Montessori Preschools for Nurturing the Overall Personality of a Child

Montessori Preschools for Nurturing the Overall Personality of a Child
By Roosevelt Hunt

Montessori preschool or the Montessori method of education has proved to be the best system of education for preschool kids. It is a very innovative educational system where a perfect learning environment is created for the kids so that they naturally develop an urge to learn with an eagerness for knowledge. The system gives focus on the overall physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of a child.

Characteristics of Montessori

• Multi age grouping - This facilitates peer learning as children of different age groups get a chance to interact each other. The older children impart their skills and knowledge to the younger ones. Moreover, these schools train the child to socialize with others.

• Uninterrupted blocks of work time

• Discovery model - Unlike learning a concept through instruction, here the children work with materials and learn it.

• Guided choice of work activity

• Montessori learning materials

Advantages

The early years of a child are a very crucial phase and have an influence in the development of his/her personality. The traits which he learns during the childhood stay with him throughout the life. So molding of a child must begin from this phase itself. Though parents play an integral role in the molding of a child's personality, they will not be able to impart all the necessary approaches which are essential for a child's overall development.

Moreover, due to work commitments, the parents may not be able to give the child proper attention. Montessori preschools work on the nourishment of the overall character of a child. Rather than the regular classroom sessions, here the child gets an opportunity to interact with children from different age groups. This interactive form of learning helps him develop his innate skills and talents in a healthy environment.

The cognitive powers like tasting, smelling, hearing, touching, movement and seeing is also enhanced through these sensory-motor activities. The teacher guides the child in pursuing his interest in this environment. So a close interaction between the children, teacher and the environment takes place. The children also get the freedom and independence to do the activities which are of his interest. The child develops an interest for academics and extracurricular activities here which will help him in the next stage of school. Subsequently, he will be able to have a rewarding career which is of his/her interest.

The strong academic base imparted to the child in the Montessori school will help him learn other concepts in academics as well as society. So your children must be enrolled in a top notch Montessori school for ensuring a sound overall development.

If you are looking for a good school in Gilbert and Chandler AZ, Arizona area.Visit Spondeo Preschool

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How to Teach Vocabulary to Young Students

How to Teach Vocabulary to Young Students
By Baliey Johnson

Oh no! My child is not reading on grade level! Is it their vocabulary? Vocabulary is essential to comprehending what is read. Is this hurting my child's comprehension? Learning how to read is essential to be successful in school and to achieve anything in life. Whether a child decides to attend a 4-year college, community college, technical college, or go into the military, reading is necessary.

So you ask, what is vocabulary, really? It is knowledge of a word that not only implies a definition, but also how the word fits into the world. As a parent, your child should be adding from 2,000 to 3,000 words each year to their reading vocabulary, according to Michael Graves, Vocabulary Book Learning and Instruction. I know you are thinking, WOW, how are they going to do that?

This would include words such as do, did, does, etc. That counts as three words. These are called word families.

There is a correlation between word knowledge and reading comprehension. If a student doesn't understand vocabulary words, understanding what is read is going to be difficult. However, it is essential to understand that vocabulary knowledge is never mastered. It just continues to deepen over a lifetime. Learning vocabulary helps you to communicate in a more powerful, persuasive and creative way.

There is also a difference between oral vocabulary and written vocabulary. A student may understand a word that is spoken orally but may not have any idea what it looks like written. The opposite may also occur, they may know what it is written, but may be mispronouncing it and not know what the word is.

It was once thought that learning words meant you were to look them up in a dictionary, and that was the end of the learning. However, more and more teachers are using vocabulary strategies such as connecting words to pictures.

Teachers begin to introduce words using images of what the word could be and what it is not. Word knowledge increases when students are able to associate the word with a visual. The brain then stores the image of the word. Then the word is learned with associations and connections.

As a parent, helping your student learn the words with multiple exposures will vastly increase their word knowledge. The student needs to see the words in different texts and just discussing the word. This gets the student engaged and seriously thinking about the meaning of the word.

Let's look at the word: DRIVE. There are several definitions, but we will discuss three main ones.

1. Drive: to drive a car.

2. Drive: a computer hardDRIVE.

3. Drive: to drive your point across in a discussion.

Ensuring a student understands each definition and when to use the word is essential in comprehension. Adequate reading comprehension is to understand 90-95% of the words you read. To achieve this goal, the more you read, the more vocabulary you acquire.

So, what can a parent do? Pleasant Valley Elementary School in Groton, CT has excellent parent tips for helping your student build their vocabulary knowledge. Some of their tips include: read daily, play verbal games, have your student to classify and group words. Vocabulary strategies for a parent to help their student are not difficult and need surely no preparation.

Dr. Johnson has taught reading for elementary and middle school students for over 20 years. She has more information on vocabulary strategies on http://www.instrucology.com.

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What You Should Know About Teaching Special Education

What You Should Know About Teaching Special Education
By Michelle B Parreno

Special Education for me is a challenging vocation for it caters to individuals with disabilities. Through this type of education, students with disabilities are educated effectively.

I read a line from an article years ago that states: "It is said that a society can be judged by the way it treats those who are different."

In a democratic society it is believed that every individual is valuable in his own right and should be afforded equal opportunities to develop his potentials. The provision of special education will empower families to build future for their children, normal and special alike.

It was said that "teaching" is what special education is most about.

The role of the Special Education (SPED) teacher is very crucial. The SPED teacher has the responsibility not only to teach the regular classroom stuff like reading, writing, math etc, but also Activities of Daily Living and peer socialization.

An important part of a special education teacher's job is the early identification of a child with special needs, intervention is vital in educating children with special needs because as time goes on children who are not coping or who struggle in the general curriculum can be negatively affected.

A SPED educator's job is also challenging. Special education teachers work with children and youths who have a variety of disabilities. I also find this vocation fulfilling, for, it provides the opportunity to establish meaningful relationships with special kids.

Although helping these students can be highly rewarding, the work also can be emotionally and physically draining. SPED teachers work under the threat of litigation against the school or district by parents if correct procedures are not followed or if they feel that their child is not receiving an adequate education.

A SPED educator should be well-guarded by the laws. Understanding and practicing the laws will ensure a safe and legal environment for both the special child and SPED teacher.

A special educator's battlecry should be "commitment". Commitment spells equitable and excellent classroom. Without commitment to the chosen vocation, one won't be able to do his/ her job well.

But, teachers cannot do it alone. Teaching is a collaborative effort between the educator, student, parents/ family and the community. SPED educators, should express desire to be the parents' partner in the development of the special child.

As teachers, trying to reach out beyond the school to promote trust and understanding, and build partnerships with all segments of the school community is significant. Being active in associations/ causes supporting the special child/ special education can be a good start.

I would like to quote Robert Pasternack, Ph.D., Assistant Secretary Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services,U.S. Department of Education. He said:

"Some of the kids that are in special education are not, in fact, kids with disabilities. They are, in fact, instructional casualties. They are, in fact, kids who haven't been taught successfully using scientifically validated instructional approaches and research validated curricula in the general education system and general education settings."

With that, I have the following implications to education of children with special needs:

• States will put a premium on Reading --- to deliver scientifically validated and scientifically based reading research, validated curricula and instructional strategies in classrooms.
• Continuous and more additional trainings for teachers. If professional development will be given to teachers, if it's sustained, if it's systematic, if it's embedded in what teachers do, then, in fact, we can go ahead and improve the capacity of teachers to address the learning needs of the heterogeneous groups of kids that they have in front of them on a daily basis.

If you are looking for a school that: Is committed to enriching the lives of our diverse population; Works to meet learner and community needs in a mutually supportive partnership; Has competent teachers, therapists, staff & facilities; Is accessible and safe; and

Has lots of student activities;

visit http://www.carouselschool.com

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Developing A Wide Subject Vocabulary-Guidelines for the Teacher

Developing A Wide Subject Vocabulary-Guidelines for the Teacher
By Richard D Boyce

As a teacher, your class will take its lead from you in all that you do. The use of language is the first place this will start. Your example of using the language of the subjects you teach must be at the highest possible level. That doesn't mean to use words whose meanings are not known to the class but rather ones which enhance a child's progress.

Obviously, any new terminology you use in each subject must be explained and used in ways to consolidate the new work to be learnt. Below are some ways you could enhance the students' understanding of the use of language.

• Colourful language. This does add interest or excitement to what you say or teach. No one says that when you teach you must use boring language. Use words that add colour and excitement to what you teach. Make it a goal of yours to look for ways to add colourful language particularly to the more difficult topics that you teach.
• Use the language of the subject discipline often. Teach the class the origin and meaning of each new term that you introduce.
• Create a spelling list of terms as you teach each topic. Some texts provide the lists for you.
• Have a quiz of these terms often. Have little spelling bees/contests.
• Have what I might call a definition test/quiz where the students write a definition of a subject term in simple language to explain its meaning to a person who has never seen the word before.
• In your own speaking, learn to say the same ideas in as many ways as possible to give constant examples to your class about how to use our language in a variety of ways.
• Insist that your students use the terms of the subject discipline in their answers to questions they write and in the questions or answers they ask or give.

Many modern syllabuses contain a requirement that communication as a skill in the subject must be assessed as part of the total assessment program. This implies that the student must use the terminology of the subject in their answers to all assessment tasks to show understanding of the language of the subject being tested.

The student needs a good base in the language of the subject to know what is required in each assessment task before they can begin to answer the question and answer in such a way as to show understanding of the subject.

During the last 16 years of his teaching career, our author, as Head of Mathematics, had to implement within his school's assessment program a new marking criteria in the assessment of Mathematics. That criterion was testing a student's communication skills in Mathematics. This meant he had to provide teacher inservice and make changes to the work programs to teach the students how to communicate in Mathematics. Go to http://www.realteachingsolutions.com for more information on this and other assessment issues.

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Protecting Your Voice - Advice For The Teacher

Protecting Your Voice - Advice For The Teacher
By Richard D Boyce

Losing your voice is one of the most challenging times in a teacher's career so it is important to look after it at all times.

One of the skills to learn is to project your voice well to reduce the strain on it. You may need to go to a Speech Therapist or an Art of Speech Teacher if you are unable to learn this skill.

When you have a sore throat or you are fearful of losing your voice, there are some ways in which you can protect your voice and still manage the class.

Below are a few ideas for you to consider:

• Give your class a written revision test. Make sure there are enough questions to keep most of the class occupied as well as some to stretch the more able. Have a reserve activity ready for those who finish early. As well, have copies of the answers at your desk available for students to check near your desk. This sort of activity allows you to have students 'one on one' at your desk to check progress and to give extra assistance.
• A reading exercise with a work sheet requiring answers to be written. Again this should be an exercise that all students can attempt with some challenges for the more able.
• A video or DVD lesson on your current topic with a work sheet.
• A student quiz. Here students are given time to make up questions on the topic being studied. They should go from easy to hard and the student must know the answer. You could appoint a chair person to oversee the quiz with you checking the questions before they are asked. Each child should get a chance to ask a question.
• A study lesson. Here you need to set guidelines on how the study is done; on references to use and questions to test the success of the study session.

These are just a few starting ideas. As you become more experienced, you will have further ideas in each subject for lessons that require you to speak much less than normal.

Long Term Protection:

Here are some other ideas to consider:

• Never speak to your class unless all are ready to listen.
• Never shout over a noisy class. Develop a signal that the class will recognise that you want to speak.
• Be careful in open air venues. You need to have the class gather around you sitting on the ground close to you. Speaking outside can strain your voice. A whistle is an excellent device for getting your class's attention.
• Create a number of physical cues designed to gain students' attention to improve their work ethic in class. A simple one is to stand beside the student who is not on task. You could create your own; use them often, not just when your voice is failing.
• Insist that no matter what the situation in the class is or with you, that class and self-discipline must be maintained.
• Always reward your class for good discipline in difficult situations for them and for you.
• Where possible, have students talk for you. One way is for a student to answer a question that has been asked of the teacher by another student.

Remember your voice is your greatest teaching asset. Without it, you cannot impart your knowledge to those in your charge. Look after it and you can have a long and successful career in the class room.

Our author has written an eBook, "Speaking and Listening for the Teacher and the Student". You will find this on the website http://www.realteachingsolutions.com In it he shares his experience gained in the classroom and in public speaking on a large number of topics including the one in this article. The eBook will help the new teacher develop a successful presentation persona in the classroom. Search EzineArticles for others on speaking.

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Is Blended Learning the Future of Teaching?

Is Blended Learning the Future of Teaching?
By Ryan Lloyd Davies

Blended learning is currently being touted as one of the best new teaching methods around, but what does it actually mean? The most commonly used definition is a formal education program in which a student learns, at least in part, through online delivery of content and instruction, with some element of student control over time, place, path and pace. So it is basically a mix of online and offline learning where the student has some control. There is no getting around the fact that blended learning is grabbing headlines and taking the teaching profession by storm. But just how effective is blended learning?

Blended learning is redefining the way classrooms are used and how teachers interact with students. With a huge amount of different ways in which it can be implemented, it is no surprise to find that it can sometimes be hard to get solid results on how effective blended learning is. One thing that is certain, though, is that there is no stopping it happening, as students are more and more inclined to use technology in their everyday lives. This means that teachers will have to adapt to engage with students and to take advantage of the huge potential of what technology can offer. One example of blended learning I particularly like is an example in Cape Town, South Africa, where the teacher used Xbox's Kinect Sports in a maths lesson. Now you may be thinking 'how does any of that have any relevance to maths?' Well, the main focus of the lesson was teach concepts such as time and distance, so students had to work out distances of different events and then the times it took to do each one. It also had the added benefit of physical exercise and was lots of fun. Not bad for a math lesson.

The important question is does this teaching method work? The answer is a difficult one but ultimately it won't work for everyone. A class is full of different learning types, from auditory and visual and kinetic learners, and they will all react differently to different teaching methods. But don't see this as a downside. See this as a benefit, because blended learning has the opportunity to reach out to many more different learners than the more traditional teaching methods would. So although it may not work for every student, the vast majority will benefit as blended learning takes in so many more different learning styles than more traditional teaching methods ever did.

Overall I think it is fair to say that we are still in the early stages and that there is still a lot to learn. Importantly though, as blended learning becomes more common schools and teachers will be more likely to understand it and to implement it better. Blended learning is already showing its huge potential.

10ticks offers a huge range of maths resources from our award winning worksheets to our Online School Learning System. This offers a fantastic blended learning approach to teaching with a good mix of online and offline learning and contains a huge amount of material in one easy to use system. Our resources are mapped to a number of countries National Curriculum's including the UK, South Africa, Australia and Malaysia. Sign up today at http://www.10ticks.co.za/mathsworksheet.aspx and you gain gain access to some of our worksheets for free!

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