I remember finally realizing that everyone learns differently one year as I was teaching a mini-lesson in 2nd grade...
One boy was listening & answering questions while break-dancing in the back of the room. One girl would not so much as even move her finger while I was speaking.
Every time one boy answered & I asked him to connect the answer to his life, it always related to a song. I had one little girl who brought her composition book with her to the carpet every time we read a book & discussed it just so she could take notes. I had one little love bug who had to tap something when he listened to a story...Thankfully I convinced him that tapping his fingers together was movement enough but didn't make noise & interrupt others' learning!
Scripture tells us in Romans 12 we each have different gifts, given to us for a specific purpose. Jeremiah says we are created for His purposes which He intends for good. What comfort I find in knowing He created me to be JUST. LIKE. THIS!!!
Research tells us that children learn best when individual differences are taken into account and learning styles are acknowledged as an important, contributing factor of learning. We also know that providing interesting activities which make children feel valued, accepted, and challenged increase their long-term memory. Establishing rules and boundaries are also key in a child's early education.
So how do you select the right curriculum for your child? By taking into account the kind of learner you're teaching! Even the most hands-on, tactile learner can be taught to understand the importance of memorizing multiplication facts. A child who likes everything neat, organized, and perfected can also become a very talented artist. Finding out what style of learning your child best relates to, gives you an edge on those who think the child in the back of the room break-dancing is not paying attention. (((Just a side note on this young man...He scored a perfect score on the FCAT! ...I'm sure it was all due to his 2nd grade teacher...HeeHeeHeee!!!)))
Right now, I am offering a learning styles assessment to all of my homeschoolers ~ current and new ~ for a discounted price during the months of June and July. A 1-hour session is normally $40 for the evaluation and for this limited time, I have reduced the price to $20. This will give you valuable information and insights into your child's world of learning. In this short, 1-hour session, I sit down with your child, one-on-one, for about 30 minutes and ask him/her a few questions. I will then spend the remaining 30 minutes talking with you and not only give you a written explanation of how he/she learns best but also offer some suggestions as to how you can engage him/her more during the school day. Taking these steps will probably validate some of what you already know ... But more importantly, it will allow you to consider changing a few things about your homeschooling day in order to best serve your child. We can do this at your home, my home, or an outside location. My suggestion is your home because children feel most comfortable in their own surroundings.
These factors are important to consider as you begin your selection of curriculum for next year. "I've already ordered it!" you say. No worries! Remember, this will give you valuable information as to how your child learns BEST. So regardless of what is in the textbook you've chosen, you can begin to come up with very creative ways to teach your child, according to his/her own personality!
If you aren't interested in this service but would like more information regarding assistance in the selection of curriculum for next year, I would love the opportunity to assist your family. Call me today at 962-9596 or email me at scritzer711@gmail.com to schedule your appointment!
Happy Learning ~
Shannan
Friday, June 4, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
A Look Ahead
I'm tired. MY. FEET. HURT. I see spots. I hear beeping. I canNOT stop singing songs from Willy Wonka & chocolate is ALWAYS on my mind. These things will go away (although I will miss some of them!). It's what one of my sweet 5th graders said to me late this afternoon which I will probably remember always: "Will I ever see you again after school's out?"
Sigh ... So sweet, I know. My heart felt like it was going to lurch out of me!
Now that I have announced my leaving, it is bittersweet. I have not told any student yet & as they make plans for next year, talk about which teacher they want or ask if I will teach this grade or that grade, it yanks at my heartstrings. Today's question definitely did & sometimes it's just difficult to know I'm leaving things like this behind.
Just for a moment though, can we remember Lot's wife? "But Lot's wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt."
YOWZERS! The meaning of "looked back" in the Greek & Hebrew means she pondered or considered. She didn't just look back to say good-bye once more. She wasn't waving to her friends. She also wasn't looking back at her beautiful home. We can gather from the text that she wasn't happy about leaving, either. But be not deceived, God will not be mocked. They were told not to look back. They were warned. She was warned. So, make no mistake about the tug at my heartstrings ... I am not pondering my decision. In fact, I'm very happy with it. :o) But it did get me thinking....
Each morning, as you begin your homeschooling lessons, do you begin with a look ahead ...or do you look back? I know so often as a teacher, a lesson would botch because a child got sick mid-lesson ...or it was picture day & my schedule was off ...or I lost my place because children didn't answer how I thought they would so I never got my point across. I would think about what I would've changed for days & then I would re-teach it just to see if the same thing happened. It was bad! I'm sure the list could go on ... I'm sure you could add distractions to my list.
The phone rang and you HAD to take it.
The laundry was piling up so you tended to it.
You forgot to pick up the dry cleaning so you ran up the street for just a minute.
With all the distractions we come in contact with every day, it's tough to remember that yesterday is gone & today is filled with an endless possibility of new mercies. Decide each morning that yesterday's distractions will not prevent you from moving ahead today. Try getting up 30 minutes early & preparing before everyone wakes or if you're a night owl, stay up a few minutes more & make sure you've made the changes needed to press forward. Call me to schedule a planning session or let's meet to discuss rearranging your weekly schedule. You've got the great responsibility & calling of pouring into your children & by discussing some changes you'll make in order to stay focused, you can share with your child how looking back is not productive & the changes we've made are going to help you both be more productive. We will learn from our mistakes ~ yes; We will not dwell on them. Finally, as you pour into your child, remember they are watching your every move.
This includes how you react.
This includes how you speak to them and to others.
This includes how you adapt.
This includes how hard you work.
And this includes whether you look ahead ...or look back.
"Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Shannan
Sigh ... So sweet, I know. My heart felt like it was going to lurch out of me!
Now that I have announced my leaving, it is bittersweet. I have not told any student yet & as they make plans for next year, talk about which teacher they want or ask if I will teach this grade or that grade, it yanks at my heartstrings. Today's question definitely did & sometimes it's just difficult to know I'm leaving things like this behind.
Just for a moment though, can we remember Lot's wife? "But Lot's wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt."
YOWZERS! The meaning of "looked back" in the Greek & Hebrew means she pondered or considered. She didn't just look back to say good-bye once more. She wasn't waving to her friends. She also wasn't looking back at her beautiful home. We can gather from the text that she wasn't happy about leaving, either. But be not deceived, God will not be mocked. They were told not to look back. They were warned. She was warned. So, make no mistake about the tug at my heartstrings ... I am not pondering my decision. In fact, I'm very happy with it. :o) But it did get me thinking....
Each morning, as you begin your homeschooling lessons, do you begin with a look ahead ...or do you look back? I know so often as a teacher, a lesson would botch because a child got sick mid-lesson ...or it was picture day & my schedule was off ...or I lost my place because children didn't answer how I thought they would so I never got my point across. I would think about what I would've changed for days & then I would re-teach it just to see if the same thing happened. It was bad! I'm sure the list could go on ... I'm sure you could add distractions to my list.
The phone rang and you HAD to take it.
The laundry was piling up so you tended to it.
You forgot to pick up the dry cleaning so you ran up the street for just a minute.
With all the distractions we come in contact with every day, it's tough to remember that yesterday is gone & today is filled with an endless possibility of new mercies. Decide each morning that yesterday's distractions will not prevent you from moving ahead today. Try getting up 30 minutes early & preparing before everyone wakes or if you're a night owl, stay up a few minutes more & make sure you've made the changes needed to press forward. Call me to schedule a planning session or let's meet to discuss rearranging your weekly schedule. You've got the great responsibility & calling of pouring into your children & by discussing some changes you'll make in order to stay focused, you can share with your child how looking back is not productive & the changes we've made are going to help you both be more productive. We will learn from our mistakes ~ yes; We will not dwell on them. Finally, as you pour into your child, remember they are watching your every move.
This includes how you react.
This includes how you speak to them and to others.
This includes how you adapt.
This includes how hard you work.
And this includes whether you look ahead ...or look back.
"Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Shannan
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Welcome Change...Come on in!
I stepped into my first classroom setting in 1999 and on June 11, I will say good-bye to formal school education for the time being. Talk about change!
I will now be working with several home school groups and consulting for an educational curriculum provider. This decision was not made lightly, for it was prayed over by many throughout the course of several months. There are many exciting things (which shall reveal themselves all in the right time) but this is the first step. One driving scripture was Acts 1:4. Jesus says, "but wait for the gift." Another scripture is from Jeremiah 14:22, "...Therefore we will wait expectantly for you, for you have made all these things." I was led to this decision but covet your prayers as the next steps unfold.
MY heart is to serve God with all that is within me using the gifts and talents He provided me. Throughout the past three years, I have served many home schooling families in the support of educating their children. With overwhelming support, they have encouraged me (among others) to do more on a more regular basis. Well, now is your opportunity to take advantage of me! =o) I am available to help you with your home school curriculum selection, outlining your year or planning for each month, as well as leading small groups. I also offer tutoring and evaluations and much, much more. When you contact me, we can discuss your personal needs and create a plan together, suited just for you.
For those of you who have prayed me through this step, THANK YOU! God has truly blessed me with His people surrounding me. Each one of you has shared a unique word ~from His Word~ that has been forever ingrained in me. For those of you just joining my journey, thank YOU for your support! Our lives will forever be intertwined and I anxiously await what's to come!
"Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is..." Romans 12:2. I refuse to drown in this world's rushing waters or stand idly by while I'm called by Him to serve. I will stand firm & pay attention to what HE wants for me.
I hope you join me in this because I can assure you exciting things are to come!!!!
Shannan
I will now be working with several home school groups and consulting for an educational curriculum provider. This decision was not made lightly, for it was prayed over by many throughout the course of several months. There are many exciting things (which shall reveal themselves all in the right time) but this is the first step. One driving scripture was Acts 1:4. Jesus says, "but wait for the gift." Another scripture is from Jeremiah 14:22, "...Therefore we will wait expectantly for you, for you have made all these things." I was led to this decision but covet your prayers as the next steps unfold.
MY heart is to serve God with all that is within me using the gifts and talents He provided me. Throughout the past three years, I have served many home schooling families in the support of educating their children. With overwhelming support, they have encouraged me (among others) to do more on a more regular basis. Well, now is your opportunity to take advantage of me! =o) I am available to help you with your home school curriculum selection, outlining your year or planning for each month, as well as leading small groups. I also offer tutoring and evaluations and much, much more. When you contact me, we can discuss your personal needs and create a plan together, suited just for you.
For those of you who have prayed me through this step, THANK YOU! God has truly blessed me with His people surrounding me. Each one of you has shared a unique word ~from His Word~ that has been forever ingrained in me. For those of you just joining my journey, thank YOU for your support! Our lives will forever be intertwined and I anxiously await what's to come!
"Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is..." Romans 12:2. I refuse to drown in this world's rushing waters or stand idly by while I'm called by Him to serve. I will stand firm & pay attention to what HE wants for me.
I hope you join me in this because I can assure you exciting things are to come!!!!
Shannan
Monday, May 3, 2010
I Can Sense It!!!
Can you sense it?
The smell of sunscreen and strawberries waft through the air...The views are breath-taking with turquoise waters, white-washed sands and vibrant, over sized beach towels nestled underneath an umbrella...The distant sounds are those of laughter, lifeguard whistles, and splashing...
It's almost here...
Do you remember when you were a kid and the excitement of summer just couldn't be contained??? You thought about Disney World or trips to the lake...You secretly planned the summer's initiates into your clubhouse (or backyard shed if you were going to Grandma's)...You probably already began begging your mother to allow your friends to sleep over at your house. Guess what?! TEACHERS ARE JUST LIKE YOU! We are already thinking of our summer professional development and the way we are going to decorate our classroom next year, how our behavior plan will change or a better way to group our students...That, of course, is all while we are sitting at the pool! :o)~
Focus for just a moment though...
As the school year approaches an end, have you assessed your child's reading level?
Have you given your child a placement test for next year's math curriculum?
Do you have a plan for a better organization system?
What about the curriculum you've been meaning to take a look at for your child who just wasn't interested in the selection you made this year?
What about the infamous end-of-the-year portfolio review?
If you haven't done these things, now is the time! Call me so we can schedule your next consultation and get busy wrapping up this year and planning your year ahead. Before you know it, just like when we were kids, the newly sharpened pencils and perfectly organized spiral notebooks will be on sale at your nearest super center before you blink your eyes!
I am scheduling now for the end of May and the months of June and July...Because I can sense it! Can you?
scritzer711@gmail.com
Shannan Critzer
The smell of sunscreen and strawberries waft through the air...The views are breath-taking with turquoise waters, white-washed sands and vibrant, over sized beach towels nestled underneath an umbrella...The distant sounds are those of laughter, lifeguard whistles, and splashing...
It's almost here...
Do you remember when you were a kid and the excitement of summer just couldn't be contained??? You thought about Disney World or trips to the lake...You secretly planned the summer's initiates into your clubhouse (or backyard shed if you were going to Grandma's)...You probably already began begging your mother to allow your friends to sleep over at your house. Guess what?! TEACHERS ARE JUST LIKE YOU! We are already thinking of our summer professional development and the way we are going to decorate our classroom next year, how our behavior plan will change or a better way to group our students...That, of course, is all while we are sitting at the pool! :o)~
Focus for just a moment though...
As the school year approaches an end, have you assessed your child's reading level?
Have you given your child a placement test for next year's math curriculum?
Do you have a plan for a better organization system?
What about the curriculum you've been meaning to take a look at for your child who just wasn't interested in the selection you made this year?
What about the infamous end-of-the-year portfolio review?
If you haven't done these things, now is the time! Call me so we can schedule your next consultation and get busy wrapping up this year and planning your year ahead. Before you know it, just like when we were kids, the newly sharpened pencils and perfectly organized spiral notebooks will be on sale at your nearest super center before you blink your eyes!
I am scheduling now for the end of May and the months of June and July...Because I can sense it! Can you?
scritzer711@gmail.com
Shannan Critzer
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Caterpillar and the Spider
The book of Ecclesiastes about life and its meaningless nuances is one of the dearest to my heart. I was reminded of it as I arrived early one morning to work this week.
I was scurrying around getting a few things accomplished while the halls were still serene and the building still glowed in the early morning sun. I paused for a brief moment as I saw a dewy spider web apparently formed overnight. I noticed the intricate detail this spider had tended to ... The outside was seamlessly designed with perfectly symmetrical lines creating its width. It had lines draped between man-made bricks and nature-made trees. It initially caught my eye because as the sun gleamed down on the dew-kissed, delicate strings, I noticed a bright, green caterpillar "hanging by a thread." (if you know me, you know I just laughed right there at my own silly thoughts...it's the little things ya know...) I watch it wriggle and squirm as it tried to free itself. I watched anxiously and wanted to grab a stick to hold underneath of his tiny body because I knew the awful fate that awaited this new birth of spring if it actually freed itself.
He stopped moving for a moment and my breathing slowed. I noticed "Charlotte" in the corner with her legs crossed, showing just how "in control" she was. I imagine she was peacefully dozing but all the while feeling the thrashing on her newly created masterpiece. It may have even annoyed her just the slightest because she had just spend several hours spinning this magnificent creation. He started wiggling again and I held my breath...He's so young & doesn't understand the cycle of life going on here.
"Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless." (11:9b-10)
From the back hallway, a child starts to laugh and teachers discuss the day's agenda. I bode farewell to this sweet caterpillar, wishing him well and walked on to deliver materials after my two minutes with God's creatures.
That's when it dawned on me. I'm hanging by a thread! I'm banging myself back and forth in this web, my life, tearing at the very threads God is trying to weave! Everything I am trying to hang onto that is not from Him, is meaningless. I'm scared for the "new" and "unknown." Things are not "planned." And I remember then...I want, rather I need, to make my life a living sacrifice for Him.
"Meaningless! Meaningless! ...Everything is meaningless!" (12:8)
He will guide and direct me ... and put a stick under me so I won't fall! He feels me tugging and sees the broken threads needing to be sewn back together but He waits patiently for me to stop throwing a temper tantrum. He loves me even in that moment and that is purely amazing to me! All of the things I feel pressuring me and pursuing my time and attention begin to drop. Even if those pursuits are of evil and if they are hidden to me.
"...here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (12:13-14)
So how do I grow? I feed myself with what He has provided. Two of my favorite children's books have always been "Charlotte's Web" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Charlotte waited patiently for the right time, yet never wasted a moment of her life because it had a distinct purpose. The nameless caterpillar learned an important lesson after eating all of the things he shouldn't have...and when he finally ate the delicious green leaves created just for him, he rested. In his rest, he changed into something more beautiful than he ever imagined.
What are you still sitting there for reading this latest post? Get up, read these books to your children, and help explain to them that this life we are walking in is meaningless, meaningless if we aren't waiting on Him, ridding ourselves of all of the "bad foods" and resting in His perfect will. ...Just a thought, you should probably read Ecclesiastes, too...I'm jus sayin...
:O)
Shannan
I was scurrying around getting a few things accomplished while the halls were still serene and the building still glowed in the early morning sun. I paused for a brief moment as I saw a dewy spider web apparently formed overnight. I noticed the intricate detail this spider had tended to ... The outside was seamlessly designed with perfectly symmetrical lines creating its width. It had lines draped between man-made bricks and nature-made trees. It initially caught my eye because as the sun gleamed down on the dew-kissed, delicate strings, I noticed a bright, green caterpillar "hanging by a thread." (if you know me, you know I just laughed right there at my own silly thoughts...it's the little things ya know...) I watch it wriggle and squirm as it tried to free itself. I watched anxiously and wanted to grab a stick to hold underneath of his tiny body because I knew the awful fate that awaited this new birth of spring if it actually freed itself.
He stopped moving for a moment and my breathing slowed. I noticed "Charlotte" in the corner with her legs crossed, showing just how "in control" she was. I imagine she was peacefully dozing but all the while feeling the thrashing on her newly created masterpiece. It may have even annoyed her just the slightest because she had just spend several hours spinning this magnificent creation. He started wiggling again and I held my breath...He's so young & doesn't understand the cycle of life going on here.
"Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless." (11:9b-10)
From the back hallway, a child starts to laugh and teachers discuss the day's agenda. I bode farewell to this sweet caterpillar, wishing him well and walked on to deliver materials after my two minutes with God's creatures.
That's when it dawned on me. I'm hanging by a thread! I'm banging myself back and forth in this web, my life, tearing at the very threads God is trying to weave! Everything I am trying to hang onto that is not from Him, is meaningless. I'm scared for the "new" and "unknown." Things are not "planned." And I remember then...I want, rather I need, to make my life a living sacrifice for Him.
"Meaningless! Meaningless! ...Everything is meaningless!" (12:8)
He will guide and direct me ... and put a stick under me so I won't fall! He feels me tugging and sees the broken threads needing to be sewn back together but He waits patiently for me to stop throwing a temper tantrum. He loves me even in that moment and that is purely amazing to me! All of the things I feel pressuring me and pursuing my time and attention begin to drop. Even if those pursuits are of evil and if they are hidden to me.
"...here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (12:13-14)
So how do I grow? I feed myself with what He has provided. Two of my favorite children's books have always been "Charlotte's Web" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Charlotte waited patiently for the right time, yet never wasted a moment of her life because it had a distinct purpose. The nameless caterpillar learned an important lesson after eating all of the things he shouldn't have...and when he finally ate the delicious green leaves created just for him, he rested. In his rest, he changed into something more beautiful than he ever imagined.
What are you still sitting there for reading this latest post? Get up, read these books to your children, and help explain to them that this life we are walking in is meaningless, meaningless if we aren't waiting on Him, ridding ourselves of all of the "bad foods" and resting in His perfect will. ...Just a thought, you should probably read Ecclesiastes, too...I'm jus sayin...
:O)
Shannan
Monday, March 29, 2010
Star-FALL in love!
This site, some of you have shared with me. I've used it for a couple of years and many teachers I know use it. Not only can you play games and read, but you can download activities for your child to use. While the site is more primary (ages 4-7), they have some great resources and Step 4 has some fantastic books! The games are fun for even adults...That's right, I've played them ~ Don't act like you're not going to snoop around on the site & "try one out" to see if your child will like them. ;o)
http://www.starfall.com/
Shannan
http://www.starfall.com/
Shannan
Saturday, March 27, 2010
FREE downloads & games
Sometimes you just need new places to roam on the internet...It's not, however, exactly the safest of places to allow your children to do so alone. I hope some of the sites I've already posted have been of some use. Several of you have emailed me with some other great sites and I'll be sharing those over the next several weeks. You can also post them in comments so others can see your choice of sites!
Thank you to those of you who have already contacted me regarding my assistance as you explore your options in homeschooling or to those of you who have requested some of my services. This is a VERY exciting time for me and your support, prayers, and encouragement are so greatly appreciated!!!
Today's site has free downloads, several games, and numerous links to fun activities. After exploring it, I had many new ideas so I hope you find some to entertain your little ones! Enjoy ~
http://www.dositey.com/
Shannan
Thank you to those of you who have already contacted me regarding my assistance as you explore your options in homeschooling or to those of you who have requested some of my services. This is a VERY exciting time for me and your support, prayers, and encouragement are so greatly appreciated!!!
Today's site has free downloads, several games, and numerous links to fun activities. After exploring it, I had many new ideas so I hope you find some to entertain your little ones! Enjoy ~
http://www.dositey.com/
Shannan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
