Educational Links 6/12/16

Does Your Curriculum Have a Growth Mindset?

http://gettingsmart.com/2016/06/curriculum-growth-mindset/ 

Moving forward on mental health In schools

http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/283064-moving-forward-on-mental-health-in-schools 

Music Therapy: 8 Best Songs for ADHD Minds

http://www.additudemag.com/slideshow/163/slide-1.html?platform=hootsuite 

Understanding Your Child’s Trouble With Math

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/math-issues/understanding-your-childs-trouble-with-math?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg 

10 creative alternatives to research reports and papers

http://ditchthattextbook.com/2015/11/09/10-creative-alternatives-to-research-reports-and-papers/?utm_content=buffer50e8e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer 

Should Venting About Students be Banned?

http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/should-venting-about-students-be-banned?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

Report Feeds Debate Over Racial, Economic Inequities 

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2016/06/report-feeds-debate-over-racial.html 

 "... the Government Accountability Office released a report showing that the proportion of schools with outsized shares of students in poverty who are also students of color roughly doubled from 2000 to 2014, and that students in these schools receive more-constricted academic offerings."

 

 

Living It Up In The Low Desert

This is The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Indio, California. http://www.livingdesert.org/Yes, an oasis in the desert for folks, critters and plants.

Last month, when the temperatures were more moderate, I visited the Indio/Palm Springs area of SoCal. It is called the Low Desert. Lots of folks don't realize what is special about the desert. It actually is not barren at all.
My friend from high school, Janet, and I adventured to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. There is a botanical garden, demonstration, and animals, too.

Jurassic Desert?

No, this is not real. The dinosaurs are a joke. But Area 51.5, I'm not so sure.

Millenium Falcon

There was an interesting and amusing educational show, here is Renee and an African Lanner falcon, named Millenium. Oh, yes, there's that sense of humor again.

Butterfly alert!

The Living Desert is also a butterfly garden. I love that! I participate with butterfly sighting websites and this shot of  a lovely yellow butterfly--Cloudless Sulphur-- was accepted at Butterflies and Moths of North America http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sighting_details/1080948
I did spend about twenty minutes chasing butterflies to get this

Summertime and the living is easy.

pic!

Mammals were there, too. Here we were chillaxin' with the meerkat.

The giraffes are so cute! Three generations.

Over-the-shoulder carrot.

Speaking of mammals, we had a chance to feed the giraffes!

Nom Nom,, love those baby carrots!

Little baby carrots. It was incredibly adorable, so here are three pics.

One of my first iPhone pics!

Janet suggested we visit the Palm Springs Art Museum. What an interesting combination of exhibits!
Modern sculpture, paintings from the 60s, Native American art. Very cool. Here we are--Janet and me in front of a beautiful glass sculpture.

Thank heavens this is only a sculpture.

Little Big Horn?

Some of the sculptures required deep thought. Others, not so much. We had modern, western, and I am not sure how to describe it.

This is a really tall horse.

This is in the I don't know category--but I like it!

Native American Art--wonderful.

Lots of variety--it was fascinating.

I'd like to mention how fun it is to connect with friends from school. 

Bar-B-Que on the balcony. Salmon, anyone?

When I graduated from Chula Vista High School in SoCal, I went away to college and proceeded to live all over the world! I didn't think I would participate in the lives of my friends, I'd lost them. It is difficult to describe the coolness of having those kids (who are now grandparents) back through social media. And Janet led the way through Classmates.com and Facebook. We were on the Speech Team together, and then both majored in English and were teachers. Janet even taught in China! Its one of those times that time hasn't passed--friendshipwise. So we went back to the resort and had dinner! We talked about old times, family, mutual friends, and how we are writing books!

Educational Links 6/11/16

It’s About the Abilities, Not the Deficits

http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2016/05/13/its-about-the-abilities-not-the-deficits.html 

So We Know Students Are Stressed Out ... Now Let's Talk About It

http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/05/12/474083552/so-we-know-students-are-stressed-out-now-lets-talk-about-it

Why it’s More Important than ever to Foster Creativity for Kids

http://tinkerlab.com/creativity-for-kids/ 

The Benefits of Art for Kids

http://artfulparent.com/2016/01/the-benefits-of-art-for-kids.html 

Washington School Makes Remarkable Turnaround, Credits Saturday Classes 

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/time_and_learning/2016/06/washington_school_makes_remarkable_turnaround_credits_saturday_classes.html?cmp=SOC-EDIT-FB 

Building a Positive School Culture

http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2014/02/18/building-a-positive-school-culture 

3-Step Method to Increase Teacher Voice

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/increasing-teacher-voice-decision-making-anne-obrien?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20EdutopiaNewContent%20%28Edutopia%29 

It turns out that the most significant challenges that teachers report facing are systemic -- number one being "state or district policies that get in the way of teaching," followed by, "constantly changing demands placed on teachers" and "constantly changing demands placed on students." These challenges far outweigh the issues we talk much more about in education, including the need for more collaboration with families and opportunities for professional growth.

 

Summer and Vincent Van Gogh

Summer and Vincent Van Gogh: Wheatfields Van Gogh Do you have screaming sunshine and heat outside today? Then we know how Vincent felt this day in 1888. Here, co...

Next School Year....STEM to STEAM

Da Vinci--originator of STEAM

Next School Year....STEM to STEAM: Could The Arts Put The Steam ...

Educational Links 6/10/16

Teachers are Learners, too.

https://triciaebarvia.org/2016/05/28/teachers-are-learners-too/#prclt-EhxtTL1p 

Why we must move away from an industrial model of schooling that just grades and sorts students

https://www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-views/why-we-must-move-away-industrial-model-schooling-just-grades-and 

6 Ways to Get Your Students Reading - by Focusing on Their Interests

http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2011/02/22/6-ways-to-get-your-students-reading-by-focusing-on-their-interests 

Washington’s school superintendent says it’s time to consider closing public schools 

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/washingtons-school-superintendent-says-its-time-to-consider-closing-public-schools/ 

The 25 Book Challenge

https://pernillesripp.com/2016/06/05/the-25-book-challenge/ 

Feds Allocate Millions For Special Ed Training

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2016/05/20/feds-special-ed-training/22338/ 

Building Confidence in Reluctant Readers

 

Building Confidence In Relunctant Readers

http://inservice.ascd.org/building-confidence-in-reluctant-readers/ 

 Confidence building is every teacher’s primary task when it comes to struggling or reluctant readers. Middle school students who lag behind their peers are keenly aware of their reading level. As a reading specialist in a 7th and 8th grade middle school, I strive to create a comfortable environment for students working to improve their decoding, fluency, and comprehension skills. Confidence acquisition is the building block to competence.

 

Is Teaching Good For You? Yes and No.

Is Teaching Good For You? Yes and No.: Is teaching good for your health? Yes and no. Mostly no. Why?Too much to do, too little time, too little support. So, take care of yourself,...

Teachable Moment: Raising the Rhetoric

Teachable Moment: Raising the Rhetoric: JFK 1961 Eloquence. Higher level thinking. Rational open discussion. American rhetoric--let's remind ourselves of the brilliant hei...

Educational Links 6/9/16

How to Avoid the Summer Slide 

http://www.newvictory.org/Blog/June-2016/How-to-Avoid-the-Summer-Slide 

Social Challenges of Kids With Learning Problems

http://childmind.org/article/social-challenges-kids-learning-problems/ 

How to Fight Teachers’ 'Near Enemies'

http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2016/06/03/how-to-fight-the-teachers-near-enemies.html?cmp=SOC-EDIT-FB 

Is Your School Culture Welcoming to Parents?

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/every-classroom-matters/3739-treating-parents-with-respect?utm_content=bufferfa33a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer 

Keep Kids Reading All Summer

https://www.readingrainbow.com/site/blog/2016/06/08/keep-kids-reading-all-summer/ 

28 Innovative Apps Suggested For Teachers By Teachers

http://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/technology/25-apps-suggested-teachers-teachers/?utm_content=buffera3e7b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer 

Can Peer Accountability Groups Help Students Achieve Their Goals?

https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/07/02/can-peer-groups-help-students-achieve-their-goals/ 

Supporting students emotionally, as well as academically, takes up a large portion of teachers’ time and energy. But some educators are discovering that students can take on this role for one another as well. When students hold each other accountable, many can demonstrate reflection on their learning and take responsibility for shortcomings.

 

La Danse (Matisse) and Zydeco

Danseuse Creole, Henri Matisse

Zydeco line dancing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iie91k_eZwk&list=RDErqDnkLwmqw&index=11

Educational Links 6/8/16

For the Hesitant Teacher: Leveraging the Power of Minecraft

https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/09/28/for-the-hesitant-teacher-leveraging-the-power-of-minecraft/
  
How Stories Told Of Brilliant Scientists Affect Kids' Interest In The Field

http://www.npr.org/2016/06/07/481058613/how-the-stories-told-of-brilliant-scientists-affect-kids-interest-in-the-field 

Dyscalculia: What You’re Seeing in Your Grade-Schooler 

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/dyscalculia-what-youre-seeing-in-your-grade-schooler?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg

The Teacher’s Guide To Twitter

http://www.edudemic.com/guides/guide-to-twitter/ 

  

Game Based Curriculum For Math Student Success

http://gettingsmart.com/2016/06/math-game-based-curriculum/

What Do Beginning Teachers Really Need?

http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2016/06/07/what-do-beginning-teachers-really-need.html?cmp=SOC-EDIT-FB 

What Special Ed Teachers and Parents Need To Know About Social Media

http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/04/07/473085222/what-special-ed-teachers-and-parents-need-to-know-about-social-media

Students can definitely benefit from social media, Peagram says. For kids who can't be touched, or who can't look people in the eye, digital networks are a chance to share pictures and interests, and an opportunity to have a social life.

Next School Year: Take Care of Teacher

Here is some information and health strategies to stay well and effective.

There has been a reappearance of whooping cough and measles, so be sure these immunizations, as well as the current flu shot, are updated for the new school year.  I'm serious--better be safe than really sick for a long time!

Staying Healthy and Managing Stress While Teaching

http://www.advice-for-teachers.com/healthy.html 

Taking care of teacher is not as much fun as taking care of your kids-- but we aren't superheroes, so get your shots.

Adult Immunizations: What You Need

http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/adult-immunizations-what-you-need 

Information for Schools & Childcare Providers

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/ 

Why air purifiers are important in schools  

http://www.slideshare.net/simonbajaykrishnan/why-air-purifiers-are-important-to-schools

Teaching takes an inordinate amount of mental focus, emotional output, and physical energy.  But what happens when teachers are stressed or deal with emotional or mental issues?

Being There for Students When You're Emotionally Unavailable

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2113:being-there-for-students-when-youre-emotionally-unavailable&catid=105:teachers-aide&Itemid=299

When the Teacher Is Depressed

http://anniemurphypaul.com/blog/ 

Are you in shape? What's that you say, its none of my business? Well, its your business--and your future. So get up out of that computer chair and get moving! You'll be very glad you did.

Benefits of Being Fit & Eating Well - The President's Challenge

https://www.google.com/search?q=teachers+being+physically+fit&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb#channel=sb&q=benefits+of+being+physically+fit&revid=1883628429&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official 

Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

Educational Links 6/7/16

Latest Study: A full-time school librarian makes a critical difference in boosting student achievement

http://www.slj.com/2013/03/research/librarian-required-a-new-study-shows-that-a-full-time-school-librarian-makes-a-critical-difference-in-boosting-student-achievement/ 

Bookshare: Best-Kept Secret for Kids with Dyslexia

http://www.smartkidswithld.org/bookshare/ 

Positioning Your Teen For Success

Positionaing Your Teen For Success

http://www.creativitypost.com/psychology/positioning_your_teen_for_success6 

19 Things I’ve Learned This Year That I’m Too Tired to Explain

http://www.loveteachblog.com/2016/06/19-things-ive-learned-this-year-that-im.html

Your Smartphone Is Making You Miserable

http://anniemurphypaul.com/2016/06/your-smartphone-is-making-you-miserable/ 

How Trauma-Informed Teaching Builds A Sense of Safety And Care

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2016/06/06/how-trauma-informed-teaching-builds-a-sense-of-safety-and-care/ 

Homework Inequality: The Value of Having a Parent Around After School

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/06/homework-inequality-parents-schedules-grades/485174/ 

 Much has been written lately about homework: There’s too much of it; it’s stressing out parents, kids, and teachers; the time it takes is overwhelming. Many of the critiques of homework focus on how valuable it actually is: Do rote teaching-to-the-test worksheets truly improve students’ understanding? But far less discussed is how some children do their homework without the luxury of parental attention and assistance, or even just quiet time at home to complete assignments. There is not nearly as much being said about how increasing amounts of homework unduly affect poor families and exacerbate inequality.

 

 

 

Positioning Your Teen For Success19 Things I’ve Learned This Year That I’m Too Tired to Explaihttp://www.loveteachblog.com/2016/06/19-things-ive-learned-this-year-that-im.htmReflecting on the Year's Accomplishment

Teachers: Get An Online Community!

Teachers can interact online in a powerful international educational community with current information and support. But where to start?

Check for grade level and subject matter educational communities like Edutopia http://www.edutopia.org/  which is the grandest website of all for this activity. You can join groups for discussions and questions and answers--great PD and at your convenience. There are excellent blogs, and you can comment, frequently with the author responding to your comment. Great interaction. Edutopia has it going on. This website makes you feel like a VIP visitor.

Online you can research topics at your choice of topic and depth with the benefit of privacy. Too many questions about ed tech at an open staff meeting and you might find yourself with a new job. Richard Byrne at Free Technology for Teachers not only gives updates daily on free ed tech, but provides several guides for how to use it. http://www.freetech4teachers.com/p/free-downloads.html#.V1Xlyr7LAWQ     Edudemic http://www.edudemic.com/guides/ provides teacher guides that are truly generic and even a novice can understand.

If you have questions about Special Education, Understood is the most elegant, clearest website I've ever seen that explains very, very complicated learning complexities in amazing clarity for teachers and parents. You may just have a simple question about a student and wonder if maybe it is a learning disability--you can begin with Understood.org and have enough information to ask your special education resource person. This website also hosts webinars where you can participate asking experts questions https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/whats-happening-now

Common Core got you down? The Teaching Channel has very specific videos on Common Core lessons. So helpful. There is also Tch Video Lounge https://www.teachingchannel.org/video-lounge where you and colleagues can interact with other teachers. How cool is that?

In case you are needing some education philosophy or intense discussion of current topics--let's say you are getting another credential or degree--there is nothing better than Mind/Shift KQED http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/ . The writing is excellent from their staff and the guest authors are the best in the business. The topics are current and meaningful. It would be a great idea to get an RSS feed from Mind/Shift for your homepage or email and read the current post every day. It is that good--and encouraging with reasonable solutions to some serious problems facing students, teachers and communities.



And don't forget to get an RSS feed or email for MzTeachuh.

Educational Links 6/6/16

Building Your Classroom Library: The Best Books for Grades 6-8

http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/post/2013/08/02/building-your-classroom-library-the-best-books-for-grades-6-8 

In the News: Bursting the ‘Personalization’ Bubble: An Alternative Vision for Our Public Schools

http://educationnext.org/in-the-news-bursting-the-personalization-bubble-an-alternative-vision-for-our-public-schools/ 

Black Girls and School Discipline: Four Researchers Unpack K-12's Racial Bias

http://www.edweek.org/ew/section/multimedia/black-girls-and-school-discipline-four-researchers-videos.html?cmp=SOC-EDIT-FB 

At a Glance: 8 Key Executive Functions 

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/executive-functioning-issues/key-executive-functioning-skills-explained?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg 

Is “Emotional Granularity” The Next SEL Skill To Teach?

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2016/06/05/is-emotional-granularity-the-next-sel-skill-to-teach/ 

14 ways to help pupils combat exam anxiety

https://www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-news/14-ways-help-pupils-combat-exam-anxiety 

Worrying about exam performance can motivate pupils to revise, but too much anxiety can be debilitating, psychologists say. 

MzTeachuh's Meditations: The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength

Acknowledging that life is not easy, here is the full verse:

And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold. Amplified Bible

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." New Living Translation

I believe this means there is hope, Someone has the power to bring life and healing, and is working on it.

Since joy is not all happy dances and frivolity, here is Bach's take on joy:

String Trio & Trumpet - J. S. Bach Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlDnIloy7Ws