Do You Create a Thirst for Life Long Learning?

Hook Your Students to Become Life Long Learners 

After all, that is what they'll be doing all their lives.

Educators have a phenomenal responsibility and if you're an educator in education for the right reasons then you know exactly what I'm talking about.

I would like you to read this quote and although it was written in 1941, there is no doubt that it still holds true for today.

"The test of successful education is not the amount of knowledge that pupils take away from school, but their appetite to know and their capacity to learn"

This quote was written by Sir Richard Livingstone 1941

Ask yourself a few questions:

• In everything you do, are your students engaged?
• Do your students feel valued and respected in your classroom?
• Do you model enthusiasm and excitement for learning?
• Do you vary the activities to capture the interest of all learners?
• Is there learning in every activity you do?
• Are you the teacher whose class you would love to be in?
• Do you set the bar just slightly higher? After all, if you're teaching them to do something they already know - ask yourself why. Isn't that busy work??!!

If you can answer yes to these questions, you have just captured my utmost respect. However, if you haven't, perhaps one of your goals this year would be to to increase the number of questions you can answer yes to by changing your practice somewhat.

From this point onward, make a pledge to be the teacher of the class you would most want to be in.

First and foremost, help those children build an ego, a sense of self and a secure place to learn. Remember, the angry child in your room may not have that at home.

On a final note, how about giving some of these Kindness Worksheets a go to set the tone?

Social Media Worksheets

Free Social Media Teaching Unit

Are you teaching social media within your media literacy unit? Here's a free unit for you.

There are numerous educational jurisdictions that are now implementing a bring your own device (BYOD) program. Using technology in the classroom makes good sense. However, along with it comes using the devices responsibly.

Students need to understand what leaving a digital footprint means so that they can make wise decisions about what they put online. After all, there will come a time that it may help or harm them. Wise decisions are critically important.

I have developed many printables on social media that include: privacy settings, how to tweet, privacy violations, how to proceed with caution, how to use social apps at school, the do's and don'ts and many, many more.

These worksheets are suitable for students at a variety of grade levels.

Students will benefit tremendously by having the social media worksheets integrated into your language curriculum.

As always, any suggestions that will help you reach your potential as an educator are most welcome. Have a great week educators, your students count on you each and every day. Be the teacher of the class you yourself would like to be in.

Calling all Teachers: How to Get Off to a Great Start this Year

Teachers: Start the Year Off  Right and Here is How

Whether you are a new teacher or a returning teacher, this article will help you have your best year ever. Why? Because communicating early with parents is key.

Getting Started:

Behavior Contracts: FREE

• Have a plan to connect with parents EARLY. You can do this with a blog, a website, an email or a newsletter.  It's always helpful to include a picture of yourself and a little bit about you, not too much, just a little.
• In your early communication, include the school hours and a warm welcome.
• Let parents know what the students will be learning about the first month.
• Let them know what the best method to contact you is.
• KEY - outline your expectations for your students while they are at school and in your classroom.
• Provide a list of any helpful supplies that their children will need.
• Give an outline of your homework expectations.
• Give a list or calendar of important dates. 

I had many thank you's from parents who commended me on my early approach to communicate with them. It eased the first day jitters and left a positive feeling with my parents. It gives you and builds a great reputation and is well worth the effort.

Remember, like it or not, parents always talk about teachers. Having a great reputation goes a long way to adding success to your year. 

Ready to move on to classroom management? Here is a checklist to make sure you're ready to go. You also might want to have a few of these behavior contracts for those 'just in case' times.

Enjoy your holidays and if you're already back to school, be sure to let me know what you'd like to see to help you reach your educational goals.

Calling all Substitute and Supply Teachers

Just for Substitute Teachers

My hat is off to you! On any given day in North America, between 5 and 6% of teachers are absent which is a much higher percentage than any other profession. Substitute teachers walk into a variety of situations including students who are upset that their teacher isn't there, under planned days and lessons that aren't the easiest to follow. Unfortunately, substitute teachers are often at a great disadvantage.

This week's post is dedicated to all the substitute/supply teachers. Here are some tips that will hopefully make your life much easier.

• To be sure you get called back, leave great notes for the teacher and make sure any marking is done.
•  Always leave the classroom in a respectable state.
• Be courteous and friendly with staff members and office staff.
• Always come prepared with a 'bag of tricks' in the event the class you walk into has scant plans for the day. (Try some of these Bellwork Activities).
• As the students come in, look at each one in the face and welcome them.
• Ask their names, tell them your name.
• Remind them that their teacher will be proud of them if you provide a good report, let them know you're going to follow the teacher's code of conduct and may need their help.
• Do your best to learn their names quickly and call upon them for help as needed.
• Catch them doing great things and acknowledge them.
• If you're not sure about the teacher's rules/discipline. Use a 3 point system, name on the board and 2 check marks will mean the regular teacher will find out.
• Have a variety of back up things to do. ( Charades, scavenger hunts, collaborative math games, brainstorms.....how many things are white? how many things can you count 100 of, how many root vegetables can you name? how many names begin with a P, R, S? How many countries, cities or places can you name beginning at A in the alphabet.

Remember that your success will lead to a position or more work which is typically the goal. Visit worksheetplace.com for handy worksheets for your bag of tricks.

Don't Let Your Classroom Rules Fall Apart

Classroom Management Issues? Learn from Seasoned Teachers:

Let's face it, teaching needs order and respect for it to be effective. This means that as teachers, you need to not only nurture each child but you need to be very crafty at setting your boundaries in order to create that respectful environment.

As often as possible you will want to recognize and reward appropriate behaviors. Punishments and negative consequences don't teach a child how to behave appropriately and often end up with a child that resents you or becomes angry. Writing out lines or giving any consequence that is repetitive in nature only serves to fuel negativity from the student. You'll find that behavior contracts, one to one talks and some removal of some privileges will be more productive.

Don't be general in your requests "Be cooperative" Be Respectful" Instead, use specific requests like "Don't shout out the answers" "Thanks for putting up your hand".   Your rules should be co-created with the students and they should not be ambiguous. The students need to clearly understand what the rules are. Keep your rules to a minimum or they will be too hard to remember. If the rules are broken, it's wise not to lecture a student, therefore, be sure to let your students know what the consequences are for not following through. Here are some great ideas about what to do when the rules do get broken.

To see more about rules and classroom management, you'll find a wealth of information here.

Help Your Students Set Goals

Goal Setting for Kids Worksheets

Goal Setting for Kids

Setting goals both inside and outside of the classroom is important. However, all too often a goal is set without support and help to determine the strategies that will help realize the goal.

When you help a student set a goal, limit it to no more than three and perhaps just one depending on the type of student you are working with. The student needs to take ownership and help identify the goal that would be suitable.

Look at the goals in the sample on the left. Review with your students and ask them to prioritize the top three goals according to what they feel their needs are. Once they've identified their top three goals, it's time to think about what those goals look like when they are implemented.

For instance, let's take "I will remain on task". What does that look like? Student should be able to determine a few strategies that make be something like:

• When my teacher is talking, I will always make eye contact
• When I am working with a group, I will be responsible for doing my part
• When I am completing work at my desk, I will not daydream or talk to my friends

Let's take another example: "I will use my indoor voice"

• I will not blurt out, instead, I will put my hand out and wait my turn
• I will speak softly 
• I will not speak out of turn

Once the goal(s) have been set and the strategies discussed, it's time to follow through. Remind the students daily of their selected goals, help them to realize those goals with positive reinforcement. Do not leave a goal until the student has realized the goal to the best of their ability. Sometimes it's helpful to use tracking sheets over a period of time.

See the worksheets and printables on SMART goals as well.

If you have strategies that have worked for you, be sure to share.