If you’ve ever had classroom behavior challenges, poor student work habits, or just plain classroom angst (with one or two students—or a handful like me!), you could begin to see your whole classroom experience as a struggle. “They” talk too much, or “no one” will work hard, or “they” are full of too much drama….
When You Feel Inadequate in the Classroom
Have you ever been in that teacher’s classroom and feel completely inadequate? You know who I’m talking about—she’s completely organized and everything is exactly where it should be at all times, or there’s something else about her classroom that leaves you feeling like you just need to do more. You don’t feel inspired. You feel. . .inadequate….
When You Hate Teaching Writing
Maybe you hate teaching writing. . .and that’s true even though you love to write (or to read really good writing!) but you just hate teaching it. You may love teaching personal narrative and story because it’s fun, but certainly not the “5 paragraph essay using two texts” type of writing. Why is that? I…
The Number One Secret to Success
Sometimes, as teachers with all our responsibilities, decisions, and lack of sleep, we have difficulty remaining focused and consistent. We might struggle to be consistent with our classroom management or subject lessons. There’s a way around that struggle—it’s the one thing. I recently listened to a podcast about this approach to your every day. The author…
10 Ways to Bring Play Into Your Day
Do you notice how, during the long winter months (or even in dreary rain), the weeks seem to drag on? Wednesdays have that “Isn’t it Friday yet?” feeling. That’s when I know it’s time to play. Play can be a powerful tool to stave off those winter school blues. Dr. Stuart Brown, in his book…