As someone who has lived with the stigma of being labeled a student with a learning disability and the unique experience of having the honor to teach students with learning disabilities, I think I can share with you why inclusion is extremely important and why it’s not always about academic ability. Inclusion, according to […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics, Parents
A Parent’s Guide to the Kindergarten Math Common Core
You may have already heard about Common Core. In fact, your student may already be involved with the Common Core Standards. So, as a kindergarten parent, what do you need to know? What will your student be taught? And, what can you do to prepare your student prior to kindergarten? Just to clarify, the Common […]
Posted inFeatured
Courage to Teach—Reflecting on Paradox in Teaching
Professional development is only as good as the level of understanding, application, and synthesis accomplished by the participants. You can learn an amazing amount of information, but if you do not apply this information, and internalize it to restructure your teaching, then it is time lost. The hour and a half spent monthly with my […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
12th-Grade Inquiry Papers on the Topic of Heroes and Monsters
The association of midterm exams with freezing is both literal (I teach in the Northeast) and figurative (many students “freeze up” during an exam), so at the end of this semester, I took one of the writing standards from the Common Core State Standards hoping at the very least to stop the “freeze” in the […]
Posted inBook Review, Elementary School, Featured, Kindergarten, Uncategorized
What Really Matters for Students: A Review of "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character"
The Educator’s Room Book Review: “How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character,” by Paul Tough Paul Tough has re-entered the education discussion with How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character as a fresh voice in the discussion about student achievement. For us teachers, this discussion can be […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Stellar Educator of the Week
Jeannine J.: Our Stellar Educator of the Week!
Name: Jeannine J. School: Walpole, MA Years Teaching: 10+ years Specialty: English/ Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Social Sciences Congratulations to Jeannine J., our Stellar Educator of the Week! Jeannine is a Kindergarten Teacher. She was nominated by one of her peers, and we agree that Jeannine is an amazing educator! Here is what her […]
Posted inParents
Getting Started Home Schooling Your Child
by: Sam Wilkerson At some point in time I think many parents wonder or at least give fleeting consideration to the notion of homeschooling their children. However only an exceptional few have the direction and confidence to move forward along the path with clear goals and a plan of action for enriching their children’s education. […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Opinion
Here We Go Again–Another Year of State Testing
High stakes testing is a common discussion within education today. There are teachers who are willing to risk their educational careers to step up and voice their opinions about all of the testing being given in our schools today. I have always believed you have to advocate for your children. I do that constantly. If […]