My friend and I have already discussed the two books mentioned in this article as we actively work with our toddlers to learn patience. We both want our son and daughter to learn to wait for dinner, or to sit at the table and wait for us all to finish. But I love what this author says about truly teaching self-discipline, "Effective approaches for building self-control combine fun with progressively increasing challenges. Rather than force activities onto an unwilling child, take advantage of his or her individual tendencies." Very Vygotsky. This is using a child's strengths rather than his weaknesses. They also suggest other ways to learn self-discipline, self-control and patience by learning another language, exercise like yoga and meditation, and helping children recognize their emotions when they are upset.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/opinion/sunday/building-self-control-the-american-way.html
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Personal Biases
This came to me via Teaching Tolerance, a great resource from the Southern Poverty Law Center. It works best for teachers currently in the classroom.
How Fair Are You? Find Out With Our Teacher Perception Tool
Life experiences and personal biases all contribute to how we perceive others. But does that perception influence our expectations about students? The Teacher Perception Tool is a survey containing scenarios that get you thinking about perception and influence. Registration is required. Once you've completed the survey, we offer further resources and research. This tool can help you create a more equitable school environment.
How Fair Are You? Find Out With Our Teacher Perception Tool
Life experiences and personal biases all contribute to how we perceive others. But does that perception influence our expectations about students? The Teacher Perception Tool is a survey containing scenarios that get you thinking about perception and influence. Registration is required. Once you've completed the survey, we offer further resources and research. This tool can help you create a more equitable school environment.
Monday, February 06, 2012
"Small is Beautiful"
Just stumbled on a great book by E F Schumacher called "Small is Beautiful".
"The less toil there is, the more time and strength is left for artistic creativity."
To me, this quote reminds us that as teachers, busy work isn't always best and children can be more creative thinkers when given the time. So often in my classroom I feel pressed for time, whether it be in the hour, day, weekly plans. Gotta get it all done! My students are not receptacles. They are clever and creative geniuses. Give their brains space to roam.
"The less toil there is, the more time and strength is left for artistic creativity."
To me, this quote reminds us that as teachers, busy work isn't always best and children can be more creative thinkers when given the time. So often in my classroom I feel pressed for time, whether it be in the hour, day, weekly plans. Gotta get it all done! My students are not receptacles. They are clever and creative geniuses. Give their brains space to roam.
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