Home School Tips Part III: How to Organize Your Home School Space

Whether it is the corner of a bedroom, a refurbished basement, or an under-used guest room, a space in your house must be dedicated to learning and teaching. Once you have decided on the space, you will need to make it student-friendly.

As the third article in our eight-article series, this piece suggests tips to transform your space into a home school paradise.

BIN OVER BACKWARDS. Use bins, shelves, and other containers to organize materials. Stackables, over-head shelving, and under-the-bed units will help you quickly and effectively transition from home environment to classroom.

BE SEATED. A desk, or several desks, on which your student can work is a must. If you re-purpose the kitchen table as a workspace, signal this by changing the tablecloth or by using a special centerpiece. Have a signal to designate that class is in session.

PICTURE IT. To make your space more school-like, hang theme-related or unit-related posters. You can find a variety of inexpensive wall posters by searching "teacher supplies" on the Internet. Ask for donations of used posters from area schools.

INTERVIEW. Ask your student to list items that would help her studies. From this list, elect items you deem necessary, and then give your student choice of colors and shapes. Including the student in these choices will increase her investment in the classroom.

MERGE. Onto the "information superhighway," that is. In addition to a physical space, you will need a virtual space for your classroom. First, be sure to have at least one computer, and reliable Internet access. Next, establish a blog or webpage for your home school. On this virtual space, you and your student can post assignments and share progress with friends, family, and other home schools.

Establishing a dedicated space where school will take place will greatly increase the effectiveness of your home school. Following the strategies in this article will help you create both a physical and virtual area for your child's studies.

Author's Bio

James Guilford has worked in education for nearly a decade. Download this entire article series in Guilford's free HOME SCHOOL E-BOOK at http://www.jamesguilford.com. In addition to this e-book, you will find chapters from Guilford's young adult novel, THE PENCIL TEST, lesson plans, and other free resources.

Home School Part I: Five Strategies to Ensure Home School Success

Home schooling gives you the power to instill values in your child that are important to you. As a parent who has decided to home school your child, you have a monopoly over your child's education and worldview. But as the old saying goes, to whom much is given, much is required.

The tips below will help you meet the rigorous requirements that come along with home schooling. As the first in a series of six articles, this piece offers strategies that will ensure your home school is successful.

1. STRATEGIZE. What subjects will you teach? How will you move your child from one grade level to the next? How will you supplement the curriculum? And what about language study or advanced mathematics? Answer questions such as these in the beginning. Doing so will help you plan a proper curriculum for your student.

2. FORETELL. Your student may eventually enter mainstream schooling in middle or high school. She might have plans for an out-of-state college, medical study, or a career on Wall Street. To help her reach her goals, learn about the requirements for these next stages, and then tackle these prerequisites in your curriculum.

3. CHEAT. There are many home school networks and models from which to learn. Visit websites, attend meetings, and get valuable information. You can also find tips in articles like this one. Books such as Home School Learning by Rebecca Rupp and The Well-Trained Mind by Jesse Wise are excellent resources.

4. BUILD. Don't forget about the school part of home school. List school supplies you will need--such as desks, chairs, text books, bins, and so on--to build a school environment at home. Give yourself a few months to secure the proper items to create the perfect school environment.

5. STUDY. Improve the effectiveness of your child's education by learning more about teaching. The Creative Teacher by Brandy Alexander and Understanding by Design by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe are two great resources. Consider taking a basic education course at a local college.

Educating your child at home is no easy endeavor. Luckily, the home school movement has allowed parents the option of creating a learning environment that they feel is best for their child. Use the tips above to help ensure that your home school is as successful as possible.

Author's Bio

James Guilford, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia University, has worked in education for nearly a decade. Download this entire article series in Guilford's free HOME SCHOOL E-BOOK at http://www.jamesguilford.com. In addition to this e-book, you will find chapters from Guilford's young adult novel, THE PENCIL TEST, lesson plans, and other free resources.

Summer Camp Part II: Tips to Make Your Child's Camp Experience A Success

Chances are, you and your child have the same fears: Walking into a gaggle of kids and parents. Everyone knowing everyone, except you. Getting lost on campus. Awkward moments at orientation. Wild, unsupervised parties. Your child - eating alone at a far bench. Your child - friendless for the entire summer.

This nightmare does not have to be your child's reality. Summer camp should, and can, be a fun and rewarding experience for your child. This, the second in a two-article installment on summer camps, will alleviate your fears. If you follow the tips below, then your child's time at camp will be positive and successful.

FACE IT. Use social networks and good old email to help your child connect with other campers before the summer begins. Set up a fan page for the camp on Facebook. On this fan page, campers and parents can chat, post questions, and give reminders. Encourage your child to email other campers.

GO AWAY. On the first day of camp, take your child to his destination, assist him in settling in, and then leave. Lingering parents create lingering feelings of doubt about being away from home. Homesickness and initial discomfort are normal. These feelings subside as your child engages in the many exciting activities his summer camp has to offer. The sooner you leave, the sooner your child can establish his camp as a home away from home.

BE NOSY. To keep track of your child's experience, get the names of directors, advisors, and other support staff. Develop a regular time to check in with a supervising adult (most camps have an advising system).

BE PREDICTABLE. Set a time during which you will call your child each day. Routine check-in times are helpful, especially for parents of children enrolled in sleep-away programs. This daily conversation time will help ease anxiety for you and homesickness for your child.

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE. During the first days of camp, it is normal for your child to have complaints. To frame your child's conversation in a positive way, use the following conversation starters:

o Tell me 3 good things that happened today.
o What was the best thing about your day?
o Tell me about all of the interesting kids and instructors you meet today.

ADDRESS CONCERNS. Of course, you should not ignore your child's concerns. Listen and affirm any worries he has and then follow up using the camp's advising system. If your child's camp is local, pay an unannounced visit so that you can get a more candid assessment of your child's experience.

 

Summer camps are a great way for your child to improve social skills, supplement learning, and develop a sense of independence. The tips in this article will help you and your child make the best of their summer experience.

Author's Bio

James Guilford has worked as the dean of an academic program for five summers. Download free resources, including the free e-books Classroom Management 101 and Home Schooling 101, at http://www.jamesguilford.com. 

Summer Camp Part I: Choosing the Best Summer Camp for Your Child

Though the wind is cold and though buds have yet to appear on leaves, summer is just around the corner. Now is the time to consider your child's summer camp options. From churches to boarding schools, organizations across the globe offer a wide range of experiences for your student. As the first of two articles, this piece offers tips to help you choose the best summer camp for your child.

BEAT THE RUSH. Most camps have limited enrollment and an application process. More exclusive programs--such as study abroad or highly rated academic camps--will fill early. Start your search in February or earlier. Doing so will afford your child a wider variety of choices.

ASK AROUND. Begin by asking teachers and school counselors for recommendations. Educators receive materials about academic camps, leadership institutes, and other summer programs. Talk to other parents about camps their kids have attended.

CONSIDER THIS. What are your child's interests? Skills? Temperament? In what academic subjects does she need to improve? For the athletic child, consider sports camps (these are usually 1-week affairs). For the child in need of academic support, look to programs at boarding schools.

SCHEDULE. Do you have family excursions, business trips, birthdays, or holidays during the summer? When will school be done for your child? When does the new school year begin? To work around your summer plans, consider a combination of 1-week-long camps. Also, consider day camps to allow your child to participate in family events in the evening.

BUDGET. Are you looking for the most bang for your buck or would you prefer an "all-inclusive" experience for your child? For the former, YMCAs and local churches offer cost-effective programs. For the latter, consider programs such as Experiment International (EI) or the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Many programs offer financial aid.

Though skies are still cold and grey, summertime is approaching. Begin exploring your child's summer camp options now. Use the tips above to help you and your child make the best choice about her summer experience.

Author's Bio

James Guilford has worked as the dean of an academic program for five summers.   Download Guilford's free e-books, Home Schooling 101 and Classroom Management 101, at http://www.jamesguilford.com.  You will find chapters from Guilford's young adult novel, The Pencil Test, lesson plans, and other free resources.

Summer Camp Part I: Choosing the Best Summer Camp for Your Child

Though the wind is cold and though buds have yet to appear on leaves, summer is just around the corner. Now is the time to consider your child's summer camp options. From churches to boarding schools, organizations across the globe offer a wide range of experiences for your student. As the first of two articles, this piece offers tips to help you choose the best summer camp for your child.

BEAT THE RUSH. Most camps have limited enrollment and an application process. More exclusive programs--such as study abroad or highly rated academic camps--will fill early. Start your search in February or earlier. Doing so will afford your child a wider variety of choices.

ASK AROUND. Begin by asking teachers and school counselors for recommendations. Educators receive materials about academic camps, leadership institutes, and other summer programs. Talk to other parents about camps their kids have attended.

CONSIDER THIS. What are your child's interests? Skills? Temperament? In what academic subjects does she need to improve? For the athletic child, consider sports camps (these are usually 1-week affairs). For the child in need of academic support, look to programs at boarding schools.

SCHEDULE. Do you have family excursions, business trips, birthdays, or holidays during the summer? When will school be done for your child? When does the new school year begin? To work around your summer plans, consider a combination of 1-week-long camps. Also, consider day camps to allow your child to participate in family events in the evening.

BUDGET. Are you looking for the most bang for your buck or would you prefer an "all-inclusive" experience for your child? For the former, YMCAs and local churches offer cost-effective programs. For the latter, consider programs such as Experiment International (EI) or the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Many programs offer financial aid.

Though skies are still cold and grey, summertime is approaching. Begin exploring your child's summer camp options now. Use the tips above to help you and your child make the best choice about her summer experience.

Author's Bio

James Guilford has worked as the dean of an academic program for five summers. Download free resources, including chapters from Guilford's young-adult novel, THE PENCIL TEST, at http://www.jamesguilford.com.

Classroom Management Part VIII: Stay Sane. Stay Organized

"How does he do it?" You ask yourself this as you watch the "super teacher" skip down the hall. Mr. Super preps for three classes, coaches soccer, chairs the diversity committee, and heads the annual toy drive. You, on the other hand, can barely keep up with the reading for your English class. Your desk is a tornado of papers and your grade book boasts a legion of blank assignment columns.

Though you have your own teaching talents, you lack the secret Mr. Super possesses: organization.

Luckily, you are reading this article. This, the last article in our series on classroom management, list five sure-fire ways of getting your classroom, and your cluttered brain, more organized.

BUILD IT IN. Structure your classroom so that organization is organic. Have students place homework in bins, clean up after activities, or mark quizzes after they complete them.

RISE EARLY. Arrive thirty minutes early. Make copies, read passages, or mark those last five papers. You will beat the morning rush and have first dibs on supplies.

STAY LATE. At the end of the day, spend thirty minutes marking quizzes, recording grades, or making notes for the following session. Your mind will be fresh with ideas from the day.

Look out for other articles in this series, including the following:

• Tips to Avoid A Classroom Horror Scene
  
• What to Do When All Your Students Hate You
• Five Things A Teacher Should Never Ever Do
• How to Deal with the "Problem" Student
• Tackling Talkers, Whisperers, and Note Passers
• Avoid Loosing Students, and Your Mind, on Field Trips
• How to Win Your Students' Trust and Their Hearts
  
• Stay Sane.  Stay Organized.

Author's Bio

James Guilford, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia University, has worked in education for nearly a decade.  Download the entire classroom management series for free at http://www.jamesguilford.com/free_resources.  In addition to this e-book, you will find chapters from Guilford's young adult novel, The Pencil Test, lesson plans, and other free resources.

SCALE BACK. If you can't keep up with grading, then give different types of assignments or give fewer assignments. Focus on quality, not quantity. Sometimes less is more.

JUST DO IT. Write the recommendation, respond to the survey, or fill out the new insurance forms immediately. As much as possible, complete minor tasks as they arise.

Mr. Super has his secrets, and now you have yours. Employ the tips in this article to stay sane and organized. Doing so will greatly improve your effectiveness and your sanity.

Classroom Management Part VII: How to Win Your Students' Hearts

Though you may be teaching high school, you are not in high school. You are not running for Class President or Prom King. Moreover, as a teacher, you are required to do things that are actually unpopular--such as issuing consequences or giving bad grades. As stated in an earlier article: an effective teacher does not Ms. Congeniality make. Yet, what teacher doesn't want to have a good relationship with his or her students?

This, the seventh in the series of eight articles on classroom management, focuses on relationship building. Use the strategies below to win your students' trust and their hearts.

FLATTER THEM. Give specific and sincere compliments. Instead of saying, "You guys did great," say, "I appreciate the way you sat attentively through the two-hour presentation."

CONSULT THEM. Get students' input about movies, field trips, and activities. Make choices, or revise curricula and content, based on their feedback.

WRITE TO THEM. On assignments, point out things your students do well. A positive note on an assignment--no matter what the grade--will give your students a boost of confidence.

WARN THEM. Before a student "gets in trouble," warn them about the behavior and then help them find ways of avoiding consequences. Setting your students up for success in this way will show them that you have their best interests in mind.

CORRECT THEM. Or, to use the more politically correct term, give them consequences. Though it may seems counter-intuitive, issuing consequences according to your classroom rules will feel predictable and consistent. This will make students feel safe.

REWARD THEM. Just as you can warn them about negative behavior, you should reward students for meeting expectations. An end-of-semester party, a special trip, or a choice of activities is a great way to do this.

Having a positive relationship with your students and managing your classroom effectively are not mutually exclusive. In fact, relationship building is a key part of classroom management. When you use the tips above, you will both build a solid rapport with your students and sure up your classroom management skills.

Look out for other articles in this series, including the following:

• Tips to Avoid A Classroom Horror Scene
  
• What to Do When All Your Students Hate You
• Five Things A Teacher Should Never Ever Do
• How to Deal with the "Problem" Student
• Tackling Talkers, Whisperers, and Note Passers
• Avoid Loosing Students, and Your Mind, on Field Trips
• How to Win Your Students' Trust and Their Hearts
  
• Stay Sane.  Stay Organized.

Author's Bio

James Guilford, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia University, has worked in education for nearly a decade.  Download the entire classroom management series for free at http://www.jamesguilford.com/free_resources.  In addition to this e-book, you will find chapters from Guilford's young adult novel, The Pencil Test, lesson plans, and other free resources.

Classroom Management Part VI: Avoid Loosing Students, and Your Mind, on Field Trips

It seemed like a good idea when you were planning the unit--taking a throng of teenagers to the largest museum in the city. But as the field trip approaches, your stomach whirls with apprehension. You imagine the phone call, hours after the trip has ended, from the parents of the student you left behind.

As the sixth article in the eight-article series on classroom management, this piece takes us out of the classroom and into the wide wide world of field trips. Below you will find strategies to help you coordinate a hassle-free excursion.

MAP. Visit the venue in advance. If you cannot visit, look at a map of the space. Locate the lobby, cafeteria, restrooms, and attractions. Review the map with students.

REMEMBER. Student meds. Allergy medicine. School credit card. Student rooster. Make a list of essentials--check it twice.

REVIEW. Before leaving for the trip, review expectations and consequences with students. One of these consequences can include a ride back to school if rules are not followed.

COUNT. Take a count of the students at every transitional period. Count your students after you have loaded the bus to leave the school and before taking off to head back home.

CALL. Have all supervising adults exchange cell phone numbers. Give numbers to students so that they can call in case of emergency.

STATION. Assign each teacher a group to chaperone--aim for a ten-to-one ratio. Also, station the extra adults in the lobby, the bathroom, and the cafeteria. Let students know where these adults will be so that students can find help if needed.

CHECK IN. If you will be at one venue for more than a few hours, designate a check-in time. Tell students they should come to a specific location and check in at the halfway point of the trip.

LET GO. Have students select partners and then allow them to move around the venue with their groups. Small groups may be more manageable than one adult herding around ten students.

TAIL 'EM. Have two adults follow your bus in separate cars. Having extra transportation is good for emergencies. Also, having extra vehicles will allow you to take a student back if he or she is unable to follow rules.

Plan your next field trip using the strategies in this article. Doing so will ensure a fun and worry-free excursion.  Look out for other articles in this series, including the following:

• Tips to Avoid A Classroom Horror Scene
  
• What to Do When All Your Students Hate You
• Five Things A Teacher Should Never Ever Do
• How to Deal with the "Problem" Student
• Tackling Talkers, Whisperers, and Note Passers
• Avoid Loosing Students, and Your Mind, on Field Trips
• How to Win Your Students' Trust and Their Hearts
  
• Stay Sane.  Stay Organized.

Author's Bio

James Guilford, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia University, has worked in education for nearly a decade.  Download the entire classroom management series for free at http://www.jamesguilford.com/free_resources.  In addition to this e-book, you will find chapters from Guilford's young adult novel, The Pencil Test, lesson plans, and other free resources.

Classroom Management Part V: Tackling Talkers, Whisperers, and Note Passers

Well, of course you should not tackle them (though, sometimes you may want to).  But there are ways of handling that clump of students who cannot seem to resist the temptation to talk, whisper, and pass notes.  As the fifth in a series of eight articles on classroom management, this piece offers tips to help you rein in your gaggle of gossipers.

RELOCATE. One of the easiest ways to stop the gossip is to break up the group.  Point out the behavior to the students and then make them aware that they will loose the privilege of choosing where they sit if the behavior continues.  If these students continue talking, move their seats.

SPY.  Listen in on conversation to be sure that students are on topic.  Peer over shoulders to see what students are writing.  Look on computer screens to see that students are typing assignments and not instant messaging.  This is no invasion of privacy. During class time students should be engaged in class work.

CIRCLE UP.  Arrange seats in a circle. This gives you a view of all the students.  Students are less likely to pass notes or whisper if the feel they are being observed.

CO-OPT. Redirect this talkative energy towards classroom assignments.  Have students work in groups using cooperative learning models. Have students write letters in journals.  Ask the lead talker to explain directions for assignments.

CALL THEM OUT.  If the behavior is public, then your response should also be public.  Respectfully tell students that their conversation is interrupting learning.  This acknowledgement helps these students who may not know that their whispering is distracting (or even audible).  It also serves as a reminder of expectations for other students.

Talking, whispering, and note passing are all a part of teen culture.  At the same time, this behavior is inappropriate for the classroom.  Address this behavior using the strategies above.  Doing so will help keep your students respectful and focused.

Look out for other articles in this series, including the following:

• Tips to Avoid A Classroom Horror Scene
  
• What to Do When All Your Students Hate You
• Five Things A Teacher Should Never Ever Do
• How to Deal with the "Problem" Student
• Tackling Talkers, Whisperers, and Note Passers
• Avoid Loosing Students, and Your Mind, on Field Trips
• How to Win Your Students' Trust and Their Hearts
  
• Stay Sane.  Stay Organized.

Author's Bio

James Guilford, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia University, has worked in education for nearly a decade.  Download the entire classroom management series for free at http://www.jamesguilford.com/free_resources.  In addition to this e-book, you will find chapters from Guilford's young adult novel, The Pencil Test, lesson plans, and other free resources.

Classroom Management Part IV: Dealing with the ‘Problem’ Student

Every teacher can name him—that one student who sky rockets your blood pressure and sends steam whistling out of your ears. Each time Jimmy falls to the floor kicking and screaming, you gulp back your aggravation. Each time Marcia jumps up from her desk and skips around the room, your close your eyes and count to ten.

This fourth article in our eight-article series focuses on the “problem” student. In this article, you will find handy tips for dealing with the student who is the bane of your classroom.

INVESTIGATE. Despite how irrational Jimmy’s kicking or Marcia’s refusal to sit may seem, there is a reason for the behavior. Talk with the student and ask for an explanation. If you can gather no information from the student, ask other teachers about their experience with the student. Next, talk to administrators and parents.

ANALYZE. Does this student act out at a certain time of day, during a certain activity, or around a certain student? An inability to see the board, anxiety about wearing a swimsuit, or a dispute with a friend—any of these can trigger “bad’ behavior. Analyze the situation for such triggers. Then, suggest better ways of dealing with these situations.

ADJUST. Although her peers can do it, Marcia does not have the attention span to sit for more than ten minutes. Although his friends are able too, Joshua cannot resist eating his snack before break. To help students succeed, adjust expectations. Over the semester, you can tweak these expectations to help students meet classroom goals.

ALLOW. Does Marcia really need to sit during the read-aloud? Will Vipal’s doodling hinder his understanding of the presentation? If the behavior does not interfere with the student’s learning or the learning of others, then allow it.

When a student acts out, this signals that he or she is unable to follow classroom protocol at that time. Viewing the “bad” student’s behavior from the perspective of the classroom goals, and then employing one of the above strategies, will help you to help your “problem” student.

Look out for other articles in this series, including the following:

• Tips to Avoid A Classroom Horror Scene
  
• What to Do When All Your Students Hate You
• Five Things A Teacher Should Never Ever Do
• How to Deal with the "Problem" Student
• Tackling Talkers, Whisperers, and Note Passers
• Avoid Loosing Students, and Your Mind, on Field Trips
• How to Win Your Students' Trust and Their Hearts
  
• Stay Sane.  Stay Organized.

Author's Bio

James Guilford, a graduate of Emory University and Columbia University, has worked in education for nearly a decade.  Download the entire classroom management series for free at http://www.jamesguilford.com/free_resources.  In addition to this e-book, you will find chapters from Guilford's young adult novel, The Pencil Test, lesson plans, and other free resources.