What will you do for shy kids?

When is being "shy" really social anxiety? As teachers, what can we do to help draw out shy kids?
I have linked a description of a new book about kids and social anxiety that you might find interesting.

http://teachers.net/gazette/MAY09/knudsen/

More than an Apple!

What teachers really need to thrive in the classroom!
What do you think?
http://teachers.net/gazette/MAY09/rich/

Twitter in the classroom?

What do you think of using Twitter or other social networking sites as teaching tools?

http://teachers.net/gazette/MAY09/haskvitz/

How will you help yourself navigate the end of the year?

Let's share tips and solutions for navigating our way through the end of the school year!

Out of the mouths of babes

Towel MisunderstandingPosted by Bananas

One day a child at my four-year-old's Sunday school class told her classmates that she needed a 'damp towel.' Some of the other kids thought she said a naughty word and told on her.
The teacher stepped in to explain, "If your mommy asked you to bring her a damp towel, what does she want?"
A little girl blurted out, "She means she wants that towel right now!"

Innocence Is Priceless

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, “Good morning Alex.”
“Good morning Pastor,” he replied, still focused on the plaque. “Pastor, what is this?”
The pastor said, “Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.”
Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked,
“Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:30?”

Letter GradePosted by Donna music/TN

After preschool today, one of the other parents commented that the kids would be going to Kindergarten in the fall. My daughter's reply
"Yep! I'm going to be in K next year. And the year after that, I'm going to be in L!"

Funny Quotes, Witty Wisdom
Take some time out to LOL! (9:37)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1PXwC2IN-w
"Schoolies" and "Mr. Woodhead" courtesy learninglaffs.com

Video Clips

Here are six video clips that are captivating and not just for teachers. Warning, one is "R" rated but worthy of your review.

http://teachers.net/gazette/APR09/video/

Random Acts of Kindness

Check out this website for teachers to promote kindness in the classroom and on the campus!

http://www.actsofkindness.org/classroom#here

Free Hugs Campaign

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

Do you speak with conviction?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmLE2bliXCI

I love this video and I love this teacher!
Emilie

What Teachers Make

Check out this youtube video! It is a bit "in your face" but it proves a point!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpog1_NFd2Q

What is the most challenging aspect of teaching?

When I taught elementary school I found it to be a physically exhausting job. I spent all day on my feet walking up and down to answer questions and to motivate by proximity. I can remember feeling so tired I could hardly press the gas pedal to drive home. I was 22 and in excellent physical shape.
What about you? What do you find challenging?

Teachers are Brave

Another wonderful article by Graysen Walles entitled, "Teachers are Brave".

http://teachers.net/gazette/MAR09/walles/

In Hebrew, the words for teacher and parent have the same root. Teachers have the responsibility to provide the same guidance that parents should provide. When parents don't provide this guidance, for whatever reason, teachers have even greater responsibility.

Here is a link to a wonderful article by Graysen Walles titled, "Teachers-Healing Broken Lives".

http://teachers.net/gazette/APR09/walles/index2.html

How do you feel?

Mentor Yourself and Reflect on Your Own Practice

Excellent material to print and use for study group, mentor meetings, teacher education class discussion! Permission is granted to duplicate for limited, single class, noncommercial use, with all source information intact.
In order to share the wisdom, please broadcast this message throughout your district or network.

http://teachers.net/gazette/JUN03/portnerprint.html

Hippocratic Oath for Teaching?

"The phrase "Above all, do no harm" is usually attributed to the Hippocratic Oath. How might this oath apply to teachers?

Why do you teach or aspire to teaching?

“I have looked into your eyes with my eyes. I have put my heart beside your heart.”

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a child? What do you see?