Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • May 19, 2010 SCHOOLS & CAMPS As a parent, perhaps you have been completely pleased with your child’s educational experience, or maybe you have often wondered what makes one teacher great while another is less effective. Certainly, the best teachers have a passion for their work, but what else does it take to reach and teach students successfully? Here are some of the attributes of excellent teachers They are well-prepared. Great teaching doesn’t happen by accident. The best teachers spend a great deal of time developing curriculum goals: laying out milestones, forming an approach to engage their class throughout the year, planning ahead for standardized tests for which they must prepare students, and much more. These teachers recognize that not all students learn the same way or come from the same home or educational background, and they are prepared to apply their methods differently to each unique Qualities to look for in your child’s teacher #1 BASEBALL CAMP IN AMERICA Mahwah. Campers 7-17. Select one or more weeks July 4 thru Aug. 8. Overnight, Day Camp or Extended Day Camp. Major League Stars. College coaches. A/C dorm and campers lounge. Batting cages, indoor BASEBALL CAMPpool. All-you-can-eat meals. Free COACHES AND YOUTH video games. Daily instruction LEADERS and games. Ramapo College Call about our money HEAD BASEBALL COACH making program Rich Martin, Director. Located on the beautiful campus SINCE 1981 OVER 24,000 ALUMNI of Ramapo College of N.J. in ALL STAR CALL TODAY FOR A FREE BROCHURE 1-800-828-7414 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALLSTARBASEBALLCAMP .COM student. They are knowledgeable, and know how to present their material in an interesting way. It goes without saying that an effective math teacher must have a great understanding of the subject, but the best teachers do not just possess knowledge; they know how to communicate their lesson goals (and methods for delivering each lesson) to students, keep them on task and encourage them every step of the way. More importantly, these teachers know how to arouse their students’ interests. They relate lessons to their students and invite participation. They are positive people. Great teachers are adaptable and maintain a positive demeanor and an overall good attitude. They listen well, respect students and parents, and welcome input from their students, fellow teachers and, of course, parents. They aim not to intimidate, but to inspire. They welcome parental participation and make it easy for students and parents to communicate with them. They know how to keep order. Parents of multiple children understand how challenging it can be to manage not one child, but several children at once. No matter how engaging or well-equipped a teacher is, he or she must also be capable of enforcing rules. Effective teachers keep students focused on learning, motivate them to participate and correct bad behavior immediately. They know how to handle trouble students and always stay calm. They use homework and tests as a way to reinforce classroom learning. The best teachers assign meaningful homework and projects that foster creativity, problem-solving, and independence. They provide detailed and positive feedback and praise, helping students understand where they can improve without making them feel bad. When it comes to state and standardized testing, they emphasize measuring students’ strengths and weaknesses in order to achieve maximum learning. While a great teacher can make a world of difference in the life of your child, remember that you, too, play an important role. Collaborate with your child’s teacher and ask what you can do to reinforce his or her good work at home. Working together will benefit your child and make the very most of his or her education. This article was submitted by Huntington Learning Centers, Inc. www.westbergen.org West Bergen Mental Healthcare Presents 4-14-10 Joan/Janine AllStarBaseballCamp2x2.5 2 x 2.5” The SOAR Experience Social Skills, Outdoor Fun, Arts & Crafts and Relationships �������� ������� ���������� ��������������������� ��������� �� YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER Swimming Movies Art Crafts Trips Music Scavenger Hunts  Games  Parades  Songs And More!        6 Week Program: July 5th-August 13th 3 Week Programs: July 5th-July 23rd & July 26th –August 13th Monday-Friday 9:00-3:00 pm Serving 6-15 yr olds with Asperger’s and Related Disorders Call (201) 934-1160, for application and info Camp Location– Center for Children and Youth 1 Cherry Lane, Ramsey, NJ ����������������� **Acknowledged local leader in the provision of services for Asperger’s Related Disorders since 1999.** Call (201) 444-3550 Service Locations Oakland - Ramsey - Ridgewood