Blog - Special Treat Friday

How to Teach Project Based Learning

I was introduced to Project Based Learning several years ago. I had takensome time off of teaching to be a mom and when I came back to the "Worldof Education" it was a little nerve wracking because so much had changed.Technology was more widely used, behavior was worse, common core was in most schools and the ways to teach were all so much different than I had done or was taught. I knew going ... Read More about How to Teach Project Based Learning

6 Reasons to Teach Character Education

Student behavior in the Spring always seems to get worse. It happens every year! I have a few theories: Winter was way too long!They have gotten really comfortable with their classmates and they feel they can be themselves more.They know what to expect each day.Classroom management has gotten too laxed.Teachers are starting to expect more out of students because it is well into the school ... Read More about 6 Reasons to Teach Character Education

Animal Survival Project

What if I had animal teeth? Could I eat my morning cereal? Would I be able to brush them all? We have our teeth to help us eat and survive and animals have special teeth to help them survive. This Unit on "What if I had Animal Teeth" helps students to research various animal teeth and decide how that animal's teeth help them survive in their habitat. I love starting this unit off with the ... Read More about Animal Survival Project

Why I Quit Teaching

Should I Quit Teaching? Who quits on the kids? But this is what I went to school for? My family needs the money? Its all I know what to do? These were the thoughts moving in my head the months and months of choosing to quit my teaching job. I am a good teacher. Sometimes I forget how good of a teacher I am. I enjoy it too. I love creating relationships with my students and getting to know them ... Read More about Why I Quit Teaching

What is Contraction Surgery?

What is contraction surgery? I wondered the same a few years ago and then started looking into it and loved what I saw. I was determined to make it happen for my students. But when you teach 1st grade (which I was in the first time I put this together), you need to wait until the students grasp a better idea of what a contraction is and how and when to use them. For my school, that meant ... Read More about What is Contraction Surgery?