July 15, 2009
Below is our newsletter for the week. Remember, we are not the end-all, be-all! We are just teachers sharing our thoughts and ideas with you. Feel free to modify strategies you receive from us to fit you and your classroom.
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Create classroom harmony in a teleclass July 29-31, with NVCacademy.com entitled Creating Thriving Learning Communities.
For only $69 you can learn how to effectively resolve conflict and inspire cooperation using Nonviolent Communication. Suitable for teachers, administrators, teacher aides and parents. Lead by Sylvia Haskvitz and Kathleen Macferran, veteran education trainers.
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Weekly Tip: Resources for Lifelong Learning
The summer is an excellent time to catch up on reading and classes you've been meaning to take, but simply didn't have the time for during the school year. New teaching methods and philosophies are not the only learning you should consider during the summer. Also think about other aspects of your life you'd like to improve. Is there a new sport or skill you've been wanting to learn? Take time during the summer to make it happen!
Not sure where to start? Brainstorm different topics and skills that have always interested you or areas of your life you'd like to improve. This might include making jewelry, fencing, investing, playing chess, skydiving, playing an instrument, singing in a choir, or traveling to different state and national parks. Next, prioritize or categorize your list. Which items require little money to accomplish? Which require a substantial investment on your part? Which items can be done quickly? Which ones will take more time and effort?
Next, take a look at classes offered through your city's parks and recreation department or community college. Is there a class you can take that will help you meet one of your goals or interests? Are there any skills or topics of interest you could learn about through online classes? Search to see if any online courses are offered for your particular area of interest.
Below are a few books and websites you might find helpful as you continue your journey as a lifelong learner.
Books
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey
Wounded by School: Recapturing the Joy in Learning and Standing Up to Old School Culture by Kirsten Olson
The Inside Story: Understanding the Power of Feelings: The Heart-Brain Connection by the Institute of HeartMath
Who's Teaching Your Children by Vivian Troen & Katherine C. Boles
Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes in you and your kids by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller
Websites:
Preparing Yourself for Online Learning http://www.studygs.net/online/index.htm
Online Learning.net http://www.onlinelearning.net/
Funderstanding http://www.funderstanding.com/
GCF Learn Free http://www.gcflearnfree.org/
Open Learning Initiative http://oli.web.cmu.edu/openlearning/
eBook Price = $16.95 Hardcopy Price = $29.56 (20% discount) The life of a new teacher is full of unfamiliar experiences and questions. Let's face it, who has time to stop and ask? Click Here to Learn More!
Survival Kit for New Teachers is newly updated and contains specific, hands-on advice geared especially for Elementary teachers. Written in a step-by-step, easy to read format, this is the most practical, comprehensive teacher resource available for new teachers. This book allows teachers to save time and energy - everything teachers need right at their fingertips!
NEW!!! Now includes extra information on Bloom's Taxonomy in the classroom and Learner Differentiation!
Inspiring Teachers Summer Savings - Everything in our online store (except eBooks) is 25% off through this weekend! Use Coupon Code ITIS09
Click HERE for the Inspiring Teachers Online Catalog of Books and Classroom Tools
Inspirational Thought
"One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it, you have no certainty until you try."
~Aristotle
Thoughts for Reflection:
Do you consider yourself a lifelong learner? Why or why not? When was the last time you learned something new? When was the last time you learned something YOU wanted to learn for fun? What's stopping you from learning something new you've dreamed about? How can you work around that challenge to your learning goal? What is the first step towards reaching your learning goal? Can you make at least that first step? Why or why not?
Featured Website Resources:
Classroom Tip: Teaching Students to Set Goals
Classroom Article: Their Time is Occupied but not Their Brains by Kirsten Olson
We have recently added monthly columns to our website. We are still needing columnists, if you are interested! We need someone to write a column for mentor teachers and teacher preparation professionals. If any of these sound interesting to you and you want to share your thoughts with others in an informal format, please email me at info@inspiringteachers.com
Call for Newsletter Topics
What topics would you like to see addressed in this Weekly Newsletter? What questions and quandries would you like for us to discuss? Please send an email to info@inspiringteachers.com and we'll do our best to address the topics that are important to you!
These thoughts and ideas are brought to you by Emma McDonald, co-author of Survival Kit for New Teachers and the Award-Winning book Classrooms that Spark!
Find us at www.inspiringteachers.com
If you love these strategies and want more, check out all Survival Kit for New Teachers (Newly Updated 2007) has to offer! Available in elementary and secondary editions.
Veteran teachers, check out the Teacher's Choice Award Winner, Classrooms that Spark!
Both of these great resources are available as eBooks! Click on the links to learn more!
The entire contents of this Ezine are Copyrighted by Inspiring Teachers and Emma McDonald. If you would like to reprint all or parts of this ezine, please contact Inspiring Teachers at 972-496-7633 or 1-877-496-7633, or via email to info@inspiringteachers.com .