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In 2021, Video Mailers will make your marketing and advertising more effective. There truly aren&#8217;t many better ways to engage your most likely customers. They also have a way of getting recipients to respond quickly. At times, they’re even more effective than face-to-face meetings. Why Video Mailers Are So Effective [&#8230;]
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Video Mailers Make Marketing and Advertising More Effective

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Product packaging makes an impact on sales, and it&#8217;s fairly substantial. For instance, there are benefits for companies whose product packaging attracts the eyes of consumers. It also protects products during transit, in stores, and while customers are using them. Companies who use a higher level of quality in their [&#8230;]
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Teaching is one of the most underrated, most important professions in the world. With long work hours, continued work at home, unimpressive salaries, and their essential presence required for educating and raising the world’s future generations, teachers are an invaluable resource and asset to societal growth. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzlDUyY14bk/X8qeSAI3frI/AAAAAAAAAOs/DzR__Bc4hMkYnTgsFE62uzr7vcRy_wBCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/AdobeStock_301367366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1200" height="454" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzlDUyY14bk/X8qeSAI3frI/AAAAAAAAAOs/DzR__Bc4hMkYnTgsFE62uzr7vcRy_wBCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h454/AdobeStock_301367366.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Despite the benefits and joys of teaching, educators are under intense stress. Educating, teaching, correcting, planning, and grading can consume a teacher’s schedule and leave little room for self-care or attention to personal needs. This contributes to teachers becoming unhealthy, partly due to them constantly looking after students and neglecting themselves. What is the remedy to this? Start living a healthier life. While more easily said than done, here are some tips and tricks to stay healthy and happy as a teacher. By selecting one area and starting today, teachers (and anyone, really) will be able to live a happy, healthy, fulfilling life. Get the Right Amount of Sleep Sleep is crucial to overall health, but very few people get healthy hours of sleep every night. Adults should get about 7-8 hours of sleep to fully and properly function at their best. When getting enough sleep, people will feel more energized and enthusiastic and have a better disposition. They will be able to make better decisions and healthier choices throughout the day. They will also be able to better control their temper, have a good attitude, and be patient with others. The benefits of enough sleep are endless! If rising around 7:00-7:30 a.m. each day, consider making it a goal to be in bed, with the lights off, between 10:00-11:00 p.m. Be sure to avoid staying up late on video games, computers, or phones; technology gives off a form of blue light that stimulates brain activity and makes it difficult to sleep. Proper exercise and helpful wake-up routines can also contribute to better sleep schedules (Barile). If there is difficulty falling asleep, consider drinking tart cherry juice or taking melatonin supplements (Barile). Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness is becoming a popular part of meditation in modern culture. Mindfulness is defined as “intentionally [focusing] our attention on our sensory experience as it unfolds moment by moment” (Anonymous). Mindfulness is not a religious practice; rather, it is being conscious of the way one’s body, breathing, and ability to think feels in the present moment (Anonymous). Practicing mindfulness is proven to reduce stress, boost immunity, sharpen focus, regulate emotions, and encourage the growth of compassion toward self and others (Anonymous). While mindfulness can be practiced at any time, make it a goal to practice mindfulness and focus on the body and mind’s well-being when waking in the morning or going to sleep at night. Those who practice yoga can easily incorporate mindfulness as part of their daily meditation routine. Several instructional videos and practical listening guides exist as YouTube videos and podcasts. One could also download a mindfulness app that directs listeners in a calming routine. Get Help for Mental Wellbeing Teachers are often afraid to speak out about the mental strains of teaching for fear of being demonized or losing their jobs. However, maintaining mental health is important for all individuals, including teachers. Being mentally healthy is important in the happiness of individuals and contributes heavily to one’s physical health, eating habits, and exercise tendencies (Boudreau). Educators suffering from career-related depression or anxiety, or those who feel drained to their breaking point, should seek help or guidance from a therapist, coach, or counselor. Teachers should not be afraid to voice their concerns or struggles about teaching or about listening to other teachers and what they have to say (Boudreau). Remembering to spend time pursuing personal interests, eating properly, exercising regularly, and participating in activities outside of one’s career are important steps in developing and maintaining personal mental health. When teachers are mentally healthy, they are happy; when teachers are happy, they can change the world. If teachers would like to schedule sessions with certified, experienced life coaches, they can book an appointment with a success strategist at <a href="https://coach.edguru.co/">https://coach.edguru.co/</a> . Eat Healthily Food consumption is an important part of staying healthy. Food provides energy and nutrients that are essential in maintaining weight, performing day-to-day functions, and feeling healthy. Eating the right foods can also prevent further health complications down the road and decrease the chances of experiencing a potential hereditary disease (Barile). Teachers should make sure they have a varied diet that consists of 50% vegetables and fruits. Proper intake of proteins (beans, meats, nuts, seeds) and grains (wheat, rice, oats) is also important. Make a goal to increase vegetable and fruit intake while limiting sugary or processed foods. When hungry, snack on something healthy. Be sure to drink at least 8 cups of water a day to stay well-hydrated. Consider making a weekly meal-plan to avoid compulsively buying junk food or snacks, focusing on creating a practical, nutritious dietary schedule (Barile). Exercise Exercise is another component of a healthy lifestyle. People often consider workouts to be time-consuming, expensive, and difficult. However, exercise doesn’t have to be done at the gym and doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Just 30 minutes of exercise each day is proven to reduce the risk of certain diseases, contribute to easy weight loss, and quickly promote the production of chemicals in the brain that contribute to happiness. Teachers should make an organized goal to set aside time each day for a jog, walk, or exercise session. Consider enrolling in an aerobics, ballet, or yoga class. Bike riding, running with friends, training for a marathon, and participating in sports and martial arts are great ways to stay active, make social connections, and relieve stress. While there are many ways to start living a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, being aware of mental health, eating healthily, and exercising regularly are practical ways to start. Teachers should focus on making gradual, organized steps toward progression and be sure to work with what their bodies need. In time, teachers will experience the mood-lifting and health-promoting benefits that accompany a healthy lifestyle. For more lifestyle tips and teaching ideas, subscribe to the EdGuru Edge blog at <a href="https://blog.edguru.co/">https://blog.edguru.co/</a>.<div> </div><div>References</div><div> </div><div>Barile, Nancy. Hey Teach! “7 Steps to Take if You Want to Be a Healthy Teacher,”<a href="https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/7-steps-to-take-if-you-want-to-be-a-healthy-teacher1806.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.wg</a><a href="https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/7-steps-to-take-if-you-want-to-be-a-healthy-teacher1806.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">u.edu/heyteach/article/7-steps-to-take-if-you-want-to-be-a-healthy-teacher1806.html</a>. Accessed July 6, 2020. Anonymous. The Mindful Teacher Foundation. “About Mindfulness,” <a href="https://www.mindfulteacher.org/mindfulness" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.mindfulteacher.</a><a href="https://www.mindfulteacher.org/mindfulness" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">org/mindfulness</a>. Accessed July 6, 2020. Boudreau, Emily. Usable Knowledge. “Safeguarding the Mental Health of Teachers,” <a href="https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/19/12/safeguarding-mental-health-teachers" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://w</a><a href="https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/19/12/safeguarding-mental-health-teachers" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ww.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/19/12/safeguarding-mental-health-teachers</a>. December 3, 2019.</div>

Live a Healthier Life, Starting Today

Communication is crucial to student success with online learning. While teachers should be regularly communicating with their students, it is also important that they communicate with their students’ parents. Keeping parents informed about due dates, tests, and classroom issues or achievements is important in creating a sense of community, promoting student growth, relaying classroom expectations, and enforcing school rules from the student-side of the computer screen.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOeEUTMr0pE/X8qbNZnLNaI/AAAAAAAAAOg/76b5NcEO1zA_9dIrH_wFeg0UfKPFVwYqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/10%2BDifferent%2BTools%2BSchools%2Bcan%2BUse%2Bto%2BCommunicate%2Bwith%2BParents%2BVirtually.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NOeEUTMr0pE/X8qbNZnLNaI/AAAAAAAAAOg/76b5NcEO1zA_9dIrH_wFeg0UfKPFVwYqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/10%2BDifferent%2BTools%2BSchools%2Bcan%2BUse%2Bto%2BCommunicate%2Bwith%2BParents%2BVirtually.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> While there are many methods of communication, here are 10 helpful tools teachers can easily use to encourage parent-teacher communication: 1. E-mail Communication via e-mail is one of the most common and effective ways to communicate with parents. E-mails should be short, concise, and informative. E-mails can be sent regularly to groups or individuals, making them ideal for parent-teacher communication. However, some parents may not have consistent internet access or may not regularly check their e-mails. So, notify students that their parents should check their e-mails when new and important information is being sent. 2. Phone Calls Phone calls are less frequently used than e-mails but are sometimes more effective. Phone calls allow teachers to directly consult with the student’s parents and allow for open, live discussions. Because parents may be busy or at work, phone calls may not be the ideal means of parent-teacher communication for much of the day. Teachers should keep this in mind and only contact parents by phone when communicating important and emergency messages or when discussing a child’s academic growth or serious issues. 3. Group Texts Group texts, much like e-mails, are a great way to communicate with a large group of people at once. Texts can be helpful in making announcements, sending out reminders, or requesting the help of parents. Group texts, however, can easily become derailed, induce arguments, or violate the phone privacy of parents and students in some school districts. Teachers should only organize group texts with permission of parents and per school or district policies. 4. Communication Apps Communication apps are a great way for teachers to keep parents and students informed without violating privacy laws. These practical, easy-to-navigate apps provide instant notifications to both parents and students (Common): <ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bloomz</li><li>Class Dojo</li><li>Class Tag</li><li>Classting</li><li>Fresh Grade</li><li>Heard</li><li>Otus</li><li>Parent Square</li><li>Remind</li><li>SchoolCNXT</li><li>Schoology</li><li>Seesaw: The Learning Journal</li><li>Sesame</li><li>Talking Points</li><li>Teachers.io</li></ul>If using one of these apps, teachers should invite all parents to join and access them but continue sending out e-mails for those parents who prefer to communicate via e-mail. 5. Classroom Websites Class websites are another practical way to keep all course information, schedules, and syllabi in one location (Meador). Teachers can upload announcements and comments that are accessible to parents with internet access on their websites. Some easy-to-use website builders for teachers include (Mordi): <ul style="text-align: left;"><li>SimpleSite</li><li>SITE123</li><li>Squarespace</li><li>Weebly</li><li>Wix</li><li>WordPress.com</li></ul> <div>6. Newsletters Newsletters are another way to keep in touch with parents, provide organized updates about school events and policies, and keep parents and students updated with a regular calendar or announcements. Newsletters can be sent via e-mail or as an attachment in a text message, or they can be printed and mailed to parents. 7. Individual Conferences While in-person parent-teacher conferences may not continue this academic year, teachers and parents can still have individual conferences about the progress of students. Teachers and parents can have a private online conference or meeting to address concerns, set goals, and make decisions about how to best help students. Teachers should dedicate time to office hours and use that time to communicate with parents online. 8. Online Parent Q&amp;A Sessions Teachers can consider hosting an online conference for all the parents of their students. Teachers can designate a specific time or host a session to get to know their students’ parents, answer questions parents may have, and address classroom concerns. 9. Letters/Postcards </div><div>While virtual communication is instantaneous and convenient, parents often appreciate having hard copies of announcements and important information. Teachers can write letters, send postcards, or send notes about the progress of their students or about potential concerns. 10. Surveys Surveys are another helpful way to communicate with parents. Surveys give parents an opportunity to give feedback about the course, classroom policies, and the methods being implemented in the classroom. Teachers can post surveys on their websites, send them through e-mails, or put them on classroom apps. By getting feedback from parents, teachers can better tailor their lessons to the needs of their students. As teachers implement these organized methods into their communication with parents, they will quickly create better relationships with their students and gain the trust of students’ parents. Teachers will also be able to more effectively teach, create better lessons, and promote the growth and success of each of their students. For more information or ideas about parent-teacher communication and online education, subscribe to the EdGuru Edge at <a href="https://blog.edguru.co/">https://blog.edguru.co/</a>.</div><div> </div><div>References</div><div> </div><div>Meador, Derrick. Thought Co. “Highly Successful Parent Teacher Communication,”	&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/tips-for-highly-successful-parent-teacher-communication-3194676#:~:text=Communicate%20Often&amp;text=There%20are%20many%20ways%20to,means%20in%20which%20to%20communicate." style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.thoughtco.com/tips-for-highly-successful-parent-teacher-communication-3194676#:~:text=Communicate%20Often&amp;text=There%20are%20many%20ways%20to,means<span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">%20in%20which%20to%20communicate.</a> January 29, 2019. Common Sense Education. “Best Messaging Apps and Websites for Students, Teachers, and	Parents,”<span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.commonsense.org/education/top-picks/best-messaging-apps-and-websites-for-students-teachers-and-parents" style="text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.commonsense.org/education/top-picks/best-messaging-apps-a</a><a href="https://www.commonsense.org/education/top-picks/best-messaging-apps-and-websites-for-students-teachers-and-parents" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">nd-websites-for-students-teachers-and-parents</a>. Accessed July 18, 2020. Mordi, Phillip. Website Planet. “6 Best Website Builders for Teachers and Schools in 2020,”	<a href="https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/best-website-builders-teachers-schools/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/best-website-builders-teachers-schools/</a>. June 11, 2020.</div>

10 Different Tools Schools Can Easily Use to  Communicate with Parents During Online Learning

As educators plan throughout the academic year, it is more important than ever for teachers to communicate with their students’ parents. Keeping in touch with parents of students can be helpful in developing positive classroom relationships, encouraging feelings of trust, and improving academic growth.<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.i4.net/File/cc7d2d10-cc36-47d6-8716-666c4a07f570" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="640" src="http://www.i4.net/File/cc7d2d10-cc36-47d6-8716-666c4a07f570" /></a></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">One of the best ways to keep in touch with parents is with a school newsletter. Parents can receive the newsletter by sending a hardcopy home with the students, mailing a hardcopy to parents’ homes, or sending an electronic copy directly to parents via e-mail or as an attachment in a message. This can be done every week, month, or however often school administrators see fit. Creating a school newsletter will keep parents informed about school events, academic focus and expectations, upcoming deadlines, and the measures the school is taking to keep children safe from illness, natural disasters, and other threats.</div><div><div> Teachers or school administrators, such as the principal or counselors, should write and send regular newsletters. When creating a school newsletter, be sure to include the following elements: 1. Contact Information Teachers and administrators should include contact information for their schools and classrooms in their regular newsletter. These letters should include the school’s phone number, address, and email information. Teachers, too, can list the most appropriate way to contact them and the school email address in letters to the parents of their students. It can also be helpful to list the school’s office hours and teacher’s classroom hours so parents can make visits or schedule meetings if they have any concerns (Author). Listing contact information is a great way to encourage communication between parents and teachers. Parents should feel welcomed in their children’s schools and classrooms and feel comfortable contacting their children’s teachers with questions or concerns. Listing contact information encourages feelings of trust and allows parents and teachers to work together to resolve classroom issues and do what is best for the students. 2. School Policies Including school policies in a newsletter is particularly beneficial for the parents, students, and teachers. Administrators should make sure, especially at the beginning of the school year, that parents and students are aware of school rules and policies. Newsletters can include information about picking up and dropping children off at school, dress code information, and regulations about absences or tardiness to class (White). When parents are aware of policies about expected behavior and routines at school, they will be able to help their children follow the rules and be good students. 3. Event Calendar School newsletters should include a practical calendar that lists upcoming events. Informing parents in advance about upcoming fundraisers, school plays, or sporting events will increase attendance, promote school spirit, and foster a sense of community among the students, their families, and the school. Be sure to put the following events on calendars in school newsletters: <ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Contests</li><li>School-wide activities (such as field day, assemblies, read-a-thons, etc.)</li><li>Modified/changed schedules</li><li>Fundraisers/drives</li><li>Music concerts</li><li>Plays/theatrical productions</li><li>Sporting events</li><li>Deadlines (for registration, classroom fees, yearbook sign-ups, etc.)</li></ul>4. Classroom Schedules Teachers should include basic information about the upcoming school week, month, or term in the newsletter. Teachers should include topics or objectives to be covered in class, assignment deadlines, homework assignments, and quiz/test dates. The newsletter should also include information about field trips, holidays, celebrations, and upcoming classroom activities or events. 5. Safety Information and Resource Announcements Because the school year may be disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers and administrators should include information about how they are keeping students safe. This goes for safety during earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, storms, and fires as well. School administrators should discuss the protocol and practical actions that will be taken in response to disasters, illness, or modifications due to increasing COVID-19 levels. By informing parents of fire safety drills, earthquake drills, and tornado drills, parents will be more trusting of school administrators and teachers and will be more comfortable with the measures being taken to keep their children safe. Educators should also include information about resources for low-income students and their families. Many schools offer discounted food programs or access to clothing/hygiene products for students in need, and these organized programs are an integral part of keeping students safe and healthy. Teachers and educators should also regularly update parents about how they are combatting COVID-19, encouraging hygiene, enforcing rules about handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer, and implementing social distancing. If any changes to schedules or classrooms need to be made due to COVID-19, educators can inform parents via the school newsletter. 6. Student Accomplishments Educators need to highlight the successes and achievements of their students (Hammermill). School newsletters can include segments about students who have achieved exceptionally high grades, won awards, or participated in a noteworthy school/community activity. Parents will be proud to see the accomplishments of their children, and the students will be delighted to be highlighted and praised for their positive contributions to the school and community. 7. Overview of the Year Parents appreciate information about goals and school-wide initiatives in advance. Has the school selected a motto or theme for the school year? Are there helpful, proven programs that will be incorporated into learning? What goals and expectations do educators have in mind for their students? By including this type of information in the school newsletter, parents will get an idea of what the school expects and will be able to encourage their children to meet those goals and participate in school initiatives and themes (White). When teachers include parents in the academic lives of their children, they will see their students participate more and possibly improve academically. When teachers include contact information, school policies, details about upcoming events, class schedules, proven safety policies and updates, student accomplishments, and yearly overviews in newsletters, they encourage an atmosphere of community cooperation and involvement among parents with their children. For organized school newsletter template ideas, visit the following sites: <a href="https://www.hammermill.com/blog/4-effective-tips-creating-school-newsletter">https://www.hammermill.com/blog/4-effective-tips-creating-school-newsletter</a> <a href="https://www.whatihavelearnedteaching.com/6-tips-writing-perfect-first-letter-home/">https://www.whatihavelearnedteaching.com/6-tips-writing-perfect-first-letter-home/</a> For more recent, informative articles for parents, students, and educators, subscribe to the EdGuru Edge blog at <a href="https://blog.edguru.co/">https://blog.edguru.co/</a>.<div> </div><div>References</div><div> </div><div>Author, Guest. What I Have Learned. “6 Tips for Writing the Perfect First Letter Home,”&nbsp;	<a href="https://www.whatihavelearnedteaching.com/6-tips-writing-perfect-first-letter-home/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.whatihavelearnedteaching.com/6-tips-writing-perfect-first-letter-home/</a>.&nbsp;	Accessed July 6, 2020. White, Allison. Magoosh. “How to Write a Back to School Parent Letter,” <a href="https://schools.magoosh.com/schools-blog/how-to-write-a-back-to-school-parent-letter" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://schools.magoos</a><a href="https://schools.magoosh.com/schools-blog/how-to-write-a-back-to-school-parent-letter" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">h.com/schools-blog/how-to-write-a-back-to-school-parent-letter</a>. February 11, 2019. (Hammermill). Hammermill. “4 Effective Tips for Creating a School Newsletter,” <a href="https://www.hammermill.com/blog/4-effective-tips-creating-school-newsletter" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.ham</a><a href="https://www.hammermill.com/blog/4-effective-tips-creating-school-newsletter" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mermill.com/blog/4-effective-tips-creating-school-newsletter</a>. January 31, 2018.</div></div></div>

7 Parts of a Meaningful School Newsletter

There seems to be an endless number of reasons to be stressed; the COVID-19 pandemic, low employment rates, the struggling economy, the need to wear a mask, the risk of getting sick, financial stressors, academic pressure, and familial responsibilities are just a few. Everyday people encounter these stressors and more regarding their social connections, family ties, health, political stance, financial wellbeing, and work relations. With so much stress and anxiety prevalent today, it can be easy for one to feel overwhelmed and panicked.<div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRIbHGVh-fU/X8qXkuK-z4I/AAAAAAAAAOM/cp2bQknfkx8ExGpjQktqYVzHY3_iaTcMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1436/8%2BTechniques%2Bto%2BInstantly%2BReduce%2BStress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1436" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRIbHGVh-fU/X8qXkuK-z4I/AAAAAAAAAOM/cp2bQknfkx8ExGpjQktqYVzHY3_iaTcMwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h427/8%2BTechniques%2Bto%2BInstantly%2BReduce%2BStress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div> There are, however, certain steps individuals can take to help relieve stress. While some forms of stress and anxiety may require medical analysis, diagnosis, and treatment, many people simply suffer from the natural stress that accompanies daily life. While stress is complicated, stress relief does not have to be. To relieve anxiety and find instant relief in high-stress situations or circumstances, consider implementing the following practical ideas that can be completed anywhere in under five minutes. These tips will promote relaxation, stress relief, and resilience against stressors. Focus on Breathing When individuals become stressed or overwhelmed, their body’s natural response is to produce an adrenaline rush to fight off whatever threat is presented. This leaves the individual feeling jittery and shaky and with a quickened heartbeat and rapid breathing. Often, this rapid breathing is the most difficult to assuage when feeling overwhelmed and can heighten feelings of anxiety and frustration. To combat this, practice abdominal (or belly) breathing, taking deep, lengthy breaths while closing the eyes. By focusing solely on deeply inhaling and exhaling, individuals can take a brief break from their stressors, boost mental focus, and be in a calm and rational state to address the issue at hand (Corliss). Stretch Stretching the muscles of the body is another way to relieve tension. Stretching can be done quickly and helps increase blood and oxygen flow, helping clear the mind and energize the body (Espat). One effective stretch exercise is this routine from the MD Anderson Cancer Center: <ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Sit on a straight-backed chair.</li><li>Hold a belt (or rolled-up towel) in your right hand.</li><li>Inhale and extend your right arm upwards, letting the belt dangle behind you.</li><li>Exhale and bend your right arm at the elbow.</li><li>Push your left shoulder back as you reach around to grasp the end of the belt with your left hand.</li><li>Move your hands closer together while holding the strap and keeping your spine straight.</li><li>Don’t bend your head and neck forward.</li><li>Take five deep breaths.</li><li>Switch arms and repeat on the other side (Espat).</li></ul>Focus on the Five Senses Focusing the attention on the five senses is a common practice encouraged by therapists for patients with anxiety. Individuals experiencing panic attacks or bouts of stress can consider these easy questions to help realign their focus and steady their breathing or heart rate: <ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What is one thing I can currently see?</li><li>What is one thing I can currently hear?</li><li>What is one thing I can currently smell?</li><li>What is one thing I can currently touch?</li><li>What is one thing I can currently taste?</li></ul>Aromatherapy Candles, essential oils, and smelling salts have long been associated with practical stress relief. Studies indicate that the use of aromatherapy can reduce stress and aid in better sleeping patterns (Jennings). Consider lighting a candle that has a familiar or soothing scent or carrying essential oils in a backpack or purse. Apply several drops of essential oil to the wrists when feeling stressed. The most common aromas that are believed to reduce stress are lavender, rose, orange, frankincense, and sandalwood (Jennings). Yoga Yoga is one of the most popular ways to relieve stress while incorporating exercise into one’s daily routine. Because yoga combines stretching and focusing on breathing, it is an ideal way to relax that offers health benefits (such as increased flexibility and core strengthening) (Corliss). Meditation, another integral part of yoga, helps focus the participant’s mind on their breathing or on a mantra, helping the individual form a new perspective about stressors or problems and feel relaxed. Yoga poses can be done in the backyard, in the house, at a park, or at a gym. For additional guidance and examples of effective, proper yoga techniques, consider looking up yoga tutorials on YouTube or enrolling in a class at a local yoga studio. Use Visual Imagery Visual imagery is also referred to as guided imagery. This easy, creative mental exercise involves lying down on a bed or couch or sitting in a comfortable chair (Espat). The participant closes their eyes and visualizes themselves at a safe or relaxing location, such as a beach, a forest cabin, or another relaxing or meaningful place, focusing on making the details as realistic as possible (Espat). Participants are encouraged to envision the sights, sounds, and smells of their imaginary haven, mentally affirming that they are safe and relaxed (Espat). After several minutes, the participant can open their eyes and continue with their day (Espat). This exercise is unique and effective because it creates an imaginary escape that is peaceful and safe. This “safe place” is helpful to return to, is organized in one’s mind, and is proven to help individuals reduce stress, relax, and refocus. Chew Gum This is an easy way to relieve stress on the go. Studies indicate that those who chew gum are more relaxed and better able to relieve stress than others (Jennings). This is possible because chewing gum provides increased blood flow to the brain (Jennings). Mint gum is also helpful in calming upset stomachs. Consider carrying mint gum in a purse or backpack to have on hand when feeling ill or stressed. Keep a Journal One of the most effective ways to relieve stress is to write in a journal. Individuals may write down a rant of what is stressful to them and express their emotions, or they can consider keeping a gratitude journal (Jennings). Expressing gratitude is proven to relieve stress and improve one’s mood while helping them recharge and clear their mind (Jennings). As individuals follow these eight tips, they will be able to quickly reduce stress, feel more organized, and be more relaxed in possibly stressful situations. If you are interested in reading about more ways to live a less stressful, more fulfilling life, find more articles like these on the EdGuru Edge blog. Subscribe at <a href="https://blog.edguru.co/">https://blog.edguru.co/</a>. If you are stressed and would benefit from having a certified, experienced success strategist guide you on your journey to becoming your best self, you can schedule sessions with an EdGuru life coach at <a href="https://coach.edguru.co/">https://coach.edguru.co/</a>. </div><div> </div><div>References</div><div> </div><div>Corliss, Julie. “Six relaxation techniques to reduce stress,” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard&nbsp;Medical School, published September 2016, updated September 10, 2019, <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-relaxation-techniques-to-reduce-stress" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.</a><a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-relaxation-techniques-to-reduce-stress" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-relaxation-techniques-to-reduce-stress</a>. Espat, Adelina. “5-minute stress relief,” MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas,&nbsp;October 2017, <a href="https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/5-minute-stress-relief.h31Z1591413.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/5-minute-str</a><a href="https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/5-minute-stress-relief.h31Z1591413.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ess-relief.h31Z1591413.html</a>. Jennings, Kerri-Ann. “16 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Anxiety,” Healthline, August 28,&nbsp;2018, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety#1" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety#1</a>.</div>

8 Techniques to Instantly Reduce Stress

With the rapid outbreak and global crisis that COVID-19 presents, thousands of schools have been forced to close to preserve the safety of students and their families. With this recent and jarring shift to online schooling, teachers find themselves responsible for the continuing education and growth of their students from an inconvenient distance. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-7OfOvGFQQ/XrB4ov68olI/AAAAAAAAALQ/J9tpSQeG19k82CyVfIOcd7MMLnGrDL0bgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/AdobeStock_331412996.jpg" width="640" /></div><div> </div><div>While there are many challenges to teachers with the rapid use of online learning, some issues are more severe than others. However, here are the 10 most common teaching challenges educators face, along with helpful solutions. 1) Problem: Educators cannot perform their jobs up to the usual standard. Students and teachers are facing this issue all across the globe; teachers trained to instruct in a classroom setting cannot perform and teach as effectively when distanced from their students (Winthrop). Solution: Use verified online resources to teach as regularly as possible. While virtual learning is not the same as learning in a physical classroom, teachers can take advantage of a plethora of online resources to continue teaching their students with as much normality as possible. Teachers can record videos of themselves teaching, host video conferences for their students to ask questions, and can continue to give assignments through online platforms. While online learning is not ideal, it will help students continue their education until regular school is in session. 2) Problem: Students are not staying engaged. Without the constant guidance and instruction of a present educator, teachers are noticing that their students are not performing well in classes or completing assignments (Saavedra). Solution: Encourage teamwork between parents and teachers. Teachers are noticing that the more involved students’ parents are, the more likely they are to succeed. As students communicate with teachers and encourage them to help their students stay on task, complete their assignments, and focus on their schoolwork, teachers will see academic improvement in their students (Saavedra). Online schooling cannot be done alone; teachers need parents to help from home to achieve student growth. 3) Problem: Not all students have equal access to technology. With the closure of schools and the subsequent shift to online learning, many teachers are noticing that some students do not have access to the needed technology to attend school online. This exposure of school inequity is disheartening and disruptive of the learning process (DeWitt). Solution: Lend school technology to students. Many schools are equipped with laptops, computers, or tablets to help students learn at school. Because not every child has access to technology at home, teachers and administrators can lend school technological resources to students so that all children have practical access to education opportunities. 4) Problem: Teachers cannot accurately track student academic progress. Previous to the Coronavirus pandemic, tracking student academic growth was relatively easy for teachers. Administration of tests, safeguarding against cheating, and other measures were easily implemented in-person. Now, however, teachers cannot prevent cheating at home on quizzes, assignments, or tests. Students who are struggling because of psychological pressures from the pandemic and those who need extra attention from teachers are not receiving the necessary instruction or are stressed, anxious, or depressed, significantly impacting their progress scores. Solution: Teachers can assign open-note exams and lighten students’ workloads. Although teachers would ideally be pushing their students to accomplish difficult tasks at this point in the school year, present circumstances justify lightening students’ course loads for the remainder of the academic school year. Teachers can assign easier or open-note exams so that there is no disputation about cheating. Educators and administrators understand that grades and academic performance at this point are not normal, and students should not be penalized for leniency on the part of the teacher. 5) Problem: Not all students know how to use the necessary technology to continue learning online. While teachers understand how to use online learning technology, not all students do. Teachers are finding it difficult to reach out to and instruct their students who do not know how to access or practically use their online resources. Solution: Teachers should make videos about how to use and access learning resources and keep their assignments, modules, and coursework simple. Teachers should film short, explanatory videos of themselves explaining how to use and complete assignments with helpful online resources. Teachers should also make sure that they are not overcomplicating assignments by using excessive modules, documents, or online resources. 6) Problem: Teachers still need to prepare their students for high-stakes tests. While many standardized tests and end-of-year assessments have been canceled, students enrolled in AP, IB, or CE courses are still expected to take their final assessments (DeWitt). Teachers responsible for preparing these students are finding it difficult to prepare students for impactful tests from an online platform. Solution: Use endorsed YouTube or instructional videos to help teach students. While endorsed YouTube and instructional videos are designed for AP, IB, and CE students, other teachers can use verified, informational media to help students prepare for tests or the next academic school year. Teachers can create study guides or encourage their students to take quick notes as they prepare, from afar, to take these tests. 7) Problem: Students have no incentive to complete their assignments. Without organized end-of-year standardized tests and an in-classroom teacher to motivate them, students do not have any incentive to do well in their classes. With many schools changing grades to “pass” or “fail” because of complications with COVID-19, students are losing initiative and desire to do well in school and are ignoring their classwork. Solution: Communicate with students and be encouraging. Teachers should frequently communicate with their students and motivate them to finish their school year positively. Personal encouragement from a teacher is proven to quickly help students want to succeed and make their teachers proud of what they have accomplished. 8) Problem: Frustration...with students, parents, and the current situation. Teachers around the world are feeling overwhelmed, disappointed, and stressed about their students. Exposure to high and sustained levels of stress are making teaching, progressive, and effective job completion difficult and discouraging. Solution: Practice patience with oneself and others. Although everyone is feeling frustrated, the ability to change the present circumstances is beyond the control of most people. While government leaders and health organizations continue to helpfully mitigate the damage of COVID-19, teachers can contribute to recovery efforts by practicing patience with themselves and their students. As teachers come to accept the extenuating and difficult results of such circumstances and place fewer demands upon themselves and others, they will be able to more effectively teach. 9) Problem: Teachers are missing their students. With the school year closing, many students will be moving on to a new grade level or new school. Teachers are accepting the disheartening realization that they will not be able to see or instruct their students again as they move on in their education. Solution: Keep in touch with students. While teachers will not be able to personally say goodbye to their students, teachers can keep up communication with their classes through email, school-approved group chats, and video conferences. Teachers will be able to enjoy the company of their students and continue to communicate with them before the school year closes. 10)&nbsp;Problem: The future of education is currently unknown. With new developments regarding COVID-19 and increasing concerns about maintaining student safety, it is difficult to predict how education and teaching will change at the beginning of the next academic year. Solution: Be flexible and take matters one step at a time. While it is difficult to face the unknown, teachers must learn to be flexible in the face of an uncertain future for the sake of their schools and students. Calm, level-headed teachers will contribute to making organized schools and increase the chances of successful education recovery. As teachers take these proven solutions into consideration, they will see increased participation from their students and will help them achieve greater academic success. As teachers move forward during the closing of this school year and the beginning of the next, they will be better prepared to meet further challenges and help their struggling students.</div><div> </div><div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">References:</div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Winthrop, Rebecca. Brookings, “Top 10 risks and opportunities for education in the face of</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> COVID-19,” <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2020/04/10/top-10-risks-and-opportunities-for-education-in-the-face-of-covid-19/" style="text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2020/04/10/</a></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><a href="https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2020/04/10/top-10-risks-and-opportunities-for-education-in-the-face-of-covid-19/" style="text-decoration-line: none;">top-10-risks-and-opportunities-for-education-in-the-face-of-covid-19/</a>. April 10, 2020.</div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Saavedra, Jane. World Bank Blogs, “Education challenges and opportunities of the Coronavirus&nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> (COVID-19) pandemic,” <a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/educational-challenges-and-opportunities-covid-19-pandemic" style="text-decoration-line: none;">https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/educational-challenges-a</a></div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><a href="https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/educational-challenges-and-opportunities-covid-19-pandemic" style="text-decoration-line: none;">nd-opportunities-covid-19-pandemic</a> March 30, 2020.</div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">DeWitt, Peter. Education Week, “12 Critical Issues in Education Due to the Coronavirus,”</div><a href="https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/finding_common_ground/2020/03/12_critical_issues_in_education_due_to_the_coronavirus.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;">https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/finding_common_ground/2020/03/12_critical_issues_in_education_due_to_the_coronavirus.html</a>. March 23, 2020.</div>

Solutions to 10 of the Most Common Challenges Teachers Face with Distance Schooling

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In an ever-changing, complex society based on communication, students must learn how to read. Reading affluently will not only be a valuable skill throughout one’s school experience and academic training but will also prove helpful to students as they travel, apply for career positions, and develop an understanding of local and national politics and events.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3rErpZcnHw/XlmwbQHBvqI/AAAAAAAAAI4/IKX8r73_PuwGnTaw7Oox50bLWWIKiTcPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/AdobeStock_48343260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1000" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3rErpZcnHw/XlmwbQHBvqI/AAAAAAAAAI4/IKX8r73_PuwGnTaw7Oox50bLWWIKiTcPwCEwYBhgL/s640/AdobeStock_48343260.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Reading, however, does not come naturally to all students. While some students possess a natural talent for reading and writing, others may struggle to read or keep up with course work. To help promote growth for such students and to help students of all ages and skill levels improve their reading levels, teachers can enforce the following strategies: Encourage students to read every day As teachers already know, repeated, deliberate action helps students learn and remember concepts. When students are learning how to read or are seeking to improve their literacy levels, repetition is crucial. Continued, clockwork practice will keep ideas and words fresh on the minds of the students, and they will be able to practice their skills each day. Teachers should either provide time during the school day for students to read individually or should assign reading logs to students so they can track how much the student is reading at home. Teachers and parents can work together to make reading fun and exciting, encouraging children to read in their free time, before school, during car rides, before bed, or while waiting at a bus station. Teachers can also introduce students to books they will enjoy reading to get them excited about learning outside of school. As parents and teachers show students appropriate times where they may read, students will become passionate about literacy and will soon make it into a daily habit (Scholastic). Assign spelling and vocabulary tests Most students do not enjoy taking tests, but spelling or vocabulary tests can be crucial and play an essential role in expanding a student’s literacy levels. Spelling and vocabulary words will help students become more familiar with increasingly complex terms and will help them understand advanced texts. After studying the assigned terms for their upcoming test, students will be able to phonetically sound them out, spell them correctly, and recognize their significance in books or class texts. Teachers can administer spelling and vocabulary by assigning selected words to students. Teachers can assign different terms based on the levels and needs of each student. It is helpful when teachers allow students to study and practice spelling or defining their words for about one week before testing their students’ knowledge. Teachers can ask students to write down the word in the correct spelling or ask for a specific definition as part of their comprehensive tests. As they do so, students will learn basic oratory and written rules for their language of study. They will be able to identify similar words, patterns, and meanings as they continue to read and experience growth. Assign partner-based reading time While it is crucial for students to fluently read on their own, teachers find it useful to pair students with a partner for their reading study. Students can learn from each other, use problem-solving skills to unriddle complicated or advanced words, and can get advice or personal help from a friend their age, a teacher, or a parent at home. Teachers can assign practical portions of a textbook, novel, magazine, or newspaper to their students. They can instigate in-class discussion and divide students into partnerships or can assign their students to read with a parent as homework. Teachers can also learn with students during class, always alternating between one partner and the other. Students can fill out comprehensive worksheets that ask easy questions about the text or have a discussion about what they learned from the reading. Read out-loud to students Parents, guardians, or teachers are often encouraged to read out loud to their students (Schwartz). While children cannot simply learn to read by listening, they can improve their reading scores when listening to an adult read aloud. When children listen to a parent or teacher read aloud, they may start discussions or ask questions about specific words, phrases, or plot points in the story. Students will be able to directly counsel with an educated adult who can explain complex sounds, terms, and literary devices to them. As children discuss these concepts, words, and literary ideas with an adult, they will recognize those patterns and words in other texts and be better able to comprehend them (Schwartz). Reading aloud to children does not require any particular time, place, or book. Studies show that the simple association between parent-child interaction and reading fosters feelings of fondness and love for reading among children (Schwartz). Teachers can encourage parents to read out loud or with their children and can set apart class time to read entertaining books or stories aloud to their entire class. This will prove to be an engaging, relaxing activity for students that promotes creativity, literary comprehension, and academic growth. Set goals with students Learning to read is a life-long, complicated process. To encourage students along their literary journey and promote extended personal growth, teachers should converse with students and help them set practical goals for literary improvement and reading ability. While teachers can provide direction and help students phrase their goals, the central objective should, eventually, be determined by the student (Wabisabi). Some easy examples of potential goals include the following: <ul><li>Get 100% on a spelling test</li><li>Learn the definitions of five new words</li><li>Individually read a short novel before the end of the school year</li><li>Memorize the alphabet</li><li>Read out-loud in class</li></ul>Helpful goals are personal and should be between student, parent, and teacher. It is proven that “[Students] are likely to focus more of their attention on the parts of the text that are most closely tied to their reading goals,” so students will pay more attention to the assigned texts and will be able to practice, quickly apply, and expand upon their literary skills in an organized manner (Wabisabi). As teachers helpfully participate in proven techniques and encourage students to read, assign spelling/vocabulary tests, encourage students to read with a partner, read aloud, and set goals with their pupils, they will see substantial academic improvement and growth in their classes. This organized course of action will help teachers be confident in their students as they quickly progress toward a brighter future.

5 Brilliant Ways to Improve Students Reading Levels

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A career in special education can be both challenging and rewarding. Teachers involved in special education are tasked with instructing dynamic, unique children that struggle with disabilities, disorders, or syndromes. These students learn in different ways and at different paces from their peers and require additional attention, compassion, and interaction with reliable, caring teachers.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0sCsTRUFIE/Xp4LwGoSa2I/AAAAAAAAAKA/tYXYOafm5EAApTMlLcekvoF6b1RONVt0ACEwYBhgLKsoDAL1OcqyOYHcKuy9FVAPIFUsQ6-cw3gZSbCY046Vd6tQRTYNnHgffb3FBoGMA8IrQjskBJtzAnI2qHCuiXBrneBhqsrCRQs_QW6TYrMHlG1T9PH2nOsGN1ZCOSfKEFwMte6l7aodJrw9OLrvDm7VGZzpdIjxCwP4Qt38FfybpSjgTXUMi3Ao-fcad-3aihBeKaKYG8Wu7BbDi2V1WTnOhPVPULzVTDJjhygi1IRA64VVNerAERdjvCrebrfoOG6tu4jTLiSqt1uE8eNOF46qk9dvGTlSpGzcGHykbbaDWKAUcB9X0P2kuJWXHjKaXMFMfjBhXbogN4BJEzxhHlL3LJhglkTd4lVdM47L1f_FYwsTTNFFh9yEr1Hw2ANqbbfaq7PINbHP0ibDAVmYMFB-IPdXJ9GZpC36w4KTuhRLNtyjJb4PNDJMCfNWG8phaAwLwV2GFbH-1Me8hbT6FyjkxyhK46PWCc1sGaxqB2jTWbgPB1_hlhYsGwLIkMeEt94pS4ZsNDxizf-r6uH5KVrfOoSC3EgWyIOMPzEfCGHxBJUkAjUDRGiaiSqDz0i_sOFD6ZOjhvafGg-HYDxgFaUY_QcYuxmHNE3b2sZgwgZ349AU/s1600/AdobeStock_19745869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0sCsTRUFIE/Xp4LwGoSa2I/AAAAAAAAAKA/tYXYOafm5EAApTMlLcekvoF6b1RONVt0ACEwYBhgLKsoDAL1OcqyOYHcKuy9FVAPIFUsQ6-cw3gZSbCY046Vd6tQRTYNnHgffb3FBoGMA8IrQjskBJtzAnI2qHCuiXBrneBhqsrCRQs_QW6TYrMHlG1T9PH2nOsGN1ZCOSfKEFwMte6l7aodJrw9OLrvDm7VGZzpdIjxCwP4Qt38FfybpSjgTXUMi3Ao-fcad-3aihBeKaKYG8Wu7BbDi2V1WTnOhPVPULzVTDJjhygi1IRA64VVNerAERdjvCrebrfoOG6tu4jTLiSqt1uE8eNOF46qk9dvGTlSpGzcGHykbbaDWKAUcB9X0P2kuJWXHjKaXMFMfjBhXbogN4BJEzxhHlL3LJhglkTd4lVdM47L1f_FYwsTTNFFh9yEr1Hw2ANqbbfaq7PINbHP0ibDAVmYMFB-IPdXJ9GZpC36w4KTuhRLNtyjJb4PNDJMCfNWG8phaAwLwV2GFbH-1Me8hbT6FyjkxyhK46PWCc1sGaxqB2jTWbgPB1_hlhYsGwLIkMeEt94pS4ZsNDxizf-r6uH5KVrfOoSC3EgWyIOMPzEfCGHxBJUkAjUDRGiaiSqDz0i_sOFD6ZOjhvafGg-HYDxgFaUY_QcYuxmHNE3b2sZgwgZ349AU/s640/AdobeStock_19745869.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div> </div>Helping special education students learn and develop is not always easy. It can be an overwhelming and delicate situation for many teachers. However, interaction with and teaching special education students, when approached correctly, can be immensely rewarding. By following the helpful suggestions below, teachers will find greater joy in their special education classrooms and better connect with their students. <div>Be flexible. Those who teach special education students will face a variety of different, unique challenges every day. To combat outbursts, meltdowns, or high-strung emotions from their students, teachers need to be flexible. They should be able to recognize the causes of distress in their students and be willing to adapt their lessons or schedule to address the needs of their pupils. Teachers should consider planning soothing activities that help students cope with their emotions in the event of a disruption (Banks) and should be willing to accept that interruptions or delays are inevitable and okay. Be calm. Because it can be difficult to communicate with, soothe, or connect with students with special needs, teachers must learn how to control their own tempers and stay calm during stressful situations. Maintaining an even temper will prevent teachers from yelling at their students, causing added stress. Staying calm, even when a student is misbehaving or throwing a tantrum, will help diffuse the situation. If students are upset and disruptive, anger from the teacher will make the situation worse. However, when teachers make an effort to be calm and patient with their struggling or disruptive students, they will create a safe, healthy learning environment and maintain order in their classrooms (Saint). Be compassionate. Often considered the most important characteristic for any teacher, it is helpful when educators have a love for their job and are compassionate with their students (Saint). Teachers that do not have a love for helping special education children will struggle. However,teachers that enjoy helping these unique students grow and understand academic and social concepts will achieve greater satisfaction from their job and see greater success with their students. When students are confused, upset, or frustrated, it is a compassionate response from their teacher that will soothe them and encourage them to try again (Saint).</div><div>Communicate with students’ parents. According to Jill Eulberg, “developing positive relationships with...students’ parents will make [teachers’] [jobs] easier” . Parents know their childrenand their practical needsbetter than anyone else. When teachers reach out to students’ parents, it helps teachers identify the individual needs of each student. Teachers will also be able to counsel with students’ parents concerning appropriate responses to outbursts, misbehavior, and classroom incidents. As teachers regularly contact parents to let them know about students’ progression, needs, and activities, parents will trust educators, and teachers will create positive, constructive relationships that directly benefit their students. Maintain a positive attitude. In any profession, jobs or daily tasks can be difficult to accomplish when one has a negative attitude. Because teachers work closely with challenging students in restricted situations and sometimes have minimal resources, it is easy to become discouraged and upset. However, effective teachers, special education and otherwise, seek to maintain a positive attitude. Having a positive attitude not only helps the instructor give better lessons, positive perspectives also help encourage students who are struggling or frustrated. To maintain a positive attitude, teachers should focus on the successes in their classroom, including student behavioral improvements, academic achievements, and social successes (Banks). Teachers should not let outside factors negatively affect their school day or the way they treat their students. Remember people can only complete their tasks or responsibilities when they are healthy, physically and mentally. While special education teachers are tasked with taking care of their students throughout the workday, instructors must take care of themselves as well. Teachers should remember to get appropriate amounts of sleep, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. When teachers are healthy, they are happy; when teachers are happy, so are their students. Develop a routine. Routines are particularly important for special education students. Adherence to an easy routine mitigates anxiety, confusion, and stress. Having a routine also calms students and makes tantrums and outbursts less likely. Teachers should remind their special education students of the routine regularly. Frequent reminders, announcements, and encouragement about the routine will create a positive association with the schedule. Teachers should send practical information concerning the daily routine to parents so that they are aware of the schedule and can encourage their children at home. As teachers collaborate with parents to raise frequent awareness about the schedule, students will feel a greater sense of security in their set routine and will be better equipped to learn in a structured, organized environment. As special education teachers focus on adaptability, maintain calm, offer compassionate instruction, communicate with students’ parents, focus on positivity, and stick to an organized routine, they will see proven, immeasurable classroom success. Their students will feel safe and secure and more inclined to learn in a conducive environment. As teachers implement these and other proven teaching techniques in their special education classrooms, they will make a positive difference in their communities and schools and in the lives of their students. <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Resources:</div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Saint Joseph’s University, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">“Top 10 Traits of a Special Education Teacher,”</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://online.sju.edu/graduate/masters-special-education/resources/articles/top-10-traits-of-a-special-education-teacher" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">https://online.sju.edu/graduate/masters-special-education/resources/articles/top-10-traits-of-a-special-education-teacher</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">.&nbsp;</div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Banks, Karla. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Medium, McGraw-Hill, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">“Tips and Tricks From a Special Education Teacher,”&nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://medium.com/inspired-ideas-prek-12/tips-and-tricks-from-a-special-education-teacher-28450f145e55" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">https://medium.com/inspired-ideas-prek-12/tips-and-tricks-from-a-special-education-teacher-28450f145e55</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">September 28, 2016.</div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Eulberg, Jill. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Hey, Teach! Western Governors’ University, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">“6 Tips for a First-Year Special</div><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Education Teacher <a href="https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/6-tips-first-year-special-education-teacher1807.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/6-tips-first-year</a></div> <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><a href="https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/6-tips-first-year-special-education-teacher1807.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">-special-education-teacher1807.html</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">.&nbsp;</div></div>

The Secrets to Effective Special Education Interventions Revealed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDue2Rz7mik/XjtcOOfUqXI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Kn8Sixr1DossEPPEOF-V-ppJXEQNTcHFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AdobeStock_292608623.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDue2Rz7mik/XjtcOOfUqXI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Kn8Sixr1DossEPPEOF-V-ppJXEQNTcHFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/AdobeStock_292608623.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div> Learning to read is an essential part of any child’s education. Teachers, however, can find it challenging to teach large groups of students at once. Because every child learns information differently, it can be challenging to instruct and encourage young students to read. Learning centers are one of the many helpful methods teachers can implement and see growth as they teach children to read. <div>What are Learning Centers? Learning centers are implemented in classroom settings. They are designed to help students understand words, reading, and writing as they participate in various activities. Learning centers are characterized by several activity stations that are placed around a classroom. Students are separated into small groups of two or three. Each group begins at a different station. The students then have a certain amount of time to complete the station’s activity before they rotate to another project. For example, a teacher may set up five different activities around the classroom, each involving reading, writing, or practicing a literary skill. Students will be separated into five groups; one group for each station. Students will then spend time at each station and move on to the next activity at the direction of the instructor. For students under the age of 8, each station should take no more than 15 minutes. Older students can spend up to 20 minutes at each station (Alison). Limiting the amount of time per activity helps students focus and prevents them from getting tired, bored, or overworked. What Activities Should Be Included In Learning Centers? Learning centers should include a variety of activities that prove fun and educational. Because learning centers provide an opportunity for the whole class to participate, it is valuable when the teacher includes a variety of activities that will be engaging to every student. The following activity suggestions may prove helpful to teachers as they organize quick learning centers and encourage their students to read: Independent Study Independent study is helpful for students learning to read. Reading independently allows growth, encourages students to work through complicated words, sounds, or passages, and strengthens their skills as they rely on their knowledge and experience. Independent study can be one of the stations in a learning center. Teachers can direct the group of children to a table or group of chairs where the students can sit next to each other but read on their own. Students can study from their own books, or the teacher can provide reading materials at the station. Do not force students to take notes or write about what they are reading in this station. While note-taking is an excellent habit to develop, this station’s purpose is to encourage students to read, not analyze text. Group Study Just like independent study, reading with a group is practical in a learning center. Reading with a group helps increase the students’ comprehension of the text’s meaning. Students will gain confidence in their reading abilities as they read level-appropriate passages and stories out loud. As students learn in a group, they should discuss their feelings and ideas concerning the text and help each other strengthen their reading abilities. There are many ways to implement vocal reading in an activity station. The assigned group of students should gather at a desk or in chairs. They can all read from an individual copy of the text or can share books with their classmates as they read. Here are several ways in which students can practice reading out loud with a group at an activity station: <ul><li>Students can read with different emotions or voices (Barrett). Teachers can label popsicle sticks or slips of paper with emotions such as “silly,” “sad,” “happy,” “angry,” or with descriptive words such as “loud,” “soft,” or “gentle.” Students can pull a slip of paper or popsicle stick out of a bowl or bucket and read with the emotion indicated on the stick or paper (Barrett).</li><li>Students can find a partner and alternate reading paragraphs from a magazine, picture book, or story (Florida!).</li><li>Assigned groups can come together as a book club and discuss what they have read from their assigned book. They can recite passages of the text together, discuss their favorite parts, and have discussions about what they have learned (Florida!).</li><li>Students read a poem, story, or article as a group. Together, they discuss and write down ideas about the text’s meaning and analyze its components.</li></ul>Study with the Arts Including opportunities for arts during stations can help students have fun, be creative, and develop a deeper understanding of what they read. Using dramatic arts such as dancing, drawing, painting, or singing can help students work off extra energy, work as a group, and learn many skills. Teachers should assign students to an open area or a station with tables and chairs, so students have room to read and create their art. Some practical activities include the following: The assigned group of students should arrive at their station and read a short story, fairytale, or paragraph. They should then summarize the story with a short play or puppet show (Alison). Students read a short story, magazine article, or fairytale. They then draw their favorite scene from the account using crayons, pencils, paint, and paper. Students read a story about singing or music. Then they create a song or sing a song that they all know. The teacher prints out the words to a familiar song. The children read the text together, sing the song, and make a dance to accompany their singing. Students write their own poem, story, or picture book. The aforementioned ideas have been proven as effective, successful, organized learning centers. As students read independently, study in groups, and incorporate the arts into their education, they will learn to read and write fluently. Teachers should closely monitor the learning center activities to ensure that their students do not get distracted or fail to complete their tasks. Teachers will find it rewarding to watch their students teach themselves, learn from one another, and apply what they learn. When facilitated correctly, learning centers with organized stations are proven to increase academic improvement in the classroom.</div><div> </div>Sources Alison. Learning at the Primary Pond, “Literacy Centers That Work,”&nbsp;<a href="https://learningattheprimarypond.com/centers/learning-at-the-primary-pond-literacy-centers-kindergarten-first-second-grade/">https://learningattheprimarypond.com/centers/learning-at-the-primary-pond-literacy-centers-kindergarten-first-second-grade/</a>. September 9, 2017. Florida!, Just Read. Reading Rockets, “Literacy Centers,”&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.readingrockets.org/article/literacy-centers">https://www.readingrockets.org/article/literacy-centers</a>. Barrett, Lindsay. We Are Teachers, “40 Ideas for K-2 Literacy Centers,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weareteachers.com/literacy-centers-ideas/">https://www.weareteachers.com/literacy-centers-ideas/</a>. September 25, 2019.

Perfect Reading Learning Centers Quickly and Easily

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Students may consider school boring, tiring, frustrating, or uninteresting. Teachers might observe that students are sleeping during class, don’t participate in discussions, don’t take notes, and refuse to ask questions or receive help from an educator or instructor. These are signs that students are not engaged in the coursework and have little desire to take control of or participate in their learning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShPOSO8DTuc/XrBuw-Q2XhI/AAAAAAAAAKs/211mdclcuYU8BNk07JKyHW90ysHg2w2zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AdobeStock_304488203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ShPOSO8DTuc/XrBuw-Q2XhI/AAAAAAAAAKs/211mdclcuYU8BNk07JKyHW90ysHg2w2zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/AdobeStock_304488203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> How does a classroom with engaged students look? In classrooms where students are engaged, most children will be paying attention to the instructor. They will likely be taking notes. Students will raise their hands to contribute to a discussion or ask questions about the course material, lesson, or activity. Students will be excited to learn and to help their peers understand. This kind of helpful learning environment is more conducive to student growth and will help pupils see greater academic success. Teachers can promote engaged learning and increase student academic growth environment by doing the following: <div> Tell students why the lesson is important. Children and students are inquisitive. They are curious about what things are and why they matter. Students are more likely to pay attention if teachers start the lesson with an explanation about why they are learning this specific concept. There are many reasons why academic learning is important. Students will use mathematics in their careers, when paying taxes, and when planning a budget. Students will use science when playing outside, stargazing, or getting shots at a doctor’s office. Students will use language to write texts and letters, apply for jobs, read books, and make friends. Students will use history as they seek to understand politics, religion, their communities, and their families. Teachers should explain how a concept or principle is related to the students, when they will use it, and why it is important. Teachers can also share helpful personal stories or make up scenarios concerning an academic principle. Teachers can share examples of using math to plan enough food for a party or science to explain why plants grow. When teachers use colorful imagery and relevant, engaging scenarios that apply to the lives of their students, students will be more likely to listen and show interest in the lesson, asking questions and remembering key information that will aid in academic growth (Himmelsbach). Mix up teaching strategies. Children and students have limited attention spans. Most children can sit still and listen for only a few minutes before getting bored. While older students can pay attention to the lesson for a longer amount of time, the principle still applies; students quickly lose interest when forced to observe or participate in an uninteresting lesson, activity, or discussion. When teachers incorporate a variety of practical activities and teaching strategies in their lessons , students are more likely to pay attention. As instructors draw their attention from one activity to a discussion to a lecture and back to another activity, students will easily be excited about the various learning opportunities and will have fun participating in hands-on learning (McGraw). Teachers can use the following teaching strategies to encourage student engagement: <ul><li>Play an educational video.</li><li>Give a short quiz.</li><li>Assign group projects.</li><li>Have students work in pairs.</li><li>Give a brief, clear lecture.</li><li>Allow students to ask questions.</li><li>Do an in-class demonstration or experiment.</li><li>Give students individual study time.</li><li>Have students complete an online learning assessment or activity.</li><li>Conduct a lesson outside.</li></ul>Include chances to re-focus throughout the day. To students, the school day can feel especially long, tiring, and strenuous. Teachers should provide students with a chance to re-focus and get back on track throughout the day. Teachers will notice that students need a break or need to re-focus when students are quiet, avoid eye contact, are distracted, or are not working on their assigned material (Fulton). As teachers notice these indicators and respond appropriately, students will be able to regain their focus and find success in their classes. When students arrive at school in the morning, they may be tired, unmotivated, and sleepy. Teachers should start the school day with an engaging, motivating activity that will help students focus from the moment they enter school. Activities can include: <ul><li>Singing a song</li><li>Doing a short exercise routine</li><li>Taking a pop quiz</li><li>Responding to a writing prompt</li><li>Answering a question of the day</li></ul> Participation in these activities will help students wake up, get their blood flowing, and will help them get into an academic mindset that will set an easy course for the rest of the school day. Teachers may findthroughout the daythat students get tired or bored or need to re-focus. In these situations, teachers can do the following: <ul><li>Give students a five-minute break to use the restroom and get a drink of water.</li><li>Administer a practical comprehensive quiz.</li><li>Have students do a short exercise (jumping jacks, sit-ups, etc.) to help them stay awake.</li><li>Meditate or focus on organized mindfulness before a test.</li></ul>Students will appreciate the time to wake themselves up, quickly clear their heads, and re-focus. While keeping students focused can be difficult, teachers can use various techniques to keep students focused and encourage participation. These techniques include, but are not limited to, explaining the importance of the concept, varying teaching strategies, and offering students opportunities to re-focus throughout the school day. By following these proven techniques and by diligently and patiently striving to help students focus, teachers will quickly achieve greater satisfaction and organization and see greater student engagement and academic growth. <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Resources:</div> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Himmelsbach, Vawn. Top Hat, “19 Student Engagement Strategies to Start with in Your Course,”&nbsp;</div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a href="https://tophat.com/blog/student-engagement-strategies/" style="text-decoration-line: none;">https://tophat.com/blog/student-engagement-strategies/</a>. May 17, 2019.</div> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">McGraw-Hill Higher Education, “5 Key Tips for More Student Engagement,”<a href="https://www.mheducation.com/highered/insights-ideas/5-key-tips-for-more-student-engagement.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.m</a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.mheducation.com/highered/insights-ideas/5-key-tips-for-more-student-engagement.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;">heducation.com/highered/insights-ideas/5-key-tips-for-more-student-engagement.html</a>.&nbsp;</div> <div dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fulton, Jenny. ClassCraft, “What does student engagement look like?”<a href="https://www.classcraft.com/blog/features/evidence-of-student-engagement/" style="text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.classcraft</a></div><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-decoration-line: none; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.classcraft.com/blog/features/evidence-of-student-engagement/" style="text-decoration-line: none;">.com/blog/features/evidence-of-student-engagement/</a>. April 5, 2019.</div></div>

3 Tips about Student Engagement You Can't Afford to Miss

Amidst the crisis the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, teachers and students are among those facing the brunt of the consequences of quarantine. Graduations have been canceled, classes are being taught online, and overwhelmed parents are desperately trying to help their children continue their education away from school. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FllgTpNZqNs/XrB7Jb7VxpI/AAAAAAAAALc/VTLRVzcgvsEm0FRZO2URe5QSmkHZAw_qwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AdobeStock_334210688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FllgTpNZqNs/XrB7Jb7VxpI/AAAAAAAAALc/VTLRVzcgvsEm0FRZO2URe5QSmkHZAw_qwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/AdobeStock_334210688.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> As teachers continue to instruct their students through online platforms, it can be difficult to arrange and carry out meaningful lessons. Many students are procrastinating with assignment completion, failing to turn in assignments, or are completely giving up on finishing their education this school year. This can be frustrating for parents, students, and teachers who want the best for their classes. To combat the social-distancing blues and to help increase student growth for the continuation of the school year, here are 10 helpful ways teachers can create meaningful lessons from a distance. #1: Keep it simple. Teachers are likely accustomed to giving deep lectures, presentations, and complex assignments in their classrooms. However, with the abrupt transition to online learning, it is difficult for students to understand new or complex material while learning how to navigate a new online learning system. When teachers give students new or complicated material, it creates added stress for students and can be frustrating to parents as they attempt to help their children learn unfamiliar material. To combat this, teachers should strive to keep their lessons simple. Do not give complicated or extensive assignments when teaching new material. Keep lessons short, to the point, and informational. As Flower Darby states in her article for The Chronicle of Higher Education, teachers should “strive for a course organization that is clear, methodical, and intuitive”. Do not use complicated modules, lesson formats, or online programs when teaching students; use easy-to-navigate, simple programs that do not require excessive effort or cause confusion. #2: Set goals with students. People tend to learn best when they have a specific goal or purpose in mind. When students do not have a specific goal they are working towards, they become disinterested and distracted and will not complete or turn in their assignments. Teachers should “establish a clear set of learning goals” to motivate their students (TFA). To help students focus and have meaningful lessons, teachers can converse with students and set class or individual goals. These goals should be helpful and focus on academic growth, class connectivity during separation, and positivity. Examples of easy goals can include encouraging each student to: <ul><li>Turn in all assignments on time.</li><li>Learn something new each day.</li><li>Practice or employ a certain skill they learned in class.</li></ul>#3: Use a variety of sources. Now that students are using the internet to learn and continue their education, there are a multitude of practical resources available to teachers to make learning fun, exciting, and engaging. However, excessive use of technology and exposure to screens can cause “screen fatigue,” which may lead to exhaustion, disengagement, and headaches. Teachers should include a variety of activities, on and off-line, that will help students grow and appeal to all learning types. <div>Such examples include: <ul><li>Assign educational or instructional videos or movies for students to watch.</li><li>Assign students to create a presentation using online programs.</li><li>Assign students to create a drawing, painting, or piece of artwork that they can photograph and submit.</li><li>Assign students to spend time observing plant or animal life, stars, or other aspects of nature as part of a science class (Allain).</li><li>Provide instructions for students to complete simple science experiments or explorative tasks at home (Allain).</li><li>Demonstrate a simple science experiment. Challenge students to record themselves replicating and explaining the science experiment.</li><li>Assign students to read.</li></ul>#4: Communicate with students and parents. Communication with students during this time is paramount. Communicating with students will help increase class unity, encourage classroom participation, and will remind students about upcoming assignments, deadlines, or tests. Communication with parents will keep them updated and informed about their children’s education and will increase the likelihood of parental involvement and encouragement at home. Teachers can easily create class group chats through Remind or other school-appropriate apps, send emails, hold online conferences, or send out newsletters to keep parents and students informed. #5: Do not expect perfection. At this time, teachers should not expect perfection. Students who previously did well in school may flounder under the added pressure of learning without a teacher present; many teachers will notice that student results and productivity is substandard and not up to par. “Remember, this is a challenge for everyone: teachers, families, and students,” and it is not practical to require perfection from educators, students, or families while they are under stress (TFA). Teachers should not be overly demanding of themselves or their students; rather, work with what students and teachers themselves are accomplishing to make small amounts of progress daily. #6: Understand why students are struggling. It is relatively easy for teachers to quickly notice when their students are bored, struggling, or disinterested in a lesson at school. With an increase in online learning, however, it has proven to be more difficult for teachers to identify where their lessons are flawed because they do not have immediate student feedback. By “anticipating their isolation and planning for it,” teachers will be able to create lessons that are actually engaging (Darby). As teachers take an outside perspective and consider class material from a student’s point of view, they will be able to strip away the unnecessary and create a lesson that is meaningful, helpful, and concise. #7: Provide students with examples. Because students cannot be with their teachers during online learning, they will likely have questions. Teachers can address these questions as they provide students with examples, included in lesson modules, in emails, or through conference calls. Providing students with organized examples will create a scenario for application in pupils’ minds and will help them grasp what is being taught.&nbsp;</div><div> </div><div>Consider doing the following to show classes examples of new material: <ul><li>Link existing videos that elaborate on the instructional topic (Darby).</li><li>Record short guest lectures or presentations (Darby).</li><li>Encourage students to leave comments on how they accomplished a task. This will help their peers who are struggling (Darby).</li></ul>#8: Be kind. Showing compassion for students and exhibiting kindness will promote a healthy, engaging learning environment. Teachers should compliment students on the work they accomplish, phrase critiques or advice kindly, and refrain from scolding or using condescending language toward their students. Students, teachers, and families are all affected by the consequences and anxiety surrounding coronavirus; make school a safe learning environment that promotes growth and positivity (Darby). Kindness is a quick, easy, and proven way to have rewarding results in classrooms and through online learning. #9: Plan lessons with a purpose. Online lessons should not be given to fill time or as “busywork.” Teachers should only assign content that is essential for understanding or that will help students develop critical skills. When assigning tasks, teachers should introduce schoolwork by explaining its purpose to the students. Students should not wonder why they are completing an assignment or be assigned material that has no educational value. #10: Hold regular online meetings with students. Organizing regular online meetings with students will maintain friendly relationships between students and teachers. Because students have been isolated from one another, seeing their peers and trusted teachers through FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or other video conferencing platforms will promote positivity, encourage class discussion, and make participation exciting. Additionally, teachers will be able to directly communicate with students about their concerns and questions and get feedback from students about assignments and lessons (Allain). As teachers implement these techniques, they will see greater participation, improvement, and satisfaction from an online schooling experience. For more information about teaching tips or educational advice, visit the EdGuru Edge blog at <a href="https://blog.edguru.co/">https://blog.edguru.co/</a>.</div>

10 Ways to Guarantee Meaningful Distance Learning Lessons

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