Looking for a bit of summer math for kidlets working at the Kindergarten through grade 5 math level? Over the next month I’m offering FREE 10-page packets**. So what’s in each FREE packet? A variety of math skill challenges:computation, problem solving, story problems, measurement, and games to keep math skills active over the summer. How… Read More »
Critical thinking skills need to be provided for all children if we want to stir their curiosity and create life-long, curious learners in the process. What are the 4 main/best approaches to critical thinking with young children? How to they ‘look’ in classrooms? 1. Inquiry – allowing students to explore materials and ideas to build… 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 »
Active listening is not just for school days. It’s a life-long process that is slipping away with active conversation and it’s harder to maintain than you may think! Active listening means the listener is attentive to the speaker using good eye contact and a still body while listening. No looking away, no “ah-as” and no… Read More »
All grade levels can use current events as part of their social studies and/or their morning opening. Here are a few types of news that fit into school curriculum and into family meal time discussions. 1. On this Day in History – a calendar related reference to mark an important or interesting event. 2. Weather-… Read More »
It’s a busy world and, those everyday contacts you make might be overlooked as a source of interest and information. To know, you need to stop and think as you move through your day. Every one has a story and something of interest to share. We need to ask and listen to learn, assuming there… Read More »
How young is too young to start using facts in discussions? The new Common Core States Standards (CCSS) uses arguments and facts for all grades K and above. At first glance that appears to be a typo, but it isn’t. The new standards suggest that the change is needed to help students process more clearly.… Read More »
Yes and No is not the way to go. When you ask questions of students, family members or adults, make them more interactive. It’s not difficult to make the change so answers become discussion bits that lead to more meaningful interactions: ‘Did you have a great day at school?’ becomes ‘What was the most interesting part of… Read More »
Critical thinking requires work. It’s not just a school day event to set aside when we’re on vacation or at home. It’s imperative that we stretch ourselves and students to move beyond the basics if we want to increase rigor in our thinking. Plus, moving beyond who, what, and where takes us to why and… Read More »
The new Common Core States Standards (CCSS) uses a variety of genre in it efforts to engage students and help them read and think. As you introduce the word ‘genre’ and the various types of genre, consider creating a class chart of the characteristics of the various genre.In doing so, you will also be working… Read More »