California Educator

March 2013

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> SHARING Teachers Teaching Teachers STORY AND PHOTOS BY BILL GUY Sharing best practices and trends is a hallmark of CTA's Good Teaching Conferences. The "North" conference held in San Jose involved nearly 900 educators and topics ranging from classroom management, new technology and workshops for specific curriculum content areas. All presenters pass rigorous muster for the opportunity to share their knowledge, skill and expertise with CTA members. Here, CTA member presenters share their workshop takeaways. Check out all of CTA's learning and networking opportunities at www.cta.org/conferences. Combining the Teaching of Vocabulary Words with State and National Standards to Achieve Good Writing Skills Yoga for Teachers and Students Gridley High School English teacher Ken Hardy's session focused on enhancing vocabulary instruction while strengthening grammar, punctuation, mechanics and writing. Garden Grove intermediate school math teacher, AVID coordinator and yoga instructor Alyson Hoberecht offered instruction in basic yoga and Pilates poses that can help students activate their brains while strengthening their bodies for benefits related to learning objectives and testing situations. Session takeaways: • Cornerstones of a solid writing program include repetition and structure. • The challenging paradigm shift from CST standards to the Common Core gives teachers the exciting ability to take control of the curriculum. • Hardy's ideas are just suggestions; use some, all or none as you build your own program of instruction. Session takeaways: • Yoga provides a sense of balance for teachers' intense work and dedication to their students and profession. • Yoga focuses on breathing, stretching, relaxation and flexibility, while Pilates focuses on strengthening the core, toning and preventing injuries. • Simple deep yoga breathing techniques can be used to help students relax before a quiz or test in class. Suggestions: • Get up-to-date on the Common Core standards. • Begin to take a leadership role in your department and school. • Instead of waiting for change, embrace it and get out in front of it. Reminders: • Make sure any yoga video, book, website or class you use is by an author or instructor who is nationally certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). • Yoga programs for students at school should include a parent notification letter and parent permission. Want to know more? Email Ken at khardy@gridley.k12.ca.us. Want to know more? Email Alyson at ahoberec@ggusd.us. 38 California Educator March 2013

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