Mr. Bryan's Classroom

 Teachers expect their students to listen. However, how are we as listeners to our students? Listening is an important skill for educators and it's a skill many of us struggle with. Dr. James Hughey and Bryan discuss the impact of teachers who listen. 

For Dr. Hughey's “Power For Positive Living” podcast & blog posts  visit PFPL.US

As we return to teaching, Bryan shares an article from Mike Roberts (@BaldRoberts) on 20 simple-yet-meaningful things teachers can do every day to improve the classroom atmosphere for themselves and their students. 

This brief episode is a prequel to the upcoming season. Bryan checks in and share his thoughts about this podcast series which aims to encourage educators and provide them a voice. This series will also provide teachers helpful tools and strategies.  So stay subscribed and be ready for a great season of episodes that will help us become better educators!

Are you looking for a strategy that allows you to do some lecture but also builds in time for student interaction? In this episode, Bryan discusses the Ten Plus Two strategy from the "Let's Teach" YouTube channel found at  https://youtu.be/Y2udPWz_3vg

Teachers, no less than anyone, deserve safe workplaces. These days we show a lot of concern about the topic of bullying in regards to our students. Unfortunately, very little is being done about teachers being bullied by their students, parents, and leadership at a place that is supposed to be a bully free zone. 

School officials must send an unmistakable message to students that striking or threatening physical violence against a teacher will bring the swiftest and most severe consequences.

Cyber bullying is real not just with student victims but educators as well. If teachers are not safe, disrespected, and have no place to turn for support, our educational system is in serious trouble.

Recently, I lost my dog of 13 years. Max was fortunate to spend his senior years working in my classroom.  I heard from many parents, staff, and students about the impact Max had on the school.  The right animal in the right classroom can provide a lot of value.

Janelle's Cox article lists the following benefits: 

Teaches Responsibility: Having a classroom pet allows children to understand the responsibility that is involved in order to take care of an animal. Whether it’s feeding it lunch or cleaning out the cage, children will learn what it takes to care for something other than themselves.

Students Learn Compassion: A classroom pet is a great way to teach children compassion and how to nurture. Children will learn how to properly handle and care for the pet. Even the toughest of kids will have the chance to practice his/her nurturing skills. They will learn that they need to treat the pet carefully in order for it to trust them.

Is Therapeutic for Children: Classroom pets can bring calmness to children who have anxiety or stress in their lives. Studies show that classroom animals lessen tension and help children to be calmer. What teacher wouldn’t want that in their classroom?

Can be good for Your Health: There has been a lot of research on the benefits of animals and your health. Studies not only show that children who have pets are better equipped to fight off infection, but they also tend to average more days at school than children who do not have a pet.

It Enriches the Classroom Experience: Classroom pets introduce children to the world of animals. If students don’t have a pet of their own at home, they can see, feel, touch, and learn what it takes to care for one at school.

For the full article from Janelle Cox please visit http://www.teachhub.com/teacher%E2%80%99s-guide-classroom-pets

Remind is a free tool that has helped me to be more effective with classroom communication by sending quick, simple messages to any device that parents and students may use.  All phone numbers stay private.

I talk with Taylor Chapman about the many benefits of using the Remind platform and how it can make us more effective in communicating with students and parents. 

Visit Remind and try it out at https://www.remind.com/

Happy New Year! Joining us on the program to offer some motivation, teaching strategies, and some of what she's learned over her very successful journey as an educator is Vicki Davis (@coolcatteacher). She also hosts a podcast show called "The 10 Minute Teacher" at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/podcast/