Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Summer Self-Care: A Teacher's Guide to Refresh, Recharge, and Rejuvenate

Many, many, many moons ago I wrote a blog post called 5 Things Every Teacher Should Do Each Summer. That list focused primarily on work you could do over the summer to improve your teaching, like sorting your computer files, attending professional development sessions, and planning your curriculum. One year later I wrote 5 More Things Every Teachers Should Do Each Summer, that included a bit more R&R but was still very "doing" focused. Back then I was young and spry, and the field of education hadn't imploded into a complete disasterpiece of stress, burnout, and political vilification.

So this year I'm presenting a new list, focused on self-care, because you put 19.7 months of work in this school year and dammit, you deserve a break!

While I am giving this as a list, you do not have to do all of this. I mean really you don't have to do any of it, but if you do, I highly suggest you pick and choose what appeals to you and will help you recharge. I tried to include a mix of things to appeal to different dichotomies like indoor or outdoor, active or passive, and social or independent, so you can find something you like regardless of if you're an extroverted mountain climber or an introverted gamer.

So without further ado, here are 9 ideas for how teachers can make the most of their summer break.

Thursday, February 2, 2023

LISTEN AND LEARN: UNLOCKING THE POWER OF AUDIOBOOKS FOR STRUGGLING READERS

 I'm a huge proponent of givings students time in class to just read. You can read my previous posts about Self-Selected Reading here and here.

There is one problem with S-SR though, and that's how to include students with significant deficits in decoding and fluency. If we just tell them to pick a book and read we'll end up with:

a) students who just pretend to read

b) students who reinforce errors by reading incorrectly

c) students who get frustrated trying to read (leading to decreased engagement and motivation)

So, how do we address this? Audiobooks.


The Magic of Audiobooks: Benefits for Struggling Readers

Audiobooks provide a wealth of benefits for secondary students with diverse learning needs:

  1. Improved Comprehension: Audiobooks can help students better understand complex texts, as they can focus on the meaning without getting bogged down by decoding difficulties.
  2. Increased Engagement: The narration in audiobooks can capture students' attention and keep them engaged, particularly for those with ADHD who may struggle with focus and attention.
  3. Enhanced Fluency: Listening to fluent reading models can help students develop better reading fluency and expression.
  4. Strengthened Listening Skills: Audiobooks can help students improve their listening skills. Students with autism can also improve their understanding of language, tone, and emotion.


Read and Listen: The Power of Synchronized Audiobooks

The best way to maximize the benefits of audiobooks is to encourage students to read the text while they listen. This multisensory approach allows students to see the words as they hear them, reinforcing both visual and auditory learning. It also helps students to make connections between the written word and spoken language, boosting their overall literacy skills. You'll be shocked how many times students will make comments like "That's how you say that word?" and "I've never actually seen how that word is written."

Some programs like Learning Ally have Synchronized Audiobooks available. I love these because they not only present the text with the audio, but they highlight each sentence as it's being read. This helps keep students focused and if they look away for any reason, they don't have to scramble to find their place again.


Discovering Audiobooks: Resources for Your Classroom

There are many sources to find audiobooks that cater to students' diverse needs. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Learning Ally: Learning Ally is a fantastic resource that is specifically designed for students with dyslexia. While their are some books narrated with a synthesized voice, the vast majority are human-narrated texts. The included synchronized highlighting is what makes this my top choice. My state offers this program for free to teachers serving students with disabilities so you may want to check if it's available to you.
  • Audible: Audible offers a huge selection of audiobooks, including popular titles and classics that can be easily accessed on various devices. If students are able to access the Kindle app or if you have Fire Tablets in the clsssroom you can use Immersion Reading with provides real-time highlighting like Learning Ally. Audible Plus is $7.95 per month and includes unlimited access to their Plus library, while Premium Plus is $14.95 per month and offers 1 monthly credit for any title in addition to the Plus library.
  • OverDrive(Libby), cloudLibrary, and Hoopla: Many local libraries offer access to digital audiobooks through apps that allow students to borrow audiobooks for free with a library card. Alternatively if you're doing a whole class read, you can access the audiobook through your own library card to play in class.
  • Project Gutenberg: For public domain titles, Project Gutenberg offers a collection of free audiobooks that can be downloaded or streamed.
  • School Access: Check if your school district has access to any specific programs or platforms. Your media specialist or librarian will probably know.


I hope you'll consider giving audiobooks a try in your classroom, especially for Self-Selected Reading. Your students will thank you.


Thursday, December 1, 2022

THE POWER OF PAINT: WHY PAINTING YOUR CLASSROOM IS THE FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO

 

As I mentioned in a previous post, the first thing I did when I got my own classroom was paint, and it made such a huge difference.

The Power of Paint: Choosing a Color for your classroom - Disorderly Teaching

(click to enlarge)

The Power of Paint: Choosing a Color for your classroom - Disorderly Teaching

Since then I have painted every single one of my classrooms (up to five so far!) and helped my sister and my work bestie paint their rooms too. The way I see it, you have to stare at those walls for 1/3 of your day for most of the year. It might as well be something you enjoy looking at.

(Side note: I really need to post some before and after pictures of my rooms. Not sure if I should make that it's own post or just share them on Instagram.)

I think it really conveys a sense of caring to your students as well. Trust me, they notice when they walk into your room at the start of the year and see that your room isn't the same institution beige as all of their other classes.

But it goes beyond just aesthetics. Something as simple as the color of your classroom walls can actually affect your students' learning and behavior. For example, one study found that students in classrooms with light blue and green painted walls had lower blood pressure and pulse, and better behavior than when they were in a room with brown and off-white walls. Another found that monotone environments may induce anxiety and lead to irritability and an inability to concentrate.

Before I put paint to wall I did research on the psychology of color and the impact of color on students (especially those with disabilities). Here is what I found.

 

Understanding Color Psychology

Color psychology is the study of how color affects human behavior and emotion. Different colors can have different psychological effects on individuals. For example, red is often associated with energy, passion, and aggression, while blue is associated with calmness, tranquility, and focus. By understanding the psychology of color, we can use it to create a positive learning environment for our students.

Each color has its unique set of psychological effects that can impact an individual's emotions and behavior. Here are some common associations with specific colors:

  • Red: Often linked to energy, passion, and aggression, red can be an attention-grabber but may also evoke feelings of anxiety or restlessness.
  • Blue: Associated with calmness, tranquility, and focus, blue can create a serene and focused atmosphere.
  • Green: Symbolizing nature, growth, and balance, green can promote relaxation and concentration.
  • Yellow: Representing happiness, optimism, and creativity, yellow can stimulate mental activity and inspire positive feelings. However, too much yellow may cause agitation or overstimulation.
  • Purple: Combining the stability of blue and the energy of red, purple is often linked to creativity, luxury, and wisdom.
  • Orange:Often associated with energy, warmth, and enthusiasm, orange can evoke feelings of excitement and happiness, but it can also be perceived as bold or attention-grabbing.
 

The Best Wall Colors for a Classroom

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to selecting the best wall color for a classroom, there are certain colors that have been proven to be more effective than others.

Blue: Studies have found that blue can help reduce stress and increase focus, making it an excellent choice for classrooms. This is especially beneficial for students with anxiety, ADHD, or other attention-related disabilities.

Green: Green is a natural and soothing color that can create a sense of balance and harmony in the classroom. It is also associated with growth and renewal, which can be motivating for students.

Yellow: Yellow is a cheerful and energizing color that can boost mood and creativity. However, it is important to use this color sparingly, as too much yellow can be overwhelming and cause anxiety.

Neutral Colors: Neutral colors such as white, beige, and gray can create a clean and organized space, which can promote a sense of calmness and focus in the classroom.

Colors to Avoid

While some colors can have a positive impact on student learning and behavior, others can have the opposite effect. Here are a few colors to avoid:

Red: Red is an intense and stimulating color that can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and aggression, which is not conducive to a positive learning environment.

Orange: Orange is a vibrant and energizing color that can stimulate creativity and enthusiasm. However, it can also be distracting and overstimulating, especially for students with ADHD or sensory processing disorders.

Dark colors: Dark colors such as black and dark brown can create a sense of heaviness and negativity in the classroom. This can lead to feelings of depression and fatigue, which can negatively impact student motivation and productivity.

 

Crafting the Perfect Palette: Using Color Psychology in the Classroom

By being mindful of the psychological effects of colors, we can create classroom environments that promote learning, focus, and positive emotions. Here are some additional tips to consider when selecting colors for your classroom:

  • Balance Warm and Cool Colors: Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can evoke feelings of excitement and energy, while cool colors like blue, green, and purple can promote relaxation and focus. Striking a balance between these colors can create a harmonious and stimulating atmosphere.
  • Consider the Needs of Your Students: When choosing colors, take into account the unique needs and preferences of your students, especially those with learning disabilities or sensory sensitivities. For example, cool and calming colors might be more beneficial for students with ADHD, while high-contrast colors could be helpful for students with visual impairments.
  • Factor in Your Decor: If you're taking the time to paint, chances are you have a classroom theme or design scheme already in mind. Try to match your color choices to that. When we had a cafe theme, we did a soft, warm brown with accent colors. For my superhero classroom I used off white with dark gray accents to pair with the bright colors of the Carson Dellosa Aim High line of decor I used. This year I didn't have time to paint my whole room so it is the original beige with 2 lovely green walls to watch the botanical decor I've been using.
  • Experiment with Accent Colors: As I said, you don't have to repaint your entire classroom to benefit from color psychology. Try just painting a single wall. Ideally you should choose a wall you want to draw attention to, such as around your whiteboard or where you place a word wall or other anchor charts.
  • Consider the size of your classroom: If your classroom is small or cramped, choose lighter colors that will make the space feel more open and airy. If your classroom is large or cavernous, choose darker colors that will make the space feel more cozy and intimate.
  • Avoid Overly Bright Colors: Brightly colored walls (as well as high light levels) may increase glare. They can also be overwhelming and lead to restlessness, particularly for students with sensory processing issues or ADHD. Therefore, the wall color in a classroom should not be too bright. Avoid super glossy paint for the same reason.
  • Pay Attention to Lighting and Glare: Lighting can play a significant role in creating a comfortable learning environment, especially for students with visual impairments or light sensitivity. Soft, natural light is ideal. Avoid harsh fluorescent lighting, and consider using adjustable blinds or curtains to control sunlight. If natural light isn't an option, place some lamps around the room. It makes a huge difference! I use a set of remote plugs like these to turn mine on and off each day with no hassle.
  • Limit Exposure to Fumes: This is for yourself and your students. Firstly, I highly recommend painting your classroom at the start of the year before students return. That way there is plenty of time for it to air out. When buying paint, go for one with low VOCs. I usually get Valspar Signature paint from Lowes and have never had an issues personally while painting (and I have allergies and asthma) and it doesn't leave behind a smell.

 

Sources

Barrett, P., Davies, F., Zhang, Y., & Barrett, L. (2015) The impact of classroom design on pupils' learning: Final results of a holistic, multi-level analysis, Building and Environment, 89. 118-133 .

Barrett, P., Davies, F., Zhang, Y., & Barrett, L. (2017). The Holistic Impact of Classroom Spaces on Learning in Specific Subjects. Environment and Behavior, 49(4), 425–451.

Chang, Bo; Xu, Renmei; and Watt, Tiffany (2018). "The Impact of Colors on Learning,"
Adult Education Research Conference. https://newprairiepress.org/aerc/2018/papers/30

Grangaard, Ellen Mannel, "Effects of color and light on selected elementary students" (1990).
UNLV Retrospective Theses & Dissertations. 2961

Mahnke, F.H. (1996) Color, Environment, and Human Response: An Interdisciplinary Understanding of Color and Its Use as a Beneficial Element in the Design of the Architectural Environment. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1-234.

Yildirim K, Cagatay K, Ayalp N. Effect of wall colour on the perception of classrooms. Indoor and Built Environment. 2015;24(5):607-616.

https://www.eschoolnews.com/educational-leadership/2023/01/20/classroom-design-promotes-effective-learning/

https://profcamp.tripod.com/ClassroomDesign/IdealClass.html

https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824




Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Distance Learning - Best Practices for Special Education

Distance Learning - Best Practices for Special Education

I know things are all a bit crazy and uncertain as we approach our first new school year in the era of COVID-19 (here's hoping someone reads this post in the future and says "Oh wow, remember that? So glad it's over." and not "Oh man, remember that? Things were so much better back then").

It certainly doesn't help that there is a serious lack of cohesion in our country, with some districts going back to full-time in-person teaching, some staying in full-time remote instruction, and others employing a myriad of "hybrid models." 

My school district recently announced that we will continue distance learning for the start of the school year until ???. Now that I know what we're doing, I feel like I can finally start planning for the new school year. To be honest I've been having a hard time, debating over a few different options:
  • Recognize that this year is likely to be a crapshoot, try not to stress and save myself some work by following my District's scope and sequence with our online textbook.
  • Use this as a chance to go all in with technology and play around with methods of online gamification
  • Stick with designing my curriculum around self-selected reading and find a way to make independent reading work without the accountability of students reading in class.
  • Not focus as much on reading and instead go all-in with writing instruction this year.
I've been bouncing these possibilities in my head for weeks, and finally talked to my darling partner Ki who (after listening to me babble for twenty minutes trying to get my thoughts in order) told me exactly what I needed to hear:

"What's going to be the best thing for your students?"

He also said some other lovely stuff about how I'll do amazing work no matter what I choose, and how my students always love my class and still will, but that one point really helped set my path.

Because here's the thing: This entire time I've been stressing about teaching remotely, I've been thinking about me. What will I do? What will I enjoy? What opportunities do I have?

I knew COVID-19 had forced teachers to think about a lot of things differently, but not that it had made my priorities do a complete 180. So I stopped thinking about what I would do and instead started to research what my students need.

Student working on Chromebook. Disorderly Teaching - Distance Learning - Best Practices for Special Education
The following information will be helpful for any teachers providing remote instruction, but I specifically researched what would work for secondary students with high-incidence disabilities like Learning Disabilities and ADHD.


Don't Abandon Good Teaching Practices

If you're reading this, then chances are you're a dedicated teacher who understands both content and teaching pedagogy. Many of the evidence based practices we've used for years still apply even when teaching online. Continue to use them, even if they need to be adapted for online use.

Want more resources on teaching practices? Check out the CEC's High-Leverage Practices, and the IES What Works Clearinghouse.


Build Relationships

I honestly believe this is the number one most important thing for any teacher, but it is especially true when working with students with disabilities. Many of these students have spent years in school feeling frustrated, disappointed, and less than. A teacher who takes the time to get to know them, caters to their needs and interests, and genuinely believes in them can make all the difference in the world.

This school year you may have returning students, or students you have never met before, so the amount of work you'll need on the front end will vary. Dedicate the first few days of the year primarily to building relationships. Remember, not only are you meeting your students for the first time, but many of them will be meeting their peers as well. Find ways to build in collaboration or discussion to foster friendships.

A word of WARNING: Avoid putting students on the spot, especially in the first days of class. No one wants to have to present to their entire class when they're still trying to settle in. I know it's easy to do a little "everyone tell us your name and some interesting things about you" in that first online meeting, but you might end up creating a lot of anxiety and stress.

Instead you can use something written or creative that doesn't require talking or being on camera, like introduction slides. If you want students to introduce themselves on video, use a tool like Flipgrid so students can record their video and redo it if they need to, to take some of the pressure off.

As the school year continues, remember that building relationships should be ongoing, and not limited to just a few icebreakers on Day One.


Keep Things Consistent

For many students with disabilities, knowing what to expect each day can be extremely helpful. This can apply in a number of ways, so I'll touch on a few. 

Scheduling - This is probably number one. Have a set schedule for each day or week and try not to change it. I know what you're thinking but this doesn't need to be overly specific or monotonous. Try to establish a schedule based on activity type, grouping etc. rather than something super specific. 
 
Websites and Tools - One of the issues I ran into when we went to remote instruction last school year was that if an assignment wasn't on Google Classroom, many of my students didn't do it. This became an issue when I tried to use other websites like Newsela or No Red Ink to issue student assignments. I started posting an "assignment" on Google classroom with instructions to go to the appropriate website and complete the task, but I still had too many kids who would just click "Turn In" and not do the assignment. 

This year I am going to try to have all assignments on one platform (either the online portal for our textbook or Google Classroom, depending on what I do curriculum-wise). I also found that students were getting confused about resources versus assignments on Google Classroom so I will probably set up a Google Sites page for resources.

Assignment Format - My students also had a hard time learning how to use different Google tools for completing assignments. Filling in Google Forms was easiest for them, but there's no way to save without submitting so it doesn't work for longer assignments. They did okay writing in Google Docs but were notorious for accidentally (or accidentally-on-purpose) deleting the directions or resources in the doc or even deleting the document itself. Then I tried using Google Slides with locked backgrounds for directions and text boxes for them to fill in. Many students couldn't understand how to use them, and others had technical issues especially when using their phones to work.

All of that led to a lot of frustration and time wasted on their part and mine. This year I will try to stick to Google Forms and then one other format for all longer assignments. I'll need to spend time teaching my students how to complete assignments in that format but once I do they'll know what to expect and how to do all of their work. 

Visuals - This one can be tough. There are so many cute PDFs on Teachers Pay Teachers, and adorable Google Slides templates that we want to try all of them (or is that just me?). But for students with disabilities, it is helpful to have a consistent look to your presentations and documents. They'll know what to expect and where to find information each time. I'd recommend establishing a template your follow in terms of title, text, and graphic placement. If possible use one consistent font, but if you want/need to be more creative then choose 2 or 3 and limit yourself to those. Mix things up by varying colors, graphics, and backgrounds.
 

Focus on Essential Skills

Distance learning is not the same as in person learning. It just isn't. For some students being able to work from home at their own pace is a blessing, but for many it's far more difficult. For teachers, checking in on student work and offering help will take longer, and classroom time will be lost due to technical issues.

We need to accept that reality and adjust our expectations accordingly. Aim to still hit all of your required standards, but consider what is most essential to cover in depth this school year. What will most help your students succeed next school year, in college or trade schools, and once they're employed adults? Focus on that and adjust your pacing as needed to meet the needs of your students.


Provide Oral Presentation

One of the most common academic impacts of disabilities for students is difficulty with reading. When we teach in person we often account for this by reading directions out loud, repeating them as necessary, and rewording them to ensure student understanding. In contrast, when students are completing work independently online, we tend to present instructions in writing along with whatever assignment they are doing.

Consider adding an audio clip of you reading the directions as well, or even better, include a video of you reading the directions and demonstrating on your screen. You can record audio with your phone or tablet, or any number of free audio recorders that will use your PC microphone. For recording your screen, Screencastify is really easy to use and free for recordings up to five minutes (if your directions are longer than five minutes, consider shortening them. If you can't, you may need to present them directly during a live session so students can ask clarifying questions).


Chunk Material

We would never spend an entire period doing just one thing and expect our students to stay engaged, so why are teachers doing 50 minute Zoom sessions? (Even worse, why are some teachers lecturing for 50 minute Zoom sessions?)

Depending on your schedule, you can break up your periods in different ways. If you have shorter periods you may do whole group for the first half, and then independent or small group work for the second half. Longer block periods will need to be broken up a bit differently. This may involve having students leave your video conference and then come back later at a set time. If you do this, make sure you're very clear about who is to come back when, and schedule reminders if you're able to.

Don't be afraid to have students do independent work. I know it's hard when you're not in the room to actively monitor students. If necessary, you can have students stay on camera while they're working.


Offer Direct Support

For a student to be successful when attending school from home they need top notch executive functioning skills - something many students with disabilities struggle with. Pay attention to which of your students seem to struggle with online learning and take time to work with them one-on-one. They may need help with how to physically use technology tools, navigating websites, accessing their accounts etc. Often older students do not have parents at home, or their parents may not understand the online platforms any better than your student does.

Also make sure you're offering one-on-one and small group academic support. If your students were working independently in your classroom, you'd likely be circulating and assisting as needed. You can stay online in your video meeting during student independent work time so students can pop in to ask for help as needed. If students aren't performing but don't ask for help, schedule a one-on-one meeting with them.


Document Everything

This should honestly go without saying. In the world of special education there is a constant need to document provided services, interventions, progress towards goals, etc. This goes double with distance learning. Many parents are rightfully concerned about ensuring their child is receiving the support they need and/or are legally entitled to.

As tedious as it may be, keep meticulous notes and records. Record your online sessions and maintain the recordings for a year (you may want to keep them longer depending on the student and their parent - use your best judgement). Save ALL of your e-mails. I use labels in G-Mail to keep everything organized and out of my inbox while still keeping all of my communication. Also, as tempting as it is to let your e-mails stand alone as documentation of contact, write them down in your notes or contact logs as well. The last thing you want to have to do is scramble to find and document every message with a staff member, student, or parent when you get called into a meeting or get an e-mail from the principal!

If any of the platforms you use provide data on student usage, log-in times, etc. grab screenshots of anything concerning, or for any students you feel you're more likely to be called upon to provide data for. This can not only document services and instruction you provided, but also if the student is attending as they've been instructed and attempting to complete their work.


Infographic. Disorderly Teaching - Distance Learning - Best Practices for Special Education


Resources








Thursday, October 18, 2018

USING AMBIENT-MIXER IN THE CLASSROOM

Just a quick post to share a cool tool I've found reduces the noise level in my room.


Okay, so have y'all heard of the site Ambient-Mixer?

It's a website where you can combine 100's of different ambient noises including sound effects and music, in order to make the perfect background noise for whatever you need. I first heard about it because people were using it to make really cool "audio atmospheres" based on books and TV shows, like "Gryffindor Common Room," "Neverland," and "Sherlock's Apartment." Being an uber-nerd, I created a mix for the Hufflepuff Common Room and I listen to it all the time when studying or doing homework.

It wasn't until this year that I decided to try using Ambient-Mixer in my classroom. I sometimes play PrimeMusic at a low volume when my students are doing independent work to limit their talking, but it was presenting some issues. I kept getting requests from kids to change the song or play sometimes specific, and music with lyrics could be distracting.

So one day I decided to pull up Ambient-Mixer and give it a try. After some complaints and arguing over what to listen to ("No not rain, it will make me have to pee!" "Miss what is this? I don't need to feel like some animal is gonna come eat me!" "Okay that weird giggling is creepy!") we found a mix the class liked overall and they got to work.

And they were quiet. I think they all were silent at first so they could listen to the sounds a bit. Then they got into the groove of working and stayed quiet. Not perfectly silent mind you, but far quieter than usual. It was beautiful.

So now I give my kids the option of silence, music, or ambiance. When they want the ambiance I sometimes let the class or one student choose what to listen to. You'd be surprised what they come up with. Mostly it's typical things like rain, bonfire, or a storm. But I've had kids challenge me like "I want to be in New York City," or "Let's be on a pirate ship."

A great thing about the site is that you can edit anything you open. I often adjust the sounds for the first few minutes until it's a nice balance, lowering the volume of anything too loud or sharp, and sometimes muting really distracting sounds (sorry calling deer in the forest. You make it sound like we have a cow in the room).


Beyond just background noise, you can use Ambient Mixer to add some atmosphere during readings. I've got a fairy forest mix we use for A Midsummer Night's Dream, and I'll pull things like Marketplace or Dance Hall when reading Romeo and Juliet.

And you can make your own. The possibilities there are endless. Custom design sounds for your class, certain activities, or stories. You can even have the kids make some themselves.

It's a really cool tool and I hope you try it out.

Friday, August 4, 2017

A NEW CHAPTER: HOW TO ACCEPT CHANGE

Another year, another change. That seems to be how it goes lately. You get settled in to a routine, figure things out to the point that you're actually preparing for the next school mid-year and then BAM! Change.

Last year it was that they were shifting Janice and my schedule so we only team taught half of the day. The year before that they got rid of double-block reading. The year before that we changed rooms and started team teaching. Looking back on it, I don't know why I thought this year would be any different. But really, this year is a doozy.

In the last few weeks of this past school year we found out:

  • We are no longer team teaching at all
  • We are moving from the biggest classroom in the school to the smallest (literally)
  • I will be floating
  • The district completely changed how we place students in Reading
  • I will be providing support facilitation for the first time
  • I will be teaching an entirely different Reading curriculum for the first time

So, knowing how much my ASD brain hates change, you can imagine how hard this all was to accept, and why I'm only writing about it now when the summer is nearly over.

I hate change. I especially hate change when it seems illogical to me, or if I feel that the real reason behind the change is being hidden from us. Those factors are definitely playing a role with some of the changes this year. But we did what we could to fight some of these changes (and lost on all counts), so now it's time to move on.


Disorderly Teaching - How to Accept Change




1. Ask yourself why you are resistant to this change.

Often you may find it's just that it's different and you don't want to deal with doing anything outside the status quo. If that's the case, suck it up buttercup. Some change is good. (Ironic, coming from me, I know).

Other times you will have a genuine reason to fight the change. Carefully consider if it's the former or the latter before overreacting. Then, consider if your reason for fighting the change is emotional or logical. If it's a matter of emotion, you may have to just let it go. However, if there is a logical problem which may affect your students' education etc. then go ahead and bring it up with administration. This may fall on deaf ears, but at least you'll know you did try and won't spend time later wondering what would have happened if you had spoken up.



2. Try to find good in the change.

Granted, this will only work in certain circumstances, but give it a try. For instance, I hate that I have to teach a brand new curriculum, but I am glad that the district finally recognizes a need to address phonics skills in high school for our struggling readers. It's going to take a shit ton of work to do it (and they'll probably change my teaching schedule again next year. Grr), but I know my students will benefit from it.



3. Recognize what you can and can't control.

There are two parts to this. One is the obvious step of realizing there are some thing you can't control and letting them go. But the other is recognizing that even if you can't do anything to change the situation, there are things you can do to have some control.

They're splitting Janice and I up so there's no more team teaching, but we love each other and still want to be around each other. So we decided I would float into her room, and we'll set up an office in the closet so whomever is on planning will be close by.

I'm doing support facilitation this year. I can't change that, but I can control how that experience goes. I can reach out to the gen ed teacher I'll be working with, do plenty of prep and research, and go in prepared on day one.



4. Take some time to bitch about it.

No, this is not going to do anything to change your situation or make the change go away, but it may help you feel better. Sometimes you're in a situation that you really can't do anything about and that is incredibly frustrating. Rather than keeping that frustration bottled inside of you and stewing over it for months, let it all out. Curse and complain, express all of your fears and doubts, and even cry a little. It won't fix everything but you'll feel a little but lighter once you let that all go. Just make sure you do it off campus where young ears and APs are out of earshot : p

As a bonus, letting yourself freely complain without a filter can often help you get to the root of your feelings on the matter, and help you identify what you can do to improve things.



5. Take care of yourself.

I think this is something that we as teachers often struggle with. Our entire career is built on putting our students ahead of ourselves and it can be difficult to break out of that mindset and focus on self-care. Despite that, we really should be thinking about it throughout the year and taking care of ourselves. This is doubly (tripley? quadrupley?) true when you're dealing with added stress.

This could become an entire post, or even series of posts, all by itself so rather than rambling on, I put together a Pinterest board that may help you in this area.





So I guess that's it. Sorry this post doesn't end with a magic spell or ultimate secret to take away the stress of illogical change. Sadly those do not exist, and the only thing you can really do is work through it. So I will leave you with this quote:

Disorderly Teaching - How to Accept Change

Sunday, June 12, 2016

5 MORE THINGS EVERY TEACHER SHOULD DO EACH SUMMER

I previously posted my 5 Things Every Teacher Should Do Each Summer, which I still stand by and highly recommend you check out. But let's be honest: as teachers we put our whole heart and 99.7% of our energy into teaching during the school year so we have a lot to make up for come summer time. That's why I've got:


5 More Things Every Teacher Should Do Each Summer - Disorderly Teaching



1. Read


Perhaps I'm a little biased as a Reading teacher, but I think everyone should have a stack of books ready to read when they have some free time. I get a little overzealous with this each year and take home way more than I could possibly read. This year I brought home:

The Secret Life of Bees
Fever 1793
Speak
Paper Towns
Okay for Now
Unwind
A Lesson Before Dying
Kiss Kill Vanish

I also brought home several academic books to skim over the summer, and Mechanically Inclined to read. And I have several academic articles and research reports to look at. And books on hold at the library. And then I bought a new book... So yeah, I went a bit crazy.



2. Improve Your Health


Have you run yourself ragged during the school year? (Who am I kidding? Of course you have!) Take some time this summer to rejuvenate and take care of yourself. My primary goals this summer are to get back to eating healthy meals, and to get on my treadmill! I started the Zombie 5k program forever ago but never finished. This summer I'm committed to completing the program.

Also go and pamper yourself a bit. Get a fresh haircut, a nice pedicure, or a relaxing massage. If you don't want to spend a lot, look for a beauty school or college nearby that offers discount services for letting students do the work. Students in those schools need a certain number of practice hours and they're always looking for new victims volunteers.



3. Purge


This can apply to your home or your classroom (if you're crazy like me and will going in during the summer). Chances are you've got stacks of old receipts to file, old gifts you never wanted, clothes that don't fit, outdated class posters from the 80s, and some expired cough drops sitting around. Time to get rid of the junk, and breathe in a sigh of relief when you see how much more open your space becomes. If you haven't already read it, check out The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The author does get a little extreme and spiritual with her belongings, but it gave me the motivation to finally get rid of tons of clutter. Also, rolling your socks is the best thing ever.



4. Socialize


When's the last time you talked to your second cousin who has the same unique hobby as you? Was your nephew teething the last time you saw him and now he's applying for college? Now's the time to reach out. Sure, take a few weeks at the start of summer to hibernate and recharge, but then get out there. Look up some old friends, get together with family, go out with colleagues with a "no work talk" rule, or even just spend some quality time with members of your own household. Trust me, being aspie, this is hard for me, but I know there are benefits and it's worth the effort.



5. Make a List



Hmm, maybe this should have been the first thing on this list, but oh well. It's already typed and I'm too lazy to renumber everything now. Plus I want reading to be first because, you know - biased Reading teacher.

Anyway, one thing I find most years is that I let the summer get away from me. A week or two of just relaxing turns into a month and a half, followed by panic of "Where did the summer go?!" and "I didn't do anything!" So if you follow nothing else in this post, at least do this: Take a few minutes to sit down and put together a master list of what you want to do this summer. There should be fun and relaxing stuff, home projects or tasks you need to take on, and some work related stuff you never have time for during the school year.

To make this easier for you I've put together a printable summer planner which you can grab for free here:

Summer To Do List printable - Disorderly Teaching


Looking for ideas? Here's my list:

Summer To Do List example - Disorderly Teaching

So, what are your plans for the summer?



Note: this post contains a few affiliate links for books, which means I receive small commission if you decide to purchase anything through Amazon using my links. I only recommend items I've purchased and used myself, so trust that everything I post is legit, and I haven't received anything free or been asked to post any of these items : )

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

SOME TIMES YOU JUST WANT TO PINCH THEIR CHEEKS

One thing I believe in very strongly, though I haven't taken the time to discuss it much here, is building a rapport with your students. My situation may be different because I work in special education (though not with students with profound impairments etc), but I've found that even at the high school level, students crave respect and affection.



Working in high school, many of our students act like our signs of affection and caring don't matter, but often the kids who shun it most, most desperately need it.

Case in point: We have a student who barely spoke to me in his first year with me. He explicitly said he doesn't trust people and doesn't need anybody "getting up in their feelings" over him. If I tried to give him a hug, he'd run from the room.



We've now had this student in my class for three years. He still acts like I annoy him, and that he doesn't want to be around, yet he finds his way to our room repeatedly throughout the day. Despite knowing that he seeks us out, he still acts very closed off.



But yesterday something interesting happened. I had to leave early for a doctor's appointment. When this student came by our room, the following exchange happened between him and my co-teacher Janice:



Student: Where's Ms M---?

Janice: She had to leave for a doctor's appointment.

Student: Yo, wait. What kind of doctor's appointment? Do I need to be worried?

Janice: No, it was just a regular appointment.

Student: Oh, like a check up or something? Ok, good. because I'm gonna need her for the next twenty years.





So know that, even if it seems like you aren't getting through, and that the kids think you don't matter - you're wrong. It's working, they need it, and it's worth it.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

ON BEHALF OF THE SLOW KIDS


Disorderly Teaching - On Behalf of the Slow Kids


Today my sister started teaching her students about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. To introduce it, she had them write down what they felt was essential for life - what we cannot live without - on index cards.

The kids came up with the basics like food, water, oxygen, and shelter, as well as the luxuries you'd expect like internet, cell phone, Playstation, etc.

As she was writing all of their answers on the board, her student with autism and serious processing delays was still working on his card.

After what of course felt like an eternity, he handed his card in. Hearing his answers brought tears to my eyes.

There on his card was written: art, hope, help, and strength.

While everyone focused on our external needs, he zeroed in on what it means to be human and survive in this world.

Even writing about it now is getting me misty eyed. This is a student who is so in his own world that people assume he knows nothing and hears nothing. The kind of kid we teachers are often guilty of looking past, because it's easier than asking five times and waiting several minutes for a response. The very kind of kid we should be reaching out towards.

So I ask you, next time a student is too frustrating to deal with, too slow to respond, or seems to be in a other world, give them your time and patience. What you get back may surprise you.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

USING COLORING FOR STUDENTS WITH ADHD



Disorderly Teaching - Using Coloring for Students with ADHD


Just a brief post today to tell you guys about the wonders of coloring, even in the high school classroom.

There's been tons of research done about the benefits of coloring (see links at the bottom of this post), but I'm writing from personal experience as a teacher.

One of the best discoveries we made in the last few years in our classroom was the power of coloring to settle students with ADHD. One of our students is a delight. He loves to learn, is first to class every day with a smile on his face, and encourages others. But some days his ADHD is so bad that he cannot function in class. I'm talking about a high school student climbing into boxes and meowing, jumping around the room, and generally creating havoc. He doesn't mean to be disruptive, but he literally cannot control his energy and impulses.

On those days, we pull out coloring books and small point markers. He will literally bound up, grab the supplies and hunker down in a corner. He can go for two hours (we're on block schedule), just sitting quietly, when moments before he was bouncing off the walls. It really brings out the magic of Magic Markers : p

We like the Creative Haven Coloring Books, because they have clean lines and good small details (from our experience, regular coloring pages with large shapes don't work). They're also cheap enough on Amazon to pick up several (see referral links below).

A must try for hyperactive students and those with ADHD. Coloring helps calm them down and bring them focus, even when nothing else seems to work!

Some students like more whimsical designs, but my first choice would be anything with symmetry or tessellations. Trying to match their colors to the symmetry or design helps give their mind something to focus on.

                             

I also recommend giving them markers. The bright, clear colors are more visually pleasing and satisfying than the uneven color of crayons or colored pencils. It also lets them focus on the color pattern, rather than getting frustrated with trying to get solid color fills. Make sure they have plenty of colors to choose from. We just give them a full marker bin so they have free choice.

A must try for hyperactive students and those with ADHD. Coloring helps calm them down and bring them focus, even when nothing else seems to work!

So, next time one of your students is driving you, the class, and themselves crazy, hand them something to color, then let me know how it worked!


For more information, check out these websites:

Coloring Isn't Just For Kids. It Can Actually Help Adults Combat Stress - Huffington Post

Why Adults Are Buying Coloring Books (for Themselves) - The New Yorker

Why Adults Are Going Back to Colouring Books - Psychologics

Friday, August 14, 2015

8 AWESOME GIFTS FOR NEW TEACHERS




Today at work we threw a surprise party for my sister Momo for both her 30th birthday and to congratulate her for getting her first teaching job. Unfortunately I have no pictures because I was too bust setting up and then trying to keep everyone quiet, lest we lose the surprise aspect of the party. lol

Naturally, I wanted to give my sister a gift that was both useful and meaningful so I put together a gift basket (or rather several gift bags) of items that I find essential as a teacher. I've decided to share that list with you, both for people looking for good gifts for teachers, and for teachers themselves on the look out for some tools to add to their arsenal.

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which means I receive small commission if you decide to purchase anything through Amazon using my links. I only recommend items I've purchased and used myself, so trust that everything I post is legit, and I haven't received anything free or been asked to post any of these items : )

So without further ado:

Disorderly Teaching - 8 Awesome Gifts for New Teachers


Paper Mate Flair Pens

8 Awesome Gifts for New Teachers - Disorderly Teaching 
An absolute must for any teacher! Perfect for color coding, annotating, or just grading with something other than red! I use these babies EVERY day in my classroom and I love, love, love them. They write beautifully, the colors are vibrant, they don't bleed through, and they seem to last a long time. I’ve had mine for a couple of years and haven’t had to replace them yet.




Seville Mesh Desk Organizer

8 Awesome Gifts for New Teachers - Disorderly Teaching

I love this organizer so much I bought a second one for my co-teacher so she could revel in its magic (and so our desks could match). I actually got mine at Costco but it seems they no longer carry it so Amazon to the rescue! I really like that it has both horizontal pull out drawers which are great for loose papers, and vertical dividers for file folders and notebooks.



Officemate Deluxe Rotary Organizer

8 Awesome Gifts for New Teachers - Disorderly Teaching

Is there a single teacher who doesn’t have one of these spinny dervish organizer things on their desk? They’re super useful and this one I found is even better than my own. In fact it was the highlight of the party and everyone was asking where they could get one. It's no surprise. I mean it’s got a built in tape dispenser and Post-it compartment. How cool is that?



What Teachers Make:
In Praise of the Greatest Job in the World

8 Awesome Gifts for New Teachers - Disorderly Teaching

I picked this one up on a whim since I love Taylor Mali’s poem What Teachers Make. If you haven't seen the video, check it out here:



I think every teacher needs a little motivation, especially when you're first starting out. Mali understands what really matters as a teacher and always gets me pumped.




Lined Easel Pads

8 Awesome Gifts for New Teachers - Disorderly Teaching


These are great for making anchor charts, and the fact that they’re lined makes my OCD heart happy. No crooked anchor charts!



Sharpie Flip Chart Markers

8 Awesome Gifts for New Teachers - Disorderly Teaching

Because you need good markers to make good charts : )



PaperPro One Finger Stapler

8 Awesome Gifts for New Teachers - Disorderly Teaching

I LOVE this stapler... and apparently so do other people since it's always going missing from my desk. It's super easy to use, which is great for those times when the copier decides it doesn't want to staple your 100 packets and you have to do it by hand.


Adorable Sticky Notes


8 Awesome Gifts for New Teachers - Disorderly Teaching

Because OMG how cute!

Bees Page Tabs

Chick Page Tabs

Animal Sticky Notes



Honorable Mentions

These items I didn’t buy because we’d already picked them up during summer sales, or she has easy access to them from supplies at work. I’m posting them anyway, in case you found this post while looking for teacher gift ideas and need a bit more. Any teacher would be happy to receive these.


Pencils: Teachers can never, ever, EVER have enough pencils.

Dry Erase Markers: Go for a variety of colors instead of the boring old black, red, blue and green. I like choosing two main colors each month to punch up our daily agenda.

Dry Erase Board Cleaner: Please, don't use anything else to clean a white board. You eventually ruin the finish and the board is never the same.

Sharpies: A mix of round and fine tip is best, to provide versatility, as well as multiple colors.

Highlighters: The old standard yellow can be great, but multi-colored highlighters are amazing for annotating text and coding evidence. I bought 20 5-packs of highlights this summer!

Post-Its: Another supply teachers use and need ALL THE TIME.

Tool Kit: You'd be surprised how often this comes in handy. Make sure whatever you get has a hammer, needle nose pliers, measuring tape, and a ratcheting screwdriver with multiple bit types and sizes. A level is a great one too, especially if the teacher is your life is a bit OCD.

Sewing Kit: If you're anything like me, then chances are kids come running to you when they have wardrobe issues. Not only can you fix it for them with basic sewing supplies, but it gives you an opportunity to teach them a valuable life skill.

Paper Trimmer: I HIGHLY recommend getting a sliding blade trimmer versus a guillotine style. I have yet to meet a guillotine cutter that's aligned at a correct 90 degree angle.

Microwave: This can literally change a teacher's life. It opens up a new world of options for lunch and snacks, plus it can save that cup of coffee you forgot about an hour earlier.


Saturday, July 18, 2015

5 Things Every Teacher Should Do Each Summer

5 Things Every Teacher Should Do Each Summer - Disorderly Teaching

Yes, summer time is finally here! It's the moment you've been looking forward to for at least the last month or two (don't deny it). If you're anything like me, come the end of the summer you'll be wondering "Where did all of the time go?" and "What did I even do?" With that in mind I can up with five things we should all do each summer.



5 Things Every Teacher Should Do Each Summer - Disorderly Teaching

Take Time to Relax


I don't know a single teacher who isn't mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted by the time they walk out the doors at the end of the school year. You've worked hard and earned this break, so take advantage of it.

Now, relaxing means different things to different people. For me, it's letting my body sleep as much as it wants (often over 10 hours a night at the beginning of summer when my body is recouping). For my friend, it's waking up early to hit the beach in time for sunrise, and for another it's RV'ing around the country.

So, figure out what it is helps you relax, and seek it out. I have a rule at home, that I'm not doing anything for the first week of summer but relaxing. Institute the same rule if you need to and hit the spa, read a book in the backyard, do some coloring, or practice Tai Chi in the park. Whatever works for you, do it.



5 Things Every Teacher Should Do Each Summer - Disorderly Teaching

Tackle a big non-work project


I think it's in our nature for teachers to give their all to their students and lessons during the school year, often to the detriment of things at home. I know I'm guilty of it at least. That's why each summer I try to tackle at least one large home project, and try to make some progress on a few others as well. This will help give you a sense of accomplishment, and reconnect you to life outside the classroom.

For me this year, it's finishing painting our house. Last spring we began searching for a home to purchase, intending to buy at the start of summer. We figured we'd have several weeks before move in to paint the house and get everything ready. Of course that didn't happen. We closed less than a week before the start of the school year so we're way behind where we'd like to be with the house.

So this summer try tackling some home upgrades, deep clean the house, or finally clear out and organize that walk-in closet. Of course if you have kids, just keeping up and spending time with them may be enough of a project. : )



5 Things Every Teacher Should Do Each Summer - Disorderly Teaching

Learn something about your field


It seems that educational best practices change all the time, and it can be hard to keep up. I try to read anything that comes my way during the school year, and check Pinterest regularly then as well but there's still so much to learn. That's why I try to actively learn during the summer.

This year I'm attending a CHAMPS training offered by our district (I made my sister sign up too. Always bring a friend to trainings if you can!). Most districts offer in person or online trainings for free, so see if any are of interest to you. It sucks to give up a day of vacation, but it's often well worth it.

No trainings offered near you? No problem. Time to check out some of those amazing education books you've heard so much about. Reading The Book Whisperer two summers ago completely changed my teaching, so I always write down books people are raving about (suggestions welcome). I just read The CAFE Book to see how well it can apply to high school, and have a few more books waiting in the wings .

And of course there's the internet. I have a board on Pinterest titled Read then Pin, for all of those interesting sites, blogs, and articles I come across but don't have the time (or mental energy) to read when I find them. Each summer I work to clear that board out.



5 Things Every Teacher Should Do Each Summer - Disorderly Teaching

Sort computer files


If your district is like mine, then chances are they tell you to back up your teacher computer files over the summer, in case anything happens to the network. As much of a pain that is, I've turned it into an opportunity to be more organized.

Every year I start with a great file system in my computer, but over time it gets jumbled. I make an assessment that covers several subjects and I'm not sure where to put it, so it sits in My Documents. I accumulate tons of random files I downloaded from TPT to check out and never organized or deleted. I may also have come up with a new way of organizing during the year that I want to try out.

So, each summer I take all of my files home on a USB drive. I sort through EVERYTHING, and refile them in folders that make sense to me now. When I go back to school in August, I copy everything to my work computer and I'm cleaned up and ready to go.

I know being able to do this may not come naturally to many people, so check out my post: How to Organize Teacher Computer Files in 5 Easy Steps

BONUS: This is a good time to clear out e-mails as well. In g-mail, labels and archive are your friends! Don't be afraid to delete things you don't really need.



5 Things Every Teacher Should Do Each Summer - Disorderly Teaching

Plan for the coming year


I won't get into a huge post here about how to plan for the school year (just Google or search Pinterest for teacher planning, long range teacher plans, teacher curriculum plan, or View my Planning board here.

Bottom line is that it is SOOOO worth planning out your year ahead of time. Start by asking yourself the most crucial skills your students need to learn. Then try to arrange them so they build on each other. Even just having that simple framework of what to teach in what order will have you feeling far more sane as the new year approaches : )



So, those are my suggestions for teachers this summer. Is there anything I missed? Anything you can't stand? What are your plans for the remainder of this summer? Tell me in the comments below.