Bevin's BlogBecoming National Board Certified: Is It Worth It?Everybody needs a little motivation now and again. Well, here's yours, if you want it. Is going through the process of National Board Certification worth it? Absolutely.BevinJun 16
Bevin's Blog20 Teaching Tips: High-Energy StudentsI've always had a special place in my heart for high-energy students. I admire their enthusiasm and how they always seem to show up to class ready to bring it. Monday morning, rain or shine, while I'm waiting for my caffeine buzz to kick in from the Coke Zero I just guzzled, these guys come flying around the corner and bouncing down the hallway towards me with a toothy smile. I sometimes think, "I'll have what he's having."BevinDec 2
Bevin's BlogInstead of "NO", Let's Try...NO! STOP! DON'T! Students hate to hear it. Teachers wish they didn't have to say it. But, do negative words such as these really even work? And, when does "no" lose its luster?BevinNov 25
Bevin's BlogEdCamp: Honoring Voice and ChoiceHave you ever participated in an Edcamp? I got the chance to serve as a facilitator in a few this past summer and it didn't take long for me to realize what an incredibly valuable PD model Edcamps are for educators. If you like personalized learning experiences and engaging in authentic dialogue with other teachers, keep on readin'! I'm betting that you'd love this unique form of professional learning.BevinNov 17
Bevin's Blog13 Animal Videos for PreK-3 StudentsAnimals are an essential part of most early education science programs. Here is a collection of 18 instructional animal videos and songs for PreK-3 learners, covering topics such as habitats, body coverings, methods of movement, food chains, hibernation, migration, and more! These clips are both educational and entertaining. I hope you find strategic ways to embed them within your regular instruction. If you know of any others, please share them in the comments section below.BevinNov 11
Bevin's Blog11 Plant Videos for PreK-3 StudentsNeed a song or video to enhance your study of plants? Here's a compilation of 13 clips for early learners that cover plant basics. If you know of any others, please share in the comments section!BevinNov 3
Bevin's BlogTwitter Education Chats for NewbiesTwitter is an incredible digital resource for educators who want to learn and grow. There are TONS of passionate, enthusiastic teachers around the world who come together to share resources and engage in meaningful dialogue. Every time I jump on Twitter, I am greeted with ideas, strategies, video clips, blog posts, insightful quotes, and invitations to join intriguing educational twitter chats.BevinNov 13
Bevin's Blog13 Tips for a Talkative ClassI LOVE my class this year. Diverse. Capable. Sweet. Unique. Enthusiastic. Energetic. Hard-working. Funny. Lovable. These are some of the words that come to mind when I think of my first graders. But one more word that also comes to mind is...chatty. Very chatty. We are a 'work in progress' with this. And thank goodness, we are continuing to improve each week. :-) Now, don't get me wrong, I believe a classroom should be FULL of rich, collaborative dialogue. Student discussion is vital, and our little guys need frequent opportunities to engage with peers and share their thoughts. I pride myself on having a dynamic, student-centered classroom that encourages this. To foster this kind of a climate, however, students also need to learn how to be effective listeners and independent workers. There are appropriate and inappropriate times for talking, and to get students to adhere to these boundaries, clear expectations must be set. Here are 12 ideas/strategies to try when working with a chatty class.BevinOct 26
Bevin's Blog10 Tips to Build Student Rapport"No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship..." ~Dr. James Comer These words are my mantra. Building a strong rapport with students is vital to maximizing academic growth. Here are some of the ways I do this with my fabulous first graders.BevinOct 2
Bevin's Blog20 Dollar Tree Finds for TeachersDollar Tree is a thrifty teacher's best friend. I personally can't exit that place without a cart full of teaching supplies, organizational materials, classroom decor, readers' theater props/costume items, or prizes for my class shop. It's my go-to place when I'm in need of some retail therapy after a hard day's work. Sure, I'd LOVE to hit up J.Crew or Banana Republic, but Dollar Tree won't break the bank and it's always fun to do a little classroom revamping. Check out these 20 products along with ideas for cool classroom uses.BevinJul 14
Bevin's Blog50 Nifty End-of-the-Year AwardsHere are some ideas to ensure that your classroom awards assembly is a fun, positive, and rewarding experience for all.BevinMay 30
Bevin's BlogOutdoor Learning: Let's Take It Outside!I caught myself peering outside of my classroom window a little too long this past week. There's nothing quite like being greeted by the sweet signs of spring after a dull and dreary winter. I wanted to be out there, free from the confines of my classroom walls. I knew I wasn't alone in this sentiment. My kids were right there with me. Can you blame us?BevinApr 21
Bevin's BlogTeaching is Tough: Stay Positive!Let’s face it. Teaching is tough! Aside from being on your feet all day juggling the social, emotional, and academic needs of 20 or so little ones, you are also dealing with endless stacks of paperwork (that often come home with you), increasing city-wide and state pressures, a new and hopefully improved curriculum, after-school activities, professional development courses, observations/evaluations, and parent-teacher communications, all while earning a less than stellar salary that a good portion of the public believes is fair. Whew, I just stressed myself out!BevinMar 26
Bevin's Blog30 Brain Break Clips: Fight the Fidgeting!Brain breaks have been all the rage for quite some time now. We've learned that regularly incorporating short movement activities into the instructional day not only allows children to get their 'wiggles' out, but energizes them and increases their ability to focus on the next learning activity as well. Let's utilize the technology we have to give the kids a healthy dose of pop culture and silliness all mixed into one. So, smack up one of these short clips on your SMART Board or Promethean Board and get to steppin'! These videos are sure to get your students (and maybe even you) moving and grooving!BevinJan 5
Bevin's BlogRainy Day: Beat the Blues with LearningHere are five fun activities you can do with your child that promote learning when stuck inside on a rainy day.BevinOct 29
Bevin's Blog50 "Community Helper" JobsAs teachers, we want each child to feel special. We want each child to feel important. We want each child to feel like he/she is an integral part of our classroom community. Assigning a community helper job to every child not only promotes a sense of responsibility, but it can also help us maintain a smooth and successful learning environment. Here is a list of 50 possible community helper jobs that can be adapted to meet the needs of your specific classroom. If you have any questions as to what these jobs may entail, I'm happy to help. Now, time to put these kids to work! :-)BevinSep 17
Bevin's BlogThe Heart of Positive DisciplineThe below resource is an invaluable teaching and parenting tool. It contains a variety of strategies that will help you discipline a child, without having to resort to negative language or harsh punishment that is typically counter-productive. These tips and tricks will help you maintain a happy, healthy, loving environment that teaches and trains children to be independent, self-confident individuals. Pick one or two to try at a time!BevinAug 13
