The more I work in classrooms, the more I see how much teachers appreciate my time. The truest test is the moment I see the teacher. Invariably I am met with a smile and “I’m so glad you are here.” Whether the classroom has 20 or 30 students, teachers always find tasks I can assist… Read More »
School breaks offer a great chance to engage in family activities. Whether those activities are home baking, sharing books or movies, or visiting local sites or relatives, they give families a chance to spend quality time together around the adults work schedules. In winter those breaks might include special activities such as playing in the… Read More »
Details can sometimes foul up plans by the fact that we become so overwhelmed by what we are doing that we lose sight of our objective. Guilty. I decided to scan my blogs and found that in my hurry to share ideas, I created drafts instead of posts for over half of my weekly Word… Read More »
With all the news of educations trials and tribulations, the ‘thank you’ part is often overlooked: Thank you to teachers who spend their free time working for and thinking about school, students and what more can be done to make education more interesting and relevant. Thank you to classroom assistants and volunteers for their hours spent… Read More »
Parenting: school years came out with an exhaustive list of lists and percentages about family issues and values. Their Tough Love (Jan., 2013, p.76) comments put me on alert. 54% insist kids finish an activity they start even if they don’t like it. 58% of kids have chores and a third of kids with chores… Read More »
In the season of reflection and giving thanks, I want to remember so many people who influenced my decision to become me. My parents encouraged me to read, write, create on my own, dance, sing and be my own person while taking responsibility for my actions. My teachers for opening up the world beyond my… Read More »
Planning lessons is important for your students. In-between times, the transitions, need to be planned as well. That’s the time when you can ‘lose’ some students to dis-behavior. When are the transition times? * arrival, departure from the classroom * beginning and end of small groups * lining up for leaving/returning to the room *… 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 »
Whether you call them morning warm-ups, sponge activities or opening routines, it a good idea to have an activity to focus students when they arrive in the classroom. The activity/activities you select should: * be self-starting * focus thinking * provide a challenge Myself, I prefer a variety of activities so the students are more… Read More »
Powerful Q.T, Questioning Techniques, lead students to more complex thinking skills. What? Higher Level Thinking Skills means moving your questioning beyond recall and comprehension questions related to the material they are studying. You think beyond who,what,why,where and how or asking them to summarize details, facts or ideas. You rev up their thinking and ask them… Read More »