Teacher introduction

When creating sub plans, make sure that you include the little day to day things that might be overlooked. For example, I have a list of students that are pulled for services and the times that they are pulled to help the substitute with classroom management. I also have a list of jobs that the students have that ill minimize the confusion in the classroom when students try to push the limits. I also have notes about certain students that will help the substitute understand the student better. I have also created an "emergency" substitute folder that has activities and resources in case I am not able to set up for a substitute in advance (hence the emergency). Class prep is also important. Part of the routine that I set in place is letting the students know that if I am not in the classroom, the expectations remain the same. What are some other things that you have done to prepare for a substitute?

One thing that teachers must realize while teaching social studies is to be careful that history is on a time line. While we can take events and people and study them, we have to remember that there were events before and effects after. Students need to be taught to look at history based on the information at the time. For example, we cannot use a modern day dictionary to understand documents written in the past. We have to look at the definition of the words based on the time period. We also cannot change the words to "near synonyms" to make it easier for the students. Words are chosen for their meaning. If we change the words, we change the meaning.

AI may be scary at first. Actually, it is a very useful tool in the classroom. I have used AI to write poems about topics so students will have information to read across genres. A HUGE win this year has been communication. I have a student who does not speak English. I have used AI to translate worksheets, compose emails, and create activities for the student. It has been a tremendous resource in helping this student in the classroom. It cuts down on time with using a pocket translator. I can explain the directions with the translator as the student is reading in their language. It also has helped with a "side by side" analysis of words and word structures.

There are times when people have asked, "What keeps your going year after year?" I am a very fortunate individual who has a profession that is also a hobby. I love the aspect of understanding how the mind works. It is like a human puzzle. Each year I am blessed with a new bunch of students. Each year is different. I love planning the year with new activities to keep my mind fresh and the focus on the standards. There are some activities that I will keep, but I love the challenge of finding creative ways to explain the content. Working with a new class of students is always a challenge. I love the newness of learning opportunities and would not change my profession for the world!

Next week is "Celebrate Freedom Week". During that week, students will learn about different founding documents. One key statement that we discuss is, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed". What are some ways that your district explains the idea that government's power comes from the people. (This is a State Statute as well as a set of standards)

How do you promote student leadership in your classroom? One way that I promote leadership with the students is by giving a list of Leadership Axioms. During the first days of school while review policies and procedures, the axioms are introduced. We use these to help us become a better leader.

What is elementary social studies?

With this being an election year, what are some of the activities that you do at your school to promote voting? With that, how do you maintain balance in the classroom with the current climate?

During a summer workshop, the presenter posted this set of questions that I will be implementing this year.

One concept that has come up in our math curriculum is the idea of inclusive and exclusive definitions. For example, our curriculum states that a trapezoid is a 2D quadrilateral with AT LEAST one pair of parallel sides. This inclusive definition would make a square to be classified as a trapezoid. What other concepts have you come across that might cause some anxiety for parents who have said, “That is not how I was taught?”

Our math curriculum is using an inclusive definition of a trapezoid being a 2 dimensional shape with at least 1 pair of parallel sides. This means a square could be classified as a trapezoid. This might cause some issues with parents who have statements like, “that is not what I was taught.” What are some other possible academic stumbling blocks that you might have to discuss with parents?

What are some analogies you have used to make connections with the students? For example:

I am the Costco sampler person. I give you a little taste (the content limit of standards) and hopefully you will buy more (looking deeper into the subject)

I am an academic mechanic, I have to diagnose the issues and solve that problem.

How do you address unfunded mandates in your K5 school? For example, I am required to have a 90 minute “uninterrupted” reading block.

What is the best way that you incorporate civic education in your classroom? What are some of the mandated standards that you have to address?

What are good resources to teach elementary poetry?

What is the progression of writing in TK-1?