As back-to-school approaches use the time to sit down and discuss personal goals within the family unit. Everyone in the family can participate and with 2-5 individual goals set for the coming school year, the family may find time for extra, shared activities. Keep it simple, but meaning-filled: Dad might plan to cook dinner at… Read More »
Dealing with Test Anxiety Major testing is coming soon for most grade three through high school students: unit testing, term testing, state testing, SATs, ACTs and other three- to four-letter titled exams. For many that brings anxiety. Here are a few prep steps to help students relax and focus on doing their best. and… … Read More »
Supplies…check Classroom organized and ready for students….check Classroom Routines and Procedures? Here’s a reminder list to have worked out before the first day of school. Try to post important details in the classroom as reminders to students. Storage of backpacks, coat, lunches Entering the classroom Homework (and notes, etc. from home) collection box Attendance… Read More »
Looking for ideas to share with kids about how to get UNstuck from a problem? Consider these ideas. Reread or restate or rethink the problem in your own words or with your own ideas. Make a mental picture or a short movie to see the problem. Think about what you might do to change things… Read More »
Goal setting: a measurable idea you want to accomplish Intention: an aim, a plan of action Substitute intentions for goal setting. Take the pressure off while still suggesting the idea is clearly in view. 1. Write down your goal with specific, measurable, and identifiable intentions. Instead of saying: write 6 sentences about (subject), say or… Read More »
The days of the carrot and the stick are long past. Modern classrooms look to self motivation as we seek to actively engage students in their personal educational goals. So what does that look like? demonstrating by sharing your personal goals for the classroom as well as for yourself as the teacher-leader setting classroom goals… Read More »
As teachers look to the new school year, most are searching for ways to make quality more important than quantity. It’s a shift to making every problem, essay, writing stronger rather than longer. Here are a few ideas to tuck away as you plan. Plan activities that promote student skill development while interacting with others.… Read More »