Authentic Learning
Authentic Learning Lasts
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . When I think back on the educational experiences that inspired me as a child I can say with certainty that not one single worksheet pops into mind. The concepts that have stayed with me and boosted my self-confidence as a learner focused more on process than…
Read MoreBest Laid Plans
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . One thing we as teachers need is the confidence to be flexible so we can deal with the unexpected things that inevitably take place during the learning day. We busily plan for the needs of our students and map out long range goals for a wonderfully…
Read MoreLearning Outside of School
From the desk of Carol C… Learning opportunities outside of “the schoolhouse” arise all of the time. Some may seem obvious while others are more subtle. Once you begin to see these teachable moments, you can easily take advantage of them. Be a Chef- Involving children in helping to make something good to eat is…
Read MoreWhat's it Like to Learn There?
From the desk of Alice… My twins are wrapping up their kindergarten year at a public magnet school in downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina. They are in different classrooms (by my choice) and this has afforded me the opportunity to see things from multiple perspectives despite a similar context. When I have talked to them…
Read MorePromoting Independence
From the desk of Leigh Ann… “To find yourself, think for yourself.” ~ Socrates This week I have thought a great deal about how to make our kindergartners more self-reliant learners. As a teacher I want to facilitate learning, model appropriate behaviors, and guide students in developing strategies that help them become competent readers,…
Read MoreA Parent's Guide to Asking Questions
From the desk of Leigh Ann… Life is an unanswered question, but let’s still believe in the dignity and importance of the question.~ Tennessee Williams Questions, questions, questions! Skillful readers ask themselves questions as they read to build understanding. Often children read and save the questions for the end. To better understand a text readers…
Read MoreBurkins & Yaris: Reading Wellness Workshop
Join us in July to spend the day with Jan Burkins & Kim Yaris! Their workshop will be focused on Reading Wellness: Lessons that Teach Independence and Proficiency Thursday, July 24, 2014 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Registration & continental breakfast at 8:00) at The McKimmon Conference & Training Center, NCSU Campus, Raleigh, NC Click…
Read MoreLaney Sammons- Guided Math Workshop
ERG is proud to continue a tradition of excellence for the Summer of 2014! Laney Sammons, an expert in Guided Math, will be with ERG on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Registration & continental breakfast at 8:00) at The Hawthorne Inn & Conference Center, Winston-Salem, NC Click HERE for full details…
Read More6 Tips for Using Mentor Texts
From the desk of Carol C… For a long time I had no idea what a mentor text was. I would hear the term thrown around but never really got the specifics of it. When I finally did learn what mentor texts were, I realized the power they had to grow student writers. I thought…
Read More8 Things You Should See in Today's Kindergarten Classrooms
From the desk of Leigh Ann… Robert Fulghum wrote, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” As a kindergarten teacher I find that statement incredibly inspiring and do believe kindergarten is the place where a firm foundation and a love for learning are formed. Kindergarten has truly evolved over the years and…
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