Teaching with the Brain in Mind

I just finished reading Teaching with the Brain in Mind, by Eric Jensen.  Great read!  I love learning about how our brains work and how to best help our students learn! 

 I found the time table guidelines for direct instruction very interesting. 

Grades K-2 (5-8 mins.)
Grades 3-5 (8-12 mins.)
Grades 6-8 (12-15 mins.)
Grades 9-12 (12-15 mins.)
Adults (15-18 mins.)  - Probably less for me (ha, ha!)

I've been a resource room teacher for the past 7 years.  The last few years we've been limited to specific direct instruction programs - the kids hate it (and honestly, so do I!)  These programs are research-based, but seem to completely contradict brain research.  Why are we asking our neediest students to sit still for 30 minutes blocks and listen to a teacher go through a scripted program?  No movement, no muscle memory, no music, no arts, little time to practice and certainly no variety in how to practice (paper and pencil only!) Ok, maybe a few short games here and there (but not very fun ones!)

I try to integrate variety where I can, but with budget cuts I have no assistants (to help with prep, etc. they are one-on-one with students in the classroom,) two schools, back-to-back groups, no prep time, and a new IEP program that doesn't work!  Very little time to spend on the most important part of my job - teaching!!!

Sometimes it feels like we are moving backward in time!  I feel like special education has been hit the hardest, but I'm interested to know... Do you feel like budget cuts and/or district mandated curriculum impact your ability to teach with best practice?  How do you work around these limitations?

Summer Reading

So, I should not be let loose in the bookstore!  I went to Barnes and Noble to get my stepson a book, and came out $65 later!!!  I won't mention the trashy novel I bought (shhh, it's a popular trilogy out now!)  We all need a little brain break, right?  Well, I can never pass up the education section.  So today I bought Positive Discipline, by Nelson, Lott and Glen.  I've seen lots about it on pintrest and other education blogs, and can't wait to read it.  I also got Teaching with the Brain in Mind, by Eric Jensen.  The question now is which to read first? Hmmm, decisions, decisions...  Has anyone read either of these books?  Any suggestions on what to read first?  Thanks!

Have you read Daily 5 and The Cafe Book yet?

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these books!  I read the Daily 5 one day and The CAFE Book the next day.  I'm so excited to implement these ideas into my classroom next year!  If you haven't read them, they are a must!!!