by Blaine HelwigMar 23, 20183 minClassroom Rules – Why, How Many and Which Ones?According to Exodus, Moses climbed Mt. Sinai, and God gifted him the Decalogue – Ten Commandments that provided a foundation of conduct...
by Blaine HelwigMar 2, 20183 minStudent Engagement – Active versus Passive LearningYou are a public school teacher. You are about half-way through your science or math lesson. The door opens and the principal walks into...
by Blaine HelwigFeb 23, 20182 minSchool Culture – What Does It Really Mean?There are many industry specific words bandied about in public education that all too often, educators possess only a vague definition....
by Blaine HelwigFeb 16, 20184 minScoreboards, Performance, Practice and ReflectionThe other night I was watching the latest release of ESPN’s 30 for 30 – a remarkable and interesting documentary series highlighting...
by Blaine HelwigFeb 9, 20183 minMath Word Problems, Skills and Practice: In this Case, it takes Three to Tango!Math word problems were difficult for me when I was a kid. At the end of thirty or so skill base computation problems on the exercise...
by Blaine HelwigJan 13, 20183 minIs that Number Even or Odd? – Commentary on Math Lesson PlanningLet’s teach/plan an elementary lesson on even and odd numbers – first step, compile the basic information on that topic: The even numbers...
by Blaine HelwigDec 15, 20173 minMathematics Vocabulary – A Necessary AdditionKenton Weeks, a South Dakota rancher and farmer, opened the door of his truck. He and his dog got out of the cab and walked into his...
by Blaine HelwigDec 1, 20173 minTesting: What ALL is being assessed?Educators test students throughout the school year. Students are frequently assessed via both formative and summative assessments ranging...
by Blaine HelwigOct 28, 20173 minSubstitute Teacher Needed – Prepare for an Emergency in AdvanceAs an elementary principal, I would do my best to arrive at school at least 15 to 45 minutes prior to start of the opening school doors...
by Blaine HelwigOct 21, 20173 minPedagogical Reflection – The Good, the Bad and the UglyIt is one of the primary functions of the campus administration’s job to support classroom teachers in improving core instruction and...
by Blaine HelwigOct 17, 20173 minHow Long Until I am Good at this Teaching Gig?New teachers struggle in the classroom. We all did. When I started, I expected to be much better at teaching kids, and I was 32 years old...
by Blaine HelwigOct 13, 20173 minMath Test Stamina Issues? – Numeracy to the Rescue!“My fifth graders can’t do 35 to 40 word problems in 4 hours! How can the State Education Agency expect any 10 year old to finish a math...
by Blaine HelwigOct 6, 20174 minKinesthetic Vocabulary Learning – Math and Science BlockPrior to reading this short blog, it is recommended the educator read the October 2nd posted blog entitled: Kinesthetic Vocabulary...
by Blaine HelwigOct 2, 20174 minKinesthetic Vocabulary Learning – Language Arts BlockTitle 1 elementary students are experiencing difficulty with the most common, high frequency English words, and educators are trying to...
by Blaine HelwigSep 28, 20172 minWhat are the Benefits of Stop-Gap Resources?I am of the belief that Title 1 academic education reformation involving high percentages of students classified as economically...
by Blaine HelwigSep 14, 20173 minWhat Are "Stop-Gap Resources?"‘Stop-Gap Resources’ are a moniker that I believe accurately describes their function when used in Title 1 schools or with students...
by Blaine HelwigSep 5, 20173 minBeginning Teachers: When and When Not to Use Tactile Math ManipulativesAs discussed in an earlier blog, “Manipulatives, Pictorial Representation – then, Paper/Pencil,” arithmetic instructional design and...
by Blaine HelwigAug 31, 20172 minManipulatives, Pictorial Representation – then, Paper/PencilGenerally speaking, arithmetic instructional design and student learning should always follow a structured process: tactile, pictorial...
by Blaine HelwigAug 22, 20173 minGeneral Algorithm Power is the Mathematical KingStudents must memorize certain basic mathematics information. It cannot be avoided. But, elementary teachers must understand what kids...
by Blaine HelwigAug 20, 20173 minProfessional Reflection – Apprentice to Master TeacherTime passes quickly. No argument there. I graduated from high school about 35 years ago, and although it does not seem like yesterday,...