Brain Based
Learning
Bozeman, California - Teachers in the Bozeman School District
are attending workshops on brain-based learning. This methodology puts
emphasis on the "hardware" of the brain. Inspired by new technologies like
MRI and Pet scans, teachers study the brain at work. Learning how to
stimulate brain function through food and exercise will allow these
educators to incorporate techniques into the day that will help children
learn better. Bob Gutzman, assistant superintendent for instruction in the
district, said that despite this new research, it was important to retain
a healthy cynicism because this was not the first time that educators
attempted to understand brain function in relation to learning. However,
he added that this was important research that good teachers and good
schools should pay attention to.
February 2003
Teaching
Kids To Handle Their Fears
Lewisville, Texas - Keith Martz, an eight-grade teacher at
Briarhill Middle School, is known as the Snake Man of the Lewisville
school district. He travels to elementary school classes with pillowcases
stuffed with snakes to teach students about the reptiles. There are 165
varieties of snakes in Texas and fewer than 20 varieties are venomous.
Through his lessons, Martz teaches the children which snakes are safe and
which aren't.
February 2003
Farmer's Korner,
Colorado - The local high school has found a viable solution to relieve
teacher stress. The school has been bringing in a massage therapist as
often as twice a week since November. Teachers schedule chair massages
during their lunch and pay for the massages themselves. Principal Frank
Mencin believes it provides a healthy and relaxing opportunity for
teachers.
February 2003
Mayor Speaks To Students About The Gravity Of
Mistake
Berkeley, California - Mayor Tom Bates advised the students of
Willard Middle School to stay out of scrapes like the one he got into the
day before he was elected mayor. He trashed 1,000 newspapers that endorsed
his opponent. When his crime was discovered, he agreed to make up for his
wrong doing by going out and speaking to schoolchildren about making wrong
decisions. Principal Michele Patterson said that it was important for the
children to see that Bates had learned from his mistake.
February 2003
Kids Shave Heads To Support Cancer-Stricken Classmate
Berkeley, California - Mayor Tom Bates advised the students of
Willard Middle School to stay out of scrapes like the one he got into the
day before he was elected mayor. He trashed 1,000 newspapers that endorsed
his opponent. When his crime was discovered, he agreed to make up for his
wrong doing by going out and speaking to schoolchildren about making wrong
decisions. Principal Michele Patterson said that it was important for the
children to see that Bates had learned from his mistake.
February 2003
School Lunch Gets That Eating-Out Feeling
Superior, Michigan - At Great Lakes Elementary
School, students eat their meals surrounded by scene of lakes. The murals
change the institutional cafeteria into a cozy café, which administrators
believe entices children to eat more hot meals. The idea originated from
surveys that show children today are more likely to eat in restaurants
than children of the past. Participation in both breakfasts and lunches
has increased about 10 percent. Principal Dennis Mertzig is considering
having a manners table set with linens where he can dine with the
children.
February 2003