Teachers, parents and thoughtful people, this blog is designed to share the many stategies, lesson designs and projects that I created while teaching for 37 years. Teaching was an advocation for me. I worked many long hours to create a rich, vibrant, student-centered classroom environment by using flexible room arrangements, effective classroom management techniques and innovative lesson plans and projects.
My background is varied and I have taught in elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in two different counties in Virginia. Working with the "Troups to Teachers" program for Old Dominion University meant that I created masters level courses in Methods of Language Arts, Classroom Management and Foundations of Education. Additionally, my daughter and I were responsible for starting the men's and women's lacrosse teams at her high school. I also placed as a finalist for teacher of the year in both counties. I plan on sharing the knowledge and experience I gained over the years to engage other "teachers" in the process of creating their unique style. (teachers are also parents and life-long learners)
I have been known as an agent of change and viewed by my peers and principals as a creative teacher who used multiple strategies and research-based educational ideas to bring out the best in all of my students. All students can learn, but sometimes it can feel as if helping a child grasp a new concept is like using your nose to push a pebble up a tall mountain. However, when the light bulb does turn on, it is a very rewarding experience. I told my grad students that I felt I could literally see the light bulb light up over a child's head.
Enough background - here's your first tip. During one parent conference, the child's mother explained to me that her child was too shy or embarrassed to ask a question. That bothered me because I wondered how many other students might feel that way. The solution came to me like many of my ideas - it flashed into my brain while I was taking a shower. In fact, many of my creative ideas came to life while I was taking a shower.
I decided that the students needed a "cool" way to let me know if they had a question. I had a painted rock that a student had given me as a gift and it had a colorful yellow smiley face on it. I put the rock on my desk near a corner and told my class to leave me a "rock note" if they had a question or a comment. I even allowed unsigned notes because I wanted to improve something if I could. It worked like a charm. The "rock note" proved its worth many times. One of my seventh grade students wrote: "What is incest?"
I was able to find out who it was and get social services involved. Her stepfather was abusing her and the "rock note" paved the way to ending her problem.
I put information about the "rock note" in my parent letter and both students and parents knew they had a way to communicate with me.
Communication is the cornerstone for building a unique learning experience. In my next posts, I will continue to share information that I hope will be successful for you.
My background is varied and I have taught in elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in two different counties in Virginia. Working with the "Troups to Teachers" program for Old Dominion University meant that I created masters level courses in Methods of Language Arts, Classroom Management and Foundations of Education. Additionally, my daughter and I were responsible for starting the men's and women's lacrosse teams at her high school. I also placed as a finalist for teacher of the year in both counties. I plan on sharing the knowledge and experience I gained over the years to engage other "teachers" in the process of creating their unique style. (teachers are also parents and life-long learners)
I have been known as an agent of change and viewed by my peers and principals as a creative teacher who used multiple strategies and research-based educational ideas to bring out the best in all of my students. All students can learn, but sometimes it can feel as if helping a child grasp a new concept is like using your nose to push a pebble up a tall mountain. However, when the light bulb does turn on, it is a very rewarding experience. I told my grad students that I felt I could literally see the light bulb light up over a child's head.
Enough background - here's your first tip. During one parent conference, the child's mother explained to me that her child was too shy or embarrassed to ask a question. That bothered me because I wondered how many other students might feel that way. The solution came to me like many of my ideas - it flashed into my brain while I was taking a shower. In fact, many of my creative ideas came to life while I was taking a shower.
I decided that the students needed a "cool" way to let me know if they had a question. I had a painted rock that a student had given me as a gift and it had a colorful yellow smiley face on it. I put the rock on my desk near a corner and told my class to leave me a "rock note" if they had a question or a comment. I even allowed unsigned notes because I wanted to improve something if I could. It worked like a charm. The "rock note" proved its worth many times. One of my seventh grade students wrote: "What is incest?"
I was able to find out who it was and get social services involved. Her stepfather was abusing her and the "rock note" paved the way to ending her problem.
I put information about the "rock note" in my parent letter and both students and parents knew they had a way to communicate with me.
Communication is the cornerstone for building a unique learning experience. In my next posts, I will continue to share information that I hope will be successful for you.
