Sno-Isle, the local library system, has produced a pamphlet, Countdown to Kindergarten: 100 Essential Picture Books that’s a starting place for great picture books to share with kids from age 3 to 10. Yep. I said 10. I read picture books to third graders and they love them. We use them as idea starters to… Read More »
So, the door opens, your little kids rush in from school…your older kids drag in from school. What next? I know you are curious about their school day but wait! Hold off until they’ve had a snack, finished their sports practice, had that piano or karate lesson and/or had a chance to relax or play… Read More »
Looking for brief notes to add to your kids (and maybe the adults in your life’s) lunch boxes? Here are a few suggestions inspired by www.BigLifeJournal.com to get you started. Feel free to send me any ideas you create so I can share them with others. Thanks! I love you Take care, polar bear Your… Read More »
Long-term memory is the goal in schools. Here are a few ideas to help foster that goal. Teach students how to explain their thinking to themselves and others: What are the key elements I should remember about this topic? Can I find tricks or rhymes or illustrations or key words that help me remember details?… Read More »
Hopefully reading has been an active part of most kids’ summers. Books, plays, short stories, cereal boxes, maps, pamphlets, or whatever; all will have made a positive difference as school restarts. If most of you students took part in a summer library program be sure to keep that interest going throughout the school year by… Read More »
Each year comes faster and faster. Even as time has sped up, I have one memory from several decades ago to share with you. Balloons in the Trees As I think back, some birthday parties stand out while other recollections are barely images; some have no sound or color. One that recently floated into… Read More »
Anxiety and stress can shut down thinking for young kids, teens and adults. Positive thinking and a few simple tricks help restore emotional, physiological and metacognition (brain) balance. Here are a few ideas to try. Step away from engaging in activities that build up your stress levels. Listen to music that relaxes your brain.It fills… Read More »
What can each of us to ensure a great tomorrow? Here are a few thoughts. Follow a simple, peace-filled routine. Get a good night’s sleep. Begin each day with positive thoughts and ample time to start the day with a clear plan. Eat a nutritious breakfast and prep a healthy snack for later during your… Read More »
Why do any of us checkout? We’re distracted, thinking about something that is more important to us at that moment. With kids, they may also be tired, not interested in what we’re talking about, or have a problem on their mind. Since we can’t peak inside their brains and even if we could, they might… Read More »
Definition: Scaffolding- breaking up learning into chunks Teachers as well a classroom assistants and parents use scaffolding whenever they break apart skills. Those pieces, or chunks, allow students to learn parts and then put the pieces together to understand the whole. Here are a few ideas on how to break learning into manageable pieces. Model/Demonstrate/Show… Read More »