Have you ever spent a lot of time writing out the *perfect* lesson plan, gathering materials, and setting things up just so....only have to it be a complete flop the next day? Or, maybe you found a picture book that you feel perfectly complements your current theme and the kids just have no interest in it? I'm not sure you can answer 'no' to either of those questions and actually be a real teacher 🤣 It happens to the best of us. Usually more than once. When ...
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Teach Better Tomorrow
My current job is great in so many ways. I have a wonderful boss who shows confidence in me by not micromanaging my classes. I have great co-workers who are easy to bounce ideas off of and willing to help wherever they can. I have great students who make everyday a fun challenge. The parents of my students are so kind and wonderful to trust me with their kids. When I first took this job a few years ago, one of the big perks for me at the time was that all of ...
Direct Instruction in Play-based Preschools
*Note that I use the terms direct instruction and explicit instruction interchangeably in this article. I am not referring to the scripted practice of direct instruction, but rather implying that direct or explicit instruction is teacher-led and specific. I'm a big advocate for play and play-based classrooms. Research has shown time and time again that play is the best way for children to learn. But, I'll admit that I feel a little uncomfortable with the idea ...
Teachers who seem to have forgotten
During my teacher training in college over 20 years ago, it was drilled into our heads that play was the most effective method of learning for young children. Because there is so much research behind it, I have a hard time believing that any college program would be teaching anything other than play being the gold standard. Why, then, do so many preschool programs fail children when it comes to providing opportunities for rich, engaging, and in-depth play? I have a ...
Project-based Learning
We had our first snow storm of the season a few weeks ago, and the maintenance crew had sprinkled rock salt on the sidewalks to help prevent falls. As I was bringing children into the school from the drop-off lane, I got question after question about what the tiny pieces of ice on the ground were. I explained over and over again that it was salt to help the snow and ice melt in the places we needed to walk. Later, during class, a couple of children found ...
Classroom Management vs. Child Development: Mindset Matters!
I listened to a podcast several years ago on a topic that has stayed with me ever since. I wish I could find it to give credit where its due, but the notes I took at the time are something I've referred back to over and over since first listening to the interview. The topic was classroom management--something every teacher considers to be a huge part of their job. The amount of time and effort that is put into effective classroom management is significant. A ...