I was recently reminded, in a rather unusual way, of the many benefits that clear classroom behavior expectations provide. I’ll explain. This past summer, I moved into a home with a partially fenced backyard. As you know, I have a playful pup,…
teaching
New Safety Procedure?
Our local school system has implemented a new safety measure. All school employees have been given fobs and must now “fob in” when they arrive at school and “fob out” when they leave. The accompanying explanation? In the case of an emergency a record will be available of who is in each building and who is…
Five Fantastic Feedback Tips
As teachers, we know that a growth mindset is the key to learning. When children believe they can learn, they will. When children believe they can’t learn, their success is limited. So how does a teacher encourage a growth mindset in all students? Give plenty of feedback using these five fantastic tips! Always be specific….
Fave Blogs from 2015
So which blogs did ya’ll like most this past year? Well, I’m just about to tell you. With a big help from Eric, our behind-the-scenes digital guru I have a list of the most popular blog posts from 2015. So what were the hot topics of the year? Take a look! It’s definitely a smorgasbord…
DEVOLSON?
Are you familiar with DEVOLSON? It’s a teacher-created acronym describing what is often a season of disillusionment for teachers. The acronym stands for Dark, Evil Vortex of Late September, October, and November. It’s real. I’ve lived it. It’s when the fresh start of a new school year, along with the personal goals you’ve set for…
Stop What You’re Doing!
I’m not one to order people around. However, I’m making an exception today. This is an order for every teacher reading this blog. Grab a mirror, look eye to eye with the teacher in mirror, and say these words: “You are making a difference. You are appreciated.” Then give yourself a hearty pat on the…
Pumpkin Fever
It’s official. Fall is here. With just a few days remaining in September, I’m feeling the pull of pumpkins. This funny orange fruit (yes, a pumpkin is a fruit) is one of my favorite signs of fall. Little pumpkins, big pumpkins, round pumpkins, and not-so-round pumpkins—I love ’em all. Check out these pumpkins decorated…
You’ve Got to Be Kidding!
I recently read an article in support of the notion that if students do not want to learn, it is impossible to make them learn. Okay, here’s the honest truth: I wanted to shake this author until his teeth rattled loose and spilled out onto the floor. I was in such disbelief that I read…
Gone Fishin’
I recently read an article that began with the age-old saying “Give a man a fish, and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and feed him for a lifetime.” The author used this saying to separate good teachers from excellent ones. Her point was that excellent teachers teach a child…
Claps, Snaps, and Moos?
My get-a-cow-to-come-say-hi skills are rusty. I learned this a few weeks ago when a friend’s car decided to conk out on a country road. While we waited for assistance, I decided to befriend a cow in a nearby pasture. I conversed. I cooed. I mooed. I even flapped my arms. Nothing but a stare—or maybe…