[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”] Discipline, as defined by Google, is a noun or verb which is the practice of or to train (someone) to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct […]
Lori H Rice
Lori Rice is a fourth-grade teacher at West Elementary in Wamego, Kansas, who has taught K-2 reading as well as kindergarten, first grade and fourth grade since 1996. She has a passion for creativity, learning, questioning and the whole child. Her classroom is a place of acceptance and celebrating differences.
Posted inCommon Core, Elementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Middle School, Social Studies
Social Studies: The Not So Ugly Step Sister
With implementation of the Common Core across the US, classrooms are seeing a shift in reading, writing, and math standards. Science is also getting a spotlight with STEM and STEAM integration. Social Studies, however, seems to get pushed into the corner. There is an importance in learning from our past and thinking about changes in […]
Posted inFeatured, Parents
Vocabulary: Something to Talk About
Research shows a connection between early elementary students’ word knowledge and reading comprehension in both early elementary school and throughout upper grades (Juel and Deffes, 2004). As a fourth grade teacher and parent of three, I see this connection every day. I am often asked, “What can I do for my kids at home? What […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
A Living Memorial
This last Memorial Day Sunday, our preacher spoke of the past. Do you know the name of your great-great-great grandmother? How about your great-great-grandfather? Do you know the name of your great-grandmother? Who was your grandma? While our family lineage is long, it does not take many generations to forget the names. I do not know the […]
Posted inOpinion, Parents
Beyond the Learning: An Elementary Reflection
My son, Sport, had his eighth grade promotion Monday. Although an antiquated practice, it followed my heart and mind with memories of his journey. I was filled with pride at the man he is becoming and hope for his future. School goes beyond academics. I remember dropping Sport off at preschool in the morning and […]
Posted inElementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Technology
Open Your Doors to Learning
The winter was long here in Kansas. When we finally got some spring air it was refreshing to open the windows and get outside. Students and teachers can both benefit from getting out of the classroom. It’s just a space, the classroom. Learning comes from the lessons, the questions, the educator, and the interactions among […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Reverse Poetry
I stumbled upon “Mirror Mirror” and “Follow Follow” in the Scholastic book order this past month. Being a lover of fairy tales I added them to my cart. I was happily surprised and amazed as I read these reversible verse poems. We had viewed one in church, but I did not realize it was a […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Elementary School, Instruction & Curriculum
Packing Up Your Clip Chart
My philosophy in teaching, and in life, is to leave things better than you found them. Each person is placed here for a purpose and a reason. As an educator, it is my role to foster the strengths within each student and help them reach their potential. This task, while difficult, is best done with […]