Educational Links 12/30/18

10 Reasons to Become a Google Certified Educator 

https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/10-reasons-become-google-certified-educator-infographic-video/?fbclid=IwAR1bcy4YG3A2WF7XFuCK4Gp9Iu0ZcxqfpqhC9cI2chEaAycOPfcHNuQJZYM

USING VIDEO IN THE CLASSROOM

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/12/29/guest-post-using-video-in-the-classroom/?fbclid=IwAR1mRllbKkXGtgwO1bbzIla2Z6BD-RY5GLw0GO8a9PrXt-8kKfuw3sw8MpA

Resource officers equipped with SEL skills can help reduce bullying, suspensions

https://www.educationdive.com/news/resource-officers-equipped-with-sel-skills-can-help-reduce-bullying-suspen/544077/

Books That Foster Empathy and Hope

https://www.edutopia.org/article/books-foster-empathy-and-hope?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

Social Communication Disorder Basics

https://childmind.org/guide/social-communication-disorder/?fbclid=IwAR0OZC2RaEHIXRxqZrWIOjMr-Iw-8qZG1cZMZtkLwk2AnwQWs-n4q83ALdI

Teaching Is as Stressful as an ER. These Calming Strategies Can Help.

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-12-26-teaching-is-as-stressful-as-an-er-these-calming-strategies-can-help

When we think of effective professional development in America’s schools, we often hear of the need for sustained training, subject and grade-specific materials, and opportunities for active learning. While these are all essential, missing from this picture are the activities and strategies that our teachers need to effectively address those highly stressful moments.

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 attention to each student.

The students feel more empowered to participate in classroom activities, attempt new challenges, and express ideas when on a positive footing with Teacher. The other data that schools collect make more sense when viewed through recent interaction with the student, and parent interaction becomes more positive and coherent when your input concerning the student is current.

Observing Students

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/observing-students 

From this article:

• Glean information from each student's daily experiences and interactions.
• Use data from tests to supplement your observation.
• Watch the process children go through to master skills, concepts, or content.
• Ask students to think aloud for you so you can probe their understanding of content and strategies.
• Build student portfolios to record performance benchmarks during the year.
• Use every possible source of information to create a rich tapestry of assessment enabling you to determine appropriate instruction for each student.

Response: Supporting Student Engagement by 'Building Community'

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/classroom_qa_with_larry_ferlazzo/2014/12/response_supporting_student_engagement_by_building_community.html?cmp=soc-edit-tw 

From this article:

Teachers play a critical role in increasing engagement by changing the type of tasks and by improving the social dynamics in the classroom. 

Supporting Student Resilience in the Classroom

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/supporting-student-resilience-in-classroom-steve-gardiner 

From this article: 

In a classroom, there are many variables that a teacher cannot control, such as parental involvement, poverty, nutrition and chemical influences. However, within the classroom, a teacher can become a charismatic adult and model a resilient mindset, identify and communicate islands of competence to students, and give them a sense of autonomy and choice in the work they do. These are simple, inexpensive steps that may make future assignments go more smoothly and keep more students involved throughout the process. 

 

Educational Links 12/29/18

20 Tips to Help De-escalate Interactions With Anxious or Defiant Students

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/43049/20-tips-to-help-de-escalate-interactions-with-anxious-or-defiant-students

7 Teacher-Tested Hacks For Elementary Classrooms

https://www.edutopia.org/article/7-teacher-tested-hacks-elementary-classrooms

More Than 2 Hours Screen Time A Day Could Damage Children’s Brains

https://www.unilad.co.uk/health/more-than-2-hours-screen-time-a-day-could-damage-childrens-brains/

School Lockdowns Affect Kids In So Many Disturbing Ways, According To A New Analysis

https://www.bustle.com/p/school-lockdowns-affect-kids-in-so-many-disturbing-ways-according-to-a-new-analysis-15567791?fbclid=IwAR3tlbz_3E1UTDtYHvx3vPceJaELYJGakc1RZ5ta0g-2DVZPzvC0vnCsV8w

Missed Opportunities for Students with Disabilities

https://www.ncld.org/assessing-every-student-succeeds-act-2018

Daily Exercise Ideas That Build Focus

https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/exercise-ideas-for-kids-with-adhd-movement-for-focus/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=treatment&fbclid=IwAR3dOctTq7xa3HWKortGbhoMB4lqt-301N99RQp7VssnCKWB0Y7iYJCnx4A

A Case of Rural Equity: Coding in Remote Kentucky

https://www.edutopia.org/article/case-rural-equity-coding-remote-kentucky?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

A teacher works to sustain a computer science program at a high school in the heart of Appalachia.

Next Semester...Classroom Art Gallery

Don't get too carried away--but just so you know, I have a power stapler, too. Prepping for an art show.

Prepping for School Art Show

Prepping for School Art Show

 http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/2012/03/23/prepping-for-school-art-show/

Students may tell you, "I can't draw a straight line!" Tell them back, "Good, we have rulers for that."

Bringing out the artist at all grades levels and in every subject takes some organization and motivation, particularly if you intend to include all students at some point in your classroom gallery.

First, let's start with the actual location and methods of getting a space going.

5 Ways to Create a Classroom Art Gallery 

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/5-options-your-classroom-art-gallery

Really Good Bulletin Boards

http://www.reallygoodstuff.com/images/art/ReallyGoodStuff_BulletinBoard.pdf

7 Tips for Successful Student Art Displays 

http://www.teachkidsart.net/7-tips-for-successful-student-art-displays/

Student-Centered Bulletin Boards for a Secondary Classroom: 5 Ideas to Make Your Walls Work for You and Your Students  

http://faulknersfastfive.blogspot.com/2014/08/student-centered-bulletin-boards-for.html

Second, decide the frequency of new material. You mean I'm not leaving this bulletin board up all year? No. Even the Louvre moves things around from time to time.  The students can help, and would enjoy the task. Plus, this means they can break the monotony of a sedentary classroom on a regular basis. Have a cycle so every student has work on display an equal amount of time, The students can implement this. The environment of the class will be refreshed. Will this mean designating time for organization of the art gallery during class? Yes. 

Third, decide the content of your classroom art gallery. This could be content-driven, seasonal or student choice. How cool for the quiet artist to know they need to create something in three weeks to be displayed in the classroom gallery. Teacher has the final say on content, of course.

Pegasus, Escher

Here are some ideas for  class activities that might end up in your classroom gallery.

Exploring Tessalations

http://www.exploratorium.edu/geometryplayground/Activities/GP_Activities_6-8/ExploringTessellations_%206-8_v4.pdf  

Composition II, Mondrian

Here's a great artist for inspiration: 

Escher: Tessellations by Recognizable Figures

http://euler.slu.edu/escher/index.php/Tessellations_by_Recognizable_Figures 

Geometry, Color, and Piet Mondrian

https://www.teachervision.com/geometry/lesson-plan/352.html 

Don't for the artist who created the STEAM craze: Leonardo.

Hydraulics, da Vinci

Design Like da Vinci: Sketching Lessons from the Original Renaissance Man

http://uxpamagazine.org/design_like_da_vinci/ 

Even pages from well-drawn science notebooks could go up.

Third, you can use classroom content as sources of inspiration through illustrating historical or literary scenes, or make posters for current events.  And, of course, well known artists and seasonal topics make great sources for classroom art.

Exploring Impressionism, Grades K-5

https://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/exploring-impressionism-k-5.html 

Exploring Impressionism, Grades 6-8

https://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/exploring-impressionism-6-8.html 

Exploring Impressionism, Grades 9-12

http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/exploring-impressionism-9-12.html 

Don't get too carried away--but just so you know, I have a power stapler, too. Prepping for an art show.

Prepping for School Art Show

Prepping for School Art Show

 http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/2012/03/23/prepping-for-school-art-show/

Principal's Suggestion Box #17

These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make some adjustments. Principals have the best chance to do that.

Dear Principal,

I wish to apologize to you, the school, and the parents (and the District, if necessary). I didn't mean to be controversial or inconsiderate. I just didn't know that saying, "Some families believe in Santa, and some do not," would cause so much trouble to Fifth Graders.

I respect the right of every person to believe what they choose. I promise not to mention Santa ever again.

If there is any other form of apology I have to make to keep my job, please let me know. 

Yours Truly,

Chagrined Teacher  

The Santa controversy

http://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/showthread.php?t=168687

Expelling Santa from school? Holiday observance in a politically correct age 

http://national.deseretnews.com/article/708/expelling-santa-from-school-holiday-observance-in-a-politically-correct-age.html

My Jewish child was asked to wear a Santa hat at school. Should I care?

 http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-should-my-jewish-child-have-to-wear-a-santa-hat-at-school/2014/12/19/262f0b9e-8234-11e4-81fd-8c4814dfa9d7_story.html

My two bits worth: I generally talk like a lawyer when teaching in a public school. Just to be politically correct, plus to not hurt the kids' feelings. Some people believe (fill in the blank), some people don't. Teacher may not know (nor does she need to) the religious or non-religious background of the students or staff. Do I have a right to say, "Merry Christmas?" I believe so, because I intend the positive. Is believing in Santa a religious right? I don't think so, any more than the Tooth Fairy. Do I feel obligated to tell kids 'the truth' about Santa or the Tooth Fairy? No, the Tooth Fairy is especially sacred. Some schools create inclusive winter holidays, with Hannukah, Kwanza, Christmas, etc., but draw the line at Islam. And definitely won't allow Satanism. How to choose? It's up to the principal and District, but there must be a fair, just way to acknowledge the kids' customs in your school.  Some schools have a Peace Program.

And, by the way, Santa--like love and generosity-- comes in all races, colors, customs, and diversity.

 

Jahleel Logan, 3, poses with Santa, a.k.a. Langston Patterson, 78, of Rudolph Holiday Photo, at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Educational Links 12/28/18

10 things I learned flipping my classroom

https://www.eschoolnews.com/2018/12/13/10-things-i-learned-flipping-my-classroom/

Language Disorder Basics

https://childmind.org/guide/language-disorder/?fbclid=IwAR1XkVMu1nN8Y0bCdKxKF0fR1uc2zzJu3paQiqZdyrcsHLL6rRMptJ5XV5c

Teachers, Being Loyal May Cost You Your Professional Career

https://theeducatorsroom.com/teachers-being-loyal-may-cost-you-your-professional-career/?fbclid=IwAR2p1oWJmAESLlgc7aeR-OLZT1IWhtj6DSuyvfwkJ0JnfWU3-bu7ye7t-o8

TEACHER QUIZ: How Well Do You Know Student Slang?

https://www.weareteachers.com/teacher-quiz-student-slang/?utm_content=1545943467&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

Three Ways to Create Online Reading Logs and Progress Trackers 

https://practicaledtech.com/2018/09/16/how-to-create-reading-logs-and-progress-trackers-with-google-forms-or-microsoft-forms/

FINISHED! HERE ARE ALL THIRTY-ONE 2018 “BEST” LISTS

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/12/26/finished-here-are-all-thirty-one-2018-best-lists/?fbclid=IwAR3xnfx167xNxKJebXuMK1lWglqAfqkoojsOe70BAxxNwtBrOH-HwzSNY0U

A Simple but Powerful Class Opening Activity

https://www.edutopia.org/article/simple-powerful-class-opening-activity?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

The rose and thorn check-in is a quick strategy for building community and developing student voice.

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/

Educational Links 12/27/18

LIST OF 50 SOCIAL SKILLS TO TEACH KIDS

https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2017/03/list-of-social-skills-to-teach-kids.html?fbclid=IwAR2djYYYSm_crC3C3nWQdgI6I6wODjf-POp2jPaoX9X4h_ke966u89mRkrw

How Do You Teach Kids To Be Honest?

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2018/12/25/673311260/so-how-do-you-teach-kids-to-be-honest?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=2055&fbclid=IwAR2COq20JQA5WA7nI1wi4qn6dHpSt5lHh1zb21Ou58K7hoowTnR10yVPnvw

Down With Homework, Say U.S. School Districts

https://www.wsj.com/articles/no-homework-its-the-new-thing-in-u-s-schools-11544610600?mod=e2fb

5 Teacher Stories You Might Have Missed This Year

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/2018/12/5_teacher_stories_you_might_have_missed_this_year.html?cmp=SOC-EDIT-FB&fbclid=IwAR0W9qGcDOYNAfefP5o33TuBP0I-DNn9t_hMlwFO-3syR5iiJ9OIekn4RlQ

School Success Kit for Kids With Executive Functioning Issues

https://childmind.org/article/school-success-kit-for-kids-with-executive-functioning-issues/?fbclid=IwAR2r03T-3MKlTob1y9eGAdEzBO8kg9v74C5alI-sZ-osO9MOxF7jQeOidBM

STATISTIC OF THE DAY: FOUR MILLION STUDENTS EXPERIENCED LOCKDOWN DRILLS IN 2018

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/12/26/statistic-of-the-day-four-million-students-experienced-lockdown-drills-in-2018/?fbclid=IwAR2v1qj6sfwCu0H0A_Nr62ZFzNMLqDBO3_GkDbZYxxIphp73fh8yHSfS72E

Our Favorite Videos for Teaching Poetry in Middle and High School

https://www.weareteachers.com/poetry-videos-for-middle-and-high-school/?utm_content=1545832522&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook

In order to get older students even remotely interested in poetry, students must be able to hear and see poetry come alive. These poetry videos for middle and high school can help teachers do just that.

Educational Links 12/26/18

Themes This Year: School Culture, Student Behavior, And Inspirational Teaching

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/52669/themes-this-year-school-culture-student-behavior-and-inspirational-teaching

Authentic Project-Based Learning: Santa Believes in PBL, Do You?

https://www.techlearning.com/tl-advisor-blog/11541?fbclid=IwAR1ZW6MDVGh0iD8j_Cc9zBujl1ZG_xIWXMS5b3dKbcyPTlpV7xEUvmTZGIA

The Best Edtech Tool is an Empowered Teacher

https://www.gettingsmart.com/2018/07/the-best-edtech-tool-is-an-empowered-teacher/?fbclid=IwAR3LMl6ZBf7siAakV9xKWwFxUheIg2Lowxvf0MZjoWTIe9g0rfpK5w-wwhE

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION RESOURCES OF THE WEEK

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/12/25/classroom-instruction-resources-of-the-week-210/?fbclid=IwAR2yNZLwRe6SHmXJWcugO5hyFShHxHjY5iEzx1eJOXLrx2scyABIswPJiak

How to Grow Cultural Competence in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers

http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/insights/3413-cultural-competence-in-classroom-guide-for-teachers?fbclid=IwAR0hj3ge_rnGEDpQLmwMpMpU2yZaBxQJUoqM5U11uPDxAR2y-oaNFw7JyGM

Learning & Attention Issues: Types of issues

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities

Teacher activism nationwide fueling protest movement in California

https://edsource.org/2018/teacher-activism-nationwide-fueling-protest-movement-in-california/606340

A groundswell of teacher discontent across the nation is spreading to California, energizing teachers unions to demand higher salaries and improved working conditions from school districts, along with more money for public education from the state.

Merry Christmas from MzTeachuh

Our English classes had the best time preparing for Finals by enjoying 

Kids wrote and acted scenes.

"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens.






So, in the spirit of our dearest holiday fantasy, may we all have a renewal of

COURAGE, 

OPTIMISM, 

AND DEPTH OF FEELING.

A million heartfelt thanks to the readers of MzTeachuh, as well as the PLN writers that contribute such enrichment in research, analysis, and strategies for all of us in the teaching trenches. 

Together we are mighty, 

together we are blessed.

God bless us every one!

Suggestions: How to Direct Students Writing Research Papers

How to Write a Research Paper in 11 Steps

http://student-tutor.com/blog/how-to-write-a-research-paper-in-11-steps/

Scaffolding Methods for Research Paper Writing

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/scaffolding-methods-research-paper-1155.html

Teacher Guide for Teaching Research

https://assets.cengage.com/gale/tlist/additional/questia_teachers-guide.pdf

Students As Authentic Researchers: A New Prescription for the High School Research Assignment

http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/aaslpubsandjournals/slr/vol2/SLMR_AuthenticResearchers_V2.pdf

Sample Guideline Research Paper: English 10

https://www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/cms/lib5/ca01000508/centricity/domain/1698/sophomore_research_packet.pdf

Sample Guideline RESEARCH PAPER: English 10

chrome-extension://bpmcpldpdmajfigpchkicefoigmkfalc/views/app.html

Sample Eleventh Grade Research Writing Student Handbook

https://www.pwcs.edu/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=612821

Sample MLA Formatted Paper

https://depts.washington.edu/owrc/Handouts/Hacker-Sample%20MLA%20Formatted%20Paper.pdf\

And here is great input from our friends.

How to Make Writing Research Papers Relevant for Students

https://www.edutopia.org/research-papers-relevant-rigorous

8 Reasons Why Students Should Still Write Research Papers

https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/8-reasons-why-students-should-still-write-research-papers/

And never forget to encourage your student writers that they are well able to discover information and brilliantly express important ideas in clarity with confidence. Write on!