Search Results for: BACK TO SCHOOL

Classroom Rules and Expectations

With the beginning of school right around the corner, this is the time to start thinking about classroom rules and expectations. Though schools have many safety systems in place, the children need to understand their own role within this setting. Knowing how to behave kindly and safely will go a long way toward establishing and maintaining a strong and thriving school community. When planning … [Read more...]

Visual Cue Cards for Following Directions

Have you ever counted how many times a day you hear this question, "What do I do next?" Whatever just popped into your head is probably a conservative number. And I bet you hear, "I don't remember," almost as often. Visual cue cards are one way to solve this problem. Actually, one of the easiest ways. Most of us are very visual. It's why the billboards with the best images get us to exit the … [Read more...]

Classroom Posters That Develop Positive Behaviors

What do readers do? Or writers? How about scientists, musicians, and athletes? What does it look like to be an active listener? And what does it mean to be a good friend? The first week of school is right around the corner and these are some of the questions I know we'll talk about as we work on building our culture. These classroom posters have been in my back to school toolbox for years and I … [Read more...]

Goal Setting with Kids: 7 Tips for Teachers

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...]

Teacher Planning and Productivity

It took me a long time (years) to wrangle my teacher planning routine into something that looked slightly healthy. When I began my career, it was a badge of honor to be the last car in the parking lot. Each day, I got to school when the head custodian opened the doors. And each evening, I was one of the last teachers to leave. On the weekends, I squeezed family time in between chores, errands, … [Read more...]