In honor of Earth Day today, April 22nd, here are some highlights from our resources related to the environment, science, and “going green.” When you have a chance, be sure to check out the rest of the lesson plans and best practices provided by our wonderful exemplary schools. Continue reading
By Peggy Lobello, 4th Grade Teacher
Orrs Elementary, Griffin, GA
Students come to us in all shapes and sizes. They come in all abilities as well. It is an ongoing task charged to educators to find ways to challenge students at all levels of ability. Teachers at Orrs Elementary School work together to provide meaningful learning experiences at all level of mastery.
Lessons based on choice menus by interest or learning style is one way to challenge students. Another way to challenge students is to provide differentiated lessons to meet the needs of all learners. Teacher-led small groups in reading or math can provide challenging opportunities with teacher direction. Continue reading
CEP’s March focus is Principle 5: Providing Opportunities for Moral Action. The following service learning idea was submitted by Tina Sohn, Art Teacher & District Character Leader, Sullivan Primary School a 2010 Nationa School of Character, Sullivan, Missouri . We’d love to hear what your school is doing.
Sullivan Primary School (pre-K through first grade) weaves character into every facet of their day. At such an early age, students are given many opportunities to apply values in everyday discussions and play.
One project that started as a small building service project grew to a district-wide project that now includes every campus in the school district, community businesses, citizens, parents, children, and school staff. The “Bowls for Hunger “soup supper night brings all stakeholders together for an exciting night with donations of goods and services as well as building relationships. Continue reading
Since my first blog post generated a response from a high school teacher wondering about what the Forum will offer for educators at the secondary level, I thought I’d feature one of our PreForum workshops today: Optimizing the High School Experience.
Just take a look at the takeaways:
Participants will learn how to help secondary students…
- Develop skills in perspective taking and empathy that lead to respectful and compassionate behavior.
- Appreciate diversity and work collaboratively with their peers.
- Build safe and respectful environments in their classrooms and school.
- Develop positive relationships with their teachers.
- Address underlying thoughts and emotions that interfere with learning.
- Become self-motivated and engaged learners.
- Identify their strengths, set goals, and prepare for their future. Continue reading
Submitted by Donna Dunar, principal, Alta Leary Elementary School
What’s that old adage, “Necessity is the mother of invention”? In 2009, we earned National Schools of Character (NSOC) winner status; in 2008, we earned standing as “finalist.” As a finalist in the NSOC process, our site visitors rightly recommended that we work on the integration of character education so as to make it more systematic. We took this feedback to heart as we grappled with what this actually meant. Continue reading
