I vividly remember back-to-school time as kid. What will I wear on the first day of school? Will my friends be in my class? Will I like my teacher? For parents, this time is marked by getting back into school night routines and pushing carts up and down the aisles of Wal-Marts and Targets. In the midst of this…
Author: Eva Kohlmoos
Avoid the “summer slide”
Six great books to read this summer Summer is almost here! To avoid the “summer slide” (when students lose academic gains made over the school year), make it a habit to have your child read independently for at least 30 minutes every day. Summer is a great time for kids to read popular series such as Dork Diaries or Diary…
Two strategies to combat test stress
This month across the state of Tennessee students will take assessments in math, reading, science and social studies to measure their learning over the course of the school year and their preparedness for the upcoming year. It’s easy to get overly amped during this time and create a stress-filled environment for kids and adults alike. Here are two research-based and…
Simple strategies for reading comprehension
Teaching reading when one size does not fit all I love the experience of reading a novel together as a class. We laugh together, we feel sad together, and together, we develop a shared love for brave characters who face significant challenges with humor and grace. It’s also a useful touch point as we develop our understanding of literature. When…
How to support your child’s reading growth
What’s the best way parents can support their child’s reading growth at home? Read every night. That sounds simple enough but anyone who has had the “have you done your homework” conversation knows this can be easier said than done. Here are a few tips for success that can make reading every night a reality in your home. …
My Instructional Coach and Me
One of the best professional development opportunities offered at my school has been the regular and frequent observations and debrief conversations with my instructional coach. I believe these observations and follow up conversations are the single biggest contributor to my development as a teacher. Once a cutting-edge idea, instructional coaches are now common place in many schools across America. The…
Teacher Professional Development: Getting Better at Getting Better
How I left a Teach like a Champion workshop inspired and prepared to take the next steps U.S. schools spend considerable resources on teacher professional development. TNTP’s fascinating report, The Mirage, found that, “districts spend an average of nearly $18,000 per teacher, per year on development efforts.” Yet, in my teaching career, I have attended far too many professional development sessions that…
Teachers as healthy models of behavior
I have a vision: A classroom of 25 nine-year-olds is abuzz with students discussing the story they are reading. One student asks, “Why did Charlotte decide to use all her energy to help Wilbur?” Two students excitedly start to answer at the same time. They pause and one student says, “You can go first.” The other student says “Thank you”…