Education Moving Forward Second Edition

EDUCATION MOVING
FORWARD

APRIL 2019-ISSUE 1 "WE KEEP MOVING
FORWARD, OPENING NEW
Whole Brain DOORS, AND DOING NEW
Teaching
THINGS, BECAUSE WE'RE
CURIOUS AND CURIOSITY
KEEPS LEADING US DOWN

NEW PATHS."

-Walt Disney

TECHNOLOGY

BRAIN BREAKS

Maker Learning Authors:
-Katie Cochran

-Carina Johns
-Paige Pugh

-Kaelynn Chandler
-Blaire Rahman



Table of Contents

About Katie Cochran................................................ 1
Whole Brain Teaching: A Bright Idea..................... 2-4
A Teacher's Perspective........................................... 5
About Carina Johns.................................................. 6
Little Tech on the Prairie.......................................7-9
An Administrators' View on Educational Tech.........10
About Paige Pugh...................................................11
A Step in a Tech Direction..................................12-14
A Teacher in a Technological World........................15
About Kaelynn Chandler.........................................16
Breaking the Brain............................................ 17-21
Picking a Teacher's Brain.................................. 22-23
About Blaire Rahman............................................. 24
All Hands on Board........................................... 25-27
Teaching for the Future......................................... 28

About Katie Cochran

My name is Katie Cochran, I am nineteen years old and I am currently a student at Brigham Young

University Idaho. I am studying Elementary Education with a Minor in Mathematics Education. Math is

one of my favorite subjects because I love the organization of it! I love the feeling of having a math

concept click in a student’s head because of the accomplishment and the development the student has and

can feel in their education. I decided to go into this degree because I love working with children and

helping students learn and succeed! My professional goals include having a safe classroom that promotes

equality and safety for all students. School should be a place these students can come and enjoy learning

and growing. I also want to be able to have an impact on every student’s life and help them grow into the

student and person they want to be.

In my future classroom, I will definitely implement Whole Brain Teaching because I believe that it

helps students feel comfortable in the classroom and be more involved in each activity. One thing that I

think I need to focus and work on is developing a classroom management system that works for me as

well as my future students. I want to have a system that can help many diverse students and allow them to

be safe, have fun, and be involved.

I spent my grade school years moving from

state to state because my dad is in the Air Force, I

believe that this is one of my personal experiences

that led me to be passionate about teaching. I had a

mix of good and bad teachers and education systems

growing up and I have the perspective of a new

student in the middle of the school year and I think

that my experience an help me connect with each

child. Another blessing I am lucky enough to have

from moving around the country so much is the

unwavering support and love from my family. My

younger brother has ADHD, and as I have seen the

process parents and teachers go through to make

every student feel comfortable in the classroom, it

has touched my heart and inspired me to want to be

a role model and teacher like that to children and

families that are struggling with a variety of things.

My family is my main support system and my best

friends and I think that because I have such a close

bond with them, including my younger siblings, I

am the person, and aspiring teacher I am today.

1

Whole Brain Teaching: A Bright

Idea! By: Katie Cochran

Have you ever sat in or had the opportunity to be Rule number one is to “Follow Directions
in charge of a class that has no real classroom Quickly!”(2) This rule is the key to lightning fast
procedures or management? In classrooms like this, it classroom transitions and helps to make sure that
can be easy to lose control over the classroom as well there is little to no time wasted. Beginning with this
as the instructor's temper. Classroom Management is step at the beginning of the Whole Brain Teaching
essential in every classroom, In The Classroom process can help ensure good listening for the
Management Book it says, "Procedures organize the following four steps. Try teaching this rule using a
classroom, so the myriad of activities that take place three-peat strategy, which is when the instructor gives
can function smoothly in a stress-free manner. a simple instruction, for example, “Names on Paper”
Students perform better when they know what the and the class will repeat it back three times fast
teacher expects them to do."(3) One technique “Names on Paper, Names on Paper, Names on
teachers are beginning to implement in their Paper!”(1)
classrooms to better this is Whole Brain Teaching.
Whole Brain Teaching is an exciting way to teach Rule number two is “Raise Your Hand For
children classroom procedures using and stimulating Permission to Speak!”(2) and this rule helps tame
multiple parts of the brain. One of the major blurters in the classroom. With some instructors, they
components of Whole Brain Teaching is the big five tend to mirror student’s emotions, so if a student
rules, these are most often used in elementary decides to blow up at the teacher, the teacher’s first
classrooms. There are also other tactics used in a reaction may be to snap back at them, which just
larger variety of classrooms that help engage and results in a power struggle and leads to more difficult
excite students about learning. As the students begin situations and struggles in the future. Instead of
to learn the five rules of Whole Brain Teaching and beginning this merry-go-round of problems in the
other engagement strategies, they are thinking and classroom, you can use this rule to help students who
processing using motions, talking, writing, and like to blurt throughout class discussions and lessons.
reading to internalize the rules of the classroom. To teach this rule, have students raise their hands as
they say “Raise your hand,” and mimic a talking noise
by their mouths as they finish the rule with, “for
permission to speak.” Using actions as well as voices
can help them connect the rules better.

2

Rule number three is “Raise Your Hand for Now we come to the final rule, rule number five,
Permission to Leave Your Seat!”(2) This rule can help which is to “Keep Your Dear Teacher Happy!”(2)
students who enjoy wandering around the classroom Have students put their pointer fingers on their cheeks
during a time for instruction and learning. A fun way where their dimples may or may not be, and have
to teach this rule to students is using the “Wrong-way, them say it in a high pitched voice. This rule can help
Right-way” method. To do this, tell the students that address your most challenging students! If you have
you are going to pretend to teach a lesson, and pick any students that continue to defy and test the limits
one of the willing students to “misbehave” and through the other four rules, this rule can give the
interrupt. When they do this, have them recite rule instructor the end all, be all of classroom procedures
number two and then pretend to teach the lesson again and rules. These five rules give younger students the
with no interruptions so the students can have the opportunity to learn the basic rules of every
correct way in their minds as the most recent example. classroom, they can remember for their future learning
Rule number three can help teachers create a more experiences.
cohesive atmosphere in the classroom.

Rule number four is to “Make Smart Choices”
(2), and the action that can help the kids when
learning this rule is putting their right pointer finger to
their heads like they are thinking about the better
choices to make. This rule is on the broader side of the
rules which is a nice tool to use in the classroom,
because it can help cover any kind of disruptive
behavior in and out of the classroom. Because this
rule is so broad, it can turn into a small power struggle
when you ask if the action they made was a smart
choice and they respond with something along the
lines of “That was a smart choice, what do you
mean?” If this happens, you can ask what a smarter
choice could have been that they can use in the
classroom and in the future.

3

Another way instructors can bring the classroom Whole Brain Teaching is being used to teach
back together is by using attention grabbers that do instruction to students of all ages and is giving great
not just remind the students of the previous five rules, results in and out of the classroom. As the students
but can help the students stop what they might be begin to learn the five rules of Whole Brain Teaching
currently distracted with, and pay attention to the and other engagement strategies, they are thinking and
teacher. To begin this process, teachers like to use a processing using motions, talking, writing, and
tactic to get the student’s attention in which they say, reading to internalize the rules of the classroom.
“Class?” and the students reply in the same tone Using these tactics in Whole Brain Teaching can be
saying, “Yes?”. This can become fun, especially with rewarding, fun, and overwhelming all at the same time
classes who have been using this for a while because but the results and experiences you and your class can
you can individualize it in fun ways! One way is using get can make it all worthwhile.
a high pitched voice saying, “Class class ‘classity’
class?” and they reply saying, “Yes yes ‘yesity’ yes?”. References:
You can also use other ways to get the student’s 1. Battle, J., M.A.T. (n.d.). Whole Brain Teaching: Learning the
attention including, “Hands and eyes”, in which you Way the Brain is Designed. Retrieved from https://www.advanc-
say hands and eyes and put your hands together and ed.org/source/whole-brain-teaching-learning-way-brain-designed
they stop what they’re doing, look at you, the 2. Chandler, L. (n.d.). WBT’s Classroom-Transforming Rules.
instructor, and say, “Hand and eyes” back to you. Retrieved from https://www.lauracandler.com/whole-brain-
teaching-rules/
3. Wong, H. K., Wong, R. T., Jondahl, S. F., & Ferguson, O. F.
(2018). The Classroom Management Book. Mountain View, CA:
Harry K. Wong Publications.

4

A Teacher's Perspective!
By: Katie Cochran

Q: When did you begin using Whole Brain Teaching in your classroom? Why?
A: I began using Whole Brain Teaching (WBT) in December of this school year, so about 3 months ago.  I
was having difficulties with the behavior of a few boys in my class. Like, serious behavior issues. For
instance, I had one boy who would run away from class when I wasn’t looking and several other students
might be on the autism spectrum. I needed something that could help me keep control of the classroom. I
also did not want these students to simply stop distracting their classmates— I wanted them to be active
participants in the classroom.
Q: What were the initial reactions of the students to this new instruction method? Were there any
that struggled with it? Any that loved it?
A: I was surprised to find little resistance to WBT when I began implementing it. Students  jumped on board
with the new rules even though it was mid-year. I think that the rules seemed logical to them, and it gave the
structure they had been craving.
Q: Which of the five main rules does your class struggle with the most and what are some tips for
other classroom instructors that struggle with that rule?
A: My class struggles the most with “Raise your hand for permission to speak.” I have one boy who makes
constant noise all day long. It’s an attention seeking behavior. Initially I tried to ignore the noise (since
correcting simply gave him the attention he wanted) but this communicated to the class that making noise
and talking was permissible. Many students have a bad habit of calling out. I will deal with the
consequences of my choice for the remainder of the school year.
Q: What is the main difference you have noticed in your classroom since you began using Whole
Brain Teaching?
A: The main difference I’ve noticed is that students will quickly correct their behavior if I call out a certain
rule. If a student is wasting time, I can call out “Follow directions quickly” and they will immediately
change their behavior. For some students, “respect” is too abstract of a concept. They need clear directions
as to what they can and cannot do.

Q: Will you continue using it in all of your Mrs. Murray is a third grade teacher at Central Elementary
future classes or will you only use this School, she is in the middle of her second year teaching, and
instruction method on some of your more has just recently started using Whole Brain Teaching in her
exciting classes?
A: I will use this method in my future classes. classroom!
It helps learners with unique needs without
singling them out or making the other kids feel
like they’re being babies. Paired with the
“Respect” rules, it covers just about any
misbehavior that can happen at school. I
imagine that with more “exciting” classes
(good choice, by the way!) I will refer to it
more often than I would with a more compliant
class.

5

ABOUT CARINA JOHNS

My name is Carina Johns and I am a
freshman at Brigham Young University in Rexburg,
Idaho. I am currently studying Elementary
Education with a minor in mathematics. Someday
soon, I hope to be a well-educated individual who is
suited for the demanding role of a public educator.
My professional goals, as I do so, are to be an
effective communicator to my students, establish a
well-rounded classroom where children are excited
to come and learn, develop philosophies that are
appropriate for each student, help my students
reach their goals, be open to change in my career,
and to have a positive impact on the academic lives
of my students. I believe the teacher should
facilitate the lessons and discussions in the
classroom. They should be involved in every
child’s learning by being a role model in all their
doings, encouraging students to perform their best,
educating students effectively, and being aware of
each student’s individual needs.

My career goals are a direct reflection of my own background and personal experience in
education. I grew up in Antioch, California where I attended public school from kindergarten to twelfth
grade. The schools I attended in the East Bay of Northern California were very diverse which allowed
me to have an expanded knowledge of cultures and opinions. I experienced moments of
discrimination, both from race and class, in the classroom and witnessed how teachers handled it. As a
future teacher, I want to have a positive outlook on each individual student without the tendency of
labeling. My job is to be a supporter for the students and help them the best I can. In return, I would
hope that each student would be an effective learner by paying attention and putting forth effort, being
creative with learning techniques, showing respect to peers and administrators, and fully participating
and asking questions regularly.

I chose to research how technology is being used in the classroom, but specifically the transition.
As teachers, we need to be flexible with the changes that come into our classrooms. Technology has
made many advances in education and is being incorporated in curriculum. However, some teachers
are stuck on the old-fashioned “prairie” mindset and are timid with new educational devices. The
motive of my article is to encourage those teachers who may have not yet made this beneficial
transition in their classrooms.

6

Little Tech on the Prairie

By: Carina Johns

Approximately, “sixty-three percent of K-12 twenty first century are normally tech savvy. Some
teachers use technology in the classroom daily,” teachers have reported that this makes them feel
reports Meghan Cortez, an editor for Edtech (1). inadequate.  Schools have tried different ways to help
 Cortez states that “daily classroom tech use is up by these teachers feel more comfortable with introducing
55 percent as of 2016.” That seems like a big technology into their classrooms. These methods can be
accomplishment, however, about one in every three using user-friendly software, collaboration with
students do not have technology use incorporated in colleagues on the resources they use, and hiring a
their classroom. Why is that? Well, many teachers are technology coach to train uncomprehending teachers (2).
not sure of how to incorporate or manage technology Even with the typical hesitation, there are many benefits
in a proper way. These teachers remain stagnant in that come with using technology in the classroom.
the time of the “Little House on the Prairie” where
everything is isolated from the ongoing, evolving Teachers have a hard time seeing the positives that
society.  Even with the increase in technology use, come with using technology with their students. But,
“twenty-five percent of teachers indicate they are here are some prime examples of ways teachers
intimidated by students’ knowledge and use of tech” incorporate technology in their classroom as educational
(1). Students growing up in the tools:

This was a
survey conducted in
April of 2017, by
Harris Poll, from the
University of
Phoenix.  More than
one thousand full-
time employed
teachers, ranging
from K-12,
participated in this
survey. These
statistics show that
teachers have
incorporated
technology by using
it for expanded
research on certain
subjects,
informational games,

improvement of comprehension skills, producing student-directed content, and keeping students engaged during
class.  These skills have been found very useful in classrooms today. Technology has many teaching trends that
come along with it. Some “prairie” teachers have a hard time keeping up with these trends.

7

But, they can be easily incorporated with these 2. Most teachers are familiar with these technological
devices. Here are the top five most trendy devices, but lack the knowledge about Interactive
technological devices teachers are currently using: Whiteboards.  These interactive boards are also
known as Smart Boards.  These boards can enhance a
child’s learning experience by "creating interactive
images and displays," said Alexis Roesser (3). They
not only help the teacher by assisting in their lesson
creativity, but it also allows the students to be
involved.  Students can write on the board and create
visuals.  They are erasable and easy to manage.  

So, what technological devices should teachers 3. Tablets have a very similar use as do laptops and
incorporate as they attempt to abandon the “Prairie?" computers.  Essentially, they are smaller, portable
 Laptops, Interactive White Boards, tablets, handheld computers.  Tablets are helpful when the
technology, and audience response systems have all technological use can be movable.  Students can
been found to be very helpful tools in today’s easily move around the classroom with them.  It is
education.  Let’s take a look at how they might be well known that teachers use tablets for the use of
incorporated: educational apps. There are many free apps that can
1.  Laptops and computers are used primarily for be useful for strengthening a child’s skill.
accessing the internet.  The internet can provide an 4. Handheld technology is also very useful for its
increased amount of information for the students mobility.  Handheld devices may include personal
enhancing their knowledge on specific topics.  Some phones, Kindles, or iPods.  Personal devices can be
schools have computers available in each classroom.  used for research or classroom polls such as Kahoot. 
This can allow the teacher to incorporate research Many teachers are hesitant with allowing the use of a
projects into the curriculum.  For younger grades, personal device during class.  In Poll’s survey, “seven
these might be useful for typing programs or fun, in ten teachers feel personal devices distract students”
interactive math games.  Computers have programs (1).  These teachers have seen devices become a
that allow the classroom to be filled with fun and distraction, but there are punishments and regulations
educational learning.  However, it also can bring that can be put in place to avoid this from happening. 
headaches and distractions when students turn to a site A regulation may be that they can only use them
they are not supposed to be on.  Some students may
look up information that is not appropriate.  As a
school, there should be security systems on every
device to avoid this kind of problem.  It is inevitable
that a student will stumble upon sensitive information
and there must be a plan in place when that happens. 
Teachers should regulate computer use in the
classroom and help avoid this issue from occurring.

8

during a certain assignment or task.  Having most technology into their lessons and activities.  Computers,
students raised in a household who used personal tablets, Smart Boards, personal devices, and audience
devices can seem intimidating to the teacher.  Some response systems will give students variety and depth in
students will test the limits and take advantage of the their education.  Prairie teachers can ease the technology
teacher because they might not be able to catch them.  into their classrooms by incorporating one of these
However, this is not the purpose of technology.  devices.  The world is moving forward and technology
Personal devices should be kept out of sight to avoid is advancing along beside it.  Encourage teachers to
being a distraction.  They also can be used as a reward escape from the old-school, primitive styles of education
or incentive for good behavior.  The teacher must set and embrace the use of technology in their classrooms.
the path for personal devices in the class and avoid
creating an ongoing problem around them. Resources:
5. Audience response systems are useful in the (1) Cortez, M. B., & Meghan. (2017, September 06).
classroom because they create interactivity between Classroom Tech Use Is on the Rise [#Infographic].
the teachers and students.  These systems might Retrieved from
include Voting Pads or iClickers.  The purpose of https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2017/09/classroom
these systems is to allow the students to by engaged in -tech-use-rise-infographic
the lesson and use an interactive poll.  Some teachers (2) Schoology. (2018, October 04). Integrating Technology
use this as a method of assessment.  They are in the Classroom: 7 Tips for Teachers. Retrieved from
individual devices given out to each student for https://www.schoology.com/blog/integrating-technology-
participation during class. classroom-7-tips-teachers
(3) Technology in the Classroom: The Benefits of Smart
These five devices have been found useful in the Boards. (n.d.). Retrieved from
classrooms.  They allow the teacher to bring https://www.teachhub.com/technology-classroom-benefits-
smart-boards

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9

An Administrator's View on
Educational Tech

By: Carina Johns

Richard Garner is the current principal of Central
Elementary School in Sugar City, Idaho.  He has been
principal for one year.

Q: What forms of technology are used in Central
Elmentary?
A:-Laptops, IPads, Projectors, Pedometers, pencils...

Q:How many devices are there roughly per classroom?
Per grade?
A: 6 (K-2) one to one laptop in 3rd

Q: How much money does the school output for funding technological devices?  
A: A lot!  Depending on grants... about $300,000 last year across the School District (60,000ish
our school)

Q: What are popular/effective computer programs (for student educational purposes) being used
this year? Cost?
A: IStation (free from state), Lexia ($1500, Accelerated Reader ($?lots)

Q: What benefits do you feel technology brings to the school’s community?
A:Information Acquisition & Communication

Q: What positives do you and the teachers witness from having technology in the classroom?  
A: Broader skills, variety of instruction, and. Enhanced presentation

Q: Would the school ever consider obtaining Smart Boards for each classroom?
A: Tried it.  Expensive to keep up with.  Projector cost much lower.

Q: What are common problems you see with students using technology? Teachers?
A: Maintenance, keeping up with advances... students & teachers

Q: Is it difficult to regulate a student’s technology use?
A: Not in K -3

Q: Have there been any challenges with getting teachers adjusted to the use of technology? Any
resistance to change?
A: Yes, a few a still old school but most have made change & will teach with moderate tech.

10

About Paige Pugh

My name is Paige Pugh, I grew up in
Eagle, Idaho in a family of twelve. I am
currently in my second semester at
Brigham Young University Idaho. I am
studying elementary education with a
minor in mathematics and have wanted to
be a teacher for as long as I can
remember. I have a passion for teaching
and working with children. I love being
able to touch student’s lives in any way I
can and teach them as much as possible.

My professional goals include,
teaching in a way that all children feel
safe and loved. Having my classroom be a
place of order and structure. Making sure
my students should feel accepted and able
to learn without feeling judged. As a
teacher be respected by administrators,
parents, and other teachers in the schools I
teach in. Teach to make students better
citizens and overall people.

There are various educational ideas I will incorporate in my future classroom. I believe in educating the
head, the hand’s, and the heart because a child needs love to develop physically and intellectually. I believe
learning should be an active process and play should be an actual educational method. I also believe the school's
should work on readying students for the world ahead and teaching students more than just the core subjects.

I am majoring in elementary education to help bring children to love and grasp learning, just as teacher’s
through my educational career did for me. I believe that the first step to helping students succeed is helping them
find a love for learning, and a desire to learn. After you have instilled that desire you can teach how to learn,
maintain, understand, and retain information. I look forward to getting to know each of the children in my future
classes and learning from them.

I believe technology should be a major part of education as it will be a major role in future careers. Students
should learn to use technology in a smart, safe way and be familiar with the process of working with. I believe
technology can be a negative if used incorrectly but if used correctly it can save money, provide new
opportunities for learning and communicating with other is different parts of the world. Technology brings new
information.

11

A Step in a Tech Direction

When entering a classroom there are a few By: Paige Pugh
typical things that a person may see. These things may
include, a whiteboard, desks, books, pencils… etc. in Technology has been slowly introduced into the
classrooms all over the United States, there is a new classroom over a period of many years. Looking at the
item that is very commonly found in the classroom history of technology in the classroom, it was first
and that is, some sort of technology. Technology introduced in the form of a radio, “Radio in the 1920s
trends are increasing and the money spent on sparked an entirely new wave of learning; on-air
technology is increasing dramatically each year. classes began popping up for any student within
These technology trends are changing the way listening range” (3). From there, came projectors in
classroom are run and how students learn. It is 1930, videotapes in 1951, the photocopier in 1959, the
allowing students and teachers both, to explore handheld calculator in 1972, and Scantron system of
learning in a new way with more resources at hand. testing in 1972. Each of these new technologies
As the topic of trends in technology continues to be at allowed teachers and students with new opportunities.
the forefront, it is key to understand that, “For those As educators it is important to become educated on
who are serious about success in the education field, the new technologies, “As technology advances, an
staying well-informed of current and changing educator’s abilities will grow by leaps and bounds,
technologies is imperative. As the world of and without the knowledge of these changes and
technology evolves, the learning environment, both capabilities, an instructor has a good chance of being
on-campus and online, will equally progress, and the left behind” (3). Technology has increased over time
need for teachers who are educated in technology and and with each new advancement new opportunities for
design will continue to grow” (3). If educators take learning come into play. The trends in technology are
technology and use it as a positive, many students’ continually changing and it is key to stay on board
lives will be touched and new areas for growth will with these changes.
come into play. Students will be challenged in new
ways and creativity will thrive. Technology is something people see everywhere,
it is used by a variety of ages ranging from young
children to senior citizens. The school system does not
make an exception, schools everywhere are increasing
their technology to fit the trends. An article describing
the recent trends says, “Technology is everywhere in
education: Public schools in the United States now
provide at

12

least one computer for every five students. They Creativity increases in schools up to the third grade,
spend more than $3 billion per year on digital content. from there it decreases each year with further
Led by the federal government, the country is in the schooling. This is because in typical schools’ students
midst of a massive effort to make affordable high- are being taught the same things, the same ways. These
speed Internet and free online teaching resources students often are not being challenged. Using systems
available to even the most rural and remote schools” such as games allows students to think out of the box
(1). Many may think this is a crazy amount of money and come up with creative problems and solutions.
and might even see it as a waste. However, the future
is technology driven and allowing students to become Being a student can be challenging and all students
comfortable with technology and teaching them to use know that getting behind can make it even more
it in a safe way will be greatly beneficial for the challenging. Humans get sick, have emotional days,
future. family emergencies, and many more circumstances that
make it almost impossible to make it to school. When
A major trend in education as far as technology, students miss school due to reasons such as the ones
is getting rid of paper books and converting to listed above, they often get behind and miss out on
eBooks. This can seem expensive and daunting learning opportunities. With technology remote learning
considering how big of a role books play in education becomes possible, “Remote Learning allows students
but it is actually a positive change, “You might think who can't make it to school still attend virtually. They
it would cost more to provide tablets for every student attend class through video and access content online.
in your school but think of how many textbooks you Other technologies can also be used including video
are saving every year. Textbooks are getting more conferencing, class forums, pre-recorded videos, social
expensive and they are usually used for seven A media, and email. In the same way, you can bring in
digital textbook would be more cost efficient and can students remotely, you can also bring in teachers or
easily be updated to reflect the most recent subject matter experts. This provides a higher quality of
information” (2). In the world today, new discoveries learning that would otherwise be unavailable due to
are being made daily, a positive of digital textbooks is distance or time” (2). With this new trend in technology,
that it allows research and information to be updated. many more students have access to schooling
This allows teachers and students to have a first hand opportunities. It also gives students the chance to
look at new data and new discoveries. Whereas, with interact with other students and teachers from a location
paper books every couple of years new textbooks that works best for those students.
have to be purchased to keep up with new
information. By providing students with tablets or With new technology trends coming forth daily,
laptops instead of paper books money is being saved new opportunities for learning appear. Technology is the
and students are being more accurately and fully future and allows for many students to be taught in a
educated. new way that stretches students’ brains and forces them
to think outside of the box. This new teaching comes
Classrooms all over the United States are coming
up with new innovative and creative ways to teach
students. With these new ways of teaching comes
teaching through games, “Gamification is the concept
of applying game-design thinking to different
classroom tasks to make them more fun and engaging.
The idea is to use the typical game system of
providing challenges, rewarding winners, then
providing harder challenges with equally bigger
rewards” (2). This may seem nontraditional and a way
for students to become off task quickly but it is
actually opening children’s minds to creativity.

13

through games, online activities, and connecting with References
other students from different parts of the world. These 1. Herold, B. (2019, February 19). Technology in
new trends in technology are saving money, renewing Education: An Overview. Retrieved from
information daily and allowing teachers to connect https://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/technology-in-
with students outside of the traditional classroom. If education/index.html
educators choose to accept technology and positively 2. Perez, P. (2015, August 27). 7 Must- Know Classroom
use it in the classroom, students will be given new Technology Trends that are Changing Education. Retrieved
opportunities to learn. from https://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/7-must-
know-classroom-technology-trends-that-are-changing-
education
3. The Evolution of Technology in the Classroom. (2017,
August 01). Retrieved from
https://online.purdue.edu/ldt/learning-design-
technology/resources/evolution-technology-classroom

Join today for the small price of $19.99

14

A TEACHER IN A
TECHNOLOGICAL

WORLD
By: Paige Pugh

Christine Poulsen is a fourth-grade teacher at Kershaw Intermediate
school. She graduated with a degree from Utah State University. She has

been teaching for twenty six years and loves educating students and
touching children’s lives.

When asking her questions regarding technology in the classroom and technological trends, she answered as
follows:

Q: What technology do you have in your classroom?
A: Each student has a computer that is at their desks with them. I have a laptop, printer, projector, apple TV, iPad,
and strobe ball, and we have three classroom mini iPad’s.

Q: Do you believe technology is positively or negatively affecting education?
A: “I believe used in the right way it is positive. But used as a time filler to just play games it is a negative”.

Q: Do you have safety procedures to keep children safe on the internet?
A: “We teach them those digital citizenship rules, not to give out their name and all of that stuff so we’ve taught
them what to do but then there’s also filters on the computers. The kids have a different filter on their internet search
then the teachers do.”

Q: What are some trends in technology that you are currently using in your classroom?
A: “The online quizzing, the Classcraft which is for discipline, there is also class Dojo that you can use. Classcraft
for these guys I think is older and words better with them and Dojo is for younger ones.”

Q: Does technology make your life as a teacher easier or harder? And why?
A: Technology like the Quizlet’s used makes my life as a teacher easier because instead of having to go in and grade
the quiz it grades it for me. It also wastes a lot less paper and saves time making copies because the students can
complete and submit assignments online.

15

About Kaelynn Chandler

My name is Kaelynn Chandler. I am a freshman at students's work performance in and out of the classroom.
Brigham Young University-Idaho. I have always loved I want to teach physical education in elementary
children and babysitting, but didn’t know until my senior
year of high school that I wanted to be an elementary schools. My method of teaching is to keep children active.
teacher. What helped me realize this was when I was a My goal is to help my students learn the importance of
cross-age tutor for a fourth grade class and I loved it! I was physical activity by teaching P.E. in an elementary school.
also influenced by my parents growing up. They taught me I want them to realize that doing outdoor/indoor activities
to go to school and be whatever I wanted. They taught me can be fun. I also want to show my students that physical
that I could follow my dreams as long as I set my mind to activity is just as important as electronic devices. I want to
it. I have believed this for all my life and I think it is very teach them that there is more to life than just getting the
true! I want to teach children all the different things that most kills on Fortnight, or building the biggest house on
they are able to do in their lifetime. Minecraft. By teaching this, it will help my students to be
more active and that exercise is healthy for the body.
As a teacher, I want to set a good environment for
my students. I want them to learn to the best of their l also believe it is important for students to have
abilities. I want to gain new experiences and have the brain breaks. Brain breaks are important for the children to
children learn new experiences. I also want to improve the have fun in school.

16

Breaking the Brain By: Kaelynn Chandler

Brain breaks in school can be beneficial to the students have to earn it. Teachers that do brain breaks
students and teachers when used properly. Brain every day in the classroom can use it like a recess.
breaks are “quick activities for the classroom that aim They want the students to have that extra 10 minutes
to both encourage children in physical activity while to boost brain function and get loose. By doing brain
enhancing their learning experience” (1). Brain breaks breaks regularly, it improves the attention span of a
help the students with boosting brain function and to student, and isn’t that what every teacher desires is for
develop social skills. It can also be used as transitions students to pay attention to the lesson?
between different subjects or even a change of topic
within a subject. This can help teachers, because it can Children, when growing up, are always asking
give them a break from teaching, moves the child questions and they want to know more about the
around so they aren’t always fidgeting, and the smallest things. What if teachers could teach those
teacher can create a better relationship with the questions they ask on why the sky is blue or how does
students. This is something fun, and students normally that car run? Teachers are able to do that through
love it when they know it is brain break time. brain breaks and throughout their lessons. Brain
breaks are a great way to do scientific experiments on
Brain breaks are a great way to boost the brain how tornadoes form or on the water cycle. All
function. The National Academy of Medicine children are desirous to learn more about literally
published an article about exercising in schools and everything. However, parents sometimes can get tired
said that it “changes the structure of our brains, with a of these questions and don’t stop to think about it or
number of benefits: improved attention and memory, have time to answer it. During brain breaks, teachers
increased brain activity and cognitive function, and can show students how to dance or why it is important
enhanced mood and ability to cope with stress” (4). to wash hands. By answering these simple questions,
Brain breaks are able to enhance the child’s learning. it helps with the child’s social skills. It helps because
If a 5 or 10 minute activity can help a child learn the students may have to work in a group for the
better, then why don’t teachers use it often in the project, or they may have to answer their own
classroom? Teachers are starting to use brain breaks question through the research they have done to the
as more of a reward system than a regular part of the entire class. Social skills are taught during brain
day. Teachers that use it as a reward are only doing it breaks, because it shows the students that it’s ok to be
maybe once a week and the silly or even make mistakes in front of others. This
also gives the students time to use their imagination
and not be graded on it (4). They can learn lessons by
running through a puddle and then learning that your

17

feet will get cold afterwards, or slipping on ice There are multiple types of brain breaks! Every
because they decide to try to run over it. Children are teacher can see a different need for them. It may be to
able to learn these lessons and develop social skills help regain focus of the classroom or just to have
through times of not being tested and in a desk in the some fun camaraderie. The main point of a brain
classroom. break is to get up and move around so the students
aren’t stuck in one place for hours on end. It helps
stimulate the mind and to help the students move from
one subject to the next. It is a great way to transition
between topics.

Teachers can even bring in volunteers so the
student can hear from someone new. The teacher can
bring in a fitness instructor during testing week to do a
longer break and get the students ready for the test (2).
According to an active living research study, “From
1967 to 2006, 11 out of 14 studies found regular
participation in physical activity is associated with
improved academic performance” (3). Physical
activity can help a child to learn more effectively.
 The teacher can also have parents come in every so
often and do a small activity with the kids. This gives
the teacher more time to do the activity with the
students other than teaching. This also helps the
students because they are able to hear from someone
new and they are interested in what the visitor has to
offer.

There are different activities that can be done to
correspond with the subject you are moving into,
wrapping up on, or even just general activities. Some
activities that can be done are listed below:

18

General Brain Breaks English Brain Breaks
Freeze Dance: Have students spread out across the room Stop and Scribble: Students stand at desks with partners.
and play one school-appropriate song. Let kids dance A piece of paper and pencil is needed for every 2
along until the music stops. Encourage students to hold students. Teacher calls out a physical activity: Jumping,
their position until the music restarts. Repeat sequence Twisting, Jogging, Jumping Jacks, Hopping, Knee Lifts,
as desired. Playing air guitar, Marching.
Students begin activity and continue until the teacher
Estimation Destination: Have students guess how many calls out a spelling word. Student’s freeze and partners
steps it will take to reach an assigned destination. Have work together to try to spell the word correctly on a
students write down their estimation prior to walking piece of paper. After 10-15 seconds, teacher calls out
and their actual steps taken after returning. As a class, new activity. Continue until all spelling words are used.
everybody walks together, silently counting their own As students cool down, teacher will write correct
steps. The destination can be, but not limited to, a spelling on board and students will check their work.
landmark outside of the classroom (e.g. the school flag
pole or a playground marking) or a series of destinations Vocabulary Scramble: Equipment: Letters of the
inside the classroom (e.g. from their desk, to one wall, to vocabulary words written on separate sheets of paper;
something blue, to something oval, to a window, and paper and pencil (for the records)
back to their desk). (1) Activity: 1. Divide the students into two groups of two.
2. Give each group letters, written on separate sheets of
paper, that make up a vocabulary word. Example
vocabulary word: friendship
3. Ten students will each receive one letter, one student
will be the checker, and one student will be the recorder.
4. The students with the letters will scramble to arrange
themselves to make as many different words as possible
with the letters they have. For example: Friendship-ship,
friend, dip, end, red, sip, etc.
5. The checker will make sure that the words are spelled
correctly and the recorder will write the words down on
a sheet of paper.
6. The group to spell the most words in 10 minutes is the
winner. (1)

19

Math Brain Breaks
Fitness Math: Equipment: One die for each group of four
students. Set Up: Teacher divides students in groups of
four and gives each team a die.
Activity: Teacher instructs the students to take turns
rolling the dice, and with each number rolled, students
identify it as either an even or an odd number and
perform the physical activity associated with the number
rolled. 1=Push Up 2=Jump & Stretch 3=Toe Touch
4=Curl Up 5=Arm Circles 6=Jumping Jacks
Variations: This game can be used with more advanced
math concepts by instructing students to multiply even
numbers by 2 and odd numbers by 3. For example, if a
student rolls a 2, then students would perform 2*2=4
jump and stretches; if a student rolled a 3, then students
in that group would perform 3*3=9 toe touches, etc.

Social Studies Brain Breaks Pac Man Chomps Again: Equipment: Fraction flashcards
Walk and Talk: Activity: Break students into groups of 2 Activity: Teacher will choose two students to come to
or 3, and assign a topic related to a current social studies the front of the class to represent different fractions. The
lesson that students need to discuss while taking a 5- teacher will give each of the two students a fraction
minute walk. They should report their discussion back to flashcard. Next, the teacher will choose a “PACMAN”
the class. from the remaining students to represent “greater than”
or “less than.” The student will then correctly arrange
Take a Tour: Activity: Lead students on an imaginary himself/herself between the two students to correctly
tour of a different country or state in a charades-like solve the equation. Once the equation has been correctly
game. For example, take a tour of Colorado: fly to solved, the “PACMAN” will choose an exercise for the
Colorado Springs, hike through San Isabel Forest, swim class to do (jumping jacks, jog in place, jump up and
the Arkansas River, climb the Sangre de Cristo down, etc.). Game continues with new students
Mountains. Create other simulations that point out representing fractions and a new “PACMAN.” (1)
various landmarks within any state. (1)

20

Science Brain Breaks
Rainstorm: Activity: Have a rainstorm in your
classroom. Have students follow your lead; begin by
having students very lightly rubbing their hands
together, then lightly snap, slap their thighs, slap their
thighs and stomp their feet (the rainstorm is at its peak!).
Then stop stomping their feet, just slap their thighs,
return to lightly snapping, rubbing their hands and stop.
Do each action for 20 seconds.

Animal Instincts: Activity: Pick one student to call out
an animal and have everyone mimic how that animal
moves. Go around the room until every student has an
opportunity to call out an animal and the class has
mimicked that animal.
          How can all these brain breaks help the
students? They are able to have fun while learning or
reviewing a topic. Students are able to contribute during
the lesson after the game or contribute to the game after
the lesson. By doing this the students feel important and
they feel like they can ask question or make comments
because it is an open learning environment. (1)

References
1. Active Play – Active Learning Brain Breaks Guide. (n.d.)
Retrieved from
https://sph.uth.edu/research/centers/dell/resources/APAL_Bra
in%20Breaks.pdf.
2. Brain Breaks, Instant Recess and Energizers. (n.d.).
Retrieved from www.actionforhealthykids.org/tools-for-
schools/1252-brain-breaks-instant-recess-and-energizers.
3. Colorado Initiative. (n.d.). Take a Break, Teacher Toolbox:
Physical Activity Breaks in the Secondary Classroom.
Retrieved from www.coloradoedinitiative.org/wp-
content/uploads/2014/08/CEI-Take-a-Break-Teacher-
Toolbox.pdf.
4. Terada, Youki. (2018). Research-Tested Benefits of
Breaks. Retrieved from www.edutopia.org/article/research-
tested-benefits-breaks.

21

Picking a Teacher's Brain
By: Kaelynn Chandler
Ila Chandler is my sister and she graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2018. She graduated
with a bachelors in Early Childhood Profession. She is currently a lead teacher for the 2 year olds down in

San Diego, California.

Q: What desire did you have to become a preschool
teacher?
A: I chose to be a preschool teacher because I love
children at this age. They are so willing to help out and
learn when given the proper tools and expectations.
They are children, yes, so I will have days that are
harder than others. But all the hard days go out the
window when I see a child learn a new skill for the first
time! It's the best feeling in the world to know that I was
a part of that big moment!

Q: In college what was the most beneficial thing you
learned?
A: In college, I learned about the importance of play and
experimentation for children. Children need structure to
learn and grow, yes, but they also need some time to
explore and use their imaginations to learn and grow. If
we only have structured activities for children, we are
missing a vital part of their personal development.

Q: If you had to summarize the most important thing
you’ve learned, what would you say?
A: The most important thing I learned was that each
child is different. We can learn about all the child
development theories. We can learn about all

the tips for helping children as a whole. But all of those things that we learn need to be narrowed down and
used for each individual child. Each child is unique and should be treated as such.

Q: When working with the kids, do you participate in the activity or do you just teach and tell them what to
do?
A: When working with my children, I explain the activity to them and then I participate and do the activity
with them. I feel that it is more important to participate with the children because they hold a greater interest
if they see their caregiver or teacher holding interest in the activity.

22

Q: What would you say is the most important thing that people should know or understand?
A: Something that I believe is important for people to know and understand is that children will be children.
Now let me explain what I mean. You might have a child in your class who sometimes cries, lashes out, or
has tantrums. This is okay! Children are still developing and learning how to handle and be in control of their
own emotions. Why should we expect young children to handle and be in control of their emotions when we
sometimes can't do it ourselves?
Q: Do you let the kids have breaks in your classroom? If so, what do you do for the breaks?
A: I do allow my children to have breaks in my classroom. I give my children a chance to participate in free
play. Free play is a time of the day where the children can play in the different centers of my classroom. I
have a home center, where they can act out different roles they see every day. I also have a block center,
where the children can build with different types of blocks. This allows the children to make safe choices and
use their imaginations individually and/or together.

Go SURFIN' with your class during
BRAIN BREAKS on GoNoodle.com!

GoNoodle is a great resource to do as brain breaks!
There are hundreds of videos that are fun for all ages.

23

About Blaire Rahman

I am Blaire Rahman. I am 19 years old going to I have an older brother, older sister, and a younger
college at Brigham Young University-Idaho. This is my brother. My sister and I do everything together and I look
second semester and I am majoring in Elementary up to her in most aspects of my life. Building
Education. My emphasis is math because it is my favorite relationships is vital for students because they need to
subject. I love math because once you learn how to solve learn social skills to survive and work with others.
the problem, you can solve any similar problem and get
the correct answer. Math helps you solve real-life In my classroom I want classroom management in
problems and teaches how to follow steps to get an order to keep my students safe, and to have a fun, but
answer. I wanted to become a teacher because I love controlled environment for everyone involved. I believe
watching the material “click” in the students head. Also making sure the students know that you are a person is
the joy of giving knowledge to students is unimaginable, essential to effective teaching. You need to have a balance
these kids have such a bright future and we get to be apart between having fun with them and teaching them valuable
of that. The things we teach them young will carry them information. Along with this, in my classroom I want to
into the rest of their lives. incorporate maker learning. I believe that a project-based
class is essential for social skills and more hands on
My family is the foundation of everything I do. My learning. I know that I am not perfect and that in teaching
parents were my biggest supporters, from going to dance there is always improvement to be made. I look forward
recitals, encouraging me to continue school, and being the to growing as a teacher and learning all that I can.
best role models. My siblings are some of my best friends.

24

All Hands on Board

By: Blaire Rahman

Maker learning is an emerging teaching trend in “An Introduction to Maker Education“ outlines the
today’s society. This method focuses on hands on basis of maker learning by stating, “Maker education
interactions and project-based learning. Along with often incorporates new and cutting-edge technology,
this, maker education helps with social skills by but it still includes traditional methods and means that
having the students work in groups. The newest encourage making” (1).  This explains how this
technology is used to aide in the students' future. technique in teaching is brand new and relevant. It is
Teachers need the support of both the families and the not completely different, long-established teaching
community to better ease the transition and get the styles are still being taught, but in a current way. The
tools required for an effective maker learning emphasis is on building to problem-solve instead of
environment. Students in this environment will gain worksheets. This gives students a chance to try their
independence in problem-solving along with social hands at more engineering based learning. Along with
interactions. By assessing themselves students will be this, “Maker education is a fun and engaging way for
able to look into themselves to see where they at. This students to build skills they need to succeed today”
teaching trend is growing and helping students (1). The future is changing and this way of teaching
improve for their future ahead. will help the students to adapt into the world more
smoothly. Technology is beyond its’ years and the
Maker learning is the newest and greatest form of students are going to be the ones to both create higher
learning. This trend is based on hands on learning for level technology along with using it, so the best way
students. New resources are being brought in to better to prepare them for that is to start building young.
the learning environment. An article entitled,
Teachers everywhere are starting to implement
maker learning in their own classrooms. Educators
want to bring the best techniques to their students and
they believe that is through maker learning. Adapting
this new method has encouraged the whole
neighborhood to get involved. In an article called
“Maker Learning” it says, “Administrators and
instructional leaders are seeking resources to better
support their communities in cultivating a maker
learning culture with new programs and practices for
their students” (4). The teachers want the best for their
class and need the support of all those involved
including the families of the students. This will help
the students to fully be engaged in this teaching
strategy. Maker learning stresses “agency,
authenticity, and audience” (4). This is the reason
parents are in full support of this method. They want
these attributes for their children and it makes

25

these attributes for their children and it makes classroom

life more productive. Teachers are putting this new

technique in play and it is becoming very effective due

to the help from the community. It would be very

difficult to start a new culture without the support of

families and administrators. Teachers are implementing

maker learning into the classroom with new resources

which can be strenuous, but the contribution from the

community makes the transition smoother along with a

better environment for the students.

The biggest advantage of maker learning is the

aspect of individuality. The students become great at

figuring things out on their own. Yes, it is still teacher

led, but the students are becoming more self-

sufficient. This is shown in the article “The Maker

Movement: A Learning Revolution” by saying,

“Students… don’t need to be told what to do next.

This stance can be a crucial change for children who it touches on soft skills and says, “focusing on these

are used to getting explicit directions every minute of soft skills doesn’t mean that content knowledge or

every day” (3). This explains how students are able to conceptual understanding is excluded—it just means

do different things on their own, which is completely that all of the skills are equally important and form a
new to them. This is essential for the future because foundation and context for understanding and applying
they will be able to handle real-life problems with content knowledge” (2). This states how not only is

grace because of maker learning. Along with this, content knowledge included, but so are soft skills like

students are able to find subjects they enjoy and collaboration. This is interesting because in a normal

excelling in those areas. classroom students are solely graded on content

Students are making projects that are “connecting knowledge, but when doing hands on and group
their whole being with constructive materials in a flow projects often, soft skills are also being improved.
that results in fantastic artifacts that almost always Maker learning teaches not only innovative material,
exceed our expectations” (3). They are going above and but also social skills students need. Assessing is tough
beyond teacher’s predictions and proud of their work. because the teacher can not be hovering over every
This work is exceptional and made from their own student at all times to grade these things. The way to
hands, not a computer. They are learning to problem- assess effectively researchers have found is to “allow
solve for themselves along with an outcome of students to self-assess and reflect on their work at
outstanding work. numerous moments and support using makerspace
processes and products” (2). This means that students
Assessing students in maker learning is difficult. It will able to decide for themselves how they did and
is up to the teacher on whether to grade the work, or interacted with their peers. This takes the pressure off
grade the effort, or not to grade at all. This can be the teacher, but still gives them the power to change
intimidating because what is the correct answer? In an the students assessment for themselves as needed.
article titled “Assessing Learning in Maker Education”

26

This new teaching technique is becoming more Maker learning is beneficial for both the students
well-known, but takes time to fully be put in place. and the teachers. Students are gaining hands-on
This can sometimes be hard when resources are not learning experiences along with improving their social
available to teachers. Teachers know that this technique skills. Teachers with the support of the household can
can be very successful, but it takes tools to get there. In have the best resources for their classroom. Instead of
the article “What is Maker Education?” it expounds on the teachers being the ones assessing the students’
this thought by saying, “We know that learning is work, the pupil assesses their own work to better learn
contextual and social, and that for children to get what about themselves. With this they will become self-
they need, educators must have what they need” (5). sufficient in many aspects of their lives. The
classroom becomes a safe space for productive work
and students tend to outshine themselves. Maker
learning is an effective teaching strategies for teachers
to adopt.

References:
1. An Introduction to Maker Education. (n.d.). Retrieved

from https://rossieronline.usc.edu/maker-education/what-

is-maker-ed/
2. Chang, S. (2018, August 30). Assessing Learning in

Maker Education. Retrieved from

https://www.edutopia.org/article/assessing-learning-maker-

education

This is essential because maker education is much more 3. Maker Learning. (n.d.). Retrieved from
than just making projects. It helps much more than that, https://digitalpromise.org/initiative/maker-learning/
“It’s about the connections, community  and the 4. Martinez, S. (2019, February 11). The maker movement:
meaning we can make, and who holds the power to A learning revolution. Retrieved from
decide what our futures hold” (5). Teachers need the https://www.iste.org/explore/In-the-classroom/The-maker-
help to gain the necessities in order to give their students movement:-A-learning-revolution
the best opportunities possible. The whole community 5. What is MAker Education? (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://makered.org/about/what-is-maker-education/

needs to be involved to give the students the brightest

future possible by helping teachers in this aspect.

You can

have
students do This premade
a volcano volcano is
only $14.99!
project

already set

up!

27

Teaching for the Future
By: Blaire Rahman
Tamara Laponza graduated from California State University Long Beach. She has been teaching for 31 years. She
teaches 6th grade Math and Science in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
"Let me start by saying that I teach extremely low achieving students. The school is located in a low socioeconomic
area. With that said, my answers will be based on this information."

Q. What Current teaching trends do you use in your classroom? 
A. I have been teaching for a long time and there has been many trends with many different names. I teach my class
with the students in mind. I teach for just about 15 minutes of the period and the students discuss what they have
learned. This is now called, “Brain Breaks". I call it good teaching. I have always played classical music during math
class because studies have proven that it enhances the brain function. Many of the new trends are old trends
reworked. I also keep it real with a healthy dose of technology. 

Q. What are the biggest problems with new teaching trends today? 
A. I believe that these new trends will only work if the teacher establishes a discipline plan that lends itself toward
the success. Many teachers have difficultly implementing these new ideas because of lack of class control. 

Q. What are the biggest benefits of new teaching trends today?
A. The biggest benefits of new trends are that they help students feel comfortable with learning. The classroom
environment is more conducive to learning. I think that the music helps relax students when they are stressed over
math skills.

Q. How do you feel about the new teaching trend called “Maker Learning”?
A. I feel strongly about project-based learning. I always have students working on projects to help incorporate their
learning. It helps them apply their knowledge to a project that they enjoy participating in. The projects encourage
students to learn the information that they need to be successful with their projects.

Q. What do you think is the best method for teaching in today’s society?
A. I think all of these methods are good for today’s society however you need to keep your student population in
mind. You have to adjust to the students and use the techniques that will help your students successful. Not all of
these methods work well for all students. The teacher has to figure out what works for their students.

28