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 »
These days, there is little money available for social programs including education. So what’s to be done to help us reach every student in our care? Invite assistants into your classroom. Already doing that and still need help? Invite additional assistangs into your classroom. My focus for education across the last twenty years is promoting volunteers in… Read More »
As you make your new year’s resolutions, I hope you will include finding a way to share your talents with others. It is easy to make a resolve to change a personal habit so why not add one that will help others in schools? I’ve been a volunteer in classrooms since before my kids were… Read More »
In Washington state we’re voting on limiting class size. As a teacher from the state, I didn’t realize how large our classes were in comparison to other states until I spoke with teachers when I was traveling. There are so many issues tied to large classes; some are the physicl constraints of the rooms, more… Read More »
As the school year begins, consider this checklist for working with your school-age children. 1. Chores. Give kids doable, significant chores. Expect those chores be done on time and as completely as possible. 2. Backpacks. Kids can pack, unpack and repack their own backpacks if you show them when, where and how you want it… Read More »
I’m totally aware that I’m not a good juggler. If I’d been able to keep 3 blogs moving while marketing my debut novel, 84Ribbons, this site would have remained active. But it didn’t and I apologize. Now I’m back and I’m completing my Educating America Workbook for teachers who are considering inviting volunteers into their… Read More »
There are 2 types of learners: analytic and global. We are both types of learner, but each of us tend to lean toward one more than the other. Here are the traits of an analytic learner: 1. Prefers true-false and multiple choice test questions. 2. Sees things separately rather than as a general idea. 3. … Read More »
YOU are the key. Whether you are the teacher, para educators or classrooms volunteer, you create a fantastic support system for everyone who sets foot in the room. Think of each new trained person as extra brain power, extra hands and extra possibilities to break down activities into smaller groups or the chance to create… Read More »
Home, School and Community Relations by Carol Gestwicki quotes Dr’s T. Brazelton and S. Greenspan suggest that these seven needs are universal. 1. Ongoing nurturing relationships 2. Physical protection, safety and regulation 3. Experiences to match their individual differences 4. Developmentally appropriate experiences 5. Set limits, structure and expectations 6. Stable supportive community and cultural… Read More »
4 National Tips We’re all busy these days, but there are a few 5-15 minute projects that can be done to support schools without leaving home. Just turn on your computer to learn what is happening in education that affects your family and community. Then make your voice count. Send out your ‘take’ on the… Read More »