One of our fourth grade standards in Kansas is US states. Students learn about the regions including their geography, climate, economy and cultures. We spend time researching and learning about the various states while comparing them to Kansas. Students become travel agents to different places. While it would be wonderful to have the funds to fly […]
Elementary School
An elementary school is a primary school for children between the ages of 5-11 and between the grades prekindergarten and secondary education.
Posted inElementary School, Featured, Special Education
5 Strategies for Writing IEPs to Ensure Student Success
Spring Break is the long awaited oasis, the reason we survive as teachers from Christmas Break until summer. But if your district is like mine, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are due by the end of the year. We like to call this IEP Season. Unlike flu season, this part of the job cannot be avoided […]
Posted inElementary School, How to Fix Education, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Mathematics
Teaching Fractions, Piece By Piece
Ugh. Fractions. I love to teach math, but fractions-blah. So like with any challenging unit, I like to bring in something tangible. Remember, kids were designed to manipulate items and are tactile learners, some on into ten and eleven years of age. This activity is great for all ages and will teach several different concepts […]
Posted inCommon Core, Elementary School, Social Justice
Social Justice Test Prep?
I teach at a school in New York City where approximately 50% of students “opted out” of state exams last year. I’m proud to be a part of a school community where families are using their power to send a message to our state policymakers and lawmakers about the overuse of standardized testing. That said, […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Current Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, From the Front Lines
The Hidden Emotional Labor of Teaching
It’s time for teachers to talk about our feelings Thursday morning I was called into a meeting unexpectedly and given the news that one of my students would probably not be returning to school this year. The news and the surrounding circumstances hit me with a wave of emotions. After discussing logistics such as how […]
Posted inElementary School, English Language Learners, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Uncategorized
Seeking the Truth in Mexico City
Just a few days ago I found myself in Castillo de Chapultepec, on top of a large hill in Mexico City. The castle was formerly a military academy, presidential and imperial residence, and is now the site of the Museo Nacional de Historia (The National History Museum). I had come to Mexico City to escape […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, From the Front Lines, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Middle School, Opinion, Parents, Uncategorized
It's Time Teachers Curb Homework
Yesterday, my wife came home with her laptop bag. Again. And it’s not her fault. After working another 9-hour day, that wasn’t enough. She had to put in a bit more time to finish off a few projects so that they were ready for the clients in the morning. My wife doesn’t regularly do this […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Current Events in Education, Elementary School
But What if They Reflect?
I have never been a traditional teacher. This year I removed most of the desks from my classroom and have added a standing table, coffee tables and areas for students to work away from a desk. This has been an amazing transformation with many benefits. Last week the custodian was in my room and she […]