My students are too young to write a reflection sheet.
QUESTION: Occasionally I feel the need to give one of my Kindergarten students a reflection sheet but at this age they can’t write. Then what? DR. MARSHALL’S RESPONSE: Establish a reflection table for misbehaving students with the comment, “It seems to me that you need some reflection time to bring your behavior to a higher [...]
With all these reflective questions, B students are getting all the attention!
QUESTION: I want to recognize my Level C and D students more but it seems that the B ones are getting all the attention; I keep having to asking them reflective questions! For example, if they are all squirmy and loud in the hall I have been asking them, “Do you think your behavior is [...]
I’m looking for a primary reflection form.
QUESTION: I am looking for a reflection form for primary students. I know that it won’t be used for a while but I wanted to have something ready. Can you suggest what one might look like? RESPONSE: At the grade one level that I teach, children have very few writing skills, especially at the beginning [...]
How can procedures be used when students misbehave?
QUESTION: I’m trying to get a handle on this whole concept of guided choices and procedures. I guess I don’t really understand what a procedure is or how you would use a procedure when a student is misbehaving. Can you give me an example? DR. MARSHALL’S RESPONSE: Teaching procedures is teaching expectations. Here is an [...]
Primary/Intermediate Book – “A River Ran Wild”
“A River Ran Wild” is the story of a grassroots environmental movement. Inspired by Massachusetts hero, Marion Stoddart, a large group of citizens of all ages, worked diligently for several decades to restore the ecologically-dead Nashua River to its original state. This beautifully illustrated book traces the history of the river––from the days when it [...]
Intermediate/High School – Goal Setting and “The Last Lecture”
Last week I spent an evening with Teresa, an old friend of mine who just happens to be a fabulous grade six teacher at a nearby school. As it always does, our talk eventually turned to two of our favorite subjects––teaching and whatever good books we’ve read lately! One thing I always admire about this [...]
High School/Adult Book- “Everyday Greatness”
I recently came across a book from the public library and thought that I’d pass along the title for those who enjoy reading about Level D! The book is called “Everyday Greatness–Inspiration for a Meaningful Life.” It’s actually a book of excerpts from Reader’s Digest that have been organized into various themes. The Table of [...]
Primary/Intermediate Book- “Miss Nelson is Missing”
Several months after I’ve taught all four levels of the DWS Hierarchy, I like to read Miss Nelson is Missing by James Marshall. This story is especially valuable for discussing a DWS concept, that of ”choosing your teacher.” In other words, when a student acts on a high level, the teacher is encouraged to respond in kind. When a student acts on a low level, again the teacher [...]
Intermediate/High School Book- “Letters to a Bullied Girl”
I’d like to share a new book I recently signed out from my public library. It’s called Letters to a Bullied Girl; Messages of Healing and Hope by Olivia Gardner with Emily and Sarah Buder. Just as the title suggests, the book is filled almost entirely with personal letters––presented in an easy-to-read format. The letters [...]
Some “evidence” that DWS really gets kids thinking!
This week I had a neat experience while teaching a grade 7 student at my newest job at the middle school. I just thought I’d share. For those who don’t know me, I have three teaching positions, all of which are shared with the same partner. Darlene and I share a grade 1 classroom, each [...]
