What Have You Done For Me Lately?

Hey, everyone!
So... it's been a really long time since I added a new post--and yet hundreds of people are still visiting this blog everyday, which I find fascinating! I hope these older posts are still working for you and that you are able to find some great information that is helpful!
Today I wanted to talk a little bit about building relationships. This year has been a challenging one for me! I am in a new district, back on one campus, in a similar position to the one I've held for the last eight years, but every campus is unique, and some of the things I'm used to doing (like RTI!) are no longer part of my domain, and I have some new responsibilities, too, (like MTA!) I came into this new school not knowing a single soul except for the principal, who I met a few months before the rest of the staff at my interview (I didn't know her prior), and so the last few months have been all about getting to know my co-workers and students.
I did happen to bring a couple of cute little girls along with me, though! ;)

This little girl loves her new school and her new teacher!

Building relationships is so important to the success of our students and our fellow teachers.  I cannot effectively coach a teacher and help him or her become stronger in the classroom if that person does not respect and trust me. Likewise, we cannot teach students effectively if they do not trust and respect us (notice I flipped those two words around--that was on purpose.)  The make-up of our student population is quite interesting. We have a good number of students who live in a very affluent neighborhood where houses literally cost in the millions. We also have a good number of students who live in run down apartments who aren't sure where their next meal is coming from. We have to know our kids to understand how to approach them; earning trust is different for children with opposing mindsets, and if I don't know who I'm dealing with, I won't know how to earn that trust and respect.
So, I have spent a great deal of time getting to know the kids.  I still don't know all of their names or all of their stories, but I'm getting there. I am especially partial to our kindergartners, as I have been at lunch with them for most of the school year thus far. What a great group of kids!  Children at that age want to trust, they want to love, they want to be loved. It's very easy to win over the heart of most kindergartners if you get down on their level and let them know you care. Even knowing their names makes their day. (It helps that a lot of things are still labeled for them!) Sometimes I'll run into a kindergartner who has already begun to question authority or has had past experiences with grown ups who didn't follow through. This is always disheartening, and it takes a while to get those kids to come over. But once you do, you're golden, unless of course you accidentally disappoint them as well. Then, you'll have to work twice as hard to earn that trust back.
For many of our older students who have lost their confidence in academics, it can become quite a struggle to get them to see us as allies. We have to work harder to let them know they matter to us as individuals. We have to let them see that we can relate to them. I do know what it's like to be in your shoes--as a kid, I was hungry a lot of nights, too. I missed my dad when I only got to see him every other weekend. I get it. I understand.  I also know what it's like to think I'm not very good at something. For me it was math.  But with the right teachers, confidence goes up, and so do scores. We can win these kids over by talking about things that interest them. Most of them are pretty impressed that I know who Steve from Minecraft is, or when I can pretend to know a thing or two about Pokemon.  Some of the sixth grade boys are super impressed when I can say things like, "Can you believe Dan Bailey made that field goal last night with only nine seconds on the clock? Man, I was afraid the Cowboys were going to lose again."  They think that's pretty cool, which makes me pretty cool, which means they'll work for me--usually.
But we have to take the time to work on those relationships everyday.  And sometimes that's hard when you have so many kids to reach out to. I had a kindergartner once who introduced me to her mother as, "the lady who comes to school to see me." In little Emily's world, my sole purpose for existing was to visit her. And that's fine with me.  I'd rather let her think she's my whole world than not be a part of hers.
Think about one kid today--possibly one you honestly don't really like that much or know that well--and set a goal to reach out to that child at least three more times before the holiday break.  (Or if you are reading this later, in the next week or so.)  Find out what he or she likes.  Make an effort to single them out for something good. Say "hey" in the hallway. Call him or her by name. If you're a classroom teacher, find a student who is NOT in your class.  You don't have to buy anything or give them anything tangible. Just make them your world for a few minutes.  And then, most importantly, follow through.  Make this year count for that kid by being there as much as you can. I promise you, they'll benefit  from it, but you'll benefit from it even more.
My next post will be more academic, I promise! And it won't take me another year to write it either!

5 Quick Reminders for Spouses of Teachers

Even before K-Mart started filming their catchy rendition of students dancing away in the cafeteria, wearing their new shoes and sharply pressed denim--that they picked up on sale, of course--your spouse--the teacher--was already contemplating what he or she could do to make this school year "The Best Year Ever." But you already know that because you've seen s/he making those little lists in that secret notebook, staying up late browsing Pinterest, running to Wal-Mart to pick up "one more thing, while it's on sale."  Yes, you are well aware that your spouse does not, despite popular belief, have the summer off.  However, you also know that the "busy season" is about to hit--long days, short evenings filled with work, aching feet, lots of phone calls from parents--and a ton of paperwork.  Ah, yes, the new school year is upon us! Here are a few reminders for you, the teacher's spouse, to help him or her have a successful first few weeks back in the classroom.
1) Do EVERYTHING around the house--and I mean everything. I know that may seem ridiculous, especially if you don't usually do as much as your spouse (the teacher) but this is the time of the year when you can really shine as "Super Husband" (or "Super Wife"!)  Dishes need done? You're on it! Clothing on the floor? To the hamper it goes!  Should you ask if stopping by Chick-fil-a is a good idea? No!  Trick question--don't ask just do it! Your spouse does not have time to even think about home right now because s/he is sooooo busy at school and having you there to pick up the slack at the end of the day will be so greatly appreciated--even if s/he doesn't have time to tell you right now. And, if you also have an incredibly busy schedule and cannot possibly do everything that your spouse normally does, for the love of monkeys, do not point out that s/he hasn't done something. Dishes will get done, eventually. You will have something to wear to work.  But, for now, house work has to take a backseat to the classroom, or else your lovely partner will blow a gasket and run out of steam way too early in this marathon school year.

This is all you now, Teacher Spouse! (Pic via Pixabay)

2) Avoid conflict at all costs! Chances are your spouse has spent a significant amount of time today having "conversations" with little people (or bigger people with hormone issues) about why s/he is in charge and why they need to follow rules. At the beginning of the year, regardless of grade level, every teacher spends a huge amount of time setting up procedures and protocols. If you feel that your significant other is incorrect in her statement that, "George Clooney is the best Batman ever!" take some advice from Elsa and Let it Go! Granted, there may be times when you literally have to bite your tongue--off--to follow this rule but please remember, we are under a lot of stress and sometimes we just need to have our ideas confirmed, but for the most part, try to avoid senseless arguments.  Now, if your husband the science teacher is telling you that dishwashing soap is a nice substitute for ketchup, that might be an argument you want to pursue.

Is it really worth it?  You know, even if you win, you lose. (Pic via Pixabay)

3) Go out of your way to be nice (really nice!) You know those new shoes your wife, the teacher, has been eyeing but their not exactly in the budget? Get them for her. If you're in the area at lunch time, bring him his favorite fast food.  If you know how to use the internet (and if you're reading this, I bet you do!) you can go to ProFlowers and make all of the other teachers so totally jealous! You will be spouse of the year (of course, that's probably only if your spouse is a female. . . .but not necessarily)  when your loved one receives a gorgeous bouquet at school.  Even if it's just a barrage of post-it notes on the bathroom mirror, on the fridge, on the dash of the car, etc., letting him or her know that you understand how important these first few weeks are, it means a huge deal to us.

Flowers, the easiest way to say I love you--unless your spouse has allergies. (Pic via Flikr)

4) Avoid leaving town if at all possible.  This is especially true if you have kids (see #5!).  If you are one of those people who gets to go out of town on business sometimes (teachers are also impressed by people who get to leave for lunch, talk to adults at work, and pee whenever they need to) then do whatever you can to avoid being out of town these first few weeks back. If you're not there, you can't follow all of the other steps.  And, as much as we might want to kill you simply because you are there, you really do make our lives easier with your existence.  Usually.

"I'm leaving on a jet plane!"  No, no you're not! (Pic via Pixabay)

5) If you have children (or pets, or houseplants) take care of them as if you were a single parent. I cannot stress this enough--especially if your spouse, like myself, just spent the entire summer as a "stay at home parent" taking care of the little darlings. If you are home, you're on call. Period. Now, my husband doesn't get home until about two hours after me and I understand that I am going to be in charge of my daughters from 4:30-6:30.  The second he walks in the door--they are his. Whether he likes it or not. I don't care if they are doing a beautiful rendition of Swan Lake that is completely irresistible to me--I will resist.  If my husband is home, he is in charge of all toy demands, food necessities, potty accidents, and the dreaded "spider attack!" He is also on bath time and bedtime duty. Because, as an elementary school teacher, I've wiped enough noses  and tied enough shoes for one day!

These little beasties are all yours! (Pic via Pixabay--not my actual darling children!)

So, how can you tell when the battle-phase is over and you can become a little more lax on these rules?  The first indication will be the glazed look in your spouse's eyes--it will start to lessen. It will be hard to tell at first, but eventually, he or she will look as if they recognize you again.  Then, you will start to hear some success stories, rather than just the horrific tales of awful children and their crimes against nature. "Billy stayed in his seat for five minutes today and I only had to give him eight stickers!" This is a good sign!  Then, finally, one day, possibly in the middle of September, your significant other will actually have time to fulfill a household chore! You will awake to see him or her standing in front of the stove, cooking breakfast, while, perhaps, the dishwasher buzzes in the background. You can take this as a sure sign that the "Beginning of School" trauma is over and that you have your lovely wife or husband back--at least for a little while, until "State Testing" arrives. Then, kindly refer back to this post and repeat as necessary.
Happy First Day back everyone!!!

State Testing is Over--What Do We Do Now?

Recently, many teachers have entered into that time of year when state testing is over, the school year is dragging on, kids are bored, and we really aren't sure how to get through the next few weeks without losing our minds!  We need some ideas to get our kiddos energized, engaged, and excited about learning again! Here are three great ideas that will put a little zing back in to your school year.

How do we keep our students engaged--not bored?

1) Reader's Theater:  Most of us are familiar with Reader's Theater but if you haven't tried it out in a while (or even if you have) see if you can incorporate it into your curriculum, perhaps into your Guided Reading lessons. Kids love taking turns reading aloud and many of them will surprise you with their acting abilities.  While Reader's Theater is great fun, it's also a great way to build fluency and comprehension.  We know that the best way kids learn how to read is by reading and Reader's Theater takes it to the next level, allowing them to read aloud while others are listening.  Be smart about assigning parts.  Don't give students more than they can handle. Let them practice--a lot!--before any public performances.  If they want to bring costumes and really put on a show, let them.  You can take it a step farther by creating rubrics for practices and performances that allow students to stay engaged while watching others perform. You can also allow students to create their own Reader's Theaters.  Talk about creating an engaging lesson!  Reader's Theaters are a great way to get the kids engaged again and they allow you to uncover the curriculum in a fun and enjoyable way.
2) Perform Read Alouds:  This is one of my absolute favorite activities for this time of year and the kids LOVE it, too.  You simple allow each student to choose a picture book or other story suitable for reading aloud and you let them practice it over and over again, ending with a classroom performance. Kids love it because it gives them the opportunity to imitate you and other teachers.  They get to put true expression into their reading and really bring the characters to life.  They also like being the center of attention for a few moments. If you have technology available, you can even have them record it on the device to practice or to create a presentation.  Let your imagination go wild and see what you and your kiddos can come up with. I guarantee you will have just as much fun watching the pigeon plead to drive the bus as Johnny will reading it to you.
3) Try a new website or app, like CoreClicks:  Scholastic is testing an awesome new sight called CoreClicks.  If you have't seen it yet, check it out here.  This program is specifically designed for students Kindergarten through 5th grade. Each non-fiction topic starts off with a video that really keeps the students engaged. Then, they read a short nonfiction book online.  Next, they can answer quiz questions or move to discussion points. Scholastic does a great job of outlining for the teacher exactly which components they recommend are completed in which order, though you can also do your own thing.  My students love the video and the pictures.  They also appreciate the challenging nature of the questions and discussion topics. It's one of my go-to programs for the next few weeks as I plan lessons for lots of kiddos at different grade-levels who have different needs.  There are also super engaging videos for different skill topics, such as Main Idea and Inferring.
The next few weeks don't have to be a borefest for you or your students.  Find some creative ways to get both you and your students excited about reading again!