Education

People often make New Year’s resolutions to make a change in their life or try something new. After a few weeks, or maybe months, people tend to forget about them and stop. It’s just too hard. Maybe you weren’t ready for the change, or the challenge you committed to. Here are some tips on how you can keep your New Year’s resolutions after January 1.

Most kindergartners love to be read to, and this year some even start to read on their own. Teachers also expect kindergartners to learn a few basic writing skills. Here are some specific language milestones you can expect your kindergartner to reach. Keep in mind that children develop at different rates and that every teacher follows a different curriculum, so your child may not do everything on this list.
In kindergarten, your child will learn to

A recent article in The Wall Street Journal shows that while the demand and pay for math and science jobs increases, interest in these subjects continues to decline, especially the high school level.
Here are some excerpts from the article if you don’t have time to read it.

Those who assume that education methods used for millennia can be dismissed within a generation forget that time is the best laboratory, especially regarding human behavior.
It has taken modern educators around 150 years to disassemble an educational system that took thousands of years to refine and establish. The classical method was born in ancient Greece and Rome, and by the 16th century, it was used throughout the Western world.

Almost 29 years ago, my husband and I decided to offer fine art drawing and painting classes to children and teens.  Our own children were being asked to draw things for school reports without having the slightest idea of how to go about creating drawings of Indian villages, or a whale, or other topics they were writing about, and their frustration was palpable.

When we launched the Peer Mentor program at Trinity Classical Academy to serve special needs students in our Imago Dei school (Imago Dei is Latin for “image of God”), we could not have imagined the positive ripple effect it would have on our school culture at large.  This integrated program has advanced the students’ ability to connect successfully and meaningfully with their peers.  Additionally, it has set a school-wide standard for loving inclusion and sacrificial service.

Like it or not, teasing is a fact of life — or at least of life before adulthood. Sooner or later, all kids learn that words can be powerful — and as you’ve probably found, this is likely to happen sooner rather than later.
Right now, your kindergartner’s exploring social situations and peer relationships.

A child is eligible for transitional kindergarten (TK) if a child will have his or her fifth birthday between: September 2 and December 2
• Transitional Kindergarten is the first of a two-year Kindergarten experience.
• All of the laws that apply to Kindergarten apply to Transitional Kindergarten.

According to Frontline Technologies, “Across the country, districts nationwide have noticed an issue this school year: a substitute teacher shortage.”  Sulphur Springs School District is no different.

Outstanding learning opportunities are provided to all Fair Oaks Ranch Community School students as we begin our journey to implement Common Core State Standards. Teachers are eager to learn and implement strategies. 

Twenty-five years ago, Robert Fulghum wrote a book called All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten that became a number one New York Times bestseller. This collection of essays is a reminder of all the truths of life that find their roots in those foundational years of kindergarten. 
In today’s culture, most kindergarten children have already started to gain an understanding of the basics: identifying letters, numbers, shapes and colors and being able to write their name. However, in kindergarten a new world of social and emotional experiences soon enters their lives.

One thing that is often overlooked when buying gifts for young children is what kind of play can result from the toy? For example if the toy makes sounds when your child pushes the button, or moves a specific way it may seem fun and engaging at the time. These types of active toys are considered closed-ended, toy-directed play and they make your child a passive player.

We checked in with teachers to find out what they think parents can do to prepare their children for success at school. Here are their top suggestions:
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Teach your child the importance of respect early in life. Encourage your child to put toys in their special place, treat books and toys with care, wait for her turn, and treat animals gently. Talk to her about the importance of respecting other kids in the classroom. Everyone has the right to learn, so being disruptive in class interrupts everyone’s learning process.
Read together

A lot of us tend to rush through the holiday season in a whirlwind of shopping, parties, food comas, and stress. But it is important to use this precious time to connect with family and friends, as well as to re-charge for the New Year.
Here are three simple ways you can be more present this holiday season:

In order to produce a successful lesson plan, teachers must take into consideration different aspects in each student’s way of learning. It is also important, for both parents and teachers, to keep in mind that not all learning strategies will be successful for all students. While a greatly planned lesson might be successful for one student, it might not work for the next individual. As planning lessons for students with special needs, it is crucial to keep in mind what their actual needs are and how they can get the necessary help.

The Governing Board of the Hart School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Kuhlman as the new assistant superintendent educational services effective December 22, 2014. The appointment was made at the Board’s regular meeting held November 5, 2014. This administrative opening is a result of the recent promotion of Vicki Engbrecht from deputy superintendent to superintendent starting February 1, 2015, following the retirement of Rob Challinor.

As the holidays approach, students often become distracted from the final work and tests of the semester. Now is the time to step in to help well before testing begins.
Students must master one math concept before moving on to the next. History and science place an emphasis on memorization. And it takes time to develop good essay writing skills. Waiting until a few days before a test to review will only leave the student feeling ill-prepared.

Big ideas are like children – if they are to truly thrive, they must be encouraged and nurtured with wisdom and care.
That’s why educators and academics who study classroom effectiveness put small-group instruction at the top of their “best practices” lists.