Category: Parent Resources

Hour of Code

An Hour of Code is a movement to introduce students to the basics of computer science.
A movement to introduce students to the basics of computer science.

I’ve heard about it. I’ve supported the teachers in my school to try it. Now… it’s time for me to sit down for an “Hour of Code”. OK friends, maybe longer than an hour!

The Hour of Code movement is a grassroots movement that has already introduced over 100 million students worldwide to the basics of computer science. The program was started to give every student an opportunity to try computer science for one hour. In an hour anybody can learn the basics of “code” by participating in computer science activities.  Computer science helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity.  All skills that are important to pursue a 21st century career path. Our elementary school first participated in an Hour of Code in 2015 during Computer Science Education Week (held in early December each year).

Today, Hour of Code activities are available year-round (tutorials and activities). The one-hour tutorials are available in over 45 languages.  The tutorials are self-guided, and all materials are free of charge. Planning guides are easy to read and available for every age and experience-level, from kindergarten and up. Schools can enroll their class and enjoy the fun. The tutorials work on all devices and browsers and there are also unplugged activities for groups that can’t accommodate the tutorials!  Code.org is the ultimate resource if you are learning about an Hour of Code or you are already working on it with your kids.

Hour of Code: One Hour Later….

Well, it was longer than an hour but……I worked on an activity to code my characters to dance! See Dance Party. No experience necessary, easy to do and fun! Can’t wait to have my grandkids try it!

Thinking about giving it a try?  Computer Science Education Week 2019 will be held December 9-15. Be part of the largest learning event in history. Certainly, worth a look. However, it you can’t wait until December, try some of the links. Have fun!

Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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Historical Dates: Oct. & Nov. 2019

Including Historical Dates in lessons gives relevance to learning.
Including Historical Dates in lessons gives relevance to learning.

For kids in school, knowing historical dates helps them relate to history and builds their general knowledge. Knowing these dates can help teachers engage students in conversations and students may even be impressed  by their teachers historical knowledge!

Knowing historical dates provides opportunities for students to learn history and build their general knowledge. Take a look and impress your students!

October

Fire Prevention Week (October 9- October 15)
National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 – October 15)

Oct. 4 World Smile Day

Oct. 8 Yom Kippur (10/08-10/09)

Oct. 9 Fire Prevention Day

Oct. 9 National Bring Your Teddy Bear To School Day

Oct. 14 Columbus Day

Oct. 25 Make A Difference Day (10/25-10/26)

November

Nov. 5 Election Day

Nov.. 11 Veterans Day (Observed)

Nov. 28 Thanksgiving

Isn't education ALL about reaching the kids?
Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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Great Calendar Resource

ThreeRingsConnections’ Newsletter: September 2019

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela

Nine months down in 2019, how are you doing on those New Years Resolutions? If you are still working on catching up on professional development, take a look at this month’s newsletter. All 13 September  posts are below, as well as ALL the posts since I started the blog in September 2018. My New Year’s Resolution to get the Threeringsconnections’ newsletter out on a timely, consistent schedule is accomplished: 9 down and 3 more to go! Have a great month!

September 2019 Archives

September’s Most Popular Posts

My Favorite September Posts

See some posts coming next month
See some posts coming next month
  • The Grand Canyon for Kids
  • Hour of Code
  • 3 Writing Strategies to Use Evidence

Comprehension Questions: Grade 2-3

Asking the right comprehension questions will support a child's reading ability.
Asking the right comprehension questions will strengthen your child’s reading.

For teachers and kids, the beginning of the school year means “Reading Assessments”.  We test to see if our students’ reading levels have increased, remained the same or decreased over the summer.  However, although we get an independent reading level, we know that the reading level may not always be 100% accurate.  Asking the right comprehension questions can help kids be better readers.

The following Behaviors/Skills and Questions can be useful when working with students who are at an independent reading level from K through N.

Knowing the skills and behaviors at levels above and below a student’s level will help teachers and parents ask better questions to support comprehension. This strategy can help our students on their independent reading level as well as our Review/Reinforcement and Enrichment students.  

Comprehension/Behaviors Skills (F & P Levels K/L)

  • Uses dialogue to understand characters 
  • Infers cause and effect by understanding characters and events
  • Understands how problems and events are related
  • Searches for information to confirm predictions
  • Use evidence from the story to support their ideas or thinking
  • Makes predictions based on prior knowledge and the text
  • Predicts the solution to the problem
  • Identifies important ideas in the text 
  • Makes predictions based on character traits

Comprehension Questions (F & P Levels K/L)

  • Retell the story in detail
  • Who is speaking?  How do you know?
  • Does what you just read remind you of anything?  How does this help you better understand the text? 
  • Describe (character’s name) in detail.
  • What happened?  Why did it happen? 
  • What in the story makes you think that?
  • What do you think will happen next?  Why?
  • What caused (problem or event) to happen?  How do you know?
  • What do you think (character’s name) will do?  Why?
  • What is important for me to know?  Why?

Comprehension Skills (F & P Levels M and N)

  • Searches for information to confirm predictions
  • Identifies important ideas in the text
  • Notices descriptive language Summarizes the text
  • Describes characters’ traits, feelings, and motivation.  Uses this information to make predictions
  • Demonstrates changes in perspective as events unfold
  • Pays attention to the author’s craft
  • Expresses clear opinions to agree or disagree with the text
  • Rereads and closely monitors their understanding
  • Uses a variety of strategies when meaning breaks down

Comprehension Questions (F & P Levels M/N)

  • Does what you just read remind you of anything?  How does this help you better understand the text?
  • Summarize the story or text
  • Describe (character’s name) in detail.
  • What happened?  Why did it happen?  
  • What in the story makes you think that?
  • What caused (problem or event) to happen?  How do you know?
  • What do you think (character’s name) will do?  Why?
  • What is important for me to know in this text?  Why?
  • How does the author help to create a picture in your mind as you read?
  • What do think about this text?  
  • How do you know when you do not understand what you are reading?  What do you do?
Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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School Age Readers and Writers Activities

Reading and writing activities at home to help young readers.
Reading and writing activities at home to help young readers.

School Age Readers and Writers – (5 to 9-year-olds)

  • Give your child encouragement when he or she is doing homework or a writing assignment. Remind your child that writing involves several steps like panning, composing an initial draft, revising, and final editing. No one does it perfectly the first time.
  • Read different types of books to expose your child to different types of writing. Kids love a variety of fiction and non-fiction formats including plays, chapter books, series books, books with sequels, short stories, diaries and logs, and graphic texts.
  • Create a writing toolbox — Find a special box and fill it with drawing and writing materials. Think of everyday opportunities for your child to write —the family shopping list, thank -you notes, birthday cards, or sign on the bedroom door.
  • Ask your child to read out loud what he or she has written.
  • Create a book together — Make a handmade book together by folding pieces of paper ion half and stapling them together. Your child can write his or her own story, with different sentences on each page. Ask your child to illustrate the book with his/her own drawings.
  • Show your child how to summarize a story in a few sentences, for example, or how to make predictions about what might happen next. Both strategies help a child comprehend and remember. After reading a story together, think out loud so your child can see how you summarize and predict.
  • Pick books that are at the right reading level —Help your child choose reading materials that are not too difficult. The goal is to give your child lots of successful reading experiences
  • Partner Reading – Take turns reading aloud to each other. Whether it’s a page or a sentence, it’s another way of getting a couple minutes of reading fun.
  • Have your child read aloud to you every day. 
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Preschool Readers (2 to 5 years)

Activities for Preschool Readers (2 to 5 years)
Preschool Readers (2 to 5 years)

Preschool Readers (2 to 5 yrs.)

Learning to read is not easy and takes time.  Many parents wonder on the best ways to help their kids learn to read.  With 8 grandkids under 9, we have various levels of reading going on in our family. Ranging in age from 7 months to “newly 9” we have readers of all sizes and abilities.  

I created the following list to make it a little easier for my adult children to have a few “reading ideas” to help their kiddos. Reading is very comprehensive and therefore, there is a wide range of activities at each level.  The important thing to remember is reading builds on foundational skills.  Therefore, each level is important for reading success.  Don’t worry if your more advanced reader wants to do a lower level.  Even advanced readers can continue to learn and grow from some of the Preschool Reader activities. Last week we started with our series with Very Early Readers (Birth – 2 years).  This week we continue with Preschool Readers (2 – 5yrs). 

Preschool Readers (2 to 5 years)

  • Discuss what’s happening, point out things on the page, ask your child questions
  • When looking at a book together, point out how we read from left to right and how words are separated by spaces.
  • Talk about print everywhere. Talk about written words you see in the world around you and respond with interest to your child’s questions about words.
  • Ask your child to find a new word every time you go on an outing.
  • Watch My Lips – Encourage your child to watch your lips and mouth while you make certain sounds. Have your child think about how his/her own lips and tongue move. You can say something like, “Can you feel how your mouth moves the same way at the beginning of the words sun, snake, and sour? Watch my mouth while I say them.” Exaggerate the letter s when saying the words.
  • Play sound games— Give your child practice blending individual sounds into words. For example, ask “Do you know what the word is? m-o-p?” Say the sound each letter makes rather than the name of the letter. Hold each sound longer than you normally would. This will help your child recognize the different letter sounds.
  • Trace and say letters while saying the letter’s sound at the same time. Use a pan filled with rice, sugar or beans to involve touch, sight and speech.  
  • Play word games — Use a dry erase board to play word games with your child. First, write out a word like mat. Then change the initial sound. Have your child sound out the word when it becomes fat and then when it becomes sat. Next change the final sound, so the word changes from sat to sag to sap. Then change the middle sound, so the word changes from sap to sip.
  • Punctuate your reading.?! -. Discuss how punctuation on a page represents ways of speaking. You can say, for example, “When we talk, we usually pause a little bit at the end of a sentence. The way we show this pause in writing is to use a period.”
  • Dig deeper into the story — Ask your child about the story you’ve just read together. Try questions that require your child to draw conclusions. Say something like, “Why do you think Clifford did that?” A child’s involvement in retelling a story or answering questions goes a long way toward developing his or her comprehension skills.
  • Tell family tales — Children love to hear stories about their family. Tell your child what it was like when you or your parents were growing up or talk about a funny thing that happened when you were young.
  • Storytelling on the go — Take turns adding to a story the two of you make up while riding in the car. Either one of you could start. Start with a beginning middle and end and work up to a longer story. A fun activity that stretches the imagination!

Every minute counts in becoming a good reader. Why not set a goal to try to do at least one activity a day? Be prepared to have days when it doesn’t get done. It’s only a goal. Most of all, enjoy the special time with your child.

Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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Skiing: Free or Really Cheap in Northeast

Check out Free Snow passports to get kids skiing in the Northeast.

New York, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania

Time to Schedule Some FREE SKIING!

When you think of winter in the Northeast you can’t help but think of SNOW.  Whether it’s school delays, shoveling, or road conditions:; native New Yorkers (like me) can’t help but think of the negatives involved with the beautiful, fluffy, white stuff.  So, how about thinking about the bright side of snowy days? 

How does free (or almost free) skiing for kids?  Let’s face it, skiing can be expensive and ski resorts want to get families on the slopes. So, if you have a 3rd through 5th grader you are in luck.  Check out the links below and see if you can jump on this great bargain.  A pretty good deal if your child is an avid skier or just wants to give it a try. Be sure to check out the websites, there are some requirements associated with the offers. They are certainly worth a look!

New York

The Kids Learn to Ski or Ride Passport is the perfect program for those who do not ski or are true beginners. With the Learn to Ski or Ride program, a child receives a lift ticket, lesson and equipment rental free* at all participating ski areas. There are over 20 ski areas throughout New York State participating in the Learn to Ski or Ride program. Once you receive your Passport in the mail, you can start hitting the slopes! Reservations at ski areas may be required. *$27 processing fee applies. Must show proof child is in 3rd or 4th grade.

Pennsylvania

Any child in the 4th or 5th grade can ski or ride for FREE at all participating ski areas in the state of Pennsylvania (when accompanied by a paying adult.) Just fill out the application on the back of this flyer, mail us a copy of your 4th or 5th grade report card for grade verification, a 2″ x 11/2″ color photo, plus $35-$40 non-refundable processing fee per child. We’ll mail you your 4th & 5th Grade Snowpass containing one FREE LEARN TO SKI/BOARD PACKAGE (beginner lift, lesson & rental package) to any one area of their choice and 3 FREE LIFT TICKETS for each of the participating Pennsylvania Ski Areas listed on our website. 4th and 5th grade Snow Pass

New Hampshire

Ski New Hampshire alpine and cross-country ski area member contributes one free lift ticket or trail pass for your fourth or fifth grader to enjoy New Hampshire’s scenic ski trails this winter. That’s 32 days (or nights) that your child can get outside and explore this season for just $30 upon grade verification. This program is open to 4th and 5th graders from near and far–not just New Hampshire residents! The 4th & 5th Grade Snowsports Passport will be delivered to your email inbox once you’ve provided proof of eligibility. Look at website for exclusion dates.

Very Early Readers (Birth – 2)

Very Early Readers
Birth to 2 yrs.

Very Early Readers (Birth – 2 yrs)

Learning to read is not easy and takes time.  Many parents wonder on the best ways to help their kids learn to read.  With 8 grandkids under 9, we have various levels of reading going on in our family. Ranging in age from 7 months to “newly 9” we have very early readers to advanced readers.   

I created the following list to make it a little easier for my adult children to have a few “reading ideas” to help their kiddos. Reading is very comprehensive and therefore, there is a wide range of activities at each level.  The important thing to remember is reading builds on foundational skills.  Therefore, each level is important for reading success.  Don’t worry if your more advanced reader wants to do a lower level.  Even advanced readers can continue to learn and grow from some of the Very Early Reader list activities. This week we start with our very early readers.

Very Early Readers (Birth to 2 yrs.)

  • Read together every day. Uninterrupted 2 minutes of time is time well spent.
  • Keep a book or magazine with you all the time to read with your child.  Every minute counts. 
  • Re-read a favorite – Kids love to hear books again.  Repeated reading helps kids read more quickly and accurately.  It helps promote their reading confidence. Research shows that repeated reading builds language skills.
  • Read with fun in your voice. Why not use different voices for different characters. A little acting can go a long way!  
  • Let your child choose —Give your child the chance to pick his/her own books. Letting children choose their own books nurtures independence and their own interests.
  • Read it and Experience it — Help your child make the connection between what he/she reads in books and what happens in life. If you’re reading a book about animals, for example, relate it to last month’s trip to the zoo. 
  • Make books and reading into something special by taking your kids to the library, helping them get their own library card, reading with them, and buying them books as gifts.
  • Have a favorite place for books in your home, or even better, put books everywhere!
  • Talk about what you see and do together.
  • Talking about everyday activities helps your child’s background knowledge, which is crucial to listening and reading comprehension
  • You can play games that involve naming or pointing to objects.
  • Say silly tongue twisters—Sing sings and read rhyming books. These help kids become sensitive to the sounds in words.
  • When you read aloud, read with expression.

Coming Next Week:  Preschool Readers (2 to 5 years)

Coming in 2 Weeks: School Age Readers and Writers (5 to 9 years)

Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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Guided Reading Level: At School and Home

Knowing a child's Guided Reading Level (GRL) can support a child's reading.
Knowing a child’s Guided Reading Level (GRL) can support a child’s reading.

The start of the school year brings some new reading terms for parents of children in the early grades.  Many teachers use Guided Reading to teach reading.  The days of everyone reading together out of one book has been replaced by small-group instruction.  The small groups are composed of children that have similar Guided Reading Levels (GRLs).  The level is assessed on a child’s word-knowledge, comprehension and fluency.  These levels are also used to determine a child’s independent reading level.

Fountas and Pinnell, (F & P) is one of the most popular assessment tools.  The levels range alphabetically from A to Z, with level A representing the lowest level and level Z the highest. This allows the teacher to work closely with each student to help them become better readers by introducing them to increasingly challenging books and instructional focus.

How Are Book Levels Determined?

Books are assigned Guided Reading Levels based on several general expectations and capabilities of a reader. As the levels progress, the books become more difficult. Each level is based upon the increasing complexity of ten benchmark common book characteristics that readers encounter at all stages of the reading process from when your child picks up his or her first book through the time when he or she becomes a fluent reader. These guided reading categories are: 

  • Themes and Ideas: Big ideas communicated by the author
  • Genre: Type of book
  • Text Structure: How the book is organized
  • Content: Subject matter of a book
  • Sentence Complexity: Difficulty of the sentence
  • Language and Literacy: The writing techniques used by the writer.
  • Vocabulary: The frequency of new words introduced in the book.
  • Words: How easy the words in the book can be figured out (decoded) by a reader
  • Illustrations: The correlation and consistency of images and pictures in the books to the words printed on the page
  • Book and Print Features: How the printed words are on the page.

How Can I Find Books at My Child’s Guided Reading Level?

Ask your child’s teacher for the appropriate Guided Reading Level (GRL) to practice reading at home. In the classroom, books are often labeled so kids can easily grab a book at their reading level.  Your school or local librarian can be helpful to find books at your child’s level.  Many book publishers also include a Guided Reading Level on their books.

Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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FREE Teacher PD Using Overdrive

Overdrive is a database to access free books for adults and kids.
Overdrive is a database to access free books for adults and kids.

I’ve written a post about Overdrive as a database to access free books for adults and kids. However, I was not aware that they also have collections of books on different subjects. One of the listed subjects is Education. The collection includes books for both teachers, parents and students. Books are in both digital and audio files.

Using your library card you can borrow up to 10 ebooks or audiobooks from your local library. Just use your library card for your one time registration and you’re ready to go. Books can be borrowed from 7 to 21 days.

Sample: Overdrive PD Teacher Books

  • Building A+ Better Teacher                       Green                             2015
  • How Children Succeed                              Tough                         2013
  • Mathematical Mindsets                              Boaler/Dweck                2015
  • Montessori From the Start                         Lillard and Jessen              2004
  • Secrets of the Teenage Brain                   Feinstein/Jensen            2013
  • Teach Like a Pirate                                     Burgess                          2012
  • The Coddling of the American Mind       Lukianoff/Haidt              2019
  • The Teacher Wars                                      Goldstein                       2015
  • The Wild Card                     King/King                       2018
  • What’s Math Got to Do with It                   Boaler                             2015
Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?
Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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Student Teacher Professional Lending Library

Student Teacher Professional Lending Library
Student Teacher Professional Lending Library

Over the years I’ve collected a collection of education books.  Take a look at the list below and let me know if there are any books that you may find helpful in your placements. I can bring them to your placement on our next observation.  Access to your very own professional lending library! 

  • Brainstorm                                                   Siegel                             2012
  • Bright From The Start Stamm 2008
  • Classroom Instruction That Works        Marzano & Pickering          2001
  • Classroom Management                  Evertson & Emmer     2000
  • Drive                                                             Pink                                 2009
  • Engaging Children with Print                  Justice & Sofka             2010
  • How Children Succeed Tough 2013
  • How Young Children Learn                       Ostroff                            2012
  • Interactive Think-Aloud Lessons               Oczkus                           2009
  • Mindset                                                         Dweck                            2006
  • Mosaic of Thought                            Keene & Zimmerman              1997
  • Multiple Intelligences- Reading/Writing    Armstrong                      2003
  • Nonfiction in Focus                                     Kristo & Bamford           2004
  • Picture Books to Teaching Writing            Culham & Coutu            2008
  • Power of Repeated Reading                     Bamwell & Doyle           2008
  • Reading with Meaning                                Miller                               2002
  • Texts and Lessons – 65 Mentor Texts      Daniels & Steineke          2013
  • The Differentiated Classroom (2nd Ed.)    Tomlinson                      2014
  • The Fluent Reader                                      Rasinski                         2003
  • Thirty Million Words                                    Suskind                          2013
  • What Works in Schools                              Marzano                             2003
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Historical Dates: Sept. & Oct. 2019

Including Historical Dates in lessons gives relevance to learning.
Including Historical Dates in lessons gives relevance to learning.

For kids in school, knowing historical dates helps them relate to history and builds their general knowledge. Knowing these dates can help teachers engage students in conversations and students may even be impressed  by their teachers historical knowledge!

Knowing historical dates provides opportunities for students to learn history and build their general knowledge. Take a look and impress your students!

September

Constitution Week (Sept. 17-23)

National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15)

Sept. 2 Labor Day

Sept. 8 International Literacy Day

Sept. 8 National Grandparent’s Day

Sept. 17 Citizenship Day/Constitution Day

Sept. 22 Ice Cream Cone Day 

Sept. 23 First Day of Autumn

Sept. 26         Johnny Appleseed Day 

October

Fire Prevention Week (October 9- October 15)
National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 – October 15)

Oct. 4 World Smile Day

Oct. 8 Yom Kippur (10/08-10/09)

Oct. 9 Fire Prevention Day

Oct. 9 National Bring Your Teddy Bear To School Day

Oct. 14 Columbus Day

Oct. 25 Make A Difference Day (10/25-10/26)

Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

Great Calendar Resource

Article-A-Day Helps Comprehension

An article each day builds comprehension skills.
An article each day builds comprehension skills.

Article-A-Day in 3 Steps

Article-A-day is a strategy that teachers use in a classrooms that assigns students a non-fiction article to read each day.  This technique strengthens a student’s background knowledge, vocabulary and stamina.  This research-based classroom routine combines writing & oral sharing. The technique is used in whole-class or  small groups and also as an independent project.

A great FREE resource to support your Article-A Day program is ReadWorks. The site provides article sets that include 6-9 articles related on nonfiction topics.  The articles are leveled from Kindergarten – 8th Grade. The resources can be printed, used digitally or projected on a Smartboard. ReadWorks encourages teachers to share their resources with other colleagues. 

  • Step 1: Students read an article independently. For students who cannot read independently yet, the teacher reads the article out loud twice.
  • Step 2: Each student then uses their own “Book of Knowledge” to write down, or draw a picture of, two or three things they learned from reading and would like to remember in their own “Book of Knowledge.” A classroom Book of Knowledge can also be created if the article is used in whole class instruction.  The strategy builds writing skills and strengthens the reading-writing connection.
  • Step 3: Student volunteers share with the class, in 1-2 minutes, what they’ve learned and want to remember.   

IF 10 minutes is all you need to make an impact on reading comprehension, why not give it a try?

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ThreeRingsConnections’ Newsletter: August 2019

Happy New School Year!
Happy New School Year!

Eight months down in 2019, how are you doing on those New Years Resolutions? If you are still working on catching up on professional development, take a look at this month’s newsletter. All 10 August posts are below, as well as ALL the posts since I started the blog in September 2018. My New Year’s Resolution to get the Threeringsconnections’ newsletter out on a timely, consistent schedule is accomplished: 8 down and 4 more to go! Have a great month!

August’s 2019 Archives

August’s Most Popular Posts

My Favorite August Posts

See some posts coming next month
See some posts coming next month
  • Guided Reading for Parents
  • Student Teachers: Ready to Go!
  • 8 Social Studies Tools to Strengthen Instruction

Visual Thinking Strategies

Visual Thinking Strategies engages students in discussion.
Visual Thinking Strategies engages students in discussion.

A popular book study in our K-12 Professional Development offerings was Visual Thinking Strategies by Philip Yenawine. Teachers at all grade levels found this strategy helped expand student discussions. Special Education teachers found Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) very helpful to explore new content. 

In VTS discussions, teachers support student growth by facilitating discussions of carefully selected works of visual art/photographs or media literacy. Teachers are asked to use three open-ended questions to engage student discussion.

  • What’s going on in this picture?

  • What do you see that makes you say that?

  • What more can we find?

Teachers use facilitation techniques to expand student responses. By pointing at the areas being discussed and paraphrasing student comments, teachers helped link and frame student answers. For those teachers being observed using an evidence-based tool, the following evidence can be seen when using Visual Thinking Strategies.

Questioning/Discussion Technique

  • Students are engaged in exploring new content through effective questioning.
  • Engages all students in discussion.
  • Allowing “Think Time” before responding.
  • Topics can be expanded through follow up, rephrasing and applying student responses.

Engages Students in Learning

  • Examples are used to illustrate new learning.
  • New learning connects student knowledge, interests and culture.
  • Problem solving is highlighted as a technique in student learning.
  • Examples are differentiated to meet student needs.

VTS As An Assessment Tool

  • Teachers and peers comment on student responses.
  • Uses Non-verbal cues (nods, quizzical looks etc.) to encourage students.
  • Effective feedback is specific and descriptive.
  • Teacher comments help clarify student responses.
  • Feedback is immediate to support student learning.

Visual Thinking Strategies helps students to truly understand and transfer learning.  It helps them explain, interpret and apply new learning.   

Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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Transitions Are Important For Kids

Transitions Are Important For Kids
Transitions Are Important For Kids

I’ve reached an age that I realize I definitly need transition time to make a change.  Perhaps I have always needed transitions but I only NOW realize that I need them. Maybe, it’s because I see some upcoming life changes. Whatever the reason, transitions seem to make my life easier lately.  As a parent and teacher I know the importance of transitions to make life run smoothly. More than once I experienced my lack of planning causing disruptions.  Those tantrums and unhappy faces could very well have been avoided with some good transition strategies.

Strategies to promoted self-regulation are necessary for a calm home and classroom.  So, recently I dug into my toolkit of strategies to ward off grandchild disappointment and keep everyone smiling.  

Transitions Made Easy

  • Give Extra Time– Allow extra time to move to the next activity. Less rushing helps keep you remember the importance of transition.
  • Set the Clock – Give time warnings of how much longer until we have to leave. I’ve found that using the timer on my phone is a great visual for kids. Seeing the countdown helps them have ownership to plan their final activities. Also, allowing kids to start the timer ensures that they are indeed listening to you. Be sure to include a few extra minutes of buffer time.
  • Be An Accurate Timekeeper – Telling them 2 minutes more but giving them 10 minutes more, because they were quiet,  teaches kids that 2 minutes is REALLY long.  That is until the next time when you REALLY mean 2 minutes.  IF you are ok with an extended time, try giving them a “few minutes more”.  Only give them a specific time when YOU are ready.  This simple tip will help them learn to self regulate their activities. 
  • Look Ahead – Think of possible transition bumps to minimize  unplanned “great ideas”. IF you think they are going to ask for more time to play or a particular toy, prepare an answer before they ask. 
  • Share Next Steps – Share the next steps in your schedule and try to make it sound fun. 
  • Say It With Pictures – Especially for younger kids, show them a picture of the next steps. Draw your simple pictures on post its.  Kids will love to play with them and they can be reused in the future.
  • Give Choices – IF you have multiple things to do and the order can be varied, give them a choice of what they want to do first.  Best to keep their choices simple, maybe 2 or 3 choices.
  • Kids LIKE Schedules – They may say they don’t, but they do!  Let them know in advance any planned activities to help them become more aware.
  • Distract, Distract, Distract – Plan a list of things to do to distract BEFORE your child has an issue (e.g. a favorite toy, box of crayons). Sing, count, tell stories, whatever will keep their mind busy. You may also allow them to hold a special item.  As a K-2 principal, I often allowed new kindergarten students to hold my “very special book” or “wear my Principal necklace”.  Prior to the book or necklace idea, I had once used my keys to distract a nervous 5 year old. Two hours later, the kindergarten teacher was finally able to distract the child long enough to  unclench his fingers from around my keys.  It worked, but certainly, not my best idea.  A little planning would have been helpful!

Not 100% guaranteed ideas but certainly worth a try. 

Good Luck!

Isn't education ALL about reaching the kids?
Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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Masterpieces for Kids: August 2019

St. Peter’s Basilica
Rome, Italy

This is the 4th part of a yearlong series of great artworks to share with your kids.  Each month I share information about 3 great masterpieces to share with your children.  My goal of these posts is to create a parent-friendly resource to share great masterpieces with your child. I’ve decided on this monthly series because I totally missed sharing the beauty of art with my own children. Better late than never, I guess.

Each post contains a photo of the artwork, the artist’s name, an interesting fact about the artwork and a link to explore more information.  So far, I have shared the following:  Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci), The Starry Night (Vincent Van Gogh), Oriental Poppies (Georgia O’Keeffe), The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, Four Freedoms by Norman Rockwell, American Gothic by Grant Wood, Water Lilies by Claude Monet, Irises by Vincent van Gogh and The Skiff by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

My grandchildren’s love of playdough inpired by choice of sculptors this month.  You never know, maybe one day they’ll become great sculptors. 

The Statue of Liberty (1886)

In 1886, The Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by France to celebrate the friendship of the two countries that began during the American Revolution.  The copper statue depicts the Roman goddess Libertas holding a torch above her head with her right hand and in her left hand she is carrying a table on which is inscribed the date of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.  The Statue of Liberty has become an American symbol of freedom and democracy. It has been put on both coins and stamps.   

It was designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel (Eiffel Tower). The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous sculpture in the world. It is in New York Harbor on Ellis Island.

Mount Rushmore is a monument that was carved into the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was started in 1927 and was completed in 1941.  Mount Rushmore stands 500 feet tall!  The faces of four presidents are carved into the mountain: Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Jefferson, and Lincoln. 

The statue Pieta depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of her dead son Jesus Christ.  It is considered one of the great masterpieces of sculpture.  The artist, Michelangelo was only 24 years old when he sculpted the piece Pieta. The piece is sculpted from a piece of marble.  Pieta is the only sculpture Michelangelo ever signed.  His signature can be seen across Mary’s chest.  Today, the Pieta is in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Right now, my favorite sculptors are under the age of 8 making “playdough masterpieces”. 

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IEP Vocabulary Basics

Special Education vocabulary will help understand the process.
Special Education vocabulary will help understand the process.

The world of special education can by scary for parents navigating the process for the first time.  The following list contains special education terms, definitions and acronyms that are commonly used by schools during the IEP process .

  • Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): Special education and related series are provided free of charge so that every child has the appropriate education for his or her unique needs.  It’s entitled under IDEA.
  • Due Process: Refers to the process where parents may disagree with the program recommendations.  Notice must be given in writing within 30 days.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): The law (2004) guarantees that all students with disabilities received a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).  It makes it illegal for school district to refuse to educate a student based on his or her disability.
  • Parent Consent: Term used by IDEA that describes that a parent has been fully informed (in native language) of changes to their child’s IEP. This informed consent must be obtained before a district assesses, makes a major revision to a child’s program, continues or stops services for a child’s disability.  You will be asked to confirm that you understand and agree to the change in writing.
  • Early Intervention (EI): Services for developmentally delayed children from birth to their third birthdays. The programs are designed to help prevent problems as the child matures. It’s mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
  • Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Students must be educated in a classroom setting that is close to the general education setting as possible (IDEA mandated).

The IEP Process

  • Assessment or Evaluation: Term used to describe the testing and diagnostic processes that identifies strengths, weaknesses and progress.  An assessment plan is written to describe the results along with the determination and types of special education services recommended for student success.  IDEA gives only 60 days to complete the evaluation from the time a parent gives permission.
  • Annual Review: A yearly meeting is held of all IEP team members to review progress towards goals and update services if needed.
  • Individualized Education Team:  A committee of parents, teachers, administrators and school personnel that provide services to the students.  The team will review assessment results and determine goals, objectives and program placement.

The IEP Document

  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP): The written document that states the child’s goals, objectives and services of special education services.
  • Developmental and Social History: A developmental and social history is a common element of an assessment plan. The history is created by input from parents, teachers, pediatricians and service providers.  
  • Observational Records: Information about a child’s academic performance provided by anyone who works with a child. The records are part of the assessment plan.
  • Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP): A written plan of the early intervention services a child (age 0-3 receives). The plan is developed based on family-based needs and reviewed periodically.
  • Triennial Review:  An IEP meeting that takes place every three years. Testing is updated and a discussion on the continuation of special education services.  The meeting is often combined with the annual review.
  • Observational Records: Information about a child’s academic performance provided by anyone who works with a child. The records are part of the assessment plan.
  • Assessments or Evaluations:  Tests designed to provide an overview of a child’s academic performance, basic cognitive functioning, and current strengths and weaknesses. May also contain hearing and vision test results.
  • Present Levels: Part of the IEP that defines a student’s strengths and weaknesses, current levels of academic achievement and current levels of academic functional performance.
  • Student Baseline: A starting point of student’s ability level that is used throughout the year to measure a student’s skills. 
  • Performance-Based Tests: An evaluation test that is used to determine eligibility for special education services.  Common evaluations can include Woodcock Johnson or the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT).

Services

  • Occupational Therapists: A professional that provides consultation and support to staff to improve a student’s educational performance in the areas of fine motor, gross motor and sensory integration development.
  • Speech-Language Pathologist (specialist): A professional who assesses possible delayed speech and language skills and provides direct services.
  • Physical Therapist: A professional who provides consultation and support staff on a student’s education performance related to gross motor development.  May provide direct services. 
  • School Psychologist: Provides consultation and support to families and staff.  Often involved in the student assessments.  May also be the chairperson of the IEP committee.

Great Special Ed Links

Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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  • IEP Questions and Answers

IEP Questions and Answers

Understanding the IEP in the Special Education Process
Understanding the IEP in the Special Education Process

When parents learn that their child has been found eligible for special education services, it’s only natural that they have many questions. The world of special education can be overwhelming for parents.  The IEP process, new vocabulary, timelines, rules and meetings are ALL unfamiliar and can make a parent feel useless in the process.  However, parents are a very important part of the process because YOU know your child the best.

Two areas to learn about in the special education process is vocabulary and the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  In this post we will review the IEP and in the next post we’ll review special education vocabulary.   

  • What happens if my child is NOT eligible for services? If the group decides that your child is not eligible for special education services, you should receive this in writing along with an explanation of why your child has been found “not eligible”. You will also be given information on steps to take if you are not in agreement with the decision.
  • What do I do if my child is not eligible for special education services but still needs additional support? K-12 schools are required to provide additional supports to regular education students through a process called Response to Intervention.  See your child’s teacher and/or principal about services that may be offered to support your child’s success.
  • What is the next step if my child is eligible for special education? The next step is to write what is known as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  After a child is found eligible, a meeting must be held within 30 days to develop the IEP.
  • What is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)? An IEP is a written statement of the education program designed to meet a child’s needs.  It has two purposes: To state the services that the school district will provide for your child and to set reasonable goals for your child,
  • How do I prepare for the IEP meeting? Start by making a list of your child’s strength and weaknesses.  If your child is already receiving services, reach out and ask the specialists for their input.  Find out what services they think are necessary.  Keep a notebook jot down notes of things you would like to say at the meeting.  This notebook can be used for the notes you take at all your meetings.  
  • What happens during an IEP meeting? You will be part of a group of professionals that will discuss your child’s strengths and weaknesses prepared to work with a group of people to develop the IEP.  Your child’s evaluation results will be discussed (if this is an evaluation year).  Strengths and weaknesses will be noted, and team members will make suggestions for program placement, goals and services needed. Don’t be shy about speaking up, even though there may be a lot of other people at the meeting. Share what you know about your child and what you wish others to know. (Good time to use your notebook). After everyone has shared their thoughts and concerns, the team will decide on the type of special education series your child needs.  This will include the type of setting, goals and randy related services that your child will need.
  • Will my child be re-evaluated? Yes. Under the IDEA, your child must be re-evaluated at least every three years. The purpose of this re-evaluation is to find out if your child continues to be a “child with a disability,” as defined within the law, along with your child’s educational needs. Although the law requires that children with disabilities be re-evaluated at least every three years, your child may be re-evaluated more often if you or your child’s teacher(s) request it.
  • Will I receive a copy of my child’s evaluation report and a determination about your child’s eligibility? Yes, you will get a copy of your child’s evaluation report prior to the CSE meeting.  You will also get a copy of the IEP after your CSE meeting either the day of the meeting or by mail.

Remember, as your child’s parent, YOU are an equal member of the process.  More importantly YOU have the final say in your child’s IEP.  Catch your breath, take notes and ask questions. You’ve got this! Next post is Special Education Vocabulary.

Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

Every Kid in a Park Program

Free admission to State Parks for every 4th grade student throughout the nation.
Free admission to State Parks for every 4th grade student throughout the nation

Every 4th grader in our nation is eligible for the “Every Kid in a Park” program.  This program that allows fourth graders, along with their family and friends, FREE ADMISSION to our nation’s parks during their 4th grade school year (Sept. 1 to Aug. 31). Visitors can learn about their heritage and connect with nature.  No matter where you live in the United States, there’s a site within two hours of your home.

Parents or educators can download a paper pass for each of their 4th graders for the yearlong pass.  The pass is free but must be brought with each fourth grader on their trip.  At some sites, the ranger will exchange the paper pass for a plastic pass.  The plastic pass is waterproof and makes a great souvenir.

School Field Trips

Fourth grade teachers can also download a paper pass for each of their students for a school field trip.  A field trip with your class offers a unique learning opportunity.  Many of the Kid in the Park locations even offer special programs for fourth graders.  The “Every Kid in a Park” website also provides resources for field trips to discover wildlife, resources and history.

“Every Kid in a Park” Links

  • Every Kid in a Park Program brochure – Here’s the link (PDF file, 4.8 MB) to download and print a PDF version
  • Every Kid in a Park resources – a set of resources (ZIP file, 15.4 MB)
  • Activity Guide 1: Exploring Federal Lands and Waters (PDF). This lesson teaches students why our country protects lands and waters.
  • Activity Guide  2: Environmental Stewardship (PDF). This lesson shows students how to take care of lands and waters.
  • Activity Guide 3: Our Nation’s Native Peoples (PDF). This lesson teaches students about the people who lived on this land before it was called the United States.
  • Activity Guide 4: Citizen Science (PDF). This lesson helps kids learn about the difference between weather and climate.
Isn't education ALL about reaching the kids?
Isn’t education ALL about reaching the kids?

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