Fun For Kids

Looking for an engaging and educational site with loads of links to further your development and have some fun at the same time?

Kathy Schrock and Discovery School have the site for you. I personally can't wait to check out the 'Information Please Factmonster' and ' Wacky Web Tales' site built on Madlibs!

Each week I hope to bring you something new and interesting on the web to try out. But why stop there? If you have a great site for kids that you would like to recommend, drop a note in the comments section and I'll check it out.

Gender Issue

I had coffee this morning to a report on television that said that males now make up just over 30% of the educational population of the K-12 system. The top reason more men have not become educators is because men can earn more money in our society outside of the educational system. OUCH. More money!

Than I came to an epiphany. Is that what my profession has come to? Money?? Of course not .... so here's the top ten reasons for being a male teacher.

10. Dibs on lost and found clothing
9. A free membership to the high school weight room
8. The biggest desk in the room
7. Snack time where sharing with the teacher is allowed
6. Endless supply of reading material
5. You always have the correct answers
4. Moms with baked goods and birthday treats
3. You know when it's a drill or when the fire is real
2. Everyone notices when you get a haircut ....., or shave
1. Whenever there's a staff athletic event, you seldom get picked last!

The Day After Progress Reports

Parents are asking great questions.

“When do we see a break down of the assignments?” I will send an attached breakdown of the assignments in a given subject when a student drops below a C-.

“How did the grade change so quickly from the last report?” Depending on the number of assignments in the book, a grade can change rapidly with only a few assignments. There’s also the tested material versus the homework. It is weighted a little more. The daily work will outweigh the tests overall in a grading period.

“Should I set up an appointment to come in and talk?” Only after you’ve talked with your child first. They are more knowledgeable than you may give credit. A student knows why they have slipped in their grades most of the time. Typically it’s a result in low daily work scores, not studying for a test, or not taking advantage of redo opportunities.

“Can you give extra credit to bring the grades up?” I don’t give extra credit to bring grades up. I do provide extra credit opportunities in each area for students who wish to take advantage of extra points.

“What can we do to help?” Provide a quiet study environment. Provide a daily routine for studying. Provide your assistance in looking over work, reading with them, and being a sounding board as they work through problems.