Human nature dictates that one ponder life’s decisions and, being an English instructor in Turkey, I often let my mind deliberate on a second conditional, a possibility that has materialized in the past and has had an effect on the future. In my case, the effect is obvious in my interrupted...
I still remember my first grade teacher at Sand Lake Elementary in Anchorage, Alaska. Mrs. Overstreet seemed impossibly beautiful to me, probably for her patience and enthusiasm as much as for her physical features. I most fondly remember the spelling lists we would brainstorm based on rhyming wo...
Fresh minds, focused attention, full bellies—these morning perks make the first part of the day ideal for standardized test taking. But after a few hours of diligence, kids of all ages need a change of pace. To keep the momentum going for several days of testing, as is the norm these days, ...
You’ve spent the year doing your very best to make your classroom a positive learning environment. Now comes testing season. How can you make sure your pupils shine their brightest and are able to exhibit all they have learned? Researchers have looked into different ways to alleviate anxiet...
The subject of stress in a teacher’s life has been researched and studied to death. Statistics have been compiled, and reports written and published. However, until you’ve lived it firsthand, it’s hard to understand just how stressful it can be to devote your professional life t...
With spring break just around the corner and the year’s end within sight, kids are mentally checking out and losing interest in school. While teaching is rewarding and fulfilling, this time of year is always a little rough. And those teachers who work with the pre-teen/teen population face ...
For many kids, annual standardized testing is one of the highest periods of stress during the school year. In fact, according to the Kids Health website, the number one kid stressor is academic pressure. While some stress can be good for building resilience, teaching your pupils techniques to eff...
Many college graduates are able to achieve high grade point averages, complete thesis papers and even prepare amazing presentations; but are not able to successfully compete in the global economic market of the 21st century. Employers are not merely looking for adults who can regurgitate facts an...
While many Common Core standards for english language arts evolve smoothly from NCLB-based content standards, and can be easily addressed in the classroom with familiar, proven curriculum, others are completely new and may feel daunting for teachers just stepping into the era of the Common Core. ...
Children whose parents are involved in their classroom are likely to have a positive educational experience. When a parent shows up on field trip day or helps organize the class' Valentine’s Day party, it shows how much they value their child's education. Here are some ways to motivate, pla...
Establishing a classroom environment that runs efficiently and promotes learning takes time, effort, consistency, and planning. However, the tremendous social and academic benefits are well worth it! It's not simply about the physical appearance of your classroom, but it's also about each individ...
It’s that time of year again! Summer feels as though it has flown by, and there are only a few days left until school starts. If the school year has crept up on you, fear not. Here are a few tips to help you gear up.
Reflect and Readjust
After summer's rest and relaxation, now is the time...
