Riding The "Title" Wave

As the leaves fall and the air becomes crisp, it seems like the natural time to reflect and be more aware of all of the daily blessings that life has to give.  I think that it is especially important to have gratitude and be thankful for the little things that make each day shine a bit brighter. At this time of year the end to our first quarter in our school year is just around the bend, and the routines for our classroom and school days have seemed to settle in a bit.  The little humans that we began our school year journey with about seven weeks ago as strangers, are now a part of our every day life and have become some of the people that we know best of all. I think that by writing a "thankful" letter to my students is one way to put it all into perspective.  I have done this for many years and I feel as though it not only lets my students know what makes them such a special part of our classroom, but it also helps me to really think about what I love abo...

It is always so hard when a student moves away and it is especially difficult when it happens with very little notice prior to them leaving.  Yesterday, this was the case.  I found out in the morning that one of my students would not be returning the next day.  Immediately I try to think of ways to make this last day a special and memorable one for him. After lunch in the classroom accompanied by a few chosen, closest friends, and just some time one-on-one reminiscing about happy and humorous times from years past, loose ends seemed a bit more settled...for the student moving, the friends involved, and for me. As the year presses on, I know that there will be more instances of students moving away without much prior notice.  Just like having unexpected sub day plans in place, I think that I am going to try to also have unexpected student moving away plans in place as well so that everyone involved in the transition feels a more complete sense of closure....

At the beginning of each school year, I always make it a point to watch Rita Pierson's TedTalk, Every Kid Needs a Champion .  This talk always inspires and invigorates me as I anticipate the coming school year.  It puts into perspective the true reason as to why we show up each day for our students. In the talk, Rita says, "kids don't learn from people they don't like" and for me, this is the most intricate piece of the teaching puzzle.  Above all else, students and adults alike need a personal connection in order to create the most beneficial learning environment.  Rita references James Comer in her talk quoting that, "no significant learning can occur with a significant relationship." In such a demanding profession, where time is the most limited resource and pacing guides seem to rule the day, remembering the true reason we are there makes it all so much more manageable.   When I see former students of mine...who now have childre...

If you are looking for a great resource that offers a wealth of information concerning Title 1 schools, Bright Hub Education is the place.   If offers great ideas for all levels of teaching from Pre-K to the High School levels.  It also has a variety of resources for Special Education and teaching English Learners.   Happy Reading!  https://www.brighthubeducation.com/ For specific Title 1 information and articles, try here: https://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-methods-tips/11105-basics-of-title-1-funds/

This year, I started at a brand new school within my district.  I replaced an amazing gentleman that retired after years of being in the position that I was now taking over. There have been many things that I have been made aware of about myself with this transition.  Much of which has me reverting back to ways that I once felt when I was a student in grade school myself. I was excited to meet and work with new people, but also this was coupled with the fears that I hoped that I would be well-received.  Like in grade school, making new friends can sometimes be hard.  When it was time for lunch on the first day, I wondered and thought about where to sit...should I chime in with conversations or just smile and nod?  Fortunately, everyone that I work with welcomed me with open arms and open hearts and I am simply loving my new school home. On the first Friday, of the first week of school I was called to the office.  It was time for the "Principal's C...

I posted last week about my feelings and beliefs concerning the negative impact that timed math fluency testing can potentially have on students.  If you read that post, and found yourself nodding along in agreement, then I would truly recommend this resource for you to dive into.   I was given this text as a gift from a dear friend and colleague this week, and I read the whole book in one evening.  I know it will be a resource that I will be turning to over and over again.   The authors of No More Math Fact Frenzy , closely examine the research  centered around this and emphasize the ways in which students can gain a more authentic math fluency.   I would love to hear the comments and take-aways that others find within this rich and honest resource.   Thanks!