Traditional schools are missing opportunities to embrace non-traditional learners. Non-traditional learners do not fit in the square peg, so we must change how we instruct them. We change how we instruct by observing how students process information. Use data to guide the professional on what the child needs. Probably one of the most important components…
Special education is and will increase in the population from now on and in the future. Since the passage of P.L. 94-142, special education has never been fully funded, and it currently receives insufficient funding for students in need of services. So it will continue to put pressure on teachers, administrators, and families. Many teachers…
Behaviors are a reaction to something. If we understand the reaction and the cause, we will start to fully understand why children act a certain way way. Behavior is all reactions to something, most are an emotional feeling like fear, uncertainty, happiness, excitement, and physical needs such as hunger, sickness, and nervousness. You need to…
Recently, a debate on teacher observations emerged on social media. One administrator praised a teacher for rehearsing the lesson before his observation. When the observation took place, the administrator discussed how it showed student engagement. Then, a teacher trainer discussed how teacher observations should not be rehearsed, and observations are not the best tool to…
I just read a report from a survey that was conducted by Ed Week Research Center that kindergartners are having an increase in temper tantrums. The article stated that it was the result of the pandemic and parental stress. I think we as educators fall short because we read reports about an increase in poor…
Most children want to behave. Most children wake up in the morning and want to behave in school and at home, even those who struggle to maintain their behavior. So, what happened? Many factors influence behavior, such as environment, interactions with peers, interactions with adults, parents, genetics, and societal norms and expectations. Behavior is the…
What is grit? Angela Duckworth describes grit as “sticking with things over the very long term until you master them. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines grit as firmness of mind or spirit: unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger. So, is grit important to teach? Grit is not something that you are born…
Going back to school is exciting and fearful. Four things to do to prepare for the new school year. This summer is going so fast. After July 4th all the ads turn to back-to-school sales. Back to school is a big market for sales, especially in office supplies stores. It is a time the kids…
Parents you should be aware that now is the time that schools start discussing the idea for a child to be retained. Many schools and states have rules /laws about student retention. Retention is not making significate progress in the student’s grade. The focus usually starts in third grade because of the importance of state…
When you have your conference with your child’s teacher be prepared. Prepare questions you want to know about how your child learns and how it is displayed. Also, ask questions about his/her social /emotional development and behaviors. Social /emotional development and behaviors can also provide you with an understanding of how the child is interacting…
