Elementary School
Teachers are expected to teach, but great teachers also have a wealth of knowledge and experience and are eager to learn from their learners. They bring their cultural capital – what they have learned and experienced – to engagements with learners, colleagues and the community. In turn, they are altered by their connections with others and can positively affect those with whom they engage. [Click Here for Article ](https://theconversation.com/teachers-change-lives-but-what-makes-a-great-teacher-198313)
Without a doubt, the first day is the most important day of the school year. It’s the day teachers begin to introduce rules, establish routines, practice procedures, and learn which kids need to be moved to a different seat. Of course, it’s the day you meet your new students. [Click Here for Article](https://www.edutopia.org/article/first-day-tips-new-elementary-school-teachers/)
As the school year draws to a close, it’s important for educators to take time for themselves to recharge and reflect, and to find learning opportunities. Summer provides a valuable opportunity for educators to explore collaborative professional development on their own schedule. [Click Here for Article ](https://www.edutopia.org/article/work-life-balance-teachers-2/)
Roiger introduced the peace path to his students to help them learn how to sort through their feelings and advocate for themselves. [Click Here for Video](https://youtu.be/ZNZuWj6LQ0I)
[Transitioning from Word Walls to Sound Walls](https://www.readingrockets.org/article/transitioning-word-walls-sound-walls) A sound wall supports students by focusing on the articulation of sounds/phones and the various letter/letter patterns that represent the sounds/phonemes in words.
The nation's leading organization focused on the needs of gifted and talented children. (https://nagc.org/)
Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity. [Click Here for Video](https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare)
Following are a few tips to make reading enjoyable for your children this summer.
Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years