Hello!
My name is Steve Reifman, and I am a National Board Certified elementary school teacher, author, and speaker in Santa Monica, CA.
SteveReifman.com is a resource for elementary school teachers and parents. My mission is to teach the whole child—empowering students to succeed academically, build strong character, learn valuable work habits and social skills, and take charge of their health and wellness.
Blog
Discover over 100 posts filled with teaching tips, links to YouTube videos, and other useful ideas and strategies for teaching the whole child.
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Teaching Resources
Explore these print books, e-books, courses, and other resources that offer effective, proven ideas and strategies that improve student learning.
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Chase Manning Mystery Series
Each book in this award-winning mystery series for kids 8-12 features a single-day, real-time thriller that takes place on an elementary school campus.
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Workshops
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My students and I begin our daily morning routine with a variation of a team-building activity described by Jeanne Gibbs’ in her wonderful book Tribes. Using a 1-10 scale, each student checks in with the group by stating a number expressing how he or she is doing that day. A “10†means life couldn’t be better. I’m happy, energetic, and ready to have a great day.
On the other hand, a “1†means that I would rather be anywhere but here. Perhaps I am sick, upset, or troubled by something at home. The kids can pick any number between one and ten, fractions and decimals included, to share with the group. Students who do not wish to participate have the freedom to pass.
Going around the circle takes only a minute or two because the kids are only saying numbers; they aren’t revealing the reasons behind their numbers, thus preserving everyone’s right to privacy.
I’m always on the lookout for low numbers so that, as the day unfolds, I can offer these students comfort and cheer to boost their spirits. I encourage the kids to do the same. This activity builds a sense of inclusion and mutual caring; it also strengthens the bonds among team members. In addition, whenever possible, we try to find time at the end of the day to go around the circle again so that we can determine whether there have been any changes from the morning.
On the other hand, a “1†means that I would rather be anywhere but here. Perhaps I am sick, upset, or troubled by something at home. The kids can pick any number between one and ten, fractions and decimals included, to share with the group. Students who do not wish to participate have the freedom to pass.
Going around the circle takes only a minute or two because the kids are only saying numbers; they aren’t revealing the reasons behind their numbers, thus preserving everyone’s right to privacy.
I’m always on the lookout for low numbers so that, as the day unfolds, I can offer these students comfort and cheer to boost their spirits. I encourage the kids to do the same. This activity builds a sense of inclusion and mutual caring; it also strengthens the bonds among team members. In addition, whenever possible, we try to find time at the end of the day to go around the circle again so that we can determine whether there have been any changes from the morning.
It's always heart-warming to hear students who began the day with a low number share a high number at the end of the day and describe how a classmate cared enough about them to cheer them up throughout the day.
New Teaching Tips appear every Sunday of the school year.
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