Plant seeds early...teaching Social Studies in elementary school

 As a social studies "person" I truly see the importance of teaching social studies in elementary school.  And I do not mean ignoring the block on the master schedule but using that time to create little citizens.  Let's face it, many homes are not discussing the day to day events of the world.  We have an important duty to create opportunities for children to learn how to form an opinion based on facts, respectfully agree to disagree with a friend and grasp what it means to be a citizen.

Social studies does not just show people how to read a map (although that is important--what if your phone breaks!) but also how to learn from the historical mistakes of others.  If only little Adolf had been in class when they discussed how Napoleon shouldn't have invaded Russia in the winter.  And from an engagement standpoint, kids typically enjoy social studies because it offers "fun" ways to learn about the world.   Yesterday, when planning with an elementary teacher we discussed using Google Earth to show kids different monuments instead of pictures (hooooooooooow 20th century).  We have the world at our finger tips--use it!  Show your students the ways they can make this place better and then you might just be able to say "I taught the President when he (or she) was a kid."

Until next week....
Kelly James

The hook......

Lets face it.  We are a distracted people.  I will do (or think about) 10 other things while typing this.  Our students are no different.  Or yikes WORSE!!  This is simply the world in which we live.  We can ignore this in our classrooms or we can embrace it and figure out how to truly engage our students.  I remember watching Saving Private Ryan.  I thought of nothing else during that movie.  I can safely say in that packed theater, that those around me,were focusing on the movie and its plot.  It hooked you in from the first sense.  Our classes MUST be the same.

Luckily, in my district we have wonderful technology that helps hook kids.  Visuals, videos, and music  all engross them in the content and get their brains working. Last year, I had great success in hooking students in using "Question of the Day."  These question were teasers to the content being taught.  They were crazy, random facts that the kids felt safe trying to answer because it was not about getting the answer right--it was about thinking about the question.  And student thinking is the key to engagement in our classrooms.

I challenge you to find a way to hook in your kids.  You will be amazed at how must more fulfilling your classes will be and how the students response.  So go add "hook" to your to do list.  You know the one you were making in your head while reading this ;)

Until next week....

What You Allow is What Will Continue.....

I really love this quote shown in the title!  I have no idea who said it but it really resonates with me.  Largely, because it is one soooooooooo true and secondly because it is applicable to most areas of our life.   We have all been to let's call it.... Wal-Store and have heard the child acting mmmm let's call it...off task and the parent cannot believe their angel is behaving this way.  Why not?!!!  All they have learned from your reaction is you can count to 4 over and over again.  Classroom management is completely this way.

I have been working with several teachers across grades and content regarding this topic this week.  Managing ourselves is tough, managing a group of children is tough even when you are seasoned.  It is VERY tough when you are new to the field.  It is a process of trial and error (mostly error).  Management is also one of the most important skills of a successful teacher.  Okay then, how does one improve on this?

The first step is admitting you have a problem--okay, I am kidding a little.  Realizing you don't have it down is important.  Have a seasoned teacher observe your "worst" class and then observe your "best" class.  They may notice things you are doing differently with each group.  That seasoned teacher simply has tried more strategies than you have had to opportunity to do.  They can offer suggestions.  Go observe the classes of teachers who excel at management and not just in your grade and content.  Great classroom management is not a grade or subject thing--it is a TEACHING thing.

It is important to remember that you can plan your lesson and know your content but if your class is chaotic no one is learning.  Do not allow behaviors you do not wish to see in the future.   Seek solutions and if something does not work, try something else.  Luckily, classroom management can be learned and adapted easily.  It does get better and you will find easier.  Good luck!!

Until Next Week
 

This is NOT easy, this teaching business!

People say teaching is an art and I agree.  Then why as new teachers do we assume we will be artist right off the bat?  Was Di Vinci rocking out some amazing finger painting as a child?  Okay, probably-bad example.

I tend to think of teaching like parenting.  I was "ready" for my child and read all the books smart people read. I was fully aware of her need for quality engagement, zero screen time, and a schedule best suited to both our needs.  Easy, right?   The issue was Diva hadn't read the books.  That sort of shattered that game plan.  We have ideals of what our class will be like, how it will run, and how your students will be super excited about learning.   And all that seems realistic the week BEFORE school starts then reality walks in the door.  LITERALLY.

Your first year of teacher is spent trending water and trying frantically to balance the full plate of education while trying to function as a "real" person in your personal life.  It is tough.  The up side is it is also DOABLE!  First, find a way to organize yourself--hands down the most important key to surviving this year.  Second, find a mentor.  If your school assigns one-great.  If not, seek one out!  Be open to your mentors suggestions and advice but remember what works for one does not always work for another.  Third, remember that you are just starting out.  Mistakes are going to be made, lessons will not go as planned, child will misbehave.  You will not always be thrilled about meetings, training and extra duties as assigned.  And remember you have Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break to take a breath.  Enjoy the moments of success and the kids who are super excited about learning.  Lastly, keep going!  Don't give up.  Being a teacher is such an amazing job.  The rewards far outweigh the frustrations and stress that this job holds.  Any job has stress and frustrations--not every job allows you to make such an impact on the world.   You became a teacher for a reason and next year when you are less overwhelmed you will remember those reasons!

Until Next Week!