This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure here. Learning high level vocabulary is essential for success in school—and it’s helpful for life success, too. Teaching vocabulary is important because it: boosts reading comprehension improves communication and thinking skills builds academic and social confidence has been linked to occupational success But to reap these benefits, you can’t merely…
Read More
The Benefits of Teaching Figurative Language When we think about teaching reading and writing to children, we might first consider phonics, parts of speech, spelling, and grammar. But we can’t forget to add some color and spice by teaching figurative language, too! What is figurative language? Figurative language is phrasing that goes beyond the literal meaning of words to convey…
Read More
In many ways, you feel ready for the first week of school. You have lesson plans mapped out, your intentions are set, and you feel fairly confident. Outside of the curriculum, you may have lingering questions or doubts about how you can seamlessly infuse growth mindset instruction into your daily plans. Get a few steps ahead by choosing one or…
Read More
Emotional intelligence is one of the top predictors of quality of life, relationships, and health. When it comes to predicting life success, research shows that a person’s emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) is far more significant than their intelligence quotient (IQ). Children with high EQs perform better in school, stay in school, and are more likely to avoid risky behaviors. They…
Read More
Body Language in the Classroom: Its Role in Classroom Management and Student Achievement Educators wear many hats on a daily basis. You’re a teacher, cheerleader, shoulder to cry on, soother of bumps and bruises (literal and figurative), coach, comedian, and so much more. You’re also a public speaker. And as any effective public speaker knows, your body language plays a…
Read More
Tools to Help Students Cope with Anxiety and Worry Children today experience high levels of stress and anxiety. When students feel worried or anxious, it’s almost impossible to concentrate on science, math, or reading. Research shows that high stress levels impair learning. That means to be effective educators, it’s important to help our students cope with worry and anxiety. If…
Read More