I am of the belief that positive reinforcement is much more effective than punishment. I believe this because I’ve seen it be one of the most powerful tools in my teaching tool belt. Positive reinforcement works across the board. I’m not saying that positive reinforcement has to be something tangible like a treasure box or […]
Paula Kay Glass
Paula has a Masters degree in education with an emphasis on child development and child behavior. She has been an educator for 22 years. She founded a private elementary school in 2003 and is now working through the Moore Public School District in Moore, Oklahoma as a special education teacher. Paula is also a contributing writer to The Huffington Post and has a children's book published. Paula has three grown children and resides in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. You can contact her at glass foundations@sbcglobal.net or paulaglass@moorepublicschools.com.
Posted inFeatured, Middle School, Opinion
Shutting Down For the Summertime
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] It’s summertime! We are all looking forward to at least two months completely free of any schoolwork, planning and anything that has to do with a classroom… Right? Don’t we wish. […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Using Reading Journals For Reluctant Readers
I have several reluctant readers in my class. And when I say reluctant, I mean pulling-teeth-digging-in-heels-won’t-read-unless-they-are-required-to reluctant readers. And even then it’s still difficult for them. They understand the importance of reading for information and meaning, but more often than not comprehension is lost in translation due to several of them struggling with dyslexia. So […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Educational Apps, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Middle School
Classroom Library Management: Organize Your Investment!
After 18 years of teaching, I have an amazing classroom library. I also realized that since I’m not working on a ‘Dewey Decimal System’ it’s very difficult to locate specific books when I need them. I have my library organized into three different groups: theme books that align with my teaching for the year, picture […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Using 'Picture Books' as a Teaching Tool With Middle Elementary Students
I love to read out loud to my students. The problem lies in the fact that I don’t have kindergartners anymore who truly appreciate reading aloud for the simple fact that they are being read to. There is always more ‘stuff’ to do than time to do it in our days in middle elementary, so […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Current Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Opinion, Parents
Tried and True Resources for Curriculum Reinforcement
Over the course of my 18 years of teaching, I’ve seen many trends in skills that aren’t mastered before kids move into the next grade level. I’ve also been in schools where funding is not adequate for curriculum and supplies that are needed. Most of my teaching experience has been with early childhood, Pre-K through […]
Posted inChild Development, Classroom Management, Featured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
The Importance of Executive Function
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] Do you have a student who just can’t seem to follow a set of directions, no matter how simple they may seem? Or one who seems to drift from one assignment […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
Looking at the 'Small' Picture
My family and I attend Lifechurch.tv. Now don’t stop reading and get offended because I’ve thrown a church reference in there. This isn’t going to be churchy. Or preachy. Or holier-than-thou. This month’s series is over Small Things, Big Differences. And although Pastor Craig IS focusing on a more church-appropriate message, I have been thinking […]