This is the first time I can remember that I've felt like maybe I can't go on, maybe I won't make it, and I'm not sure I want to try! I don’t know what else to do with some of these students. …feeling like my work and myself do not have...

Tuesday was a very difficult day. I was exhausted by the end of the day and felt as if I hadn’t done anything right. How do I handle a very trying day? How do I respond so that I can go to school the next day with motivation and a good...

The first day of school approaches. Sharpened pencils, neatly stacked book, organized files, and alphabetically arranged encyclopedias grace your classroom. Everything is clean, shiny, and waiting. I picture you standing at your classroom...

Note: The following article, written as an open letter, offers a mix of general principles and specific recommendations for leaders of schools. Not all of the recommendations will apply to all situations and leadership structures, but...

“Come, children. Let’s get those four loads of laundry folded and put away,” said Mother. “Sure, Mom, I’m glad to help. Can I fold the biggest basket?” said no child ever. There is work to be done: assignments to be completed, places at...

One of the most exciting tasks we teachers can pursue is cultivating curiosity in our students. When our students are curious, they are usually engaged in what they are learning, enjoying themselves, and eager to discover more interesting...

For many of our private schools, kindergarten only runs several days of the week or starts in the second half of the school year and may have barely gotten a start before COVID-19 made its appearance and changed the school year forever....

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash “If only we didn’t have to fight for souls!” This was the lamentation of a teacher friend of mine a number of years ago after a conversation on the difficulties we were facing with some of our...

Andrew and Jennifer Yoder’s curriculum is called Creative Writing: Sparkling Bits of Writing , and comes in two books. The first is recommended for grades 5-6 and the second for grades 7-8. How the Curriculum Developed The curriculum grew...

Maybe I should phrase this as a question rather than a statement: “Little Things?” These things may seem little to the teacher, but are very big to the children. “Look, Miss Birt! Mrs. S wrote something on my paper! What does it say?” When...

Alex Honnold is the first person to free-solo climb El Capitan, a 3,000-foot vertical cliff in Yosemite. National Geographic describes his practice routine: “He is obsessive about his training, which includes hour-long sessions every other...

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova from Pexels When my son turned one, his throttle got stuck on full speed ahead. He moved constantly, took off running on the sidewalk and never looked back, and lunged headlong down playground slides. Wheeee! He...

As a first grader who wanted to do things just right, I took seriously my teacher’s instructions to write neatly. I took her instructions so seriously that I continually erased and rewrote every imperfect letter, working to get each one...

One of education's most harmful myths is that a teacher must “bring learning to life,” “make school fun,” and otherwise juice up the dreary business of study. The truth is that learning is naturally exciting. To be sure, learning is also a...

A few years ago, a friend suggested the title The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo as a worthwhile story time read. It is! In the story, a china rabbit named Edward, who, in spite of being deeply loved, is completely...

This is Part II of a collective effort by seven administrators of conservative Anabaptist schools. This group of administrators believes that our schools are poised to aid our churches and homes in the call to be the hands and feet of...

Photo by Karolina Grabowska The new school year is approaching. For some teachers, its arrival feels sloth-like as their anticipation grows for the happy buzz of students in the hallways, the scratch of chalk on the blackboard, and the...

While the summer can potentially put a stick in your spokes, you love teaching, and search again for something to give this year an exciting face-lift. Looking for inspiration, you blow a very thick layer of dust off The Seven Laws of the...

“Mrs. Birt, I have a question!” Nelson called out. Nelson has many questions . When is God’s birthday? What does God look like? What is your name? (It is not Mrs. Birt!) I appreciate when children ask questions as they are learning and...

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash Before the students enter on the first day you will want to know what routines and procedures you want to see in your classroom. Routines are the things you do everyday and how you do them. Efficient...