Faith-filled Blog

Teacher Tip Tuesday: A Few Lesson Plan Sites

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:11:00 GMT

Time to freshen up your lesson plans?
Looking for back-up plans for a sub?
Want to see what others do for your subject?

Here are a few sources you may want to scan when you've got time. Bookmark them, and use them when you can. I hope you find some useful plans to use in your classroom.

Teachers Net - Over 4000 Plans

Hummingbird - Plans for Early Childhood

A to Z Teacher Stuff - Covers a Lot

The Teacher's Corner - Seasonal Plans

The Teacher's Desk - Plans for Grades 5 and 6

Education World - Very thorough

Lesson Plan Search

Literacy Resources from IRA

Science Ideas

I have no connection to the sites listed above.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: A Passion for Teaching

Stephenie Hovland — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 01:09:00 GMT

"Anyone can dabble, but once you've made that commitment, your blood has that particular thing in it, and it's very hard for people to stop you." - Bill Cosby

Passion

Remember what it was like when you went to school to become a teacher? How exciting certain aspects of teaching were? I always loved making lesson plans, unit studies, etc. Putting them into action and pulling it off successfully was a rush, too. And, then there was the look on the students' faces. Oh, I could almost see the light bulbs turn on above their heads!

Practice

After you taught for a while, you got better and better at your strengths and were able to identify your weaknesses. Now that you know what your strengths are, let me encourage you to keep at them. Practicing your strengths leads to expertise. Consider getting a higher degree or another degree in areas of your strength. It may help reignite the passion for teaching you experienced when you started. In the meantime, don't ignore your weaknesses, but don't fret over them either. According to John Maxwell, when you invest time in your strengths (not your weaknesses) you "are making an investment into your success."

Persistence

So, commit to teaching. If you've always thought about it, but haven't invested the time and money in the necessary degrees, now is the time! Don't dabble - commit! If you've been teaching in a subject area that isn't your strength, look for a way to move into your strength. Many teachers who experience burn-out do so because they forget about the passion, they don't practice in their strength areas, or they get stuck in a weak subject area.

Admit it, as a student, don't you want a teacher who is full of passion for his or her subject area? Your students want it, too. Now is the time to have passion, practice your strengths, and be persistent.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: St. Nick

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:31:00 GMT

Invite St. Nick into your classroom in a less materialistic fashion.

I'm posting some links and books for you to use. If you don't use it this year (I realize it's getting late for planning this year, but just in case you need something last minute) you can save these links to plan for next year.

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/churchandministry/churchhistory/vonBuseck_Saint_Nicholas_Santa.aspx

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/december-4-2009/saint-nicholas-tradition/5147/

http://www.devotions.co.uk/st-nicholas.shtml

http://www.share-christmas.com/stories/stnick/

http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/fatherchristmas.shtml

Here's a link to more Christmas ideas for your classroom: http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/holidays/christmas/

Enjoy the holidays!

Saturday's Book Recommendation: Celebrating Christmas by Christina Goodings

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:14:00 GMT

I was at my local library earlier this week and decided to grab a couple Christmas books from the kids' section. I fell in love with Celebrating Christmas by Christina Goodings, but was saddened to see that it's not that easy to find anywhere else.

I thought about not recommending it, but it's a great book, so even though it may be hard to find, it's worth looking for.

In Celebrating Christmas you'll find plenty of poems, legends, recipes, and more. You can learn how to make paper punch advent stars, nativity pageant costumes (easy to make,) a Christmas tree out of poles and string, etc.

This book is a great coffee table book for the holidays. Whether you're in the mood to read the legend of St. Nick (a different version than the one I'm used to) or want to learn how to wrap presents, this book would appeal especially to kids in grades 3-8. Crafty kids and their parents may try a few new things, while other families may read aloud by the fire place.

It's too bad this isn't being sold widely any more. I would keep the title and author on a piece of paper in my purse and then look for it in the used book stores. It's well worth owning.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Work Smarter (and maybe harder, too)

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:49:00 GMT

Some students don't want to put any effort into school. I'm not necessarily aiming this post at them. I'm thinking about the students who come to me after a test and say, "I studied for hours before that test, so how come I still failed?"

I usually ask that student exactly how she studied. A lot of times the answer is very obvious. If it's not obvious from how she studied (crammed) for the test, then we go back and talk about note-taking, asking questions, etc. Here are some other things you can check with your struggling students who are already putting some effort into it.

First, be sure to give them some positive feedback for putting effort into the class and not giving up (even if you suspect she has.)
Skim before diving in. This is a skill that I don't think of much. I do it all the time, though. Before starting the next chapter in science, the student should browse the pages, looking at the pictures, reading the headings, and searching for a way to relate the new chapter to things she already knows.
Capitalize on what works. If there is a study method that you or the student has found any success with, then use that even more. Often a student doesn't realize what has worked, so you may need to point it out and experiment a little.
Set goals. For the struggling student especially, this should not be a grade goal. Don't aim for an A or 100%, but try for a behavior instead. In reading, the goal could be to read so many pages by a certain date. Or, in the social studies book, a goal might be to write notes about all the vocabulary words highlighted in the text before the class gets to the review. Again, this may be something that a teacher or parent needs to help with. A long-term goal of raising a grade from an F to a D will be more attainable with concrete behavioral short-term goals.
Take notes. I encourage this as early as possible. Taking notes, even if the student never looks at it again, can be so good for the brain. Writing out even just the key words of the text or lecture can help anchor the memory. You are encouraging the skill of summarizing. If the student reviews her notes once a week, then reads them all before the test, even poor memorizers can find success (hey, I know - I'm one of those horrible memorizers!)
Say it, don't just think it. Find opportunities for students to teach the material they just learned. They can present it to the class, to another class. They can tutor younger students. They can do a more formal presentation like a science fair. I tell my students that if they think they know it, they might, but if they can explain it to someone else so the other person can understand, THEN they know it for sure.

Saturday's Book Recommendation: The Nightmakers by Blair Kennaley

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:39:00 GMT

I was given a copy of The Nightmakers by Blair Kennaley. I followed the main character who is afraid of the nighttime into a fantasy world where creatures change the world from day to night. I think Kennaley has done a pretty good job of gently showing a different way to view the night. It goes from being scary and unknown to fascinating. I hope the author will consider going beyond self-publishing. This story idea was clever.

If used in a school/home school, I could definitely see that oldie-but-goodie art project where you would use crayons to make a daytime scene (draw firmly, depositing plenty of wax.) Then, use black paint (I think you can use water colors or tempera paint) to cover the entire paper. It would be a terrific tie-in to illustrate the day-to-night idea.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Parent Teacher Conferences

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:24:00 GMT

A few tips for teachers who will be meeting with parents for conferences:

Whether you've scheduled a special conference or this is the mandatory conference around report card time, there are a few things you can do to help the conference go well.

Give the parents a clue. Especially if you've called a special meeting, you need to let the parents know what you would like to discuss at least a few days ahead of time.
Give the parents a chance to weigh in. Before the conference, send a note home asking them what THEY would like to discuss. It will help you prepare and avoid being ambushed.
Start with the agreeable topics. Begin your conversation with something you're sure you agree on. It doesn't necessarily have to be positive. Don't assume you agree on things, though. You may be surprised!
Be objective. Don't point fingers at people but at the problem. It's very easy for a conference to turn defensive.
Be positive. Even if your main objective is to discuss problems, be sure to bring up the positive. You don't want parents walking away thinking you don't like their child.
Be clear. Don't generalize or use educationeze. Be specific and use language every parent can understand. Avoid misunderstandings.
Clarify. When a parent says something to you, don't be afraid to repeat what they said, making sure you understand.
Sum it up. At the end of the conference, review the main points of your talk, any game plans for the future, and set up a follow up conference if necessary.

Have a great conference!

Next Book Review May Be Tasty

Stephenie Hovland — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:37:00 GMT

I just requested my next Thomas Nelson review book. I decided to take a cookbook. After reading part of the author's introduction and skimming the recipe list, I'm looking forward to making my family some new dishes.

Can't wait to share the review with you.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Nonfiction Resource

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:15:00 GMT

Anastasia Suen (get to know her name, if you don't already) hosts Nonfiction Monday on her blog. You will find out about great nonfiction books you may want to use in your classroom. I especially like the tips that help you teach the 6 Traits of Writing.

Check in every Monday to find out the hottest nonfiction for kids: Nonfiction Monday

Saturday's Book Recommendation: Everyday Greatness by Stephen R. Covey

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:05:00 GMT

I know it's been a few weeks since I've done a review, but I've been chewing on a big book:

Everyday Greatness is a treasure of life application insights and inspirations. David K. Hatch has compiled the collection of personal stories from Reader’s Digest, while Stephen Covey provides commentary. Each trait (such as responsibility, unity, and perseverance) is followed up with anectdotes, quotations, and thoughtful questions.

As soon as I skimmed this book, I decided it was one of those books that I need to keep, revisit, and absorb. Later, as I read it, I thought about my pastor who could use this book for sermon illustrations. I also thought about my daughter’s school as they focus on character traits. From team-building businesses to personal improvement, this book has plenty for everyone.

I read the stories, lingered over the quotations, and wanted to discuss the questions with others. I also wanted to take at least a year to go through the book.

Although I usually read books from cover to cover, this is one of those books that allows you to hop around, digging into the traits you need to explore.

My only disappointment was that it could have included more Christian elements. The Bible certainly speaks to the character traits presented. However, I understand that this book will be accessible to a variety of people who may have been put off by spiritual overtones.

Another Giveaway! $100 worth of books from Enslow Publishers

Stephenie Hovland — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:06:00 GMT

Visit Enslow's site ( http://www.enslow.com/htmlnasp.asp?file=R05_signup.htm to sign up for $100 worth of Enslow titles. I know several writers who have contributed to this company. They're top notch!

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Easy Hymn Solos Giveaway

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:52:00 GMT

Check out today's entry entitled Easy Hymn Solos Giveaway here: http://www.composecreate.com/
I'm entering! This bunch of hymn solos looks great for my students. I am working on getting students more involved in our chapel services (and eventually the church services, too!) These books would be perfect for my kids.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Music in MY Classroom?

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:35:36 GMT

Martin Luther said, "“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.”

As a Lutheran school teacher who didn't teach music, I used to kind of let it go - forget about it, almost. I tried to get the Word of God into all my classes (though I didn't get to it quite so much in math class!) But, with all the responsibilities and subjects I had to bear, adding even a bit of music seemed like an extra burden.

My challenge to you this week is to always work God's Word into every class, and then try to get just a bit of music into each day. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Play music as the students enter, read, etc.
2. Invite students to play their instruments in a mini class recital once a week.
3. Play "Name that Hymn."
4. Sing a song that goes with your daily classroom devotion.

Remember, music isn't a burden. It's a treasure.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Reward Effectivenes

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:22:00 GMT

I've seen teachers use all kinds of reward systems in their classrooms. I tend not to use too many things, since they seem so gimmicky and insincere. But, I've got to admit that students eat up that fun stuff.

So, I was checking out some music teaching/piano teaching this week (I'm taking on some extra responsibilities with music) and I came across a blog that discussed reward effectiveness. The blogger reviews basic psychology of rewards and how you can use it in your classroom.

Before you pick up new stickers, set up a survival game in your room, or pass out cookies for spelling tests, read this:
Gambling with Praise

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Top Education Blogs

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:28:00 GMT

I found this link today and thought it would be a great time-waster for you.

No, seriously - -

It could be a time-waster if you look up every link you'll find at the site below, BUT what I think you should do is bookmark it for when you have extra time.

Think about when you get home from school, have eaten, gotten your kids to bed, and finally have a few minutes. Go to the link below and browse. You'll see blogs for several areas of teaching. I bet you'll even find a few that you'll want to visit for hours.

Be sure to subscribe to the best blogs for you. Enjoy!

My tip for not spending too much time on blogs you enjoy: Set a timer. Set a time and allow yourself to get fully immersed in the blogosphere for that amount of time. When the time is up, make a mental note of which blog you were on, so you can come back to it later.

Top 100 Education Blogs

Teacher Tip Tuesday: One Thing at a Time

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:55:00 GMT

Mess Distress
The other day, a funny thing happened to me. I walked into my kitchen and was overwhelmed by the mess. There were papers I had been sorting, leftover dishes and messes from canning the day before, stuff that needed to go downstairs, and more. That wasn't funny!

Strategy
At first I avoided it. But, all things must be dealt with eventually, so I decided I would just do a little at a time. I would do a little here and a little there, but not force myself to spend hours in the room. I also decided that a little music or TV would help. So, I found a radio, plugged it in, and found my local Christian radio station. Better, but it didn't clean for me!

Eventually, I gave up. I was tired (the afternoon slump plus not getting great sleep the night before) so I decided I could take a nap and then attack the mess later. Truthfully, I hoped the shoemaker's elves would come while I was sleeping. Other rooms needed my attention, too, so I could use a little extra help.

I woke up later, when my family got home. As I walked into the kitchen, I was amazed. It was pretty clean (not perfect, but soooo much better than before!) I asked my family who did it. I wanted to thank them. They looked at me like I was a little loopy. They hadn't done anything.

A Dream Come True
So, that leaves the shoemaker's elves or me. Seeing no tiny footprints, I questioned my family again and then came to the happy realization that I had done it!

I know, you're thinking I must be crazy for not realizing I had cleaned something.

I think what happened is that the original overwhelming feeling kept clinging to me. As I did one thing at a time - one little thing - I still felt like the task was too big. It wasn't until I got a different perspective that I realized I had climbed the mountain of mess in my kitchen. One step at a time.

Climb Every Mountain
You're going to find exasperating "messes" throughout the school year. It may be getting your room into shape at the beginning of the school year. It may be grading workbooks or getting ready for an open house. It may be updating files or setting up parent/teacher conferences. Whatever it may be, you can do it, if you ignore the mountain and just do one thing at a time. Step by step, you'll reach your goal.

When you're finished, you'll look back and realize that God has given you the strength to move mountains, one rock at a time.

Saturday's Book Recommendation: The Little Engine that Could

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:41:00 GMT

The Little Engine that Could, by Watty Piper, is a classic encouragement for all children. The illustrations and story are very retro, which is cool now, I'm told. But, I just like to go back to the good old stories from my childhood once in a while.

The engine for a train filled with goodies for children on the other side of the mountain breaks down and can't go any further. Other big engines (which remind you of huffy adults) go by without helping or encouraging the toys who beg them to stop and help. Finally, a little blue engine who isn't very important says even though she has never done such a thing before, she thinks she can get up the mountain.

And, so, with the motto, "I think I can. I think I can." running across the page, we see the engine doing something to help others.

I think most children will see the obvious lessons of self-confidence. But, you may also want to tie this story to the Good Samaritan (Luke 10.) In both stories, someone needs help, others walk by as if they weren't meant to stoop down to help such lowly creatures, and someone who wasn't supposed to help out does. And, in both stories we might talk about how God wants us to do the impossible. But, with God all things ARE possible.

Want to know one way to do the impossible? Come back to my blog on Tuesday. I've got a personal story about moving a mountain.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: In the Beginning of the School Year

Stephenie Hovland — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:26:20 GMT

In the beginning of the school I sit at my desk and imagine the happy, healthy, clean, enthusiastic children pouring into my classroom with their freshly sharpened pencils and perfect attitudes. I imagine them sitting in the seats I have assigned, getting along with their classmates in perfect harmony. One girl with a cute new haircut skips to my desk in her plaid skort and hands me a fresh apple.

Are you laughing yet?
Or can you relate?

I do sit and imagine the perfect world of my classroom in a way that is probably reminiscent of God in Genesis 1. I can even hear the narrator in my perfect world

"And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good."

Yeah, God's a lot better at creating a perfect world than I am at creating a perfect classroom. However, I do my best every year. Like God, I try to plan for the wants and needs of the people who will come into my world. I share the guidelines that will help us have a good year. I tell them what their purpose is and how I can help them be the best student they can be. I provide a rich learning environment and even bathroom breaks and recess. But, like Adam and Eve, they can't quite get enough. They don't agree with my guidelines. Even when they suffer the consequences of their sins, they are reluctant to change.

Unlike God, I can't offer them a Savior to take their place. I can't give them a plan of salvation that doesn't rely on their good works.

Only God can do that.

But, I am one of his representatives. I need to remember that He is not just a God of law. He loves and forgives. He is always here for me. He encourages me to use my gifts and persevere through my weaknesses. He completes and erases every shortcoming and flaw I possess.

As a teacher, I practice justice and forgiveness. I remember that my perfect world won't be perfect without students. And, we'll have to live together for only a school year, so this is my chance to share God with them.

Teacher Tip Tuesday: Fix Your Eyes

Stephenie Hovland — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Hebrews 12:1-2 (New International Version)

¹Therefore,since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let usthrow off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. ²Letus fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, andsat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

When I was in school I remember one time when the music teacher was laughing. He said he had just been with a class and had told them to mimic his actions as they learned a new song. Well, they did. Even when he itched his nose.

Isn't that like kids? They are generally obedient and look up to us to show them the way. So, then, let us throw off that sin. Get rid of the bad habits, the sinful behavior, the bad attitudes. You are teaching your students how to behave, how to love others, and how to focus on God.

Fix your eyes on Jesus. He wrote your faith. He created it. And, He perfected it when he gave His life on the cross and defeated the grave. Let us focus on Christ in every subject, every day in our classrooms. Students and parents alike need to see that Christ is everything and in everything. He's not just a "religion class" or an hour on Sunday morning.

Remember also to fix your eyes on your students when they talk to you. It's so easy to keep working on the computer or grading papers, but students know that where your eyes are shows your focus - your priority. For a moment, when they need you, they need to know that they are your top priority.

The rest of the time -- fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Saturday's Book Recommendation: A Chair for my Mother

Stephenie Hovland — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 11:35:00 GMT

A Caldecott Honor book, A Chair for my Mother is a heart-warming story about perseverance and not being able to go buy something the same day you think about it!

.

Vera B. Williams wrote and illustrated this charming book The colorful Blue Tile Diner is your first introduction into a single mom's family. The Blue Tile Diner seems pleasant and welcoming, so you get the impression that although Mom works very hard, she likes her job.

The jar where the family is collecting change quickly fills as the story goes along. You find out that the family wants a plush colorful chair for Mom's tired body. Something has happened that makes it hard for the family to afford anything, much less a comfy chair.

We find out what happened through a flashback (not typical in a picture book, but done well) and see that everyone loves this family. We do, too.

In the end, we see the success of obtaining the perfect chair. We also saw that it took a lot of work and waiting. A good message for our instant gratification society.

I can see this book being read aloud in a family room or being used in the classroom. It would be a nice way to kick off a family fundraiser or a math unit about counting change or budgeting. Students could use sales flyers or catalogs to design their dream room on a budget.