GETTING STUDENTS OUT OF YOUR CLASS: HOW TO HELP KIDS MOVE FORWARD Wise parents make a point of working themselves out of a job: actively influencing their children to grow into mature, independent adults who don’t need “parenting.” The teacher’s mission is similar: help kids master essential skills and move on to greater challenges. Whatever your school’s grade-to-grade (or level-to-level) … [Read more...] about GETTING STUDENTS OUT OF YOUR CLASS: HOW TO HELP KIDS MOVE FORWARD

7 RULES FOR THE VIRTUAL TEACHER Whether you’re a young teacher or a mature, experienced one, chances are the recent surge in virtual learning threw some of your how-to-teach assumptions for a loop. If you’re still struggling to teach via computer, try the following tips to make things a little easier. 1. Avoid All Grumbling Don’t ever start dwelling on the “unfairness” of having to change … [Read more...] about 7 RULES FOR THE VIRTUAL TEACHER

7 GREAT PROJECTS FOR THE HOMESCHOOLING PARENT Are you starting to homeschool and suffering new-venture jitters? These are the same kids who whine, “There’s nothing to do” on rainy days: can you possibly find enough projects to keep them entertained and learning, week in and week out? Actually, one look at one homeschooling book or website may be enough to change your worry to, “How will I ever … [Read more...] about 7 GREAT PROJECTS FOR THE HOMESCHOOLING PARENT

TEACHER OR BUDDY? Being a teacher is in some ways less stressful than being a parent (you don’t have to feel responsible for every aspect of your students’ lives, be available to them 24/7, or worry about juggling time with them vs. time for your career). In some ways it’s more stressful (you have to deal with more kids at a time, more unknown factors, and more expectations from more … [Read more...] about TEACHER OR BUDDY?

PARENT OR PAL? One parent of teenagers wrote to an advice columnist, “I want my kids to feel I am their friend, but I can’t get used to the way they and their peers treat me like a waiter, expecting me to pick up after them and fetch them a soda whenever they snap their fingers.” The columnist’s response: “If you were serious about the role of parent, you wouldn’t have to get used to such … [Read more...] about PARENT OR PAL?