Tag Archives: Educators

We are Called to Inspire our Students even in the Last Few Weeks of School…Remember the “Why” in Choosing to Teach


(Picture posted on Facebook by Teacher2Teacher #T2T)

We have limited days left with our students.

What a blessing it has been to greet them each morning as they enter our building, our classroom. To be able to tell them they can learn the impossible and see that which is not visible. Be a caregiver, boo-boo healer, magician, entertainer, disciplinarian and mentor. To be a dispenser of hope and a well of motivation and inspiration. Provide them examples to model after and to strive to emulate.

What a blessing it has been to be all we are called to be to them this school year.

We as educational support staff, teachers and administrators  have modeled for those placed in our care more than we will ever know.

Hopefully, we have modeled positive conflict resolution, how to demonstrate and hopefully deal with disappointment and frustration, how to be kind in words and actions and how to forgive.

Our students have watched and listened to our words and actions.

As one who who chooses to work within the world of education, teach and inspire our future leaders of tomorrow, this is so very important for us to remember.
Let us have faith that the seeds and examples we have planted and provide will be watered to bear fruit for many years to come.

May the last few weeks of school be all that you hoped this school year would be …on the first day of school!
May we continue to seek knowledge in all things-

Denise

Principal

St. Augustine Catholic School

Twitter:

@dballwriter and @principal567

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Filed under Best Practices from Awesome Educators, Blogs that Inspire Us, Educational Resources, Principals and Administrator Tools

Never Underestimate the Power of Believing in a Child

As educators, we have been blessed with an awesome responsibility to educate the whole child to become productive citizens and leaders of tomorrow.

As an administrator, one of the blessings of my job is to help my faculty and staff be the best they can be in the lives of those placed in their care.

Simple reminders:

*to greet students at the door and actually “see” them each day

*to remember that as an educator, we are the rational adult called to model behaviors for our students…forgiveness, flexibility, humor, compassion etc.

*it is okay for students to know that mistakes have been made or something is not “known” …demonstrate how to build the muscle of “recovery” and “collaboration”

Never underestimate the power we have in lifting up our students to new heights…if you BELIEVE they will ACHIEVE!

 

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things~

Denise

image

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Filed under Blogs that Inspire Us, Curriculum Resources, Inspiration, Team Building/Positive Work Environments

An Innovative Program for Helping Students Succeed…Sharing the Good in Education

Given that Unlock the Teacher was founded on the principle of sharing the good in education, we look for this good where ever we go.  In the grocery store, at Starbuck’s, the local library and most importantly at the schools we are blessed to work in.

We wanted to share a wonderful educational program we are following and hope that it might plant a seed for another school looking to add a resource room to their school.

St. Regis Educare – An Innovative Program for Helping Students Succeed

St. Regis Educare (SRE) is a newly created program serving the students of St. Regis Catholic Elementary and Academy, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The SRE program is staffed by three certified teachers who are dedicated to supporting the varied needs of St. Regis students. Based on the premise that each student has unique gifts and talents, with different learning styles and academic abilities, SRE supports teachers in providing differentiated instruction within and outside the classroom. In keeping with the St. Regis mission: Respect, Educate, Give, Inspire, and Support, SRE is dedicated to respecting individual students’ needs and supporting and inspiring them to reach their fullest academic potential.

The service provided in this program is more than a library of resources for teachers and parents. It is more than a place where students can come for help with their homework. It is a professionally staffed center for learning, where students attend workshops, join literature circles, compete in Math competitions, and follow academic plans designed specifically to meet their individual needs.

SRE Services

St. Regis Educare provides three different types of assistance/enrichment for students. They work with individuals and small groups needing assistance or enrichment in academic subject areas. They  provide workshops to help students with concepts such as grammar or study skills, and  work with individuals and small groups on specific skills such as comprehension strategies or counting money. In order to make the concepts they are enhancing engaging, they  integrate technology, and utilize manipulatives, hands-on activities, and use modeling to help students achieve their goals.

With all this, they also provide the following benefits for teachers: assessments, which they will design and/or administer upon request; a central repository for teacher resources and reference books; and documented processes and forms to make using our services less complicated. To help bridge the ever widening need between parent and school, they provide a central repository for parent resources, and are in the process of planning workshops for parents, so they can learn new ways to help their children succeed in school.

Development of the Program

This school year, St. Regis Educare has evolved from an idea and an empty office, into a focal point of learning for students in need of assistance or enrichment, as well as a central location for student, teacher, and parent resources.

Some highlights include:

  • A room that is now both inviting and functional for assisting students
  • Resource materials, games, technology, and manipulatives that are arranged by subject matter on labeled shelves for easy access
  • Documented processes and forms that are based on research of best practices and collaboration with professionals both in and outside the school
  • An extensive list of services designed to meet the varied needs of our students

As of this writing, at least one student or group from every grade, is being serviced by SRE, and they have had an abundance of positive comments from students, parents, and teachers who are grateful for the expertise and supportive of this team’s efforts. It is too soon in the development of the program to provide concrete results; however, I plan to monitor this program’s progress …stay tuned!

If your school or community is doing something great to help students, teachers or parents, please share.  It is in the collaborative model that we all rise to the level in which we have the potential to be.

May we all continue to seek knowledge in all things~

Denise

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Filed under Educational Resources, Sharing the Good, Sharing the Good in Education

100 Positive Comments to Utilize when Referencing Student Behavior

100 Positive Student Comments to Utilize with Parents

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev148.shtml  (Jan. 23, 2012)

Recommended by Jen J., a third grade teacher in Michigan.

Attitude

The student:

  • is an enthusiastic learner who seems to enjoy school
  • exhibits a positive outlook and attitude in the classroom
  • appears well rested and ready for each day’s activities
  • shows enthusiasm for classroom activities
  • shows initiative and looks for new ways to get involved
  • uses instincts to deal with matters independently and in a positive way
  • strives to reach his (or her) full potential
  • is committed to doing his (or her) best
  • seeks new challenges
  • takes responsibility for his (or her) learning

Behavior

The student:

  • cooperates consistently with the teacher and other students
  • transitions easily between classroom activities without distraction
  • is courteous and shows good manners in the classroom
  • follows classroom rules
  • conducts himself (or herself) with maturity
  • responds appropriately when corrected
  • remains focused on the activity at hand
  • resists the urge to be distracted by other students
  • is kind and helpful to everyone in the classroom
  • sets an example of excellence in behavior and cooperation

Character

The student:

  • shows respect for teachers and peers
  • treats school property and the belongings of others with care and respect
  • is honest and trustworthy in dealings with others
  • displays good citizenship by assisting other students
  • joins in school community projects
  • is concerned about the feelings of peers
  • faithfully performs classroom tasks
  • can be depended on to do what he (or she) is asked to do
  • seeks responsibilities and follows through
  • is thoughtful in interactions with others

Communication Skills

The student:

  • has a well-developed vocabulary
  • chooses words with care
  • expresses ideas clearly, both verbally and through writing
  • has a vibrant imagination and excels in creative writing
  • has found his (or her) voice through poetry writing
  • uses vivid language in writing
  • writes clearly and with purpose
  • writes with depth and insight
  • can make a logical and persuasive argument
  • listens to the comments and ideas of others without interrupting

Group Work

The student:

  • offers constructive suggestions to peers to enhance their work
  • accepts the recommendations of peers and acts on them when appropriate
  • is sensitive to the thoughts and opinions of others in the group
  • takes on various roles in the work group as needed or assigned
  • welcomes leadership roles in groups
  • shows fairness in distributing group tasks
  • plans and carries out group activities carefully
  • works democratically with peers
  • encourages other members of the group
  • helps to keep the work group focused and on task

Interests and Talents

The student:

  • has a well-developed sense of humor
  • holds many varied interests
  • has a keen interest that has been shared with the class
  • displays and talks about personal items from home when they relate to topics of study
  • provides background knowledge about topics of particular interest to him (or her)
  • has an impressive understanding and depth of  knowledge about his (or her) interests
  • seeks additional information independently about classroom topics that pique interest
  • reads extensively for enjoyment
  • frequently discusses concepts about which he (or she) has read
  • is a gifted performer
  • is a talented artist
  • has a flair for dramatic reading and acting
  • enjoys sharing his (or her) musical talent with the class

Participation

The student:

  • listens attentively to the responses of others
  • follows directions
  • takes an active role in discussions
  • enhances group discussion through insightful comments
  • shares personal experiences and opinions with peers
  • responds to what has been read or discussed in class and as homework
  • asks for clarification when needed
  • regularly volunteers to assist in classroom activities
  • remains an active learner throughout the school day

Social Skills

The student:

  • makes friends quickly in the classroom
  • is well-liked by classmates
  • handles disagreements with peers appropriately
  • treats other students with fairness and  understanding
  • is a valued member of the class
  • has compassion for peers and others
  • seems comfortable in new situations
  • enjoys conversation with friends during free periods
  • chooses to spend free time with friends

Time Management

The student:

  • tackles classroom assignments, tasks, and group work in an organized manner
  • uses class time wisely
  • arrives on time for school (and/or class) every day
  • is well-prepared for class each day
  • works at an appropriate pace, neither too quickly or slowly
  • completes assignments in the time allotted
  • paces work on long-term assignments
  • sets achievable goals with respect to time
  • completes make-up work in a timely fashion

Work Habits

The student:

  • is a conscientious, hard-working student
  • works independently
  • is a self-motivated student
  • consistently completes homework assignments
  • puts his (or her) best effort into homework assignments
  • exceeds expectations with the quality of his (or her) work
  • readily grasps new concepts and ideas
  • generates neat and careful work
  • checks work thoroughly before submitting it
  • stays on task with little supervision
  • displays self-discipline
  • avoids careless errors through attention to detail
  • uses free minutes of class time constructively
  • creates impressive home projects

Positive words go a long way in educating a child and building relationships. When we create positive school and classroom environments, the learning experience is enhanced.

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,

Denise

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A Glance Back at A Successful School Year

As many of schools are winding down for the school year, student energy is high, teacher energy low, it is important to look back, reflect and make notes on what worked and what did not, while your mind is still in “school” mode.

As an administrator, I find this is a helpful tool not only in regards to the building standard operating procedures, but in what worked in motivating my team or not. It is just important for an administrator to reflect as it is for a teacher, because it is in the exercise of being a reflective practitioner, do we  continue to grow and challenge ourselves to higher standards.

When I was in the classroom, I would spend the last week of school with my students and the last week after they were gone, to spend a few minutes each day writing in a journal.  I would reflect upon lessons taught, the differentiated tools utilized and next to each reflection, I would put IDEAS on how I could change it up for the following year to ensure more students’ needs were met.

I would spend time thinking about how I felt I impacted my building as a whole…did I contribute to the greater good, was I encouraging to those around me, did I spend most my time picking up versus putting down…This excercise helped me grow as a teacher and an individual.

Although it is easy to get caught up in trying to close down a building and get home to rejuvenate before it all begins again…in a matter of weeks…I encourage you all to pause, reflect and take a good look at how you made a difference this year in the life of a child.

To all the parents, children, teacher and administrators out there, our Unlock the Teacher team would like to say to you…”Job well done!”

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things~

Denise

Recommended summer reading:

“Reeasing the Imagination” by Maxine Greene

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Educational Websites to Utilize in the Classroom for Grades 4-12

At a recent principal’s meeting, the Web 2.0 presenter showcased some fabulous online resources that any 21st century educator could utilize to enhance classroom instruction.

www.qwiki.com

This site includes multimedia components and visual displays for presentations.  *Very user-friendly.

www.lessonstream.org

Present information to students integrating a multimedia format.

www.vocabahead.com

Identify real-life connections between words and their use.  *This is a great tool…words with videos!

www.khanacademy.org

This is a site where students can retell stories to demonstrate an understanding of concepts.

www.bitstrips.com

This is an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G site for teachers to utilize really grades 2 on up.  Students can create animated cartoon strips by utilizing a combination of drawing, dictating and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely linked events. This site also has a homework component…great vocabulary builder and speaks to the visual learner.

www.60secondrecap.com

Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings or events in a story or drama. *neat site

www.visuwords.com

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

www.owl.emglish.purdue.edu

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

www.froguts.com

Great virtual dissects to utilize in class with students.

www.jeapardylabs.com

Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.

www.storybird.com

Add drawings to displays and stories.

This is just a few of the many resources available online. 

 

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,

Denise

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Filed under Curriculum Resources, Educational Websites and Resources, Educational Websites that are FREE

Educational Webinars from an Administrator Tool Kit to STEM Focused Schools

Educational  Webinars

Great resources for teachers

Administrator Tool Kit~As an administrator, you no doubt wear many hats and do many jobs. Given this, having the right tool for the right job is critical – not only can it make your job easier, but the right tool can help you accomplish tasks faster and often better. Join Steven Anderson @web20classroom as he shares his favorite, must-have Web tools for administrators.

http://simplek12.com/tlc/on-demand/administrator-communication-tools/

Cooking with Bill Nye~Watch Bill Nye boil water. Really. In the process, you may learn something about energy conservation that comes in handy next time you make pasta.

 http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/7761/preview/

Hurricanes~Video, Teacher Guide and so much more. This is a great tool!

http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/506/preview/

A New Wave of STEM Focused Schools ~Register for this FREE webinar today!

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=registration.jsp&eventid=390894&sessionid=1&key=FBFABD27128029676D4918199CEDA3BB&partnerref=CAL&sourcepage=register

A Fresh Look at Teaching the Diary of Anne Frank~ This webinar includes a complimentary teacher’s guide created with the Holocaust Education Organization Facing History & Ourselves and special Resources for Youth. We highly recommend this one! www.pbs.org/teachers/webinar/archive.html

Helping Kids Understand Viruses and Vaccinations with Sid the Science Kid ~This free webinar provides information and strategies for helping students understand viruses and vaccinations. The website also offers a complimentary resource package. www.pbs.org/teachers/webinar/archive.html

Exploring the Faces of America by Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.  www.pbs.org/teachers/webinar/archive.html

Media Literacy: 21st Century Skills All Students Need ~Frank Baker

www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinars/frank-baker-webinar.aspx

 

How to Promote a Learning-Receptive Emotional State ~Judy Willis

www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinars/judy-willis-brain-and-learning-webinar.aspx

 

Getting to “Got It!” ~Betty Garner

www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinars/betty-garner-webinar.aspx

 

Leading and Managing a Differentiated Classroom ~ Carol Tomlinson and Marcia Imbeau

www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinars/tomlinson-imbeau-webinar.aspx

 

Motivating Students to Achieve Their Highest Potential ~Judy Willis

www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinars/judy-willis-brain-and-learning-webinar.aspx

 

School Administrators: Leading with Verizon Thinkfinity

http://www.community.thinkfinity.org

 

Think Quest Free Educational Webinars : check out Denise Hobb’s “Innovative Learning”

www.webinarreviews.org/thinkquest-free-educational-webinar/

Education Week (one of my personal favorites) offers many enlightening webinars.  Check out “E-educators’ Evolving Skills”…talk about relevant!

www.edweek.org/ew/marketplace/webinars/webinars.html

 

American Statistical Association offers various webinars…currently hosting a K-12 “Meeting within a Meeting” for Science and Math Teachers

www.amstat.org/education/webinars/

 

Exploring Middle School MiddleWeb is a blog powered by Typepad.  They are a promoter of 21st Century Learning and offer live and archived webinars. Check out the latest webinar: The National Middle School Association is teaming up with the NSF-funded Middle School Portal to offer “Free math and Science Webinars”…the goal was to not only make the training affordable but user-friendly; teachers could watch from home.

http://tln.typepad.com/middleweb/2009/05/free-math-science-webinars-for-teacher.html

 

OneNote and Education: This MSDN blog was created to have a dialog about OneNote and education, including sharing ideas, resources, and building community with teachers, students and faculty.

www.blogs.msdn.com

 

These favorite webinars are pulled from the following sites. We recommend these sites as great educational tools and resources:

  • PBS Teachers
  • ASCD
  • Verizon’s Thinkfinity Website

If you have a great webinar to recommend or a site that is indeed a teacher resource, please share it here and we will check it out and give it a “shout”!

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,

Denise

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Filed under Curriculum Resources, Educational Free Webinars, Educational Websites and Resources

Wonderful 8th Grade Literature Scrapbooks through the Eyes of the Characters

Utilizing Character Journals/Scrapbooks in the Classroom
Sue Martin, a middle school language arts/literature teacher has allowed us to utilize these great pieces of student’s work.  Students were given a rubric to create a scrapbook/journal in the eyes of one of the characters in the book they were reading.  As the pictures demonstrate, this is a unique and fun assignment for student and teacher and can be modified for various age groups.

"The Lying Game""The Lying Game" scrapbook on the inside"Wait till Helen Comes""Wait til Helen Comes" scrapbook on the inside

"Wait til Helen Comes" Character Scrapbook"Harry Potter" Character Journal

 

"Wicked" Character Journal

 

"Wicked" Character Scrapbook on the inside

 
I find these pictures creative and I have no doubt that the students had a great time identifying with the characters in the books they read as they created these wonderful assignments.
 
If you would like to share your Best Practices, we would love to read them and share them with our readers.  Please email documents to denise@unlocktheteacherllc.com
 
May we seek knowledge in all things,
Denise
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Recommended Holiday Gifts for Teachers

The time of year is upon us, when we take time out to show the teacher(s) in our lives, just how much we appreciate them and all they do for our children…our future!  During the school year, on average a child spend 7+ hours a day with his/her teacher.  This is 35 hours+ a week.  Once we get our children up, we might have one rushed hour a day before school then maybe (and this is a stretch) we might have three quality hours after school before they go to bed.  That is approximately 4 hours a day we have with our children. This is 20 hours during the week from Monday-Friday.

Given all this, it is clear to see the importance of choosing just the right school (because our children spend a lot of time in them) and appreciating the wonderful teachers who give of their time and talent to help prepare our children for the future.

The following are our recommended gift ideas (NOTE: Many are items I received and appreciated  over the many years in education.)

  • Dry Erase Markers
  • Sharpie Pens ~All Colors ~Thin, Regular and Poster Tip (a true treasure)
  • A camera donated to the classroom is a gift indeed (*I received this one year and it is a gift that still gives back to education!) Kodak Easy Share is cost effective and reliable.
  • Colored Printing Paper
  • Target Gift Card (most teachers use for classroom anyway)
  • Office Depot Gift Card
  • Visa, Mastercard or Amex Gift Cards…gives educators the choice to shop at teacher stores, online etc.
  • Barnes and Noble Gift Card~ I have not met one teacher in my years in classroom or now working with many, who do not purchase books for their classroom…Given that we sell our academic eBooks at BarnesandNoble.com, we are bias and LOVE this book store!
  • An Electric Pencil Sharpener
  • An Assortment of Purple, Red and Green Pens
  • An Assortment of Yellow High Lighters
  • A Case of Clorox Wipes…no kidding, unless there is a child allergic, teachers LOVE this item…we all want to be germ free!
  • A Case of White Printer Paper
  • A Packet of Assorted Construction Paper

I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,

Denise

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6th Grade Teacher Makes Science Fun with Cell Process Cartoons

Who said science wasn’t fun?
While in a school today (St. Mary School Royal Oak, Michigan), I stopped to look at these fabulous displays of creativity.  Not only was this hallway display colorful and creative, it was educational and funny!
 

 
We would love to share your classroom Best Practices with our readers. It is in this collaborative process, that we all grow as educators…as parents…as a society!  Good ideas are meant to be shared.  We try to share them as often as we can!
 

 

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,
Denise
 
 

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