We had the best time today. The entire school and almost the entire staff went to a big celebration in a park, and we had the school to ourselves. Three kids were absent today, as was Ali, so it was me, Jan (my para), and 12 preschoolers. We went on an exploration adventure, starting with the [...]

There is a boy in my class — we’ll call him David, for reasons which should be clear to fans of David Shannon’s No, David! books — who is always getting into trouble.  He is a sweet boy, actually, and I’m always happy to see him, but he is impulsive and loud, and needs a lot [...]

When I taught preschool at a daycare center, during my first official year of teaching, I had a big classroom with a large area where we could sit on the floor for circle time, in an actual circle. Now, many years later, I am teaching preschool in a public school, in a very small classroom.  Our [...]

Perhaps because I really started out teaching in daycare, before I taught kindergarten at that inner-city school, I still obey the rules about licensing and ratios and proper supervision.  I never want to have my students out of my sight, because if something happened to them, it would be my responsibility.  So — I want to [...]

Warning: If you're not too interested in hearing me feel sorry for myself, please feel free to forgo this posting. I won't hold it against you. I promise. I like to focus on the funny here at The Bits. I like to laugh at the silly things and revel in the lighter side of this job I have chosen; but not today. Today, I am frustrated. This year ...

I'll give you several examples of Asperger's kids I have known. All of the children are diagnosed with Asperger's: Marla Marla was a six year old girl with a fascination with mythical creatures and oceanography. During free time, she played with some small toy horses which she named with mythical names like Zeus ...

I am often asked the question, ''What is a good punishment for children who are rude to adulst?''  Rather than take this tack, I would rather answer the question, ''How can I teach my child to speak respectfully to adults?'' I don't like punishment as a way of eliminating problem behaviors because punishment doesn't teach anything but to act ...

This is my first blog on this website. I will be offering solutions to common problem behaviors both in the classroom and at home relating to common school issues. I will also entertain any questions that you might have.So far I have been having quite good success with managing and changing children's behavior by using positive methods. I will ...

I was talking to a colleague of mine today and she reminded me of the joys of putting on our annual dog and pony show…whoa!! Was that out loud? I’m sorry. I mean, our annual assembly that celebrates and brilliantly displays student learning. Let me take this opportunity to say I HATE ASSSEMBLIES!!! Let me calm down. I mean, what’s the ...