Chapter Three Tweens and Their Brains

Does it surprise anyone that tweens are most interested in themselves? 

After reading through the "cliff notes" on the biochemistry of learning on pages 32-36 what did you know already and what important aspects did your learn?  With this in mind how will you change your instructional/relationship practice?

How do you feel about the sharing of the complexities of how students learn with the students? 

Which of the brain-centric activities sounds most useful to you for your students?

Check out one of the additional resources/further research and comment about it.

Chapter Two Community

Having a great summer still?  I bet you are!!

Noting the quote from Kati Delahanty on page 14, have you really realize this or thought in depth about the importance of community for tweens, our students?

Have you made or do you make excuses for not using some of the strategies referred to in this chapter?  Have you taught students how to talk to each other and interact in a group? 

What do you think of the Courtesy Contract?  Could this work for you?  How important was it for Heather to do one for herself?

What will you apply from this chapter's information to your practice this year? 

Chapter One Thoughts

Hello MVMS Bloggers.  Sorry I am so late to make my second post, I have been in Hawaii.  I'll email a picture.
Glad to see so many comments so far.  I will lead us through this discussion so we stay focused.  So, read at your will and on your own schedule but I will post inquiries for each chapter about once a week or so for you to respond to.  So, here goes...

What is your reaction to the statements the author makes about the importance of the classroom arrangements and appearance for the tween?  "an engaging room ultimately becomes a variable in the equation of student achievement", "if you don't think of it with pride they won't either", "it is important to rotate their perspective every so often".

Organization is important in the disorganized world of the tween.  What are some ways you keep yourself organized?  Are they the same as the author suggest? 

Welcome to "Tween Crayons and Curfews" Blog for MVMS

In the next few weeks we will be discussing the main points of the book Tween Crayons and Curfews by Heather Wolpert-Gawron. You will click on the comments link to add to this blog. You will need to create a Google account to be able to post comments to this blog. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Google.com
2. In the search bar just type Blogger.
3. Google will take you through a series of steps to create an account with Google.
4. If you already have an email with Google (Gmail), just use that or you may use your school email for updates.
5. You do not have to create a blog to use Blogger...just need a Google account.
6. When you post a comment you will need to log in with your Google User ID.
7. If you do not understand how to do this, you may contact Mr. Highfield through his school email. He will get in touch with you and talk you through the steps or he can met you at school to help you.
8. I would add this blog to your Favorites for easy access.
9. Notice comment one for instructions and expectations.