Great idea of the day: Back-to-school preparedness kit
It’s time to go back to school whether you scholarly folk like it or not. Do you know someone who’s in the “like it not” category? I like the idea of putting together a back-to-school gift bag full of sometimes useful/sometimes silly products to ease the pain of the first school bell. What would you put in YOUR kit?
It’s Back to School shopping time! Check out elephant backpacks, rainbow lunch boxes, and more
Y’all ready to GET EXCITED about colored pencils and snap rulers?! This list is chock full of all kinds of goodies — elephant backpacks, reusable snack bags made from organic cotton, and OF COURSE many a colorful, bright, or otherwise delightful back to school accessory.
Tips from teacher: 5 ways to keep teens from frying your nerves
Whilst I’m still learning how best to manage behaviour, and the results of my efforts are often far from perfect, I’m beginning to realise just how much I rely on some of the strategies taught at university or learnt from other teachers. Even when these strategies utterly fail me, at least I feel that I’ve done right by my students and maybe, just maybe, they’ll thank me for it when they calm down.
The importance of discussing WHY you’re homeschooling your kids with them
Yesterday while I was tending to a plumbing problem my kids were doing their homeschooling. My older son was in my line of sight quietly reading in his bedroom. He looked up from Lord of the Flies to ask me when I read the book (he knew from a prior conversation that I’d read it). I said it was about three years ago, or maybe four. He asked why I didn’t read it in school. I called my eleven-year-old upstairs and said I had something to explain they should know. My kids have never been to school and they don’t really know how it all works, ranging from the daily goings on of the students and the big picture issues.
What my favorite teacher means to me
To me, teachers — whether they’re in a public, private, or home setting — are absolutely invaluable. I’ve always admired those who choose to enter the profession or opt to teach their own children. Teaching seems to be much more than standing in front of a classroom and dispensing logic — great teachers genuinely get to know and care for their students in the process, and students in turn for their teachers. So I thought that since it’s World Teacher’s Day it would be most appropriate to celebrate a few of my favorite teachers — and a few of yours.
A middle school teacher’s thoughts about teenagers and Banned Books Week
On top of using banned books as enticement to read, I find them an amazing conversation starter. In discussing why a book was banned, conversations about politics and societies and freedom of speech and value systems and personal freedom and religion and appropriateness spring up in classrooms where before there were only crickets. I always walk away from these conversations impressed by the thoughtfulness of adolescents.
Healthy homemade nut-free lunch options for school-age kids
I have a new “back to basics” attitude when it comes to my son’s school lunches this year. I’m limiting as much prepackaged items as possible and increasing my own homemade items — with spectacular results.
Dorm living’s lessons for the rest of your life — from a former Resident Assistant
I’ve been a Resident Assistant and an apartment manager, so I know the ins and outs. I’ll help you make the most of your time in dorms and avoid pitfalls.