Saturday, May 6, 2017

Educational Links 5/7/17


ADHD vs ADD: The Three Types of Attention Deficit Disorder


Four Steps to Transform School Culture Through Summer Reading

The Importance of Staying Motivated for Kids With Learning and Attention Issues

Ten Study Strategies for Students and Their Teachers

New 'State of Learning Disabilities' Report Tackles Stigmas

How Trauma Affects Kids in School


Ongoing exposure to neglect, abuse, homelessness or violence causes learning and behavior problems in children. Signs of trauma and tips for helping kids who've been traumatized.

Mommy Chose Me From All The Babies In The Whole World

Sandra Bullock and baby Louis
Love is love.
May 13. Mother's Day.

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Read! Classic Adventure, Romance, Mystery

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson Illustration by N.C. Wyeth
Classics! These are still around because they're compelling, fascinating, and fun. Kids have sophisticated tastes when it comes to their stories because they are exposed to a large variety due to improved tech--games have extended plots, there is a plethora of television and film options, some are actually of good quality. Let's get them into the classic books for truly profound experiences.

Kids aren't afraid to seek complicated thought processes--offer a smorgasbord of classic stories for them to consume.

1. Adventure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson Illustrations by N.C. Wyeth

Wonder what Jane's thinking? Read the book.
You may as well start with the best adventure ever! And outstanding illustrations. Stevenson tells a compelling, on-the-edge-of-your-seat story. Kids love it. Don't worry about vocabulary or archaic language, this story moves. And if you don't get a word occasionally, Google it.

2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

This is better than Twilight. A grand gothic novel with a hint of feminism, Jane doesn't wilt like Bella. The character creates empathy as she goes through tragic circumstances, and the reader can make judgments as to her decisions. Jane goes from one trauma to another, dragging your heart with it.

3. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Poor Pip. What a doofus. Dickens perfected the twisted plot, personable characters, and strange happy endings.

Don't know if that's White Fang, Kiche or One-Eye.
4. White Fang by Jack London

A dog (wolf) story with a happy ending. This is another extreme adventure story--from the animal's perspective. Along with The Call of the Wild, you truly have lived in the Yukon. Great summer read, Jack London is so effective, it doesn't matter what the temperature is, the book is like an airconditioner in its imagery. Still wonder what happened to Kiche.


5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

This child is caught in such a quandary--but with a voice of clarity he proclaims the truth about the society in which he lives--the ante-bellum South. Humor and truth, Mark Twain's forte.  

Get in that canoe and glide along the Glimmerglass.
6. The Last of the Mohicans by James Fennimore Cooper, illustrations by N. C. Wyeth

There is an entire series about Nathaniel Bumppo, starting with his teen years before the American Revolution. This is the most famous of the series. The writing is so compelling, you will have had the experience of camping with Nattie and having hatchets whiz by your head. You really can't miss this.



And don't you dare just watch a film or mini-series and think you know the story! A reader's imagination is the best production crew.

Oh Puh-leeze, Let's Read!




I Double Dog Dare You To Read One of These Books To A Child and Not Have Fun!
 http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-double-dog-dare-you-to-read-one-of.html?spref=bl

What Teachers Like To Read To Little Kids
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-teachers-like-to-read-to-little.html 

Song of the Swallows
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2013/02/book-review-song-of-swallows.html?spref=bl 

Read This Author For Little Kids--Beverley Cleary
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/06/read-this-author-for-little-kids.html?spref=bl 


Books To Ease Kids' Toxic Stress--Including Martin's Big Words

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2012/01/books-to-sooth-kids-toxic-stress.html 


Junie B. Jones 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junie_B._Jones

Don't Forget Laura! Laura Ingals Wilder 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Little_House_on_the_Prairie_bookshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Little_House_on_the_Prairie_books

The Black Stallion Books
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Stallion 

The Chronicles of Narnia

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chronicles_of_Narnia

King of the Wind
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2013/01/book-review-king-of-wind-newbery-award.html?spref=tw

Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
 http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2013/02/mzteachuh-newbery-award-winner-roll-of.html?spref=tw

Let's Read These Books This Summer

http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2013/05/lets-read-these-books-this-summer.html?spref=bl

Here are some truly awesome books to read together with  your secondary student:

Read! Classic Adventure, Romance, Mystery
http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2013/02/read-classic-adventure-romance-mystery.html

Teaching Is Reflective

Teaching Strategies: The Value of Self-Reflection 

http://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies-value-self-reflection 


The Reflective Teacher: Taking a Long Look


http://www.edutopia.org/blog/reflective-teacher-taking-long-look-nicholas-provenzano 


Reflecting on Reflection: A Habit of Mind


http://www.edutopia.org/blog/reflecting-on-reflection-habit-of-mind-terry-heick 


Reflective Teaching: A 30-Day Blogging Challenge For Teachers


http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/reflective-teaching-30-day-blogging-challenge-teachers/ 


Are You A Reflective Teacher?


Are You A Reflective Teacher?

http://www.www.teachthought.com/teaching/reflectiveteacher/ 


10 Ways To Be A More Reflective Teacher

10 Ways To Be A More Relective Teacher


10 Ways To Be A More Reflective Teacher

 http://w.teachthought.com/teaching/reflective-teacher-reflective-teaching/


7 Great Resources for Reflective Teachers


http://www.edudemic.com/reflective-tips/ 


Reflection: What Makes Learning Stick


http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/05/reflection-what-makes-learning-stick/ 


Who Took You By The Hand?

Folk Art  Jed Alexander


Usually your mom.

Mother's Day May 13.

Who Was Your First Playmate?

Child with Toys, Renoir
Your Mom. And she had fun, too.
Mother's Day. May 13.

Summer Countdown?

Ten days, but who's counting?


5 reasons why I stopped the summer break countdown

http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/2014/04/5-reasons-stopped-summer-break-countdown.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheCornerstone+%28The+Cornerstone+Blog%29 

Bullying Prevention: Students Share Dos and Don'ts 

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/bullying-prevention-students-share-dos-donts-maurice-elias 

Helping Kids Handle Angry Thoughts

http://thepsychoeducationalteacher.blogspot.com/2014/04/positive-self-talking-to-help-children.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ThePsycho-educationalTeacher+%28The+Psycho-Educational+Teacher%29 

6 Key Benefits Of Mind Mapping

http://www.edudemic.com/benefits-of-mind-mapping/ 

Taking Action to Improve Teacher Preparation

http://www.ed.gov/blog/2014/04/taking-action-to-improve-teacher-preparation/ 

32 Habits That Make Thinkers

http://www.teachthought.com/learning/32-habits-that-make-thinkers/ 

The Potential of Failure

http://theeducatorsroom.com/2014/04/potential-failure/

  

Friday, May 5, 2017

Educational Links 5/6/17

Video: Why Executive Function Is So Important for Your Child


Dropping Medication in Favor of Diet to Treat Kids’ ADHD


I'm Not 'Brave' for Working With People With Disabilities

https://themighty.com/2017/04/being-called-brave-for-working-with-people-with-disabilities/ 

Implicit Bias in the STEM Classroom


Six ways your school should be showing it takes staff wellbeing seriously



Myths about Gifted Students


Black Teachers Matter. School Integration Doesn't


New research confirms what black education reformers have always known: The success of black students lies not in school integration, but in more black teachers and black-led charter schools committed to their achievement and well-being.

Running Errands with Mommy

African Mother And Child John Warburton Lee
...that lady is always busy.
Mother's Day May 13.

Teacher Burnout--U Gotz It?





1. Teacher Burnout: Four Warning Signs


http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-burnout-four-warning-signs-nicholas-provenzano?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=blog-burnoutsigns 


2. How to Rewire Your Burned-Out Brain: Tips from a Neurologist


http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-burnout-neurology-judy-willis-md

3. Mentorship for New Educators Helps Combat Teacher Burnout, Improve Retention

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/education-july-dec13-teachers_07-04/ 


4. Blogs on Teacher Burnout


http://www.edutopia.org/blogs/tag/teacher-burnout 


5. Staying Healthy and Managing Stress While Teaching


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


6.  5 Stress Reduction Strategies for Teachers


http://www.edubabbling.com/5-stress-reduction-strategies-for-teachers/ 


7.  Staying Healthy in the Classroom - Or Not 


http://www.weac.org/professional_resources/new_teacher_resources/articles/amelia_armstrong/staying_healthy.aspx 

  

Teacher's Profile


A Balanced Approach To Social Media For Teachers

http://www.teachthought.com/social-media/balanced-approach-social-media-teachers/ 

Top 12 Summer Tips for Top Teachers

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/top-12-summer-tips-teachers-vicki-davis

Understanding Google Certification
http://www.edudemic.com/understanding-google-certification/

It’s not accelerated learning; we just stopped decelerated teaching

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2014/07/07/accelerated-learning-teaching-580/ 

5 Tips For Keeping Your School iPads Safe (And Not Cracked)http://www.edudemic.com/oops-cracked-pad/

Does Losing Handwriting In School Mean Losing Other Skills Too?

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/06/does-losing-handwriting-in-school-mean-losing-other-skills-too/ 

The Problem With “Boot Camp”-Style Learning

http://anniemurphypaul.com/2014/06/the-problem-with-boot-camp-style-learning/ 

Making Learning Fun: Engaging Students With Imagination

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=91&Itemid=259 

 

Summer Bump Not Slump: For Budding Environmental Scientists

 

Backyard Birding

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birding/ 

Nature Activities & Nature Experiments

http://www.education.com/activity/nature-activities/ 

eButterfly
http://www.e-butterfly.org/contents/?portal=ebutterfly 


Outdoor Activities:Taking Science Outside

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/outdoor-activitiestaking-science-outside 

Birding with Children

http://www.birdwatching.com/tips/kids_birding.html

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Educational Links 5/5/17


Gen Z achievement soaring with student choice


Meet the student support model that’s going national. It’s been incubating at St. Louis Park High School for 18 years


Rights of Students with Disabilities in Charter Schools

Education Changes in Trump’s First 100 days


Technology in the Classroom to Assist Dyslexic Learners


Three Ways to End The School Year with Less Stress


Getting Critical About Critical Thinking


I define critical thinking through visualization: I picture the brain triggered by a thought that causes it to shoot signals from one area to another, forming pathways between neurons. Critical thinking is when the brain is active, making connections to the material and applying original thought to the concept. It’s the difference between struggling to remember (“ugh!”) and struggling to solve (“yeah!”). 

Détente avec ma maman.(Relaxing with my mama.)

'Madame Monet with her son, Jean' Renoir
The chicks, too.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13.

Overcoming Educational Burnout

Overcoming Burnout: Why Overwhelmed Is the New Normal and What to Do About It - PART I

 http://www.bamradionetwork.com/educators-channel/2064-overcoming-burnout-why-overwhelmed-is-the-new-normal-and-what-to-do-about-it-sp-1645111225

 Overcoming Burnout: Why Overwhelmed Is the New Normal and What to Do About It - PART II

 http://www.bamradionetwork.com/teachers-aid/2063-overcoming-burnout-why-overwhelmed-is-the-new-normal-and-what-to-do-about-it-part-ii-sp-406615703

Teacher Burnout

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/teacher-burnout/

Classroom Management: Teacher Burnout Causes & Prevention 

http://www.teachhub.com/classroom-management-teacher-burnout-causes-prevention 

 

 

 

 

12 Choices to Help You Step Back from Burnout

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/12-choices-step-back-from-burnout-vicki-davis 

 Blogs on Teacher Burnout

http://www.edutopia.org/blogs/tag/teacher-burnout 


 

Staying Healthy and Managing Stress While Teaching

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

Secret Teacher: stress is reaching a crisis point in schools 

http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/dec/28/stress-crisis-teaching-profession-secret-teacher 

 

  

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Educational Links 5/4/17


6 Targets To Teach The Way The Brain Learns

http://www.teachthought.com/learning/6-targets-teach-way-brain-learns/?utm_content=buffera4f8a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Reaching Students With Emotional Disturbances


The 15-Minute Media Literacy Lesson


Teaching About Teaching: Using Narratives to Share What You Know

https://www.teachingchannel.org/blog/2017/05/03/using-narratives-to-share/


The 3 Rs of ADHD at School: Routines, Rules, Reminders



Include Your Child in the Evaluation Process




Our current education system is not fit for purpose. Student mental health is at an all-time low, and student debt is at an all-time high. Dominated by uninspiring curricula and an over-emphasis on short-term knowledge and outdated skills, the entire industry is ripe for disruption.
Better education contributes to better citizens and, ultimately, a better society. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” We need to equip young minds with the skills to create a more exciting future, both for themselves and for the species at large. Above all, we need to make learning more inspiring, relevant and fulfilling.

Feel Lost At Sea With Ed Tech?

I won't say the 'average' teacher has issues with the rapidly changing ed tech classroom. I would say 'normal' teachers do. The complexities of the nano-second ed tech progress confuses even the techies. Now the Common Core requires testing online soon and very soon K-12.

Try not to panic, 92% of teachers that are floundering with these all pervasive, complex, overwhelming classroom changes. Don't cry. You are not alone. Not really.
  • Where can I find help? We're going to Chromebook.  I'm a teacher with not much tech expertise.  
Google Chromebook is a good deal for many districts. And the students can really learn to write with it. I have an affiliation with a district that I feel represents the complexities of rural, poor, and tech challenged students and their teachers. They have just acquired 1:1 Chromebooks in the classroom for grades 2-12 . Just weeks ago. The only required training for teachers was the very first level for Google Certified Teachers, and they are walked through it district assistance. Is that enough? For the great number of average teachers who only go online maybe for Facebook, no. What should I do if I'm a teacher in this category? Here are some resources: 

Educational Technology and Mobile Learning
 http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2014/08/everything-teachers-need-to-know-about.html

Understanding Google Certification
http://www.edudemic.com/understanding-google-certification/ 

Chrome: Getting started
https://www.google.com/chrome/education/devices/gettingstarted.html

This is a quote from this page. DON'T YOU FEEL BADLY after reading it. If you are a teacher, such as myself, who has actually spent 24-7 planning and teaching and not sitting in your computer chair--this isn't that simple to you. So here is the smug quote:

It’s easy to get started with a Chrome device, whether you are an IT administrator, a teacher or a student. There’s no steep learning curve standing in the way of learning, teaching and sharing, and the web-based management console makes it easy to administer a fleet of Chrome devices.

I really despise the stuck-up attitude given by some of the ed tech community. We are not stupid, and we have legitimate questions. Don't you tell me, sonny, there's no steep learning curve. Anywho, ask for help, from your grade level, from the tech person, from family. You could pray about it. Don't give up. Some teachers I spoke to said they were retiring because of the changes with ed tech. Retire if you are ready, not to avoid learning something new.

  • I'm a Principal and my teaching staff has the deer-in-the-headlights-look when we talk about ed tech at staff meetings. Its just about an emergency. What to do?
Be reassuring. Remember teaching? Evaluate your students (staff) and differentiate instruction. Organize trainings lead by compassionate ed tech savvy staff that won't embarrass or leave the teachers behind. Maybe there's a Special Ed. teacher who knows ed tech and could do this for you. I'm actually not joking about that. Don't take the teachers' word that they understand ed tech, (their jobs depend on this, they'll smile and nod just like a student), check for understanding through walk-throughs, demonstrations, asking the right questions in a non-threatening environment. Just like a good teacher. Grade level reports with evidence of success. Remember teaching? Check for understanding and, as we all know, teachers (and everyone else) don't do what you expect, they do what you inspect. Ed leadership has to actively support ed tech learning with your staff. Your future test scores depend on your teachers knowing ed tech. Here are some resources:

Office of Education Technology
http://tech.ed.gov/ 

Why Teachers Hate Tech Training ... and What to Do About It
http://www.infotoday.com/MMSchools/jan04/combs.shtml 

Training Teachers to Integrate Technology 
http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2011/11/team-effort
  • I want to use ed tech in my class, but we are not getting the ed tech equipment. I teach Special Education, and also need time for training in ed tech.

Red flag here. By my informal observation, special education classes are not receiving current ed tech. In the past, special education classes customarily received out-dated textbooks, inadequate or inferior classrooms, no equipment or it was shoddy, and somehow funding earmarked special education did not make it to the student even when in an IEP. I'm not naming names, or stating it happened under my watch (it didn't because I'm kind of a watchdog about that.) I have recently been in a Special Education for the Severely Handicapped/Autism Classroom that very effectively used iPads with the students. I would be very interested to see how Chromebooks with the simplified writing opportunities work with this student community. Do Special Education students have a right to ed tech like the other students? How about the teachers?

This is a Special Education legal website. Don't tell anyone I sent you.

Technology and Assistive Teachnology  

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/atech.index.htm 

Chromebooks for Special Education and Assistive Technology

http://doceocenter.org/resources/chromebooks_sped_at 

What does edtech look like in the special ed classroom?

https://www.edsurge.com/n/2014-12-15-inside-the-special-education-classroom-how-tech-can-help-special-needs-students

  •   Ed tech looks so exciting online. Why does seem so dull in a real classroom?

News from Skype in the Classroom

 https://education.skype.com/news?page=2
Ed tech is absolutely, mind-boggingly exciting. We have lived to see the future! And the kids are launched exponentially, literally launched into a future of success, productivity, equity, and fascination no one can even dream about. Some teachers are like the explorers of the 'New' World, the New Digital World. What are they reporting back? How can all teachers get in on it? First, all teachers need to board the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria and launch into the unknown. Shake up those lesson plans from 1989 (or even 2011) and incorporate the communication values of the internet. Skype. Email. Virtual tours. TED talks. Research using curiosity. Poetry Slams. Virtual Art Shows between schools. Dance Festivals. School Gardening Shows. Sing offs. Pen pals--an online community for your class from anywhere your district will let you skype. IMAGINATION will drive the best teachers to learn ed tech. Truth be told, not all teachers need to be ed tech experts. Collaborate with ideas for educational experiences within your PLN--how exciting to have all that enthusiasm and expertise united for learning fun. The best part is no one is bored, not the kids, not the teachers. The Common Core is reinforced with teachers reaching the highest level of Bloom's Taxonomy. Principals can arrange for collaboration time. Go beyond CoolMath and Accelerated Reader. The teachers that don't want any change? Let them retire or find another profession.

Exciting Ideas for the Implementation of Educational Technology in the Classroom

http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/trends/1762-exciting-ideas-for-the-implementation-of-educational-technology-in-the-classroom 

Learn the Ins and Outs of Google Classroom from an Expert

http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2015/02/learn-ins-and-outs-google-classroom-expert 

Cool Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom 

http://www.teachhub.com/using-skype-classroom

Teaching Is Learning Ed Tech 
Teaching Is...Learning Ed Tech http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2014/12/teaching-is-learning-ed-tech.html


Teaching Is...Learning Ed Tech II

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/03/teaching-islearning-ed-tech-ii.html