Alison, a young five-year-old I taught recently, struggled with separation anxiety at the beginning of the year. She had a hard time saying goodbye to her dad when he dropped her off in the mornings. On one particularly difficult day, she went through all the usual routines—blowing a kiss, waving goodbye at the window, drawing a picture for her dad—but was still distressed.
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NOV
01
2002
Displaying Student Work
A classroom filled with the work of children is a delight to be in and sends a message to students that their work and their learning are important. Although early in the…
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AUG
01
2002
Signals for Quiet
Question: I’ve read about using a signal to get children’s attention and let them know it’s time to be quiet. I’ve tried raising my hand but most of the time, children keep…
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APR
01
2001
Classroom Spaces That Work
Imagine spending every day in a physical space designed for people much bigger than you. To wash your hands or get a drink of water, you’d have to drag a chair over…
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AUG
31
2000
Getting the Most Value Out of Displays
Effective classroom displays are one of the most powerful—and overlooked—tools for teaching. They can generate excitement about the curriculum, increase children’s investment in learning, help children appreciate their own work and the…
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