When the school year starts winding down, we start having less and less time for core content. So let's talk about how you can still use that time wisely. Our days are filled with end of the year assemblies, field days, class parties, you name it. I might be the only teacher that actually enjoys this hectic last minute planning and fun at the end of the year. While it is stressful more most, I try to take it as my last few chances to have fun with my students and enjoy THEM. Here are some tips for winding down your school year: Take the time to appreciate how far they've come Even though we may be giving tests that will show us the data … [Read more...] about Tips for Winding Down the School Year
Classroom Management
Sharing – Classroom Management Monday
Happy Monday friends! Let's talk about sharing. It comes at a perfect time because there is a post that is going a bit viral right now. Have you read it? If not, you can HERE. In short, it is from a mom who is frustrated with how sharing is expected and taught. I have to tell ya though, I agree with her 100%. Sharing Today You often hear everyone telling their children or students, "you need to share!" While this is true, how far are we taking it? During learning centers, if there was blocks, math manipulatives, or some other item involved, I would always get kids running up to me tattling "___ won't share the big block." Or even "___ … [Read more...] about Sharing – Classroom Management Monday
Brain Breaks – Classroom Management Monday
Brain Breaks: they're nothing new but again, one of those oh-so-powerful tools that some of use might be missing out on. It is also a topic that needs a lot more discussion in the future. Let's just scratch the surface today. What are brain breaks? Just in case you didn't know, they a very quick break in between lessons (or sometimes during a lesson!) that get your students's brains a chance to reset a bit. Think about yourself: if you are studying, reading intense material, or focused on something that takes a lot of your mental energy, you find yourself needing a break. You usually get up and get a cup of coffee, a snack, or anything that … [Read more...] about Brain Breaks – Classroom Management Monday
PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention & Support) – What it is it and how can it help?
Happy Monday friends! For today's classroom management Monday I am going to be talking a little bit about PBIS. It is something that I think every school should have and implement because when done well, it can really do great things for your school. So, what is it? PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Support. It is a school-wide adoption that is supposed to give support to teachers and students when needed. It is also there so that everyone is on the same level when it comes to dealing with behavior. Ideally, students will know the exact consequences to actions no matter where they are … [Read more...] about PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention & Support) – What it is it and how can it help?
Managing Fire and Lock Down Drills- Classroom Management Monday #7
We live in a day and age where it is a sad & disgusting truth that lock downs are becoming a common occurrence. I feel like once we get back into the swing of things, something terrible like what just happened in San Bernadino happens and we are put on high alert again. That's why today's blog post is going to focus on fire drills - but even more specifically on lock down drills. Surely all schools then go into crisis mode and practice these alarms just to make sure they are on top of things. The sad thing is that it usually scares the kids OR makes them super anxious/hyper/not themselves. It is easy to let this behavior slide because we are so … [Read more...] about Managing Fire and Lock Down Drills- Classroom Management Monday #7
Celebrating Each Other for a More Positive Environment
This one seems like one of those super simple statements that just gets tossed around. Well, guess what? It is and there is a reason for it: it works. What phrase am I talking about? Positive Learning Environment By now we have all heard about the benefits of a positive learning environment. With that being said, I am going to get into some of the stuff that I believe in that might not sit well with some: I don't agree with the "everyone is a winner for participating" era happening right now. I believe in tough love... AND I believe in showing love. Now before you get too upset, allow me to explain. I think it is great that we celebrate … [Read more...] about Celebrating Each Other for a More Positive Environment