Behavior
2 Tips For Creating Compassionate Students
From the desk of Alice… One of my favorite times of the day is my morning commute. Because I often work on different projects in different locations, it is not uncommon for me to have a commute that is an hour or more. During this time I get to sip my coffee, enjoy some…
Read MoreBuilding Emotional Muscle
“Well look at it from their perspective.” How many of us have ever heard or said this before? We believe that in order to have compassion for other people, we must see the situation from their point of view. While this is true, it takes more than perspective to have true compassion. We need…
Read MoreCompassionate Action
I quietly observed as several of my kindergartners were racing on the playground. The first couple of races had been quite spirited, so I was watching closely as the third was ready to begin. The starter counted 1-2-3-go and off they went. As they sprinted to the finish line, two boys became entangled and one…
Read MoreWho's Bad?
From the desk Alice… I cannot remember how I came across the link but in an era of visual clutter on social media, this one stuck with me. I made a mental note to watch it and even tried to find it on cable so I could DVR the next episode. After a little more…
Read MoreYou Are One Person
From the desk of Alice… There is research that suggests students only need to be connected to one person in the school in order to be successful in high school. One person. That one person could be the secretary, the teacher, the housekeeper or an administrator. After spending time in a high school recently, I…
Read MoreHoning the Habit
Happy 2017! Happy New Year! Happy 2017! Happy New Year! Happy 2017! Happy New Year! I am psyched and ready for a wonderful year! It’s time to embrace my great aspirations and resolve to do it all a little better. You know – clean up my act. I am saying this because the holidays…
Read More5 for 5 – Take Five for a Brain Break
Brain research has shown that movement in the classroom improves our students’ focus, memory, concentration, and creates better overall attitudes. When you see your students getting a little restless – try one of these quick brain break activities to stimulate your team of young learners. Take five for a brain break! Copy My Pattern – The…
Read MoreIndependent Learners, Part II
From the desk of Carol C. . . Last week we looked at some of the characteristics of independent learners. This week let’s focus on how educators can help children become independent learners. If independent learners are risk takers, how do we help our students take more risks? Once we’re sure our students understand what…
Read MoreFixing a Fixer
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . “And they lived happily (aside from a few normal disagreements, misunderstandings, pouts, silent treatments, and unexpected calamities) ever after.” – Jean Ferris I am a fixer. That’s right – I have an overwhelming need to fix things. My husband calls it my “storybook complex.” I want…
Read MoreModeling Responsible Behavior
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Denis Waitley We can scold, plead, and beg for responsible behavior, but the truth is, if we don’t demonstrate it each day, our students won’t either. Children…
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