Why Art Class is Important

 

When administrators and lawmakers look at cutting school funding, art is often one of the areas to be hit hardest. Contrary to what some may think, art is an important part of the primary school curriculum. It helps young students to develop important skills, and it can positively affect school attendance, students’ health, and personal development.

Creativity

Art assignments often call for the student to use their imagination to create things from raw materials. This assignments help to encourage the students to be creative, to try new things, and to take risks.

Fine motor skills

Small children are often uncoordinated. Many art projects require students to use crayons, paint brushes, and scissors. By using these items, young students are developing their hand-eye coordination.

Critical Thinking

Art is a mentally stimulating activity, and as such, it is a great way to keep the brain functioning at its best. Exposure to art has also been shown to increase the brain’s functions and help to improve the students’ critical thinking skills. It prompts young children to analyze problems and brainstorm ways to solve those problems. Art encourages students to focus on details and find new ways to express themselves.

Individuality

There is no right or wrong way to create art. Art is in the eye of the beholder. Young students can develop self-esteem and individuality by working on art projects. They also learn how to set goals and how to work toward those goals.

Attendance

Students are more likely to attend school if they like school. Art can help to increase student attendance. Because art is fun, it gives the students something to look forward to each day. Excited students want to come to school.

Stress relief

Painting, drawing, and other art activities can help to relieve stress. And, yes, young children do experience stress. Like adults, they have issues that they have to deal with too. They have to deal with homework assignments, peers, and less than perfect home situations. Art offers a way to release some of that stress.

Art is an important part of the primary school curriculum. It increases students’ creativity, helps to hone fine motor skills, improve critical thinking skills, relieve stress, and increase school attendance.

How to Write a Good Resignation Letter

When resigning from any professional position, you must inform your employer of your intentions in a formal resignation letter. And, teaching is no different. As a professional educator, you must compose a letter of resignation before you leave your teaching position. Your resignation letter is part of the legacy that you leave behind. So, leave your former employers with a good last impression by composing a professional resignation letter. 

Professional tone

You are a professional. So, even if you are angry at the time of your resignation, don’t allow it to cloud your judgment. Continue to use common sense and demonstrate your professionalism in your resignation letter. Continue to use correct grammar and to address your principal, school board members, and superintendent properly. Keep in mind that these letters are often kept in your personnel file. And, they can come back to haunt you later.

Include the date

Include the date that your resignation will become effective. If at all possible, try to time your resignation for the end of the school year. If this is not possible, try to choose a time when there is a break in the nature school term like the end of a semester, at Spring Break, or at the end the Christmas break.

Express gratitude

Always thank the principal, superintendent, school district, and parents for allowing you the opportunity to teach their children. Don’t forget that they placed their most valuable asset-their children- in your hands.

Briefly explain your reason

Give a reason for your resignation. Your explanation should be short and concise. However, don’t tell your boss that you are leaving because you hate them or that you disagree with the school district’s policies. This information is best kept to yourself. If you are leaving to take another position, be sure to explain the reasons that you are more suited for the new position. If you and your family are relocating, explain this to your principal. If you can’t get along with your co-workers, you can simply state that you are leaving because of a personality conflict, but do not go into a lot of details or name names.

Remain polite

No matter how mad or disgusted you are, remain calm and professional. Don’t burn your bridges. Chances are good that you will need to use your former boss for a work reference later. There is also the possibility that you may want to return to this job at a later date.

When resigning from a teaching position, remember that you are a professional. Be concise. Use a positive, professional tone. And, don’t forget to thank your former employers for employing you in their school district.

Things to Include in a School Magazine

 

Writing for a school magazine can be fun and exciting. It is an excellent way to cultivate pride in your school and to make sure the masses stay informed. But, how you figure out what to include in your school magazine? What are today’s students interested in? If you find yourself asking these questions, consider some of these great article ideas for your school magazine.

*Health issues

Health articles are wonderful additions to any school magazine. Students are often curious about diseases and other health issues, and a school magazine is just the place for these articles. The health articles should be informative, but the terminology used in the articles should be easy to understand. It won’t do your students any good to read an article they can’t understand. You can choose your health article by month. For example, February is heart healthy month and November is Diabetes Awareness month.

*Healthy food choices

Students from high school to graduate school are often in a rush. As a result, they tend to make poor food choices. A school magazine can include ways that busy students can get both a quick meal and the nutrition that they need.

*Fashion

Have you ever found yourself wondering what you were going to wear or what your favorite celebrity was wearing? Well, so have the students who will be reading the school’s magazine. Articles on fashion are sure to interest both male and female students even if they are stuck in school uniforms.

*Tips for communicating with parents

Teenagers often find themselves struggling to communicate with their parents. As they begin to assert their independence, family relationships can become strained, and they may even find talking to their parents intimidating. So, be sure to include articles on how to bridge the communication gap between students and their parents in your school magazine.

*Relationship tips

Teens and young adults are always interested in dating tips. These can include everything from the best places for a date in your area to dating safety to how to handle sexual pressure while on a date.

*Book spotlights

Trying to encourage students to read can be frustrating. So, use every opportunity you can to promote reading. The school magazine is a great place to spotlight books.  Be sure to include a brief summary of the book, and the books pros and cons.

*Money saving tips

It is never too early to start learning how to save money. A school magazine should include money saving tips for students. This can be something as simple as how to plan a mini-budget or how to save on entertainment.

*Creative writing from students

A school magazine is a great place to display student work. These simple pieces will draw a lot of attention from fellow students. They will also be treasured by the student authors and their families. Just be sure to carefully read and edit these creative pieces before publishing them.

Don’t be confused about what to include in your school magazine. Choose topics that will interest your students and be educational at the same time.

Ways to Be More Productive Teacher without Losing Your Mind

Teaching is a demanding job. It is almost impossible to keep up with all the paper work, be a successful teacher, and still have a family life. So, what can you do get it all done in a day and still have time for your family and yourself? Here are some things that you can do to increase your productivity at work.

Get a Good Start

Breakfast is the first meal of the day. Eating breakfast will help to provide you with the fuel you need to make it through a hectic day at school. It is difficult to deal with a room full of bouncy children when you are hungry. Even when I don’t have time for a full meal, I try to grab a quick piece of toast and some type of protein before rushing out of the door.

Get Focused

As teachers, we know how important it is to stay focused. So, I would suggest that you meditate, exercise, read, or enjoy a simple cup of coffee. Do whatever it takes to get your mind focused and ready for the school day.

Do One Thing at a Time

I love to try to multi-task; however, when do more than one thing at a time, I end up making a mess. Contrary to what your bossy may tell you, multi-tasking is really not a good idea. Instead of trying to focus on three or four things at a time, only focus on one. Complete that task. Then, move on to the next task.

Prioritize

Decide what needs immediate attention and do it first. Like most people, I have more energy in the morning. So, it makes more sense to do the most demanding tasks first and save the easier tasks for after lunch when your energy starts to wane.

Have a Routine

Have a set routine. You should have set days for giving test and quizzes, and you should have set days to teach each of your state objectives. This will help to save you time and allow you to be more productive. It will also provide stability for your students

Plan Effectively

One of the keys to being a more productive teacher is planning. Plan your lessons early. I know this can be difficult to plan days before you finish the lesson you are currently on. However, this ensures that you don’t get behind on all those tons of paperwork. Remember, these are only plans. Nothing is set in concrete. You can always go back and remediate students who didn’t get it. And, you can always go back and make changes to your lesson plans.

Organize

Okay, I have to admit that I am not the most organized person in the world. My desk is often cluttered, and I tend to collect and keep tons of student work. However, one of the best ways to be more productive as a teacher is to be more organized. I have found that my day runs a lot better when my desk is clean and my files in place. And, I get a lot more work done. Trust me. I know you are busy, but take the time to get organized. It will pay off in the long run.

It is possible to be a more productive teacher. Have a set routine. Plan effectively. Get organized and stop trying to do it all at one time.

 

http://voices.yahoo.com/teacher-survival-effective-teacher-without-11979272.html
http://lifelearningtoday.com/2007/08/23/25-tips-to-become-more-productive-and-happy-at-work/