Tai Chi methodology is my secret to a smooth school year – a year that grants my second grade students growing independence, allowing me the ability to work with small groups. We move slowly, reviewing everything: pencils, crayons, notebook paper, and even, standing in line. This requires me to slow my usual fast and furious […]
classroom management
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
Structure Among Chaos – Classroom Management 101
“I’m done! You guys can have this (pointing to the classroom) and I’m never coming back!” As a new teacher, I watched in disbelief as a veteran teacher became so fed up with the student’s misbehavior that she walked out on her job. As a new teacher I understood this particular teacher’s frustration…heck there were times […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, How to Fix Education
Back to School Tips for Elementary Teachers
Every year the back-to-schools sales start and I am excited and yet apprehensive about beginning a new school year. This is my 17th year teaching. Seventeen years of setting up a learning space for students and families. Seventeen years of a new class list, Open House, Parent Night, and the first week. Every year I […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured
Extend the Learning: An Important Classroom Management System
Learning is an ongoing process involving effort, failure, persistence, and growth. I have been teaching for seventeen years and I learn new things from my students every year. I am an exemplary teacher and yet I am not done. This is what I model and expect of my students as well. Learning is never “done.” […]
Posted inNew Teacher Bootcamp
Is There A Doctor In The House?
Elementary teachers should wear a stethoscope, carry an abundant supply of bandages, and it would probably be beneficial to have access to a prescription pad too. Sometimes I wonder exactly what happens in that nurse’s office. It is a popular request by many elementary students, “Can I go see the nurse?” I have taught reading […]
Posted inElementary School, Featured, Kindergarten, New Teacher Bootcamp
Setting Up Your Elementary Classroom
I have a photo book of my first classroom, seventeen years ago. The desks are piled in the middle of the room. The teacher desk, my favorite item, was an old wooden desk. I still have it today. In fact, I changed buildings 5 years ago with the stipulation that my desk goes with me. […]
Posted inFeatured, New Teacher Bootcamp
Preparing for a Substitute
[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”] It happens. You have to take a day (or more) off from school. Sometimes you can plan ahead, and other times you face unexpected circumstances. In steps a substitute to fulfill […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured, Middle School, Principals' Corner
Know More, Grow More – 20 Ways to Make the Most of Your Summer
[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”] One June 7th, all the students in my class and at my school cleaned out their lockers, shed a few tears, glued big smiles on their faces, and loaded on the […]