As 2017 draws to a close, let’s look at ways to improve our time spent volunteering in classrooms. So, what does active listening look like? Meet students at their eye level. Listen to their comments or questions. Try to understand what they want/need from you. Attempt to have them tell you what they already know… Read More »
As 2017 draws to a close, let’s look at ways to improve our time spent volunteering in classrooms. First let’s look at being authentic. Pre-schoolers through high school age students want people to speak to them with their authentic voices. There’s no need to speak slowly or with cute comments and gestures. Be yourself. That… Read More »
I recently read an article on edutopia.org, the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-Based Learning. What follows is the last blog about some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #4 Work to create a non-static classroom where routines vary, inquiry is valued and hands-on is an everyday occurrence.… Read More »
I recently read an article on edutopia.org, the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-based Learning. What follows are some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #3 All ages of students need positive and constructive feedback rather than praise that says. “That’s nice. I like it.” It’s important to… Read More »
I recently read an article on edutopia.org, the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-Based Learning. What follows are some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #2 Growth Mindset** is loosely defined as believing people can grow and change their brainpower by the actions they take. It believes learning… Read More »
I recently read an article on edutopia.org , the George Lucas Educational Foundation site, about Brain-Based Learning. What follows over the rest of this month are some of their thoughts and tips with my two cents added in. Tip #1 It’s important to create a calm, focused environment for learning. Consider beginning your classroom day… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. 1. Creating a graphic organizer is another way to meet students needs: Here is one example. 2. Copy the words in their story/book context and substitute words that relate to the students’ experiences/vocabulary. Look up and discuss how the substituted word(s) change the textual meaning… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. You can extend a vocabulary activity and ask students to write descriptive sentences and leave out their key word to challenge others to fill-in the missing word. It will challenge their abilities to think of the important details that lead others to the correct answer. Example:… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. Dictionary and Thesaurus investigation adds to helping the words ‘stick’ in kids’ brains. Locating definitions, synonyms and antonyms makes a great partner activity. Ask students to write the definition(s) and add their frame of reference, their schema, to make the word relate to their lives in… Read More »
This month we’ll look at the importance of vocabulary. Vocabulary development creates a growing list and adding visuals (student drawings and images) may help students. So… Encourage students to update their vocabulary notebook and to add their own pictures to help them remember new words. Check out online resources for free images at Classroom Clipart,… Read More »