The end of the year is quickly approaching! This is such an exciting time for everyone. The thought of sleeping in, hanging out by the pool, taking a late night walk or a long fun family vacation is weighing on everyone’s mind. Here are some things to do to finish out the year strong!
1. Have everyone bring in a pillowcase. With a paint marker in the middle of the pillow you will write:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I count these hands...
After a school year ended, I always reflected on what I could have done better. Even though I thought I knew my students well, I could have always known them better. From the moment they enter the classroom a teacher is trying to get to know the family, the student academically, the background they bring with them, issues, problems, struggles, likes, dislikes and ultimately what will help a student succeed. A teacher sets up the classroom environment and differentiates activities that will...
Through my years of teaching I encountered 3 principals and 3-4 administrators. They were each so different and inspired me in many ways. There were rules, expectations “buy-ins,” situations and opportunities for me to learn. I had always aspired to be an administrator so my first principal position was one of my favorites. I want to share with you some of the things I did, that I learned from my supportive administrators. The goal for me was to always support, engage, encourage and let...
Each month as an educator, it is important for teachers to reflect on his or her classroom practices and the how and whys of what we do. April is Autism Awareness month and this is such a special time, because as teachers and leaders we should self-reflect on things we can do better or differently to help all children-including children with autism-succeed. High expectations for all students are vital. In classrooms today, teachers must differentiate for all students and include each...
Every summer I tried to prioritize what I was going to do to get ready for the next school year. I wanted my classroom to be engaging, fun, inviting and a place that I wanted to be each day. This will give you ideas on things you can do this summer to refresh for the fall And Prepare for a fantastic first week of school!
During my time as an elementary teacher, I’ve seen gifted kids stress out.
I remember the time a student began crying and screaming, saying his “parents were going to kill him” because he didn’t get all As on his report card. One child would crawl under the desk and shake whenever he got less than a 90 percent on a test. Others would just break down, telling me they were tired of everyone expecting too much from them, or complain how the students outside of the gifted program would...
With the beginning of the new school year right around the corner, many new and veteran teachers alike are wondering about their new students. I remember lying awake at night thinking about how I was going to set up my classroom, change my classroom management, wondering what the new families would be like and what they would bring to my classroom. I knew it was always about the children and what was best for them. Was it better to have the library center by the art center, or the block...