talents in a neighborhood school? Great! Ever wonder what you have to contribute to that neighborhood school? Lots! Not everyone is a teacher at heart, but we all have worthwhile skills and talents we might share with students. Whether it’s for preschoolers or high school seniors, we all can step… Read More »
This time of year always excites me. I love roaming the aisles of the back-to-school supplies sales. Not only do I find inexpensive pencils, paper, crayons, markers, post-its, rulers and glue sticks, I also find new things to spruce up my personal writing desk. I’m like the proverbial kid in a candy store when it… Read More »