After reading this week's Connect with Kids news story on "Cheating with Ipods", there is no doubt in my mind why I only substitute teach in the elementary school.   Cheating is nothing new.  It has been around for a long time.  Unfortunately, it seems that the methods of cheating have become more advanced, I guess to keep up with the times.  This is very sad to me.  How can teachers be responsible for academics, discipline, and full time "cheating patrol"?  My concern is how the teachers will be able to stay on top of all of the new and advanced technology and the problems that come with it.  At the beginning of the year are the teachers educated on exactly what to look out for?  All I can say is "God Bless you teachers who teach the older kids!"

Permalink:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/chalktalk/after_reading_this_weeks_connect_with_kids_news_story_on_che.html

Trackback URL:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/chalktalk/after_reading_this_weeks_connect_with_kids_news_story_on_che.trackback

Every teacher of every grade knows the symptoms of the dreaded Spring Fever: glazed over eyes, limbs that can’t keep still, sudden loss of normally sound judgment, lack of motivation. Students’ desire to break through school walls is completely palpable to even first year teachers. And every good teacher knows that the only way to fight off possible bedlam is to keep them busy! Keep the workload flowing! I generally follow this method, but this year is different for me. This year I’m worse than my students. I’m having severe trouble buckling down myself. I keep hearing the voice of freedom…what does it matter – the year is basically over – just let down your guard and start soaking up some sun.

Am I alone? Am I just being immature? I keep thinking… I know what those kids are feeling, and maybe just letting go is the most we can do in a culture that tries to squeeze every morsel of thought and energy out of us throughout the year.

Permalink:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/chalktalk/spring_fever.html

Trackback URL:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/chalktalk/spring_fever.trackback

Like most teachers, I’m busy trying to plan for next year. Has anyone else attempted a unit on the Iditarod? I thought I could incorporate various curriculums – social studies, math, LA, geography …I’m just not sure where to start, and I feel that surely someone else out there must have done this before..help!

Permalink:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/chalktalk/iditarod_lesson_plans.html

Trackback URL:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/chalktalk/iditarod_lesson_plans.trackback