by California Casualty | Educators |
How do you start the first 10 minutes of your class? Roll call after the bell in the morning? Listing an agenda for what’s to come for the day, or recapping what happened the day before? What if you took an approach that was outside of the box? Imagine giving children positive feedback that might carry them through the day and help them treat others better.”
A Florida teacher is making headlines for shedding light on bullying, and teaching his students how they can make a change. During the first 10 minutes of every class, he compliments each student one-on-one as they come to the front of the class. He gives them affirming messages such as, “Everyone here loves you,” “I love having you in class,” or “You’re great at sports.”
Research show most bullying occurs in middle school (Grades 6, 7, and 8). This could leave kids with a lasting impression which might affect them later in life. Addressing the issue and involving the class in thinking positively can have a long-lasting impact
According to Education World, you need to be cautious on how to phrase positive compliments. Instead of saying “You’re excellent at…,” focus on how hard they are trying. A couple examples are: “I like watching you work so hard at learning. It means a lot to me that you don’t give up,” or “I appreciate how helpful you have been today.”
In other words, praise them for their effort, not for their expertise.
Next time your student does make a mistake, they will see your praise as being genuine, and not feel like they are not good enough. Experts say try and use compliments sparingly to reinforce activities, otherwise you may encourage a child that only works hard for praise, not for doing their best at a task.
Sources:
https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/florida-teacher-starts-day-complimenting-students/story?id=35259600
https://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/school-bullying.html
https://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/effective-praise-compliments-students.shtml
by California Casualty | Educators |
Odds are you know Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony or Clara Barton. But have you heard of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, an early pioneer in the suffragette movement; Janet Rankin, the first women elected to Congress; Memphis Minnie (born Lizzie Douglas) who became one of the top blues guitarists in the 1920s, through the 1950s or Delores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers Association with Cesar Chavez.
March is National Women’s History Month, with the goal of making us more aware of the women who changed American history, business and society. However, just like the right to vote, the push for a month recognizing the accomplishments of women took many years to become reality.
The seeds of the observation began in 1979, with roots in American education system. The week of March 8, 1978 was designated as Women’s History Week by the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women. Dozens of schools planned special events and over 100 community women participated in special presentations in classrooms. The finale of the week was a celebratory parade and program held in downtown Santa Rosa.
A year later, other communities across the U.S. joined the celebration and agreed to support an effort for a National Women’s History Week, which was formally proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter in 1980.
Departments of education in many states adopted the celebration and encouraged curriculum to support the effort. Within a few years, thousands of schools and communities were celebrating National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress officially designated March as National Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.”
Since it gained traction in schools and classrooms, California Casualty’s education guest author Alan Haskvitz has assembled this list of some of the best resources for celebrating Women’s History Month for teachers and students:
Women in history is a topic that is rich in high interest stories and Common Core related standards. Possible integrated lessons can stress diversity, art, history, science and more. Just as importantly is the fact that the stories are compelling and often show the human spirit at its best, when facing challenges that require strength of character as well as determination.
With such a diverse range of options, I like having my students share their reading and research to cover more facts and also to motivate them to read about those women they may never have heard of before. Here is a list of 100 famous women; some may not be appropriate for every grade level, but there are enough to make for some excellent compare and contrast essays. Another fun project, after the presentations and to increase interest and listening skills, is to have the students collect facts about some of these and play 20 questions to see if they can guess who the name of the woman from the clues.
https://www.angelfire.com/anime2/100import/
- Women authors who changed history
https://mikeswritingworkshop.blogspot.com/2011/03/25-female-writers-who-changed-history.html
A great story about a woman who was the first computer programmer:
https://www.biography.com/people/ada-lovelace-20825323
https://www.infoplease.com/us/military/women-history.html
- National History W omen’s Project
A list of the 2014 honorees:
https://www.nwhp.org/whm/honorees2012.php
- Pioneering Women in American Memory
A good source of primary source material:
https://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/women-pioneers/
- 25 Most Powerful Women of the Past Century
https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,2029774,00.html
- Common Core reading standards
https://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RI/8
About the Author: Alan Haskvitz has taught for 45 years and has credentials in special education, gifted education school administration, and all core subjects. He has been inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame and was chosen by Reader’s Digest as a Hero in Education. Contact him at [email protected]
by California Casualty | Educators |
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas? We could see the vendors showing off new interactive watches, the latest in cell phones, driverless cars, home WiFi based appliances and new technological wonders that can be applied in schools.
Yes, it would be nice to get super-geeked and tech-overloaded, but it’s just not practical. The second half of the year has just begun and there are classes to manage, tests to grade and new projects to challenge students.
If you are an educator, there is good news; Leila Meyer, an education tech writer went to the show. Here are the 10 Products From CES that she predicts will have the most potential to make it to the classroom:
- DAQRI Smart Helmet – designed for industrial workers, the helmet brings a mixed reality interface with the latest technology for 4D virtual reality applications that can be used in the classroom
- Kodak’s Super 8 Revival camera – designed for a new generation of video and film makers that has many applications for students and lessons, using actual film to deliver texture and vivid color, but with a digital transfer once it’s processed
- Klaxoon Cross-Device Learning Platform – Klaxoon developed a collection of tools designed to support online, interactive learning activities for any mobile device using private WiFi and Cloud storage platforms
- Samsung Galaxy TabProS – a two-in-one tablet that is small, lightweight and shareable in the classroom
- Lenovo AirClass Interactive Virtual Classroom – the name says it all, a dashboard that is accessible for teachers and students that can track a student’s engagement utilizing emotion-analyzing software
- ASUS C202 Chromebook for Education – specially designed for the abuse that comes from multiple hands in the classroom, it features wraparound rubber bumpers with reinforced corners, spill-resistant keyboard, scratch-resistant finish and shockproof solid-state drive
- Panasonic Rug Speakers – a prototype unveiled that can be built into the carpet with controllers that can direct sound toward or away from specific people with potential for libraries and informal learning spaces
- Hanvon Pentech ERT Technology – a pen that works with all-in-one touchscreen TVs, the pen uses electromagnetic resonance touch (ERT) technology that gives more accuracy and control when writing or drawing on a touchscreen display
- XYZ Steam – 3D printers specifically designed for education with applications for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEM) courses
- XYZmaker – 3D modeling app designed to make 3D printing technology faster and more accessible
But having and using the latest technology for technology’s sake may not get the results many educators desire. It’s important to put it into a context of learning, as the tech-instructor at Meyer Elementary School in Lexington, Michigan found out. Jeff Dahl is teaching technology through various content areas, presenting it as something purposeful, connected to learning and relevant to real-world situations. He recommends:
- Making it applicable to other class assignments
- Don’t do it alone, collaborate with other educators
- Embrace discomfort because students adapt quickly
- Apply the SAMR Model with four levels
- Substitution – technology acts as a direct tool substitute with no functional change
- Augmentation – technology acts as a direct tool substitute with functional improvement
- Modification – technology allows for significant task redesign
- Redefinition – technology allows for the creation of new tasks previously inconceivable
- Put tech integration in action
While there are many benefits to integrating new technology into the classroom, often times, the cost is out of reach for many school districts. That’s why California Casualty created the $2,500 Academic Award, to help educators purchase the materials and gadgets they need to help their students. Give your students the advantage they deserve, apply now for the California Casualty Academic Award at www.calcasacademicaward.com.
Sources for this article:
https://thejournal.com/Articles/2016/01/07/10-Products-From-CES-That-Will-Impact-the-Classroom.aspx?Page=1
https://www.edutopia.org/practice/tech-literacy-making-it-relevant-through-content-learning
by California Casualty | Educators |
Educators make a difference.
Every day they work hard to plant seeds in vibrant minds, helping grow a brighter future for California. They don’t do it for money or glory, and they certainly don’t do it alone. Their dedication is matched by supportive staffs and schools led by forward thinking administrators who push the envelope to incorporate technology and new ways of teaching.
We realize that all too often educators are the unsung heroes working hard to make sure our children excel. They give their time, encouragement, and frequently their own funds to make sure their students learn and achieve. Their reward is the satisfaction that they made a difference in a child’s life.
That commitment is embodied by Daniel Jocz, nominated as California’s candidate for the 2016 National Teacher of the Year. Mr. Jocz realizes that incorporating 21st century technology, like YouTube, in his high school social studies classes makes the content relevant, rigorous and engaging. Mr Jocz has taught for 11 years at the Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles where he is a department chair and associated student body advisor. Those who know Mr. Jocz say he instills a sense of success and pride that students take with them throughout their day and beyond school hours.
Another educator who digs deep to make lessons applicable and memorable is Tara Buford, an elementary school teacher in Escondido, California. She has a passion for learning and is committed to helping every child in her classroom. As a “life-long learner” herself, Tara wants to expand opportunities to make lessons fun and engaging for all of her students. “If I’m not having fun they’re not having fun,” she said.
Tara estimates that she spends as much as $1,000 a year of her own funds to make sure her students have the tools and materials they need to succeed. Her students benefitted in 2015 when she received one of California Casualty’s $2,500 Academic Awards. Tara was able to purchase electronic learning systems and games geared to preparing her classes for the Common Core curriculum.
California Casualty values the contributions of educators like Daniel and Tara. While we might remember a favorite teacher that motivated us, few of them get the public accolades they deserve.
That’s why we’ve teamed up for a second year to be the presenting sponsor of the California Department of Education’s (CDE) School Recognition Program that honors educators who inspire students to succeed, recognizes schools that continually show high achievement and celebrates the support staff that provide the backbone for quality education. California Casualty’s support makes possible the following 2016 California School Recognition Programs:
- Gold Ribbon Schools – honoring exemplary public elementary schools which demonstrate significant gains in narrowing the achievement gap
- Teachers of the Year – recognizing exemplary teachers and their contribution to quality education
- Classified School Employee of the Year – highlighting those who symbolize the profession’s commitment to education
- California Green Ribbon School Awards – recognizing schools that accomplish great things in the areas of sustainability and health
- California Blue Ribbon Schools – celebrating schools that promote and support the improvement of education
With a relationship that spans 65 years, we understand that great teachers often need help to accomplish great things. That’s why we do more than just provide the CTA Auto and Home Insurance Program; we give back to the communities we serve in meaningful ways that have real impact on their lives. These programs include the $2,500 California Casualty Academic Award, that helps offset the money that educators spend of their own funds for classroom supplies and equipment; the California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grants, given to public high schools in California that demonstrate the greatest need for their sporting programs; and the Impact Teen Drivers “Create Real Impact” contest, that awards students and schools that design the best interactive messages to prevent distracted and reckless driving – the number one killer of teens today.
Teachers and support staff do make a difference. Their devotion to our children is why the CDE’s School Recognition Program is so important, and why California Casualty is proud to be a sponsor.
by California Casualty | Educators |
There are so many great resources for teachers. The problem is trying to read all of them for the best ideas. We are making it easy for you with this list of the 11 classroom hacks that can help you reach kids, organize the classroom and make your life at school easier.
Materials and Supplies
- Find an old straw dispenser to use for pencils
- Use decorated Pringles cans to store rulers and other items
- Frame and mount board games on the wall to eliminate bulky (easily broken) boxes
- Turn an old step ladder into an easel
- Shop at thrift stores for oversized button up shirts or dresses to use as paint smocks
- Turn squeezable condiment bottles into easily used paint containers
- Glue a pom-pom on the end of dry-erase markers to use as erasers to avoid using excess tissues
- Use a shoe organizer for the classroom mailbox
Classroom Management
- Discourage test cheating by putting version numbers on each question sheet and tell students to write the version they have on their answer sheet (hint, although there are version numbers, they are all the same – but nobody has to know that but you)
- Pre-empt excuses for missing homework by holding a “best excuse writing” lesson (then you’ll be able to say, “I already heard that one”)
- Employ a “Too Noisy” app that shows a colorful graph with a digital noise meter to alert you and your students when the class has exceeded acceptable noise levels
We know we’ve barely scratched the surface of great classroom/teacher ideas and we’d love to hear about some that you use.
By the way, we have all kinds of great classroom resources and tips at our blog, https://mycalcas.com/category/auto-insurance-for-teachers/ or at https://mycalcas.com/category/teachers/.
Here are two more resources from California Casualty that can help educators:
- Let us help make setting up your classroom a little easier on your wallet with a $2,500 Academic Award at www.calcasacademicaward.com.
- If you hate going into the run-down teacher’s lounge at your school, make sure to enter our $7,500 School Lounge Makeover® contest at www.schoolloungemakeover.com.
Sources for this article:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/clever-classroom-tips-for-elementary-school-teachers#.jbYeBkjx3
https://info.marygrove.edu/matblog/8-more-classroom-organization-hacks-for-teachers
https://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8934-classroom-hacks-for-teaching-in-the-trenches
https://freespiritpublishingblog.com/2015/03/06/guest-post-top-ten-classroom-life-hacks-for-teachers/
https://www.survivingateacherssalary.com/50-classroom-tips-and-tricks-for-teachers/
https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/14-hilarious-homework-excuses
by California Casualty | Educators |
The face of education is changing with the rapid acceleration of smartphones, learning pads and computers into schools. While new electronic learning options open exciting opportunities for engagement and creative possibilities, there is a raging debate about its effectiveness. Many are also warning about some negative implications.
Edutopia contributors have been writing about technology integration for years. Their website has a dedicated section about the adoption of technology in the classroom and how it is changing learning. But judging by the point and counterpoint, there’s much more still to be decided. Here are some of the pros and cons to merging electronics into the classroom.
Pros
Multiple studies show advanced learning systems can enhance student engagement and motivation. A Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education study found when implemented properly, the use of tablets and computers has produced significant gains in student achievement while boosting engagement. One of the paper’s conclusions is that while all students benefit from technology, the greatest impact was on those most at-risk.
Using computers and tablets in class has shown to improve student cooperation and collaboration. It has also created a new approach to class time called, “blended learning” – combining digital content with face-to-face discussions and activities. An NEA Today article discussed the pros and cons of allowing bring your own device policies being introduced in many school districts to aid the “flipped” classroom strategy.
Other noted advantages of technology in the classroom are:
- Easier communication with parents and students
- Faster turn-around on papers and grading
- Quicker access to information
- Addition of learning games and other activities for students
- Introducing students to careers and technology based applications for the future
- Integrating the apps and devices children are already using into learning and research opportunities
Many experts say there is no going back on advancing technology, and many educators are convinced it has opened new doors for teaching and engagement.
Cons
The other side of the debate warns that unbridled use of technology in the classroom can dumb-down student learning, waste taxpayer dollars, and leave some teachers and students lost in a maze of technological difficulties leading to lack of adaptation.
First, there’s the expense. Many school districts have jumped headfirst in the technology pool without thinking about the effects. A classic example is Los Angeles Unified School District’s $100 million dollar iPad fiasco. The deal was scrapped after issues surfaced with late delivery, incomplete software and teacher complaints about inadequate time and support to integrate the systems. Some experts warn that many school districts and administrators are allocating money for technology because they believe they have to, not necessarily because they need it. Also, many districts don’t factor in the cost of updates and how quickly new technology becomes outdated.
Another problem was highlighted in an article by technology writer Benjamin Herold, which found students using digital readers retained less information. They were more likely to skim the texts and were more distracted by links and other digital extras than students who read from a book or magazine. Herold advises that there needs to be a better understanding of comprehension issues before e-readers are mainstreamed in the classroom.
Other authors have raised concerns about cyberbullying and students who may seem savvy, but are actually not as adept they appear to be in using their devices for deeper learning and research applications.
And in a recent study, educator Katie Davis and Harvard professor Howard Gardner found the reliance on apps by today’s youth may be harming creativity and could inhibit reflective thinking, which they say affects the ability to build empathy and understanding of others.
Other problems with technology:
- Wasted time with connectivity and downloading or buffering issues (insufficient band-width)
- Teachers and students frustrated by inadequate technology support
- Lack of training and understanding of how to integrate technology into lesson plans and learning
- Incompatibility with existing systems
- Not enough computers, laptops or tablets for all students
- Unreal expectations that technology will improve student performance
So, what is the solution? A recent summit of top educators (including 2014 National Teacher of the Year Sean McComb), ed-tech advocates and policy makers developed six key points to help make integration of technology in the classroom more successful:
- Allocate more time for professional development with technology
- Reimagine the ecosystem and the offerings for professional development
- Move from 20th– to 21st– century training
- Change the school culture to encourage trust and experimentation
- Redefine leadership, recognizing teachers and students may have more technological expertise
- Create meaningful mentorship opportunities
While it appears nobody can stop the advance of new learning systems, many are urging decision makers, administrators and teachers to take a long look at what e-readers, laptops and tablets can do and to understand the implications of improper implementation.
And whether it’s for tablets, electronic learning games, or new books and pencils, California Casualty is ready to help with the $2,500 Academic Award. The funds can be used for any classroom supplies and materials that will benefit students. The information and application can be found at www.calcasacademicaward.com.
https://www.scpr.org/news/2015/04/17/51093/schools-dealing-with-aftermath-of-lausd-s-ipad-fia/
https://712educators.about.com/od/technologyandeducation/tp/Issues-With-Integrating-Technology-In-The-Classroom.htm
https://neatoday.org/2012/07/19/should-schools-embrace-bring-your-own-device/
https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-implementation
https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration
https://www.changetheequation.org/press/new-report-change-equation-finds-american-millennials-lack-tech-savvy-stresses-value-k-12
https://thejournal.com/articles/2015/06/16/is-the-app-mentality-killing-students-creativity.aspx?=THEMOB
