Next Semester...we'll have a healthier classroom

This schoolyear teachers, students, and families are faced with serious communicable health risks to every generation. The first precaution is timely and appropriate vaccinations. Then, teachers (and families) should provide healthy environments and experiences so students and staff are less likely to fall victim to this year's serious round of infectious diseases. Influenza is serious this year. Whooping Cough has made a comeback, with Measles coming right behind. When watching the news, its like a movie and you expect Dustin Hoffman to appear in full hazmat suit, particularly when patient zero spreads measles from Disneyland. What's a teacher to do?

Five Ways to a Cleaner, Healthier Classroom

http://www.nea.org/home/32002.htm 

Teaching Students Healthy Habits

http://www.nea.org/home/teaching-students-healthy-habits.html 

Strategies to Keep Schools Clean and Students Healthy

http://www.cleanlink.com/news/article/Strategies-to-Keep-Schools-Clean-and-Students-Healthy--14643 

More Fresh Air in Classrooms Means Fewer Absences

 http://newscenter.lbl.gov/2013/06/05/more-fresh-air-in-classrooms-means-fewer-absences/

Study: Classroom ventilation affects student performance 

http://www.utulsa.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-engineering-and-natural-sciences/departments-and-schools/Department-of-Chemical-Engineering/News-Events-and-Publications/News/2010/December/Classroom-Air-Study.aspx 

15 houseplants for improving indoor air quality

http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/photos/15-houseplants-for-improving-indoor-air-quality/a-breath-of-fresh-air 

Vaccines are Effective 

http://www.vaccines.gov/basics/effectiveness/ 

Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report

  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box Letter #6

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box Letter #6: These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we ...

Next Semester...I'll Do Better With Google Classroom

Not all of us are IT-type folks, so we may need to practice new skills. But we can learn!

Google Classroom: First Look

http://www.lynda.com/Google-Classroom-tutorials/Google-Classroom-First-Look/188217-2.html?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=l1-US-Search-Edu-Google%2BClassroom&cid=l1-us:en:ps:lp:prosc:s1792:117:all:bing:mbm-using_google_classroom&utm_content={creative}&utm_term=%2BUsing%20%2Bgoogle%20%2Bclassroom 

Google Classroom

http://www.learningfacilitated.com/2014/05/google-classroom/ 

Introduction to Google Classroom

http://www.edudemic.com/introduction-google-classroom/ 

Google Classroom Review

http://www.nyteched.org/blog/google-classroom-review 

Google for Educators: The Best Features for Busy Teachers

http://www.edutopia.org/google-for-educators 

It might take grit to learn this, but we can do it.

60 Smarter Ways To Use Google Classroom

http://www.teachthought.com/technology/60-smarter-ways-to-use-google-classroom/

Welcome to the Google Classroom Help Center

https://support.google.com/edu/classroom

Educational Links 12/31/15

Response to Intervention: Resources for Educators

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/response-to-intervention-resources-youki-terada?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29 

Before final speech, Arne Duncan promotes work on high-speed broadband

http://edscoop.com/before-final-speech-arne-duncan-promotes-work-on-high-speed-broadband 

Overlooked Useful YouTube Features - A PDF Handout 

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2015/12/useful-youtube-features.html?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=freetech4teachers#.VoSYM1kY1SE 

Lessons from Living Through the Transition to Common Core Standards

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/common-core/3373-lessons-from-living-through-the-transition-to-common-core-standard 

Do Boys Have Learning and Attention Issues More Often Than Girls? 

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/getting-started/what-you-need-to-know/do-boys-have-learning-and-attention-issues-more-often-than-girls 

Your Favorite Special Education Posts of 2015

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2015/12/your_favorite_special_educatio.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OnSpecialEducation+%28Education+Week+Blog%3A+On+Special+Education%29 

10 Emerging Education Technologies

http://www.edudemic.com/10-emerging-education-technologies/

  

Next Semester...we'll celebrate diversity

Music! Dancing! And dont forget the great Mexican food!

If you teach in a school that is ethnically isolated, by geography or by choice, I suggest finding commonality in sports, for example. Especially in baseball, you can find just about all ethnicities coming together to celebrate a fun time through sports. If you have a favorite team in the MLB, NFL, or NBA--you are celebrating diversity. The same is true of most entertainment and lists of famous inventors, performers of heroics, and remarkable accomplishments.  You can also spotlight through calendar events (St. Patrick's Day, or MLK Day, for example.) Discretion is important if your community is sensitive to discussions of diversity. But it is clear that not only tolerance is mandatory but appreciation of diversity, also. We are America, afterall.

Here are links from Edutopia, TeachThought and Edudemic to get you started on your appreciation of diversity.

Diversity 

http://www.edutopia.org/blogs/tag/diversity 

http://www.edutopia.org/search-results?search=diversity 

Vibrant art! Parades! Learn to use chipsticks!

Culturally Responsive Teaching Starts With Students

http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/culturally-respo--nsive-teaching-starts-with-students/ 

15 Resources: Prepare for Cultural Diversity in Class

http://www.edudemic.com/cultural-diversity-in-the-classroom/ 

Ballpark saurkraut hotdog!

Here are links for the major self-reported ethnicities in the USA according to census reports. I'm just following the order of the self-reporting. Sounds like fun--music, dance, food, art. Serious thoughts and inspiration. Check out American Rhetoric: The Power of Oratory in the United States http://www.americanrhetoric.com/  for speeches.

German-American Corner: History and Heritage

http://www.germanheritage.com/ 

Speeches of JFK .

Irish Contributions to the American Culture

http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/immigration/irish8.html 

Cesar Chaves Si Se Puede

National Hispanic Heritage Month and Cinco de Mayo Lesson Plans

http://lessonplanspage.com/hispanicheritagemonth-htm/ 

The Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock.

 

English Americans

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_American 

 

Little Italy, New York City

 

Italian Americans 

http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Ha-La/Italian-Americans.html 

The Italian Americans PBS

http://video.pbs.org/program/italian-americans/ 

Steven Spielberg--and don't forget Jurassic World!

 

The Jewish Americans PBS

http://www.pbs.org/jewishamericans/ 

 

 

Native American Resources

500 is one of my favorite resources, I have taught the info on the Aztecs to my Mexican-American students. They are also fascinated with the Mayans.

Sequoyah--created Cherokee written language

500 NATIONS a video series

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZztTMhRzqlQ&list=PLCD21D8E645A7BCE0 

We Shall Remain--PBS

http://ec2-184-73-194-121.compute-1.amazonaws.com/wgbh/amex/weshallremain/

Celebrate African-American History

 http://teacher.scholastic.com/africanamericanheritage/

 Please don't neglect the arts when enjoying these lessons. And the food, if possible. Mmm, soul food.

MLK--we never needed your influence more than now!

Teacher Resolution #3

I solemnly resolve...

#3. I resolve to not let the kids drive me completely nuts.

Seventh grade teachers, I feel your pain. But let's be realistic.

How about:

I won't let the students bait me as much.

How 'interesting' your students are vary from year to year, grade to grade, and there are plenty of other factors. But how to respond to your 'interesting students' is in your domain of influence. Keeping a consistent, regulated classroom management system every second of classtime will stabilize the experience of the students and yourself. This isn't easy, but when Teacher realizes the efficacy of relying on a good classroom management system, it becomes a pleasure--no, that's too strong--a relief. Include the parents, for sure, with reports of success and rascality. Be efficient with reports to the Discipline Office--only after other options are truly exhausted unless it is a safety issue or some other extreme situation. Be fair, be thorough, be relentless in your pursuit of every student's success. You'll be the teacher that very 'interesting' student thanks when he/she is a successful stand up comic.

Top Ten Classroom Management Ideas and Resources

http://www.the-teachers-lounge.com/blog/2011/10/the-best-classroom-management-ideas-resources/ 

25 Sure-Fire Strategies for Handling Difficult Students

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/25-sure-fire-strategies-handling-difficult-students 

How to Handle Discipline Problems with Effective Classroom Management

 http://712educators.about.com/od/discipline/ht/class_manage.htm

Using Detention Wisely

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/school_climate/use_detention_wisely.shtml

 

This is not my school--but it could have been! Don't think we're ever going back to this classroom management, as far as I know.

MzTeachuh: Hey, Meet Me At Recess By the Swings!

MzTeachuh: Hey, Meet Me At Recess By the Swings!: Fitness expert has games for a 'trouble-free' playground http://blog.mlive.com/chroni...

Educational Links 12/30/15

Beyond Working Hard: What Growth Mindset Teaches Us About Our Brains

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/12/29/beyond-working-hard-what-growth-mindset-teaches-us-about-our-brains/

The 10 Skills Modern Teachers Must Have

http://www.edudemic.com/the-10-skills-modern-teachers-must-have-2/ 

22 Resolutions Special Needs Parents Are Making for 2016

http://themighty.com/2015/12/22-resolutions-special-needs-parents-are-making-for-2016/ 

Reading List To Help Students Begin To Grapple With Race
http://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/literacy/reading-list-help-students-grapple-with-race/?utm_content=5682f81f04d3014398ac8e64 

How Kids With Learning and Attention Issues Can Set and Stick to New Year’s Goals 

https://www.understood.org/en/family/events-outings/holidays-celebrations/how-kids-with-learning-and-attention-issues-can-set-and-stick-to-new-years-goals?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg 

When Success Leads to Failure

http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/08/when-success-leads-to-failure/400925/

Importance of the Arts for Young People

http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/6c7bd8d8-24d7-4b06-beed-6c854b14f8ca/importance-of-the-arts-for-young-people/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mktg2015 

School Testing 2016: Same Tests, Different Stakes

http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/12/28/459068910/school-testing-2016-same-tests-different-stakes?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=2055 

Teacher Resolution #2

I solemnly resolve...

#2. I will keep up with all the paperwork, all the time.

Quite a goal. But how realistic is it?

How about this:

I will keep up with mandatory paperwork in a timely manner, and not create unnecessary paperwork for myself. 

There are plenty of deadlines for all teachers that are universal: grades, behavior reports, cum files' stuff. But sometimes in our enthusiasm we create lots of paperwork related activities that don't really need our personal touch but as teachers we may not want to let go of the control. Our time is our most precious resource and if we can expedite the necessary paperwork through better organization, we should also let go of time-consuming, and possibly unnecessary, teacher grading/commenting interactions on everything.

Overwhelmed with Grading Papers? Try These Time-Saving Tricks

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/overwhelmed-grading-papers-try-these-time-saving-tricks 

Grading Made Simple

http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/free-resources/planning-and-assessment/grading-made-simple 

Classroom Management: Top 12 Ways to Tackle Teacher Paperwork 

http://www.teachhub.com/top-12-ways-tackle-teacher-paperwork 

 

Educational Links 12/29/15

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Classroom Activities 

http://www.teachhub.com/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-classroom-activities 

How Parents and Teachers Can Work Together For Powerful Learning Outcomes

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/12/28/how-parents-and-teachers-can-work-together-for-powerful-learning-outcomes/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kqed%2FnHAK+%28MindShift%29 

Top 5 Videos And Blogs of 2015

https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2015/12/17/top-5-videos-and-blogs-of-2015/ 

Periscope: Connecting Classrooms to the World

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/periscope-connecting-classrooms-to-world-fran-siracusa-jennifer-williams?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29 

Most Popular in 2015, No. four: 8 things every teacher can do to create an innovative classroom

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/12/28/most-popular-in-2015-no-four-8-things-every-teacher-can-do-to-create-an-innovative-classroom/?utm_content=buffer75bb1&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer#.VoHJ-OctH-Q.facebook 

Kick Me: Making Vocabulary Interactive 

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/making-vocabulary-lesson-interactive#.VoHJRUV9WYk.facebook 

Evidence that Brain-Chemical Imbalance Drives Autism Symptoms 

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/12/evidence-that-brain-chemical-imbalance.html#.VoHJDLh4Q34.facebook 

15 Assistive Technology Tools & Resources For Students With Disabilities

http://www.teachthought.com/uncategorized/15-assistive-technology-tools-resources-for-students-with-disabilities/?utm_campaign=trueAnthem&utm_content=5681d0ca04d3017bf31a9fdb&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook 

 

Next Semester: ...we'll have plants in the classroom

Just a little bit more planning and maintenance and your class has fresh oxygen, color, STEM motivation, and a little bit of elegance. Plants in the class!

15 houseplants for improving indoor air quality 

http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/photos/15-houseplants-for-improving-indoor-air-quality/a-breath-of-fresh-air 

The Best Air-Purifying Plants

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/air-purifying-plants 

 The 15 easiest indoor house plants that won't die on you

http://www.today.com/home/easiest-indoor-plants-wont-die-you-I258925

Easy Classroom Houseplants

http://www.kidsgardening.org/node/11442 

  Best Plants for the Classroom

 http://funflowerfacts.com/2013/09/06/best-plants-for-the-classroom/

Do You Keep Plants In Your Classroom?

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2010/08/19/do-you-keep-plants-in-your-classroom/ 

The Psychology of Nature 

http://www.wired.com/2010/08/the-psychology-of-nature/

 

MzTeachuh: Teacher Resolution #1

MzTeachuh: Teacher Resolution #1: I solemnly resolve... #1. I will be a better teacher. Great sentiment, a little too general. How about:  I will pay more attenti...

MzTeachuh: Take a Walk With Ludwig

MzTeachuh: Take a Walk With Ludwig: Vienna Woods, lessing-photo,com A picnic would be lovely.   This is my favororite symphony ...

Next Semester: A Soundtrack for Our Classroom

You are working to the easy listening music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Using Music in the Elementary Classroom (Warning: It May Get Loud)

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/music-recommendations-elementary-gaetan-pappalardo 

I like classical quite a bit for background.

Here are some of my choices.:

Antonio Vivaldi

Four Seasons ~ Vivaldi 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRxofEmo3HA 

Beethoven's 5th Symphony

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4IRMYuE1hI

TEOC - Symphony No. 06 - Beethoven | Full Length 45 Minutes 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O1D1zuvWic 

Symphony No. 9 ~ Beethoven 

Ludwig Van Beethoven

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3217H8JppI 

Mozart - Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 [complete] 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTc1mDieQI8 

 

Wolfgang Mozart

 

Mozart Flute & Harp Concerto C major K 299 Neville Marriner RTSI 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMIzC9CzVUQ 

Mozart Piano Concerto No.21 in C major, 'Elvira Madigan' K.467

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1bMPi2aw1A 

It is my opinion that listening to Bach's Brandenburg Concertos  is truly 'busy bee' motivation, but the students generally like Beethoven the best.

Johann Sebastian Bach

 

J.S. Bach Brandenburg Concertos, Complete, Ton Koopman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcTc67KlD9o 

We do know that Mozart is the best soundtrack--based on decades of research.  Kids like it, too.

 

Best Articles for Educators 2015

What Great Teachers Know About Their Students

http://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/creating-student-centered-learning-profiles-what-great-teachers-know-about-their-students/ 

Check Yourself: Why Self-Reflecting on Privilege Matters 

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/check-yourself-why-self-reflecting-privilege-matters-rebecca-alber?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20EdutopiaNewContent%20%28Edutopia%29 

Understanding Dyslexia and the Reading Brain in Kids

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/10/01/understanding-dyslexia-and-the-reading-brain-in-kids/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kqed%2FnHAK+%28MindShift%29 

How People Learn: An Evidence-Based Approach

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/how-people-learn-evidence-based-paul-bruno?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20EdutopiaNewContent%20%28Edutopia%29 

What If Everybody Understood Child Development?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rae-pica/what-if-everybody-underst_b_3021900.html 

Go Green in Your Classroom: 16 Resources for Environmental Lessons

http://www.edudemic.com/go-green-classroom-16-resources-environmental-lessons/ 

 

These 6 questions determine if you’re technology rich, innovation poor

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/12/25/most-popular-of-2015-no-five-these-6-questions-determine-if-youre-technology-rich-innovation-poor/ 

 

The Play Deficit 

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/12/the-play-deficit.html 

 

 

 

 

50 Resources For Teaching With Bloom’s Taxonomy

http://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/blooms-taxonomy/50-resources-for-teaching-with-blooms-taxonomy/ 

MzTeachuh's Meditations: I Know The Plans I Have For You

Jeremiah 29:11
 
King James Bible
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

International Standard Version
For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for well-being, and not for calamity, in order to give you a future and a hope. 

New Living Translation
For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.


Well-being and peace are good. Hope is really, really good.

Educational Links 12/27/15

Teacher Development

http://www.edutopia.org/teacher-development 

27 Ways to Inspire Students to Innovate

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/11/29/27-ways-to-inspire-students-to-innovate/ 

10 Good YouTube Channels for Math Lessons 

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2015/12/10-good-youtube-channels-for-math.html#.Vn-CzFkY1SE 

Here’s A Stephen Curry Quote Teachers Can Use With Their Students!

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2015/12/26/heres-a-stephen-curry-quote-teachers-can-use-with-their-students/ 

EdSurge's Top Articles in 2015

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-12-24-calling-all-edtech-bookworms-edsurge-s-top-articles-of-2015

The Play Deficit 

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/12/the-play-deficit.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FLUdSt+%28Special+Needs+Digest%29 

What You Need to Know About Developmental Delays https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/treatments-approaches/early-intervention/what-you-need-to-know-about-developmental-delays?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg


Here’s A Stephen Curry Quote Teachers Can Use With Their Students!

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2015/12/26/heres-a-stephen-curry-quote-teachers-can-use-with-their-students/

 

Educational Links 12/26/15

 

7 Skills Students Will Always Need

http://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/how-to-prepare-student-for-21st-century-survival/?utm_campaign=trueAnthem&utm_content=567c285c04d3013100159716&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook 

What Online Tools Work for Teaching Language Arts?

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/01/03/what-online-tools-work-for-language-arts/ 

Lifelong Success Starts With Social-Emotional Learning

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/lifelong-success-starts-with-sel-ngandu-price-baron?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow 

Teach Emotional Intelligence & Build Social Competence

http://special-ism.com/teach-emotional-intelligence-build-social-competence/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Special-ism+%28Special-ism%29 

Understanding Sensory Processing Issues 

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/sensory-processing-issues/understanding-sensory-processing-issues?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg 

50 Questions To Help Students Think About What They Think

http://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/questioning/metacognition-50-questions-help-students-think-think/?utm_campaign=trueAnthem&utm_content=567ddc4a04d3010cef5448b8&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook 

What Teaching That Lifts All Students Could Look Like

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/12/24/what-teaching-that-lifts-all-students-could-look-like/ 

 

 

 

Nature, My Garden and Me: How Does Your Classroom Grow?

Nature, My Garden and Me: How Does Your Classroom Grow?

Educational Links 12/25/25

Stretching Your Curriculum Canvas: Reading the World Through Art

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/reading-the-world-through-art-sarah-donovan?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29 

Survey: Teachers could improve their content knowledge

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/12/21/survey-teachers-could-improve-their-content-knowledge/ 

Socialization in Online Schools

http://blog.k12.com/education-expert-advice/socialization-online-schools?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thinktank12+%28thinktanK12%29#.VnykhFkY1SE 

English Grammar Activities App Helps Students Learn Grammar Rules

http://www.edudemic.com/english-grammar-activities-app-helps-students-learn-grammar-rules/ 

Dyslexia-Related Gaps Can Appear By 1st Grade, Study Finds

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/inside-school-research/2015/12/dyslexia-related_gaps_can_appe.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InsideSchoolResearch+%28Education+Week%3A+Inside+School+Research%29 

Reflections on Practice & Growth 

https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/teacher-practice-growth-reflection 

Learning and Attention Issues in the News: 2015 Year in Review 

https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/blogs/in-the-news/2015/12/21/learning-and-attention-issues-in-the-news-2015-year-in-review 

 

 

Nature, My Garden and Me: Merry Christmas--Let People and Nature Sing!

Nature, My Garden and Me: Merry Christmas--Let People and Nature Sing!