Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, Kindergarten, The Student Teacher Diaries

Student Teacher Diaries: Building Each Other Up

There is always a point in the year when the students have become comfortable with each other and I know.  Patience runs out, words develop edges and group work becomes unbearable.  I have an activity I pull out each year to help students build each other up and look at each other with grace and […]

Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, How to Fix Education, Instructional Strategies, Kindergarten, School Improvement, The Student Teacher Diaries

Student Teaching Diaries: Outside the Classroom

Teachers use multiple resources to learn and strengthen their craft.  There are online resources, educational journals, district level in-service, networking groups and educational conferences.  This week Lauren and I were both able to participate in conferences offered outside of our school district.  There is so much value to networking and learning offered at conferences. Mentor Teacher: […]

Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Mathematics, Middle School, Science, Social Studies

Dr. Seuss: It's For Big Kids Too

Theodor Seuss Geisel is known in classrooms, libraries and by elementary age children for his fun and crazy books. There is a special language he developed, perfected and used to engage children in reading.  From his first book, “And To Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street” to his ever popular “Cat in the Hat” […]

Posted inClassroom Management, Current Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Kindergarten

Formative Assessment: Getting Started

[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”] Formative assessment is not just another buzz word in education.  Formative assessment goes beyond the exit ticket and check-in tests.   This is a shift in teaching and classroom management that allows […]

Posted inElementary School, Featured, The Student Teacher Diaries

Student Teaching Diaries: Applying the Learning

Having  a student intern this semester is allowing me to reflect on my own teaching. It has been interesting to see the transition of college knowledge to classroom application.  The university has expectations to train teachers and then the elementary classroom happens. As an educator I am constantly using assessment to guide my teaching.  Information […]

Posted inElementary School, The Student Teacher Diaries

Student Teaching Diaries: It’s Not Just Teaching

Teaching is more than lessons, assessments, and children.  It involves extra work outside of the classroom.  Seasoned teachers know there are many “extras” that come with the job.  We attend board meetings, committee meetings, planning meetings, curriculum meetings, after-school clubs, summer school sessions, PTO and Site Council presentations, school plays and school-sponsored events outside of the 7:45-3:45 daily […]