In the 21st century, there is a multitude of ways to communicate with parents. I know a large part of the education workforce is comprised of ‘digital immigrants’, but with a little time and motivation, all teachers can (and should) utilize technology to increase communication with parents and students. Here are my eight favorite ways […]
Parents
Posted inHow to Fix Education
Parents have Rights. Really!
Parents have rights. In their efforts to promote charter schools, some education reform activists couch their advocacy in language describing “choice,” parent rights and even sometimes suggest that traditional schools and teachers pose a danger to students while going virtually unaccountable. This skewed and theatrical view of reality may be a reason many parents have […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
The Middle School Mind: How To Find Out What They’re Thinking
Summer is finally over. Parents are secretly smiling as they shoo their kids out the door, snap a few first day of school photos and sigh. Yes, some of them might shed a few tears over the passage of time and the impending high school graduation – even if it’s still five years away. And some […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education
Are Schools Perpetuating America’s Problems?
Nancy Easton, my pastor, began this week’s sermon (words / audio) with a clip from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. The man who graced public television from the late ’60s through the early millennium drew full attention from an equally diverse audience that was, at the least, aware of the impact of Fred Rogers, and, at most, daily childhood […]
Posted inClassroom Management
Using Essential Oils in the Classroom
Holistic therapies and homeopathic remedies have been gaining in popularity and use in recent years. I will reach for essential oils as an alternative before taking over-the-counter medicines. Even some hospitals have started to diffuse essential oils to reduce workplace stress and promote natural pain relief. Teachers can use essential oils in the classroom to help […]
Posted inParents
Fostering an Independent Three-Year-Old
Children are capable of so much more than society gives them credit for. Helicopter parenting is becoming increasingly common and children are being required to do less and less for themselves. Sure, it’s easier to do for your child rather than wait or risk a tantrum. How much are they learning from it though? Today’s society […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher
Tales from the Dark Side… of Parent Teacher Conferences
I have a friend who retired after many years as a Superintendent of Schools with many accolades and awards, a highly respected professional. When interviewed by her local paper, she was asked if, given the chance, would she make the same career choice? Her answer wasn’t completely clear to the reporter, but it struck home […]
Posted inOpinion
A Letter to First Day Families
You’ve enrolled at a new school! Excitement, nervousness, and anxiety towards the unknown start to kick in. Questions are filling your mind as you and your little one are headed to your first day of preschool. Stop, take a deep breath, and relax. For some, the transition to a new school is easy and takes little time at […]