Lessons from Lunch: Connecting with Students

In my long teaching career, I knew that lifting kids up with kind words and a patient ear, was so very important. It made the difference between success and failure. I know that teachers have such an important impact on their students and that if we take time, see their strengths, and let them know we believe in them,

Mindfulness in Teaching: Be Where Your Feet Are

The author, Suzanne Dailey, noted that she and her girlfriends play a game called “Where are your fee?” in which they send each other photos of their feet to check in with each other about what they are doing and how they are feeling. This game helps each person consider where they are in the present moment.  It helps them reflect and shift their attention. It’s a gentle reminder to “Be where your feet are.”

The Art of Assessment

In schools across the country and probably across the world, September means assessments.  We give all kinds of assessments to get to know our students, or should I say to get to know their academic strengths and weaknesses.  I don’t think assessments have anything to do with getting to know our students.