The Dock School Leader Podcast

What if you could tailor each lecture for your students' needs? The twin challenge of the teacher is to know the content and know the student. Spencer describes practices of individualized instruction that, though born out of his work in a small school, suggest principles that can enhance the effectiveness of instruction in classrooms of any size.

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What do eggs, bubbles, and two sharp pencils have in common? They're all connected to success in achievement tests! Allen Troyer has helped schools improve their testing experience for more than twenty years. In this video, he models best practices in preparing your students to be at their best for achievement tests.

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What do you do if your students won't sing? If they don't sing well? Anthony describes three principles to keep music practice enjoyable and effective:

* Invest in a positive school culture.

* Be patient.

* Sing in small segments.

* Stay positive.

* Make singing a special event.

* Compliment students for their work.

* Use programs as motivators.

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No matter how valuable the lesson you're teaching, some students will struggle to stay focused. From calling on students to hooks that provoke reflection, Andrea explains the simple activities she incorporates throughout class time to keep students connecting to the material.

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Victor leads a discussion on activities that invite parents to engage with the school at a more than superficial level.

What makes a school Anabaptist? Citing the examples of the earliest Anabaptists, Jonathan takes a sobering look at what our schools have to offer--and of what we must be ware.

The effects of the texts and reading material in your school are obvious; they shape your students. But what about the less obvious curriculum, the one that hides in plain sight? Gerald addresses the importance of facility maintenance, teacher development, school policy, and other aspects of the hidden curriculum.

This recording includes four presentations:

* Grade 1: Ready or Not?

* When and How to Dismiss a Teacher

* The Manipulative Parent

* The Dress Code

Questions regarding these topics were dealt with in the panel discussion:

Dealing with Dilemmas Panel Discussion

What is the value of teaching classic literature to children? Jonas explains that with literature, students connect to reality in a way they might not through other disciplines--and offers extended selections from poems and stories to reinforce his thesis.

Rebecca hoped to train her students in art technique while introducing them to art history and concepts—but she didn't want to create every lesson from scratch. In this video, she talks about the way she incorporates ARTiculations curriculum across the grades, and describes rules that enable art classes to be peaceful and productive.

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