Imagine a scenario where a teacher in a K-12 classroom is presenting a lesson in math. Rather than looking upon a classroom filled with excited and engaged learners, the teacher instead sees the disappointing blank stares of students who appear to have “checked out.” The minds of these students are somewhere else.
In today’s divisive political environment, building community support has become more important than ever. It can serve as a vital lifeline for marginalized populations whose members are often the most vulnerable in society.
Having a sense of belonging is a universal need among all individuals. And one of the places where this is most important is in the K-12 classroom. An inclusive classroom is one where all students feel valued and supported and where the unique abilities of each student are not only recognized but celebrated.
When people think of how curriculum is taught in K-12 schools, what often comes to mind is teacher-led instruction, a practice where the educator stands at the front of the class presenting content to students through lectures, demonstrations, or readings. In teacher-led instruction, the educator’s job is to provide knowledge and facts to students, and the students’ job is to absorb that information.
It used to be that if you wanted an update on your overall health, you would have to visit your doctor’s office where medical professionals would check your vital signs. Now, you no longer need to make that trip to see your doctor. Instead, you can get a baseline snapshot of your health just by using a wearable technology device that collects this type of data in real-time.
Anyone who is a diehard sports fan has undoubtedly experienced the anxiety and drama of watching their favorite team in the closing moments of a nail-biter game where the outcome is about to be decided by one final play. The coach uses the team’s last time-out to make strategic adjustments and player substitutions. The game is on the line as the referee calls for play to resume.
For some people, early childhood memories of school included the image of a classroom with the teacher standing in front of a large chalkboard that faced a row of desks. On it the teacher would write down lessons and assignments that students needed to learn. While chalkboards can still be found in some American classrooms, advancements in technology over the years have given rise to digital devices like smartboards.
Many teenagers enjoy participating in outdoor recreation, visiting parks, and traveling to far- away places to experience new sights and sounds. And now some Virginia high schools are trying to channel those interests by showing students how the activities they like to do for leisure can be transformed into a professional career they are passionate about.
Pride of ownership—it means the sense of personal satisfaction and responsibility you receive from taking care of the possessions you own or the work that you do. It signifies a level of deep commitment as demonstrated by the care with which an individual treats their valued possessions or their tireless efforts in ensuring that the work they perform meets the highest of standards.
The optimal time to establish and practice good habits that will contribute to a person’s well-being throughout their life is during the formative years that start in childhood and continue into adolescence and their teen years. At each of these life stages, a person will encounter different challenges requiring them to make certain choices which could have a profound effect on their overall happiness and general welfare.