It’s the latest thing in education. Chances are that your child’s teacher has been talking about SMART goals all year long. You see the signs and charts all over classrooms and schools. So you nod your head. You act like you know all about it. All the while you are inwardly scratching your head, confused […]
Make Reading Fun with a Books Made into Movies Marathon
So snuggle up, grab the popcorn, and cue up the DVD player. Here are my TOP children’s and classic books that were made into movies.
Why You Should Volunteer at Your Kid's School
Time is tight for everyone, but especially for busy parents. I know, I am one! But we should all try to make an effort to be involved with your child’s school and classroom as often as possible. Why? Well, let me tell you all about it!
Teaching through Deployment
It’s no joke: deployments suck. Suddenly a two parent house is a one parent show, the kids miss their deployed mom or dad, and learning can suffer. But you can use a deployment to help your children learn new skills and build global knowledge.
Questions to ask at a Parent Teacher Conference
These are some of the best questions I have been asked during a conference, and questions I wish I had been asked.
4 Reasons Why You Should Read with Your Child
Kids who read, alone or with a parent, from a young age develop into incredibly smart humans. Smart humans are a great thing.
5 Reasons Why Teachers Still Assign Homework
So, given the fact that I assign minimal homework at best, you might think that I am anti-homework. False, I think homework is super valuable as a teaching and learning tool. Here’s Why I Still Assign Homework
What's poppin'?
It’s popcorn month! And that is way cool, because it means some awesome things for both parents and teachers. Here’s how to make popcorn, yes popcorn, educational AND fun!
Classroom Parties without Food
Parties, especially classroom celebrations, seem to have died down in recent years. This might be because we are becoming politically correct about who and what and when to celebrate. Or it might be because of food allergies.
Actions have Consequences
Let’s say that a child has not picked up the redirection instructions, or has behaved inappropriately in some other way. In this case, the punishment should fit the crime AND be reasonable. Children, especially young children, make no connection between action A and consequence B if they are unrelated. For example, forgetting homework and missing recess. Homework and recess are unconnected. The child might suffer some momentary discomfort because of missing a preferred activity, but might not understand fully that the homework caused the punishment.
State Assessments Secrets
As we enter a new school year, state tests are pretty far away. But it doesn’t hurt to do your homework now and get prepared for the spring.