Behavior Management
Dear Teacher Who Has “Bad” Kids
Let’s talk. As a trusted friend, we have to tell you it’s time to pause, reflect, and get your class back on track. Those kids in the back who keep talking while you teach… this is now your issue. Those kids who keep taking out their phones… also your issue. The ones who keep talking…
Read MoreThe "I'm Done!" Conundrum
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . Has this ever happened to you? Your class is in the zone. Everyone is settled, engaged, and working in their literacy stations. You are making headway with a guided reading group, and you hear those two dreaded words that are like fingernails on the chalkboard –…
Read MoreHoliday Craze
“It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us.” This is how Obi-Wan Kenobi introduced Luke Skywalker (and most of us) to the Force in Star Wars. Well, in December there is a different “force” that “surrounds and penetrates us” – it’s the holiday craze. Can you feel it? There is…
Read MoreTeaching Independence
For sure one of the hardest parts of guided reading is the classroom management piece. After all you are giving a small group your undivided attention while the rest of the class is working at stations independently. That’s quite a bit going on in a small space with lots of people! However, you’ve marched on…
Read More2 Tips For Creating Compassionate Students
From the desk of Alice… One of my favorite times of the day is my morning commute. Because I often work on different projects in different locations, it is not uncommon for me to have a commute that is an hour or more. During this time I get to sip my coffee, enjoy some…
Read MoreCompassionate Classrooms
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” …
Read MoreGive Them a Purpose
My youngest child has developed a love for horses. This love has grown exponentially over the last few years and honestly, as a busy mom, I have provided the minimum amount of support for this hobby. Despite this, I am becoming a barn mom. Because she is young and inexperienced, I have stayed at the…
Read MoreYou Are One Person
From the desk of Alice… There is research that suggests students only need to be connected to one person in the school in order to be successful in high school. One person. That one person could be the secretary, the teacher, the housekeeper or an administrator. After spending time in a high school recently, I…
Read MoreQuick and Smooth Transitions Within the Classroom
Transitions in the classroom can be difficult for both students and teachers. Sometimes students don’t want to leave what they’re doing or don’t know they are supposed to stop and a mad dash results when they realize the time for the activity is over. For teachers transitions can be a time of chaos, shouting, and…
Read MoreThe Secret Strategy
The beginning of the year can be a hectic and stressful time for teachers. There are many, many things that must happen outside the classroom and instructional day. There are also lesson plans, students and resources to manage. This juggling act continues all year, but during the first few months of school, it can seem…
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