Debbie DeSpirt's Blog
Posted by Debbie DeSpirt
Weekly spelling tests and spelling lessons are a big part of many school curriculum's. Some schools opt for teaching spelling focally, while other teach it informally. As students begin to read they are learning how to spell. Toddlers learn to spell because we spell some words as an abbreviation to the word. TV, DVD, and CD are the more common words that we say by spelling the words.
Today, students have the luxury of spell check however this will hinder their writing if many of the words are highlighted in their text. As well, they must identify the correct word which is not simple if the student is unable to understand how to spell words. Spell check's main purpose was to identify words that were spelled incorrectly because of poor typing skills.
Spelling is key to a student's success because they build on their vocabulary base. A student who is able to use more than one word to convey an idea or thought is more interesting than the student who continually uses the same words in their written and oral language.
Teachers can engage students in learning new words by making the weekly spelling lessons interesting and varied. Grade one spelling lesson plans can be created for all the student levels in the class. As well, as the students build their vocabulary base, the teacher can add more advanced spelling word activities.
Posted by Debbie DeSpirt
December 1 begins the countdown to Christmas. Students become more excited as the days get closer and the hope that St. Nicholas will deliver gifts. How can a teacher compete with a jolly old man that gives extravagant gifts for good and not so good little boys and girls?
Teachers best defense is to create holiday lesson plans that engage the students and teach them a thing or two along the way. Christmas lessons do not have to be only about crafts and the traditional letter to Santa, rather, incorporate science, math, and language.
Students love to sing during the holidays even the broody children. Christmas seems to give each child an extra spring to their walk. Encourage students to create their own Christmas song that relates to Christmas today.
Create holiday lesson plans with Christmas as the theme. With a little creativity and ingenuity, a teacher can create engaging Christmas lesson plans for students.
Posted by Debbie DeSpirt
Holiday season, is also the gift giving season. Teachers spend an hour or two each Christmas season opening gifts from her students. Chocolates, candles, and ornaments are the more common gift ideas for the teacher. Personalized holiday gifts are a great alternative. Students begin to learn about their teachers likes and dislikes. Incorporate the child into finding the perfect gift for the teacher that is useful, meaningful, and inexpensive.
As teachers open their gifts, students are happy but a little envious of all of his wonderful gifts. Teachers can personalize the gifts for their students with little effort. Students appreciate a gift that is thoughtful and not the traditional pencil and eraser unless it is accompanied by a cartoon instruction book.
Teachers and students can give a personalized Christmas gift to say thank you before the Christmas break.
Posted by Debbie DeSpirt
Students hear the words "I'm sorry" but rarely see those words. Students, teachers, and everyone else make intentional and unintentional mistakes everyday. The unintentional mistake of dropping a book, requires a simple "I'm sorry" but throwing a book at someone requires a little more.
Writing apology letters is a skill that is best taught in elementary school. Students learn how to write thank you letters but apologies are usually only spoken. An I'm sorry letter allows the student to reflect on why her behavior was not acceptable and it makes her responsible for her actions. Often, the spoken apology is said right after the incident and there is little thought or reflection on their choice behaviour.
A student who reflects can weigh the advantages and disadvantages to his actions. By reflecting, they can make a conscious choice of repeating the action and receiving a consequence or changing their action. An apology letter is an awesome tool to have students stop and think about their actions and problem solve for solutions.
Posted by Debbie DeSpirt
Many students are vocal about movies but are more reserved when talking about the bible. The bible was written thousands of years ago, and it is difficult for some Christian believers to relate to the stories . Therefore, it is important to teach students about the bible in a Christian school to allow them to develop a dialogue with God.
Students will have their own personal interpretation of various bible stories. Creating a movie poster about a bible story is a great religious activity as it will teach students the bible lesson. As well, the movie poster will draw the attention of other students and may intrigue them to read the bible story. The bible is a great read with wonderful lessons but students must be able to relate for the stories to impact their lives.
