Brittany Said:

Why did they stop teaching us cursive writing?

We Answered:

Formal Handwriting was dropped in Victoria Australia to allow the students to be individual in their own handwriting.However letter formation and formal handwriting lessons are held in some schools. Students are taught that joined writing is quicker than printing thus helping them in their future with exams. Depending on the school and the teacher the student has depends on the quality of teaching. New teachers are not taught how to teach handwriting whereas the older teacher have done so for many years.

Raymond Said:

What does a hiring panel want to read when they ask you to write a teaching philosophy (elementary)?

We Answered:

Generally they want to know your philosophy about learning and education. The key question you want to answer is "How can you help kids to learn?" When considering that answer, think about this:

1 - Review the key points of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Although you don't have to directly reference it or quote it, place some the language in your statement.

2 - What educational initatives you support or advocate (e.g., use of technology in the curriculum)?

3 - How will you build capicity as a measure to help your students (e.g., take workshops and professional development classes)?

Look up a few from the Internet and get some idea. Remember, teaching is all about helping the kids, so it should definately reflect that.

Jill Said:

Need help writing a cover letter for teaching positions?

We Answered:

Just substitute your info

Sample Cover Letter
_

456 College Hall
Normal, IL 67890

February 16, 20XX

Ms. Jane Doe
Partner-In-Charge
Big Public Accounting, Inc.
123 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 12345

Ms. Doe:

I was referred to you by Mr. Dave Zbecki, a Partner with your New York office, who informed me that the Chicago office of Big Public Accounting is actively seeking to hire quality individuals for your Auditor Development Program.

I will be receiving my BBA this May from Illinois State University, graduating Magna *** Laude. I am confident that my solid educational experience has prepared me for making an immediate contribution to Big Public Accounting. I understand the level of professionalism and communication required for long-term success in the field. My background and professional approach to business will provide your office with a highly productive Auditor upon completion of your Development Program.

I will be in the Chicago area the week of March 16. Please call me at 217-222-3456 to arrange a convenient time when we may meet to further discuss my background in relation to your needs. If I have not heard from you by March 9, I will contact your office to inquire as to a potential meeting date and time. I look forward to meeting you then.

Sincerely,

Tracy Q. Graduate

Tracy Q. Graduate

Carmen Said:

Is getting an elementary teaching degree difficult?

We Answered:

The requirements for getting a teaching degree differ in each state.

Generally, what they have in common is making sure you know elementary-level stuff, which of course is easy, taking child psychology courses which are easy, and taking a lot of tests which are a pain but not necessarily difficult. Some of the tests may require essays, and to get a job you will almost certainly need to write essays. (The hiring principal may ask you to write an essay on how you would handle a certain situation in class, your favorite teaching methods, etc.)

Most bachelor's degrees in any subject require some essay writing. You should go into the field you're interested in, regardless of what kind of work is required to get the degree. (But of course you should not aim to get a job where lots of writing is required. Once you ARE a teacher, there will be no essay writing, except perhaps for continuing education courses.)

I would speak to counselors at colleges near you about this.

Ron Said:

What are some websites for teaching elementary school grammar, punctuation, and/or the "mechanics" of writing?

We Answered:

Grammar:
Grammar Rocks from Schoolhouse Rock (you can find lyrics online and if you can't find the DVD, youtube has many of the songs.

Words are CATegorical books such as: to root, to toot, to parachute, what is a verb? They all have clever titles like that. Good springboards for talking about parts of speech.

World of Language books by Ruth Heller, same principle as the books above. Each book talks about a different part of speech.

Punctuation:
Punctuation Takes a Vacation...another picture book, probably a wee bit too young for 4th/5th grade, but you could read maybe one or two pages and assign them different punctuation marks to write postcards from and see if their classmates can guess which it was.

Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make a Difference! Great book by Lynn Truss, perfect for this grade level, with pictures to help explain. Based on the punctuation joke about pandas (there's an adult version too)

Also by Truss... The Girl's Like Spaghetti: Why, You Can't Manage Without Apostrophes! Her new one I haven't read, but here's the title: Twenty-Odd Ducks: Why, Every Punctuation Mark Counts!

Our school uses the 6+1 traits of writing to teach writing. Punctuation and Grammar would fall under Conventions, and to some degree Fluency, but there is so much more that goes into good writing. There are many books out there on 6 Traits (as it's called for short) Check out Ruth Cuhlam.