Where have manners gone?  What about common decency? Courtesy?  I guess they've gone out of style. I posted about an incident at a local fast food restaurant in Should Discipline or Teaching Methods Change? , as well as, more comments about discipline (or the lack thereof).  A few days later a friend saw three teenagers in the park while she was on the walking trail. One of them was using the restroom in the park in full view of anyone who happened to be there. The other two were loud and belligerent when she told them that public restrooms were available. In fact, one of the teen- agers told her that they could do what they wanted where they wanted.  She moved on down the trail, passing a grandmother and her granddaughter. That is when she made the decision to call the police and report the incident.  They arrived too late to catch the group. The incident left her unnerved and angry. These events may sound like we live in a large city, but we live in a very small town. Less than 11,000 people live in our small community.  It wasn't so long ago that people would sleep with the windows open and forgetting to lock your front door didn't end in tragedy. Not that way any more. On a regular basis, teenagers have been caught vandalizing public property or engaging in  other "petty" crimes (actually in my book, no crime is petty).

About the time I heard of this incident, another friend told me of the changed discipline policy of her school district. Not changed for the better. In fact, more responsibility was being placed on the teacher and less on the students. Students faced little (or no) consequence for misbehavior. They are not being held accountable. Discipline has become a numbers game. It looks better on a district report to have fewer students sent to the office for discipline. The name of the game, Make it Look Good for the Main Office. So... in other words the teacher takes the blame, the child doesn't learn about taking responsibility, and the cycle continues.

Yes, teachers are to nurture and provide a safe learning environment for students, but they also have the Responsibility of teaching their students to be accountable.  The trend towards over indulgence and pampering has continued to escalate. Teachers are no longer allowed to send students to the office and schools that have administrators that support teachers are rare. Kids know this and parents even tell their children that there is nothing the teacher can do about inappropriate behavior.  Unfortunately, this trend is resulting in a mass exodus of dedicated, experienced teachers, AND young adults with no manners. Young adults who have a prejudiced world view. They think everyone owes them something and they can do whatever they want, wherever they want with a total disregard for anyone else (AKA sense of entitlement).

It is refreshing to see young adults (and older ones) that demonstrate common courtesy and manners. They should be commended on their actions and behavior when their peers are standing around with their hands out demanding their way.   I am old fashioned in many aspects, but to me, manners never go out of style. They should be taught, reinforced, and modeled. Our students need to see courtesy in action. They need to know that belligerent behavior is ugly.  Teachers need administrators that support their efforts to educate our students in social skills, even if it means a trip to the office.


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              Look what is coming this week-end! Fiction story with boardgame and printables!
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This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Throughout my years in public education, I repeatedly heard the mantra, "We have to change the way we teach because kids have changed."  I realize that today, more than ever, kids expect to be entertained. But, does that mean every lesson has to be a 'dog and pony show' or game?  I don't think so. Some lessons need to be challenging and provoking. Don't get me wrong. I love playing a game just as well as the kids do, but I also realize that as adults they will be expected to have an attention span longer than a 30 second commercial.

Kids may think they want to be entertained, but what they really crave is someone who cares enough about them to demand their respect. Demand isn't enforcing respect, but, rather, earning it. People who always cater to the demands of others loose their respect. It is the same with kids. They try to bully us into submission just to see how far they can push, but when we establish firm structure within the classroom, they stop pushing and start growing into productive adults.

One area where kids have not changed is accountability. Kids still have trouble accepting responsibility for their actions. What about the classic  "Nothing" when we ask what a student is doing.  Or what about this oxymoron, "Did you kick her?" "No, it was an accident." Admitting guilt while denying guilt. Typical kid.  This is yet proof that kids need structure. They need to learn where the boundaries are and how to function successfully within them. Need more proof? Take for example the young adult that almost pushed over my elderly parents in a parking lot. Made me furious!  When I confronted him, you know what he said (with an attitude)??  He said, "I didn't do anything wrong. I come here all the time. What did I do?"  When I told him that the two people he practically ran down were my parents and I didn't appreciate it, he just shrugged and repeated that he hadn't done anything wrong.
Really?

Too often we are asked to entertain rather than teach.  We are asked (and  in some cases expected) to ignore disrespectful behavior. Behavior that is not acceptable in general society, but is gradually becoming the norm. Being a 'little general' in a video game world isn't easy. This time of year especially demands our fortitude. It is so difficult to maintain an educational environment between Thanksgiving vacation and Christmas parties, but hang in there! This is temporary and everything you do will reap huge benefits, if not in a few months, than in the faces of your kids, in a few years,  when they realize that you were right.

So... have kids changed?  The way that kids entertain themselves have changed.  Attention spans seem shorter. They are definitely more entitled.  BUT... deep down kids still need AND want structure. They still need to be taught meaningful lessons. They still need and want rules, guidelines, and consequences. Kids still need adults that earn their respect and make them feel safe and secure. Whether or not they want to admit it,  kids still need us.


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Looking for nonfiction reading resources that are engaging and challenging?  Check out my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers, and my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers !!!  Lots of new resources coming out to make teaching reading easier than ever!






Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

I had a vet visit this week. Well... not me, my cat had a vet visit. We (the vet and I) had a conversation about my profession. He had genuine praise for teachers (something very refreshing) and told me that there isn't anyone that hasn't been touched by a teacher at some time in their life. And, he went on to say, that most have something in their lives that they can thank a teacher for.  I never thought about it like that. I mean, I do realize what an enormous responsibility I have. I do acknowledge that it shouldn't be taken lightly. We are touching lives daily.  Planting seeds. Instilling ideas. Sparking imaginations. Switching on curiosity. Shaping and guiding future doctors, nurses, accountants, parents, and, even, teachers.

I've had several teachers touch my life. My parents and family, Sunday school teachers, piano teachers, elementary and secondary (and beyond) teachers, friends, colleagues, all have taught me valuable lessons. I've learned from mistakes and failures. I've learned from repetition and rote memory. I've learned for the love of learning and for the sole purpose of passing a test.

What things am I passing on to the people that I am teaching?  What do they see in me? Am I letting them learn from their mistakes? Do they have the freedom to explore? Are they confident enough to meet challenges?  I am very passionate about teaching. And, that isn't always a good thing. My passion for others to learn and reach their goals is oftentimes larger than their desire to reach the achievement.

Yes, we are all touching someone's life today and making a difference. Sometimes we are the only person that a student can trust or talk to. Sometimes we are the only one in their corner cheering them on. And, sometimes we are the only ones that can open their eyes to their potential.

Who has touched your life? And, more importantly whose life are you touching?


Check out my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
If you are in need of some thorough reading resources at teacher-friendly prices check out my product previews on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.
Or... better yet follow my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers  so you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

Check out this charming tale of Tad Lincoln and the first turkey pardon

Non-Fiction Passages and Printables

Read all about the Mayflower

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

I've heard some disturbing things over the past 20+ years in education. Seen some pretty disturbing things too! But one of the most disturbing is the pushing of technology on our kids. It seems that every school district is pushing iPads, Chrome Books, or some other device into the hands of  every student. What is more shocking is that (pleasantly so), after the new wears off, students are asking for books and pencil and paper. I recently talked to a parent that was new to the area and not at all happy about the education their children were receiving. Too much technology. Too much playing around. Too much fluff. Not enough learning.

So why the push if students, parents, and several educators are voicing concerns? I think it all comes back to the all mighty dollar and the ill advice from those in the non-education realm. People who will benefit from the purchase of several thousand dollars worth of technology. People who don't know your child. People who are only looking at what is in it for them.

Who pays for these devices? We do. The taxpayers. Parents if one is damaged or lost. So... the ones that are saying they don't want them are the ones paying for them?  Interesting.  Tax dollars are also being spent on adding additional tech support to school districts. These salaries could pay for additional teachers to reduce class size, but they are not. They are being used to hire more people that believe that a valid educational experience only occurs when a child's hands are on a computer (and yes, I have been told that by a tech person).

Can you tell that this makes me angry?  I hear the same complaints over and over and yet more technology is being added. Parents are concerned that their child is not spelling as well as they should be or they are not learning how to write.  Parents and most educators understand that this is the age of technology, but we also understand that students need to have a diverse set of skills that will help them function in the 'real world' and problem solve. We want our children to grow up, not only knowing how to use a computer, but we also want them to have a deeper understanding of the world around them. They can't achieve this sitting in front of a screen.

So, challenge your students to unplug and challenge yourself to create engaging lessons that don't involve technology. Get them to use the computer located between their two ears. Move them into situations where they are called on to use social skills and manners. Present them with problems that need solutions.

Creating a lifelong learner doesn't have to be centered entirely around technology. It can use technology as a support, but students need skills so that they will rely on themselves first.



Check out my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
If you are in need of some thorough reading resources at teacher-friendly prices check out my product previews on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.
Or... better yet follow my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers  so you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

Seven Spooky Stories

Great for elementary... a collection of seven original spooky stories and printables to reinforce reading skills. Click here and watch the gif!












          One of my all time favorites... The Legend of Sleepy Hollow! Just in time to scare some middle schoolers!!










Here's another gif to watch! American Holidays- non-fiction passages and printables to teach your students the reasons why we celebrate special days and the history behind these holidays. 

Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers

So you want to quit. You want a new career. You're tired of constantly taking care of someone else's kids while your own are basically being ignored. You're tired of fighting bureaucracy. You long to have support, but find that you are on your own.

 Sound familiar? Unfortunately, this is becoming all too common among public school teachers.  I quit. After 21 years, most of which were awesome, I gave it up. My health and peace of mind were too important to ignore. I was tired of the endless, worthless meetings and lack of administrative support. I was tired of a few important names running the school, even though they knew nothing about education or kids.  Oh, I'm still teaching. You may take the teacher out of the classroom, but you can't take the classroom out of the teacher (or something like that).

Too often I read comments from teachers (from all over the world) bemoaning the lack of administrative support, the lack of discipline, or the endless hours spent in preparation and meetings.  Not once do I read comments concerning low pay or about children.  In a nutshell, teachers love their career choice and they love children, but they are asking for a little respect and support. Not much to ask for. It isn't hard to give. So then, why is it so elusive? Is this a current trend? Or is this a forewarning of times to come?

I've addressed this issue before, as many have, but it continues to be widely ignored.  Too often non-educators are putting their noses in the educational arena and leaving teachers on the outside looking in. Too often politicians are making pretty campaign speeches promising things that teachers can't possibly deliver.  Who winds up with egg on their faces? Yep, the teacher.

So.. I've (once again) presented the problem, but where is the solution. Who knows? I'm just one little piece of the puzzle. Who will listen to me? We are all one little piece of the puzzle, but without us, where would the picture be?  Take your last bit of energy and get involved with teacher groups. Find out what teachers in other regions and districts are doing. Be positive and proactive. It may not be a solution, but you will find others in the same boat. There is comfort in finding someone who understands.

And, there are alternatives. There are still places where you can teach without being a part of a large public school system. These idyllic places do exist. I had the privilege of being at one this week. A county school where discipline and respect matter. Where kids are learning. Where teachers and administrators are supporting one another.  The setting is small and the pay is small, but the reward is huge. That may not be possible where you are or it may not fit in with your budget. But, there are options. Teachers make excellent public speakers, trainers,  adjunct instructors, private school teachers, parochial school teachers, or consultants. Don't underestimate yourself. You have talents and training that you can use in multiple ways.

In the meantime, don't give up. Find a support group or friend that understands and cares. And, above all, remember why you are dedicated to this profession... the kids.



Check out my Facebook page, Chocolate 4 Teachers
If you are in need of some thorough reading resources at teacher-friendly prices check out my product previews on my Pinterest page, Chocolate 4 Teachers.
Or... better yet follow my TpT store, Chocolate 4 Teachers  so you will receive emails every time I publish a new resource!

Check it out

Check out  Stonehenge: a complete unit (11 page original fiction story of suspense and 7 non-fiction passages)!!!

                           Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. You can turn off the use of cookies at anytime by changing your specific browser settings. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on June 5, 2015. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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Chocolate 4 Teachers