Voices off and eyes on me, in three, in two, and one. The class expectation is 100% engagement while the teacher gives the ‘stand and deliver’ routine for an hour. G is taking notes in her binder. And she is one of three students who’s raising her hand and adding insight to the conversation. She […]
behavior
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Why I Worry About My Students
There are a thousand reasons why I worry about my students I had a challenging group this past school year. Generally, my “teacher radar” runs in the background on low intensity-ready to alert me as needed. Off-task behavior or potential disruptions elicit a ping. But with this group, I had to be constantly aware of […]
Posted inHow to Fix Education
The Importance Of Early Intervention
I am a huge advocate for early intervention. Unfortunately, my district doesn’t always share the same philosophy. In my experience, students who are having difficulty in first and second grade (even some students in kindergarten) can be identified and remediated with the right supports. We are doing a huge disservice to children and families by […]
Posted inChild Development, Current Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, From the Front Lines, High School, Instructional Strategies, Kindergarten, Middle School, New Teacher Bootcamp, School Improvement, Teacher Burnout
The Final Days of School
Charles Swindoll said, “Attitude is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, money, circumstances, than failures and success, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, ability or skill. It will make or break a business, a home, a friendship, an organization. The […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Instructional Strategies
Behavior Bugs Are On The Loose!
Every school year I use some type of token system with my class. Since I have students who loop with me for several years, I don’t like to use the same system every year so as not to repeat something that has already been done for students I have again. One year I used poker […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Elementary School, The Student Teacher Diaries
Student Teacher Diaries: Classroom Management
This weekly series features the observations and experiences of a veteran teacher and her student teacher as they learn together this semester. At the beginning of the year it is important to establish the tone of your classroom.  I like to select a theme that ties things together.  For the past couple of years I […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Opinion
Don't Discount Trauma For Young Children
[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 had my eyes really opened today by one of my students who lost his house in the 2012 Oklahoma tornado. We were talking about how the things we are thankful […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Featured, Opinion, Uncategorized
Manifestation Meetings: Have You Experienced One?
I recently had a crash course in what is called ‘Manifestation Determination’ or ‘Manifestation Meetings’. I had never heard of these until this week. Now mind you, I am by no means a special education teacher, nor do I claim to know much about all of the forms and paperwork that these saints endure. I […]