Nothing. It’s an easy thing to do. It requires no action, no getting yourself out the door at a specific time, not even a need to get dressed. But doing nothing is truly costly. Doing nothing means that hour you could have used to help a young child read or an older child make corrections… Read More »
For most teachers and educational assistants it’s time for a summer break; a time to kick back and relax after a busy year. Now’s the time to checkout summer reading related to schools and education. Here are a couple of interesting ones I’ve found. How to Teach Thinking Skills Within the Common Core: 7 Key… Read More »
Search-Institute.org is a great site for ideas on working with kids. In their latest article they mentioned what they call HOT and COLD thinking. They call thinking ‘hot’ when it is energized and enthusiastic. ‘Cold’ thinking includes reflective notions such as analyzing and integrating ideas. As teachers, assistants and parents, we can help students develop… Read More »
Motivation is important at home, at school, and at work. So what steps help encourage individuals to actively engage? Clear objectives. Share the overview of your expectations. Brainstorm ideas on how to reach your goal. Provide resources to help reach that goal. Allow individuals to make choices within the project. If people are interested and… Read More »
We want students to dig in, become engaged in their education. So what do we need to do to foster that outcome? 1. Make activities meaningful to the students. All of us become more engaged in activities when we feel a personal connection, a tie to our lives or our experiences. Find the connections; allow… Read More »
Struggling with Classroom Management? Consider investigating Education Week Press I follow Education Week Press www.edweek.org and suggest you make their Bookstore – click here your destination for ‘must-read’ titles on teaching and learning. Effective Classroom Management to Support Student Learning This book discusses the link between instruction and management, describes daily routines that contribute to… Read More »
The Search-Institute.org writes interesting articles for educators and families. Their article on February 3, 2016 addressed ways to support students as they take on m. Here are a few of their comments with my suggestions added onto each item: “Play with” the problem. Brainstorm, manipulate the facts, build models, step outside the proverbial box before… Read More »
Whether it’s now or later in the year, it’s important to thank volunteers. I stumbled onto great ideas on Pinterest. They are filed under Volunteers and also Volunteer Appreciation. Here’s a sampling of inexpensive ideas for school classrooms: Thanks a Latte for all you do. A tag to add to a coupon for a free… Read More »
Next Saturday, Dec. 5th is International Volunteer Day. Make a plan to volunteer in support of others. Whether it’s a soup kitchen, a food bank, shopping for a home bound person or helping in schools make it happen. As 2016 approaches, find a way to work in 1-2 hours a week as a volunteer. Send… Read More »
I have a passion about the value of volunteering in schools. I’ve written the book, made a desktop flipbook and written a workbook to that end. The materials are sound, easy to implement and worthwhile. My challenge is finding a wider audience to share the ideas and then help educators, classroom assistants, parents and community… Read More »