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Matthew Lynch published in Teachers

Teaching Students to Learn and Practice Contractions

Contractions are an essential part of spoken and written English, and they can be challenging to master. However, with the right activities and guidance, learning contractions can be an engaging and enjoyable experience for students of all ages.

Here are twenty activities that you can use to learn and practice contractions.

1. Use a contraction dictionary

To start with, you need to keep a contraction dictionary to have a reference to contractions. You can create it yourself, research for materials online or buy an English dictionary that features such contractions.

2. Identify contractions in a text

Read through a passage and underline all the contractions that you can find. Once you’ve identified them, read the sentence aloud and apply the contraction.

3. Play contraction memory game

Create a set of contraction cards and a set of word cards. Shuffle them and lay them out on a table face down. Students take turns flipping over one word card and one contraction card, trying to find the matching pair.

4. Write contractions in sentences

Write sentences with missing contractions, and ask students to fill in the correct contraction. This can be done as an individual activity or as a group activity.

5. Contraction scramble

Mix up the words of a contraction and ask students to unscramble them to form the correct contraction.

6. Contraction sentence race

Divide the class into teams and give each team a set of sentence strips. Each sentence will contain a contraction. The first team to correctly say the sentence with the contraction wins a point.

7. Writing contraction stories

Ask students to write stories that contain at least 10 contractions. Encourage creativity and imagination.

8. Contraction bingo

Create bingo cards filled with contractions, and call out the words. The first student to get bingo wins a prize.

9. Contraction fill-in-the-blank

Create sentences with missing contractions, and ask students to fill in the blanks. This activity can be done as a group or individually.

10. Contraction match-up game

Divide students into pairs and give each pair a set of word cards and contraction cards. The students need to match up the word card with the contraction card.

11. Contraction puzzle

Create a puzzle with different contractions, and ask students to put the puzzle together.

12. Contraction charades

Create a set of charade cards with different contractions, and have students act out the contractions. The first team to guess the correct contraction wins a point.

13. Contraction spelling bee

Have students spell out contractions in a spelling bee format. This activity can be done individually or as a group.

14. Contraction word search

Create a word search with different contractions for students to find.

15. Contraction hangman

Play a game of hangman, but instead of words, use contractions.

16. Contraction storytelling

Provide students with a story to read that includes contractions. Ask them to retell the story in their own words, including the contractions.

17. Use contractions in conversation

Encourage the use of contractions in conversation. This can be done in class or in casual conversation outside the classroom.

18. Contraction ball toss

Throw a ball to a student and give them a sentence with a missing contraction. The student must complete the sentence with the correct contraction before throwing the ball to another student.

19. Create a contraction poster

Have students create a poster that explains different contractions and how to use them in sentences.

20. Contraction song

Create a song that includes different contractions. Sing the song as a group, or have individuals perform it on their own.

Learning and practicing contractions can be a fun and engaging experience with the right activities. By incorporating these activities into your teaching or learning routine, you can help students master contractions and improve their overall communication skills.

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Matthew Lynch published in Teachers

Living and Non-Living Things Activities

Science is an exciting subject that can help children understand the world around them. It is important to encourage hands-on experiences to help kids understand the difference between living and non-living things. Here are 20 living vs non-living science activities that can be done at home or in the classroom.

Living Activities:

1. Observe plants growing: Children can plant seeds in soil and keep a journal of their growth progress. They can observe the leaves, roots, and stems of the plants and understand how they interact with other living things in their environment.

2. Study the life cycle of animals: Children can learn about different animals and their life cycles. They can observe eggs, caterpillars, or butterflies and learn about metamorphosis.

3. Visit a zoo or aquarium: Visiting a zoo or aquarium allows children to observe animals in their natural habitats and learn about their behaviors and adaptations to their environment.

4. Learn about ecosystems: Children can research different ecosystems such as rainforests or deserts to understand how living things interact with their surroundings.

5. Raise pets: Raising pets such as fish, hamsters, or cats allows children to understand how living things need food, water, and shelter to survive.

6. Study human anatomy: Children can learn about the different parts of the human body, their functions, and how they work together to sustain life.

7. Observe insects: Insects such as ants, ladybugs, or butterflies can be observed in their natural habitats to understand their behaviors and roles in their ecosystem.

8. Visit a farm: Visiting a farm allows children to observe different types of animals and understand how they are raised for food.

9. Study microbiology: Children can study microbiology, including bacteria and viruses, to understand how living things can be both helpful and harmful.

10. Learn about genetics: Children can learn about genetics to understand how traits are passed from parents to their offspring and how living things adapt over time.

Non-Living Activities:

1. Build structures with blocks: Building structures with blocks allows children to understand how non-living things can be used to create something new.

2. Study weather patterns: Children can study weather patterns to understand how non-living things such as temperature and air pressure can affect living things.

3. Observe the properties of rocks: Children can learn about different types of rocks and their properties such as hardness, texture, and color.

4. Grow crystals: Growing crystals allows children to observe how non-living things can form into beautiful structures.

5. Play with magnets: Playing with magnets allows children to understand how non-living things can attract or repel each other.

6. Build simple machines: Building simple machines, such as pulleys or levers, allows children to understand how non-living things can be used to make work easier.

7. Study different types of soil: Children can learn about different types of soil and their composition.

8. Explore electricity: Children can learn about electricity and how it can power different devices and machines.

9. Study the properties of water: Children can learn about the properties of water, such as density and buoyancy, and how it affects living things.

10. Observe the properties of light: Children can learn about the properties of light, such as reflection and refraction, and how it affects different materials.

In conclusion, these living vs non-living science activities can help children better understand the world around them. By incorporating hands-on experiences, children can learn about the different properties of living and non-living things and how they interact with each other. 

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Matthew Lynch published in Teachers

10 Effective Ways to End Your Lessons

As a teacher, you want to end your lessons effectively, ensuring your students have understood the key concepts, and with them leaving the class feeling motivated and engaged. Below are ten ways to end your lessons:

1. Recap – Start by summarizing the key points of the lesson, highlighting what your students have learned.

2. Assignments- Assign your students homework, allowing them to apply what they have learned in the lesson or preparation for the next class.

3. Questions – Allow for student-led discussions by asking questions about the lesson. Encourage participation and ideas that extend beyond classwork.

4. Journaling – Ask your students to write about what they’ve learned, and how they think they can apply it to their everyday life.

5. Group Work – Assign group projects that relate to the lesson, encouraging collaboration and teamwork.

6. Video – Find a video that relates to the lesson that expands on what you have taught to complement their learning experience.

7. Brainstorming – Brainstorm your students’ ideas about a particular topic, focussing on the problem-solving process.

8. Reflection – Provide time for your students to reflect on their learning. Assist them with a specific question.

9. Exit Slip – Use an exit slip format where students are required to answer a few questions at the end of the class focused on critical learning points.

10. Fun Activity – Finish off the lesson with a fun activity that relates to the lesson, keeping students engaged.

In conclusion, end your lessons with focus and intentionality, and your students will achieve a greater level of understanding and be enthusiastic about the next lesson.  

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Matthew Lynch published in Math Education, Teachers

9 Mental Math Games and Tricks for Students and Teachers

Mental math enables students to grasp the fundamental concepts in math. It gives them confidence and freedom to do math without the help of paper, pencil, or manipulatives. After learning mental math techniques and tricks, students can do calculations very quickly.

In the initial stages, when students learn math, they need math manipulatives (like plastic counters or beans) to comprehend mathematical concepts. After learning the fundamentals, they can start doing mental math.

Games

Here are some games that are perfect for elementary school students. They can make mental math fun for them.

1. Baseball Math

You can divide them equally and form two teams. Then make a baseball diamond shape by arranging the desks in that form or draw it on the board. Say a sum for the 1st batter. The pupil should advance one base for every number sentence they give that is equal to that sum. Switch between the teams after every 3-4 batters so that everyone gets a chance to participate in the game.

2. Number of the Day

Every day you can write any number on the classroom board. Ask the pupils to provide math facts equal to that number. For instance, if you write the number 8, children may say 5 + 3, 4 + 4, 10 – 2, 6 + 2, or 18 – 10. You can encourage students of a higher age-group to give suggestions for division, multiplication, subtraction, and addition, as well.

3. Stand Up/Sit Down

Before giving the children mental math problems, ask them to stand or sit if the answer is more than or less than a particular number, respectively. For instance, they should stand if the solution is more than 20 and sit if it is less than that. Then say 25 – 5. You can call out some more math facts related to the same selected number or choose another number every time.

4. Groups

Allow the students in class K-2 to be active and move about while practicing counting skills and mental math with this game. You can tell them to form groups of 10 – 5 (students will form groups of 5 each), or 6 + 2 (they will form groups of 8 each), or more challenging math facts like 25 – 17 (they should form groups of 8 each).

5. Find the Numbers

You can write five numbers on your classroom board, for example, 13, 10, 6, 5, 2. Then make some statements and ask the students to find numbers matching with them.

For instance:

If you add these two numbers, you get 16 (10 + 6)

If you subtract these two numbers, you get 3 (13 – 10)

If you add these numbers, the total is 13 (2 + 5 + 6)

You can change the numbers on the board and make new statements to continue the game if needed.

Tricks

These mental math tricks can be helpful for the students.

1. Doubles

After students learn to add double numbers such as 2 + 2, 6 + 6, 8 + 8, they can use that for adding numbers that are similar to them quickly. For example, if they have to add 6 + 7, they can use their knowledge that 6 + 6 is 12 and add 1 to it to arrive at the answer, which is 13.

3. Compensation

The students can round up the numbers to calculate more easily. For example, to add 29 + 52, they can consider 29 as 30. So 30 + 52 = 82. They can subtract that extra 1 number and get the correct answer that is 81.

Similarly, students can use round numbers while doing subtractions. In the end, they can add the extra 1 number to get the answer.

4. Decomposition

It involves breaking down the numbers into tens and ones. For instance:

23 + 12 = (20 + 3) + (10 + 2) = (20 + 10) + (3 + 2).

So they can calculate 20 + 10 = 30 and 3 + 2 = 5, and get the answer 35.

4. Adding Up

This technique is useful for subtraction. If they have to subtract 36 from 87. First, they will add 4 to 36 and make it 40. Then they will count the tens and reach 80. By now, they will know that the difference between the two numbers is 44. They can add the remaining 7 to 44 and get the answer 51.

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Matthew Lynch published in Teachers

Steps to Create a Progressive, Student-Centered Classroom

Progressive education is a method of teaching that emphasizes the development of the whole person. To create a progressive classroom, start by defining your goals. Next, create a plan of action to achieve those goals. Finally, make sure your classroom environment supports the progressive approach.

Defining Your Goals

Before you can create a progressive classroom, you first need to define your goals. The goals you set should be specific and measurable, and they should be based on your students’ needs. For example, you might want to aim to:

Encourage students to ask questions and engage in critical thinking.
Foster a sense of community and collaboration.
Foster a sense of responsibility and ownership.

Creating a Plan of Action

Once you have defined your goals, it’s time to create a plan of action to achieve them. This plan should include specific steps and timelines, as well as specific measures you’ll take to ensure the success of your progressive classroom.

Making Your Classroom Environment Progressive

To create a progressive classroom, you’ll need to make sure your environment is supportive. This means ensuring that your classroom has:

Effective communication tools, such as a student chat board or whiteboard.
Opportunities for students to share their ideas and work together.
A variety of teaching techniques and methods.
Effective punishments for students who don’t comply.

Setting Progressive Classroom Goals

Progressive education is all about tailoring the curriculum to meet the unique needs of your students. To do this, you’ll need to develop classroom goals that are specific to your students. For example:

Some students might want to focus on critical thinking and problem-solving.
Others might want to learn about new cultures and languages.
Still others might want to develop their creative skills.

Creating a Progressive Classroom Plan

Now that you have a clear understanding of your goals and the environment you want to create, it’s time to create a plan of action. This plan should include:

A timetable for the semester.
A list of the materials you’ll need.
A plan for grading.
A plan for communicating with students.
A plan for disciplining students.

Making Sure Your Classroom is Progressive

To make your classroom truly progressive, you’ll need to make sure your students are aware of the goals and expectations of the classroom. You can do this by:

Providing clear instructions and instructions that are easy to understand.
Using active teaching methods, such as role-playing and group work.
Using progressive teaching methods, such as using digital resources.
Using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.

Providing Challenging Material
In order for your students to develop their skills, you’ll also need to provide challenging material. This material should be challenging, but it should also be relevant to the students’ interests and experiences. For example, you might offer:

Math problems that are linked to real-life applications.
Environmental science topics that are relevant to the students’ lives.
History topics that are relevant to the students’ lives.
Writing prompts that challenge the students’ creativity.

Conclusion

Creating a progressive classroom is a process that takes time and effort, but it’s worth it to create a learning environment that is tailored to the unique needs of your students. By following these steps, you can ensure that your students achieve their goals and develop their skills in a challenging and rewarding environment.

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Matthew Lynch published in Teachers

How to Help a Student Who Has Completely Given Up

It can be heartbreaking to see a student who has completely lost their motivation and is ready to give up. As a teacher or mentor, it is our duty to help them find a way to regain their spark and keep moving forward. If you are wondering how to help a student who has given up, here are some suggestions that may be useful:

1. Talk to the student

The first step to helping a student is to communicate with them. It is essential to understand why the student is feeling helpless and what is causing them to give up. A one-on-one conversation can make them feel heard and understood. Ask them what they feel passionate about, what they want to achieve, and how they feel about setbacks. Encourage the student to express their emotions and take their time to express themselves fully.

2. Create a plan

After understanding the root cause of the student’s demotivation, it is time to create a plan. Students who feel aimless or overwhelmed usually do better with structure and guidance. Help your student devise a plan that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Encourage them to break the plan down into small, attainable steps that will build their confidence over time as they complete them one-by-one.

3. Encourage them to take baby steps

When a student has given up on something, it can be tough to get them to start again. Make sure the student understands that taking baby steps toward their goal is better than taking no steps at all. Encourage them to set a small, reasonable goal each day and congratulate them when they achieve it. Success breeds success, and over time, the small achievements will add up, building momentum that will help drive them forward.

4. Focus on their strengths and interests

Often, students give up because they do not feel confident in their abilities or they are not interested enough in a particular subject. As a teacher or mentor, you need to help the student rediscover their strengths and interests. Spend some time with the student discovering what they enjoy doing and what they are good at. Sometimes, it is just a matter of changing the focus, exploring a new angle, or developing a new skill.

5. Celebrate successes, however small

Celebrate even the smallest progress the student makes. Positive feedback and validation can help motivate a student who has given up. Celebrate with the student when they achieve a goal, no matter how small. A word of encouragement or a “well done” can be just what they need to build their confidence.

In conclusion, helping a student who has completely given up on their education or goal is a challenging task. As a teacher or mentor, it is our duty to provide them with guidance, structure, and understanding. By listening, creating a plan, taking baby steps towards the goal, focusing on their strengths and interests, and celebrating successes, however small, we can help the students regain their motivation and belief in themselves. 

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Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Teachers

24 Ways to Teach Students Not to Bring Inappropriate Items to School

Are you looking for ways to teach students not to bring inappropriate items to school? If so, keep reading.

1. Designate the learner learning activities that would require interactions with a respected role model (e.g., older learner, high school learner, college learner, community leader, someone held in esteem, etc.).

2. Give the learner intelligent, accurate information about drugs and alcohol rather than using sensationalized scare tactics.

3. Give many chances for social and academic success.

4. Urge the learner to excel in a particular area of interest (e.g., give information to the learner, give personal and professional support, sponsor the learner, etc.).

5. Provide frequent contact with the learner during school hours (e.g., follow up on details of earlier communications, keep a direction for conversation, etc.).

6. Lead and direct the learner. Do not lecture and make requirements.

7. On occasions where logical consequences from peers happen (e.g., criticism, loss of friendship, etc.) because of the use of drugs or alcohol at school, bring the consequences to the attention of the learner.

8. Connect with parents, agencies, or appropriate parties to inform them of the problem, identify the cause of the problem, and discuss potential solutions to the problem.

9. Be a resource for parents by providing information on agencies, counseling programs, etc.

10. Minimize the emphasis on competition and help the learner realize that success is individually defined.

11. Provide sufficient supervision at all times and in all areas of the school (e.g., hallways, bathrooms, between classes, before and after school, school grounds, etc.).

12. Be willing to take the time to listen, share, and talk with the learner.

13. Boost your own professional knowledge of laws and treatment about drug or alcohol use and abuse.

14. Provide anecdotal records of the learner’s behavior to check patterns or changes in behavior.

15. Give appropriate reading content (e.g., magazines, novels, etc.) at school that is of interest to the learner, so that they will not bring unacceptable reading content to school.

16. Teach the learner to be happy with their best effort rather than perfection.

17. Teach the learner alternative ways to deal with requirements, challenges, and pressures of the school experience (e.g., deal with problems when they arise, practice self-control at all times, share problems or concerns with others, etc.).

18. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

19. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

20. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

21. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

22. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

23. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

24. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

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Matthew Lynch published in Teachers

Activities For Comparing Numbers

When it comes to learning math, one of the most fundamental concepts is comparing numbers. Comparing numbers is the process of determining the relationship between two or more numbers in terms of greater than, less than, or equal to each other. This skill is crucial for students to learn before they move on to more complex mathematical operations. Here are 18 nifty activities for comparing numbers that can help students improve their skills:

1. Number Line: Draw a number line on the blackboard, and ask students to place numbers on the line, labeling each number as ‘greater than’ or ‘less than’ and discussing why they made that choice.

2. Number Sense Game: Create a game that focuses on building students’ number sense. For example, have students roll dice and compare the numbers rolled, then discuss which number is greater.

3. Symbol Game: Use symbols to represent quantities, then ask students to interpret them. For example, use > and < to represent ‘greater than’ and ‘less than’. Then create equations with the symbols, and ask students to compare the numbers.

4. Online Quizzes: Use online quizzes and games to help students practice comparing numbers in a fun and interactive way.

5. Bingo: Create Bingo cards with numbers on them, and call out comparisons (e.g., “greater than seven”). Students can cross out the numbers that fit the comparison.

6. Flash Cards: Create flash cards with numbers on them, then have students compare the cards using the symbols they’ve learned.

7. Number Sort: Have students sort numbers into groups of greater than, less than, equal to each other.

8. Inequalities Puzzle: Create a puzzle with inequalities that students must solve to put the pieces together.

9. Story problems: Use story problems to help students apply their knowledge of comparing numbers to real-world scenarios.

10. Number chains: Have students make chains of numbers, then compare them to each other.

11. Dominoes: Use dominoes to create math problems that involve comparing numbers.

12. Memory Game: Create a memory game using numbers and symbols for greater than and less than.

13. Number Mazes: Create a maze with numbers that students must navigate, comparing the numbers they pass along the way.

14. Number Walls: Use a large wall or chalkboard to create a graph to represent numbers students have compared.

15. Number Battleship: Create a game of battleship using numbers students must compare.

16. Alphabetical Order: Have students put numbers in alphabetical order and then compare them.

17. Visual Comparisons: Use charts or graphs to visually compare numbers.

18. Math Rockstars: Create a competition where students compete to see who can solve the most comparisons in a set amount of time.

In conclusion, these 18 activities for comparing numbers can help students improve their math skills in a fun and engaging way. By incorporating these into lesson plans and homework assignments, teachers can help students solidify their understanding of this essential math concept. So what are you waiting for? Try out one or more of these activities in your classroom today!    

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Matthew Lynch published in Teachers

60 of Our Favorite Quotes To Welcome Spring

As winter gives way to spring, we welcome the warmer days, greener leaves, and blooming flowers. The season of renewal and rebirth seems to bring a little bit of hope and optimism into our lives. Here are 60 of our favorite quotes to welcome spring.

1. “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'” – Robin Williams
2. “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” – Hal Borland
3. “Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.” – Doug Larson
4. “Spring: A lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.” – Unknown
5. “Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world.” – Virgil A. Kraft
6. “Spring is a time to find out where you are, who you are, and move toward where you are going.” – Penelope Trunk
7. “In spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” – Margaret Atwood
8. “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” – Leo Tolstoy
9. “Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth is glad and green.” – Christina Rossetti
10. “I enjoy the spring more than the autumn now. One does, I think, as one gets older.” – Virginia Woolf
11. “Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is.” – Jessica Harrelson
12. “Spring is the time of year when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.” – Charles Dickens
13. “Spring is a true reconstructionist.” – Henry Timrod
14. “The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.” – Harriet Ann Jacobs
15. “Spring is a season of the soul to regain its strength.” – Lailah Gifty Akita
16. “Spring is when life’s alive in everything.” – Christina Rossetti
17. “Spring is when you feel like you can take on the whole world.” – Unknown
18. “Spring is the time for new beginnings.” – Unknown
19. “Spring makes everything young again except man.” – Jean Paul Richter
20. “All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” – Indian Proverb
21. “Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.” – Lewis Grizzard
22. “The earth laughs in flowers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
23. “Spring is the time of year when it is too late for the ice to melt and too early for the mosquitoes to start.” – Anonymous
24. “April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” – William Shakespeare
25. “Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer.” – Anita Krizzan
26. “An optimist is the human personification of spring.” – Susan J. Bissonette
27. “Spring is not a season, it’s a state of mind.” – Unknown
28. “Spring is the fountain of love for thirsty winter.” – Munia Khan
29. “Spring is the time of year when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.” – Charles Dickens
30. “The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.” – Henry Van Dyke
31. “April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” – William Shakespeare
32. “Spring is when you feel like you can take on the whole world.” – Unknown
33. “Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer.” – Anita Krizzan
34. “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.” – A.A. Milne
35. “Spring is the time of plans and projects.” – Leo Tolstoy
36. “Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
37. “The promise of spring’s arrival is enough to get anyone through the bitter winter!” – Jen Selinsky
38. “The earth has music for those who listen.” – William Shakespeare
39. “Spring is a time to celebrate the journey, not just the destination.” – Unknown
40. “Spring is the time of year when it is too late for the ice to melt and too early for the mosquitoes to start.” – Anonymous
41. “Spring is a time to find out where you are, who you are, and move toward where you are going.” – Penelope Trunk
42. “The air is like a butterfly with frail blue wings. The happy earth looks at the sky and sings.” – Joyce Kilmer
43. “To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.” – George Santayana
44. “Spring makes all things new again.” – Unknown
45. “Spring is the time of year when it is summer in the sun and winter in the shade.” – Charles Dickens
46. “No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.” – Old Proverb
47. “Spring adds new life and new beauty to all that is.” – Jessica Harrelson
48. “Spring brings new growth, renewal, and a rebirth of spirit.” – Unknown
49. “Spring will always take you from wherever you are to wherever you want to be.” – Unknown
50. “Springtime is the season of hope.” – Unknown
51. “The spring wakes us, nurtures us, and revitalizes us. How often does your spring come?” – Audre Lorde
52. “Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
53. “Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.” – Lewis Grizzard
54. “Springtime is the best time for creating new beginnings.” – Unknown
55. “Spring will come and so will flowers and books and music and art. And you will feel yourself slowly returning to the world.” – Unknown
56. “Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment.” – Ellis Peters
57. “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!'” – Robin Williams
58. “Spring is the time for new beginnings.” – Unknown
59. “Spring is the season to start fresh with a clean slate.” – Unknown
60. “Spring is the most awaited time of the year, when nature blooms with love and life.” – Unknown

Spring brings a new energy and rejuvenation. These quotes remind us that the season is full of hope, beauty, and new beginnings. As you welcome spring, carry these words with you and let them fill your spirit with joy and gratitude. 

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Matthew Lynch published in Teachers

Teacher Narratives We Need To Ditch Immediately

Every teacher has their own favorite narratives, but some of them need to be reconsidered. Here are 11 common teacher narratives that can be harmful and should be ditched immediately:

1. “Boys will be boys.” This phrase perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes and excuses inappropriate behavior. All students, regardless of gender, need to be held accountable for their actions.

2. “I can’t teach them if they’re not interested.” This narrative puts all of the responsibility for learning on the student and absolves the teacher of any responsibility for engaging them. It’s the responsibility of the teacher to make the subject matter interesting and relevant.

3. “I’m not here to be their friend.” While it’s important to maintain professional boundaries, teachers should strive to build positive relationships with their students. This can lead to better engagement and learning outcomes.

4. “I don’t have time for that.” Teachers can often feel overwhelmed with the demands of their job, but dismissing student concerns or issues only creates a toxic environment.

5. “They’re just lazy.” This narrative dismisses the complexity of individual learning styles and struggles. Teachers need to find ways to engage and support all students, even those who may struggle more than others.

6. “That’s just the way it’s always been done.” This phrase stifles creativity and innovation. Teachers should be open to new ideas and approaches to teaching.

7. “We don’t have the resources for that.” While it’s true that some schools and districts may be under-resourced, teachers should look for creative solutions to meet the needs of their students.

8. “You need to learn this for the test.” While it’s important for students to demonstrate their knowledge, their education should be more than just test scores. Teachers should focus on critical thinking skills and real-world applications of the material.

9. “Just do what the book says.” Teachers should not rely solely on textbooks and should bring in other resources and perspectives to enrich the learning experience.

10. “They’re just bad kids.” Every student brings their own challenges and strengths to the classroom. Teachers need to find ways to support and motivate each individual student.

11. “I’m not paid enough for this.” While teachers deserve fair compensation for their work, this narrative dismisses the passion and dedication that many teachers have for their students and their profession.

In conclusion, the narratives that teachers use to describe their work and students can have a significant impact. By moving away from harmful or dismissive narratives, teachers can create a more positive and supportive environment for their students to learn and grow.   

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