I absolutely enjoy teaching writing to my students. As a matter of fact, I encourage a variety of writing every day, cross-pollinating the curriculum all year long. There have been many times I have heard, “There is no time to write”; “I only write twice a week”, or “how do I include writing in all subject areas?”
Reading and writing go together, and you can’t teach one without the other. The Common Core expects our students to be able to respond to the text with writing. No matter...
As a classroom teacher, I realize the importance of focusing on the parallels between art and the writing process. Often, we hear children ask,” Can I draw my story?” or say,” The story in my picture is.” “Children naturally integrate their learning and curriculum through moving back and forth between words and pictures” (Ernst, 1992). Typically, as children over time learn to read and write, picture making is pushed to the sides or delegated to the art room. However, children have a...
The lotus flower has been a symbol in Buddhism tradition as well as Hinduism and Egyptian culture. For example, Buddhists have come to associate the flower with beauty and purity and as a symbol of spiritual awakening. The flower is certainly unique. Growing in murky ponds, the lotus rises above the water and mud in all its colorful glory.
Growing up (I’m about to date myself), I loved the television series, Kung Fu, starring David Carradine, who played Kwai Chang Caine, a Shaolin...
As a teacher, I’m always looking for structures I can use in my class that are reusable--activities that can be used for multiple units. Here are a few of my favorites.
Index card swap: I give each student an index card at the beginning of class. I give them time to write down one question for class discussion. I ask them to make sure the question is one that fosters discussion, has...
There are many types of early childhood environments. Think about the environments you have been in or built. As we plan for 2018, what can you do to make your environment better? All children deserve to learn and engage in a clean, safe, and enjoyable area where they feel valued, engaged, appreciated, and successful.
As a teacher, I tried to change my classroom at the beginning of each year and sometimes...
In recent years, educational experts have debated the concept of differentiation—that is varying/altering curriculum, content, and teaching methods to meet the individualized needs of students.
Let me join this conversation by saying that first, I believe differentiation can work to various degrees but requires much training and knowledge. Like education, it is inherently flawed and poses many challenges. I agree with Dr. Jim Delisle when he points out the incredible challenge of...
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE FAMOUS GAMES of ANCIENT GREECE!
When you think of an Early Childhood Classroom, what do you see? Do you see bright colors? Welcoming faces, smiles, and bulletin boards that are decorated with fun themes? There are so many things that young children need to learn and develop in a successful way. Early Childhood teachers can do this and help children become productive citizens.
Here are few things to think about or revisit as you begin...
An Invitation-
Have you ever had so many creative ideas, some that worked and some that are still pending? Have you ever felt like your creativity was overwhelming, others would never understand...