Well...
Yoga has been going really well. My students love it. Their specialists love it. And some of my subs have tried it. I haven't really gotten around to taking their pictures this year. I think that I may wait until next year so that I can use the pics all year. I have also began reading up on Brain Gym. I am excited to try it. I have attached an article that I enjoyed.
http://www.scribd.com/share/upload/11207284/fg65h0l3h4vfii5zfeb
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Well, I have been doing yoga with my students each morning for about two weeks now. They are loving it! I am REALLY loving it. We are currently practicing 12 different poses each morning. I feel that is has had such a positive effect on my classroom. They seem to simply move about their day more calmly (and it is two days before spring break).
Not only have I noticed a difference in my kids, but so have my TA and my substitute teacher. They both have commented on more than one occasion that they can't believe how much it is working especially with some of my more active students.
I am currently reading a book called YogaKids: Educating the Whole Child Through Yoga. I am excited to get some new ideas for when we return from Spring Break. Also, right now I am using pictures of kids from the Yoga Kit from Imaginazium, but my plan for after break is to take pictures of my own kids (who want to participate) to hang to help us to remember the poses that we have studied. I will let you know how that goes.
Not only have I noticed a difference in my kids, but so have my TA and my substitute teacher. They both have commented on more than one occasion that they can't believe how much it is working especially with some of my more active students.
I am currently reading a book called YogaKids: Educating the Whole Child Through Yoga. I am excited to get some new ideas for when we return from Spring Break. Also, right now I am using pictures of kids from the Yoga Kit from Imaginazium, but my plan for after break is to take pictures of my own kids (who want to participate) to hang to help us to remember the poses that we have studied. I will let you know how that goes.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Ahhh! I think that I am addicted to researching!
That's it. I am finally settling a new topic. I read up on math facts, loved it, and implemented so many different and new activities into my classroom. I will continue to pursue new ideas in teaching math facts to my students.
After implementing I realized that I was still struggling with my initial question, how can I change my classroom management to meet the needs of my students in a more effective manor. After doing a lot of thinking and reflecting and realizing that everything that I have done in the past is not working this year I decided to look into ways to help my students settle down.
As I investigated and and reflected I decided to give Yoga and Brain Gym a try with my students. I have purchased three resources and a Yoga Kids DVD and read many articles. I began implementing right away. My kids LOVE it and to my surprise...it is working. They are not goofy. They take it very seriously and they are so calm for the rest of the day. I used to start my day with an upbeat workout with my students and I now save that for when we need an energy boost instead.
I found the Yoga Kit and Instruction Book: Fun and Fitness put out by Imaginazium to be the most helpful for getting started. The text is a quick read and the instruction cards are extremely helpful. They can be easily posted in the room as reminders or in order of the days routine.
http://www.imaginazium.com/
That's it. I am finally settling a new topic. I read up on math facts, loved it, and implemented so many different and new activities into my classroom. I will continue to pursue new ideas in teaching math facts to my students.
After implementing I realized that I was still struggling with my initial question, how can I change my classroom management to meet the needs of my students in a more effective manor. After doing a lot of thinking and reflecting and realizing that everything that I have done in the past is not working this year I decided to look into ways to help my students settle down.
As I investigated and and reflected I decided to give Yoga and Brain Gym a try with my students. I have purchased three resources and a Yoga Kids DVD and read many articles. I began implementing right away. My kids LOVE it and to my surprise...it is working. They are not goofy. They take it very seriously and they are so calm for the rest of the day. I used to start my day with an upbeat workout with my students and I now save that for when we need an energy boost instead.
I found the Yoga Kit and Instruction Book: Fun and Fitness put out by Imaginazium to be the most helpful for getting started. The text is a quick read and the instruction cards are extremely helpful. They can be easily posted in the room as reminders or in order of the days routine.
http://www.imaginazium.com/
Monday, February 23, 2009
I have decided to change my focus after attending an amazing math seminar. The funny thing is that I am not going to focus on a smart board. Instead I am going to focus my attention to creating a community of learners in my classroom. My inspiration was the thought of teaching LIFE SKILLS instead of having "rules." I would like to teach these life skills throughout my curriculum, but will begin by reading, Conscious Classroom Management: Unlocking the Secrets of Great Teaching by Rick Smith.
http://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Classroom-Management-Unlocking-Teaching/dp/0979635500/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235425478&sr=8-1
Has anyone read this book?
Any suggestions for the implementation of life skills instead of rules?
http://www.amazon.com/Conscious-Classroom-Management-Unlocking-Teaching/dp/0979635500/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235425478&sr=8-1
Has anyone read this book?
Any suggestions for the implementation of life skills instead of rules?
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Hello!
I am a first grade teacher in Minnesota. I have created this blog as MED requirement. I am excited to begin blogging, but have never done it before. I am excited to share ideas and get feedback. Are there great blogs that you have found for first grade ideas? Do you have some yourself?
I am at the end of my Masters Program and I am beginning a new action research project. I am wondering if or how a SMART board could be used in my classroom. I am looking for any ideas or advice.
I am a first grade teacher in Minnesota. I have created this blog as MED requirement. I am excited to begin blogging, but have never done it before. I am excited to share ideas and get feedback. Are there great blogs that you have found for first grade ideas? Do you have some yourself?
I am at the end of my Masters Program and I am beginning a new action research project. I am wondering if or how a SMART board could be used in my classroom. I am looking for any ideas or advice.
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