I'll never forget the most important lesson I learned in college as an educator. It had a HUGE impact on me, and I still think about it every year as I get my new group of students. I was a double major - elementary and special education. At my particular university, this meant I took 13 credits more than than someone pursuing a an elementary education degree. What it really meant - more sped classes. No biggie. So I took my special … [Read more...] about The Most Important Educator Lesson
Search Results for: label/classroom management
Using Student’s Names for Classroom Management Mid-Lesson
For some, classroom management comes easily. For others, it is a daily struggle. I'm one of the fortunate ones, but it has taken me awhile to get comfortable with it. Side Story - During my first teaching position, I taught grades 3 and 4 at a Hutterite colony. My discipline plan was "they'll behave". That lasted all of a day! Then I had to figure something out! HA! What a rookie! =) Fast forward a few years. I taught a group of 5th graders … [Read more...] about Using Student’s Names for Classroom Management Mid-Lesson
Helpful Hints & Tips for New Teachers
Congratulations! You got through student teaching, found a teaching position, and you're ready to get started. YEA! It's an exciting time! Today I want to share some helpful hints and tips for new teachers. Your brain is probably in overdrive right now. You're trying to remember everything you learned during your years of college, while student teaching, and all the helpful information gathered from veteran teachers. But I know from experience … [Read more...] about Helpful Hints & Tips for New Teachers
How to Prepare for a New School Year When You Are Switching Grades
While there are many people out there who have taught the same grade for many years, or sometimes even decades - I am not that person. After seven years in the classroom I taught seven different things. Then during my eighth year I did yet another different thing by becoming an administrator. That's why today I want to share with you how to prepare for a new school year when you are switching grades. There are many things to consider when you … [Read more...] about How to Prepare for a New School Year When You Are Switching Grades
Teaching Classroom Procedures and Expectations
There's so much "advice" out there for teachers who are having classroom management problems. You can read books, blogs, get information from the teachers down the hall, and some parents may even tell you how to do your job. But today I want to talk to you about how to prevent problems in the first place. That's why we're going to dive into teaching classroom procedures and expectations. This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase, I … [Read more...] about Teaching Classroom Procedures and Expectations
Stopping Behaviors Before They Start!
Do you have "that" class this year? Or maybe you know they're coming next year? Or maybe you had them last year. Regardless, it's inevitable that at some point in your teaching career you will have "them". I'm not saying this to try and be rude. In all honesty, I enjoy the challenge of these classes! They push me as an educator and I normally come out even stronger in the long run (although often more tired at the time!). But I've learned that … [Read more...] about Stopping Behaviors Before They Start!
Getting Your Classroom to Manage Itself
Getting your classroom to manage itself can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be! With a little extra thought and planning on your part, you can have a class that functions nearly on their own without you even present. How great would it be to know your class will be well-behaved for a sub, when an administrator walks into the room, or even when you simply need to step into the hallway for a few extra moments? How can this be … [Read more...] about Getting Your Classroom to Manage Itself
Maker Space, STEM, STEAM, and the Elementary Classroom
Hi teachers! I'm Retta, from Rainbow City Learning, and I'm so happy to be a guest here on Hojo's Teaching Adventures! I've been tinkering around with the idea of having Maker Spaces in elementary classrooms for several years, and I'm super excited to talk about saving a place in your room for a Maker Space today. This post is organized around some questions you may have about Maker Spaces, STEM, and STEAM. What is a Maker Space? Simply … [Read more...] about Maker Space, STEM, STEAM, and the Elementary Classroom
Hardest Classes = Most Professional Growth
Have you ever had "that" class? Or perhaps you have them now. They are the one everybody in the hall whispers about. The class that has made three teachers take retirement after teaching them, even though they had been eligible for years beforehand... This post contains affiliate links. You can read my entire disclosure statement here. Yes, I've had them too. However, I've come to realize that those classes helped me grow more as an educator … [Read more...] about Hardest Classes = Most Professional Growth
