As an educator and a mother of five children, I strive daily toward intentionality in my actions, in the choices I make, and with the words I use. This is completely contradictory to the age old saying, “Do what I say and NOT what I do.” For this reason, I not only strive to have …
6 Ways to Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom Read More »
Culturally responsive. Culturally relevant. Culturally competent. Culturally… Each year, educators are becoming more aware of these terms, but what do they really mean? Most importantly, why is it beneficial to create a culturally responsive classroom? Alright, so here is the skinny. And I mean skinny, because these concepts have been researched and written about for …
In my neck of the woods there is about a month until teachers and students return to the traditional classroom. One month. 30 days on the shot clock. What will you do with these next 30 days? How will you prepare YOU? Here are the three things I plan to do. The beginning of the …
Impact: the strong effect or influence that something has on a situation or person As educators we are always being asked about the impact we are making in our schools and with our students. This is an important question because we have such a significant impact on both the school environment and the student experience. …
“Miiiiisssssss? Why do we need to do this?” I hate to admit it, but I heard this question from students more times than I would have liked. Instead of disregarding this question however, it made me think more deeply about my teaching practice. Why were my students completing a particular assignment? Of course I knew …
On the first day of school, after I introduce myself to the students I ask, “Is there anything else you need to know about me that will help you be a better student?” So, on the very first day of my very first year teaching I asked this question. I got some standard questions like, …
Are window, mirror, and map texts really that important? Over the summer my son, a rising first grader, read one book each week. While he read to me this morning, he kept stopping to comment on how different characters looked like certain friends. The book he was reading is called Next Stop: Second Grade! It’s …
What About Me, Teacher? The Importance of Window, Mirror, and Map Texts Read More »
At the beginning of each school year teachers take the time to hang up posters, add eye-catching borders to bulletin boards, strategically place attention-focusing instruments around the classroom, and much more. All these elements are designed to create an atmosphere, an ambiance if you will. These elements help to set the tone. Throughout the year, …
Have you started back to school already? Are you in the middle of the school year, or are you preparing to head back into the classroom? Either way, I hear the school bells ringing because this blog is back in session! So, whether you’re knee deep in a novel study, or just arranging your flexible seating …
Welcome back, Friends! Hopefully you had a chance to pull out that calendar and schedule time for you. Self care is so important. If you are not good, you definitely cannot give your best. Now that we have our personal goals for success in place, let’s continue by discussing some helpful ways to be successful …