Teaching Strategies, Tactics, and Methods

In the age of remote work and learning, many educators are faced with new challenges as they navigate the demands of online teaching while simultaneously caring for their children at home. It can be a daunting task, but with some planning and preparation, it is possible to thrive in this unique environment. Here are some tips to help you survive teaching online with kids at home.

1. Create a designated workspace

Establishing a separate, designated workspace can help you maintain professional and personal boundaries while working from home. Make sure your workspace is equipped with all the necessary tools for your job and arrange it in a way that minimizes distractions.

2. Establish a routine

Clearly establish a schedule that includes both work obligations and family time. Maintain consistency by starting and ending your days at the same times each day. Be sure to communicate your schedule with your family members so that everyone is on the same page.

3. Set boundaries with your family

It’s essential to set limits and expectations for both your children and partner so that your work hours can remain uninterrupted. Communicate clearly with your family members what times are off-limits due to work obligations.

4. Utilize child care resources when possible

If you have access to childcare options such as daycare, babysitters, or family members who can help with child care responsibilities during work hours, take advantage of these options when possible.

5. Plan activities for your kids

Prepare engaging activities or educational materials for your children ahead of time so that they remain occupied while you’re working. This will prevent them from seeking too much attention during your focused work hours.

6. Take breaks throughout the day

Don’t forget to schedule breaks in between classes or meetings to spend quality time with your kids at home. These breaks will allow you to recharge while also giving you an opportunity to check up on your children.

7. Stay connected with colleagues

Staying in touch and collaborating with your colleagues via video calls or messaging platforms will not only foster camaraderie but also provide support when overcoming obstacles related to online teaching and managing life at home.

8. Practice self-care

Amid the hustle and bustle of balancing work and family life, it is crucial to prioritize self-care. Set aside time for mental, emotional, and physical well-being activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies.

9. Be patient and flexible

This unique situation may require occasional adjustments to your routine or teaching style. Don’t be afraid to make changes as needed and be patient with yourself as you adapt.

10. Celebrate your victories

Finally, celebrate your accomplishments, big or small. Recognizing the progress you’ve made in both your professional and personal life will keep you motivated even in the most challenging moments.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll be better prepared to maintain a healthy work-life balance while teaching online with kids at home. Remember, this new normal requires patience, flexibility, and adaptability; with time and effort, you can truly excel as an educator in this remote environment.

As technology continues to permeate every aspect of our daily lives, it has also become an essential component in the field of education. One tool that offers a wealth of potential for enhancing students’ English Language Arts (ELA) experience is video. Not only do videos capture students’ attention and spark their interest, they can also serve as valuable tools for teaching various ELA topics. Here are six creative ways to use video in your ELA classroom:

1. Video Interpretations

Encourage students to create their own interpretations of literary works by making a short video based on a scene, character, or theme from the text. This provides the opportunity for deeper engagement with the material, while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Furthermore, it allows students to develop their own visual style and explore different techniques for storytelling through film.

2. Film Adaptation Comparisons

Another way to use video in ELA is by comparing different film adaptations of classic literature. Viewing multiple versions of the same story can encourage lively discussion and debate among students about the narrative choices made by each adaptation’s creators. This can also lead students to analyze how directors, screenwriters, and actors interpret characters and themes from the original text.

3. Analysis of TED Talks or Documentaries

Incorporating TED Talks or documentaries into your curriculum exposes students to diverse perspectives from around the world in an easily digestible format. Assign them to watch these videos as homework or in class, then engage them in conversation about the author’s main points, rhetorical devices used, biases present, and more.

4. Visual Storytelling

Use wordless short films or animations as a starting point for creative writing or discussions on storytelling elements like setting, characters, plot development, conflict resolution, mood, and theme. Such videos stimulate students’ imaginations and challenge them to express their ideas without relying on dialogue alone.

5. Video Essays

Introduce video essays into your classroom by having students analyze film, literary works, or social issues. They can use visuals, voice-overs, and graphics to create a compelling multimedia argument. This not only strengthens their writing skills, but also pushes them to learn how to effectively communicate their ideas using various media formats.

6. Virtual Field Trips

Provide immersive experiences for your students through virtual field trips that invite them to explore museums, theaters, and historical sites from around the world. Make connections to units of study or use these virtual visits as an entry point for research projects. These videos transport students far beyond the confines of the classroom and inspire them to learn more about different cultures and eras.

By incorporating technology and video into the ELA classroom, educators can create engaging lessons that foster high-level thinking skills, promote creativity and collaboration, and provide students with opportunities to explore different forms of storytelling. Not only does this enhance the overall learning experience in an increasingly digital world, it also better equips students for future educational endeavors and career opportunities.

Introduction

As a new academic year dawns, educators all over the world are searching for ways to improve their teaching methods and deliver a more engaging and effective learning experience. To help power up your teaching this year, we’ve compiled a list of innovative strategies that can be employed to ensure greater student success and achievement.

1. Embrace Technology

One way to power up your teaching is to embrace technology and integrate it into your lessons. Today’s students are digital natives who are comfortable with technology, so utilizing resources like virtual reality, mobile apps, and online learning platforms can significantly enhance their educational experience.

2. Implement Active Learning Techniques

Active learning techniques, which require students to participate in the learning process actively, have proven more effective compared to traditional lecture-based methods. Incorporate activities like discussions, problem-solving sessions, debates, and group projects into your curriculum to promote collaboration and critical thinking among your students.

3. Foster a Growth Mindset

Teach your students to adopt a growth mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Encourage them to embrace challenges, be open to feedback and learn from their mistakes. This approach fosters resilience and determination among learners in achieving their full potential.

4. Use Assessment as an Opportunity for Learning

Incorporate formative assessments into your teaching methods as these assessments gauge student understanding throughout the course of their learning journey. By providing timely feedback on assignments or tests, you help students identify areas in which they need improvement and thus enhance their overall learning experience.

5. Create a Positive Classroom Environment

To power up your teaching this year, ensure that you create an inclusive space where all students feel comfortable participating in class discussions or activities. Promote mutual respect and empathy among classmates by establishing clear expectations for behavior and fostering a sense of community within the class.

6. Customize Instruction for Different Learning Styles

Each student has a unique learning style, so consider implementing differentiated instruction techniques to cater to individual needs. Vary your teaching methods to include visual, auditory, or kinesthetic approaches and provide various opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning.

7. Encourage Student Autonomy

Empower your students by giving them a degree of control over their own learning. Offer project-based learning options or allow students to select topics of interest for independent study. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and personal investment in their education.

8. Stay Informed about Pedagogical Trends

Continuous professional growth is essential for all educators. Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest educational trends by attending workshops, conferences, and webinars or joining professional communities where you can share ideas and learn from peers.

Conclusion

By implementing these innovative strategies in your classroom, you can power up your teaching this year and inspire your students not only to learn but also develop crucial life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. Wishing you a productive academic year ahead filled with opportunities for growth and enrichment!

Introduction:

Selfies have become an indispensable part of our modern society, especially among children and teenagers. What was once considered a display of vanity has now turned into a powerful tool for communication and self-expression. As educators, we must stay connected and flexible to the ever-changing world our students live in. By incorporating selfies in the classroom, we can enhance the learning experience, while increasing student engagement and creativity. Here are some innovative ideas on how you can use selfies effectively in your classroom:

1. Selfie Icebreakers:

At the beginning of each school year or semester, start by asking your students to take a selfie that best represents their personality or interests. This will help students get to know one another. They can then share their selfies with the class, explaining why they chose it.

2. Selfie Vocabulary:

For an interactive vocabulary assignment, ask your students to snap selfies related to specific vocabulary words or concepts they are studying. By connecting with the subject matter on a personal level, students are more likely to remember new vocabulary words.

3. Documenting Learning Progress:

Have your students take selfies with completed projects or assignments as a way of showcasing their accomplishments throughout the school year. Encourage them to create an online portfolio or blog that allows them to both document their work and track their progress.

4. Selfie Book Reports:

Instead of traditional book reports, let students create selfie book reports in which they take a selfie of themselves as one of the characters from the book they’ve read; this encourages creativity and engagement while still demonstrating comprehension of the material.

5. Promoting Empathy and Understanding:

Create lesson plans that incorporate selfies in discussions about diverse cultures, backgrounds, or unique perspectives within your classroom or around the world. This helps promote empathy among peers and sparks conversations about acceptance and understanding.

6. Narratives Through Selfies:

Have students create a photo story using selfies that depict a series of events, such as a day in the life, a significant event, or a memorable adventure. This allows students to creatively express themselves while improving their storytelling and sequencing skills.

7. Group Projects and Collaborative Learning:

Use selfies as an engaging way to collaborate on group projects. For example, assign students with different parts of a project and have them take selfies that represent their contribution — the selfies can then be used as part of a presentation or displayed in the classroom.

8. Reflection and Goal Setting:

Ask students to take a selfie during moments of reflection, like after completing a challenging assignment or when setting personal goals. This may not only help students visualize their achievement but also serve as inspiration for future growth.

Conclusion:

Incorporating selfies in your classroom can be an exciting way to enhance the educational experience while embracing modern-day technology. By allowing students to explore creativity through self-expression and connectivity, you create opportunities for increased engagement and personal growth. Remember to always establish guidelines around appropriate selfie-taking practices and respect for privacy within the classroom setting.

Introduction

In an era where we are constantly bombarded with information and misinformation, the ability to think critically has become an essential skill. Critical thinking is a crucial component of education that allows individuals to analyze, evaluate, and respond appropriately to complex situations. This article delves into understanding critical thinking and why it is essential to teach it in today’s world.

What Is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the process of actively analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information in order to reach a well-reasoned conclusion. It involves questioning assumptions, discerning hidden values, critically evaluating evidence, and assessing conclusions based on logic, reason, and evidence. This cognitive process enables individuals to make informed decisions by understanding the consequences of their actions and the credibility of sources.

Why Do We Need to Teach Critical Thinking?

1. Enhances Problem-Solving Skills

Critical thinking helps students become better problem-solvers by enabling them to analyze situations thoroughly and logically. Students with well-developed critical thinking skills can identify problems more easily, evaluate possible solutions systematically, and implement effective strategies.

2. Empowers Decision-Making

Teaching critical thinking cultivates independent thinkers capable of making sound decisions with confidence. When students learn to assess the credibility of information sources and consider multiple perspectives before reaching a decision, they are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges.

3. Fosters Creativity

Critical thinking is not limited to logical reasoning but also stimulates creative problem-solving. By analyzing various approaches to a problem or situation, students can develop innovative solutions that combine elements from different perspectives.

4. Encourages Adaptability

With technological advancements occurring at a rapid pace, adaptability has become a highly valued skill. Critical thinkers can seamlessly adapt to new situations and efficiently adjust their strategies accordingly.

5. Develops Communication Skills

Communication is crucial for collaboration in personal and professional contexts. Critical thinking enables students to articulate their ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage in constructive discussions, which are key components of effective communication.

6. Enhances Emotional Intelligence

Critical thinking aids in understanding one’s emotions and assessing them objectively. Emotional intelligence, an essential skill in today’s interconnected world, relies on the ability to empathize with others and interpret their emotions from multiple perspectives.

7. Promotes Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

Teaching critical thinking encourages curiosity and reinforces the importance of continuous learning. When students learn to question information and seek answers through investigation, they develop a lifelong love for knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, critical thinking is a multifaceted skill that has far-reaching benefits relating to problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, adaptability, communication, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning. It is crucial for educators to prioritize the teaching of critical thinking skills to prepare our students for the complex challenges waiting for them in their personal and professional lives.

Introduction:

Being a teacher mom is no easy feat. Juggling the responsibilities of nurturing young minds in the classroom and raising children at home can often leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Let’s face it – teacher moms are superheroes in disguise! In the spirit of celebrating these everyday heroes, we’ve compiled 14 memes that perfectly capture the reality of being a teacher mom.

1. The “One More Thing” Meme

Imagine having a full day of teaching, only to come home to your own children asking for help with homework. This meme perfectly captures the feeling of being pulled in every direction by both roles.

2. The Endless Stamina Meme

The one where a teacher mom is depicted as an Energizer bunny, showcasing her ability to keep going and going throughout the day without losing steam.

3. The “Hiding Snacks” Meme

When you’re a teacher mom, sometimes the only solace is a secret stash of delicious treats hidden away from both students and kids at home.

4. The Never-Ending Grading Meme

Grading papers for your students during the day, and checking your child’s homework at night – this meme truly nails the non-stop cycle of grading that every teacher parent goes through.

5. The Missing School Supplies Meme

The hilarious meme showing how all pens, pencils, and markers magically disappear after entering a home with a teacher parent.

6. The Work-Life Balance Meme

A classic meme illustrating the struggle of finding balance between work life and family life – something every teacher parent knows all too well!

7. The “Double Homework” Meme

Catching up on school grading while helping kids with their own homework – this meme accurately represents how busy evenings can be for teacher parents.

8. The Parent-Teacher Conference Meme

The moment when you realize you’re not just attending parent-teacher conferences as a teacher, but also as a parent.

9. The “Under One Roof” Meme

When you teach at the same school your children attend, leaving work behind becomes even more difficult.

10. The After-School Activities Meme

Juggling your students’ extracurricular activities and your own kids’ schedules – this meme highlights the challenge of organizing it all.

11. The Surprise Classroom Visit Meme

The hilarious reaction when your own child pops by during school hours to say hello or ask for something.

12. The “No Breaks Allowed” Meme

A relatable meme about constantly being needed by someone – whether it be a student or a child at home – and never getting a minute to oneself.

13. The Summer Vacation Meme

The bittersweet realization that summer vacation doesn’t actually mean time off for teacher moms, since kids are home 24/7.

14. The “I Survived” Meme

Finally, a triumphant meme in celebration of making it through another busy day balancing both roles with grace and patience.

Conclusion:

These 14 memes truly nail the reality of being a teacher mom. While life can be hectic and demanding, it also brings an immense sense of pride and accomplishment. So, take a moment to laugh, relate, and share these memes with fellow teacher parents who understand the unique challenges you face every day.

Introduction:

Student-to-student feedback has been an integral part of enhancing the learning experience in classrooms. It provides a unique opportunity for learners to critically analyze their peers’ work, fostering an environment of collective growth and mutual understanding. Over the years, several methods have been explored to offer effective student-to-student feedback mechanisms. In this article, we will discuss one of the best ways that have emerged so far, revolutionizing student-to-student feedback.

The Power of Peer Assessment:

Peer assessment is a pedagogical strategy that allows students to evaluate each other’s work and provide constructive feedback based on predefined criteria or rubrics. This approach has shown promising results in promoting higher-order thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. These skills are crucial for shaping independent learners who can constructively derive value from their peers’ insights.

Round-Robin Feedback Sessions:

After examining various feedback strategies, the round-robin feedback session stands out as one of the most effective student-to-student feedback methods. This method emphasizes collaboration, efficiency, and clarity in delivering actionable suggestions to improve each other’s work.

Here’s how it works:

1. Divide students into small groups: Split your class into smaller groups of 4-5 students each. This size ensures that everyone gets ample time to discuss their ideas while reducing anxiety levels associated with presenting before larger audiences.

2. Assign a specific order: In each group, determine an order in which students will present and receive feedback on their work. This not only provides structure but also establishes clear expectations for everyone involved.

3. Allocate time for presentation and feedback: For each group member, designate a fixed amount of time to present their work (usually 5-10 minutes), followed by an equal amount of time for receiving feedback from their peers.

4. Facilitate active listening: Encourage students to closely pay attention during presentations and provide feedback based on specific aspects, such as content, structure, or creativity.

5. Encourage constructive criticism: Train students to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of a piece of work, offering concrete suggestions for improvement rather than making vague comments or general judgments.

6. Rotate roles: Once every student in a group has presented and received feedback, rotate roles so that those who provided feedback first now have the opportunity to present their work.

7. Reflect and implement changes: Following the round-robin session, have students reflect on the feedback they received and make necessary adjustments to their work accordingly.

Conclusion:

Round-robin feedback sessions constitute an excellent approach to streamlining student-to-student feedback that can be implemented relatively quickly and easily within various classroom settings. By fostering an environment of active listening, critical thinking, and constructive criticism, this method not only develops essential collaborative skills but also empowers students to take charge of their learning journey. In doing so, round-robin feedback sessions pave the way for more engaging, productive, and satisfying educational experiences.

Introduction:

Teaching, one of the noblest professions, comes with its fair share of challenges. With an ever-growing workload, it’s not uncommon for educators to find themselves seeking shortcuts to lighten their load. In a moment of honesty, several teachers have opened up about the ways they’ve cut corners in their classrooms. While not something to be proud of, these confessions can offer insights into the current state of education and perhaps spark conversations on improving teacher support systems.

1. Copying Lesson Plans from Colleagues and Online Sources

An age-old practice among educators is borrowing lesson plans from their peers or online resources. While it’s essential for teachers to customize lesson plans to suit their students’ needs, time constraints often lead to reliance on pre-made materials, making room for irrelevant content and missed opportunities for unique lessons tailored specifically to each class.

2. Sacrificing Subjects

Teachers might choose to sacrifice depth in certain subjects in order to dedicate more time to priority areas like math and language arts. This often results in less thorough teaching of subjects like history or science, depriving students of a well-rounded education.

3. Skimming Over Topics

Some educators admit they’ve skimmed over certain topics they’re not comfortable teaching or find less relevant to their students’ lives. This approach may save time, but it ultimately neglects essential aspects of the curriculum and sacrifices students’ understanding.

4. Skipping Homework Checks

Sorting through piles of homework assignments can be daunting for any teacher. Some educators confess that they occasionally skip checking homework altogether or simply glance at papers without thoroughly evaluating them.

5. Relying on Technology as a Crutch

While technology has transformed modern education significantly, some teachers lean too heavily on these tools as a means for cutting corners. Overusing educational apps and videos might keep students engaged momentarily but reduces their ability to engage in more genuine, hands-on learning experiences.

6. Giving Busy Work

In efforts to fill classroom time, teachers may assign “busy work” that does not contribute to the students’ overall understanding of the subject matter. Such assignments provide little value and can lead to student disinterest in learning.

Conclusion:

The confessions of teachers cutting corners in their classrooms reveal the stark reality of an overwhelmed profession. It’s crucial to critically assess current educational systems and provide better support to our educators, ensuring a quality education for all students. By offering resources, appropriate training, and emotional support, we can help reduce the temptation for teachers to cut corners and create a more nurturing environment for both students and educators alike.

Introduction

Joan Fontaine, born Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland, was a British-American actress who rose to prominence during the golden age of Hollywood. She is best known for her roles in the Alfred Hitchcock films “Rebecca” and “Suspicion,” for which she earned an Academy Award. Educators can integrate Joan Fontaine’s life and achievements into their lesson plans to teach students about the history of cinema, women’s representation in film, and the societal norms she challenged during her lifetime.

Early Life and Career

Joan Fontaine was born on October 22, 1917, in Tokyo, Japan. She had a tumultuous childhood marked by her parents’ divorce and her constant rivalry with her older sister, Olivia de Havilland. Educators can discuss how her upbringing shaped her ambitions in Hollywood and how sibling rivalry fueled both their successes.

In 1935, Fontaine made her film debut in “No More Ladies.” Her career took off when she landed a role in the adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s “Rebecca” (1940), directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Teachers can screen the film to showcase Fontaine’s early acting chops and to introduce students to classic cinema from that era.

Achievements and Legacy

In 1941, Fontaine won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Suspicion,” making her the only actor to win an Oscar for a Hitchcock film. Students can discuss how this accomplishment reflects upon her talent and dedication to her craft.

Throughout her career, Fontaine appeared in over 60 films and television productions. The roles she portrayed often defied societal norms and expectations of women at the time. By examining characters such as Lina McLaidlaw from “Suspicion” or Lisa Berndle from “Letter from an Unknown Woman,” students can critically analyze Fontaine’s impact on women’s representation in cinema.

Joan Fontaine also had a successful stage career that continued after her work in Hollywood ebbed. She appeared in Broadway productions, including “Tea and Sympathy” and “Private Lives,” which can be discussed as another facet of her creative life.

Feud with Olivia de Havilland

Teachers could also delve into the long-standing feud between Joan Fontaine and her sister, Olivia de Havilland. The rivalry between the two sisters became legendary, with media outlets frequently reporting on their falling-outs. Their strained relationship provides an opportunity for students to explore themes of family dynamics, sibling rivalry, and competition in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion

Teaching students about Joan Fontaine opens up numerous opportunities for engaging discussions. As an iconic figure from the golden age of Hollywood, she left a lasting legacy through her powerful performances and contributions to film history. By weaving her story into lessons about cinema, societal norms, and family dynamics, educators will provide their students with valuable insight into a fascinating life.

Starting kindergarten is an exciting time for both children and their parents, but it can also cause some anxiety. To help ease the transition, here are 10 things that teachers wish kindergarten kids knew on the first day of school.

1. How to follow simple instructions

Being able to listen carefully and follow simple instructions is an essential skill for kindergarteners. Teachers wish that children come prepared to pay attention and follow directions from day one.

2. Recognizing their own name

Children should be able to recognize their own names in print. This is important because they will need to identify their personal belongings, cubbies, and seating arrangements in the classroom.

3. Proper restroom manners

Knowing how to use the restroom independently, including good hygiene practices such as hand washing, is crucial in kindergarten. Teachers appreciate students who come prepared with these basic skills.

4. The basics of sharing and taking turns

Kindergarten is a time where children learn social skills like sharing and taking turns with their classmates during playtime and group activities. This helps them develop strong relationships and teamwork skills.

5. Familiarity with numbers and letters

Though they don’t have to master letters and numbers yet, being familiar with what they look like can give children a head start in language arts and math instruction.

6. Routines and manners at mealtime

Knowing how to open lunchboxes, utilize utensils, chew with mouths closed, and use polite language during mealtime can help the lunch period run more smoothly for everyone involved.

7. Managing basic clothing tasks

It’s important that kindergarten kids know how to navigate zippers, buttons, snap fasteners, and shoelaces on their own or with minimal assistance from the teacher.

8. Handling supplies appropriately

Children should understand the proper way to use school supplies like crayons, glue sticks, and scissors. This will help prevent accidents and maintain a safe, productive environment.

9. Expressing feelings and needs using words

Being able to communicate with teachers and classmates using words helps kindergarten kids express their feelings, ask questions, and share ideas effectively.

10. The concept of personal space

Understanding the importance of respecting others’ personal space can help reduce conflicts between classmates and create a more harmonious learning environment.

In conclusion, preparing your child by teaching these skills before kindergarten starts can make the transition smoother for both the student and the teacher. Remember to practice patience and be supportive during this exciting time of growth and learning.