A New Twist on Lesson Delivery

*Photo by Juan Camilo Navia on Unsplash*

How can we put some pizazz into our online lessons? Good teachers are always on the lookout for new and better ways to engage their students. But, in the virtual classroom, creativity is essential.

Get…and Keep… the Kids Involved

Lack of student involvement is one of the major criticisms of online learning. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

First, the teacher has to project his/her enthusiasm for the content. Show them why it is important that they really learn what you’re teaching them. Your excitement will be contagious!

Lengthy lectures or explanations by the teacher just will not cut it in the virtual world. Plodding through the textbook won’t either. Hands-on exploration is the name of the game. Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Bring the content of your lesson to life with a variety of fast-paced activities, including games, demonstrations, friendly competitions, or an occasional video.

After this “hands on” time, direct your students to record what they have learned in their learning logs. The learning log is key, because this is where you drive home a new skill or concept.

What About Textbook Assignments?

You may be using online Reading textbooks or online resources for your Reading series. Then you know how engaging and effective these tools can be for improved Reading fluency and comprehension. (More on this in a future post.)

But in the content areas, try reading the textbook together after they have learned the content as a review strategy. Also, teach your students how to use their texts as reference books to look up something they forgot how to do.

Don’t feel the pressure to assign workbook pages just because the school provided workbooks. If there is an interesting page with an authentic task, use it . But choose wisely, and keep “seat work” assignments short.

Toys Are Not Just for Playtime

Math and Science lessons can be super fun when kids use their own toys to complete a learning task. Photo by RoboWunderKind on Unsplash

When students are learning from home, they probably don’t have fancy classroom manipulatives to use. Not a problem. Have your students bring some blocks, toy cars, dolls, action figures, dinosaurs, playing cards, balls, Play Doh, or whatever is available, to class. Incorporate these items into your lessons and let the learning begin!

Use the “Jumbo-Tron”

We know students learn from each other. But how to accomplish this in a virtual classroom? Use the the “spotlight” feature in your online platform. Ask volunteers to show and explain what they are doing as their classmates watch them on the “big screen.”

Just Dance, Dance, Dance

Kinesthetic learning is an excellent way to keep your students actively engaged. And it is even more effective in a virtual classroom.

Students cannot be expected to sit constantly glued to a computer screen throughout the school day. Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.

Get them up and out of their chairs. Have them moving throughout the day on various tasks and during frequent breaks.

Use pantomime and Pictionary to review vocabulary. Sing and dance to music while memorizing the times tables or learning the parts of speech. Use toys to apply a concept in Math or Science.

A Great Ending to a Spectacular Week

At the end of the day, you’ll be sending them off with smiles on their faces and an eagerness to return. Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

For a special treat at the end of the week, try hosting a five minute “Dance-A-Thon” with your students right before dismissal. Play a favorite song and let them show off their signature moves. You can even use the spotlight feature to highlight individual dancers.

Next time, we’ll take a look at those pandemic learning deficits we have heard so much about and find some strategies to combat the problem.

August 18, 2021August 19, 2021

Teaching in a Global Pandemic 2.0

Whether you are teaching in a school, in a hybrid classroom or fully online, this school year is like no other. The stakeholders continue to debate what we should be doing to successfully educate our children.

Parents are being told their children have fallen behind. Teachers are being misrepresented as lazy, selfish, and uncaring.

Even though it is tough to focus because of all of the negativity, that’s exactly what teachers need to do. So let’s forget about the craziness and get back to the job we love!

Be Prepared for a Return to Virtual Learning

Earlier this summer, online learning was off the table. But that is changing quickly as the Delta variant continues to sicken teachers and students in many areas of the country.

If, or when, online learning becomes a reality at your school this year please check out my post, “Teaching Online This Fall? How to Make Day One Spectacular” in this blog.

Next, take a look at some more ways to help your students succeed online this year.

Reach Each Student in a Special Way

A virtual classroom can be a very personal medium. As a teacher, students and families are welcoming you into their home. You are interacting with your students “full on” face-to-face…up close and personal.

Make eye contact with each student. Smile and really listen to their ideas. Show the children you are having a blast teaching them this year! Establish a relaxed and happy, yet productive, atmosphere.

While teaching online, you can be that much needed ray of sunshine, a lifeline, for your students during a very insecure time in their lives.

A First Day Tradition: Discuss the Rules

Students need to be reminded of what is expected of them in the virtual classroom. So explain, and then practice, proper online behavior.

Rules should include logging in on time, staying logged in, staying seated in front of the camera, raising hands to speak, (or using the hand emoji), returning promptly from lunch and bathroom breaks, and no logging off until you dismiss the class.

No more sweet treats or trips to the treasure box for good behavior. You’ll have to think outside the box to find new grade-appropriate ways to reward students. Stickers and fun videos work for younger students. Older kids appreciate free time to draw or socialize with classmates. *Photo by Amit Lahay*

Creative Approaches to Behavior Management

Having a set of rules is one thing. Enforcing them online is another. Parental support is key here. But there are several things you can do to ensure your class runs smoothly.

Keep Things Moving, Literally!

Children have a very hard time sitting glued to a screen, (unless it’s a video game.) So build as much movement into the school day as possible. Find ways to incorporate movement into your lessons with songs, games, competitions, hand jives… Use your imagination!

If you notice someone is squirming, make that your cue to take a quick break to do some stretching, jumping jacks, or jogging-in-place.

Allow for a generous, ten minute bathroom break. During this time they can also drink water and possibly get a breath of fresh air before settling back to work.

Keep Your Feedback Positive

Disciplining students online is tricky for the teacher. We need to maintain order, but we don’t want any hurt feelings either. That means no embarrassing online reprimands. Redirect in a positive way, with patience and a genuine smile. Use humor when appropriate.

If a problem continues, call in the parents to help fix it. Above all, realize that this year your students really need kindness and compassion.

Next time we’ll look at ways to craft exciting lessons for online delivery.

August 13, 2021August 13, 2021

Creating a Rich, Colorful, and Motivating Learning Experience … Online!

Yes! We can make our virtual classrooms vibrant and exciting no matter what grade we are teaching.

While not the best situation for all students, online learning is a great alternative during this scary and uncertain time. So let’s make the most of this wonderful opportunity to relate to our students and their families in a new and rewarding way.

Just like in-person learning, all of the “best practices” in teaching still apply in the virtual arena…only now they are even more crucial. Here are a few ideas to get you started!

A Solid Morning Routine Is Key

Working online can have an impersonal feel, especially to a child. So greet each student with a cheerful hello as soon as they log on each morning. Allow students to join before class starts. You need time to interact with them and they usually have a lot to tell you!

Build community in your virtual classroom by encouraging your students to say “hi” to each other too. Insert a couple of “social breaks” into your daily schedule to give the children opportunities to talk to each other. (More on this in a future post.)

A “Good morning! How are you?” message makes each student feel welcomed, valued, and accepted . Turn on your doorbell notification so you won’t miss anyone as they join the class. Photo by Annie Spratt / Unsplash

After morning prayers and Pledge of Allegiance, conduct a fun and fast- paced morning meeting to set the tone for the day. Have them write the day and date in their notebook or on a post-it. As simple as that sounds, writing and posting the date really helps students to orient themselves in an online environment.

What Is the Weather Today?

A weather report is another great way to help them mark the passage of time. Each student can create a colorful weekly weather calendar from a template you provide.

The weather calendar also offers lots of opportunities for Math and Science conversations, vocabulary acquisition, and student sharing. Have intermediate students find the daily temperature online and plot their data on a graph.

Younger students will enjoy making a home made calendar. For grade 3 and up, use a monthly format.
At the end of the month students can create weather bar graphs or show weather trends in a line graph.

Music and Videos Bring the Day Into Focus

I love to start the day with a song, so I have a “happy” playlist with of a variety of upbeat tunes most kids have never heard before. We enjoy listening to, and sometimes singing, one of these gems a few mornings a week.

Another way to put a smile on those little faces each morning is to play a lively music video like “Taco Tuesday,” (on Tuesday of course!) Or a bright video rendition of the “Days of the Week,” or “Months of the Year.” Just make sure to change it up, so the songs/videos are always fresh and never boring.

Get Them Involved with a Classroom Job

Students love to help their teacher, and there are lots of ways they can assist online. Try to involve as many students as you can with some creative, age appropriate, tasks they can choose from each week.

Some ideas: prayer leader, flag holder, weather reporter, scribe to model the day/date, bell ringer to start class, textbook manager, and the catch-all “teachers helper.” A student may even serve as the “Bathroom Break Reminder Person!”

As the year progresses, new jobs can be added for variety…such as Spelling Checker or Reader-Of-Directions, or whatever you can think of! Jobs give students a feeling of belonging, which is extremely important in an online setting.

More to Come

Next time we’ll explore even more ideas to make the virtual classroom a wonderful place where children can learn and make new friends.

July 23, 2021July 30, 2021

Where Do We Go From Here?

Summer is almost over and soon we will all head back to a new school year. What can we expect to see on that first day? We are hoping for a return to in-person learning. But with late summer Covid surges in nearly every state, we may be faced with a temporary round of online or hybrid schooling.

No matter what happens, we will be ready! But before we can move forward and start writing lesson plans, let’s take a quick look back.

A Challenging Year

The 2020-21 school year was stressful for sure, because of its many twists and turns. First, a return to the classroom…then back online…then the hybrid. Teachers had to adjust to each of these scenarios without any lead time.

Add to that the pressure of making sure the students were social distancing and wearing their masks. There was the very real possibility of catching the virus, and then the scary decision regarding vaccination.

Take Time to Reflect

As teachers, we want our students to reflect on what they have learned. So let’s make some reflection time for ourselves. Think about your own experiences teaching online and in a hybrid classroom. What worked? What didn’t go so well? What are the take-aways from last year and how can we build on them this fall?

In my next post, I will share some lessons I learned from my incredible experience of the last school year. I plan to incorporate these ideas into my teaching this fall, and I’ll explain how!

August 25, 2020August 25, 2020

Teaching Online This Fall? How to Make Day One Spectacular!

For students, the first day of school creates nervous anticipation mixed with joy and excitement…new teacher, new class, new books, new things to do and learn.

Back to school won’t look like this if you are teaching virtually. But we will still feel those “first day jitters.” Photo by note thanun.

This year there will be plenty of all that, and more! Along with getting to know everyone, students and teachers will also be getting to know how to navigate the virtual classroom, (2.0 version. ) Before the first student logs on, here are a few ideas.

Expect the Unexpected

Inevitably, there will be “technical difficulties.” There always are. Let your parents and students know ahead of time, that there might be a tech glitch or two.

If this does occur, be flexible. Figure out in advance what you can do on your end to get things back up and running quickly.

Welcome Back! I’m Glad You’re Here

Make sure to greet each student one by one, as soon as the student logs on. It’s so important to recognize each person individually. Remind them to turn on their video so you can see their faces.

Students will be nervous about meeting the new teacher, especially online. A warm and friendly greeting for each student will help the child relax.

You may want to allow classmates to have their mics open at first, so they can also say “hello” as students arrive. As you interact with each student upon entering, you will also be taking attendance.

Depending on the size of your school, the students might not know each other. A virtual “getting to know you” game or activity is a great way to introduce the children to their classmates.

Teamwork Is the Name of the Game

Team-building is super important this year because we are distance learning. So, do whatever your can to foster the notion that they belong to your special class.

Teach them a class song, or rap. Brainstorm a nickname for the class. It will take time for the class to bond. But it starts on the very first day.

Whatever welcome-back-to-school activities you are using, make sure everyone gets a turn to speak or participate. Choose a game that is quick and fun. If they lose interest…move on.

Establish Comfortable Routines and Outline Your Expectations

This year, more than any other year, you want the students to be excited to come to class. However, you will need to explain the rules and behavior expectations.

With your grade level team, put together a detailed plan, based on what we learned last spring. Begin unfolding that plan during the first week of school.

Encourage parents to set up a well-lit workspace for their child away from distractions. Photo by Unsplash.

Set firm deadlines for assigned work and consequences for late or missing work. How will you handle bathroom breaks? Describe what supplies students will need to have “at the ready” during class. Remind them, it’s ok to be comfortable, but be seated, not laying down.

In an online classroom, you will also need to discuss things like: using the hand raising button to contribute, not wearing pajamas to class, and, (for the older students), not using those distracting virtual backgrounds or avatars.

Let Your Students Know “the Sky’s the Limit”

We need to make this online environment as welcoming and stimulating for the children as possible. Whet their appetites by describing all the cool things they will be doing and learning. Show them how excited you are to be be part of this “online adventure.”

Oh, and don’t forget. For the first day, here is tonight’s homework: Write down three or more things you want to learn about or learn how to do virtually this year. See what they come up with. They will surely surprise you.

August 17, 2020August 20, 2020

Is There A Way to Make Online Learning Really Work?

Given the right tools to work with, students can be successful and will actually enjoy learning online. Photo by Annie Spratt

As a teacher, I used to think that bypassing the classroom in favor of an online learning environment was something I would never even consider doing. I’ve always been a proponent of the “hands-on, minds-on” approach with lots of manipulatives and activities.

It’s so important for students to work together and interact with their teachers. What if all of that is taken away, and the only thing the student has to work with is a tablet or computer?

Whether we like it or not, that is the situation we are currently facing. It was thrust upon us last spring when schools had no choice but to close and turn to online instruction. But now, a few months later, and a whole lot wiser, I have changed my mind about online learning.

Despite All the Noise, There Is a Bright Side to Online Learning

Our students grew up with technology and they just naturally gravitate to it. Photo by Mckaela Lee

For one thing, students enjoy technology and feel more engaged when using it. Picture sitting in the classroom, reading from the text and taking “jot notes” versus participating in an online scavenger hunt/race for information.

Or, how about laboring over a page of Math computation problems versus competing in a fast paced online Math computation game? We have been doing these kinds of activities in the classroom and we can easily adapt them to a remote setting.

Making learning more “fun” isn’t the only consideration though. Eventually, our students will be graduating into the world of work.

As we know, to be successful in that arena they will need highly developed technological skills, no matter what job or profession they choose to pursue. Social media posting and video gaming alone can’t prepare them for purposeful online work.

Will We Still Be Able To Reach Students Who Need More?

Online assignments can be tailored to the individual student’s needs easily and without embarrassment. Photo by Sharon McCutch

Not everyone learns at the same pace or in the same exact way. It makes sense to differentiate our instruction.

While we often struggle with this in the classroom, in an online environment, it is easier to accommodate individual students. Students can be working on completely different assignments without anyone even knowing.

The teacher can form small groups for remediation without the stigma of being in the “low” group because no one will even know.

Helping a student who is struggling with a particular assignment is also more effective in an online setting. In the traditional classroom, students are often embarrassed to admit they need help. They feel uncomfortable if the teacher comes to their desk to assist while other students are watching.

Regular office hours are a great way to interact with your students one-on-one. Parents will also appreciate being able to reach you with their concerns at a time that is convenient for you.

But a student who is too uneasy to come to the teacher’s table for extra instruction just might think it’s cool to visit the teacher’s online “office hours” for assistance.

Students don’t have to come to a classroom after school to seek help, (which feels a whole lot like a punishment.) And parents don’t have to worry about arranging for a late pickup.

These are a few of the reasons why I have changed my mind about online learning. But with the opening of school coming so fast, I want to change gears.

In my next post, we’ll consider what we can do to prepare for that all-important first day of online school. Talk soon.

July 31, 2019

Let’s Get Creative!

A well-crafted unit of learning is a work of art.
photo by Sharon McCutcheon

We have a few weeks left before school starts. Some teachers will be dragging out last year’s lessons plans and doing all the same things the same way they did last year. Ho-hum. Why not prepare an awesome unit or two of learning that will wow your students. And that you will enjoy teaching.

No more “same old, same old”

Ditch the TE…or better yet, keep it as a reference for your learning objectives and to drive the curriculum. Once you’ve identified your objectives, (standards-based, of course!), it is time to go online shopping.

Shopping for resources is an exciting part of this creative process. There is so much online material, just waiting to be used! And much of it is free. To start with, you will want to check YouTube and Google. See what’s out there that applies to the content you are teaching.

The Fun Factor

Make sure whatever resources you decide to include are factually correct and up to date. But don’t ignore what I call “the fun factor.” Look for videos, music, games, etc. that your students will enjoy interacting with. If it’s boring or over their heads, don’t use it.

Variety is the spice of life

Remember learning modalities? Include something for everyone: the readers, the writers, the dramatic, the musically inclined, the artists, the hands-on learners, the kids who like to move, (sports, dance, etc.) What we are striving for is a variety of looks and experiences with the content that gradually escalate in difficulty to keep the students challenged and engaged.

Whole group vs. independent

If you haven’t already, check out Nearpod. Using this website, you can create a fun series of lessons that include videos, songs, surveys, contests, and shared responses, drawings, etc.

Try putting together your unit on Live Binders. Students can work their way through the content on their own, at school or at home. Give them a research project or scavenger hunt, and let them “have at it.”

So there you have it. Everything you need to get started creating one-of-a- kind learning units the kiddos will love! Got any more ideas for creating dynamic learning units from scratch? Please share…we’d love to hear more!

July 15, 2019July 26, 2019

All Are Welcome in This Class!

It’s something we deal with every single day as teachers…reaching every student in the class, and, in particular, meeting needs of those with “special” needs. Let’s face it, for all practical purposes, all teachers are in fact ESE teachers. Every student has a special need or two. However, many students struggle with very difficult physical, emotional, or academic challenges. It is my task as the teacher to make sure these students are able to succeed, even when the playing field isn’t exactly level.

Not ‘business as usual’

A student may not respond to other kids, their teachers, or to what is going on in the classroom in the ways we are used to seeing. I have to find creative ways to handle these situations with fairness and compassion. This student doesn’t need to “fit in” to my class, because all are welcome. I must make sure the child knows he/she belongs.

Too much to ask?

Is this too much to ask of the classroom teacher with only a course or two in special education? For some teachers, maybe it is. So many students end up repeatedly being sent to the office, or placed in time out, or continually punished in some way for their behavior. The behavior only gets worse and the situation deteriorates until the child is “removed” to another classroom or even another school.

As the teacher, I have to keep trying to find what works for that child. It might be where the child sits in the classroom, or who the child sits next to. It might be giving the student more/less choices, or more time to finish. What about allowing the child to take a break and finish the assignment later? The possibilities are endless.

The key is to be flexible

Like it or not, the teacher must be willing to change things up. Remember, I have to find what works for that child. All too often, teachers make changes to suit themselves. No, no, no. I have to keep in mind that I am meeting someone else’s needs, not my own.

One more thing

Realize, that teachers cannot do this alone. We need the support and cooperation of parents, other teachers, and administrators in our journey with this child. Also, it is crucial that we continue to educate ourselves. Subscribe to a special needs teacher podcast. Take another ESE course. Read, read, read everything we can on the subject.

This child may learn differently and challenge us continually to be better educators. But far from being a burden, this child is truly a wonderful blessing for the teacher and for the entire class. This is the student you will never forget.

July 8, 2019July 26, 2019

Full STEAM Ahead with Maker Space

Have you ever wanted to try something new at your school, but didn’t have the backing? You pitched it to your PLC and your colleagues seemed to like the idea…but you could tell they weren’t really on board?

For two years, I tried to convince my administration and co-workers to join me in setting up a “Maker Space” at our school. There was talk about creating a place for it, but ultimately the project went nowhere.

Just do it!

Finally, I decided to fly solo with a Maker Space in my classroom. I collected a lot of materials and compiled a parent wish list: hand tools, recyclables, building sets such as Legos and K’nex, circuit sets, broken cell phones, broken electronic toys, etc.

I poured through books and subscribed to online newsletters and websites to learn how to pull it all together. I decorated a corner of our classroom and dubbed it our Maker Space!

Unlike my colleagues, my students were very excited and curious about this new challenge. I designated Friday afternoon as the Maker Space time, and they could hardly wait until Friday!

Lots of choices

During our Maker Space time, they had five activities to choose from: Construction, Coding, Art Exploration, Electronics: circuitry & “take apart,”and Design/build a prototype.

After the first few sessions, I found that some students are clearly “builders” who love to work with their hands. Others completely enjoy exploring various art media to create something special. Projects involving circuits seems to appeal to the academically advanced students. But gradually, others are giving it a try and liking it.

Some students become totally absorbed in coding. Photo by Mimi Thian

Option #5, Design and build a prototype, was a huge hit with all of the students. One of the first tasks I gave them to do was to design and build a new theme park ride.

On their own, the students formed work groups, and got busy sketching out their ride ideas. One group needed to take a vote on what to build, because they had come up with three ride ideas! After several revisions, the groups were ready to build their prototypes.

It took three Maker Space sessions to complete the prototypes. Finding a place in the classroom to store the unfinished projects was a challenge. And as much as we tried to clean up after each session, the school maintenance crew dubbed our classroom the messiest on the second floor!

But I didn’t care, because I was so proud of the work the children had done and of the level of their engagement in the task.

What’s next?

I’m not sure if I organized the Maker Space true to form. Or if we are doing it “right.” But maybe that doesn’t really matter. They are making and they are loving it. More importantly, they are learning so many critical thinking skills through Maker Space. I will be “tweaking” it, but the Maker Space will be back next school year.