Every day, it seems like a new standard is being added to the curriculum. Yes, teachers are overwhelmed so no, it should not be entirely their responsibility to teach kids how to be functioning humans (although sometimes it is).
Parents help out immensely with teaching our little ones important life skills, but we hope that our school systems are reinforcing those same ideals in the classroom. Are they?
Let's be totally clear: I think the following can be taught first and foremost right at home.
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Parents help out immensely with teaching our little ones important life skills, but we hope that our school systems are reinforcing those same ideals in the classroom. Are they?
Let's be totally clear: I think the following can be taught first and foremost right at home.
Still, when that isn't enough or we just need someone else to help carry the message along, here are 5 important things schools should teach our kids.
However, over the past 7 years, I've noticed a steady decline in my students' ability to remain focused during those 10 minutes, and god forbid we need to extend it just a bit...forget it!
1. Maintaining a Prolonged Attention Span
Have you heard of mini-lessons? Quick explanation: Students learn a skill in a lesson that's about 10-15 minutes long. Then they're expected to go off and produce quality work using that skill. In theory, it sounds good, right? Here's what you need to know...now go do it!However, over the past 7 years, I've noticed a steady decline in my students' ability to remain focused during those 10 minutes, and god forbid we need to extend it just a bit...forget it!
That's because we are training our kids to move from one thing to another as quickly as possible. I'll never forget when my college professor docked points from my student teaching observation because my mini-lesson ran for a full 14 minutes. Oh, the horror!
Outside the classroom, we need to be able to sit and listen for longer than a few minutes at a time. I'm not suggesting teachers make those times non-engaging for students, but I am hoping that they're not afraid to keep things going a bit longer if their students need it.
Hold on as I step up on my soapbox and say, "Get rid of the mini-lesson and just teach!" Our kids will be better for it.
This absolutely has its place in the classroom, but are constant stimulation and teacher-led tasks ultimately harming our children's development?
It's rare to find a child who can independently select an activity and maintain participation in that activity for an extended period. Why would they? They're trained to rely on adults for scheduling their day from sunup to sundown.
That's why I LOVE using this mnemonic to remind kids of things they can do independently:
Outside the classroom, we need to be able to sit and listen for longer than a few minutes at a time. I'm not suggesting teachers make those times non-engaging for students, but I am hoping that they're not afraid to keep things going a bit longer if their students need it.
Hold on as I step up on my soapbox and say, "Get rid of the mini-lesson and just teach!" Our kids will be better for it.
2. Occupying Oneself
Engaging! Hands-on! Movement breaks! Teachers do their best to keep kids occupied and busy whenever possible.This absolutely has its place in the classroom, but are constant stimulation and teacher-led tasks ultimately harming our children's development?
It's rare to find a child who can independently select an activity and maintain participation in that activity for an extended period. Why would they? They're trained to rely on adults for scheduling their day from sunup to sundown.
That's why I LOVE using this mnemonic to remind kids of things they can do independently:
Available in multiple colors!
