With the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in place in nearly 50 states and the District of Columbia, more rigorous expectations have been placed on our children, regardless of their residence or background. These standards are there to make sure children excel in primary and secondary school, and then move on to college and […]
If you had told me a year ago that I would be an active blogger and social media “sharer,” I think I would have given you a severe Brooklyn Girl stare. You know, that look that uses the evil eye but also communicates, Whatever! with the eyebrows. I don’t use it often but when I […]
When children hear the words: It’s time to study, they think they’re being hauled off to experience some kind of punishment. What they don’t know is that studying can be fun, interactive, and can happen on a daily basis without them even knowing it. Regular studying can become a habit and something that can help […]
As an educator I want to be recognized and appreciated every day, but not in the ways you may think. Awards are nice, as are year-end gifts, but there are simpler, better ways to show teacher appreciation. I’d much rather my students shower me—and one another—with bursts of kindness in the classroom, respect me and […]
Hurricane Sandy threatened to wash away our home but she never washed away my spirit. Despite the fear and upheaval we endured, my faith and hope have intensified. I know things will only get better and that everything happens for a reason. I feel more grateful than I have ever felt before. This hurricane was […]
America Recycles Day began in 1997 and every year since then, November 15 has been the nationally recognized day to encourage recycling. Of course we need more than one day out of the year to take care of our planet, but American Recycles Day is a great time to get kids involved in recycling, and […]
As an educator, I make a priority of the six steps of character building, which are Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring for others, and Citizenship. Unfortunately, the more I teach, the less I see these character traits exhibited in the classroom. So I try to emphasize to parents that for kids, character-building begins at home […]
I used to strive to be the perfect mom. I wanted my house to be spotless, and for my children to always be neatly dressed, without a trace of dirt on their faces. I wanted to welcome my husband home from work with a great, home-cooked dinner each night, which I’d prepare right after I […]
As an elementary school teacher, at the beginning of each school year, I’m always hopeful that parents will take an interest in their child’s schooling. I hope they’ll come to Orientation Day and introduce themselves to me, or send a note that tells me just a little bit about their child. Small actions like these […]