A Different Classroom- by K.McCutcheon

  April 23, 2022     There is nothing more refreshing... than having the opportunity to reflect on one's craft.       This year I welcomed a student teacher into my classroom. It was an exciting experience to be able to share my class with someone else. A little nerve-racking at first because i wasn't sure how it was going to work out. But it was amazing to think of all the possibilities.      Needless to say, my student teacher ROCKED it. She really took the time to observe and reflect. She also took her observations and attempted anything she experienced with me. At the end of the day, I learned from her as well.      Once there are eyes in the classroom, it brings a new light to how things are done. I quickly realized where I was lacking and what was missing as we discussed ideas about the classroom. She inspired me to be the teacher I strived to be, but even better. If you are ever asked to have a student teacher in yo...

  April 7, 2022 One of my favorite things about teaching is encouraging others to think. It's the magic behind learning something new. I love how being a teacher allows you to encourage others to have thoughts and make connections to the world around them.  In a previous post ( To Think or Be Told What to Think ), I challenge many to think about how students are thinking within the classroom.  If students are being limited in thinking within the classroom, then try these steps to create a more thought promoting environment.  Consider: How do you create thoughts within your classroom?  Start here... Do you know what students are thinking? Are you giving them choices?   Find Open-ended question stems Easy one "What do you notice? What do you wonder?" Create a list or make some popsicle sticks with question stems on them Allow students to share their thoughts Let them talk. Check future post for more on this! Avoid this or that questions Don't limit the respon...

  April 6, 2022     My goal in life is to find ways to help and serve others. The amazing thing is as a teacher I have that opportunity on a daily. Now, I'm seeking ways to share, motivate, and inspire others.  I want to encourage others to always be brave enough to try something NEW.  Based on a prior post:  Thoughts on Behavior If you have a behavior chart with a classroom rule system, then I want to encourage you to try this... Consider : Are you using a behavior chart or consequence system? And why? Consider: What are your classroom rules? And why? Start here... T o focus on classroom characters, what values are important? Select 2-3 character traits  Consider age, group, and school values/struggles Then... What image could you pair with that value? Select an image to represent the values May select more than one image depending on values Post it in your classroom Finally... How could the value be discussed and communicated with students? Imagine t...