They line up at the door when the morning bell rings. Twenty-some second graders with book bags and coats snake down the hall. It is a sort of single-file line filled with chatter and laughter. There usually is some pushing and goofing off. All that is required is a “teacher” look from me to get […]
Lee-Ann Meredith
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." Lao Tzu Lee-Ann Meredith is a second grade teacher, author, Department Chairperson and education advocate who has spent the duration of her time in public education at John B. Murphy Elementary School in inner city Chicago. Often characterized as funny, dynamic, and an independent innovator, Lee-Ann cites her idol as Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus. Fluent in a wide range in instructional strategies for the elementary level, Lee-Ann is dedicated to being an advocate for children everywhere by implementing 'cutting edge' strategies to increase student achievement. Some of the issues that she spearhead included: promoting literacy throughout the building, leading community meetings to advocate for full day kindergarten for all students and helping implement the Responsive Classroom strategies throughout the school. In addition to working closely with the curriculum, she also had the honor to supervise (and mentor into teaching positions) numerous student teachers and practicum students from various post-secondary institutions around the Chicago area such as: Erikson Institute, National Louis, DePaul. Northeaster Illinois, Roosevelt, and North Park Universities.
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Eight Ways to Teach Spelling to All Learners
For some of us, spelling comes easily. For others, like me, it is wildly apparent that English is derived from a confusing array or sources. While most good spellers are good readers, not all good readers are good spellers. Still, kids need to be held accountable for their spelling. Every fall parents ask about spelling: […]
Posted inElementary School, English Language Learners, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Science, Social Studies, Uncategorized
Avoiding Round Robin in All Subject Areas
I am always amazed that the Round Robin reading still exists. The empirical evidence has shown that it is an ineffective teaching method. Just being an observant teacher would make you realize the kids are bored and off task. Worst of all, it brings humiliation to students who struggle with reading or English. So how […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, How to Fix Education, Instruction & Curriculum
Coping with a Different Child
Each class has one, that quirky child who just can’t seem to fit in. Even the nicest kids aren’t sure how to handle them. I could be a psychological issue, a hygiene issue, the desire to cling to everyone, the OCD boss, or the super-social ADHD student who just cannot be quiet. As adults, we […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, How to Fix Education
12 Tips for Maintaining Classroom Self Control
[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”] The class is taking a weekly math test. Everyone is working quietly when a fly buzzes across the room. Suddenly, Bingo says in a clear voice, “Here’s my friend, Tony the […]
Posted inInstructional Strategies, Literacy, Uncategorized
Turning that Picture into Writing
On my bathroom wall at home, I have a large framed drawing my son made in first grade. It has a lot of underwater action, including thought bubble over the shark saying “I am the king of the ocean.” Another thought bubble over a fish close to the shark’s mouth reads, “I am going to […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Social Studies
Where Are You From? Connecting Students to the World
Our students often have a difficult time connecting to the big world outside their everyday lives. I had a rich and in-depth activity that I loved to do with my students to allow them the opportunity to connect themselves to a bigger world and to each other. It often resulted in comments like these: “My […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, How to Fix Education, Opinion, Principals' Corner
Custodial Care: Respecting the Essential Education Support Services
Who are the custodians at your school? Do you know them by name? Do you know their strengths and weaknesses? Are you reliant upon them? The crazy mess with custodial services in Chicago has made national news. Last year the Chicago Board of Education contracted custodial services with Aramark and Sudexo. Sudexo is primarily working […]