Author: Kbrooks

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Consequences. We need to be more sensitive.

Last week I posed the question about whether or not consequences work. This is a hot topic for me and as the week went by, I see it is also on the minds of many educators and parents everywhere. I personally deal with students who time after time receive a consequence for all types of bad choices. The most popular go tos are out of school suspensions and lunch and recess detentions. I took to social media to see what the masses felt. On social media, everyone was divided. I happened upon a discussion on instagram about taking recess away from students as a consequence.

@nobsclassroommanagement felt that the behavior is definitely going to get worse the rest of the day.

@blackgirlsteach said that the few times she’d taken recess away, the behavior did not get worse. The students sat with her and reflected on their behavior and made changes.

Many more went on to condemn the practice of taking recess as a consequence, citing that students needed that time to release some of their bottled up energy.  While others questioned how would students learn from their behaviors if there were no consequences.

Before we can effectively correct behaviors we have to take a look at what may be the underlying cause of it. Special educators often conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) on students to determine the cause of their behavior. Part of an FBA does consider factors that are going on in the student’s personal life, but the primary focus is the student’s behavior in school. What is the student doing and not doing. Unfortunately, we can’t go around conducting FBAs on every student.

So, what can we do? One of the first things we can do is take a look at ourselves as educators. Are we taking a culturally sensitive look at our students? I use the term culturally sensitive because it is a popular buzz word in education right now. We need all teachers to be culturally sensitive, but some do not truly knows what is means. according to the National Education Association, being culturally sensitive means that we are aware that students come from cultures other than our own. That awareness propels us to an understanding of those differences and provides us with the ability to still meet the needs of that student through our teaching.

Please understand that being culturally sensitive is not just about race! I’m an African American teacher, that does not mean that I am automatically culturally sensitive to everything that applies to all African American students. We all have different experiences and social economic backgrounds. I could be out of touch, but this is where relationship building becomes important. In order to be culturally sensitive towards anyone, we need to get to know them on some level to know what is going on with them.

By now you may be thinking she is saying a lot but what does this have to do with consequences? Building those relationships will tell us a lot about a child. It also creates a relationship built on trust, especially if the student feels that you are on their side. Based on that relationship students are more apt to listen when redirected. What about those children who still continue to struggle? Next week, I’m digging deeper into sensitivity by going beyond culture into trauma.

Until then, I want to know how are you being culturally sensitive and how do you feel about taking recess away from students? Comment and let me know!

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Consequences. Do they work?

I have shared that I am a special education teacher. I teach math, language arts, and science in a self-contained resource classroom. I work with a wide range of special learners who at times do not make the correct choices. What happens when students don’t make the “correct” choices? They get a consequence! But what really is a consequence? When you check the dictionary, consequence has two different meanings:

  1. a result or effect of an action or condition
  2. importance or relevance

So essentially,  one could say, “that consequence was of no consequence!” Insert hysterical laugh track.  But seriously, how many times have you felt that a consequence actually worked? Whether as an educator or a parent, the use of consequences can be like navigating a minefield. Step too far to the right or left and it can end tragically. You know what that looks like; the student who never speaks to you again or the sullen teen in your home who does everything in their power to do the opposite of what you ask. 

Guilty as charged!!!!

I saw this meme and immediately thought to myself, guilty as charged. Yes, I too have complained about that student who is always into something. Of course, taking away his recess and replacing it with detention time after time after time will definitely make him think twice about his “choices.” Or suspending him for two days each time he does XYZ is going to make him stop (insert behavior of your choice). In my opinion, if a student constantly struggles to regulate their behavior or adhere to classroom expectations they will begin to act out in order to get a consequence. Especially if that consequence gets them out of class or school, situations or environments that may make them uncomfortable. Making the consequence something that is desired.

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Now don’t get me wrong. I feel that consequences can work for some students but not all. As I often like to say at work, we have to get creative. Take the example of Robert W. Coleman Elementary School in Baltimore. Instead of sending students to detention or the principal’s office, the school created a Mindful Moment room, where students are asked to use calming strategies like deep breathing or mediation. Once they are calm they are encouraged to talk about what happened. Read more about this by clicking here.

If you don’t have the option to start a Mindful Moment room, what can you do?! Check back next week as I discuss how to avoid getting to the point of constant consequences.

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Why I Became a Teacher

Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen the above meme circulating around social media. It lists many of the things that teacher endure do on a daily basis. At first glance, it doesn’t make teaching seem like the idea career choice. I mean, let’s be real, being a teacher is HARD work. People love to talk about all the days we have off, but most of the time, teachers spend their “off” days still working. Not to mention there are of many of us who work second jobs in order to supplement our incomes. During a school day, any true teacher knows that it is next to impossible to get any of the other duties of our job completed. That includes but is not limited to, communicating with parents, planning for future lessons, etc. And if you are a special educator like me, you have IEPs to write and goals to track. There is never enough time in the day!

From that opening, you might be wondering why do it then? For me, I love working with children. I love to see the “A Ha!” moments when a student figures something out. I love to see a student learn something new or accomplish a goal. There are days when I think to myself, what were you thinking?! But those days are few and far between. I have only been a classroom teacher for the past five years, but I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. In elementary school I developed a love of reading. I could spend hours lost in the pages of a book. I can still can, when I find the time!

My sixth grade teacher made me want to be a teacher. Her name was Mrs. Derrick and I was convinced that she knew everything about the world. She was beautiful and kind. I can’t remember her ever raising her voice for any reason. She had this calming aura about her that even when I think of her to this day, I feel happy. Fast forward to my senior year of high school and I was able to work as a student teacher with Mrs. Derrick. I loved it! The discussions that we had about books. I was amazed at the things that the students knew. It was a no brainer that I was going to college to get my education degree.

BUT we all know that the best laid plans just never happen or however it goes :). Off to college I went and because of family pressure I became a business major. I went to work in the family business and was pretty good at it. I got my MBA and started my own event planning company. There was always something missing. Finally, I decided that I wanted to get back into the classroom working with students. I went back to school in order to get my teaching license. I got a job working as a paraprofessional and once I had my license, I landed my first teaching position.

Initially when I went back to school my focus was early childhood education. The thought of molding tiny kindergarten minds was enticing to me. UNTIL… I was a substitute in several kindergarten classes. I developed a different level of respect for kindergarten teachers. It takes a special person to mold those tiny minds. Then I worked in special education as a substitute and realized that I’d found my calling. Helping students reach their goals and giving families the support they need became my driving force as an educator. So, the working more than sixty hours per week and endless paperwork is worth it. When I see the smiles on my students’ faces or the student who has been struggling write a complete sentence independently, it is worth it.

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Brooks eAcademy Bookshelf – All of the Above

Click here to purchase

If you follow me on Twitter, then you know that every other year the school where I work holds an all school read. Students are given a copy of the chosen book, participate in school led activities and the culmination is a visit from the author. This year the chosen book for the all school read is All of the Above by Shelley Pearsall.

The book is based on actual events and set in a junior high school in Cleveland, Ohio. That alone immediately makes me bias as I am Northeast Ohio born and bred. As a Northeastern Ohio resident herself, it is understandable that Pearsall uses the streets of Cleveland as the setting for a few of her books.

The story follows Mr. Collins, a beyond frustrated seventh grade math teacher who is looking for any way to motivate his students. As an educator, I could feel his pain. I have had that moment in the middle of lesson where the faces of the students are blank and you just know that no one is learning. In that moment you want something, anything that will engage your students. In his effort to reach his students Mr. Collins takes the suggestion to enter a contest. That contest becomes building the largest tetrahedron. One so large that it beats records and can land Mr. Collins and his students in the Guinness Book of World Records.

This is a tetrahedron built at Copley Middle School in Ohio

Pearsall does an excellent job of drawing you in to each of the main characters. The students who become members of the “club” to build the tetrahedron are complex characters who on the surface seem like your typical run of the mill teenagers. As you continue on, you realize that is not the case. The “club” becomes an outlet for them as they deal with everything else in their lives. Broken families and dreams that may not materialize are real issues that affect many young people today. It is also one of the reasons that many young people can relate to the characters in this book. Pearsall has created characters that are in your schools and classes right now. Will the club meet their deadline to finish the tetrahedron or will they get thrown out of shape? Pun intended! 🙂 Read to find out!

All of the Above is a must read for you and your students! I forgot to mention that there are also tasty recipes included in the book. Mrs. Pearsall will visit our school this week to speak with students and families. Students have also created their own tetrahedrons. Check my instagram account for updates later this week!

If you are looking to create your own tetrahedron like the one above, click here for directions. You could use a Cricut machine to get a precise cut for your individual pieces.

Until next time, read on! Kandi B

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Are you a Well Meaning Adult?

Ok bear with me! You probably read the title and thought to yourself what is she griping about now?! I really want you to stop and think, "Are you a well meaning adult?"

I'm talking the the adult that knows just what every student needs. The type of adult that sees a student acting out in the hallway and rushes over to help because that student needs to learn respect and you are just the person to do it. You may have experience with children because you are a teacher, parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle. Maybe you volunteered at your religious organization's youth camp or coached some sort of organized sports. Whatever the circumstance, you know kids and you care, so who better to help than you?!

For a special educator or an informed parent, well meaning adults can sometimes be our worst enemy. I have had students who on the surface are rude, oppositional and most times down right mean. But as a special educator, I am trained to deal with that. So many times, I have almost had a student calm and ready to move on, only to have a well meaning adult come along and say something like, "You really need to show your teacher some respect." Now to be fair that is a very true statement. But to a child who is going into fight or flight mode, all they hear is "You are a horrible student," which sets them off even more.

Don't get me wrong your concern is appreciated. In fact your words may be helpful to the student when they are calm and willing to listen. So what can you do in the moment that you see a situation that concerns you? Here are some tips:

  • Make immediate contact with the teacher. If it is in the moment, address only the teacher by saying something like, "Are you ok?" If the teacher replies in the affirmative, continue on your way. If the teacher indicates that they need assistance, follow their lead.
  • Make contact with the teacher later. If the teacher has said they didn't need assistance, speak with the teacher later to find out some information about the student and how you can help.
  • Get to know the student when they are calm. Establishing a positive relationship with the student is key. Next time the student is in a crisis, you may be able to assist, but still follow the lead of the teacher.

Nothing is wrong with being a well meaning adult. At times, I'm one myself and I have to remember to think before I act. You don't want a student to have a negative perception of you.

Until next time, read on!

Kandi B

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Some of my favorite TpT sellers and a reading comprehension freebie!

Alas, Winter Break has come to an end! Time to get back into teaching and lesson planning! As I sit and write this post, I’m also completing my lesson plans for the week ahead. The dreaded highly anticipated week after Winter Break!

Before I go on, I’d like to share a little bit about myself. I love the website Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT). I can always find something that I’m looking for and some things that I wasn’t looking for at all, but of course needed! A few years back, I was looking for reading comprehension passages for my students. I wanted something that the students would have to show evidence for their answers. One of my pet peeves is having students just come up with answers and not showing where they got the information. Many of my students have individualized education plans (IEPs) with goals based on their ability to answer literal comprehension questions.

So, I went to my dear old friend, TpT and I happened upon Luckeyfrog and her Super Detective Find the Evidence sheets. She has non-fiction and fiction passages that you can choose from. I highly suggest that you click the link and visit her store on TpT. I love using her passages in my class. My students love using colored pencils, markers or highlighters to find their answers. I also wanted more passages that featured more non-fiction stories of African American leaders with the same format. Unfortunately, there weren’t any out there, so I set out to make my own.

Now, I’m no graphic designer, but when I have to I can get a little creative. First, I got my Black History clipart and Find the Evidence font from Melonheadz, also on TpT. Then, I found the crayon clipart from Livin’ in a Van Down by the River, another TpT seller. I created my Jesse Owens – Find the Evidence resource that I’m giving away free!

Click to download

I also have a version of this resource for upper grades available for sale here. I decided to offer a few more of African American leaders Find the Evidence resources. They are not just for February either. Any time is an excellent time to teach your students about important historical figures no matter what their race is!

Click here to purchase
Click here to purchase
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It’s 2019. Now What?!

2018 has come to a close. I am very happy about it. 2018 was not one of my best years to say the least. It was filled with so many challenges, both personally and professionally. I look forward to 2019 as an opportunity to press the reset button and reinvent myself. Come back swinging so to speak.

Let’s be real, I say this at the start of each new year. Then two days later, one month later, my zeal has fizzled once again and I’m back into my old habits. Not that my old habits are bad, I still get up each and everyday trying to be the best version of me, teach kids, take care of my family and be an overall awesome person. There were two incidents that occurred in the last two months of the year that got me to thinking, “Am I really giving it my best or do I sometimes just dial it in?!”

It hit me like a ton of bricks that I could be doing more for my family, friends and students. To make it plain and simple, I could just BE BETTER. So my focus for 2019 is to do better and be better. Of course, I had to ask myself, “Self, what does that mean?” The main thing I feel it means is to do all things intentionally. That means thinking about the purpose, being deliberate in my actions and conscious of how it will affect others. Easier said than done, I know, but striving to be better is the start. If everyone took the time to be better, we would see so much change in the world. Don’t worry, I promise to keep my soapbox posts to a minimum! Back to educational things in a couple days!

To everyone reading this, Happy New Year and let’s be better together!

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How Tic Tac Toe helps me teach sight words and more!

I’m always looking for ways to make learning as interesting and fun as possible. Although there are many games on the market that involve teaching language and/or reading skills, there is one tried and true game that continues to stand the test of time. It can also be easily adapted to the needs and skill level of your students.

What magical game am I speaking of ?! Why, Tic Tac Toe of course! Tic Tac Toe is easy for young children to learn. Just choose X or O and you have just stepped into infinite possibilities. Okay, maybe not infinite but there are a lot.

Tic Tac Toe 

Ways to use Tic Tac Toe:

  1. Practice sight words – fill in each square with sight words and student must read the word correctly in order to claim the spot.
  2. Practice grammar – fill in each square with a word that the student must use correctly in a sentence to claim the spot. You could use this to also practice sentence structure.
  3. Use as a word study activity – if you use word sorts you can easily insert pictures or consonant blends, short vowels or whatever your student is working on. If your student can correctly identify the word, they can claim the spot.

Here is the download link for my copy of a blank Tic Tac Toe board. It is basic, but if you use an online platform with a whiteboard, you can easily save this document as a pdf and use it in one of the ways that I have mentioned above. It is even a nice tool to use in your brick and mortar classroom. Add your words or pictures, print and laminate. You could also use the blank copy and slip it inside a sheet protector and use it any way that you like. Update: You can also download a free copy from my online store. Press the button to add to your cart!

Enjoy!

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3 Reasons Your Child Needs An Online Tutor

By now the inevitable has happened in your household. Your child has received their first report card of the school year. In some households this has been an occasion of utter joy and pride. Some parents have taken to social media to sing the praises for their scholars who have made the Dean’s List or Honor Roll. You’ve seen the posts, “I’m so proud of my baby, he has a 3.5 GPA!” Usually there is a photo of the smiling child holding their report card or some type of certificate marking their achievement. Depending on your mood you may have double tapped, hit the like button or just scrolled on by. If you’re not on social media, you hear about it from your co-workers or family members who like to gush in person about their children.

Then there is your child. The recipient of the report card that also comes with a huge dose of shame and disappointment. You try to understand what went wrong. Depending on the age of your child you may hear things like, “The teacher doesn’t like me so she gives me bad grades” or the ever popular, “That class is sooo boring.” You may have said one of those to your parents back in your younger days. Then there are those kids who really do give it their best and just can’t seem to get the grades they want. This is where Brooks eAcademy can help.

When people think online tutoring, they instantly think that won’t work for my child. It can work for your child and your child needs it! Here are three reasons why:

  1. Specialized Instruction: Your child may excel in one area but may need additional help in an area that the teacher has moved on from. Brooks eAcademy will create an educational plan tailored to your child’s academic needs.
  2. Convenient Scheduling: Your child can have receive tutoring at a time convenient to them and at any location with an internet connection.
  3. More Focus, Less Distraction: Classes at Brooks eAcademy are one on one, so distracting classmates. This also allows your child to focus more on the class information.

Call us today at 440-467-0770 to schedule a trial class.

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What Lebron James Is Teaching Us About Parental Involvement

I have a confession to make and some of you may dislike me when you hear it.

I do not like the movie, Field of Dreams. There I said it. At the end of the movie, I was unimpressed and feeling, well meh. When the voice kept whispering, if you build it they will come, I kept thinking to myself, everyone but me. Now you are wondering what does this have to do with Lebron James and education?! Everything!

 

Lebron has proven, if you build it they will come. At the end of July, in conjunction with Akron City Schools, he opened the I Promise School. There was nationwide media coverage of course, I mean he is Lebron James! At the same time he was able to shine his spotlight on the need for a school like this.

The school boasts a roster of 240 third and fourth grade students. Over the years, Lebron has shared that as a fourth grade he missed over 80 days of school while moving from house to house with his mother. He credits mentors that he found in the school setting with helping him to get to school everyday in the fifth grade.

Students are selected from students who are at least one or more grade levels below their peers. It also has a longer school day and an extended school year that goes from July to May. Students even received brand new bikes! I know, I know, what does this have to do with parental involvement?!

Students are provided free breakfast, lunch and snacks. Gone is the worry of providing a meal or paying for school lunch. Free breakfast and lunch are provided at other schools but not many offer a free snack. At my school I buy snacks for students out of my own pocket. It’s a simple thing that goes a long way. If a child (and a parent) know there is a meal coming soon and they don’t have to worry about it, the more they can be focused on their education. Students are also promised full tuition to University of Akron if they complete the program and graduate from high school. Another load off the shoulders of families who may not be able to pay for it.

The I Promise School also believes that education is not just important for the students but parents as well. Parents are given free GED classes.  They can also take advantage of job placement services. Lebron and his team are showing us that in order to educate children we need to educate the family too!

What services does your district offer families and parents?

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