We are approaching the end of the school year, which is good and not so good. Last Friday was turning into a not-so-good day. The students know each other very well by now, and at times become more like sisters and brothers. Yikes. Continue Reading
Month: April 2012
Getting Ready for an Accreditation Visit
Last week I spent 2 1/2 days out of my classroom preparing, organizing and uploading information needed for an upcoming AdvancED accreditation visit. There are 7 areas in which we had to evaluate ourselves as a school, as well as gather evidence that supports our accreditation. It really has helped us see what we do well, and identify some things we can improve on. Continue Reading
Replacing Praise with Encouragement (Like Jesus)
I went to a teacher workshop recently called Using Praise? Change Your Ways! It was about using praise vs. encouragement. I was really surprised by what I learned.
I think most teachers were trained to use praise to encourage behaviors. I don’t know how often I say things like, I like how Tom is sitting on the carpet. Or, I like how Isabelle is doing her work at the table quietly. Continue Reading
Pennies … and Love! … for Pachyderms
At Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy, preschoolers dream BIG. Pachyderm big, that is!! And we did something about it!
Here’s the story: Last January during Catholic Schools Week, the preschoolers insisted they wanted to go into the community and do service just like the big kids. That’s a little tough on our schedule (many are half-day), and given our need for naps, snacks and jumping around, though. 🙂
Help for Making Preschool Fun!
I have never thought learning shouldn’t be fun. In fact, I think if learning ISN’T fun, it’s not actually working! That is, kids who aren’t engaged and enjoying their classroom experience probably aren’t learning much. (Or at least aren’t learning what you wish they were.) Continue Reading
How Smart Boards make Smart Leaders
Mornings are always fun in preschool … and even more fun this year with our Smart Board! It really gets the kids up and moving while they learn. No desks for us!!
We received our Smart Board last fall. It looks – and acts – like a giant touch-screen tablet mounted on the wall, and it can do everything but tie the kids’ shoes. (Okay, that’s a bit of an overstatement. But it is amazing!) Continue Reading
I Like Butterflies!
Silence and Peace at the Monastery
I did not realize until Holy Thursday just how stressed I have been. Between the flood in my classroom and the multiple tasks we teachers face this time of the year, I’ve been a little … tense!! Continue Reading
Teaching Holy Thursday Lessons
I love teaching in a Catholic school religion class on Holy Thursday more than any other day of the year. It’s a moving, holy day for us all. Continue Reading
Our New IPad
Technology really has changed the way we teach … or at least the tools we use to teach with. In my classroom, the flood has changed the technology as well. Continue Reading
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