Teachers are Heroes
I saw this infographic on Pinterest and just had to share it.
Brought to you by USC Rossier Online Master’s in Teaching
(Source: kbkonnected, via girlwithalessonplan)
Praise!
In researching how to talk to kids for a recent project, I came across some information on how to praise students.
Short backstory: Kids can have (and do have) either a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.
- Fixed mindset: Kids believe intelligence is fixed, and they are either smart (in a particular subject or overall) or they are dumb. They do not believe their effort contributes to their grades. These students are likely to consider cheating, become depressed because of grades, and consider dropping out of school.
- Growth mindset: Students with a growth mindset believe that effort directly relates to results (grades). Instead of becoming discouraged by a bad grade, they are likely to study harder for the next test. These students learn more in school than students with a fixed mindset.
Studies show that teachers and other adults have influence in changing students’ mindsets from fixed to growth (and from growth to fixed).
Instead of saying, “You did so well! You are so smart!” say “You did so well! You worked really hard!”
Instead of saying, ”You should be fine on the test—you’re smart!” say “You should be fine—you’ve been studying for a while!”
Focusing on effort instead of innate ability helps move students away from a fixed mindset and towards a growth mindset.
Also, praise should be moved away from the teacher and more towards the individual.
Instead of saying, “I really like your sweater today!” say “Your outfit matches so well/Your outfit shows your personality so well!” Don’t focus so much on pleasing the teacher as focusing on the student’s choices.
Instead of saying, “I like how you colored this tree for the report!” say “Wow, I can tell you put a lot of work into the tree!”
I’m not saying every time you begin a sentence with “I like” that you’re wrong. I do it all the time. However, make an effort to praise students’ choices (in effort, in work, in style, in sports) and they will feel even better about your praise.
3 weeks ago - 
38
38 
I found this video over at The Teacher’s Lounge. The post says this about the video:
Suzy Ghosh, the teacher here, has two roads before her as her class begins to get out of control. She can spend two minutes lecturing, or she can spend two minutes asking intentional questions that cause students to take ownership and reflect about their behavior. And, as evidenced in the video, it seems that her intentional coaching change the course of her classroom activity.
So, teaching-friends, next time you catch yourself about to launch into a speech-tirade, try this method instead:
1. Identify the problem. {Either by asking or pointing out the issue.}
2. Ask students the dangers of the problem.
3. Ask students to come up with solutions.
4. Coach the implementation of their answers.
And then, see what happens. Chances are it will be a two-minutes spent in classroom management that might be even more effective than the lecture– and it’ll give your voice a break, to boot.
I love the idea of throwing the problem at the students and having them suggest solutions. It empowers them to be better without any seemingly pointless rules enforced by the teacher. I will be trying this after spring break.
The Starfish is Always Right
Sometimes it is very difficult for students to remember right rom left (especially at the EC level).To help the students remember, place a small object-in a beach theme classroom a colorful starfish is perfect-in the top right corner of the board at the front of the classroom. This will help all of the students remember and eventually learn right from left.
When to Tattle
I’m sure many of you wonderful teachers out there can side with me that tattling is a problem, especially in the EC classroom. My mentor did something simply amazing in order to nip all of the tattles in the bud. She posted a huge laminated poster of when to tattle titled “The Tattling Rules.”
The Tattling Rules (When to tell an adult) are:
-You feel scared
-It happens more than once
-Someone could get hurt
I love these! I can’t wait to post this in my classroom soon. Be sure to explain to your little ones exactly what each rule means and when the students tattle outside of the rules. I made a quick Google Doc of the one I’m hanging up in my classroom. Nothing too extraordinary, but if you’d like to use it you can get it here!
3 months ago - 135
135 8 things to say instead of 'no'
- That’s an interesting idea, can you tell me more? This is a good one to use when the request is a big one with parts that are not very clear. While clarifying the idea, the child may identify some of the problematic issues on her own, which is much better than an adult pointing them out.
- I’m wondering about…. this is a good way to point out a concern without directly stomping on the idea.
- Why do you think this is a good idea? Requires the child to analyze the idea and make a case.
- Can you give me three reasons why this is a good idea? Similar to the last one, this one is especially good for older children. Finding worthwhile reasons to support the idea means that they have to really think it through, and possibly look at it from your point of view.
- I can say yes, if you...Gives the child a chance to make the idea work. Could be the child isn’t willing to work with your requirement, but it puts the responsibility back on the child, rather than on you.
- Can you see a problem with this idea? Encourages the child to find and solve the problem himself. If it turns out to be an nonviable idea, he will figure it out on his own.
- Not now, but you can ask again later and the answer might be different. Sometimes, this is really true. The idea is fine, but the timing is wrong. Ideally, give a specific time the child can ask again.
- I’ll think about it. This gives you some time to really think it through. Just remember that this answer can’t be given forever. At some point, a choice must be made.
(Source: minds-in-bloom.com)
3 months ago - 2
2 
'My Teacher Is a Lesbian': Coming Out at School
A month into my first year of teaching seventh graders in Oakland, Calif., we were in the school library, using the big tables there to spread out as we outlined Africa on poster paper and added geographical features. My students chatted as they worked.
“Are you married, Ms. Sokolower?” one of them asked me. My stomach instantly tied in a knot. I was a brand-new teacher in what felt like an incredibly challenging teaching situation. But I knew I didn’t want to teach from the closet. I started teaching at the middle-school level partly because it is such a difficult time for kids struggling with their sexuality, and there are so few role models. I just didn’t know I would have to deal with this so soon.
“Well,” I explained in what I hoped was a calm voice, “I have been with the same partner for a very long time, but we can’t get married because we’re lesbians. My partner’s name is Karen, and we have a daughter. She’s 9.”
Immediately, everyone had questions and comments.
Really wonderful read.
3 months ago - 136
136 
Story mapping with Post-Its!
I like that you can re-use the poster, and students can fill out the details and place them in the appropriate spot.
This is the song that’s stuck in my head. Watch it and forget it. I dare you. [May be useful for other Kinder teachers]
There’s also a 2D shapes I know one for Pre-k!
Animal Tracks Book — PreKinders
I love the idea of making your own books for centers during different themed units. We use different themes each week, and there is a curriculum I have to use. I have to print / laminate / make a lot of materials for that curriculum as it is, so finding time to make things like this is really difficult. If I end up in Prek again next year, these are the things I will shoot for since most of the curriculum stuff will already be made.
6 months ago - 9
9 How about better parents? (click for link to article)
IN recent years, we’ve been treated to reams of op-ed articles about how we need better teachers in our public schools and, if only the teachers’ unions would go away, our kids would score like Singapore’s on the big international tests. There’s no question that a great teacher can make a huge difference in a student’s achievement, and we need to recruit, train and reward more such teachers. But here’s what some new studies are also showing: We need better parents. Parents more focused on their children’s education can also make a huge difference in a student’s achievement.
…
To be sure, there is no substitute for a good teacher. There is nothing more valuable than great classroom instruction. But let’s stop putting the whole burden on teachers. We also need better parents. Better parents can make every teacher more effective.
Absolutely.
(Source: lhuddles)
6 months ago - 14
14 
Going in my classroom immediately! Such a fabulous poster. Check it out here!
Helpful websites for me and my students:
Check out this post from a while back (by teachersintiaras). Some new websites for teachers are:
1. Get a free account with Teachers Pay Teachers for weekly email about tons of free printables, ideas, and more. There also lots of other neat things for sale.
2. The Teacher’s Corner - great lesson plans and more.
3. Sign up for Unique Teaching Resources monthly newsletters
For fun activities on the computer for students check out:
1. FunBrain
3. Starfall
4. Kids Know It
Just be sure when allowing students on the internet, their use is closely monitored!
