Landed.
Jun 09A year ago, I would have never guessed I’d be where I am today. I suppose a lot can happen in a year. I left my old school – my first teaching job, after six years for a new school. There were some amazing people at my old school. They supported me, helped me learn how to become a better teacher, and started me on my journey as an educator. I am still close with many of them and...
Summer Book Study: The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
Jun 08I’m thrilled to announce the continuation of a summer tradition – the Summer Book Study Blog Party! Summer is a time for not only swimming and rest, but also recharging batteries and getting our minds ready for a new year. I always add a few professional books to my reading list because reading outside in the sunshine and warmth is part of what summer is all about for me. The Summer...
Present.
May 07
Oh my students never cease to amaze me. Calvin did something today that has to rank as one of the sweetest gestures I’ve ever seen. Well today, Calvin hadn’t even walked into the classroom, and he handed me a book. It was Whistle for Willie. Now we’ve read many Ezra Jack Keats books and I’ve talked about how he’s one of my favorite authors. I wasn’t sure...
Brothers.
May 05
Joey has an older brother. In fact, his older brother goes to our school. Sam is in fifth grade so the age difference is pretty big, but the way he takes care of his little brother is something to be admired. Last week, the book fair started in our school’s library. The day it began, Sam popped in to see me. “Hey, Mr. _____, I have some money… can I bring Joey to the book...
Break.
Apr 12
Well today starts my school break. I’m going away. Far away. There may be WiFi, but I’m not bringing my computer. As teachers, we put our heart, sweat, and sometimes, yes, even tears into our jobs. Teaching is the most rewarding job I could ever imagine having… it’s also really hard. Folks expect the world from us. Funny thing is, we usually deliver. We...
Teasing, Tattling, Defiance, and More: Positive Approaches to 10 Common Classroom Behaviors
Apr 06
As anyone who reads here regularly knows, I’m a big proponent of the Responsive Classroom approach to classroom management. There is something inherent in it, just the name ‘Responsive’ always guides me back to the children. What do they need at this particular moment? Maybe it isn’t in the lesson plan or on our schedule for the day, but my job as a teacher is to...
Where?
Apr 05
Today during Sharing, Joey decided to tell the class what he was doing over our Spring Break, which doesn’t happen for another week. “I’m going campin’ on the ‘cation,” he blurted out. Now, during Sharing, it’s common for me to comment or ask clarifying questions. “Joey, where are you going camping?” I wondered. This wasn’t a place I...
Loved on.
Apr 03
Love really is all you need. I know, I know, it’s much easier said than done. Trust me, I know. This year, I have one little guy, William that has really challenged me. I have tried every trick in the book: preferential seating, behavior charts, positive feedback, and, well, I ‘ve thought about duct tape, but figured I better not. Here’s the thing, while I feel like...
Drum set.
Apr 02
We had an assembly today. It was a good one, but it was on the loooong side. Like over an hour long. Which is never good for my sprouts. Sitting more than fifteen minutes is hard. Well today, to help out, I ended up with a drum set. Let me explain. If I notice a kid getting restless (usually a boy), I motion for them to come sit next to me (we’re on the floor). I then rub or pat...
Chickerella.
Mar 29
Yes, you read that correctly, Chickerella. She showed me just how important and powerful our Fairy Tale unit has been. We started with Cinderella and ready many versions… even Dogerella, but I had never heard of Chickerella. Until yesterday, when Maria, a little girl who is just learning English, came running over to me during Library. Waving the book in her hand, her smile was...
