I know that in other parts of the country, school is already in full swing, but here in Michigan we are enjoying the last few days of summer before the academic year starts in earnest. Teachers are preparing their rooms, buying way-too-many supplies out of their own pockets, and planning those vital early lessons. During … Continue reading
As the educational pendulum has swung back and forth, we occasionally hear calls for “back to the basics.” Usually this has translated into pages of math computation, grammar drills, and history as a series of battles and dates. As schools around me gear up for the upcoming school year, it made me think about the … Continue reading
Since I posted the first reprise of beginning-of-the-year tips earlier this week, I thought I might as well post this 2015 reprise as well. I know I still need the reminders, so perhaps you do as well. The first set of tips were instructional strategies. These are more global tips for the type of classroom … Continue reading
Sometimes I feel guilty about re-blogging something, but other times I look at old posts and say, “Still true. Still useful.” This time of year, when for many of us the school year is reborn, I always think about how I want to have a good beginning–one that helps my students know what I value. … Continue reading
Today I completed my grades for my university’s summer term, so I’m ready to breathe a big sign of relief and maybe celebrate a bit before I think about the next semester. Maybe that’s why I was so intrigued by a recent article about the amazing variety of official (and semi-official) days we can celebrate, … Continue reading
Time speeds up in the summer. I’m sure of it. It seems I just finished teaching my early summer classes and declared my short sabbatical from blogging and “Whoosh,” school is beginning again. I’ve lived virtually my entire life on the academic calendar, where each September brings the chance for a new start. And each … Continue reading
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