I always get really excited when the Olympics come on TV. It gives me a chance to see sports on TV that are not usually shown and the amazing back stories about the athletes are always appealing. This year I mentioned the Olympics to my students and the universal reply was that they had no […]
classroom strategies
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Middle School, Opinion
Rethinking Discipline
My first teaching assignment was in an urban middle school, where I was fortunate enough to have several excellent colleagues as mentors. I learned to handle most classroom problems myself, reporting only major violations to administration. Here are a few techniques I used during my 30 year career. 1. Have a sense of humor. If […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured
What to Do About Your Perpetual Motion Student
Got a wiggler in your class who is driving you crazy? Lucky you. I love them! I know some teachers don’t. Some teachers don’t know how to put up with the perpetual motion, the blurts and interruptions, or the ants in the pants antics. I gained a lot experience that brought wisdom, patience, and tricks […]
Posted inFeatured, Fine Arts, Opinion
What If You Are Teaching the Next Picasso?
[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”] My wife and I just finished our honeymoon tour of Spain, and one place that put me in awe was the Museo Picasso in Barcelona. This collection showcased a completely different […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum
When All Else Frustrates, We Still Have Vacation
I would be remiss if I did not gleefully gloat about the one thing the teaching profession offers in comparison to similarly ranked careers. Of course I’m referring to vacation time. I absolutely love having vacations during holidays. My equally elated spouse insists on taking in new ventures, enjoying each full minute of an unstructured […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum
Eliminate Extra Credit!
[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”] “Mr. Miller, is there any extra credit I can do?” I hear this question at least once a week. At. Least. Once. A. Week. Despite the fact that I spend the […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Featured
Consistency is Part of the Recipe
“What are you supposed to be doing right now?” I crossed my arms and cocked my head to look at a group of girls gathered on the rug. I was working with a small group. The girls froze. Then with a flurry, they went back to desks to work independently on their reading contracts. That […]
Posted inFeatured, The New Teacher Chronicles
The New Teacher's Survival Guide: Planning Meaningful Lessons
Welcome to The new Teacher’s Survival Guide! This is part three of a five-part series. Start from the beginning with part one, here. [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”] Every Friday, I ask my students to […]