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 »
This time of year, well all year for some children, young kids are unable to sit quietly and work. They wiggle and twitch, fall out of their chairs, drop pencils, crawl under the table… you get the picture. They need to move. So, let them. Build in ways for these wigglers to have a chance… Read More »
Small groups are one important way to break down large class numbers into manageable ones. These smaller groups may all work on the same task or they each work on topics to support the current class subject matter. Examples: Reading Hour. While the teacher reads with one small group, the others groups read the same story.… Read More »
Assistants are amazing support for students and teachers. Following these 5 tips, they become doubly appreciated. 1. Arrive on time; early enough to look over the day’s task. 2. Gather your materials. Take on that task to relieve the busy teacher of responsibility. 3. Remind and reinforce your expectations as you begin with students. 4. … Read More »
Students in groups need ‘clues’ about the expectations while they are in groups. No one likes to surge ahead blindly. So, what do group leaders need to share? Outline your expectations and judge your time constraints. It’s a challenge to make everything fit. Check out this example for a 35 minute group beginning a new… Read More »
Planning lessons is important for your students. In-between times, the transitions, need to be planned as well. That’s the time when you can ‘lose’ some students to dis-behavior. When are the transition times? * arrival, departure from the classroom * beginning and end of small groups * lining up for leaving/returning to the room *… Read More »
Whether you call them morning warm-ups, sponge activities or opening routines, it a good idea to have an activity to focus students when they arrive in the classroom. The activity/activities you select should: * be self-starting * focus thinking * provide a challenge Myself, I prefer a variety of activities so the students are more… Read More »
There are two styles of learners: analytical and global. Here’s a look at the global learner’s traits. 1. Sees the big picture. Global learners look for the main ideas and relationships. 2. Appreciates quiet time. 3. Wants to know the expectations on tasks and projects. 4. Sensitive to criticism. 5. Performs as a team player… Read More »
Ever had a class load of students who needed help, all at the same time? Or students who want privacy, but your room has no nooks and crannies? It can be frustrating and difficult to reach them. (Insert my suggestion that you have classroom volunteers to help you!) To overcome the waving hands, try the… Read More »
Remember hearing young children say,”I can do it myself!” and struggling to do the task? That’s the statement we want to hear from students. When they solve their own problems it indicates we’ve given them important skills that will reach beyond the classroom. But what are the early steps in building that independence and problem… Read More »