The beginning of the school year is a great time to plan for goal setting with kids. Even though the routine of setting goals and reflecting on progress continues throughout the year, raising a group of goal getters begins on day one. (Or at least week one.) This is the time to establish a sense of wonder, nurture a curiosity for what-ifs, and teach what it means to have a growth mindset. Kids … [Read more...]
Outdoor Classrooms: My Summer PD Playlist
Outdoor classrooms and open-air schooling aren't new ideas, just forgotten. But the Covid-19 pandemic reignited the fire as teachers and parents got creative about redesigning safe learning spaces for kids. In some ways, history is repeating itself. At the beginning of the 20th century, the rising number of TB cases combined with the 1918 flu pandemic sent everyone in search of fresh air. It was … [Read more...]
Teacher Podcasts: A Summer PD Playlist
I love teacher podcasts. I don't always have to time to sit and read, but I do spend a lot of time walking and driving, and podcasts are the perfect company for those times. I've been keeping notes about my favorite episodes from this year, so I put together a summer playlist for teachers. I know ... It's only May. We're still in school. We're tired. And we certainly are not thinking about … [Read more...]
I’m Bored *Sigh*
If you work with children, you've probably heard the phrase I'm bored a few (dozen) times. It's sort of a trigger because we take it personally, as if we aren't entertaining enough. And, maybe, sometimes we aren't. And that's ok. One, I'm not an entertainer. Two, I probably wouldn't be that entertaining even if I tried. And three... I don't remember where I was going with this. See? Now you're … [Read more...]
Trimming Down My Trash
I recently found these on sale in my local Target. They came wrapped together in one complete set and I snapped them up because there are so many ways they can be used in the classroom. They wash up easily and I don't have to worry about how much I'm throwing away. Plus I love how there are 4 in each set (perfect for student teams). The variety of pieces means I can use them for:• food prep … [Read more...]