Entering my twenty-third year of education I know there is more. I have been through basal reading, whole language, memorization of facts, conceptual mathematics, hands-on science and many teacher manuals more of "best practices". The pendulum swings back and forth while teachers and students try to keep afoot and learn. So this year I have [...]
Today's elementary classroom is an active community. This is a great thing as kids are active learners; however, for teachers, this activity can be overwhelming. It is important to think about organizing your activity to make it through the year successfully. Teaching expectations at the beginning of the year will increase engagement all year long. [...]
Imagine 1996, a young girl fresh out of college in the Midwest. She interviews with nearby schools and after the third school she is offered a position to teach in her own small town. This is a dream come true. Energy and excitement fill her as she sets up her first classroom. At this point, [...]
Education has slowly been changing over the last decade. Classrooms are becoming student-centered and the teacher's role is changing. While I am very comfortable giving my students choice and voice in my classroom, sometimes I feel lost while they are working. What is my role? How do I know I am meeting their needs? How do [...]
So many things go beyond content in our classrooms. Teachers model and teach habits of mind, character development, communication skills and study skills in their classrooms as they encourage creativity and provide opportunities for 21st century learning. All this happens while teaching content and standards. Finding a balance among all of this is close to [...]