You just started teaching and you have great plans for changing the lives of the young people you will teach in the coming years. Full of energy, positive-thinking, a little fear, and a lot of determination, you will go into this school year pumped up! So what do you need to know if you’re just starting […]
classroom management
Posted inClassroom Management, Elementary School
Before You Go: End of the Year Field Trips
The end of the year always brings excitement and one of those traditions for many schools is the class field trip. Â Hearing those two simple words can bring delight or fear to the heart of a teacher. Â If you are planning a field trip, follow a few simple steps and it will start your journey […]
Posted inCurrent Events in Education, Elementary School, Kindergarten, The Student Teacher Diaries
Student Teaching Diaries: Is This For a Grade?
When students enter preschool and kindergarten they are excited by learning. Â They explore and engage in activities for the sake of what is happening. Â Teachers set up experiences and lessons that develop skills and provide learning for students. Â As students progress through elementary school, however, they begin to see the association of work for “a […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Middle School, Opinion
Four Things Teachers Should Try Before Removing a Student
At some point in their career, teachers will have to deal with a student so disruptive that the class can quickly become a nightmare. Perhaps the student talks through the lesson or throws objects in the middle of class. Sometimes, the student teases other classmates, making them uncomfortable. And when it comes to respecting the […]
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, Current Events in Education, Elementary School, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Kindergarten
Formative Assessment: Getting Started
[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”] Formative assessment is not just another buzz word in education. Formative assessment goes beyond the exit ticket and check-in tests.  This is a shift in teaching and classroom management that allows […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion
Part II: Why a Teacher Cannot have a Normal Life….
A few weeks ago, I made a few observations about my life as a teacher. I am humbled so many people connected with it. I was in no way undermining what others do, nor was I complaining. I adore my job and I just wanted other people to see our world. It was just a […]
Posted inElementary School, Featured, The Student Teacher Diaries
Student Teaching Diaries: Applying the Learning
Having  a student intern this semester is allowing me to reflect on my own teaching. It has been interesting to see the transition of college knowledge to classroom application.  The university has expectations to train teachers and then the elementary classroom happens. As an educator I am constantly using assessment to guide my teaching.  Information […]