Glass Half Full Mentality

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . “Resilient people immediately look at the problem and say, ‘What’s the solution to that?  What is that trying to teach me?’ ”  – unknown Simply saying the world optimism makes me smile.  It sparks this positive, more resilient tone to my thinking.  Research shows that optimist…

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Independent 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…

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Independent Learners, Part I

From the desk of Carol C. . . During the month of March we’re looking at the idea of autonomy in education.  This week I want to look at some of the characteristics of autonomous learners.  First, simply put, autonomy is the ability to take charge of our own learning. Autonomous learners are capable of…

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Citizenship in the Virtual World

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . Technology has provided wonderful opportunities for learning autonomy.  The dramatic increase of online resources, network services, educational software, and quality learning games are creating great new opportunities for self-directed learning.  Developments in mobile technology and the explosion in social media have accelerated students’ interest, so it…

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Seeing Instead of Being Told

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . As a young educator I felt the overwhelming need to be in control.  I thought to be a successful teacher my schedule must run like clockwork, my students must sit quietly and compliantly following my directions, – and if all went as I had so neatly planned – the learning would flow like…

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The Power of Losing Control

From the desk of Monica… Choice helps students. Really, it does. I admit it. I am a control freak. If I could, I would control every part of my life, my circumstances, and my career. All of it. And as I get older, I realize that the quote from that 1990s racing movie, Days of…

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What's the Weather?

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . “It is my personal approach that creates the climate.  It is my daily mood that makes the weather.”  – unknown As teachers we are are tasked with building the whole child – academically, socially, and emotionally.  The climate in my classroom is instrumental to me meeting the…

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Infusing Enthusiasm Into Your Teaching

 From the desk of Carol C. . . It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. Albert Einstein Sometimes it’s just downright hard to be enthusiastic.  Your team is losing the game.  The sermon is delivered in monotone.  The neighbor continues to drone on about something you…

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Grab Their Attention

From the desk of Carol C. . . It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.~ Albert Einstein Sometimes it’s just downright hard to be enthusiastic.  Think about your classroom.  Do you ever feel less than enthusiastic about the lessons you will teach?  Do you sense that…

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Fun Theory

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein Volkswagen has a campaign entitled The Fun Theory.  It is dedicated to the thought that “something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behavior for the better.”  One example of the theory at work shows…

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