Kindergarten 2021: Ready, Set, Go! It happens every year. This is my 22nd year of teaching and it still happens to me! The week before school starts, I begin to get anxious. I need to get my classroom ready, my
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Self-Regulation for Gifted Students
The development of self-regulation is a key outcome of student participation in a Montessori environment. The furniture, materials, student access and manipulation of the environment, and the teacher herself are intentionally prepared for the child in efforts to support full
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The Last 28 Days
With running records, final assessments, report cards, and oh-so-many other things (all on top of the actual teaching of human beings), the last weeks of school can be hectic, exciting, chaotic, and challenging. Oftentimes, teachers start a final countdown to
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Unexpected Student Interests
We have completed our first full week of in-class instruction. It has been calm and a rather easy transition since we kept the same structure as our online setup. This has been especially necessary due to half of the class
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Spring Break is in the Air: Part Two
A year ago, I wrote a blog called Spring Break in the Air in the hopes of changing the discussion from the Coronavirus to something positive. I was getting stressed out and tired of hearing about this virus that was
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How to Hit a Curveball
From school administrators to teachers to students, we often hear the phrase “When things go back to normal.” I am a bit tired of hearing that, but not for the reason you may think. We all want to be back
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February: Black History Month 2021
In the voice of Bishop T.D. Jakes, “Get Ready! Get Ready! Get Ready!” February is Black History Month, and we all know that Black history is American history. Whether you are teaching online, in-person, or hybrid, the events of 2020
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A Call For Transparency
“A lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.” – Dalai Lama When schools began opening buildings for in-person learning a few months ago, assurances were given to staff members and families. Promises of safety protocols
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Hybrid’s Not Enough- A Case for a Full Return
I was thrilled to begin hybrid instruction when my district decided to offer that option to families following fall break. I couldn’t wait to see my students in person. I was excited to see them interacting with their peers in
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Sending Up Flares: Teachers Are Calling For Help
“Is anyone else feeling like they are just hanging on by their fingernails?” This question, asked by a middle school teacher, interrupted a grade level discussion about a common formative assessment. The question opened the floodgates. Anxiety, dread, and frustration
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