Collaborative Mentoring for New Teachers

Collaborative Mentoring for New Teachers

I think it is a great idea to use the power of digital resources to support and mentor new teachers.  I have recently learned to utilize all the educational technology apps and social media available on the web. There is a wealth of information and tools for new teachers.  The author believes that  "virtual mentors" can be as supportive as a traditional 1-to-1 mentoring model. Lisa Dabbs is so passionate about this idea of virtual mentorship that she has been selected to present Collaborative Mentoring for New Teachers in June. She has already developed Educator PLN and Edutopia New Teacher Bootcamp.  I was a new teacher recently and my traditional 1-to-1 mentoring model was not helpful.  At the end of the day, my mentor just didn't have enough time to help me.  I felt lost at times throughout the year, but my mentor was never around when I really needed her.  I believe that collaborative "virtual" mentorship is possible, and that it will definitely support new teachers!

How to Teach Internet Safety to Younger Elementary Students

Internet Safety

I thought it was interesting how this article compared face-to-face dangerous situations to virtual situations that are dangerous. The article mentions that the transfer of handling strangers in "real life" to those in virtual environments is not automatic.  Therefore, it has to be taught.  I thought the most important point from the article is the fact that students can walk or run away from a potential threat in real life. But in an online situation, the danger presents itself inside a student's home, and virtual situations become difficult to escape or handle.  The author presented a sample lesson for kindergarten and first graders to introduce the idea that strangers exist on the Internet.  It discussed how young children should interact with them. I teach third grade and I think I could apply parts of this lesson to teach this concept. The virtual world offers many advantages, but it also presents dangerous situations so we must educate and prepare our children so they can participate safely.

a-roundup-of-news-about-the-common-core A roundup of news about the Common Core

 http://oomscholasticblog.com/2012/05/a-roundup-of-news-about-the-common-core.html

This was an interesting read about the Common Core.  The article suggest that there will be a shift in the types of books students will be reading in school.  The focus will be on non- fiction books.  I believe non-fiction text is extremely important when teaching reading; however, I think it is best to have a variety of genres in children's literature.  Hopefully we can apply Science, Social Studies and math selections into our ELA lessons and still have time for other genres.

How to Rewire Your Burned-Out Brain: Tips from a Neurologist

 http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-burnout-neurology-judy-willis-md

I always feel guilty when I feel burned-out, because I know I am no longer performing at my best.   I don't think it is fair to my students and parents. Now that I understand that my brain goes into survival mode, I can take control and switch my responses from retreat to IGNITE! I found it interesting that "rewiring" goals helps your brain build stronger and more connections into a memory pattern where effort brings pleasure. ( Willis)  I think we all feel burned-out at some point during the year.  I will definitely think about this article next time I am experiencing the frustrations of burnout.

How to Make Consequences Work

How to Make Consequences Work

This article offers some good advice regarding discipline and consequences.  I found it interesting that how we implement consequence is more important than what they are.  The article suggest that you should engage students by including their ideas.  I always have my students come up with six classroom rules and several fair consequences the first day of school.  They always have fun creating these rules, and I always refer back to them throughout the year. I also like the P.E.P strategy - talk privately, make eye contact, and stand close- proximity.  I believe those three tips are the best communication strategies in any situation and seem to work with every kid! I also thought it was great that the author mentioned to forget about sequence and rigid systems when it comes to handing out consequences. Every situation is different, so we need to rely on judgement- not systems. I also agree with offering children choices. Children will act more responsibly when they are given power and control to develop skills that promote responsibility. (Curwin) I will definitely refer back to this article when planning my behavior management system next school year.

Using Technology to Teach Health and Wellness

 Health and Wellness

I really enjoyed the health and wellness resources listed in this article.  I would love to spend some time introducing these applications, websites and games to my students before they are released for summer.  The BAM (body and mind) site seems user and kid friendly.  It is run by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and covers everything from nutrition to physical activity to both physical and mental well being. I am also interested in Sugar Stacks because it is also kid friendly and provides images of everyday food items with the grams of sugar contained in each one represented as a stack of sugar cubes.  Using sugar stacks to model sugar consumption is less abstract for my younger students.

Fostering Relationships in the Classroom

Fostering Relationships in the Classroom 

I enjoyed reading this article, because I am always looking for new ways to to establish positive and trusting relationships in the classroom.  I liked how the author mentioned that these activities should be used at later points in the year as students' interests change and as they gain new life experiences. I usually do these activities the first week of school, but never revisit them throughout the year.  This article reminded me that it is not only important to establish trusting relationships, but they need to be fostered and maintained as students grow and change.