I'll admit it. I've used them before. Worksheets. I have wasted paper and provided everyone the same work on those worksheets. I have taught with them, assessed with them, and used them under the guise of differentiation. We all make mistakes, right? Let's break apart the word worksheet. Work. Sheet. Worksheets are designed to give students something … Continue reading Step Away From the Worksheets-#BLOG365 Day 76
Month: November 2016
Keep Calm and Bake On-#BLOG365 Day 75
I adore baking and this time of the year marks the beginning of time to bake and reasons to bake. Last week I finally began to see the beginning of my kitchen (in the midst of being remodeled). My Hoosier is filled with my pie pans and cookie sheets and I am ready for the … Continue reading Keep Calm and Bake On-#BLOG365 Day 75
Learning Never Exhausts the Mind – #BLOG365 Day 74
I saw this as the Thought of the Week on a school website today. Yes, learning energizes your mind and opens you up to new opportunities, new ideas, new perspectives. But, learning is exhausting. I think I disagree a bit with da Vinci. Learning makes me tired! I have this amazing picture of my son … Continue reading Learning Never Exhausts the Mind – #BLOG365 Day 74
The Heart of Understanding – #BLOG365 Day 73
I have been thinking a lot lately about what it means to get to the heart of a subject, the essence of a subject. I don't know that we are doing enough of this in classrooms today. I was rereading Making Thinking Visible this weekend and the authors recommend making a list of all the things you do … Continue reading The Heart of Understanding – #BLOG365 Day 73
Museum Monday: Our Not So Pretty History Through Objects- #BLOG365 Day 72
Go ahead, take a guess at this Monday's object. Where do you think they came from? What time period? Have they been modified or changed? Do they represent something? I came upon these objects by accident this morning while looking for objects to help a friend with an object-based lesson. Although I just called this … Continue reading Museum Monday: Our Not So Pretty History Through Objects- #BLOG365 Day 72
For the Love of Reading – #BLOG365 Day 71 #booklovers
This photo popped up on my Timehop today. This is my kid in his happy place. Then and now, books are his happy place, his solace, his main source of entertainment. Last week I caught myself telling him to stop reading in the car on the way home. I wanted to talk with him and … Continue reading For the Love of Reading – #BLOG365 Day 71 #booklovers
The Value of Learning History – #BLOG365 #sschat Day 70
I have to admit, a few years ago I thought George Washington was overrated. I was unimpressed with the Founding Era, didn't give a lot of thought to the Declaration of Independence, the Bill or Rights, or the Constitution. Then I went to a Teacher Institute at Mount Vernon and the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute … Continue reading The Value of Learning History – #BLOG365 #sschat Day 70
What This Election Has Taught Me – #BLOG365 Day 69
After a sleepless night I awoke to the realization that our job as educators is more important than ever. Yes, I knew this before. But, today every educator should be reflecting on their responsibility to facilitate the kind of learning that leads to civic responsibility and critical thinking. Education breeds open mindedness, understanding, and empathy. When … Continue reading What This Election Has Taught Me – #BLOG365 Day 69
Museum Monday: Coal Hod Obsession – #BLOG365 Day 68
So, I have a new obsession. Well, it's been brewing for a few years. When you buy a 19th century home with 7 fireplaces you need fireplace accessories. We started with fire pokers, andirons, and 3 small coal hods. Now we have 8 variations of coal hods and scuttle bins. This is our newest baby, … Continue reading Museum Monday: Coal Hod Obsession – #BLOG365 Day 68
If You Only Ask – #BLOG365 Day 67
Yesterday I was working on a project at work and was looking for some artifacts to share with our teachers. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I am one of those people that purge pretty frequently. I know it is shocking given my obsession with antiquing and ephemera. But, when it comes to every day stuff I clean … Continue reading If You Only Ask – #BLOG365 Day 67
Jill Cross 