Feedback is a two-edged sword: we may hear compliments and/or we may hear criticism. Both are valuable. Sincere praise reassures us that we are on the right track. It sends us forward to brainstorm with new contacts and old. It means we’re contributing to their well-being and encourages us to keep on keeping on, to… Read More »
In this hectic world, it’s time to think about our shared concerns for children and youth. Here are a few of my ideas: We should strive to make children important in our daily lives. We need to keep communications open and as positive as possible. We need to engage children in thinking and learning beyond… Read More »
Every hours of every day in school is important. The question is…Is art education a waste of those precious minutes OR is it time wisely spent? Here are a few results of studies I recently read. (My bias will come through loud and clear.) Greater access to the arts: Improves students chances to succeed in… Read More »
The end of this week I’m honored to be presenting two sessions to para educators in the Edmonds School district during their fall in-service day. It will be a chance to talk about ways to engage students in their own learning. We’ll discuss hooks and pocket activities, ways to focus students, the use of hand… Read More »
In honor of today’s Dictionary Day, I wanted to post this partial list of parents and/or teachers roles. Enjoy! What Roles to Parents and Teachers Fulfill Across the Years?? A…audience, active listener, athletic coach, animal wrangler B…banker, backstop, bag-packer, ball catcher, bathtime observer, bargain hunter, battery fetcher, bedtime hugger, book reader, boot finder C…counselor,… Read More »
Whether it’s for school or home, what do we need to create a kids reading corner? Not a whole bunch: a corner, an alcove, a loft, or even a closet floor books (library loans, yard sale, new or used will do) comfortable, kidsize seating plus maybe a soft pillow and a blanket a bookcase or… Read More »
I have a friend who’s seven year-old son has the most incredible vocabulary. In his case, he loves words. But, all kids need to be encouraged to own a great vocabulary through our use of strong and/or specific words, regardless of their age. Since words reflect concepts and content, it’s important to the rounded development… Read More »
Every month of the year TeacherCreatedResources.com provides a free calendar of “days” that someone decided needed to be celebrated. Here’s October’s offering (plus a few others I located.) 1 Frugal Fun Day 2 Guardian Angels Day 3 Child Health Day, Techie Day 4 National Taco Day, 10-4 Day 5 National Kale Day, World Teacher’s Day… Read More »
We love our kids no matter if they are 2, 13, or 32 (or older!). When they live at home and are on summer break, our days are busy beyond our expectations. Even if we are working parents, we have more tasks to do when our kids are around all summer. Now that most students… Read More »
These days we have so many choices of activities that sometimes school and homework gets crowded out of our kids lives. Finding a balance is difficult, but their education needs to come first after family. That means that school, homework, and projects should be a priority. When families depend on before or afterschool care, their… Read More »