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September, 2015

September 26, 2015 by

Dramatic Solutions: Game Shows

These are more ideas to help older struggling readers with phonemic awareness and phonics. Suggestions and variations:  Mimic television game shows by having an “announcer” and enthusiastic “audience.” Choose a host that likes to dramatize. Have someone provide “theme” music and/or play a rhythm while teams or individuals are pondering or planning their response. Make a big sign (or write on the board) the name of the game show.  Videotape these and allow them to Read More →

September 21, 2015 by

What are you asking?

There are different kinds of questions…Below are suggestions and examples for both questions to avoid and questions to include when teaching NWK. These may be a little different from questions asked in a classroom because in afterschool classes the focus is on informal learning and creative thinking. GREAT QUESTIONS:  Connection Questions: What do you already know about colors? What do you feel about storms? What do you think makes a good friend? These kinds of Read More →

September 11, 2015 by

NWK Management, Part III

Here are a few last management suggestions for the beginning of the school year. Why kids SHOULD get out of their seats! Neuroscience is very clear that children, indeed all of us, need to be actively involved in order to think and learn best. Remember the old Chinese proverb: Tell me, I’ll forget. Show me, I may remember. But involve me, and I’ll understand. Children learn by doing. Engage them as much as possible, and Read More →

September 6, 2015 by

NWK Management, Part II

Here are more suggestions from NWK for managing young children. Be clear. Before handing out materials, especially dangerous, fragile or noisy, demonstrate proper behaviors and have students repeat them back to you. Make sure they know that if they cannot use the materials properly, they will lose the privilege of working with them. (Note: Give a child another chance after several minutes but first remind him/her of proper behaviors and have him/her repeat them back Read More →

September 1, 2015 by

NWK Management, Part I

The New World Kids (NWK) program, which is geared to young children and often presented in an after school context, requires a management system that may be different from what children usually experience. Here are some of the guidelines we created for our teachers that might be helpful to others who teach as well. (Especially check out the chants!) Be prepared. Before class begins, make sure you know what you are doing and have visualized Read More →