Elementary School Discussions

Blog Networking

Lana88 — Sun, 05 May 2013 10:32:28 GMT

Hello!

I am a Year 4 teacher in Australia and was wondering if anyone would be interested in some sort of blog networking? My students get excited when they see other people around the world view our site, and we are trying to get more dots on our map of visits!

Shoot me an email at year4fc@gmail.com if you are interested and we can go further. Maybe have some sort of pen pal system or something. Students can interact with each other even from a different country - should be exciting!

Oh and our website is www.kidblog.org/year4fc

Please feel free to let me know what yours is - if you have one and dont mind us having a sneak peek that is.

Kind regards,

Lana

Seeking Guided Reading Series Recommendations

rzvisual — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:12:03 GMT

Hi there! I assist a friend of mine who is a blind teacher of sighted kindergarten students, and I want to buy her a series of guided reading books as a birthday gift. She is a HUGE fan of the King School books from Townsend Press and already owns all of them. She also likes the Bella and Rosie books (they're little white dogs). I'm looking for a similar series of books that she might like to use with her students. I'd prefer books that are available in sets of at least 6 of each title, appropriately leveled for kindergarten or 1st grade (for her more advanced groups), and with print that is not too small (we put braille tape under each word for one teacher copy of each book, and if the print is too small or the words too close together, then it becomes a problem). I've done some searching on the internet but have had limited success. I would be so grateful for any suggestions! Thanks in advance!

HELP!!! Skills Parents Need To Teach Before Kindergarten!

misa_kay — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 04:26:04 GMT

I would truly appreciate help with a paper that I have to write for my English class. The subject relates to the abilities children should be taught by their parents before they enter elementary school. If anyone would take the time to answer a few questions for me, I would be so grateful.

1) What is the importance of a good attitude towards education for a child entering kindergarten?
2) What are the consequences of them not having this?
3) In what ways can parents help their child to develop this skill before entering school?

4) What is the importance of developing oral communication skills before school?
5) What are the consequences of them not having this skill?
6) In what ways can parents help their child to develop this skill before entering school?

7) What is the importance of social interaction skills before kindergarten?
8) What are the consequences of them not having this skill?
9) In what ways can parents help their child to develop this skill before entering school?

Thank you for your time,
Marisa

Discipline Problems??

halle_layne — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 06:34:40 GMT

I'm a senior in college and am experiencing my last practicum before Student Teaching. How do you prevent discipline problems in the classroom? If its not possible, how do you take care of them? This is my biggest worry.

Thanks!

Need for elementary teachers will grow

stephenteacher — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:18:08 GMT

Despite the fact that budget are being cut, some school districts are still hiring elementary
teachers, and the need is growing. It all depends on where you are looking for a teaching job.
Read more: Need for elementary teachers projected to grow
If you are thinking about becoming a teacher, it's still a good job.

Stephen C

Earn Money Online!

andrewrobert — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 09:14:36 GMT

Now You can earn money without putting any effort. Just submit your own work (e.g. Problems, Assignments, Homework, Projects, and Case Study etc.) at SolutionInn. Students will purchase your work and you will earn money at every sale of your work. This will be lasting cash inflow to your bank account. Your futile work is now paying you, Isn't it great?

What is your favorite mobile application for study tool?

dpatne — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 12:23:46 GMT

Hello, I am looking for teachers willing for a phone call / email tomorrow. I am developing a mobile application tool that helps studying for students and allows teachers to see metrics. You can tell us your favorite mobile application for study so that I can decide what is suitable for teachers needs. Thank you.

vocab competition ideas

jeffmacus — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 04:15:28 GMT

Greetings
i am a principal of elementary school and am looking into creating a school wide vocabulary competition. am hoping someone has ideas as to how one creates?
Thanks
Mac

Leading student achievement website

Markoni — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 17:36:19 GMT

Greetings educators!

I hope everyone is enjoying thier summer holidays. I took a leadeership courser in July and was introduced to the Leading Student achievement website . There is a ton of Canadian content, with specific groups and blogs that share teacher and administrator teaching practices all based on best evidence research. I will be creating a group as well on the LSA website on my inquiry and interest in physical activity and how it correlates with their focus and achievement in the classroom.

Here is the link: http://lsanetwork.ning.com/

Children's Yoga!!

omschoolmom — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 14:17:28 GMT

Hi,
I have used yoga to heal my daugther from a trauma a couple of years ago. It has become such an important part of our lives now. I have recently graduated and become a certified yoga instructor.....but my dream was to become a childrens yoga teacher, so went on to graduating from an amazing children's yoga course. I just want to let any of you interested in any tips to just let me know. I would be more than happy to help.

Unfortunaly a lot of people still don't know the full benefits yoga has on children. Studies show kids who practice yoga and meditation in classes, yoga breaks or at home have higher test scores, can self-regulate their emotions more effectively, can better navigate inter-personal conflict, have healthier relationships with their bodies and minds, and learn healthy eating and wellness habits from an early age.

Have you heard of DailyOM??? Well, my wonderful childrens yoga teacher trainer, Sarah Herrington has just launched her online 'by donation' course on how to teach children yoga!! Check it out and spread the word!!! Yoga can make a world of difference!!! Let me know if you need to know anything else

Teacher activist - Created my own classroom projection system

Proletariat — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:13:32 GMT

Hi all,

One deep frustration I feel that any public educator can share is the increasing lack of investment into our schools and classrooms. My students are 3rd graders and many of them have access to a computer at home and are tech-savvy. Being a younger teacher myself, I know there are whole host of educational tools for educators, many of them free (Apple U, Khan Academy, Wolfram Alpha). I have put in request for a projector time and time again only to have it denied by the administration as they do not see prioritize the younger grades in terms of technology support. So using my head and initiative, I bought my own. http://www.aaxatech.com/products/p4_pico_projector.htm, This portable projector works well with the lights off and I just leave an empty space on the wall for a projection screen. We did not have to spend $5,000 dollars to get my classroom Smartboard integrated. Now I can have powerpoint lesson plans embedded with educational greats such as "School House Rock" and the "Magic School Bus" and save them on my macbook. Student interest and engagement is up and now I can easily outline the main take aways from each video. Khan Academy helps visualize some of the math that my kids are just starting to learn (multiplication and division). My advice to all teachers, don't be afraid to action on your own.

Online Students & Experts!

andrewrobert — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 06:28:15 GMT

Good Grades are ever at the top priority for students to gain, but it’s not a cup of tea. Nevertheless, SolutionInn made it very easy for students. Highly professional experts are assisting students in their educational problems.

Any suggestions to get them to study?

MysteryTeacher — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:39:13 GMT

I have worked all year with my class of 4th graders to teach them HOW to study. They won't cooperate. I am at my wits end. I have tried copying the notes with them, putting the actual questions from the test on the board in the form of notes, showed them how to pick out the important parts of a passage to take notes on, underlined the notes in their books and every other methond known to teaching. They write them down but do not even bother to take them home. So, then I said they had to take them home and read them 15 times 3 times a day. They took them home and never brought them back to school to use during review time. I quit. They can get their own notes for the rest of the year.

benefit of playing sand for children?

ahmadfauzi — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:46:46 GMT

I heard that there is much benefit of playing sand for young children. is there anyone who knows ? I just want to know the effect for children psychology aand health for young children. there are many children traditional games but playing sand was fun for me when I was a kid.

Need for elementary teachers to grow

stephenteacher — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 01:01:45 GMT

The US Dept of Labor predicts that elementary teacher need will
grow 17%. Read more:
http://teachers-resources-and-tips.blogspot.com/2012/06/need-for-elementary-teachers-projected.html
Teaching is still a good profession!

Stephen C

College Student Researching Positive Reinforcement

FutureTeacher — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:17:56 GMT

Hello,

I am a junior in college and I am doing a research paper on positive behavior reinforcement. In order to do research, we have to ask interview questions, and one of the ways my professor suggested to have these questions answered is through a teacher's blog. The purpose of my research paper is to find out whether or not positive behavior reinforcement is effective in the classroom and in the school as a whole.

My licensure area is Pre-K - 3, and I will have an endorsement for 4th and 5th grade. So, I am looking for answers primarily for the Pre-K - 3 grade levels, but am also looking for responses from 4th and 5th grade teachers. I am going to school in the state of Ohio.

Please feel free to answer as many of these questions as you like and as many as you feel pertain to you. Responses would be much appreciated, since this is for a research paper for one of my classes.

1) Overall, in your experience, has positive behavior reinforcement been more effective than disciplinary measures in your classroom and in the school as a whole?
2) How have you found that students respond to positive behavior reinforcement?
3) What are some techniques that you use to promote positive behavior in your classroom?
4) What are some positive behavior reinforcement techniques that you use outside of the classroom (playground, cafeteria, hallway, bus loop, etc.)?
5) Are there any students or particular types of students in which you have found that positive behavior reinforcement is not effective?
6) From the Pre-K - 5th Grade age range, is there any age in which you feel that positive reinforcement is more effective?
7) Would you recommend teachers in this age range to focus on positive reinforcement more than disciplinary measures or vice versa?
8) If you have taught a variety of grade levels in this range, what are some similarities and differences in the techniques for positive reinforcement that you have used across the grade levels?
9) Is there any other information that you have to offer on positive behavior reinforcement?

I look forward to your responses!
Thank you so much!!

Input needed from Elem Teachers

MrDave — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:27:24 GMT

I am in the process of creating a free website where students can go to have a book read to them. My original idea is to have a site full of videos that show the pages of the book as I read them

I have a few questions for my fellow teachers to make my site as usefull as possible.

1-Is it neccisary for students to see the words of the story on the video, or just the pages from the book?

2-How important is it for the video to show the pages of the book if the words are written on the screen?

3-Would it be easier for students to search for stories by Title or Author?

4-Does this site sound like something you might be able to use in your classroom? at home?

5-Anything else you can think of that would make this site easier/more useful for you and your students.

Thank you for your time helping me out.

Mr. Dave

Gifted Education

Diane Castillo-Raude — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:04:30 GMT

Any fun ideas for gifted students?

private schools for gifted kids in toronto

ashleywarmer — Sat, 12 May 2012 06:29:10 GMT

Does anyone know of any schools, Toronto gifted children. My kids are 7 and 9, and bored, a private school, they are now visiting. I think I have to move it right now before they start to hate school. They were tested in the summer, and it turns out that they are both talented. I was afraid to move them in the summer and I already had paid most of the teaching, which I'm sure wont get back, but now I feel that I made a huge mistake which I regret more and more each day. They are not in school, but just getting quieter and I worried that my parents the child becomes depressed.

I'm so happy that they can stay home for three days this weekend.

Day Care in Markham
Private Schools in Richmond Hill

cool science and math poem website

raknyc — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:16:48 GMT

here's a science poem website created by a science teacher- also a lot of math poems and math resources there too.

http://sciencepoems.net

Eric

Advice needed 5th grade

ITEACHREADING — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:33:12 GMT

I have been working with a fifth grade student the last several weeks. He has been a bit of a mystery. He has adequate comprehension, word identification skills, and vocabulary.. However, he reads at a very slow pace and sometimes deletes words. He perfoms poorly in spelling and writing and also has difficulty carrying over his phonics knowledge when he encounters three syllable or more words. According to background report, he was considered on grade level in his primary grade years. However, has progressively performed worse in reading and language arts over the past two years. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to focus extra instruction and any advice about the learner?

Struggling after intervention

ITEACHREADING — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:46:15 GMT

I have been tutoring a student in first grade for the past several weeks. I have given him several assessments and he struggled completing most of them. He has receive additional tiered instruction the entire year, however, still remains to struggle. I was especially alarmed in the phonemic and phonics awareness areas. He continues to have difficulty orally manipulating sounds. Should I focus on phonemic awareness and continue this until he masters or should I move on to other areas of literacy?

Struggling learning ABC/Phonics - advice needed

K_Teacher — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:42:04 GMT

Hello!

I am currently a college student and one my assignments is to get on a teacher blog and ask questions for other educators opinions and advice. This is my first time blogging so I hope I do it correctly! J

One student I am tutoring and need advice on is struggling learning his/her alphabet. Student B is struggling with both identifying letters and reproducing their sound. Do you have any activities that you recommend to increase the student’s academic success in this skill?

THANKS SO MUCH!

Great Motivational Student Contests

Poetryqueen — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 20:56:13 GMT

Creative Communication is a site that has thousands of poetry lesson plans for teachers. They work with teachers to motivate and encourage students to reach their full potential. They also host poetry, essay, and art contests for students.
www.poeticpower.com
www.celebratingart.com

"Brilliant Activities for Gifted and Talented Children "- Ashley McCabe Mowat

roxanna — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:58:13 GMT

This was worth every penny. I have been using it since it arrived and not just for G&T – it is accessible by others too. I have been impressed by the variety of activities and the way they are structured, it gives G&T children a chance to carry out independent activities without it being an onerous task for the teacher. I hope they bring out volume 2 and 3 and 4…

more: Brilliant Publications- Publishers of Creative Educational Resources, UK net.