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...
by Esther Wilkison | Aug 3, 2017 | Learning & Teaching
Coast to coast travel used to take weeks by stagecoach. Trains speed the process up quite a bit. Now, I routinely fly Atlanta to Los Angeles in about 4 hours. Technology has sped up how we travel, cook, and communicate. However, speeding up learning tends to...
