I know it's been a while since I wrote anything here. Between school and family, I've been very busy and just forgot about this blog. Sorry!
At this time of year, teachers are scrambling to hold students' attention by finding educational but fun Christmas-related activities. Santa Tracker from Google is a great way to get students to do a little coding (santatracker) and have some fun. In STEAM classes I have students exploring different ways to make snowflakes (so many online tutorials - this one includes a video with instructions on how to create your own designs). There are many blog posts with ideas for keeping up student interest but it's still going to try your patience!
For one of my students it will be his first Christmas without his grandfather with whom he was extremely close. He has been sad and even sometimes starts crying in class. My heart aches for him as I try every day to find ways to keep his mind off his loss. I know there are others in the school who feel sad at this time of year and it's our job to distract and entertain and educate all at one time! It's not easy but it's worth it and it helps us get into that Christmas spirit that uplifts us and gives us the impetus to keep going long after the season is over.
To anyone reading this, I wish you the happiest of Christmases (or whatever holiday you celebrate) and a renewed commitment to your students and yourselves in the new year!
At this time of year, teachers are scrambling to hold students' attention by finding educational but fun Christmas-related activities. Santa Tracker from Google is a great way to get students to do a little coding (santatracker) and have some fun. In STEAM classes I have students exploring different ways to make snowflakes (so many online tutorials - this one includes a video with instructions on how to create your own designs). There are many blog posts with ideas for keeping up student interest but it's still going to try your patience!
For one of my students it will be his first Christmas without his grandfather with whom he was extremely close. He has been sad and even sometimes starts crying in class. My heart aches for him as I try every day to find ways to keep his mind off his loss. I know there are others in the school who feel sad at this time of year and it's our job to distract and entertain and educate all at one time! It's not easy but it's worth it and it helps us get into that Christmas spirit that uplifts us and gives us the impetus to keep going long after the season is over.
To anyone reading this, I wish you the happiest of Christmases (or whatever holiday you celebrate) and a renewed commitment to your students and yourselves in the new year!
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