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Posts Tagged ‘Teachers’

The Harmful Effects of Constantly Changing a Teacher’s Year Level

December 9, 2019

There is a rather ludicrous tendency to have teachers switch classes on a regular basis. They may be a 4th Grade teacher one year and a 1st Grade teacher the next.

The reasoning goes something like this. A teacher that constantly moves doesn’t get too comfortable in a year level, Being too comfortable, the argument goes, can lead a teacher to revert to lazy practices and repeat old, tired lessons from yesteryear.

But I would argue the teacher merry-go-round has a harmful element. It prevents teachers from mastering a given year level and stops them from building on their previous year’s work and learning from mistakes made in the past.

The curriculum is too dense and the expectations of teachers are too high to treat the end of year shuffle like a game.

Yes, you don’t want your teachers to revert to laziness, but even more so, you want them to excel.

Michael Grossman is the author of the hilarious new children’s book, My Favourite Comedian. You can download a free ebook copy by clicking here or buy a copy by clicking on this link.

Tags:Education, Teacher Stress, Teachers, Teachers as pawns, Teachers changing year levels, Teaching
Posted in Education Policy, Teacher Welfare | Leave a Comment »

Teachers Should Not Become the Lunch Box Police

December 8, 2019

Reading, writing, mathematics, history and social studies. These are some of the disciplines teachers should concern themselves with.

Lunch box inspectors? Sorry. That’s none of our business.

And what’s more, whilst the method of lunchbox checking is intended to encourage healthy eating, it is more likely to lead to food-related anxiety.

Parents are clashing with teachers who police lunch boxes and shame children for bringing unhealthy food, new research shows.

University of Melbourne researchers interviewed 50 Victorian primary school parents and found some were anxious and upset about their school’s surveillance of lunch boxes.

In some cases, photos of children with “good” and “bad” lunch boxes were circulated around the school to teach others what to bring and what not to bring.

Young students were also singled out by teachers and given yard duties or penalty points for having the wrong food, the study found.

One girl buried a muesli bar in the playground because she was so embarrassed about having it in her lunch box and another had homemade cake returned with admonishment.

I ask one simple question. How would policymakers like having parents inspect their lunches? Because we all know that the hypocrites that enforce these policies are quite partial to a bit of Uber Eats.

Michael Grossman is the author of the hilarious new children’s book, My Favourite Comedian. You can download a free ebook copy by clicking here or buy a copy by clicking on this link.

Tags:Education, healthy lunchbox ideas, Lunchbox inspections, Nutrition, Nutrition in the classroom, Teachers, teachers inspecting lunchboxes, Teaching, Teaching children about healthy food
Posted in Education Policy, Nutrition, School Rules | Leave a Comment »

What a Real Classroom Looks Like

December 8, 2019

The real benefit of a classroom is the collaboration and support it can foster. When a classroom works well kids can receive the love and nurturing every child deserves and needs. It is up to the teacher to implement and oversee such an environment.

Because when it works, it’s magical:

A Michigan boy who was so happy the day he would be adopted had finally arrived that he invited his entire kindergarten class to join in on the occasion. Not only did Michael Clark Jr.’s classmates from his school in East Grand Rapids take up the first row of the Kent County courtroom, they gave sweet testimonies, exclaiming to the judge that they love Michael and that he is their best friend. Others held up paper hearts to show their support.

Michael Grossman is the author of the hilarious new children’s book, My Favourite Comedian. You can download a free ebook copy by clicking here or buy a copy by clicking on this link.

Tags:Adoption, adoption judge, custody in front of class, East Grand Rapids custody, Education, kindergarten class adoption, Michael Clark Jr., Michael Clark Jr. adoption, Michael Clark Jr. class, Michael Clark Jr. custody, Michigan boy custody, Teachers, Teaching
Posted in Child Welfare | Leave a Comment »

Kids are Not Reading: What are We going to Do About It?

November 28, 2019

A recent national report card finds reading proficiency for American fourth-grade and eighth-grade students are declining. So what do we do about it?

It’s not like this problem is new. Harry Potter comes out and many want to believe it will become a gateway drug that leads to bookworms everywhere. Of course, that was never going to be the case.

Some throw their hands up in the air and point to the destructive nature of gaming and the internet. Yes, it’s true that screens have made reading an even lesser priority for kids. But ebooks, books read on screens, is an exciting innovation that could encourage tech-savvy kids to give reading a go.

Personally, I think it’s up to teachers and parents to show kids the pleasures of reading. I think it’s destructive, especially in the early grades to have teachers who don’t like reading. parents of young kids who aren’t readers should consider the benefits of taking up reading if only to set a good example. I know you are busy, but trust me, it will reap rewards for you and your kids.

My students often site my own book, which I have been sharing with them during the writing, drafting and editing stages as a key reason for their enjoyment in reading. To be a part of the creation of a living. breathing novel was a thrill for them. Now they are invested in seeing to it that the book is successful beyond their classroom.

There’s nothing like a good example.

Michael Grossman is the author of the children’s book, My Favourite Comedian. You can download a free ebook copy by clicking here or buy a copy by clicking on this link.

Tags:adults who don't like reading, books for kids that don't like reading, Education, kids who dont like reading, Literacy, Teachers, Teaching
Posted in Literacy, My Favourite Comedian | Leave a Comment »

6 Reasons to Install Cameras in Classrooms

November 24, 2019

I know I’m alone on this one.

My colleagues have let me know in no uncertain terms that I must have rocks in my head for supporting such an initiative, but it is my position that we would be better off having our lessons filmed by cctv cameras.

One interesting point from the recent Barb Williams story (video available above) is how brilliant it was that there were cameras in the hallways capturing her unacceptable treatment of the young child. What if there was no footage? How then, would we have drawn attention to her actions?

The following are the reasons for my position regarding cameras in the classroom:

1. Why shouldn’t improper actions by teachers be uncovered? If you are a good, or even an adequate teacher you have nothing to worry about, but if you are a danger to your students or you are inappropriate, you will be caught and sanctioned accordingly.

2. There are rising concerns over false reporting of teacher abuse. Cameras in the classrooms will deter students from making up or exaggerating stories and there will be proof for those that have a valid case. Documentary evidence will prevent the difficult situation of “his word against mine.”

3. This initiative will deter students from misbehaving and will also deter teachers from making poor decisions.

4. Some will talk about the need for privacy. Who needs privacy? Privacy from whom? This isn’t going to be streamed on the net, it is going to be available to superiors who will use it to protect those that are entitled to protection.

5. Teachers won’t like it, but our primary focus is the wellbeing of our students. When analysing the benefits of any education initiative, the impact it would have on students is paramount. If this will protect vulnerable students surely it’s worthwhile regardless of what teachers think.

6. This would be extremely effective in regards to children with disabilities and others that wouldn’t be able to properly convey a case of impropriety against a teacher.

I realise I am alone on this one but I can’t help but think of all the cases of abuse that we are unaware of because it goes unreported or cannot be proven.

Michael Grossman is the author of the children’s book, My Favourite Comedian. You can buy a copy by clicking on this link.

Tags:cameras in classrooms, Education, Spy Cameras in classrooms, Surveillance Cameras in the Classroom, Surveillance to protect children, Surveillance video school, Teachers, Teaching
Posted in Child Welfare, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

The Death of a Student

April 18, 2017

I suppose it happens to nearly all teachers at some point and tonight it has happened to me.

At approximately 7pm I got an email to notify me that a student I had taught 2 years ago had passed away.

I am grief stricken. He was only 12 years old!

Words fail me. I had a great connection with this child. I felt I understood him like no other teacher.

And now he’s gone and it will take me a while to get over it.

They tell you not to get emotionally involved but it is absolutely impossible.

Especially with students like him.

Rest in Peace!

Click on the link to read Explaining the Paris Tragedy to Young Children

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Tags:dealing with the death of a student, Education, Teacher, Teachers, Teaching, the death of a student
Posted in Dealing With Tragedy | 4 Comments »

Questions to Improve Your Teaching Performance

January 24, 2016

Courtesy of huffingtonpost.com:

What gets you excited about going to work at school every day?
How do you question old educational standards?
How do you make changes based on your educational beliefs?
When was the last time you taught a concept without using the textbook?
What excuses have you used to not make changes to your teaching or classroom?
What have you learned about yourself this past school year?
What changes in your teaching are you going to make based on what you learned from last year?
What would you do differently in your teaching if you had no state mandated accountability?
Can you remember a school lesson from your past?
Why do you remember that lesson so vividly?
Have you had a recent lesson that you think your students will never forget?
Is there any such thing as the perfect lesson?
How often do you make educational decisions purely with the students in mind?
Should you just do what is right for the students in your class regardless of consequences?
If you could mandate a book to be read by all teachers, what would it be?
Can you describe your teaching style in one small sentence?
What is your best teaching quality?
What are your personal teaching goals?
How would you describe educational freedom?
Do you love to teach? Why?

Click on the link to read Tricks That Work For Some Teachers But Don’t for Others (Video)

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Click on the link to read The Making of a Great Teacher

Tags:Education Reform, Furman Educational Resources, Reflection, Rob Furman, Sedition, Teacher Reflection, Teachers
Posted in Teaching Methods | Leave a Comment »

The Epidemic that is Teacher Bullying

December 21, 2015

Some will watch the teacher in the video above and think that he looks soft, weak and defeated. I think he handled the situation brilliantly.

Forget about classroom management gurus and 6 step strategies for classroom control, when a student decides that he detests you enough to blow cigar smoke in your face, there’s nothing you can do about it.

The kid in this video is likely to get in a world of trouble. But if I were the principal, I wouldn’t stop there. I would happily punish the entire class for their laughter and encouragement. Shame on them!

Click on the link to read Teachers Need to Fight Hate With Love

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Tags:Bullying Teachers, Education, student blowing cigar smoke, student blowing cigar smoke in teacher's face, student blowing smoke at teacher, Teacher, Teachers, Teaching
Posted in Teacher Welfare | Leave a Comment »

Tips for Making a Parent-Teacher Relationship Work

January 5, 2015

The strength of the parent-teacher relationship is absolutely pivotal to achieving in the classroom. Below are some insightful tips by teacher Toby Sorge:

* Think of what the end goal is. Teachers can tell when the focus is on a specific grade or assessment, whether the communication is by email, phone call or in person. Giving authentic feedback and grading assessments is not an easy task, but remember that the grade that was earned is now in the past.

* Work with the teacher to create a plan. This plan should focus on student engagement and growth. This may take time, so it’s important to trust the process. Maintain open lines of communication, so if you have questions about your role, you can ask and have them answered.

* Trust is one of the core values when it comes to fostering a successful relationship. Trust that the teacher knows what’s best for each student and how to get there.

* Trusting the process of learning is also important. True learning and deep engagement do not happen with one quiz, test or writing assignment. They take time.

* Make sure you work with teachers and not against them. Instead of coming in with an agenda, work on creating a plan with the teacher. The plan should focus on the development, practice and reinforcement of skills.

* Offer suggestions but also take advice. Discussing with teachers ways for students to succeed will help everyone fully understand children and what their capabilities are.

Click on the link to read Sometimes It’s Worth Risking a Fight With a Parent

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Tags:Dealing with Parents, Education, Parenting, Parents, Teacher, Teachers, Teaching
Posted in Dealing with Parents | 2 Comments »

Things Middle School Students Wish We Knew

December 15, 2014

Courtesy of weareteachers.com via @TechySpEdMath :

1. I was not trying to get attention by falling off the chair. I am approximately infinity inches bigger than I was yesterday and I just lost track of how to balance. I felt like an idiot so I made falling into a joke. Crying was the other choice. And I’d rather cut off my arm than cry in school.

2. I did that homework. I am almost positive I did it. Getting it from done to folder to backpack to school to you is like seven extra homeworks. That is too many. It’s also possible I forgot to do the homework. I honestly have no idea where my planner is. Or maybe the homework was completely confusing and if I asked for help people might think I am stupid now when that used to be my best subject.

3. That time I called you Mom was the most humiliating moment of my life. It’s one thing in second grade but middle school? Ugh. How does this stuff still happen to me?

4. When you force us to get up—do stuff, act it out, test our ideas—it wakes us up and makes the lesson so much more fun and easy to remember.

5. Sometimes I just can’t focus. I’m buzzy, jumpy, pumped with electricity. Somebody suddenly looks distractingly attractive, across the room, which is fully that other person’s fault, not mine. Or I don’t get what we’re discussing and the pain of not understanding is so excruciating I just have to take a break from paying attention.

6. It feels awesome when you notice something special about me. When you value a skill or interest of mine, you give me a route in to subjects I didn’t think I’d like—and make me feel like I have something worth sharing.

7. What you tell me about myself matters way more than I hope you know. When you tell me I am something—smart, brave, kind, stupid, a trouble-maker, creative, a writer, a mathematician, funny, hard-working—I believe you.

8. I like it when you’re sarcastic but not when you’re harsh. When you say something ironically and I get it, I feel smart and mature. But when you’re mocking in a sharper way, it feels mean and a little scary.

9. Respect me. There are lots of things I already know about myself. Some I want to talk about, A LOT, and it means so much to me when you find time to include me (and it) in class. But lots of other things about me, I’m not ready to discuss, and especially not in class.

10. If you call on me and I am flat-out wrong, please don’t humiliate me. I’m already praying for a hole to open up in the floor and swallow me. It’s hard for me to believe that not knowing isn’t shameful but is instead a good starting point for learning. Help me.

And one bonus extra thing: You are suddenly one of the most important adults in my whole world. How you respond to me affects everything. Please be tough. Please be gentle. Especially when I am neither.

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