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Getting Your Children School Ready

Submitted by Chick Moorman on Sat, 02/21/2009

Back to school is in the air. Parents are currently being bombarded with back-to-school sales in magazines, newspapers, television ads, and store flyers. Whether you shop online or wait in line, advertisers suggest that their store or website has everything you could possibly need to get your child school ready.

Have you made your list yet? Most lists include: a book bag, pens, pencils, glue stick, spiral note pad, compass, calculator, 3-ring binder, gym shoes, and clothes. You may even have a lunch box on your list.

"I Can't Wait"

Submitted by Chick Moorman on Sat, 02/21/2009

"I can't wait to get to school and start learning." That's what Marsha Drury told her best friend recently. Knowing what she did about Marsha, the friend was surprised to hear her talk that way. Her words sounded strange and out of place, considering the circumstances.

1892! Wow!

Submitted by Chick Moorman on Sat, 02/21/2009

"Hey, look at that big one over there!"
"This guy lived over seventy years."
"1892! Wow!"
"What's this name?"
"I don't know, but look at this!"
And the excitement raged on.

These comments came from third-grade students in a rural Michigan town. They were engaged in learning in the middle of a cemetery within walking distance of their school. The students' teacher, Helen Haggerty, and the students themselves had planned and conducted the trip.

Mummy Ball

Submitted by Chick Moorman on Sat, 02/21/2009

It looks like the students are sitting on tables playing catch.  That's probably because when they play it, they sit on tables and play catch.

You don't find the benefits covered on state assessment tests.  And there's no column for it in a child's permanent record. But several teachers from across the country are beginning to sense its importance. The activity is called Mummy Ball.

The I Can Can

Submitted by Chick Moorman on Sat, 02/21/2009

The I Can Can by Chick Moorman

As Donna Sherry's fourth grade class entered their classroom one Monday morning, they found a huge orange garbage can in the front of the room. The students' interest was immediately aroused and one asked, “Do you plan on having a lot of garbage this week?” Since the interested was high, Donna used that moment to inform them that the so-called garbage can was to become their “I Can Can.”

Attribute Theory and Motivation

Submitted by Chick Moorman on Sat, 02/21/2009

Attribute Theory and Motivation by Chick Moorman

“He didn't ask the right questions on the test.”
“I would have done better if I had worn my lucky shirt.”
“I'm no good at math.”
“She didn't explain the assignment well enough.”

Beyond What-Is

Submitted by Chick Moorman on Sat, 02/21/2009

Beyond What-Is by Chick Moorman

 

Looking at what-is in your classroom appears at first glance to be a healthy way to view your students and your classroom situation. After all, what-is is what is, and to deny that or pretend it does not exist seems similar to having your head planted firmly in the sand.

The One Minute Behavior Modifier

Submitted by Chick Moorman on Sat, 02/21/2009

The One Minute Behavior Modifier by Chick Moorman

“My dad went bowling last night and my backpack is in his truck.”

“She did it to me first.”

“My mom forgot to sign it.”

“The homework helpline didn't say it was due.”

“Somebody must have taken it.”

“It's not my fault that I'm late.”

Labs in Cooperation

Submitted by Chick Moorman on Sat, 02/21/2009

Labs in Cooperation by Chick Moorman

Teachers hold different views on cooperative learning. Some see it as one of many very important tools for effective teaching. Others see it as an idea whose time has passed. Some teachers perceive this strategy as stimulating and rewarding. Others see it as a lot of work. Educators choose to see cooperative learning as helpful, time consuming, frustrating, challenging, or as a wonderful opportunity to help students learn interpersonal skills.