by Esther Wilkison | Oct 31, 2019 | Learning & Teaching, Uncategorized
Will this be on the test? Why do we have to learn this? When am I ever going to use this? Many assume questions like these come from kids who are lazy and want to do the least they can to get by. You wish your students would take a longer view and not just cram for...
by Esther Wilkison | May 7, 2019 | Learning & Teaching
A friend on facebook asked teachers to share what they really want for Teacher Appreciation Week. I was tempted to write—MUGS! Lots and lots of teacher-themed mugs. You’ll be happy to know, I didn’t act on this impulse. By now, if you’re a teacher in a school...
by Esther Wilkison | May 2, 2019 | Learning & Teaching
When I teach writing, I’m amazed at how often students think the writing process is a big waste of time. If I assign a story, they want to sit down and write a story. Many treat brainstorming and planning like obstacles keeping them from finishing their...
by Bethany | Jun 26, 2018 | Learning, Learning & Teaching
One year when I taught third grade, I had a student who struggled with handwriting. He did not have good control in holding or using a pencil. As I watched I became convinced that he was left-handed. He ate with his left hand. He caught with his left hand. When I...
by Esther Wilkison | Jun 1, 2018 | Learning & Teaching
If you are like me, you probably had a coach, parent, teacher, or boss who avoided praise all together because he or she was sure that it would “give you a big head.” While the goal of keeping you humble sounds noble, not giving others affirmation or words of praise...
by Esther Wilkison | Nov 8, 2017 | Learning & Teaching
Of all the crazy things I did as a classroom teacher, the end-of-year adventure field trip definitely ranks in one of the top 5 best ideas ever. First came the car trip in the extra-long International Travelall. I still remember the look at the gas station when the...
