Over the last several years, I have spent significant time trying to understand and implement the best methods for teaching mathematics--especially to students who think they don't like mathematics. Several ideas have risen to the top, but...

The most memorable object lesson I heard as a child was told to me by an old preacher with a gray beard. I don’t remember the preacher’s name, but I remember his story. It went something like this: Once, a long time ago, lived a little boy...

What parents want most from teachers. Hm. Is this even a thing? Isn’t this like asking what a woman wants in a man? (The correct answer is: Which woman?) Some parents like a relaxed classroom, while others want strict vigilance. Some want...

Photo by Jakob on Unsplash “Are you grading for spelling on this?” a middle-school-aged student asked about his essay. Of course I was grading for spelling—on this essay and on other assignments. But for some older students, there is an...

Conservative Anabaptist schools bless many communities. It is common for the average student in a private school to succeed academically beyond his average public-school peers. At times, however, private schools need to humbly learn from...

Yesterday we tried the response technique of NEWS. I wrote NEWS vertically on the whiteboard and some of the children noticed right away and wondered, “What is news?” I said we will use that to remember our day and see what we learned and...

It seems all teachers are very busy right now, going to meetings and workshops, working on lesson plans and objectives, grading papers, and coaching. Let’s just slow down and chat about non-school things, and break bread together (in food...

I was returning workbooks to my students, and to save a few steps, I gently tossed some books onto desks. One of the children chided me, saying, “You really shouldn’t make a practice of that!” You’re right, Ryan, I really shouldn’t toss...

I hate grades. Well, not exactly. I hate the way students (and parents) are conditioned to think about grades in too many cases. A good grade—or at least a passing grade—is often viewed as an entitlement, a ceremonial rite of passage, an...

The holiday season with its flurry of excitement is past. Gone are the days of Christmas program practice, class parties, and Christmas break. Here instead are midwinter days filled with the daily grind. You get up on another cold, dark...

The first day of second grade arrives. The eager students appear at your door with confidence. They know what school is about. They know the routines and procedures. They know where the rest rooms are and where to put their lunch boxes and...

I spent eight years teaching at an Anabaptist school; and to be honest, the least favorite part of my winter days was outdoor recess. Granted, after I got all my first graders as well as myself bundled up, the sun and crisp air DID feel...

“How could we allow the most privileged generation in history—in terms of spendable income, opportunity for education and travel, and access to information—to quietly amuse itself to death?” This is the question that Dr. Jeff Myers,...

“I can’t wait ‘til journaling time. We get to start our books!” The class they’ve been anticipating for the past few weeks has now arrived. First grade students will embark on their big writing project of the year as we explore what it...

You rush off ten minutes after dismissal on Friday and drive across three states, beginning a weekend of much activity and little sleep. When you get out of bed on Monday morning, it’s an hour before your first class starts. As students...

As a 20-year-old, I started my career in education with no desire to make it a career. I knew it was a good work and I wanted to do well for at least one year but I had no idea then that I would be entering my 9 th year as I write this....

Poetry is a wonderful addition to any classroom. Children are naturally drawn to rhyme and rhythm, and poetry has an inherent sticking power. It fosters enjoyment of language, it builds vocabulary, and it can help children to find a voice...

A specific (and the most common) kind of learning disability The most common reason for a student to need special education services is because they have some form of learning disability. Within that broad term of “specific learning...

Grace. What does grace look like in the classroom? The One who is full of grace and truth calls us to reflect Him. But when students are grumpy and lethargic and unlovely, I often feel attacked and instead of reflecting His grace, I mirror...

Stories are great for teaching academic lessons, spiritual lessons, and life lessons. Tell the story of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” to teach about telling the truth and what happens when someone is lying. Relate experiences from your life to...