December is Here!

As we decorate our classrooms for December we must remember that we teach students with a wide variety of religious beliefs and we want all kids to feel their culture is respected. This month moves quickly, and the week before break usually includes assemblies and parties so plan accordingly.

The December issue of Better Teaching: Elementary includes quick tips for writing to officials, creating internet field trips, managing student behaviors using statements of authority, supporting students with anxiety issues, avoiding burnout, and guiding students to ask good comprehension questions. The Better Teaching: Secondary edition includes quick tips for getting student attention without yelling, putting cell phones to use as learning tools, involving parents in student learning, reading test directions, protecting the victim of a bully, and offers a couple of good strategies to get all students talking and listening to each other's ideas.