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 »
These past three weeks I’ve had the chance to visit a small corner of our country that I’d never visited before. Where I live in Washington state, our history is relatively new. Our artifacts are from the time of occasional early explorers, covered wagons, lumberjacks and trappers. Our oldest buildings are homesteads. The earlier history… Read More »
The last two blogs addressed two extremes of learning styles. With two seemingly opposing learning styles: analytical and global, how do you cover their best way to learn? By creating options. Primary teachers most often teach to the multiple intelligences and a variety of learning styles in an effort to reach the variety of young… Read More »
There are two styles of learners: analytical and global. Here’s a look at the global learner’s traits. 1. Sees the big picture. Global learners look for the main ideas and relationships. 2. Appreciates quiet time. 3. Wants to know the expectations on tasks and projects. 4. Sensitive to criticism. 5. Performs as a team player… Read More »
Learning is a constant trial and error activity with positive outcomes as a goal. With that in mind, it becomes imperative that we, as adults working with children, provide encouragement. That includes monitoring our words and body language. A parenting magazine as well as www.kidshealth.com agree, suggesting that we think about how our split second… Read More »
Ever had a class load of students who needed help, all at the same time? Or students who want privacy, but your room has no nooks and crannies? It can be frustrating and difficult to reach them. (Insert my suggestion that you have classroom volunteers to help you!) To overcome the waving hands, try the… Read More »
Grab your blender or a few bowls and start building your children’s food experiences. You mighty be able to introduce new foods to their ‘like’ list. Blender Drinks Summer is a great time to blend up nutritious drinks. 1 cup fruit + ½ cup juice + ¼ cup yogurt + 3 ice cubes = I… Read More »
Any time is graph time. Creating a graph center at school or at home on the refrigerator is a simple way keep kids thinking. Use a variety of graphs: 1. bar graphs (vertical and horizontal) 2. pie charts 3. picto graphs 4. line graphs 5. area graphs Use them around the year graphing everything from… Read More »