Inspiring Educators Everywhere
Often people lament that they are unable to connect with nature because it may be too far away. In a way, I understand their thinking. I grew up in rural Eastern Canada and the forests and shorelines of Nova Scotia were my playgrounds. I was extremely close to nature as a child and young adult.... Continue Reading →
On the eve of Earth Day 2018, I have been thinking a lot about the concept of too much tech for young learners in the classroom. Actually, this is a topic I think about every day. Where do we find a balance? To tech or not to tech? Technology in the modern classroom has an... Continue Reading →
When I was a student in my teacher education program at university I was very fortunate to have some amazing instructors. My program was a little different than others. My literacy and numeracy instructors were both award-winning coaches from the local school board who were on leave for a year to teach at the university.... Continue Reading →
How do we encourage our students to be more creative? How do we foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills? In my years in the classroom, I have found that by having a maker space that’s actually inside my classroom has helped a lot. When I first came across the idea of a Makerspace for my... Continue Reading →
Seriously folks… Ask for help if you need it. All people who are new to the classroom need help and advice from others. You have decided that you had something of value to give to others so you decided to become a teacher. Whether in an elementary school in Toronto, a high school in Boston,... Continue Reading →
About fifteen years ago, one of my students looked at me and said, “Mr. O’Shea, you’re really smart.” I asked, “Why did you just say that?” “Because you know a lot of stuff, Mr. O’Shea.” I told him, “I don’t think I am smarter than other people. I am just older than you, have more... Continue Reading →
It may seem simple and in many ways, it is, but being in your classroom to great your students as they enter in the morning means a lot. It means A WHOLE LOT! When your students enter your classroom early on a weekday morning it can really set the tone for a positive week. Well,... Continue Reading →
It seems I have fallen into a trap as a teacher. What’s that trap? Well, I know that young children need time to be creative. I know they need time to explore arts and crafts. I know this, but I don’t give them as many opportunities to do this as I should. I have gotten... Continue Reading →
As the education world moves further down the digital path, it’s good to have a grasp of some useful tools that can make your classroom experience more meaningful. These are 5 apps that I simply couldn’t live without as an early elementary teacher. Seesaw: Gone are the days of paper portfolios. Students can create... Continue Reading →
