Brain breaks can be a critical tool in maintaining student engagement and leading them to a successful future. Before we jump into the various brain breaks you could incorporate, let's explore what they are and why they work.
Brain breaks are short, structured actions that allow students a mental pause from classroom activities so that they may return to new tasks with a clear and focused mindset. This is a powerful activity that students need to perform regularly to stay productive and understand work throughout the day. Studies have shown short breaks in between learning tasks improve cognitive functioning and attention control.
In a world where using technology and looking at screens form a large portion of children's lives, it's easy for children to lose attention in an environment that requires them to stay focused and on-task. When you switch up their tasks every few minutes, you may be able to reduce their frustration, refresh their mind and refocus their attention with ease. One study showed that students were 9% better at their tasks after a brain break than children without a brain break.
When you allow students to take a brief break, whether mentally or physically, they learn to self-regulate or “shift gears.” This gives them a chance to breathe, relax and return to a task with better focus and concentration. These breaks are especially helpful for those who have a short attention span or feel overwhelmed easily. By incorporating brain breaks into the classroom, you'll create a positive environment and help students build healthy habits for maintaining focus and reducing stress.
There are certain rules to incorporating brain breaks in the best way to ensure their effectiveness. Let's take a look.
Given that a student's ability to stay focused decreases after 20 minutes, it's best to incorporate a brain break every 20 minutes for one to five minutes each time. Usually, you could change up this time as you see fit. The key is to stay observant and notice when there is a drop in productivity and focus.
Brain breaks are only as effective as you make them. Here are some expert tips to ensure they stay engaging:
Now, on to the exciting part! Here, we've curated a list of 60 brain break activities for elementary schoolers — all of which you can rest assured will provide you with all the benefits this mental break has to offer when you integrate them properly.
Sometimes children need a good physical brain break with fun-packed dynamic movement activities to either work out any excessive or built up energy and excitement levels. At the same time, these activities promote increased cardiovascular capabilities and oxygen to the brain, improving learners' brain function. Let's explore this list of 20 physical brain break ideas:
Mindfulness and relaxation brain breaks are essential because they help students to either release excess energy after a high-activity task or build up their excitement and energy again after long teaching sessions. If you're looking for a way to change focus and help the mind relax quickly, these 20 handpicked brain breaks may help you:
Unique and fun break brains are sometimes necessary to keep children excited and happy throughout the day. It creates a balanced intake of knowledge and exciting experiences for elementary school learners. Here's our unique list of fun and creative brain breaks for the classroom:
Regardless of the grade your students are in, classroom brain breaks can help improve their focus and engagement when you implement them correctly. Which brain break idea was your favorite? If you plan to incorporate these exciting brain breaks into your classroom, we recommend adding them to student planners to ensure your class stays on track and looks forward to each day.
At Success by Design, we offer educators and school administrators the tools and information they need to influence student success. To help your elementary schoolers establish healthier habits and relieve stress, contact our team for help selecting the appropriate planner, or visit our blog for more classroom resources today.
]]>Are you looking for trusted strategies to engage students in the classroom? Various proven methods from child development, psychology and educational professionals can keep students engaged throughout their school day. By using student engagement strategies, teachers find that students gain a deeper understanding and enjoy their lessons in the process.
So, how do you effectively engage your students in learning? A great start would be to read our 29 tried and true strategies for student engagement below! Feel free to choose the strategies you like, implement them into your classroom routine and watch the difference it makes.
Research shows that engaging students in learning is particularly important because it increases their focus and encourages them to pursue critical thinking at a higher level.
According to a Gallup study, student engagement significantly positively affects student growth. Another study states that engaged students are 2.5 times more inclined to succeed academically and get excellent grades. They're also 4.5 times more inclined to be hopeful about their futures than their disengaged counterparts.
With the right student engagement strategies and student-centered approach, educators can help their students achieve the course's learning objectives.
Engagement strategies in education teach students to be accountable and allow them to feel involved in the learning process. When students share their thoughts and demonstrate learning regularly with classmates, they inspire their peers to do the same. These learning techniques can even encourage students to create academic goals for themselves.
So long as you regularly incorporate these learning strategies, you can create an engaging and equitable space that makes everyone feel involved.
To encourage student engagement in the classroom, teachers should try learning strategies and activities like:
Through these learning activities, students can gain confidence in their learning communities and improve their comprehension of the coursework. Ensure your students play a more active role in teaching and collaborative learning, and students will feel more involved and be able to increase the competency of their skills.
Now that we've established why engaging students in learning is important, let's look at these 29 engagement strategies for teachers to use in the classroom.
A personalized environment can help engage students by making them feel involved in the learning process. This environment should be a positive learning space that provides an enriching educational experience and fosters engagement. Here's how to increase student engagement through a personalized environment:
Give learners an outline of what you expect them to learn from a course or lesson and why. Defining your expectations and continually reinforcing course objectives gives students a reason to stay engaged. Teachers can do this by applying expectations to assignments in a way that has students restate the activity's goal and how they can apply the information gained to their lives.
Share your excitement about the topics you teach. Happiness is contagious, and a great way to encourage engagement is by showing students your passion and enthusiasm. Doing so helps convey why the topic is interesting and encourages students to care more about the lesson. You can best communicate this enthusiasm through positive body language, an excited tone, explaining why the topic will interest them and using fun, relatable examples.
It's important to ask students what they know about a topic beforehand because it gives you a better idea of what to cover during class. It also ensures your lessons constantly provide new information to keep students engaged throughout the following classes on that topic. This can even create an engaging recap discussion about how well they remember what they learned before.
Encourage participation by allowing students to be actively involved in the learning process. You can easily do this through building rapport with your students and creating collaborative learning opportunities to improve their academic experience. Additionally, you can promote classroom participation by:
Rather than allowing students to solve example activities on their own, ask them to work through and complete activities in small groups. These group discussions boost engagement and provide students with an opportunity to share their reasoning and problem-solving processes with other students. Working in small groups can especially be useful for activities with explicit solutions and discussing open-ended questions.
Experiential learning involves allowing your students to participate in interactive tasks promoting engagement. Through these tasks, students can understand the course goals and topics more deeply. Here's how to improve student engagement with the four key elements of experiential learning:
When your students begin to understand a topic, ask them to explain the concept to the rest of the class and answer their questions. This is an excellent opportunity for engagement because the students get to hear different perspectives, allowing them to understand the topic on a deeper level. Moreover, students may clarify and correct any information from each other to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Information only gets through to students when it engages their cognition. That's why offering students diverse learning methods and choices about which learning material they engage with is essential.
Some examples to help students engage in learning activities involve allowing students to choose the type of project they do for assessments or using various modalities to cater to your students' diverse learning styles.
Provide your students with regular feedback on critical assignments and create activities that allow your students to carry out self-assessments. If you want to build an engaging learning environment, metacognition is essential to help students discover specific strategies for evaluating and planning their learning. Metacognition is a valuable skill for mastering student learning and sustaining the motivation to learn.
Get your students warmed up for a subject with a brief work exercise. You can do this by starting the class off with written material on the board and asking students to find mistakes planted within it. Allow your students to work in teams and compete with other groups. This exercise gradually prepares them for the lesson you planned, while collaboration and competition motivate them to stay engaged.
Turn your ungraded class materials for classroom discussions into credit-upon-completion assignments. Informal assignments like this teach students to be accountable for completing their work and more serious about handing in their important graded assessments. This encourages students to stay engaged in the classroom throughout their course, allowing them to progress academically and making the grading process easier for educators.
Open-ended questions can have various correct answers and valid perspectives. Most of all, they create interesting discussions.
These questions promote engagement because anyone can answer open-ended questions, whether it's to interpret information or justify an opinion. It also encourages students to be more meticulous in their studies — these questions require a deep understanding of the topic rather than a correct answer.
Keep your classroom organized and well-managed to save time looking for misplaced books and lesson materials. A well-organized classroom lets you and your students feel at peace and stay focused. This allows for a more productive day and higher student engagement.
To implement this strategy, remind students to keep the classroom organized and spend time each morning tidying up or decluttering the classroom.
Using technology is an excellent strategy for keeping your students engaged, as it gives them a break from using paper most days. Some mediums you can use include audio, video and digital resources. You can have them take interactive quizzes or watch educational videos. Doing so will capture their attention and keep them engaged with the lesson because it matches the digital world they're familiar with.
Handing out worksheets or leaving the classroom may cause students to tune out. Try filling these brief windows between lessons with short activities that hold their attention. Here's how to keep students engaged in these situations:
Adding games to your learning process is a powerful way to drive engagement in the classroom. Turn a few of your course activities and quizzes into games by adding competitive elements, challenges and rewards. Doing so naturally makes students want to participate in the lesson with more interest. It also helps to improve students' thinking, problem-solving and collaborative skills.
Similar to gamified learning, you can turn your in-class games, quizzes and activities into friendly competitions. When creating these competitions, make sure the activities are low stakes and emphasize the learning aspect rather than winning to make things friendly. By competing with other learners, students can test their skills, stay engaged with the lesson, feel empowered to learn more and improve together.
Student learning is most successful when learners can transfer and apply their knowledge to real-life situations. When you show students how closely your lessons connect to the real world, they become more engaged in the lesson, motivating them to use their critical thinking skills. You can do this by using real-life examples or explaining how a lesson relates to their everyday lives.
According to the achievement goal theory, students are more likely to stay engaged when setting academic goals for themselves. With this in mind, encourage your students to create clear goals and spend time guiding them to reflect on their progress.
By self-reflecting, learners can honestly look at their student achievements and find ways to improve. It also gives them a reason to stay attentive in class.
Another way to encourage active engagement in the classroom involves changing the classroom design. To form a self-directed learning zone, give students easy access to essential classroom resources and print materials like flashcards and study notes by placing them in storage bins and shelves. It may also help to decorate your walls with posters and objects that promote student engagement.
Active learning teaches students to participate in the learning process actively. Participating actively can excite students to tackle new topics and enhance intellectual curiosity. Popular active learning strategies to promote student engagement include:
One of the more creative ways to engage students involves listing previously unquestioned assumptions about a topic and asking students to challenge these statements. Deliberately addressing these assumptions stimulates creative thinking and helps students overcome thinking barriers.
Encourage them to explain why an assumption may be false and create new assumptions to talk about. These may spark engaging discussions and new ways to solve problems.
Show your students you care about their input. Check in with your students about whether your teaching methods are working for them and if there are any areas you could improve. This strategy helps teachers grow their skills and encourages students to actively engage in their learning processes because they know their teacher regularly seeks it. It's also a great way to let students know their opinions matter.
Giving students rewards can effectively motivate students to improve their studies. Make tasks and quizzes fun by rewarding students with a predetermined prize. Rewards encourage students to stay focused and meet classroom expectations. Rather than issuing rewards to a single student, giving group rewards is beneficial because it gets students to remind each other to stay focused, and working with friends can engage learners.
Give your students regular breathers with brain breaks. These brief activities allow their brains to cool down from all the information they've been taking in and return to work feeling refreshed and focused.
There are various types of brain breaks, from stretching for a few minutes to playing an educational game that excites them. This is a great way to keep them engaged throughout the lesson.
Brainstorming is an effective engagement tool for developing creative solutions and ideas. Teachers and students can brainstorm to identify an issue and create possible solutions. Here's how to encourage active engagement in the classroom using brainstorming:
To encourage accountability, put your students in groups and make it clear you expect students to seek assistance from their team members before they turn to you. When a student asks you a question, check with their teammates whether they discussed it first. This motivates student engagement toward the lesson, communication with teammates and responsibility for their actions.
To maximize student engagement, change the classroom's physical setup of tables, chairs and presentations. Various classroom seating arrangements influence how well students absorb information.
For example, a horseshoe arrangement can improve class discussions, and group pod seating arrangements can benefit group work. You can also improve engagement by moving your desk to a different spot and encouraging students to work in different areas in the classroom.
Now that you know how to engage students in learning, take student engagement a step further with school planners from Success by Design. Planners promote engagement by encouraging learners to track due dates, create a homework schedule and plan their study time.
What started as a former educator helping teachers and students develop valuable organization skills turned into a 30-year-long business called Success by Design. We provide various school planners for all grade levels designed with the help of professional educators to influence your students' success.
Feel free to browse our website for quality planners or contact one of our friendly team members to find a suitable planner for your students today!
]]>STEM is a popular topic in education discussions. STEM is not a new concept, but many instructors, parents and administrators are searching for ways to integrate these principles into the classroom to create a more enriching environment. Integrated STEM classrooms engage students with their studies by asking them to find new ways to reach conclusions, solve problems and complete hands-on activities to retain real-world concepts.
Although STEM has a central focus, educators can bring STEM into the classroom in many ways and craft teaching principles to connect STEM with other core classes and materials. Check out our guide on STEM and STEAM and learn how you can use these concepts to foster curiosity, intrigue and interest in the classroom.
STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Schools use STEM to introduce students to valuable skills and knowledge they can apply to the real world. STEM fields are quickly growing, with mathematical science fields growing the fastest. Providing students with STEM education creates a well-rounded classroom that encourages projects and questions.
STEM aligns with the way individuals problem-solve and work through their daily lives. Integrating STEM in the classroom can create a robust learning environment that allows students to apply the skills they learn to their future careers.
Core components of STEM are:
Integrating STEM in the elementary classroom is an excellent way educators can transform the academic experience. When shifting to this focus, you should begin by explaining your expectations and using language that encourages students to explore topics and question conclusions. Get them to problem-solve in unique ways and experiment with interesting solutions to problems.
STEM activities for elementary schoolers include:
STEM encompasses more subjects than those in its name, and you can integrate STEM principles into your curriculum for every class in many ways. As you discuss new concepts, focus on real-world issues, provide hands-on activities, encourage students to find answers in more than one way and come up with collaborative activities that encourage students to interact with other ideas. When you implement the core principles above, you can create an integrated STEM classroom where your student thrive.
Try these activities in your classroom:
Although STEM is an excellent foundation for students as they work through school and think about a future career, there is a fundamental piece missing that many want to see — art. As many instructors, students, employers and parents joined the STEM conversation, there became a shift to include the arts in the school curriculum.
STEAM takes STEM to a new level by including elements of art practices, design and concepts in the classroom. This approach reduces some of the limitations people have presented about STEM by further focusing on wonder, innovation, inquiry and critique.
STEAM balances assessments, standards and implementation, and these experiences capture at least two elements that work together to create a complete understanding. STEAM activities help strengthen soft skills like communication, leadership, professionalism and enthusiasm. Additionally, STEAM encourages cross-cultural competency as students interact with different perspectives to design innovative solutions and contribute to new discussions.
Success by Design has been crafting teacher and student solutions since 1988. We understand the importance of scheduling and organizing, so we've created unique planners that can make it easier. Our STEM planners get students thinking about their futures. With our STEM planners, your learners can experience long-term rewards, set goals and become acquainted with the demands they need to meet for their future careers.
Students use our STEM planners to build confidence while they learn. Our elementary STEM planners have exciting features such as a question of the week, facts about a monthly topic and STEM Designations to explore subjects related to the monthly topic.
Success by Design recognizes the importance of the arts in a well-rounded education, and all of our STEM planners incorporate the arts with traditional STEM subject matter, making them a perfect choice for a STEAM-based curriculum as well.
As you build an engaging classroom experience for your students, you can feel confident that they're exploring topics on their own too. Browse our STEM planners and encourage your students to explore their natural curiosity.
]]>Preparing elementary schoolers for standardized tests can be easy if you have some excellent tips in your arsenal during exam season. Teachers can create supportive environments, provide reviews, encourage positive self-talk and growth and find unique ways to familiarize students with test materials. Keep reading to discover the best standardized test review strategies for elementary students from Success by Design.
Standardized tests can be incredibly stressful for students, especially those encountering them for the first time. Many standardized tests are much larger than the homework assignments and classroom quizzes students see regularly. This can easily lead them to think that standardized tests have a more significant meaning and affect their ability to do well for fear of failure.
Teachers can influence student perceptions by having a positive attitude for students to model. Simple words and phrases can transform student perceptions and encourage learners to finish their tests with a positive outlook and put their best foot forward.
Foster a supportive environment by:
Additionally, teachers can try to remedy test anxiety by recognizing common signs and providing solutions. Students who repeatedly mention the upcoming test, become moody, frequently talk negatively about their performance, show signs of procrastination or get upset over minor setbacks may be battling test anxiety. Teachers can help students find effective studying methods, work through learning strategies, encourage positive talk and teach relaxation techniques.
Although students may have experience with classroom quizzes or tests, more extensive tests may make students feel more anxious. State exams typically take much more time to complete than regular classroom work, and students may feel nervous about what the test will look like and how they can prepare for it.
Many students begin taking state tests during the third grade. Knowing how to prepare students for state testing could involve showing them what they can expect. For instance, preparing third graders for standardized tests could mean giving students a practice exam that models the test from the previous year. This way, they can get an idea of the types of questions they'll see, how long it will take them to complete and what materials will be most important to study beforehand.
Engaging reviews can be one of the best ways to prepare for upcoming tests. Instructors can also approach reviews in multiple ways. Finding an interactive and stimulating way to review will likely be the most effective at relieving test anxiety and encouraging students to engage with course materials. Some engaging ways to review include:
A growth mindset enables people to accept challenges and take steps to master skills and continuously work toward improvement. Students who develop this mindset are more likely to reach success and feel satisfied with the work they complete. When educators cultivate this mindset, they can better help students become deep learners.
Developing a growth mindset is an excellent tactic to become a better teacher and help students develop lifelong learning habits. You can help students build confidence, practice mindfulness activities and manage test stress by guiding them to a growth mindset.
You can cultivate this mindset by:
Additionally, you can cultivate a growth mindset and encourage students to prepare for their tests by taking notes in their planners. Teachers can explain the importance of tracking progress and doing a little every day to improve. As students complete homework and set aside time to study, they can review their progress and see how far they've come. You can also motivate them to jot down quotes or write something they enjoyed for the day to keep them thinking positively.
Success by Design has been assisting students and teachers develop organization and planning skills since 1988. We're a proud leader in our industry, and we offer services and products that are relevant, accessible, valuable and of exceptional quality.
Using our planners, you can find fun ways to prepare students for standardized tests. You can teach your students how to plan and stay organized effectively so they're ready for standardized tests, homework assignments and other coursework.
Success doesn't happen by accident. You plan for it! You can help your students set goals, find school information and remember to complete their work on time. With Success by Design, you can ensure your students stay on track and begin building lifelong learning habits.
Browse our elementary planners, or contact us for more information. Our friendly customer service team will help you find the perfect planners for you and your students.
]]>Students need structure and familiarity as they continue to learn and develop, and classroom routines and procedures give students a predictable day. They'll know what to expect each day and feel more confident and secure in their daily activities. For younger children, a routine engages them in learning and helps them feel safe in their environment, while it helps older children know what to expect and feel more comfortable. This is why classroom routines are important to the learning process.
Routines in the classroom make class time more enjoyable and productive. They offer students a sense of stability. By having classroom rules and procedures that you follow, your students will know your expectations. Behavioral problems and distractions can decrease when students understand how to act. Learn more about these benefits and how to implement a successful classroom routine!
Effective classroom procedures and routines offer many benefits to students. Students who know how they should act in the classroom can be more successful because they can learn and achieve more. Students will spend more time learning instead of getting ready for class or asking questions about what they should do because you've streamlined the process for daily tasks. The benefits of classroom routines and procedures include:
Routines facilitate teaching and learning. They come in many forms and can include the layout of your classroom or how you structure the day. Classroom routines for better classroom management will help students know what to do in various situations. Some of the classroom routine strategies you can consider include:
For younger students, explicitly explain how you want them to line up to enter and exit the room. Students of all ages will need to know what to do once they enter the classroom, such as what equipment to get or put away, what books to grab, what materials to take out and where to sit — if your classroom has assigned seats. Implementing entry and exit routines helps the class start sooner.
Students must exit the classroom for various reasons, like lunch, a break or the end of a class period. Things will go more smoothly when there is a set routine for transitions, and students will act according to your expectations. It can also help to let the students know a minute or so before the transition so they can get right into it.
It can be challenging to get students to pay attention for the class duration. Establishing a routine for gaining student attention can prevent classroom disruptions. For instance, you could catch the eye of the student or students who aren't paying attention and say a keyword like "eyes on me." For younger students, you could clap your hands or perform a hand gesture.
Your students need to know what to do to get your attention during class if they have any questions or problems arise. You can have them raise their hand or use another signal. Silent methods for gaining your attention will prevent distractions.
It's common for students to finish their work early. Help maintain productivity for others by having fun activities or set things for fast finishers to do so they don't distract other classmates. You can have them read a book, do an activity sheet or work on the next assignment. These activities keep them occupied, which helps prevent them from talking and distracting other students.
There are a lot of systems you can use to organize the collection and distribution of materials. Establishing a routine will save class time and keep materials neat. You can use labels, color coding or another method so students know where specific materials are and how to collect them or put them away.
You can foster a sense of responsibility in students by assigning them different classroom jobs and responsibilities. For instance, one student can be in charge of handing out books at the beginning of class. Another might always be the leader of a line for exit routines.
The end of class or a subject is an excellent time for students to take out their planners and write down their homework and upcoming assignments. Daily student planners will keep assignments organized, and the act of writing things down will help students remember. You can model for the students how to record the information in their planner so every student writes down the same thing.
Planners help students stay organized and prepared for exams and assignments. Writing homework down will help them remember it, and they can refer to the planner anytime. Students can use their planners to set a homework schedule, plan out study time and track due dates. Success by Design offers a variety of planners for elementary, middle, high school, STEM or religious students.
Among our planners, there is certain to be one that fits your needs and the needs of your students. Browse our planners today to begin establishing a daily routine for students to record their homework and upcoming assignments and for a limited time shop our reduced price student planners.
]]>Any child may experience test anxiety, even those without a history of anxiety. Knowing the signs and symptoms of test anxiety can help you identify it in students and support their success in testing environments.
Test anxiety comes with various symptoms, and some signs are more obvious than others.
Many students with test anxiety experience physical symptoms, including:
If a student asks to go to the bathroom frequently during tests or says they have stomachaches, these behaviors may be physical symptoms of test anxiety. Noticing students who are physically uncomfortable during tests can help you know which students may need extra support.
Students may also experience emotional symptoms as a result of test anxiety:
Some students may pull you aside to express these worries. In these circumstances, learning why a child feels these emotions during tests can help you lessen their worries through preparation plans and help them find coping skills.
Finally, test anxiety may manifest in these cognitive and behavioral symptoms:
If a student tells you they'll fail before every test or frequently shares that they haven't studied, these habits may be cognitive or behavioral symptoms of test anxiety. Solutions like finding study methods, working through testing strategies and helping individual students set goals can help them succeed on the next test.
Helping students overcome test anxiety begins with identifying the symptoms. Once you know that students suffer from these issues, you can address why they feel test anxiety and equip them to flourish in testing environments.
If your students struggle to prepare for and perform well on tests, consider supplying your classroom with Success by Design planners. These resources make it easy for students to know when tests are and create study schedules leading up to them. Being prepared can help your students overcome stress and improve their grades. Explore our fun selection of planners for students from preschool to high school.
]]>In addition to affecting how well a student performs on the exam, test anxiety can also interfere with other classes and personal events. Even students without general or social anxiety can experience test anxiety and have it affect their personal lives.
It's natural for students to feel nervous before taking any assessment. However, when that stress is ongoing, it can lead to test anxiety that can affect performance.
Children with disabilities may need additional help identifying the resources and skills they need to perform well. For children with dyslexia, ADHD, sensory processing issues or slow processing speeds, text anxiety may stem from linking their past experiences and challenges to their current tests. General or social anxiety can fuel a fear of failure or poor performance.
Other students may experience test anxiety because they feel out of control or think their academic performance reflects their worth. They might be taking a complex or advanced course or believe they won't finish within the time limit.
Parents and instructors play essential roles in students' lives and both can take an active part in helping reduce stress and anxiety. Some symptoms of test anxiety include:
Whether you see them at the dinner table or sitting at their desk, you can help your students with test anxiety.
Instructors can ease anxiety by giving helpful tips and letting students know what they'll see on test day. Being upfront about expectations and test formats can help reduce students' discomfort.
Tips for teachers to reduce test anxiety include:
Parents play an essential role in student education. You can help ease your child's anxiety with the following tips:
Students can benefit immensely when parents and teachers come together. Since some students may feel uncomfortable discussing their worries with teachers, parents should initiate the conversation. Teachers and parents should meet to discuss student behaviors and how they can help ease anxiety at school and home. If students hear advice from more than one important adult, they may feel more inclined to listen and believe it.
Students might feel anxious even after finishing an exam. In the classroom, teachers can congratulate students or have a one-on-one conversation to find out how they think they did. Parents should ask their children how they felt about an exam when they come home from work, at the dinner table or in any other comfortable setting. Let your students know you care and appreciate their effort and encourage them to take time for a fun activity as a reward for their actions.
Planners can help students stay organized and prepared for exams and other assignments. Students can use their planners to create study schedules, track their progress and keep track of due dates. Success By Design offers a range of planners to assist elementary, middle, high school, STEM and religious students.
Students with test anxiety can feel more prepared by writing down a to-do list, keeping track of assignments and reviewing past due dates. Browse our planners and find a fun and organized to prepare your students for every school day.
]]>Figuring out the best way to combat disorganization takes some time. To successfully transform student habits, you have to approach them with understanding, be a model and give them tips that are easy to use and effective. Here's how to help a disorganized student eliminate clutter and stay on top of their tasks.
Understanding how to help a student get organized begins with simple communication. Approaching a student with sensitivity and presenting them with solutions will be much more effective than implying they should be doing better without clarifying the actions they should take.
Instead of criticizing the student's habits, chat through the benefits of better ones and why organization is important. A disorganized student may not be able to recognize the importance of organization until you show them, but if they feel defensive, they may not listen to what you're saying. Instead of saying, "I can't believe how messy you are," try a phrase such as, “I noticed you have trouble finding your homework sometimes, and I think I have some ways to help.”
Many disorganized students want to be able to find their homework and books quickly but don't know how to implement a system that works for them. They may think it's a complicated process or have too many objects in their space, making decluttering challenging. A student's poor organizational skills can improve if you show them what to do.
You could spend time instructing each student on how to throw away old papers, stack textbooks, store their pencils and keep folders nice and straight with a demonstration at the front of the classroom. You could also show them how you organize your desk for a practical example.
A pro tip is to take a picture of a student's organized desk to print out. After helping the student organize their school supplies, the photo acts as a reference if they get disorganized again later. You can tape a picture to the inside of their desk or make it the first page of a binder or folder.
If you want to help multiple students, you could print out a large picture of an empty desk, identify where to put supplies and showcase this image at the front of your classroom where your students can easily see it. When your student starts to lose papers or struggle to find their pencils, they can refer to your photo and organize their space to its former glory.
Checklists are great visual aids you can use to improve organization. Checklists for class items, morning routines and homework can help students remember what they need to take home or bring with them daily and help them start their mornings right. You can print out small checklists for disorganized students or create a classroom checklist you check off as you go about the day so your students can track their time with you.
Along with checklists, planners are another useful tool to help students stay organized. When your students take the time to write down what they need at the start or end of every day, they may find it easier to stay on top of their work.
After completing homework or turning in an assignment, students can cross it off their schedule and focus on the next task. Many planners also have a page for notes where your students can write additional reminders for themselves or jot down goals.
As an instructor, you must model what you're trying to teach students. If the classroom is messy or you have trouble finding papers through stacks of sheets on your desks, it may be hard for children to accept your advice. You want to be a model for good organizational behavior, so you should clear your space, throw away papers and ensure you have organized student seating.
Color coding is a great organizational system you can use to keep the classroom productive and model successful tips for your students. On top of making papers easier to find for yourself, students may have an easier time tracking down a specific assignment if they can look for bright colors or labels. You could encourage students to use a different color folder for each class or topic, so they can quickly find homework and worksheets without rummaging through stacks of papers.
Helping a disorganized child doesn't have to start and stop in the classroom. After establishing a relationship and the best form of contact, you can discuss with parents the skills you're working on in class. Work together to discover ways you can both implement tips and tricks for the student in an effortless manner. A parent may be able to tell you what works well for their child, and you can discuss what behaviors you're seeing when parents aren't around.
Students who follow a schedule will have to remain organized to be on time. If your students stay in your classroom for the entire day, you can post a class schedule on the wall so students can track what will happen next in their day.
If students leave your classroom throughout the day to attend music, art and gym classes or receive instruction on particular subjects from other teachers, you can print out schedules for each student's desk to help them remember what they need.
Memory aids are a fun way to help students stay organized and give them tools for remembering facts or assignments later in their academic careers. If you remember the order of operations as PEMDAS or have a fun saying for the order of the planets in our solar system, you know how effective these tools are.
Along with an acronym such as TAT (throw away trash) or CATS (carry assignments to school), you could encourage them to set timers or write in their planners to remember specific tasks.
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With so much technology at your students' fingertips, they may have begun to rely on typing up their class notes instead of writing them by hand. While note-taking is a crucial skill to develop, regardless of the method, some research suggests handwriting notes offers a wealth of benefits that typing notes does not.
Let's take a further look at those advantages, why taking notes helps retain information and how students can incorporate handwriting into their day-to-day activities.
Yes, writing things down is still the absolute best way to absorb and retain any new information you want to remember. Writing is more efficient for memory than electronic notetaking because the movements are much more one-of-a-kind than typing. Writing on paper was also 25% faster than taking notes with digital tools like phones or tablets.
Even in an increasingly digital world, there are various benefits of handwriting inside and outside the classroom. Let's explore how handwriting can help students learn their letters, increase students' brain activity and help students with disabilities learn.
For young children, learning their letters is crucial in writing and reading. When handwriting, they get the chance to hone their fine motor skills while tracing the shapes of letters. When students understand their letters, they can communicate their unique ideas better, which ultimately leads to a more effective educational experience. Though technology is user-friendly and can be excellent for ease of application, what could students miss out on if they didn't practice handwriting?
Because handwriting involves motor function and visual perception, it's critical in teaching students how to write. Studies based on brain scans have shown that more brain regions light up during handwriting instead of typing, indicating they are active and functioning. For example, one recent study of children and young adults demonstrated that handwriting and drawing engage the brain much more than typing on a keyboard.
Based on an EEG analysis, the researchers found writing by hand activated more regions of the brain, creating the optimal conditions for learning. Because of the cognitive benefits of writing, some experts have even suggested that it's not a good idea to teach children how to type until they've fully developed their handwriting abilities.
Some argue computers are ideal assistive tools for helping children with learning disabilities retain information more effectively. These students may struggle to master the physical and mental skills necessary for learning to write and express ideas. However, children with learning differences who learn to write by hand can develop their reading abilities sooner, memorize what they have learned and generate ideas more effectively.
Though many teachers no longer emphasize penmanship, some students with disabilities may prefer writing by hand to typing on a keyboard, unless their disabilities physically prevent them from holding a pen or pencil.
Some students claim that they are more productive note-takers when they type because this method allows them to take notes faster. At Washington University, psychology professors even found that those who take notes via their computer instead of writing them out by hand have better recall immediately afterward.
However, they found this advantage fades away after 24 hours. After taking a test covering the material, students who typed their notes performed worse. Therefore, if students want to cement details from lessons and lectures into their long-term memory, it is effective to take notes by hand as a memory aid, or at least write them out longhand after they've typed them up.
This study found participants who took notes by hand did better because they were actively synthesizing and summarizing valuable takeaways, while those who typed were taking notes verbatim from the lecture. In other words, those who took notes by hand had to not only process the material, but also had to organize it on the fly. Meanwhile, students who typed their notes were only retaining information superficially.
Ultimately, writing things down helps you remember more by forcing people to slow down and be more intentional, so students who want to retain relevant information should take class notes by hand. The practice will pay off in better grades, too.
Writing in a planner is a fantastic way for students to incorporate handwriting into their daily lives. Though they will likely be writing schedule details down in their planners for the most part, they will also get into the habit of handwriting and start associating note-taking with organization and helpfulness. When completing homework assignments like writing essays and papers, starting with a handwritten list of ideas or an outline to organize thoughts is an excellent strategic practice.
Encouraging your students to take notes will allow them to reap all the benefits of handwriting we've reviewed in this article and more. It's an excellent idea to format your lectures in a way that allows students to summarize the material in their handwriting. They will not only retain the material better, but their brains will also be working extra hard and getting stronger!
Writing can also be an effective study tool. Because writing can help with memorization, students can benefit from handwriting activities that go beyond note-taking. For example, students can write and rewrite information that they struggle with, which will ultimately help them remember it better. If the subject is particularly challenging for the student, encourage them to do this rewriting early in the day when their minds are fresh.
If they prefer, students can also use mind maps rather than a simple note format. These tools will allow them to connect different points while also allowing them to reap the benefits of writing down information they want to remember.
At Success by Design, we have been developing educational planners since 1988. We make high-quality planners with a purpose for students in various grade levels. With these planners, you can even order a custom-designed cover to add some fun to the writing process. These eye-catching and effective planners will encourage your students to not only organize their school and homework schedules but to practice their handwriting skills as well.
The 2022-2023 school year will mark Success by Design's 34th year of helping students and teachers stay organized. We invite you to learn more about the benefits of printed planners or browse our catalog to find the planner that fits your educational needs. To learn more about us and our products, use our online contact form or give us a call at 844-263-0872. For a limited time, shop our online-only sale for discounted student planners.
]]>Battling procrastination seems like a never-ending challenge for teachers, parents and school administrators. Not only does procrastinating lead to late work, but it also tends to compromise the quality of work being turned in. Fighting procrastination isn't done solely by setting tight deadlines and demanding students do their work "or else." There are several nuanced ways parents and educators alike can help their students overcome procrastination. If you're looking for ways to help your students overcome procrastination, here are some helpful tips to keep your students on track.
Before we get into the ways you can help your students overcome procrastination, it's important to consider the negative effects it has on your student's path to success. You may not be aware that procrastinating leads to a range of problems for your students, including:
Consistently putting aside your work to enjoy a more favorable activity increases the chances that behavior will persist into adulthood, which in turn leads to a range of other issues. For example, students may experience lowered self-esteem and guilt from having not completed their work. These types of mindsets are toxic as students move forward with their academic careers into secondary education and college, where time management skills are vital to finishing.
Procrastination is believed to be caused by several different factors. Students impacted by procrastination tend to face other emotional and behavioral troubles that can lead to putting their work off until it's too late. Common causes of students procrastinating include:
These are just a few of the reasons students procrastinate. You've likely noticed your students who are known for procrastinating regularly exhibiting some, if not all, of these behaviors or characteristics at one point or another. There are other causes of procrastination among students that occur on a case-by-case basis. Challenges in your students' personal lives can always be an underlying cause of procrastination. Finding the root cause of a student's procrastination will help you identify ways to combat it while changing their habits for the better.
Understanding what causes procrastination is key to helping students overcome procrastination. Here are some ways you can fight procrastination in your schools and create a path to success for your students.
One of the best ways to keep procrastination from plaguing your students is by teaching them good time management skills. Time management skills are the solution to keeping students from procrastinating. Teach your students some of the following time management skills to help keep them from procrastinating:
These are just a few of the time management skills you can teach your students to help them overcome procrastination. These are also great habits for your students to develop. Developing these habits now will help set them up for success in the future. Helping students overcome procrastination typically starts by equipping them with the behaviors and skills to avoid it altogether.
Setting and achieving goals is a characteristic of successful people. Teaching your students how to set goals is a great way to help overcome procrastination. Teach your students SMART goal setting. SMART goal setting stands for:
Using the criteria above, teach your students how to set goals and, most importantly, achieve those goals. There are many reasons students procrastinate, but you can combat this behavior by teaching them to set goals. When students procrastinate due to a lack of motivation, having goals in place can help give them the motivation they need to stay productive and keep up with their assignments. Students and young people, in general, can have a difficult time identifying their end goal, so keeping them focused and on track with SMART goals can be a big help.
When students procrastinate out of a fear of failure, it can mean they'd rather not make an attempt than fail at whatever it is they're assigned or currently working on. Combat this toxic mindset by creating a classroom culture that embraces failure.
Fear of failure is a real issue that can manifest itself in many ways, including procrastination. Failure can be a powerful teaching tool that motivates students and shows them what not to do, which can be more impactful than understanding what needs to be done to be successful. Even the most successful people experience failure at some point or another during the course of their journey.
Create a classroom that embraces failure and uses it as a powerful teaching tool as opposed to a stigmatized outcome that should be avoided at all costs. This will instill a mindset in your students that makes it easier for them to 'breathe" and feel free to make mistakes. When they feel free to make mistakes, your students will release their inhibitions and allow themselves to flourish.
Coming up with new ways to boost student motivation can be tough. When you're attempting to motivate students, one of the best ways to find their motivations is to simply ask them. Offer a path for students to take charge and have some control over their learning environment. If you're still having trouble developing new sources of motivation for your students, then you can try some of the following methods:
These are just a few ways you can boost student motivation and help overcome procrastination. Students who procrastinate the most often just need a little motivation to help keep them productive and their work done on time.
An overwhelming workload will cause your students to procrastinate. When you assign too much work, your students can't see an end to the work and this leads to procrastination. Be mindful of workload and assign meaningful work as opposed to too much work. Meaningful assignments and projects designed to drive home learning objectives are more powerful teaching tools than assigning an abundance of homework just for the sake of assigning homework.
A lack of understanding is one of the root causes of procrastination for many students. This makes sense because it's hard to get excited about an assignment or project when you aren't clear about what's expected of you or what a successfully completed project looks like. Combat a lack of understanding that leads to procrastination by providing your students with a clear set of instructions complete with examples.
For each assignment or project, develop a clear set of instructions and provide examples of past students' work as a point of reference. This will clear up any confusion and answer questions before they arise.
Fighting procrastination starts with solid time management, organizing and planning skills learned from a young age. At Success by Design, we have the tools parents, teachers and principals need to fight procrastination and keep students on the fast track to success. Our planners are designed for students of all ages and grade levels to help them be as successful as possible while avoiding the pitfalls associated with procrastinating their assignments and other class projects.
We offer bulk pricing for schools and districts. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team to learn more about the ways Success by Design can help your students overcome procrastination and get on the path to success!
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Proper time management skills are essential for middle schoolers to be successful. Fortunately, time management is a learned skill, and middle school teachers and parents who make a conscious effort can help adolescents develop the time management techniques they need to succeed later in life.
Here are some time management tips for middle schoolers to help them start developing this essential skill.
Creating a daily schedule is a simple but effective time management strategy for middle schoolers. Before middle schoolers can manage their time effectively, they need to understand how much time they have available. It's easy for students to overestimate the time they have available, which can leave them with insufficient time to complete important tasks like chores and homework. Teaching middle schoolers to create a basic outline of their day helps students prioritize better.
The school day is already planned out for students, but teachers can help middle-schoolers organize their schedules outside of school, too. Have your students set realistic expectations for the things they need to do, such as homework. Make sure they account for transitions and other activities that often go overlooked, such as walking home from school, eating and getting ready for bed.
Once students plan the tasks they need to prioritize each day, they can better figure out how to get everything accomplished. Having a firm understanding of the time available to them in relation to their responsibilities can greatly help improve middle schoolers' time management skills.
How often have you heard "I forgot" as an excuse for students not having their homework? Middle school students tend to have multiple homework assignments each day given by different teachers. Keeping organized may not seem difficult for adults or high school students. Still, it can be a big transition for middle school children who are accustomed to multiple reminders each day from a single teacher who kept track of all their schoolwork. On top of this, middle school students are likely to be involved in after-school activities and have more responsibilities at home.
Providing every student with a planner and teaching them how to use them can go a long way in teaching them proper time management. Writing assignments down helps students keep track of their responsibilities.
Encourage your students to write down responsibilities they have outside of school, too. Making a comprehensive list of all their tasks allows students to plan their day in a way that avoids surprises and scheduling conflicts. When students list everything they need to accomplish each day, they are less likely to waste time or wait until the last minute to start a task.
Of course, writing assignments down is only part of using a planner effectively. Students also need to get into the habit of checking their planners daily and holding themselves responsible for completing their assignments. Help students develop a routine for when they will check their agenda and do their homework each night.
For many students, the best time for homework is as soon as they get home each day. However, following another routine activity like eating dinner or at a set time like 6 p.m. works too. The most important thing is for them to be consistent so that using their planner becomes a habit.
So far, we've discussed important daily activities to help students with time management, but students also need to know how to plan for the long term. Creating daily schedules and writing tasks down is excellent for helping students grasp the "what," but goal planning helps them understand the "why." Setting goals motivates students, builds a sense of self-efficacy and teaches responsibility. For goals to be effective, you can also encourage the SMART method. SMART stands for:
In addition to having students set academic goals, consider having students set personal goals as well. Expanding the activity to include non-academic goals helps build student buy-in and gives them additional practice setting and monitoring goals.
Setting a goal without a plan to achieve it is little more than wishful thinking. To help students reach their goals, have them break their goals into small actionable steps. Encourage students as they complete each milestone toward achieving their goal and celebrate their success. Tracking progress toward time-sensitive goals can help instill time management in your middle schoolers. If students fall behind on a goal, help them reflect on what they could have done differently. Then reassess deadlines and plan the next steps to help them get back on track.
Just like students can break their personal goals into smaller steps to make them easier to achieve, middle schoolers can dissect assignments into smaller, simpler tasks to make them more manageable. Breaking a project into smaller parts is nothing new to middle school students as this is a common practice even in elementary school. The major shift is teaching students to break their assignments and set deadlines on their own.
When teaching time management to middle school students, we recommend starting with modeling and then moving to guided practice. When assigning a major project to your middle schoolers for the first time, create sequential steps with individual due dates. For later assignments, set a final due date and discuss with your students as a class to create an action plan and check-in points.
After repeating this cycle with students for a few projects, consider assigning only a final due date and empowering your students to create their own milestones and timelines.
Instilling time management in middle schoolers prepares them to be successful in middle school and later in life as well. We designed our middle school planners to meet the unique personal and development needs of students in grades six through eight. In addition to helping students develop the time management skills to balance school work and after-school activities, our planners include additional sections to help students sharpen their study and test-taking skills and build good character.
We offer customization and bulk pricing for schools. Contact our friendly customer service team to learn more.
]]>Gratuitously integrating technology into the classroom with no strategic purpose can often cause more harm than good. It turns out that taking notes in paper agendas provides students of all ages with many benefits, compared to recording them electronically.
If you find it harder to remember things now than you did before buying your first smartphone, you're not alone. Studies show writing notes by hand is better for retention than typing them. When students write notes manually, they need to engage more intensely with the content they are recording. Writing is slower, more deliberate and methodical than typing. Students who write by hand are more likely to summarize their ideas than transcribe what they hear word for word. This conscious effort allows them to connect with what they write down and remember it better. If you want your students to retain what they are learning in the classroom, have them take written notes. When you need them to remember their homework assignments, stick with paper planners.
When used correctly, technology can introduce new learning opportunities for students that traditional methods have difficulty matching. Unfortunately, technology also presents an unprecedented number of new distractions in the classroom. Notifications and reminders can divert students' attention in the middle of their work, and their smart device has no shortage of apps and websites to tempt them away from the task they should focus on.
Even students who are not misusing technology can suffer from distractions caused by other students. In one study, students who could see another student's laptop screen scored 17% lower on comprehension than students who didn't have the distracting view. To help your students focus, limit technology usage to times when it has a clearly defined instructional benefit. Using paper planners instead of digital planners is one way to reduce unnecessary technology for a more task-focused classroom.
While typing is undoubtedly an essential skill for 21st-century learners, written communication still has its place in today's classrooms. Writing notes and assignments in a paper planner at the start or end of each day provides young students with a valuable opportunity to practice writing, spelling and grammar. There is a strong connection between handwriting and broader educational development. When children write by hand, they learn to read more quickly and can generate ideas and retain information better. In a study on preliterate children, participants who wrote letters by hand showed more activity in the areas of the brain associated with reading and writing than children who typed the letters on a computer.
Honing note-taking and organizational skills is essential for students to succeed in their academic and professional careers. Printed school planners are an excellent way to reinforce these abilities. Typing requires less mental effort than writing, which means notes entered into a digital planner are likely to be more disorganized because less conscious effort went into making them. Furthermore, paper planners have limited space, forcing students to gather their thoughts and summarize the most valuable information to fit on the page.
Paper agendas also promote neat, methodical entries. A structured, written planner with a week per page makes it easy to go back and review previous dates. There is no worry of students deleting any relevant details or scrolling endlessly through sloppy notes to find the information they need from the previous quarter.
Engaging in effective communication with parents can have a tremendous influence on student success. Teacher-family communication improves homework completion rates, student time on task and classroom participation. Physical planners are an excellent, time-tested tool for establishing a two-way communication routine with parents. Conditioning your students to show their agenda to their parents or guardian each night to have them sign it is a successful way to send notes and other important information home. This approach also makes it easy for you to check that parents received the message and allows them to send you notes to review each morning while students fill out their planners.
While email or teacher-family communication apps can be beneficial, you may have a harder time determining at a glance if the recipient has seen your note. It makes more sense to rely on students you see every day than to trust their parents will regularly log in to check for announcements. Even if parents have set up push notifications, they may dismiss and forget about them.
One of the many benefits of paper planners vs. digital planners is that they provide a physical record. Short of ripping out pages, it's more challenging to delete or remove notes or reminders from a physical planner. In contrast, most digital planners, calendars and other organizational tools let you edit or delete with the press of a button. Paper planners' relative permanence has many benefits. They can:
When everyone you know has a smartphone and is always online, it's easy to overlook that many underprivileged students don't have access to technology at home. Even if the school provides a device for students to take home, more than one in three children between ages 3 and 18 do not have internet access. Requiring families to have internet access to complete homework or communicate with the school creates another challenge for students who are already at a disadvantage. Even families with at-home internet may struggle to access online content for school due to data caps or slow internet speeds.
Educators have a responsibility to create an equitable learning environment by removing as many barriers to learning as possible. One way to help with this is to keep accessibility in mind when sending assignments and communications home to students. Using paper planners is a small step toward ensuring parents and students can access the resources they need regardless of their home situation.
Success By Design is the leading provider of paper planners for students of all ages. Our purposefully designed products help teach students to organize, plan and execute their homework and after-school activities. These essential life skills help students improve their grades and prepare for adulthood. Contact us today to learn more about our customizable student planners and bulk purchasing discounts.
]]>What makes an effective school principal, though? A great principal has an educator first and administrator second mindset — they strive to be the best they can be for those working under them as well as the students.
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One of the qualities that makes an effective school principal is the ability to lead and motivate their teachers. Positive motivation stimulates change to create better procedures and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. If a principal guides their faculty to strive to be just one percent better each day, they can create the motivation to do simple things that initiate positive changes. These changes and the benefits of these changes are then passed down to the students.
What's one way a principal can provide motivation? By being available. The primary role as a principal is to ensure teachers have materials they require and the time they need to teach. Having an open-door policy where teachers and students can come talk to you and even asking teachers what they want in terms of support from their principal can be highly motivating. It shows that the principal has a desire to do everything possible to generate success.
Another action that can be inspiring is praise. Sending out a simple email or making a mention at staff meetings is a simple way to recognize individual or group accomplishments.
In addition to the teachers, principals should also be able to motivate students in such ways as encouraging teamwork and setting goals. These factors generate enthusiasm for learning and pride in the school, which, in turn, help to create a positive experience for students.
Another quality of a great school principal is their ability to build relationships. When working with the same people every day, it is important to be respectful, supportive and understanding of one another — and trusting teachers to know how to handle their jobs.
Part of being supportive is having the ability to recognize and show appreciation for a job well done. A great school principal should individually speak with teachers about the good work they are doing, as well as provide constructive feedback to help teachers improve when needed.
Another way to build relationships is to be available and involved. A school principal should show up to activities and events, and they should pop into classrooms and take part in what the teacher is doing that day. This shows the teachers that their efforts are appreciated. Classroom interaction also helps the students get to know the principal and the principal get to know the students.
It is also important to care about the teachers outside of school. To build quality relationships, it is crucial that a principal's teachers are recognized as human beings and not just cogs in a machine. A great school principal takes personal lives into account and even chats about appropriate topics that are not school related. They also check in on how their teachers are really doing and if there is anything they can do to make life at work a little better.
An effective school principal, without a doubt, has fantastic communication skills. The skills to be able to listen and communicate are some of the most important in leadership positions. A leader must be able to hear what those working under them are saying and develop effective ways to go about creating solutions.
This means a great school principal listens to their teachers. They hear teachers' comments, concerns, words of affirmation and everything in between. If there is something going on within the school that needs to be addressed, an effective school principal communicates these issues and possible resolutions in a manner that keeps everyone unified and calm.
A school principal must also be consistent and fair. It doesn't promote unity or a positive atmosphere if there are favorites or if the same situation is handled differently for different people. Many adults are aware that no two situations are exactly the same. However, when resolving an issue, solutions should still remain similar and fair to all parties involved.
History may influence certain outcomes, but regardless of history, a great principal remains impartial in all situations.
A great school principal never stops trying to improve — and the improvements they want to make should always be communicated clearly. There is always new information and new things to implement in the school environment.
In the same way, there are sometimes things that need to be fixed or improved. It is important for a school principal to be a visionary and to be innovative on how to handle new and old situations to find the best resolution.
A good school principal might have a few of these qualities, but a great school principal has all five characteristics. Teachers look toward their principal as a leader — someone to guide them through challenges and acknowledge all that they do for their students.
It is the educators doing the vital work of teaching future generations, and great principals recognize this. They continuously strive themselves to refine their leadership strategies to be as supportive as possible to teachers and students.
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As a school principal, you can help your teachers encourage their students to be more organized and take pride in their work with quality planners from Success by Design. Our planners are available in formats to help students in all grade levels keep track of their assignments and projects. You can also customize covers to promote school pride and even include your school handbook at a low cost. Get in touch with our team today and let us help you find the products that encourage everyone in your school to do their best.
]]>To help you embody this growth mindset in your own career, here are some helpful tips on how to become a better teacher. Doing so benefits both you and your students.
If you're reading this article, you're already on the right track to improving. One of the most critical factors for being a successful teacher is acknowledging you have room to grow and possessing the desire to learn. The world is constantly changing. The skills students need to learn are evolving to keep up with technology, and new research is reshaping what we know about the best practices of teaching.
One way to continue your education is to go back to school. Many school districts offer benefits to teachers who earn their master's degree, such as salary increases, continuing education bonuses, discounted tuition at partnered universities or tuition reimbursement. If you decide to go back to college for a master's degree or special certification, choose a focus area that interests you. Some examples include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Curriculum and Instruction and Instructional Technology.
Returning to university isn't for everyone. Perhaps you already have an advanced degree or want more flexibility in your study topics instead of focusing on one particular area. There are plenty of other ways to become a lifelong learner and sharpen your teaching skills. Tons of resources are available to teachers online and offline, including books, articles, seminars and conferences.
Many school districts and state governments offer professional development that is free or highly affordable. If you're not sure where to start, consider exploring free webinars from the U.S. Library of Congress and other organizations.
One of the best ways to learn is from experience. Of course, it's possible to teach for years without actually becoming a better teacher. The key to improving with practice is deliberately learning from your experiences through reflective practice. Take some time at the end of every lesson or day to reflect on your teaching — it doesn't have to take long.
Try starting with a few minutes each day. Think about what went well and what you wish would have gone better. Learning from your failures is just as important as learning from your successes. Identify behaviors you'd like to reinforce and things you'd like to try differently, and be sure to write your reflections down whenever you can. Recording your thoughts will increase your commitment to implementing new ideas into your practice and allow you to see your growth over time.
As you become more experienced, you'll find yourself reflecting on your teaching during your lessons. Being aware of the effectiveness of your teaching within the moment allows you to monitor student comprehension and better adjust to meet student needs. Every teacher has at least one lesson that none of their students understood after the initial delivery. The mark of a great teacher is how they adapt their lesson plan to help their students succeed in the end.
Responsiveness and flexibility are two of the most essential skills for teachers, and daily reflection is an excellent way to hone those abilities.
One potential roadblock to becoming a better teacher is a fear of feedback. Sometimes an outside perspective is the best way to find growth opportunities. The instructional benefits of peer teaching evaluation are well documented. It's important to keep in mind that these evaluations aren't just summative. Observations can be about much more than an annual evaluation of your teaching ability.
Multiple formative assessments throughout the year are a powerful tool for professional development through collaborative reflection and innovation. While formal peer observation programs are becoming standard practice for some schools, you don't need to wait for your administrator to set one up for you. Invite another teacher you trust and respect to observe you during their prep period. They'll likely be happy to help.
Alternatively, ask other teachers if you can come into their classrooms to observe them. Takes notes on what works well for them that you'd like to integrate into your own teaching.
Even if you can't observe another teacher or have them observe you, you can still turn to your peers for help. No matter what kinds of challenges you're experiencing in the classroom, at least one of your peers has likely encountered a similar situation. Ask your co-workers about what struggles they've faced and what strategies worked for them.
Remember, don't just focus on the negative. If you have an idea for a lesson or teaching strategy you are excited to try, share it with your colleagues. They can help you refine it further, or they can try it in their classroom and build upon your ideas. Creating a culture of professional collaboration will help you and your fellow teachers advance your skills.
Peers and supervisors aren't the only sources of valuable feedback. They might not be experts of pedagogy, but in some ways, your students are the most knowledgeable people concerning your teaching. Being in your classroom every day gives them a more complete picture than an outside observer who comes in only a handful of times a year. Your learners are also experts on what does and doesn't work for them as individuals.
Receiving student feedback can be formal or casual and on an individual or group level. If assigning every student a long written survey feels nerve-wracking, start small by asking them one or two questions at the end of a lesson. Ask them what questions they still have, what their favorite part of a lesson was or what explanation of a topic was the most helpful.
Before you can reach any goal, you need to identify the direction you want to head in. Stop and think about the kind of teacher you want to be. Make a list of traits and behaviors of an ideal instructor — these are what you'll want to emulate. You'll likely find many of the things on your list are strengths you already have. Now is a great time to acknowledge what you already do well and want to reinforce.
While this step can be more difficult, you should create a list of negative traits and behaviors you want to avoid. When you look at this list, you might find you have some characteristics you'd like to change. While seeing your faults can be uncomfortable, it's part of the growth process and nothing to be ashamed of.
Even the best teachers have things they'd like to change about their teaching. The important part is acknowledging the difference between where you are and where you want to be so you can take steps to improve.
Organization and planning are two of the most important skills for students to learn. Regardless of what subjects you teach, you can help your students develop these skills. One of the best ways for young scholars to learn organizational skills is to maintain a school planner. Success by Design specializes in high quality, purposefully designed planners to help pupils organize, track and achieve their goals.
We offer customization and bulk pricing for schools. Contact our friendly customer service team to learn more.
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Planners keep everything students need to remember in one place to use as a reference that helps them succeed. These handy tools improve productivity, assist with time management, track progress and much more. Learn how to teach planner skills to students and help them be the best they can be!
When choosing planners for students, design is a crucial consideration. With so many variations, making the right selection can seem tricky. Factors that might influence your decision include the planner's size, organizational capacity and the space it offers to record assignments and reminders.
You will want to ensure the planner's size is functional for the student. For instance, someone with large handwriting might need a larger planner that provides ample space for them to record everything comfortably and thoroughly.
Look for planners with weekly and monthly calendar space. Students can use their weekly calendars to write down daily assignments or tasks. Meanwhile, monthly calendar space is ideal for filling in major or recurring events, such as a homecoming dance or band practice.
Your student's planner design should also include areas to organize and track other essential notes and reminders. Spaces to check off completed assignments or write down due dates are particularly beneficial for planning.
When a new school year begins, things can seem chaotic. The start of a school year is the optimal time to teach students how to use their planners. You can also recommend helpful habits to help maximize a planner's effectiveness.
When creating good habits, consistency is key. Designate a time during class every day to discuss any assignments or other points your students will need to remember. By doing this, students will learn the cue to begin recording, so they do not forget before class ends. Even if there are no assignments to complete, it is still a best practice to write a note. Leaving a blank space could cause confusion. Writing a simple phrase such as "none" for the class will let them see at a glance when there's nothing to manage for that subject.
Depending on the students' age and grade level, a reward system can be an excellent incentive for correctly using a planner. Reward younger students with things such as stamps and stickers for using their planner consistently. Not only will they feel excited because they accomplished something and got a reward, but they can also look back and easily see their past accomplishments throughout the school year. Other small prizes can also provide something for the students to work toward.
Students may not always remember or even feel like writing in their planners. Here, your encouragement can be a game-changer. Supporting your students with reminders and tips will help them stay on the right organizational track with their planners. Encourage learners to establish these habits.
As the school year goes on, students' planner use may fall by the wayside, especially after new semesters and holiday breaks. Take time to revisit using planners with your students to get them back into the groove of regular use.
It is also wise for teachers and parents to check the planners and initial them. Not only will this hold students accountable, but it can also shed light on struggles they may have in any given subject. While not all students will be happy about having their planners checked at first, it can quickly get them into the habit of using this tool in a way that benefits them the most. You can also set an excellent example for students by demonstrating your planner use.
Since 1988, Success By Design has been a leader in developing planners for students and teachers. Our priority is providing high-quality products to help students stay organized and well-prepared for whatever the school year brings. Our products are more than a place to write assignments. We carefully create each planner to be a life-changing tool to assist with student development.
At Success By Design, our planner line is ideal for every student at any grade level. Whether your students are in elementary, middle or high school, we offer various options for you to choose from.
Give your students a helping hand with a planner and contact us today!
]]>Many high school students struggle with fatigue, distractions and poor time management. However, with some coaching and a little professional advice, you can help them achieve their best. Working on time management skills will benefit them in the classroom and in their future roles as parents, employees and leaders.
As a role model, you have to strike a balance between offering help when they need it and keeping them from over-relying on your support. By working toward that balance and offering the right tips and tricks, your kids will be stellar students in no time. Below are some strategies you can teach them:
Like all of us, some students are early birds and others are night owls. If a student seems tired every morning, studying before school starts will likely hinder their retention. The same sentiment goes for kids who wake up each morning with an energized attitude. If they start their homework at night, they may not have anything left in the tank to complete their assignments — and actually learn from them.
Therefore, encourage students who are most active in the afternoon to start homework after school lets out. Make sure they have study snacks and plenty of hydration to fuel their brains. Alternatively, kids who wake earlier might have more success getting in an extra study session on the bus or in the cafeteria during breakfast. Coach them to avoid waiting until the morning to complete all of their assignments, even if they get sleepy after dinner.
It's no secret that social media is one of the biggest time-wasters for busy students, but some apps can help ease stress. For example, scrolling through cat videos on Instagram could help students go to their "happy place" while taking a break from work. In fact, 30% of young adults say that using social media in this way helps them feel less stressed and anxious. That said, you should still ask students to save relaxing social media time for short breaks between subjects.
Here are some more strategies they can use to cut out the distractions:
A student might regularly view or engage in social media content that increases their stress, such as heated debates over passionate topics. Logging into their accounts might create more daily stress than they realize, which leads to emotional exhaustion. To get them focusing on homework, have a conversation about avoiding toxicity online.
Ask them to limit their engagement with social media content that gives them negative feelings. While students can log back into their accounts after they finish their work, they may decide to also limit it in their personal time when they realize how much better they feel.
Other ways they can manage stress include:
Urge your students to think more about organizing their time. For example, using a planner to chunk assignments into neat time blocks will help them stay on task. Other things you can encourage them to do as they develop a reliable schedule include:
Setting aside dedicated study time will ensure students stay caught up with their classes. Additionally, any students struggling in certain subjects should work with a tutor or participate in an instructor's afterschool homework assistance hours. Be sure to help them structure a routine that aligns with any extracurricular activities in which they participate, too.
Other routines they can make room for in a planner may include:
Many students are tempted to stay up late after long days of schoolwork, chores and extracurricular activities because they finally have some time to themselves. According to research conducted by The American Academy of Sleep Medicine, high school students require an average of 8-10 hours of sleep per night. To make sure they get a healthy amount of rest, make sure your kids:
When students dread an assignment, they tend to save it for last. Coach them to start with the assignment they expect to be the most difficult. This strategy will get the challenging work out of the way, and then they can focus on the subjects they like the most. Have them set priorities by:
It may seem counterintuitive, but working nonstop is a poor time management habit — students are more productive when they get enough rest to focus. Make sure they're taking breaks and have access to healthy snacks. If you notice a student doing homework from the moment they get home, that's a warning sign about their workload that you might want to discuss with instructors. A student who works until the moment they go to bed late at night might need tutoring assistance or less homework.
Some break time strategies are as follows:
Most time management skills for high school students aim to foster their independence, but they also need your help to succeed. Sometimes, students are afraid to ask questions, feeling like a burden when they need help. Let them know you're there to figure out an assignment or how to work a problem with them.
While you're assisting them, guide them to pursue their own answers rather than showing them how to do each problem. Let them lead discussions about their homework, and encourage them to have confidence in their abilities as you offer suggestions. This way, you're giving them the help they need in a way that also helps them learn, so they won't need to ask again in the future.
Some students might feel like they've failed if they deviate from the improvements they planned to make in their routines. For example, a student might take a much longer break than the timeframe marked in their planner. Perceived failures discourage them, causing them to fall back into bad habits. Try asking them to make small, manageable changes to their routine, so they can break from them without feeling guilty.
The same idea goes for poor performances on assignments. Often, students who receive a lower grade than usual take that as a sign they're not intelligent enough. Be sure to work through those situations with them by reminding them of past successes — maybe they won an award for a research paper they wrote, or they were at the top of the class in math last semester. Everyone has their ups and downs, and getting a bad grade can be an important learning experience with the right perspective.
Alongside these essential time management tips, a year-long planner is an ideal tool for students who need to stay more organized. If you're a teacher helping your high school students learn productivity tips, Success by Design has several bulk options for classrooms. Contact our helpful team today so you can find the best planner for your students.
]]>But summer slide prevention doesn't need to be all work and no play nor does it need to take up a child's entire day. Taking bit-sized opportunities for learning can keep their fundamental skills in place while students explore new interests and foster a love of learning. That's why we've curated a list of tips to prevent the summer slide that are fun, interactive and best of all, educational. Let's take a look at some tricks for how to avoid the summer slide.
Summer school gets a bad reputation because it is traditionally used as a remedial program. However, research shows that 76 percent of students who take summer classes are more likely to get accepted into an elite college or university, which means summer school is beneficial for all students! Whether you want to prepare your child for the next grade or want them to get ahead, there is something for every child at summer school.
More and more schools are offering summer programs for students at all academic levels, and some of these classes even offer high school credits. If your public school isn't offering the types of programs your student needs, be sure to research options at local private schools. Online programs are also an excellent alternative if local in-person options are limited.
Some of these programs charge a tuition fee, which means certain classes won't be an option for every family. Fortunately, some programs have no tuition or offer scholarships and financial aid. Checking your local district, library or community center is a great place to start when you're looking for more affordable options.
Summer school doesn't have to be traditional either. You can find classes, workshops or camps specializing in any number of subjects. Tapping into your child's interests is a great way to get them excited about summer learning! Does your child love video games? Sign your child up for a coding class where they can learn how to design their own video game.
Does your child spend all their time in front of the TV? Sign them up for a creative writing class or theater workshop to help them create their own show! From STEM classes to second language courses, summer learning programs can offer a wide range of diverse learning opportunities for all ages.
Summer break is a great time to foster readers, but oftentimes it's when students lose their reading skills instead of developing them. Reading is fundamental to a child's lifelong success, making it paramount for parents and educators to find ways to keep every kid's nose stuck in a book! Research demonstrates that reading four to six books a summer is enough to prevent regression in students. Whether they love it or hate it, here are some ways to keep kids reading during summer break.
Finding daily opportunities to read is easier than you think. Whether it's reading an age-appropriate meme in the morning or a recipe card at dinner time, look for ways to incorporate reading into everyday life. Ask your child to read signs and billboards or look up interesting articles on the Internet. Even having your child read a book to you, a pet, or a younger sibling is a great way to buff up their reading comprehension and their confidence.
In addition to integrating small reading opportunities, try blocking time for independent reading as well. Fortunately, tackling the recommended four to six books before school starts doesn't require hours of reading per day. Spending 20 to 30 minutes of silent sustained reading is plenty. Signing up for a reading program through your local library or a national organization is a great way to incentivize your child to form this daily habit.
These programs offer book lists, supplemental material and a wide range of incentives that foster a child's interest in good books!
The right summer reading materials can convert even the most reluctant reader. As long as the book matches their reading level, don't worry about whether they choose a biography or a fairytale. Let them explore the topics and stories that pique their interest. No one, not even adults, starts reading regularly by choosing books that bore them. If you're looking for suggestions, a local librarian or teacher is a great resource for titles that may be right for your child.
Nowadays, most parents stop reading aloud to their children after they turn eight. But surveys suggest that children up to age eleven wish their parents hadn't stopped reading to them. Reading aloud benefits all ages, even teens, especially those who struggle. It helps to build listening and comprehension skills while exposing them to texts and themes that may be slightly above their reading level.
Reading as a family is a great opportunity to bond and an even better alternative to nightly TV viewing. Choose a book or series you cherished at that age and take turns reading chapters and watch your little reader blossom.
On average, students lose 2.6 months of math skills if they don't participate in educational activities over their summer break. Keeping those math muscles firing is the best way to keep your child on top of their game when school rolls back around! Aside from signing up for math-related classes or programs, there are some simple activities that can help keep kids sharp in mathematics.
Just like with reading, an easy trick to incorporate more math is to practice it in everyday life. Try asking your child to:
Talk to your child's teacher about which skills they should be practicing over the summer to help determine which of these activities is best for them or to brainstorm more. There are also plenty of games that hone math skills as well, including an abundance of online games that incorporate computational problems. For screen-free alternatives, try sudoku, cribbage or Monopoly.
Sometimes, plain old flashcards and rote memorization is the best way to go, but incentivizing the learning process can make it a lot of fun! Assign activity packets each week and take them to ice cream if they turn them in. Award prizes whenever they memorize one of their times tables or solving a brain teaser. The more creative you are the more exciting it will be for your child. If you're looking for resources, check with a teacher or ask other parents what they're using to make math fun!
Kids love field trips, and summer gives you plenty of opportunities to expose them to things they might not have time to see during the school year. Here are some great options to consider:
Places and events like these are perfect for integrated learning. Instead of just strolling past enclosures or exhibits, encourage your child to:
Your annual beach trip or travel plans can be another way to incorporate learning opportunities, even if it's just curating educational activities to entertain them during a car or plane ride. Try banning screens to foster curiosity, conversation and bonding.
Do some research ahead of time to see what's available near your desired destination, including the field trip options we already listed. Encourage your older kids to help budget the trip, calculate gas mileage or research an educational activity that interests them. With some creative thinking, every trip can be chock-full of educational experiences.
Travel can also be a great way to expose your children to new cultures, languages and lifestyles. Try local cuisines, learn new words in other languages and invest in tours and experiences that explore native environments and values. You'll not only be supporting these communities but also giving your child a diversified experience that can help them see the world through a new lens.
Writing is another skill that suffers over the summer. Encouraging students to write while on break may sound difficult, but there are lots of fun ways to incorporate it in their vacation plans. Ask your child to experiment with the written word by writing:
While cribbage and sudoku are fun ways to hone math skills, there are plenty of other games that can prevent the summer slide in other subjects. After math, spelling is the next skill to bear the brunt of the school break, so look into games such as Bananagrams or Scrabble, which can also improve vocabulary. Science, chemistry and craft kits are great for hands-on learners and keep kids entertained and learning throughout the day.
Crosswords, brain teasers and puzzles are other great options that are notably screen-free, though there are plenty of online alternatives if you're looking to strike the balance between screens and learning. Just remember to keep screen-time limited, even if your child is using them educationally.
Preventing the summer slide is possible, especially when you have a plan! That's why a printed planner is a great tool to keep summer break both fun and educational. Instead of spending more time using apps and screens to keep your child organized, a hardcopy planner provides both visual and haptic benefits that are proven to improve retention. Hardcopy planners also give students opportunities to take notes and brainstorm new ideas, making it a great tool to have on those field trips you're planning!
But don't settle for just any old planner. Give your child something designed by educators just for students! Our Planners with a Purpose are the perfect tool to teach children the organizational skills they'll use in the classroom for years to come! We offer planners for all ages and interests, including specialty STEM-focused planners for your future scientist, engineer or programmer to enjoy.
Not only will a planner enhance the learning your child is already doing, with interspersed enrichment material written by education experts, but they'll also practice foundational time management skills that they can take into the next school year.
Make the most of your child's summer and order your Success By Design planner today!
]]>A unique aspect of this interdisciplinary approach is that it provides instruction and education for real-world applications instead of being solely academic. Educators looking for STEM resources can find various teaching tools online to help make their lessons a success. Here's a look at 20 resources you can explore for teaching STEM.
STEM education provides numerous benefits and prepares students for fulfilling careers in STEM-related fields. Fostering a desire to learn and an interest in STEM fields for children of all ages can be an enriching experience and bring more diversity to these fields. Ultimately, STEM education can be a beneficial aspect of a student's curriculum if they want to pursue a career in a STEM-related field.
Most careers require some elements of STEM topics, even if it's just having a basic knowledge of mathematics. STEM education can improve students' understanding of these fundamental principles and how they merge with other subjects. On the other hand, even if a student doesn't want to enter a specific STEM-related field, STEM education can provide various benefits and help prepare students for academic and career goals.
Some of the most common STEM benefits include:
STEM resources for teachers and students can facilitate learning and help create an engaging, immersive environment that promotes ongoing growth. There's a wide variety of STEM resources, spanning different grade levels, formats and topics, to help you help your students. When creating a lesson plan or integrating a new activity into your curriculum, you may want to consider these 20 STEM education resources.
EverFI is an excellent website for state-of-the-art educational resources free of cost for students from kindergarten to grade 12. EverFI features a diverse resource library, spanning many important topics, including social-emotional learning, college and career readiness, financial education, health and wellness and much more.
Understanding Science is a STEM resource from the University of California at Berkley that helps students understand how science really works by explaining scientific processes. This resource helps build foundational knowledge on how science works for primary, middle, high school and even undergraduate students. Browse the resource library for tutorials, articles and interactive features.
Rubistar allows educators to create rubrics for project-based learning experiences and activities. Choose from customizable rubrics for activities relating to math, science and other core subjects. Rubistar allows registered users to save and edit rubrics with access available online, at home and even while on the road.
Share My Lesson is an award-winning professional development community that the American Federation of Teachers created. This online resource provides in-depth teaching resources and best practices at no cost for educators. Share My Lesson offers resources for educators teaching students as young as pre-K up to high school.
NASA Educators provides STEM resources for teachers looking to implement innovative teaching materials into their curriculum. Search for resources, tools, features sites and more by grade level and topic. NASA Educators can help teachers find exciting and informative resources to create an engaging lesson for students and drive a desire to learn.
The NASA SCI Files is an Emmy-award-winning series of programs designed for elementary students that integrate technology, mathematics and science. These programs emphasize standards-based instruction, research, scientific inquiry and problem-based learning. Educator guides help to supplement these programs.
Nancy Clark is an experienced educator with over 35 years of experience. Nancy Clark's Awesome Science Teacher Resources are an excellent tool for middle school and high school science teachers looking to create an engaging learning atmosphere. Choose from unique worksheets, tests, activities and laboratory exercises to include in your lessons.
PBS Learning Media has various free sources educators can search for by resource type, grade level and subject. Math- and science-related resources offer multiple options for introducing STEM concepts to students from kindergarten to grade 12. Resources from PBS Learning Media can complement an existing curriculum.
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is a STEM teaching tool that features a wide variety of free resources for educators and their classrooms. The searchable database can help educators find resources that complement their current science curriculum and engage and educate students in a fun, constructive format.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) provides ScienceNetLinks to offer teaching tools, interactive lessons and podcasts. ScienceNetLinks also offers lesson plans, hands-on activities and more for educators for kindergarten through grade 12. These resources can be used in various classroom settings and formats.
The Teaching Advanced Physics (TAP) project provides ideas and resources for educators looking to teach physics to students from ages 16 to 19. Explore lesson plans and activities for each subject within physics, including mechanics, electricity, waves and vibrations and more. TAP aims to provide informative resources and help to educators new to this age group.
BrainPOP is an excellent STEM education resource that provides educational animated movies for students in kindergarten up to grade 12. These animated movies can help explain concepts and nurture a stronger understanding of core subjects, including science, math, technology, English and health. BrainPOP strives to educate both children and adults in a fun, exciting way.
The Tech Interactive is a hands-on technology museum with immersive exhibits to inspire young learners and their inner innovators. In addition to in-person activities, The Tech Interactive also offers educators virtual learning resources, including virtual labs and field trips. These resources can help you nurture the inner innovator and thinker in each student.
The JASON Project is designed to connect students with researchers and scientists in real- and near-real-time, both in-person and virtually. Fostering relationships between researchers and students can provide an authentic and enriching science learning experience. These experts can mentor young students and discuss their shared love of knowledge.
Exploratorium offers engaging resources exploring hundreds of different topics to create a fun, engaging learning environment. With over 650 art, human perception and science exhibits, Exploratorium is a STEM teaching tool that can help students learn in an exciting format that encourages continual growth and education.
Spark the educational pursuit of knowledge in your students with the power of imagination. Imagiverse believes imagination knows no bounds and is a key aspect of a healthy learning environment. Imagiverse provides resources, activities and information for all to use to ignite a passion for learning and a healthy imagination.
The Concord Consortium is a useful STEM resource finder that filters scientifically accurate models and activities by resource type, grade level and STEM discipline. Educators can choose from materials designed for elementary students to higher grade levels. Bring out the inner scientist in your students with Concord Consortium.
How Stuff Works is a reliable STEM learning resource that provides clear and informative explanations of how everyday objects work. How Stuff Works is an exciting resource that helps teachers intrigue and engage students to learn more each day.
Uncover what it's like to be an engineer and understand the basic job functions an engineer is expected to perform. What Engineers Do can provide you with interesting information on the job outlook and prospects of engineers. This resource covers the working environment, salary, training and other relevant details related to working as an engineer.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame is an excellent resource that celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and promotes creativity in students. This resource connects world-changing inventors with today's youth to foster learning through exhibits and presentations. Spark the creativity in your students and inspire their inner emerging creators.
Success By Design is a leading provider of top-of-the-line STEM planners, with unique planners for primary, elementary, middle school and high school students. STEM planners are specifically designed for different age groups to provide a structured and creative outlet for learning. A STEM planner combines the usefulness of a standard planner and integrates it with STEM-related facts and information to stimulate interest in STEM fields.
Careers within the STEM field require passionate individuals with an ongoing desire to learn and grow. This passion can start at an early age and be nurtured with engaging and exciting STEM planners. Integrating STEM planners into a classroom can help young learners discover their passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
A primary STEM planner is ideal for young children who are just beginning their learning journey and are excited to take in new sounds, sights and experiences. Educators can help nurture this natural curiosity with primary STEM planners that can introduce children to the unique and engaging aspects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
STEM planners for primary students are colorful, engaging and uniquely suited for children in kindergarten through the second grade. These student planners feature large writing areas and assignment lines to help students organize their assignments and learn constructively. There are many unique facts, questions, topics and more to stimulate critical thinking within a primary STEM planner.
Elementary school is a time for young children to explore their passion for learning and interest in STEM topics. Elementary STEM planners are ideal for students in grades three, four or five. Student planners cover various topics that can help students understand how each subject is vital to their lives and the world as a whole. With an educator's help, young learners can track daily assignments, homework or activities.
Elementary STEM planners are a great addition to any classroom and can help students learn and immerse themselves in these fundamental subjects. Featuring monthly topics, questions of the week and many interesting facts, Elementary STEM planners can continue to build on a child's desire to learn.
Middle school STEM planners are designed for students in grades six through eight and are meant to enhance student's core understanding of various STEM topics. Many middle school students may begin to take a more serious interest in STEM subjects as they learn how each of these topics has lead to revolutionary innovations and impact daily life.
Student planners for middle school students can be a natural stepping stone along their learning journey that can prepare them for future education and a potential career in a STEM-related industry. Fostering a positive yet constructive learning environment is key to broadening students' horizons and understanding more complex topics.
As students enter high school, they may begin to think more seriously about continuing education, starting a part-time job and even planning their future careers. High school STEM planners are specifically designed for students in grades nine through 12 to understand STEM subjects further. These student planners also feature information about many careers that directly rely on STEM topics.
High school STEM planners provide effective time management tools to help students manage their schedules and stay on top of assignments. Many careers, even if they're not specifically STEM-related, require a foundational knowledge of STEM topics. STEM planners can help students learn and further understand the importance of STEM in various industries.
Success by Design is proud to offer STEM student planners that are an essential tool for student development. Our planners are designed with students in mind and feature useful content written by education professionals to foster growth and positive change in students. At Success by Design, our goal has always been to assist educators and students in learning developing important organizational and scheduling skills.
Browse our selection of STEM student planners today or contact us to learn more.
]]>STEM education includes the subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Though traditional math and science courses are part of the STEM family of subjects, combined STEM curriculum takes a more integrated approach to teaching students how these subjects work together in real-world applications.
For elementary students, STEM curriculum lays foundations of critical thinking and problem solving and is aimed at getting young children interested in STEM fields. In middle school, STEM curriculum becomes more academically rigorous. In addition to stirring kids' interest in STEM, at this level, educators begin to help students explore various STEM-related career paths. In high school, students begin to apply their knowledge in more advanced ways and may choose to prepare for their post-secondary education and employment in a STEM field.
STEM education is critical if we want to prepare students with an aptitude for STEM subjects for fulfilling careers in STEM fields. The next generation's scientists, innovators, engineers and mathematicians need educators to expose them to STEM subjects and inspire an interest in these fields. There is currently a shortage of STEM professionals in the U.S., and experts estimate there will be nearly 3.5 million STEM jobs that need to be staffed by 2025.
Fostering an interest in STEM fields for all children and youths, regardless of factors like ethnicity and gender, is an important way to help bring more diversity into these fields. In some STEM fields, men and women are represented at roughly the same level, while in other fields — namely, physics, engineering and computer science — the ratio of men to women is roughly 4-to-1.
When it comes to ethnic diversity, Black and Hispanic Americans, who together comprise 27% of the U.S. workforce as of 2016, only account for 16% of employees in STEM fields. STEM professionals cite a lack of access to quality education and a lack of encouragement to pursue STEM at a young age as major reasons for this racial disparity. According to the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, African American youth are less likely than any other racial group to enter technology fields.
While it's important that students feel they have the option of pursuing a STEM career if they are so inclined, even students who would rather pursue other careers or areas of study can still experience some valuable benefits of STEM in the classroom.
Technological literacy is an important form of literacy in our modern world. Students can gain a greater understanding of how technology works and how to wield it for various applications. Through STEM education, students will be better prepared to use current technology and future forms of technology to record data, compose documents, design products, give presentations and much more. Regardless of what career field a student ends up pursuing, technology will almost assuredly be a part of it in some way, especially as the world becomes increasingly tech-centric.
An important part of STEM education is encouraging students to question how the world around them works. As students tap into their natural curiosity, they will discover topics that hold great interest for them and develop a stronger love of learning overall. If a student questions why something is the way it is, they will experience a drive to learn more. There is no substitute for a genuine interest in learning. When students feel plugged in and enjoy learning, the sky is the limit.
STEM emphasizes the importance of problem-solving and gives students opportunities to hone their critical thinking skills. Students should begin to look at real-world problems and consider how these problems might be solved. As students think through and test out possible solutions, they will learn that failure is a natural part of the process. Teaching students to view failure as a means to learning rather than as a roadblock or a knock to their confidence is crucial to helping them succeed in any subject area and in their personal lives.
While independent learning is an important component of STEM education, so is collaborative learning. Students will learn to work with their peers, putting their heads together to learn core concepts and solve problems. An important part of the scientific process — whether developing research questions, hypotheses or experiments or sharing data and solutions — is communicating with others. Students will learn how to work together and how to communicate their ideas and findings with others, both verbally and through writing.
Across all fields and in students' personal lives, believing in their own creativity can help them make their mark and achieve great things. STEM curriculum encourages young people to think outside the box. Innovation is at the very core of STEM fields. None of the technology that has shaped the modern world would be possible without innovators who believed in their own creativity. Encouraging today's students to think this way will help them continue to shape the world with new ideas, whether in STEM or other fields.
The benefits of STEM education for students is clear, but what about the benefits of STEM planners? First, consider the benefits of student planners more broadly. Planners can help students learn valuable skills, which are important in STEM fields and in life:
Printed planners in particular offer some unique benefits compared to digital planner tools since they engage students haptically and physically. These are just a few of the key benefits students can gain when they are given their own planner.
STEM student planners deliver these benefits and more for students, as they turn an ordinary planner into an educational source of fun, interesting and useful information about STEM subjects and careers. The best STEM student planners are designed specifically with different age groups in mind, so the benefits they deliver will be age-appropriate.
In primary and elementary school, a STEM planner can engage students by fueling their curiosity and teaching them fun facts about how the world works. Students will look forward to opening up their planner to learn new things. Many children will be eager to share these fun facts with their family and friends and to look into subjects further that especially grab their interest.
In middle school or junior high, STEM planners can continue to teach STEM concepts, but now those concepts will be more advanced. Kids can learn about groundbreaking innovations and begin to learn about different STEM career fields. Even at this young age, students can begin to consider career paths and plan their high school studies accordingly.
High school STEM planners cover even more advanced topics and get more detailed about STEM career options. This is the time when students need to learn about the benefits of various career paths and what is needed to pursue each path. This information is vital for helping high schoolers prepare for higher education.
Some students enter college not knowing what they want to study, and of the students who declare a particular major, about 30% end up switching to a different major at least once within three years. If high school students are interested in STEM fields, a STEM planner can help them explore various career options and learn which majors they should consider studying in college so they can be ready to enter those fields.
For decades, Success by Design has been creating quality planners that help students learn valuable skills, including independence, organization, time management and goal setting. Our STEM student planners add the advantages of STEM education to these key benefits. We offer four different STEM student planners, each tailored to a certain age group. Students can use our planners all the way through their educational journey and discover a passion for science, technology, engineering and math.
Our primary STEM student planner is designed with students from kindergarten through second grade in mind. Young children are naturally curious. They are in information-gathering mode to help them better understand the world around them.
Our primary planner capitalizes on this thirst for knowledge by sharing interesting explanations of everyday phenomena and general STEM-related concepts with children. Each month, students' planners will focus on a particular STEM-related theme and share information related to this theme. All themes are chosen to introduce students to concepts they can understand at their age and that will enhance their studies.
Our elementary planners are recommended for students in third through fifth grade. These planners are also organized by monthly STEM topics. Our planners use a question and answer model to help students develop their skills of inquiry and research. Each week, there is a Question of the Week to get students thinking about a particular topic.
In response to that question, students will find educational information, both in short STEMazing facts and in more in-depth forms. They will also learn which STEM fields are involved in a particular topic and where they can learn more. This is an important way of encouraging students to conduct their own independent studies.
Our middle/junior high STEM student planner was created to help sixth- through eighth-graders learn more about STEM topics and begin to investigate STEM-related career fields. They'll learn about important STEM innovations that have impacted the world, such as certain types of technology. Our planners also share intriguing facts to get students more interested in a variety of STEM topics. Again, students will be directed to sources online where they can learn more.
A new feature of these planners compared to ones designed for younger grades is that they also begin to incorporate information on STEM careers. Our "Just the Facts" sections share statistical information about careers, such as education requirements, projected job growth and median salary information.
Our high school STEM student planner was created to serve students in grades 9-12. Students may even want to use this planner during their initial years in postsecondary education programs. In this planner, we cover 48 different STEM-related careers and give students critical information on how to pursue these careers if they're interested.
Our high school planners focus more intently on career information than any previous planners, offering students information they can use right then on what sorts of classes they should take or college programs they should pursue. Job descriptions along with information regarding career outlook, degree requirements and salary can all help students weigh various career options. Students will also receive recommendations for websites they can visit to learn more about STEM career paths.
STEM student planners can get students excited about STEM fields and can help them begin taking early steps toward a rewarding STEM career. Even for students who choose to pursue other valuable career paths, a STEM planner can help these students develop a greater appreciation for those who have brought about incredible advancements in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics — advancements that affect all of our daily lives.
If you're interested in learning more about these unique, educational student planners or the other high-quality, specialized planners Success by Design offers, contact us today. You can also start shopping for planners on our online store where you can get a glimpse inside of each planner and choose the best fit for you or your students. You'll notice that our planners are affordable, making them an accessible and valuable teaching tool for teachers and students of all ages.
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Regardless of where you live or what you believe, setting aside a day for thanks and gratitude is an important practice for families to incorporate into their traditions. While our modern Thanksgiving has been transformed into a holiday of excess, the original intent was for it to be a day to recognize the good things in our lives. As adults, we spend so much time thinking about eating, watching football and making small talk with relatives that we often overlook the meaning of Thanksgiving. Because adults are so busy with all the "trappings" surrounding the holiday, they often rely on teachers to fill in the gaps and teach the facts about the first Thanksgiving. But the problem is that the story of Thanksgiving — and the intent behind the holiday — have become marred in elementary school traditions of pilgrims hats, Indian feathers and lukewarm mashed potato and turkey classroom feasts. Besides that, the story of the first Thanksgiving doesn't tell the whole truth about the beginnings of our country. The country's beginnings, including those friendly relationships celebrated at that first Thanksgiving, weren't all sunshine and roses. Within a generation of that first Plymouth Rock feast, the European settlers were at war with the Native Americans. The retelling of the first Thanksgiving facts for kids leaves something to be desired. But does that mean we should stop telling the story of the pilgrims? No! When considering how to craft the first Thanksgiving story for kids, it's important to realize that parents have a responsibility to build on the narrative being taught in schools to help children understand the big picture. Holding an annual celebration to practice gratitude predates the pilgrims at Plymouth and it has endured long after any of them died. It's not about settling a new world, although that does offer a good backdrop for a historical conversation. Rather, Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate what we have and teach our children not to take it for granted.
In 1620, a group of English settlers set sail from Europe intending to settle along the east coast of North America. Originally, they planned to settle in the area home to today's New York City, but the bitter, cold winds and coastal weather forced them to make landfall along the coast of Massachusetts. The settlers arrived near Plymouth in November, greeted by a cold, bleak landscape. The group of 100 was malnourished and quickly fell ill. Many died throughout that first winter. After some time had passed, members of the local Native American tribe, the Wampanoags, offered to help the settlers plant crops and settle into a small village. After a grueling first year, the remaining pilgrims began to thrive in their new home. In the fall of 1621, the pilgrims and Wampanoags shared a harvest feast, a three-day event designed to celebrate the food they had produced and the hard work they had shared. This feast probably didn't feature pies or all the sweets many of us associate with Thanksgiving. It was an impressive spread of all the food the group had managed to grow and hunt. The tradition of setting aside a day for gratitude and thanks became a regular part of the American narrative since the Revolutionary War, when the Continental Congress began designating "days of thanks." It was formally proclaimed a holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Lincoln's rationale in proclaiming this day of thanks was to set aside a day for healing and remembrance. His goal was that it would contribute toward the recovery he knew would need to take place at the end of the Civil War. While the tradition of giving thanks for bounty has continued, the Native Americans and English settlers didn't remain friendly. Within a few years of that memorable first feast, the settlers became intent on taking land from the Native Americans. They began a systematic theft of their land and identity that has left an indelible mark on our country's history. Although this part of the narrative isn't typically included in the Thanksgiving story for kids, it enables parents to have age-appropriate conversations with their children about the good — and bad — parts of our country's history. Rather than using Thanksgiving as a time to cover up mistakes, it can be a time for reflection and growth. It can also be a time for healing — just as President Lincoln intended all those years ago.
The 1621 feast did celebrate a successful year of friendship between the pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe, but the story doesn't end there. As the colonists began settling in North America, they encroached on Native American territory. The result was years of warring and violent actions as the foreigners stole the Native Americans' land and brutally attacked them. So how do you teach children about a holiday that isn't as cut-and-dried as it seems? Rather than focus on that first Thanksgiving, try shifting the narrative and concentrate on some other aspects of the holiday instead:
There's no perfect recipe for a successful Thanksgiving, and there's not one specific way to explain the first Thanksgiving to kids. Every child and every family has different needs, expectations and traditions. But regardless of how your family observes the holiday, one thing remains true — everyone needs a reason to stop and acknowledge the good things they have. Everyone needs a time to reflect on the year behind them and look ahead to the year to come. The historical ups and downs surrounding the American Thanksgiving holiday can provide some much-needed guidance for parents when teaching children what gratitude is all about. Rather than sugarcoating the truth, giving a realistic picture of where our country has been and where it's headed can provide a canvas for your child to develop their own thoughts of understanding, compassion and gratitude. At Success By Design, we're proud to partner with parents and educators as they teach children and help them grow. Our wide selection of planners can help kids stay organized and on task so your child can get the most from their education. Shop student planners online or contact our friendly customer service team today for more information on our offerings.
]]>Students and teachers can expand the space a planner offers with physical storage inserts that secure a place for important documents or additives. Some planners come with built-in storage in the back or front covers, but you can also buy additional storage to insert into a planner. These items can be great for holding stationery, pens, pencils and highlighters, or for collecting any loose papers, like permission slips or important notices. Outside of school documents, teachers and students alike may use their day planners to keep track of external obligations such as birthdays, dental appointments or personal milestones. Appointment cards, personal reminders and certain valuables can be stored in a day planner's additional storage insert to help compile important information in one place.
Bullying is a major problem that affects one in five school kids, and not all bullying looks the same. That's why it can be difficult for a bullied child to recognize they are being victimized or for a bully to know that what they think is harmless is actually a type of harassment. Education is the most important tactic for reducing bullying, and part of that education involves understanding what constitutes bullying. With that knowledge, kids can learn how to identify a bully and how to help a bullying victim.
The Bully Game Insert for elementary students is designed to do exactly that. It's a four-page insert in full color that gives students necessary information about the different characters in the "Bully Game," such as the Victim, the Bystander and the Bully. These inserts also teach kids how to spot bullying behavior, and how to help someone who is being bullied. This can empower them to be more confident and cognizant of any bullying happening in their school.
One of the great things about day planners is how customizable their inside and outside can be. When ordering planners for a school, you can customize the front and back covers and pick planner accessories catered to students and teachers. Here are some ideas for planner accessories and customizations you can take advantage of:
At Success by Design, we pride ourselves on providing students and teachers the products they need to excel in school and life. Our products are designed to help students of all ages learn how to best organize their lives and become independent. Our products also aim to help students better focus on their academic careers, with tools to help them improve their grades and prepare for adulthood. We provide planner accessories that encourage character building and interpersonal relationships to ensure kids develop and enhance their social skills, work habits and study habits. We have confidence in our products and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not satisfied with your order, we'll replace it or provide a full refund. Our range of customization options allows you to design your planners to your specifications. We also offer custom designs, so get in touch with our customer service team to find the right planner and accessories for your students today.
]]>Teaching methods that work for one student may not work for another, and vice versa. Create captivating lessons for your learners by tailoring your teaching media to different learning styles, like:
Compared to physical classrooms, online classes require teachers to use more technological creativity and advanced communication skills to keep students engaged and interested in learning. Keep in mind that every student's home life, and therefore potential distractions, is different. Some work in a quiet workspace accompanied by a caregiver for added guidance, while others may struggle to find access to a reliable computer. Every student deserves quality education, and one way you can offer that is by addressing their unique needs. Of course, it may not be possible to resolve every problem, but consider these online student engagement strategies to try your best at minimizing the effects of uncontrollable distractions:
A student's foundation for online learning relies heavily on the partnership between teachers and parents.
In a physical classroom, teachers have the advantage of managing their students' learning environments. Online, teachers have to work much harder to keep their learners' interest, relying on parents to create an equally beneficial at-home learning environment. As a parent or caregiver, you can help hardworking teachers at home using the following strategies for engaging students in learning:
Success by Design has a wide selection of elementary, middle school and high school planners for students of all ages and levels. Contact one of our experienced and friendly customer service associates, and they'll happily guide you toward a planner that your student will look forward to using.
]]>The most constructive way for distance learning to be effective is for parents and teachers to form a dependable communication channel. Both role models see the student in two different environments — home and school. At school, students learn how to communicate with their peers in a respectful manner. Early in education, children learn the basics of emotional intelligence. If they're upset that a classmate didn't share the crayons, they learn to take control of their emotions and the situation, getting their own crayons instead of projecting their anger. At home, children interact with their family members, learning confidence and other important interpersonal skills. Without students physically in the classroom, some responsibility shifts from teachers to parents or guardians to fill that educational gap. By forming a communication channel, parents don't have to "wing it," and teachers won't have to develop uninformed lesson plans.
Distance learning will look different for every student. Some require more attention, while others thrive on independence. Although there is no cookie-cutter approach, consider this list of remote learning advice for parents who are helping their students transition to online learning:
Create a daily routine based on your student's needs. Expect this routine to change over time, especially as you become more familiar with the flow of online learning. Have your child wake up and get ready for the school day at a reasonable time. You may need to prepare yourself to help them fight the temptation of sleeping in. If the student is younger, begin the day with a check-in, asking questions like:
By doing this, you're helping your student plan their day and prioritize their learning. Older students may prefer independence, but they will usually welcome gentle guidance.
End your day with a normal nighttime routine. Avoid letting your student stay up too late, as it may affect the next day's routine. For younger students, consider ending the day by asking similar check-in questions:
You can adjust your plan of action based on their answers and your personal observations. During the day, keep a notebook or planner with you to jot down these observations for later reference.
It's helpful to understand your role in distance learning as a parent. You aren't expected to develop and deliver lesson plans — that's what the teacher on the other side of the screen is doing. Resist the urge to do too much, and take part in your student's learning by being a cheerleader to support and encourage their growth.
Offer emotional support, too. Being away from their friends and teachers can dampen your child's excitement for school, and you can help bring that excitement back to life. If face-to-face meetups aren't an option, allow your child to maintain connections through video chats and social media, but be sure to practice internet safety.
Stay alert for any frustration or unkindness your student exhibits, and remind them to be polite and positive in their interactions. Staying supportive and offering your guidance in these little ways can go far in their personal and educational growth.
Set up an area in your home designated for school activities. Your child may feel a gravitational pull to tune into school from their bed, but avoid this as best you can. Having a dedicated workspace especially helps younger students recognize when it's school time and when it's playtime, making it easier for them to stay focused throughout their lessons.
A good space for learning has:
If you're having a hard time finding a proper workspace in your home, consider buying a portable coffee table or lap desk to designate as your student's distance classroom.
Working for long hours at a time is difficult for anyone. Build some time into your student's daily routine to unplug from technology and recharge their learning stamina.
For younger kids, prepare a fun activity like coloring, finger painting or cooking a yummy treat. Before they reenter the online classroom, give them a book to slowly reactivate their mind. Older students require less guidance. Allow them to practice a hobby, like painting, reading, creative writing or anything else that lets them take a quiet step back.
A long school day full of hard work may leave your child feeling a little stressed. You might be able to relate to that feeling, especially if you have to restructure your day for your student's online learning. Break out your planner and schedule exciting activities for you and your young scholar to look forward to.
Some family-friendly outdoor activities you can schedule include:
Games are a great way to end the school day and engage younger students in play-based learning. Get your bodies moving and minds working while having fun! For days when the weather isn't favorable, keep the fun inside with a family game night.
You might require support when transitioning your child to distance learning. Remember that you're not doing it alone. Teachers, administrators and school counselors have the tools to help you and your student.
Distance learning can feel like a balancing act of maintaining your daily schedule, promoting your child's education and getting your personal work done. When presented with these obstacles, reach out to your child's teacher or other parents through email or phone, or use the school's learning management system (LMS) for help.
In-class learning and online classrooms both have their advantages and disadvantages. Replicating the intricacies of face-to-face learning as a teacher transitioning to online learning can be challenging. To take advantage of online education's unique possibilities, consider these distance learning tips for teachers and administrators:
Our goal at Success by Design is to assist teachers and students in developing valuable skills through the use of planners. No age is too young to start structuring your mind toward productivity, growth and an overall feeling of accomplishment. We've strategically developed planners for students of all ages to help them know what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. We're committed to helping your child or student grow. Browse our student planners today and contact our dedicated customer service representatives or educational consultants with any questions.
]]>Organizational skills are important to the academic success of students. The more students learn to organize their project processes and personal workspace, the more they can improve focus, project completion and prepare for success post-graduation. Parents and teachers can learn the importance of organizational skills and practice fun activities to foster organization inside and outside of the classroom.
Organizational skills can benefit students in various ways. From helping them develop good task prioritization practices to preparing for the workforce after school, students can equip themselves with the right skills to further their academic success.
Here are a few benefits of teaching organizational skills to students:
Students should begin learning organizational skills during their early elementary grade school years. Instilling organizational and planning skills during early childhood development is essential to creating intelligent and successful students and workers in the future. A child's early years are when their brains are most prepared for learning new skills, meaning parents and teachers can mold students into ready learners and organized academics.
Despite early elementary being the most critical time to teach organizational skills, it is never too late to help your student learn more about planning and preparation. Children of any age can be taught new skills in planning homework or project completion and good study skills. Students can organize their assignments, study space, notebooks or planners and teachers and parents can work together to foster organizational skills until students learn to do them automatically and independently.
When teaching organizational skills, there are a few areas that each school age must focus on. For example, those in elementary school may want to focus on basic categorizing or planning skills, while those in high school can tackle complex task division and goal setting. Whatever your student's age, teaching them the right skills based on grade level can prepare them for future grades.
Here are six skills you can teach to elementary school students:
Here are four skills you can teach to middle school students:
Here are four skills you can teach to high school students:
Fun organization activities can help students learn new skills through interactive tasks. Here are a few games to teach organizational skills to students.
To practice this activity, make a schedule for the day and show your students the plan. You can organize activities, homework or playtime. Write out some challenges students might face and conduct a discussion where students can talk about their opinions and solutions to challenges. Daily planning activities help students learn to prioritize tasks, remain aware of situations and think critically.
Have students create personalized workstations and let them organize them as they see fit. Gather items and teach them to organize sticky notes, pens, pencils or project materials. Discuss the experience and allow students to think critically and analyze what materials they need and don't need.
When conducting this activity, have students create and organize a personal binder. You can teach them to reduce messes and clutter by labeling and categorizing additional items and finding their correct place. Have them place the binder on or inside their desk for improved organization.
At Success by Design, we offer helpful planners to assist teachers in developing organizational and scheduling skills in students. For over 30 years, our planners have helped students improve their focus, plan out projects and execute their homework effectively. Our products have improved student grades while preparing them for future graduations and adulthood.
Contact us today or call our friendly customer service team to find the right planner for your students. You can request a sample online and locate the best planners to fit your needs.
]]>This year, almost every school in the U.S. switched to an online format of some kind, and while online school offers some advantages, many teachers are feeling overwhelmed with how to teach students and help them through a challenging time through this new medium. Luckily, we're here to help with some tips for supporting your students both academically and emotionally during the school year and summer break.
Teaching online may be a whole new experience. So, let's start with these five distance learning tips to help you have a successful experience teaching your students in this new way.
One essential for connecting with students virtually is an online hub for your class. You may use video conferencing to teach your students, but you still need a website to serve as your class's hub. Your school may provide a learning management service for you to use, or you can use a free option like Google Sites to create a simple website for your class.
Your class website should be easy to navigate and should, at the very least, list the current assignments, along with instructions and due dates, to make it easier for students and parents to follow along. This is also a great place to share helpful resources, like links to educational websites that might help with assignments or supplementary learning.
We tend to think of students as digital natives who are typically more adept at using computers than adults are, but that's not necessarily the case. For one, some students suffer from what's known as the digital divide. In other words, they may not have access to much technology at home to help them become digitally literate. Even for students who do use digital devices at home, this doesn't always mean they know how to use technology for school.
A recent study revealed that just 2% of U.S. eighth-graders reached the highest proficiency level for computer and informational literacy, and 10% of students didn't even reach the lowest benchmark for proficiency. You can expect many of your students to hit roadblocks when using technology for purposes like research, so work with your students on these skills and provide resources they can consult as guides.
Everything can feel out of whack to both you and your students when you go from a routine that feels comfortable and predictable to a whole new normal. Because so many aspects of the school experience are forced to change, it's crucial that you look for aspects of your old routine that you can preserve to make things feel a little less different. Think through your typical classroom routines and traditions, and see if you can translate any of these things into a digital format.
For example, if your students are used to a morning routine of getting the wiggles out, try to continue this through a video call. If you have a classroom pet, let your students see the pet from time to time. If you normally display stellar student work on a bulletin board in the classroom, try displaying these documents or pictures on your class's website.
Research shows that group work is valuable for students because it can improve students' individual achievement and can build their communication and collaborative skills. This is why most teachers incorporate various forms of cooperative learning into their lesson plans. When you start teaching online, however, group work can become trickier than it is in the classroom.
Fortunately, there are digital ways to facilitate group work. For one, depending on the program you use, you may be able to create breakout rooms in a video call where you split up students into smaller video calls where they can discuss an assignment or reading together. You can also use cloud-based technology like Google docs to have students work collaboratively on an assignment.
Every teacher knows what it's like to give an assignment and then prepare for the barrage of endless questions to clarify the details. When you're in the classroom, you can clear up confusion quickly, but you may not have this luxury when you're sharing assignments digitally. This makes it especially critical that your written instructions are crystal clear and that you create assignments that are very straightforward.
You need both your students and their parents to be able to understand. Keep in mind that simple doesn't equate to easy. You can create simple assignments that still require students to put in a lot of work and critical thinking.
Even when you're meeting in-person for school during the school year, you may feel completely disconnected from your students during the summer. If you want to show your students ongoing support during the summer and set them up for success in the fall, here are some fun ways to connect with students online:
Sending an email periodically is a good way to check in with parents and students. You might ask students to let you know how their summer vacation is going or share a fun countdown to the start of the school year. As the school year approaches, you can share important information regarding school supplies or any other preparations families need to be aware of.
You can send mass emails to your whole class, but you may also want to personalize your emails and send them to families individually. This will likely feel more personable and encourage parents or students to reach out if they need some support during the summer.
You can also check in with students and parents through a video call. A good old fashioned phone call can work also, but a video call allows you to capitalize on nonverbal communication. This can be especially important when you're checking on students' wellbeing and want to share a smile with them.
At one time, video calls may have seemed a bit foreign to some, but because of the pandemic, this mode of communication has taken off in popularity. Your students and parents may appreciate getting to see you on their screen, checking in to see how the summer is going.
You can help students over the summer by providing some online resources they can use to stay sharp. This can help students combat summer learning loss. Research has shown that students can lose 25% to 30% of their school-year learning over the summer. This means teachers have to invest a lot of time into review when school starts again.
You may be able to help your students hold onto what they've learned over the summer if you share some educational websites or apps that students can use to stay sharp. There are plenty of free resources out there, and for younger students, you can find resources that feel more like games than school.
Journaling can be a great way to get students writing over the summer. Encourage your students to journal during their summer break, and provide that extra push of motivation by setting some journaling goals. For example, you could offer a reward for any students who write a certain number of journal entries or who fill up a whole notebook.
Though this is something students would be doing independently, you can connect with students virtually to check in and see how they are doing with their journaling. Otherwise, students are likely to get distracted and forget about their journaling goals. You can also include your journaling goals and ideas on your class website.
Many teachers are learning for the first time how to virtually connect with students. Staying connected in a distance learning context can be a lot more challenging than in a classroom context. The connections that come naturally in the classroom are no longer there, and you need to get creative to help kids feel a sense of security, comfort and fun that can be missing from this new experience of distance learning. It's critical that teachers support their students' emotional wellbeing during this time. Here are some ways to do that:
Supporting students emotionally should be a family affair. Of course, every student's home and family situation is different, and in some cases, it may be complicated. Whenever possible, though, involve parents and ask them about how their child is dealing with the changes in their schooling. Most parents will appreciate this gesture.
Checking with parents is important because they can see a side of your students that you don't get to see — especially when your contact with students is limited due to virtual schooling. This is a good way to gain insight that can help you support your students more effectively.
Even if your school is implementing a more independently driven curriculum that doesn't have you teaching every day, you may still want to consider meeting with your students briefly each morning via a video call. Morning meetings can provide kids with the structure they need to feel a sense of normalcy and to feel motivated.
This is also a good opportunity to gauge how students are doing emotionally each day. For example, one teacher asked his students to share a selfie with a thumbs up, a neutral sideways thumb or a thumbs down to show how they were feeling. There are lots of creative ways you can have students share some insight into their emotional health.
For some students, the hardest part of transitioning to learning from home may be that they no longer get to experience school with their peers. This can leave a child feeling isolated or, at least, missing their friends. However, there are some creative ways you can help students continue to feel connected to each other virtually.
One way is through facilitating group work, as we discussed above. You can also have social events through a video call. For example, you may have an end-of-the-year pizza party and invite students to eat pizza while they chat on the video call. You can also create more ongoing social interactions. For example, for some age groups, you might consider pairing students together as pen pals.
When kids are struggling emotionally, we need to help them develop the tools to process their emotions. Self-reflection can help a student name the problem they're experiencing and understand their emotions better.
Look for opportunities where you can lead your students in self-reflection. You can make this a regular part of your curriculum by having students answer questions after an assignment about how they felt about the experience or about their overall wellbeing. You can also give writing assignments that encourage self-reflection by asking about students' experiences with learning from home. These assignments serve the added purpose of letting you check on students' emotional wellbeing.
Fun activities can go a long way toward making virtual schooling feel more comfortable and enjoyable. When students are struggling emotionally, a bright spot in their week may make all the difference. Video calls are great for this. Get creative and come up with some fun things you can do as a class.
Spirit weeks add fun and excitement to school, so why not keep those going, even while you can't meet in person? Invite students to send in pictures or show up to the video call wearing a silly hat, a superhero outfit or some other fun apparel. Just make sure you tell students in advance when spirit week is and what the theme of each day will be, so they can look forward to it.
When everything feels topsy-turvy, students need a way to stay organized and grounded. A student planner can help students stay organized and keep track of all their assignments — a task that is even more critical when students are working more independently. Providing your students with planners or asking families to purchase a planner for their students is a great idea if you want students to cultivate their skills of organization and time management and remember every assignment and special event.
At Success by Design, we offer a variety of student planners at affordable prices to help all students have a successful school year, even if it's a bit out of the ordinary. Contact us online if you have questions about our planners.
]]>When you go over your child's planner together, see if they're writing down assignments in class. Encourage them to do so because it's the first step to using a planner productively. You can also help your child write things down while at home, including:
Your child may already understand why completing schoolwork and studying is important, and they may use their planners to write down every assignment. But if your child isn't motivated or doesn't know how to use a planner, they may not be eager to complete schoolwork. It's a frustrating scenario, but helping your child use their planner can also help keep them focused and motivated. Some at-home learning tips for parents and ways to get your student motivated include:
Make sure to go over your child's assignments with them rather than looking at their planner on your own or leaving it all up to your child. You won't know how to help your child stay organized in school if you're using the planner without them or if they're on their own. For younger students or those who need a bit of academic help, set aside some time every day to go over upcoming assignments and exams. Do this before homework and study time to help your child be productive. With some classes, you may notice that the teacher has a pattern with assignments or exams. Ask your student if the teacher has explained this pattern, or look for it yourself and keep track of it in your own planner. For instance, your student may always have a spelling test on Friday or a math test every other week. You can then discover how to use your planner effectively and ask your child if they have upcoming assignments as the regular day approaches.
Practice these at-home learning tips for parents with a planner from Success by Design. A printed planner provides better accessibility and flexibility to help your child stay organized in school and at home — and with customized options, a planner from Success by Design will give your child the tools they need to succeed. Browse our student planners today to equip your child with the tools to stay organized in and out of the classroom. Let us at Success by Design help you and your child plan for success!
]]>Students have the opportunity to practice and hone their organization skills with purposeful planning. Students can learn how to prioritize assignments, studying, activities and more with the help of a planner. They can also discover the best ways to organize their planners — whether they use symbol keys, create sections for events versus assignments or utilize other organizational strategies.
First, introduce your students to purposeful planning and create some interest in using a planner. Get them acquainted with the planner and have them fill out their name and other information on the title page, like how to access homework and other resources at home. This introduction allows students to:
At Success by Design, we have useful planners for all ages that can get students on track to meet their goals, become more organized and keep up with assignments. Help students develop better communication, organization and time management skills that they'll carry with them into the future. After all — success doesn't happen by accident. You plan for it! Browse our student planners or shop by age with our elementary school, middle school and high school options. Be sure to take a look at our HomeworkMaster Wall Charts and other planner accessories, as well. Contact us today to learn more about the products we offer and what's best for your classroom.
]]>As an educator or administrator, you've likely noticed your students learn in different ways. For example, some may take thorough notes while others like to participate in demonstrations. Each student has their own learning style that affects how they comprehend information in your classroom.
Understanding the theory behind different learning styles can help you determine how to best teach your students. Some learning styles, like kinesthetic learning, require more involvement than others. Discover the meaning of kinesthetic learning, how it's beneficial for students and how you can incorporate kinesthetic learning strategies into your classroom below.
Kinesthetic learning is a style in which learning is connected to body movement, physical activity and hands-on experiences. Kinesthetic learners interact with their environments to better understand the subject at hand. They prefer practical concepts over theoretical concepts because deep learning occurs through application and physical involvement in the topic.
Kinesthetic learners prefer to actively participate in physical activity to learn a topic or skill rather than listen to a lecture or read about it. For example, a kinesthetic learner could watch a demonstration on how to skateboard, but to really understand the principles and techniques, they'd get on a skateboard and experiment.
The kinesthetic learning style is one of four learning styles in the VARK theory. To understand and identify how people learn best, Neil Fleming theorized that everyone has one of four different learning styles — visual, auditory, reading or kinesthetic (VARK). Here's the meaning of each one:
Since Fleming originally suggested the VARK theory, it's been thought that many people learn best with a combination of learning styles. For example, many kinesthetic learners can also be auditory learners, which could involve listening to instructions or recordings while applying the knowledge.
While the VARK model can help students understand themselves better and determine the most successful ways to study, it's purely theoretical, and students should try several different studying and learning techniques. For example, one learning style may work well for a student in one topic but won't work the same for another topic.
Kinesthetic learners learn and remember more information through touching, moving and doing. These learners are often unengaged in traditional classrooms and enjoy learning outside of the classroom.
From a young age, tactile learners enjoy building things and working with their hands and tools. They often like physical activity and sports and get excited to try new things. Kinesthetic learners are also often good at mazes and puzzles and like to conduct tests and experiments.
As mentioned above, kinesthetic learners take study breaks more often to refocus and typically think more clearly when they can move. These learners may use more gestures when speaking and may prefer to make charts or posters rather than do research for a project.
Many kinesthetic learners favor practical subjects like technology, art, design and sports. Kinesthetic learners often end up in hands-on careers like farming, carpentry, physical therapy, athletics and other trades. These positions allow kinesthetic learners to be active in their work.
Movement is extremely beneficial for learning, as it stimulates brain cells and gets the blood pumping to the brain. This helps the brain operate at optimal levels for learning. Kinesthetic learning in the classroom is beneficial for several other reasons, especially when incorporated into the classroom for young learners.
Here are a few ways learners can benefit from the kinesthetic learning style.
Kinesthetic learners have more difficulty comprehending material in educator-centered formats like lectures. Without physically interacting with the material, kinesthetic learners only retain the material on a surface level and often struggle to gain a deeper understanding of the information.
When learners can move, the amount of oxygen in the blood increases, which means the brain gets more oxygen. With more oxygen, the brain can function more effectively, which will positively affect a learner's cognitive development and comprehension skills. Moving around while learning new materials helps stimulate areas of the brain that can help kinesthetic learners more effectively comprehend and retain information.
The kinesthetic learning style is often closely connected to creativity. Many kinesthetic learners are inherently creative, as they favor hands-on activities and learning environments like art, dance and music.
Kinesthetic learning can help stimulate creative thinking. Many kinesthetic learning activities require learners to think more creatively than they would while sitting in a lecture. Learners may also explore different learning perspectives when learning kinesthetically, further encouraging them to think outside the box.
For example, you may ask students to create dioramas depicting different ecosystems and what lives within each one. An activity like this encourages students to be creative in their designs while also helping them to remember what each ecosystem looks like. Stimulating creative thinking helps learners make valuable connections when learning.
As mentioned above, many kinesthetic learners learn best through trial and error. They may try different techniques or strategies to determine the most effective way for them to do something.
Experimentation through kinesthetic learning helps learners develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Kinesthetic learning encourages learners to analyze and find new ways to work with materials rather than learning passively.
Additionally, through trial and error methods students can learn from their mistakes and learn from experience. For kinesthetic learners, this aspect is extremely valuable because they're more likely to remember information or processes when they're connected to real situations.
Kinesthetic learning can help learners strengthen their communication and social skills, particularly when working in groups. When learners participate in group kinesthetic activities, they develop strong cooperation and teamwork skills. Having positive social interactions, especially starting at a young age, is crucial for developing strong social skills.
Communication is a significant aspect of life, as are many of the other skills kinesthetic learning helps students develop. This makes this learning style especially beneficial for young learners who are just starting to find a stronger sense of themselves.
Kinesthetic learning is extremely beneficial for younger learners, as they can release energy while learning and are still developing their learning styles. Older learners can use their kinesthetic learning style as a basis to explore various career paths and post-graduation options. This is especially valuable for students who may want to pursue trade schools or directly enter the workforce rather than attend higher education.
For example, tech school students learn primarily through kinesthetic styles as they explore different careers through hands-on courses and learning materials. These schools benefit kinesthetic learners, as they can actively participate in what's being taught to gain a deep understanding of the content and potentially move forward in a related career.
Every student likely has a preferred learning style, especially as they get older and determine what works best for them. As an educator, meeting the needs of every student's learning preferences can be challenging, but it's possible.
You may survey your students to determine how they learn best, find ways to incorporate all learning styles or offer options for your learners. Adapting your lessons to accommodate your students' learning styles can help each student effectively learn the material.
Here are several teaching methods that educators and administrators can incorporate into their classrooms to provide kinesthetic learning opportunities.
Allowing and encouraging movement where appropriate in the classroom can make a significant difference for kinesthetic learners. You can allow students to move in numerous ways depending on what works for your teaching style and classroom.
Here are a few examples of how you can add movement to your classroom:
Kinesthetic learners learn best with real-life applications, which occur most often outside the classroom. When possible, teach lessons outside the classroom to provide real-life examples that kinesthetic learners can relate to the information. For example, if you're teaching about the various types of clouds, you move your class outside for the day to allow students to observe clouds in the sky.
Taking your students to learn outside of school for the day is another effective way to give kinesthetic students tangible experiences. Educational field trips allow kinesthetic learners to immerse themselves in an experience to achieve deep learning.
Including practical components in your lessons can help kinesthetic learners comprehend information. Kinesthetic learners learn best when they can physically interact with what they're learning. Many topics lack this aspect naturally, so finding ways to include practical components can help kinesthetic learners grasp these topics.
Theoretical and abstract topics can be more challenging for kinesthetic learners to understand, making them effective areas to bring in something tangible. Blocks, modeling clay, puzzles, maps and craft supplies are examples of items you could use to make learning more tactile.
Encourage kinesthetic learners to take active notes. Make note-taking a creative process with different colored pencils, pens, markers and highlighters. Drawing pictures and doodles related to the lesson is a great way for kinesthetic learners to actively create notes while learning. You may also encourage students to apply concepts to their own experiences and portray that in their notes.
Making note-taking physically active can also help kinesthetic learners take effective notes and retain information. For example, you may put different information around the room and ask students to move from station to station to create each part of their notes.
It's common for kinesthetic learners to get bored in class, especially during traditional lectures where the instructor does most of the talking. Incorporating various kinesthetic activities into your lessons can help make learning more engaging for students with kinesthetic preferences.
Look for ways to include experiments, surveys, hands-on projects, demonstrations and other activities students can actively participate in while learning. Interactive lessons are more memorable and engaging for kinesthetic learners, which helps them learn better. Kinesthetic learners tend to hold focus better when they can actively participate in learning activities.
Printed student planners are the perfect way to give kinesthetic learners a more tangible way to keep their assignments and thoughts organized. Print planners provide kinesthetic learners a space to physically make notes of assignments, due dates, study strategies and more, helping them remember information better.
At Success by Design, we offer planners for all students, including elementary, middle and high school ages. We also provide helpful planner accessories that many hands-on learners will find useful, such as fill-in wall charts. Interested in ordering custom planners for your students? Contact us to learn more about how you can get your school's mascot or logo put on the cover.
]]>Setting goals provides students with focus and direction, but the types of goals and how they are set makes a difference. Students may need help setting realistic goals and developing a plan of how to meet them. SMART goals are a great way to make goals more achievable. First introduced in 1981 by George Doran, SMART is an acronym that often stands for goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART goals are often employed in the business world and for personal use; however, SMART goals can also be used to improve academic achievement and character development.
There are five areas to focus on when setting SMART goals:
1. Specific: The goal should be clear and well defined. Answering the 5 “W” questions can help narrow down the goal. What do I want to accomplish? Why is this goal important? Who is involved? Where is it located? Which resources are involved?
2. Measurable: The goal should be measurable so progress can be tracked in order to stay motivated. This will help the student stay focused, meet deadlines, and builds excitement as they get closer to achieving their goal.
3. Achievable: The goal should be a stretch for the student but still be possible for them to accomplish.
4. Relevant: The goal must matter to the student and be in line with other goals. It needs to be a worthwhile goal that is important.
5. Time-Bound: This is the target date when the goal will be achieved. It is important to have a deadline to meet and work toward.
We hope these tools will give you a classroom full of SMART goal setters! By setting goals and measuring their achievements, your students will be able to see what they have done and what they are capable of. Seeing their results will give them the confidence to set and achieve higher goals. For more information on SMART goals and goal-setting forms for your students to use, check this out!
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