Each year we get a new group of students and they bring along parents. Â We have opportunities at the beginning of the year to set up a relationship here that can work towards learning or against learning. Â There are a few simple things you can do as you start the school year to invite parents […]
Parents
The Importance of Reading Out Loud
Read out loud. It’s my mantra. I don’t care how old my elementary students are, I feel they all can benefit from reading out loud to their grown ups. And in this hurried world we live in, the grown ups benefit too. Younger readers need to read out loud to practice reading strategies, to work […]
6 Tips for Students with Learning Disabilities Who Plan to Attend College
It’s that time of year again! Students everywhere, including students with Learning Disabilities, are gearing up to start another year of school. For many of these students, this will be their last year as high school students. It’s a year full of many emotions and uncertainty about their future. Homecoming, Homecoming Week, Prom, Senior Night, […]
Robin Williams Passing Shouldn’t be in Vain
Remembering Robin Williams, a Great Icon [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”] Like most of us, I was stunned to hear the news of beloved actor, Robin Williams untimely passing. It was a reminder to me that […]
It's August: Better to Get to Work on those Summer Work Packets!
“Ancora imparo. [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”][I am still learning.]“ ― Michelangelo, at age 87 in 1562 In the United States, students will spend 96 weeks or collectively about two years of their academic life in summer vacation […]
Let's Talk School Start-Up–Again
[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”] Ever since I wrote my first piece about starting my own school I receive at least four emails a week asking for more information as to how other individuals can start […]
Vocabulary: Something to Talk About
Research shows a connection between early elementary students’ word knowledge and reading comprehension in both early elementary school and throughout upper grades (Juel and Deffes, 2004). As a fourth grade teacher and parent of three, I see this connection every day. I am often asked, “What can I do for my kids at home? What […]
Unschooling: When There is No End to the School Year
This time of year is filled with so many conflicting feelings for teachers. Â I remember my time in the classroom as I faced June: elation, anxiousness, constant review of what needed to get done, finalizing grades and projects, planning for next year, thinking about the summer… Â The end of the school year is a huge […]