My class of first and second graders is working through the scientific method. We have been doing several science experiences a week for the past four weeks. I love how they ‘get it’. Several of my teacher friends think I’m crazy for introducing this concept so early. Those are the same friends who also think I’m […]
From the Front Lines
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
A Light to Turn On
[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”] Little people. That is whom I teach. I have a room full of loud, curious, eager, fidgety little people who I must teach Reading, Math, English, Social Studies, Science, critical thinking, […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher, From the Front Lines, Instructional Strategies, Middle School, Special Education
The Working Hours of a Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers work hard. People see smaller class sizes and equate that with less work, but that’s a fallacy. I can tell you that in my small class, I’m planning three different lessons and within those three lessons, I’m modifying within levels. In my inclusion classes, I modify assignments, and teachers look at it […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
Going Against the Flow: Student Self Worth
I view my ‘job’ as an educator as so much more than just focusing on academics. So many times I act as nurse, counselor, mother and friend first, then teacher. Some of the most important skills that children will take with them through life extend far past reading, writing and arithmetic. I had the opportunity […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Professional Development
Sparking Class Discussions with One Simple Question
Guest Writer: Arpine Ovsepyan, M.A. “What did you learn in class today?” This is a simple question that helps open the door for thought-provoking classroom discussions, serves as a formative assessment, and provides closure to a lesson. For a little over two years, I have made the commitment to never end a class without asking […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Uncategorized
The Loneliness of the Post College New Teacher
“The weekends are the hardest.” a young, new coworker friend of mine said, “I think I’ll get another dog, it’s too lonely.” I remember reading somewhere that some of the loneliest people in the world are those of the newly graduated college student, and it seemed that my young, coworker friend was no different. It made sense […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Current Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, Special Education
How to Apply for a DonorsChoose Grant (And Why You Should)
Less than two months ago, I applied for a grant at donorschoose.org out of pure desperation. I needed supplies for my classroom and I didn’t see any other way that would happen with the current budget crisis in effect. Where I’m at, the special education budget has hit on all-time low, so our resources are […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Opinion
Those Quaint Quirks of Kiddos
One of my favorite things about being a teacher is overhearing the things that kids say. Even better is hearing the things that parents say at drop off or pick up. I decided to compile a list of funnies from the past two weeks. Some of them leave me giggling randomly through the day, others, […]