Author Archives: mrbrentg

In the past I have always structured a part of my class time around TRIBES. A community building and cooperative learning program. This year because of other obligations I did not start my year with it because I did not feel like I had the extra time. That was a mistake that I plan toContinue reading “Community Building”

How is this the first I am hearing that November is International Picture Book Month? Yesterday after buying some great picture books that I will be sharing with the class I stumbled on this little fact and it got me thinking about how as we grow older we stop reading picture books. One of theContinue reading “International Picture Book Month”

Much of the time I think we as educators and parents focus most of our worries on the academics. Are kids reading well? Can they multiply or divide? ?How can we improve this sentence? While these are of course important I think an equally important if not more important goal is to foster in childrenContinue reading “Teaching to Lead”

A whirlwind week is drawing to a close. I turn 34 tomorrow (despite my initial thoughts I was only turning 33) and I just want to take a moment to reflect on how great my job is, my class is and life in general. We have been reading the Graveyard Book, it is among my favouriteContinue reading “What a week…”

It is bound to happen in the life of all kids and probably more so in the life of adults. We are going to either be offended or offend someone (more likely both) and really not know how to handle the situation after the damage is done. Every year, just like parents I am sure,Continue reading “Forgiveness-The Art of saying Sorry”

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. See you Tuesday.

There are so many different ways that kids learn, so many different ways teachers teach. It is a juggling act a lot of the time. Math is always the biggest hurdle. The art of balancing modelling and guided practice with individual practice and assessment. Will teaching one concept one way reach all my kids? No,Continue reading “Leave the cookie cutters at home”

Today I finished two books. I started them both before school set in but I have been so busy. Between the gym, school day, walking the dog, night work to get ready for the next school day I find myself having less and less time for just sitting down and reading a book. Last nightContinue reading “Take a moment”

I think the number one phrase I hear from parents is, “What can I do to help my child at home?” My answer previous to this year has always been, “Read more, read to them, read with them, talk about your reading and practice the basic math facts.” While I do strongly believe this isContinue reading “Perseverance-An Essential Skill”

Today I sat down and read a picture book with the kids. It was the brilliant “What Do You Do With An Idea?” and it was fun talking about what we were taking from the text and wondering why there was an egg with a crown and chicken feet and how that could possibly representContinue reading “International Literacy Day”