My kids attended a Montessori preschool, which I loved for many reasons. Montessori has a strong emphasis on personal responsibility. The kids often choose what they want to be working on. It’s their job to get out the materials they
Genius Hour to Genius Summer?
I’ve read with great interest several blog posts and Twitter conversations about the idea of “Genius Hour.” The basic idea is that students are given some regular time in class, for example an hour every Friday afternoon, to work on a
Engaging Students in Science
I wrote a Guest Post for teach.com about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Science) activities that give students a chance to be actively involved and to explore – which is, after all, what Science especially is all about. Putting Physics
Book List for Educators and Ed Leaders
In the #satchatwc chat on Twitter this morning a question was asked about book recommendations. I’d been on a couple other recent chats that had done the same, and now my Amazon Wish List is full to overflowing. I love
A Matter of Perspective
As I was driving this morning, I passed a field full of my favorite weed in full bloom. I had to stop and take a picture. These weeds (I have no idea what they are called) grow naturally in my
Fewer Worksheets, Please
I recently spent part of a morning as a volunteer in my daughter’s kindergarten class. I learn so much when I’m in there. I’ve taught in the middle grades and up, so I love having the chance to experience life in a primary