MzTeachuh is a resource blog providing educational links for professional development, timely articles for special needs, ed tech and STEM, as well as interesting and amusing posts in the Fine Arts and the Humanities.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
MzTeachuh: Cheesy Jokes and Serious Thoughts for Halloween
MzTeachuh: Cheesy Jokes and Serious Thoughts for Halloween: Pumpkin carving as fine art: The Headless Horseman This holiday is very controversial; not only does it offend many family's ...
Cheesy Jokes and Serious Thoughts for Halloween
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Pumpkin carving as fine art: The Headless Horseman |
You don't have to believe in the supernatural to be offended or freaked out by Halloween. The concentration on aberrant behavior is enough to be unsettling. What might we do to take the edge of of the disturbing aspects of Halloween?
All children go through various developmental levels (Piaget's theory of cognitive development http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piaget%27s_theory_of_cognitive_development)
and it is possible to create an experience appropriate for the child's
development. It is not easy, particularly if you live in the modern
world, but with effort, a classroom and a family experience can be
healthy for a child. For example, even though I enjoy the television
show, 'Grimm," it is really not for young children. Friday's episode, La Llorona, will freak out millions of folks, Hispanic or not. Another urban legend I have learned to never mention in class is Bloody Mary;
the kids are truly scared. And what's the point of that? ELA classes
can study folklore and Edgar Alan Poe without being traumatized.
How about the Simpson's version? I think Edgar would have enjoyed it.
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe http://www.schooltube.com/video/e850bdb733e729c582a9/The-Raven-by-Edgar-Allan-Poe
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Bart always cracks me up as the raven. |
Many
families, school, and community groups concentrate on Harvest
Festivals. That is a fine contrast to the ghastly. But even if you
choose a study of nature, for example, spiders are freaky. Most are just
helpful little garden buddies, but there are some dangerous ones. Kids need to know. Same with bats, and various birds. Around here we have huge ravens; I see them with their beady eyes focused on my chihuahua.
So
we temper the fun, the imaginative, the quaint qualities of this season
with supervision and wisdom. If you feel your child's school is
offending your family's sensibilities--tell the principal. Tell the superintendent. You and your child have rights, especially when it comes to the quality of the school community activities. Offer an alternative. Autumn and harvest time (in the northern hemisphere) offers very lovely opportunities for art and activities. You could skip the dark side and go straight to Thanksgiving.
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Yeah, Linus, I agree with you. |
And don't forget, 'It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_the_Great_Pumpkin,_Charlie_Brown
Here's a download: http://www.fanpop.com/spots/halloween/videos/67218/title/peanuts-cartoon-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown
So, where are the jokes? These are just riddle-diculous.
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You can actually buy this in NYC. |
Did you hear about the new ice cream for monsters?
Its called cookies and scream.
This is a pic of an actual CookiesNScream Sundae.
This is a pic of an actual CookiesNScream Sundae.
Knock, knock, who's there?
Ivan.
Ivan who?
Ivan to bite your neck.
Where did Mzteachuh take the ghost for lunch?
Pizza Haunt.
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Why isn't he purple? |
Where do werewolves stay on vacation?
The Howliday Inn.
Where does the Wolfman live?
In a werehouse.
Also, my classes used to play 'Name that Tune' with 'Elvira Presents Haunted Hits'
just to be very silly. Once we won a decorating contest with our
classroom door covered with original panels and comic style story of the
Purple People Eater. (Was the People Eater Purple, or did he eat purple
people? Inquiring minds want to know.)
And Drac finally got with it.
bobby 'boris' pickett & the cryptkickers - monster mash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0thH3qnHTbI
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The mashed potatoes was really a dance? |
How do zombies celebrate Halloween?
They paint the town dead.
What oinks and drinks blood?
A hampire.
Sheb Wooley - Purple People Eater (1958)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9H_cI_WCnE
Dad: Your older brother sure looks weird and scarey tonight.
Younger brother: Yeah, just wait til he puts on his mask.
What did the poultergeist serve at his Halloween party?
Halloweiners.
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Routine frequently seen at Middle School dances. |
We can't forget Michael Jackson's 'Thriller."
What do birds say on Halloween?
Trick or Tweet.
What do fishermen say on Halloween?
Trick or Trout.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY - THEME SONG http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rn1bzECgHY&feature=relate
What did the little ghost have in his lunch box?
A boo-loney sandwich.
What did he have to drink?
A little box of Ghoul-Aid.
What do you call the eyeglasses for a ghost?
Spooktackles.
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Scaredryer. |
How did the bootician dry the Wolfman's hair?
With a scaredryer.
Is it good to drink the three weird sister's brew from the Scottish Play?
Yes, its very newt-tricious.
What do baby ghosts like to play?
Shriek-a-boo.
What happened when the phantom disappeared into the fog?
He was mist.
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Don't get me started on comic books!Sabrina the Teenage Witch |
Did you hear about the hippie werewolf?
He was fur-out, man.
What does an Aussie witch ride on?
A broomerang.
(Well, I'm not.) |
And the greatest favorite of all--I even created a tee shirt for myself at Zazzle that read on the back:
I Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts!
Who ya gonna call?
Ghostbuster theme song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytAYsn__ZZI&feature=related
MzTeachuh: Well. Let's Do Something About It!
MzTeachuh: Well. Let's Do Something About It!: Five Changes Every School Should Make http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2011/08/five-changes-every-school-should-make/ Foods, Toxins,...
Well. Let's Do Something About It!
Five Changes Every School Should Make
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2011/08/five-changes-every-school-should-make/
Foods, Toxins, and ADHD
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-genetic-destiny/201410/foods-toxins-and-adhd
Making Student Data Useful
http://anniemurphypaul.com/2014/10/making-student-data-useful/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=making-student-data-useful
Hearing That Things Can Change Helps Teens Dodge Depression http://www.nesca-news.com/2014/10/hearing-that-things-can-change-helps.html
10 Resources to Better Understand Dyslexia
http://www.edudemic.com/10-resources-better-understand-dyslexia/
White House To Convene Disability Summit
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/10/03/white-house-summit/19730/
600,000 Teachers: What are We Capable of?!
https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2014/10/03/600000-teachers-what-are-we-capable-of/
MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Leading The Adventure To Middle Earth
MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Leading The Adventure To Middle Earth: 1. The Hobbit FREE lesson plans and links Do you love Tolkien and The Hobbit ? http://www.betsyanne.com/Hobbit_Links.ht...
Teaching Is Leading The Adventure To Middle Earth
1. The Hobbit FREE lesson plans and links
Do you love Tolkien and The Hobbit?http://www.betsyanne.com/Hobbit_Links.htm
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Hmm, where's Hobbiton? |
http://www.bookrags.com/lessonplan/hobbit/
3. Welcome to Tolkien's Middle-earth
http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/features/lordoftheringstrilogy/lessons/
4. J. R. R. Tolkien
Lesson plans for The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings
http://www.webenglishteacher.com/tolkien.html
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The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies - Official Teaser Trailer [HD]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSzeFFsKEt4 |
5. Ideas for Teachers
http://www.tolkiensociety.org/ed/teachers.html
6. Worksheets for The Hobbit
http://www.classroomjr.com/worksheets-for-the-hobbit/
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I think we're in time for Hobbit Second Breakfast. |
7. The Hobbit Lesson Plans
Find teacher approved The Hobbit lesson plan ideas and activities
http://www.lessonplanet.com/lesson-plans/the-hobbit
8. The Hobbit By J.R.R. Tolkien
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/english/hobbit.htm
MzTeachuh: Next Week's Lesson Plans 10/4/14
MzTeachuh: Next Week's Lesson Plans 10/4/14: When tech doesn't mind its own business. Current Events File this under, The Sky Is Cheap Entertainment Happy Astronomy Day! N...
Next Week's Lesson Plans 10/4/14
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When tech doesn't mind its own business. |

File this under, The Sky Is Cheap Entertainment
Happy Astronomy Day! Night sky viewing tips here
http://earthsky.org/tonight/happy-astronomy-day
Total eclipse of Blood Moon on night of October 7-8
http://earthsky.org/tonight/total-lunar-eclipse-blood-moon-hunters-moon-october-7-8-2014
What's the controversy about Christopher Columbus?Columbus Controversy
http://www.history.com/topics/exploration/columbus-controversy
Other Worlds: The Voyage of Columbushttp://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plan/other-worlds-voyage-columbus
Chart Columbus's Voyages
https://www.teachervision.com/columbus-day/lesson-plan/3029.html
Let Me Think About That
Two Case Studies: How Connected Educators Can Transform Schools
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/10/two-case-studies-how-connected-educators-can-transform-schools/
Ensuring Equal Access to Education Resources for all Students
http://www.ed.gov/blog/2014/10/ensuring-equal-access-to-educational-resources-for-all-students/
Education’s Curious Fascination With Uniformity
http://www.teachthought.com/featured/common-core-standards-decent-answer-decent-question/
We Need To Mix Things Up This Week
Oil Pastel Resist Halloween Art
http://afaithfulattempt.blogspot.com/2011/10/oil-pastel-resist-halloween-art.html
Fall Education--Science Lessons
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/fallcolor/education.cfm
Autumn Leaves: Simple Science and Activities for Kids
http://greatkids.outdoors.org/2012/10/autumn-leaves-simple-science-and.html
Keeping Organized
This is the never ending story.
50 Fab Apps for Teachers
Must-have apps for your smartphones and tablets.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/50-fab-apps-teachers
3 Great Apps to Keep Teachers Organized
http://www.teachhub.com/3-great-apps-keep-teachers-organized
For those of us still in the three-dimensional world.
The Clutter-Free Classroom
http://clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.com/
Classroom Management
http://www.edutopia.org/blogs/tag/classroom-management
MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 10/4/14
MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 10/4/14: King Tut, Tut http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/06/king-tut-tut.html Teaching Is Having Fun Learning http://mzteachuh.blogspot....
MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 10/4/14
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/06/king-tut-tut.html
Teaching Is Having Fun Learning
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/10/teaching-is-having-fun-learning.html
Educational Links 10/1/14
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/10/educational-links-10114.html
Ed Tech Equity: Let All Students Learn in the 21st Century
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/10/ed-tech-equity-let-all-students-learn.html
Ichabod Crane, Action Hero?
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/09/ichabod-crane-action-hero.html
Exactly, What Is Dyslexia?
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/10/exactly-what-is-dyslexia.html
IEP Meeting? Do I Have To Go?
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/09/iep-meeting-do-i-have-to-go_30.html
Educational Links 10/2/14
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/10/educational-links-10214.html
Are Your Students Living Their Dream?
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/10/are-your-students-living-their-dream.html
Just Needed Some Van Gogh: Les Alyscamps: Falling Autumn Leaves and Barbra Streisand
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2014/10/just-needed-some-van-gogh-les-alyscamps.html
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Van Gogh: Les Alyscamps |
Thanks to our international audience. It is a privilege to serve you. USA, France, Ukraine, Romania, Germany, Poland, China, Canada, UK, Turkey.
Friday, October 3, 2014
MzTeachuh: Educational Links 10/3/14
MzTeachuh: Educational Links 10/3/14: Focus on the Process and Results Will Follow http://www.edutopia.org//blog/focus-process-results-will-follow-nathan-barber?utm_sour...
Educational Links 10/3/14
Focus on the Process and Results Will Follow
http://www.edutopia.org//blog/focus-process-results-will-follow-nathan-barber?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29
Secret to raising well behaved teens? Maximize their zzzzz's
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140926085830.htm
TV Networks Featuring More Characters With Disabilities
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/10/02/tv-characters-disabilities/19726/
Two Case Studies: How Connected Educators Can Transform Schools
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/10/two-case-studies-how-connected-educators-can-transform-schools/
Teaching Students To See Quality
http://www.teachthought.com/learning/teaching-students-see-quality/
Progress on Education Is Helping Fuel Our Economy’s Growth
http://www.ed.gov/blog/2014/10/progress-on-education-is-helping-fuel-our-economys-growth/
iStorybooks Offers Nice Children's Books for Tablets
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2014/10/istorybooks-offers-nice-childrens-books.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=freetech4teachers#.VC4blhZgh-w
Teaching Persistence: How to Build Student Stamina
http://www.scilearn.com/blog/teaching-persistence-how-to-build-student-stamina
MzTeachuh: Recipe for Learning
MzTeachuh: Recipe for Learning: Naturally Learning https://www.facebook.com/NaturallyLearning We could develop a taste for this!
MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Communicating With Parents
MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Communicating With Parents: 1. Tips for Parents: Parent Teacher Conferences http://www.thelearningcommunity.us/resources-by-format/tips-for-parents/parent-...
Teaching Is Communicating With Parents
1. Tips for Parents: Parent Teacher Conferences
http://www.thelearningcommunity.us/resources-by-format/tips-for-parents/parent-teacher-conferences.aspx
2. Parent-Teacher Conference Tip Sheets for Principals, Teachers, and Parents
http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/parent-teacher-conference-tip-sheets-for-principals-teachers-and-parents
3. 10 Tips for a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference
http://school.familyeducation.com/slideshow/parents-and-school/38585.html
4. Parent-Teacher Conference: Tips for Parents
http://habee.hubpages.com/hub/Parent-Teacher-Conference-Tips-for-Parents
5. 12 Questions to Ask at Your Parent-Teacher Conference
http://www.parentsconnect.com/parenting-your-kids/parenting-kids/learning-and-school/elementary-school-parents/parent_teacher_conference.html
6. Top Ten Questions to Ask at an IEP
http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/top-ten-questions-to-ask-at-an-iep/
7. The Best IEP Questions to Ask
http://seemyiep.com/the-best-iep-questions-to-ask/
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Great smile, teacher: warm, sincere, and look at all that info for the student. |
MzTeachuh: Exactly, What Is Dyslexia?
MzTeachuh: Exactly, What Is Dyslexia?: Check out a new website for learning disabilities, Understood http://www.understood.org/en This first section of inf...
Exactly, What Is Dyslexia?
http://www.understood.org/en
This first section of information is from the NCLD website, a rich source of information on dyslexia.
What's Dyslexia Like?
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www.ncld.org |
Dyslexia
As with other learning disabilities, dyslexia is a lifelong challenge. This language-based processing disorder can hinder reading, writing, spelling and sometimes even speaking. Dyslexia is not a sign of poor intelligence or laziness or the result of impaired hearing or vision. Children and adults with dyslexia have a neurological disorder that causes their brains to process and interpret information differently.This link from NCLD has the following topics concerning dyslexia:
http://www.ncld.org/learning-disability-resources/special-needs-stories/adults-with-ld/dyslexia-stories-ben-foss
Featured Video: Reading Tips for Children With LD
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia Toolkit
Common Warning Signs of Dyslexia in Children Pre-K to Grade 2
Common Warning Signs of Dyslexia in Children in Grades 3–8
Common Warning Signs of Dyslexia in Teens in Grades 9–12
Common Warning Signs of Dyslexia in College Students and Adults
10 Helpful Dyslexia Resources
Eight Videos That Explain What Dyslexia IsApps to Help Students With Dyslexia and Reading Difficulties
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-dyslexia-reading-difficulties
37 Common Characteristics of Dyslexia![]() |
Steven Spielberg, too. |
http://www.dyslexia.com/library/symptoms.htm
Famous People With Dyslexia
http://www.dyslexia.com/library/symptoms.htm http://dyslexia.learninginfo.org/famous-people2.htm
Dyslexia
http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/learning_problem/dyslexia.html
Dyslexia
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyslexia/basics/definition/con-20021904
Here are links to support groups:
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http://www.interdys.org/ |
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http://dyslexiaaction.org.uk/support-groups |
Dyslexic Like Me
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http://dyslexiafoundation.org/ |
MzTeachuh: Fun in the Fall for Everyone
MzTeachuh: Fun in the Fall for Everyone: Autumn is Goldilock's favorite season: its not too hot or too cold. Let's go outside! Such fun with nature! 1. Hallo...
Fun in the Fall for Everyone
Autumn is Goldilock's favorite season: its not too hot or too cold.
Let's go outside! Such fun with nature!
1. Halloween and Bonfire Night
http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/packs/pack_thrillseeker.htm
This site has so many diverse activities.
2. Autumn Fun activities
http://www.education.com/seasonal/autumn-fun/
3. 50 Autumn Play and Art Activities for Kids
http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/10/50-autumn-play-art-activities-kids.html
4. Autumn Activities
http://www.educationworld.com/holidays/archives/autumn.shtml
Awesome Autumn!
5. The best Autumn Activities, Fall Traditions and Fun Fall Ideas
http://www.squidoo.com/autumn-activities-fall-traditions-fall-ideas
6. Outdoor Fall Activities
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/outdoor-fall-activities-709768/
Playing outside in the crisp air makes a kid peckish; older kids, too, like me. The cranberry recipes look especially good.
7. 39 Favorite Fall Desserts
http://familyfun.go.com/autumn/fall-recipes/fall-desserts/favorite-fall-desserts-pg-927273/#Cranberry%20and%20Apple%20Crumble;9
Thursday, October 2, 2014
MzTeachuh: Ed Tech Equity: Let All Students Learn in the 21st...
MzTeachuh: Ed Tech Equity: Let All Students Learn in the 21st...: Ye Olde Computer Room--an archeological dig for computers in a storage space down the hall from the classrooms. And the kids are ...
Ed Tech Equity: Let All Students Learn in the 21st Century
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Ye Olde Computer Room--an archeological dig for computers in a storage space down the hall from the classrooms. And the kids are happy to visit it for CoolMath once a week. |
All teachers need to become master teachers right now to successfully develop classroom effectiveness in using ed tech if the demographic includes serious stressors such as poverty, diversity, and instability. Every quality of sound teaching is in play to create and maintain a positive, secure learning environment for kids in difficult situations. To briefly research what it is to be an effective teacher, you can check out my Mzteachuh's 'Teaching Is...' Collection of posts, http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/12/mzteachuhs-teaching-is-collection-of.html
Have I always been the perfect teacher? Heavens, no, but I do always give it my best shot. What else can we expect of ourselves?
Why would students not bring devices to school?
Teachers can expect a higher level of disruption in some demographics. Property damage and theft discourages students from exposing expensive tech at school. Admin and effective classroom management can create a safe place for students to use ed tech equipment. That means in every area of the school: the gym, lunchroom and classes in which the tech isn't used. Making a safe facility for personal property involves security, including all school staff as well as teachers and admin. Everyone needs to be at their best every day.
Why are teachers relunctant to use personal devices in class?
Many teachers really love direct instruction because it requires less classroom management. The students sit. They don't talk to each other, and there is no required teacher interaction. That doesn't work now. (Never did very well.) A teacher must be active to facilitate the students using devices in class, make the rules clear and implement the rules through interaction with the students. Get up out of that computer chair and participate in what's going on in class.
How to minimize digital classroom distractions
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2014/08/14/digital-classroom-distraction-043/?
• No smartphones are allowed when the teacher is conducting a lecture.
• Devices should be put on silent/airplane mode before the start of the class.
• Tablets should only be used during group exercises and note-taking sessions.
Teachers mostly come from homes that encourage learning even if those homes were not affluent or privileged. Many students who are left out of the Tech Equity Circle do not have such advantages. Teachers need to work hard at developing personal relationships with each student and his/her family to provide the positive stability in class and home for effective learning.
How to Get the Most Out of Student-Owned Devices in Any Classroom
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/08/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-student-owned-devices-in-any-classroom/
“The kids who ‘have’ are going to keep having and the kids who ‘have-not’ are going to keep being over there,” Mills said. He suggests the best way to build equitable classroom technology use is to create a culture of trust. That takes time, but Mills said teachers need to give students a chance to prove themselves before displaying mistrust. “Instead of automatically saying, ‘I don’t trust you,’ why not create opportunities where you can trust them,” he said.
Can teachers cross the cultural divide in their own classrooms?
The United States will increase in cultural diversity. That includes economic diversity. The social and emotional learning task for teachers will be whether we can see the student instead of the demographic.
How can we prepare teachers to work with culturally diverse students and their families?
http://www.hfrp.org/family-involvement/fine-family-involvement-network-of-educators/member-insights/how-can-we-prepare-teachers-to-work-with-culturally-diverse-students-and-their-families-what-skills-should-educators-develop-to-do-this-successfully
Diversity capital is intended to name the type of teaching enhancement that embraces emotion and drives teachers to seek new opportunities and ideas for building positive relationships with students and families from culturally diverse backgrounds. Diversity capital can in turn afford teachers the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for a sustainable commitment to, validation of, and exchange with culturally diverse students and families.
Communicating Cross-Culturally: What Teachers Should Know
http://iteslj.org/Articles/Pratt-Johnson-CrossCultural.html
In the United States, with so much cultural mixing, teachers no longer have a choice as to whether they want to interact with diversity or not.
Classroom management requires a teacher to daily analyze how things are going, how things went, and how will we do better tomorrow. Classroom management involves the whole team of teachers the students see each day--so communicate! Classroom management involves admin to discipline fairly and consistently. Quite a task for all.Top Ten Strategies for Classroom Management and Discipline: Proximity and Mobility
http://pattersonandmcmillan.weebly.com/proximity-and-mobility.html
Goofing off in the classroom is inevitable in every classroom regardless of how much experience a teacher has. However, there are specific strategies that teachers use to maintain off-task behavior and that is the use of Proximity and Mobility.
Just goofing off would be a relief for some classrooms, but the basics are the same. Clarify the rules, enforce the rules, and present effective activities.
The following is an article from one educator who addressed the lack of tech for her students. We all really need to keep working on this: access for all students to appropriate ed tech and internet service at home and school. Let all students learn in the 21st century. I believe it is a student's civil right to enjoy a free and appropriate education which now includes fluency in educational technology as a part of becoming literate.
Innovative Strategies for Ensuring Device Equity
http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2013/06/innovative-strategies-ensuring-device-equity
School officials wondering what to do
for students who lack their own notebook computers, smartphones or
tablets can acquire extra devices with a little bit of ingenuity.
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