Expectations: Aim high

 A clear set of expectations is essential for creating a classroom where students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. Basic expectations provide structure while encouraging responsibility and independence.

Some core expectations include:

• Respect for others: Listening when someone is speaking and treating classmates and teachers with kindness.
• Responsibility: Completing work on time, taking care of materials, and following classroom rules.
• Participation: Engaging in lessons, asking questions, and contributing ideas.
• Preparedness: Coming to class ready to learn with materials and a positive attitude.

When students understand and follow these expectations, classrooms run smoothly, learning thrives, and everyone benefits from a positive, supportive environment.

The Power of Curiosity in Learning

Curiosity is one of the most important skills a student can develop. When learners ask questions, explore new ideas, and challenge what they know, they build deeper understanding and retain knowledge longer. Encouraging curiosity in the classroom helps students become active participants in their education rather than passive observers.

Teachers can foster curiosity by creating opportunities for exploration, allowing students to pursue questions that interest them, and connecting lessons to real-world experiences. For example, a science lesson on ecosystems can include observing a local park or conducting experiments, giving students hands-on experiences that spark further inquiry.

Ultimately, curiosity doesn’t just lead to better academic outcomes—it helps students develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. When curiosity drives education, learning becomes a journey rather than a task.

Cognitive Load: Designing Instruction That Matches How Students Learn

 Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort required to process new information. Because working memory has strict capacity limits, students can become overwhelmed when lessons contain too many elements at once. The concept is rooted in Cognitive Load Theory, developed by John Sweller, which emphasizes that effective instruction must align with human cognitive architecture. When teachers understand cognitive load, they can better structure learning experiences that improve comprehension and retention.

There are three primary types of cognitive load. Intrinsic load relates to the inherent complexity of the content itself. Some material is simply more difficult and requires careful sequencing and scaffolding. Extraneous load comes from poor instructional design, such as cluttered slides, unclear directions, or multitasking demands that do not support learning. Germane load refers to the productive mental effort students use to construct schemas and deepen understanding. Effective teaching minimizes extraneous load while supporting intrinsic learning demands and encouraging germane processing.

Cognitive load has significant implications for classroom practice. When working memory becomes overloaded, students may disengage, struggle with task completion, or appear inattentive even when they are trying to learn. Research from educational psychologists such as Richard E. Mayer demonstrates that well designed multimedia instruction can improve comprehension by reducing unnecessary mental strain. By structuring lessons with cognitive limits in mind, educators can improve learning efficiency and reduce frustration for students.

Teachers can apply cognitive load principles through several practical strategies. Breaking content into manageable chunks helps students process information incrementally. Providing worked examples allows learners to analyze successful models before attempting independent work. Simplifying visual materials and limiting extraneous details prevents overload and maintains focus on key concepts. Structured discussion and guided practice also promote deeper schema development without overwhelming working memory.

Ultimately, managing cognitive load is not about making learning easier but about making it more effective. Thoughtful instructional design helps students allocate their mental resources toward meaningful learning rather than confusion. By intentionally sequencing tasks, reducing unnecessary complexity, and supporting productive effort, educators create environments where students can build lasting knowledge and develop confidence in their abilities.

Mirror Book

Title: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Author: Judith Viorst
Illustrated by: Ray Cruz

Summary: If you ever thought you have had a bad day, just wait till you hear about Alexander's. From a visit to the dentist office to getting gum stuck in your hair, this bad day may just go unrivaled.

Opinion: This was one of my favorites growing up and I never really knew why until now. Having a bdad day could be one of the most relatable experiences there is. And it is clear that the only medicine for having a bad day is to hear about someone who is having a worst day then you. All of the events throughout the story have happened to most kids, but for Alexander, all of these tragedies happened in one day.

Viorst manages to capture a child's temperament masterfully, making Alexander look more like a victim to the ruthless universe as opposed to just a whiny child. When reading this, I felt truly sad for Alexander and wanted to hop inside the story, just so I can give him a hug. This book is a great pick-me-up when you are feeling down and is lovely from cover to cover.

I would recommend this book to anyone that looks like they are a bit sad, or are just complaining in general. My mom still to this day reminds me of Alexander when I am having a rough go at it. Hopefully after reading this book, you will too.

Multicultural Window Book

 Title: The Wall
Author: Peter Sis


Summary: Sis tells his story of his childhood growing up in Eastern Europe throughout communism. The tale shows the harsh realities of communism compared to the imaginative potential of democracy.

Opinion: As a history buff, I could not help but take interest in this story. On the borders of each page, photographs, journal enteries and news clippings are displayed to match the actions taking throughout the story. This lent a credibility to the story that made it seem much more than just a children's book. Growing up, Sis spoke of his communistic pride. This highlighted the successes of the propaganda scheme developed by the soviets. He carried this sentiment until he grew a little older and learned that there was much more to offer on the other side of the curtain.
The illustrations were absolutely remarkable. The cold harsh realities of communism were displayed solely in black and red, whereas the beauty of the west were shown through bright vivid illustrations with the full array of the color wheel. For this reason, it is understandable that Sis received the Caldecott award for this story.
As a future teacher, there is not one doubt in my mind that I will be using this when given the opportunity to teach contemporary history. There is so many historical talking points throughout the work, I find my leg bouncing up and down at my chair just itching for discussion. This book is a masterpiece. Plain and simple.

Just for fun... if you have a spare hour and a half... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxNM7j_ppHI

If You Give A Moose A Muffin

Title: If You Give A Moose A Muffin
Written By: Laura Numeroff
Illustrated By: Felicia Bond

Summary: If you give a Moose a muffin, he will ask for some jam, and so commences a sequence of events that keeps readers turning pages. A very demanding Moose will keep asking for more and more as you read this classic tale.

Opinion: I hate to admit it, but I am going to, here it goes... this was the first time I had ever read/heard about this story. One of my high school buddies always called one of our teachers Moose, because he would give us ridiculous demands. Never did I understand the humor until now. This book is simply hilarious. The Moose, no matter what he receives, will ever be satisfied (Sound like anyone you know...). The story is very simple and easy to follow but it is manic enough to have kept my interest throughout.

I could not help but notice a great opportunity to teach cause and effect with this book. Every page had a antecedent where the Moose demanded a response. The illustrations complemented the authors deadpan style and were really well done.

It is no wonder why this tale is a classic. It's quick, funny, and easy to read. It also has a great message. Always keep blueberry muffins and jam in stock, because you never know who might drop by. This book has led to several variants including, If You Give A Pig A Pancake.

NOT A BOX

Title: Not A Box
Author: Antoinette Portis

Summary: A small bunny proves that there is no limit when it comes to imagination. The story shows that a simple box can be anything from a race car to a rocket ship.

Opinion: Not A Box is one of the most original picture books that I have read in a while. The illustrations throughout the book are basic in premise (the same black box appears on every page). But here enlies the beauty. A simple boring box can be changed into anything one can imagine. The use of red shows the rabbit's creations through imagination. These illustrations are quite crude and could easily be replicated by children, making them delightful.
I remember growing up, my next door neighbor and I built a box fort that was quite the envy to the rest of the cul-de-sac. It had levels and seemingly endless potential as it could shift from a space shuttle to a castle with a blink of an eye. This book transported me back to those days.
I am seriously in love with this book. It is so awesome and so original. It is incredible that such a basic premise has not been done before. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Enjoy!