EMerce*d in Learning

Thursday Thoughts This is where we will collaborate on classroom issues. A few weeks ago we talked a bit about apologies.  If you haven't read that post you can find it here.  We talked about how it is important to teach children to move toward giving apologies, but not forcing them to do so. Now that you've practiced that with your own kids (classroom or personal, or heck that kid at Walmart that needed a talking to), you have most likely hit the next stumbling block- how to get the "victim" to accept an apology. Just as forcing a child to apologize doesn't teach empathy, forcing a child to "feel better" now that they have received an apology doesn't teach forgiveness.  After having the "aggressor" attempt to make the child feel better I always ask the "victim" if they feel better.  If they don't I ask one of two questions: "What would make you feel better" or "Can I give you a hug?".  Sometimes a ...

Thursday Thoughts This is where we will collaborate on classroom issues. "I want my class to feel like a family.  Right now all the kids seem tired of one another.  I am at a year round school so we will still be together for a little while.  What can I do?"- Samantha, VA I love using class meetings!  They are such an amazing way to build a connection with your students and set expectations.  This year I taught Kindergarten and we have two daily class meeting sessions.  The first one happens first thing in the morning as all three classes gather in one room for a morning question, the pledge and to hear any announcements.  We use that time to alert the children of any changes that may be taking place that day. The second one is more important for me as a teacher.  Before we start our academic tasks I allot about 20 minutes for sharing stories.  The children get to take turns just communicating without an agenda....

Thursday Thoughts This is where we will collaborate on classroom issues. “I have a child who does not stay in time out.   I get so tired of chasing him down.   What can I do” –Olivia C., Roanoke Let’s first look at how time-out is being used.   While there are many variations on time-out I prescribe to Positive Discipline techniques.   Through that lens time-out should be a positive, preventative tool.   The downfall in using time-out in a punitive manner is that we are not providing the child with an alternative behavior.   Children often misbehave because they do not have the inner tools required for a more appropriate alternative behavior.   It is our jobs to show them those alternatives.   Using time-out in a positive manner is unfamiliar for many of us.   What would that look like?   The physical appearance of a time out center should be pleasant.   You want to make it look inviting and relaxing.   I recommen...