How to Fill Classroom Seats: Close the Achievement Gap
Jodie Shell • September 30, 2020

This article was originally published on  The Edvocate.

What is the most beneficial thing students can do every day to help improve their education? There are numerous things schools can do, including hire great teachers, create a better system, and get parents involved, to name a few. While these are certainly things that will aide students in their academic growth and development, there is one action that tops the list that students must do. What is it? Children must come to school— whether physical, virtual, or a homeschool— and be present for their lessons.

Over the years, researchers and educators have been looking increasingly towards chronic absences as a major contributor to low test scores and the achievement gap. It only makes sense; a child must be present each day in school to learn the lessons covered, and the more he is absent, the more he will fall behind. If he continues to fall behind, it becomes increasingly difficult for him to catch up, which could result in lower test scores, being held back from the next grade level, or possibly causing him to drop out of school altogether. Research is showing that this is exactly what is happening to children who start missing too much school early on in their education.

The  California School Boards Association (CSBA) explains , “Chronic absence, defined as missing 10 percent or more of school over the course of the school year for any reason, including excused and unexcused absences, is a proven early warning sign for both academic failure and dropping out of school.” Research findings sited by the CSBA further detail the effects of low attendance on kindergarten students as they progress through the grade levels. “An analysis of chronically absent kindergarten students revealed a lower subsequent academic performance in grade 1 than their peers, with reading scores for Latino children the most affected. Among poor children who lack the resources to make up for time on task, chronic kindergarten absences translated into lower achievement in grade 5. By grade 6, chronic absence can be associated with dropping out of school. By grade 9, missing 20 percent of school can be a better predictor of dropout than grade 8 test scores.”

So what can you do to reduce chronic absenteeism in your classroom? While you cannot force a student to show up every day for school, there are plenty of things you can do to give them something to look forward to, as well as help them and their parents understand why it matters.

Look at the numbers.

Maybe the school’s overall attendance numbers are high, but is there a student who misses school every week or two, or even several days every month? Pay attention and look for patterns if a student is often absent. If you notice this happening, it’s time to talk with the student and his parents.

Communicate with students and parents.

Take an opportunity early in the school year, whether it’s at an open house, a parent-teacher conference, or even in a note you send home, to let everyone know how critical it is for students to be in class so they don’t fall behind. If you notice a student missing frequent days, speak with her and her parents again about the importance of coming to school, as well as your concern for her well-being and academic success. If there is an underlying reason for the absences, such as a lack of transportation, point them to available resources and get administrators involved to help. It may take extra time and work, but it could save a student from falling behind or dropping out.

Engage students in class.

Give students something to look forward to with fun, interactive lessons and materials. Help them make a real-world connection with the ideas of the lesson and how they might apply to their own lives. Allow children to move around, work together, and share ideas.

Connect with students.

Studies show that making a personal connection with a student can increase his performance in school. It may not be possible to make a connection with every student, especially in large classes, but pay close attention to struggling students and those who are frequently missing days. Make an effort to talk with them and listen to what they have to say. You may be able to find out why they are missing so much school and give them a new reason to look forward to coming in.

Attendance Works, a national and state initiative that promotes better policy and practice around school attendance, provides research and many great, free tools and tips for communicating the importance of school attendance. Visit their website at  http://www.attendanceworks.org/tools/  to learn more about how to spread the word, fill those seats, and close the achievement gap!

Part 4 of our Executive Functioning Skills Series: Cultivating Attention and Self-Control

By Jodie Shell • February 18, 2025
In the bustling environment of an elementary classroom, harnessing students' attention and self-control can seem daunting, yet these executive functioning skills are crucial for academic success and personal development. As educators, nurturing these skills can empower students to become more focused, resilient, and independent learners. Here’s how teachers can integrate strategies, such as structured routines, mindfulness exercises, and interactive activities, to cultivate these capabilities in young learners. Structured Routines: The Backbone of Classroom Management Establishing a consistent daily routine is a fundamental step in helping students master self-control and attention. Predictable schedules provide a sense of security, helping students understand what is expected at different times of the day. Teachers can start by outlining the day’s agenda at the beginning of each class, using visual aids like charts or calendars. This not only sets clear expectations but also helps students mentally prepare for transitions between activities. Gradually, students learn to manage their time and maintain focus, knowing exactly what comes next. Mindfulness Exercises: Building Inner Focus Incorporating mindfulness exercises into the classroom can significantly enhance students' ability to concentrate and regulate their emotions. Simple activities, such as guided breathing or short meditation sessions, can be seamlessly integrated into the school day. For instance, starting the morning with a five-minute breathing exercise can calm students' minds, setting a focused tone for learning. Mindfulness not only improves attention span but also aids in emotional regulation, helping students pause and think before reacting impulsively. Interactive Activities: Engaging and Educative Interactive activities that require students to follow instructions or work collaboratively can effectively boost their attention and self-control. Games like "Simon Says" or "Red Light, Green Light" require students to listen carefully and respond appropriately, honing their capacity to control impulses and focus on the task at hand. Additionally, activities that involve problem-solving or creative thinking—such as group projects or classroom debates—encourage students to concentrate and engage deeply with their peers and the material. Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging Growth Positive reinforcement plays a pivotal role in developing executive functioning skills. Praise and rewards for demonstrating self-control and attention can motivate students to replicate these behaviors. Teachers can implement systems such as token economies or recognition boards where students earn points or badges for exhibiting focused behavior. Celebrating these achievements fosters a classroom culture that values perseverance and self-regulation. Creating a Supportive Learning Environment Finally, fostering a supportive learning environment is essential. Teachers can create a space where students feel safe to make mistakes and are encouraged to learn from them. Implementing flexible seating arrangements or quiet zones can cater to different learning styles and help maintain focus. By cultivating a classroom atmosphere that respects individual needs and promotes positive interactions, teachers can significantly enhance students’ executive functioning abilities. By incorporating structured routines, mindfulness exercises, interactive activities, and positive reinforcement, teachers can play a pivotal role in developing students' attention and self-control. These skills are not only foundational for academic achievement but are vital for students’ overall personal growth and future success. As educators embrace these strategies, they prepare students to navigate the challenges of the modern world with confidence and competence. At GrapeSEED, we have embraced routine, interaction and creating an encouraging and supportive environment. As a matter of fact, these qualities are a large part of who we are and how our curriculum is structured. Want to learn more about us? Just click here!

Simple Steps to Cultivate Task Initiation and Flexibility

February 4, 2025
As we continue on through our series about the different executive functioning skills, we’re learning that these skills are essential for academic success and everyday life. In today’s article, we’ll focus on how children can acquire the skills of taking initiative and remaining flexible and how teachers can help: Clear Expectations Teachers can help student start by establishing clear and concise instructions. Break tasks into smaller steps to make them manageable, reducing anxiety and promoting independence. This clarity encourages students to take initiative confidently. Visual Schedules Use visual schedules to map out the day's activities. These can include pictures or symbols that serve as cues for task initiation and help students anticipate transitions, making them more adaptable to changes. Adaptability Games Incorporate games that require quick thinking and adaptability, such as "Simon Says" or "Musical Chairs." These playful activities teach students to adjust their strategies and develop resilience in facing unexpected changes. Modeling Behavior Demonstrate the behaviors you wish to instill. By showing how to start tasks and adapt to disruptions, teachers offer a live example for students to emulate. Think aloud and verbalize your plans and adjustments to illustrate these processes. Positive Reinforcement Celebrate students' efforts in initiating tasks and adapting to change with positive reinforcement. Use praise, stickers, or privileges to acknowledge their progress, reinforcing these behaviors and building their confidence. Importance of These Skills Teaching task initiation and flexibility equips students with vital tools for success. These executive functioning skills prepare them for academic challenges and social interactions, laying a foundation for lifelong adaptability and independence. By integrating these strategies into classroom routines, teachers can effectively nurture students' executive functioning skills, helping them thrive in various settings. While the GrapeSEED curriculum is designed for English acquisition, it embodies so many of these powerful life skills. Click here for more!

Spark Planning and Organization in the Classroom

January 21, 2025
Developing strong executive functioning skills, particularly planning and organization, is crucial for young students to thrive both academically and personally. As an elementary school staff member, you play a vital role in nurturing these abilities in your classroom. Here are some practical strategies that can be easily implemented to help your students build these essential skills. 1. Visual Schedules: A Roadmap for Success Visual schedules are an excellent tool for helping students understand and plan their day. By using charts or calendars with pictures, icons, or colors, you can guide students through their daily activities. This visual aid not only helps them anticipate what comes next but also fosters independence as they learn to follow their schedule. How to Implement: Create a daily schedule that includes all classroom activities. Use Velcro strips or magnets so that students can physically manipulate the schedule, adding or removing tasks as needed. Encourage students to check off completed tasks, giving them a sense of accomplishment. 2. Break Tasks into Manageable Steps Large tasks can be overwhelming for young learners. Breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps makes them less daunting and easier to tackle, helping students initiate and complete their work confidently. How to Implement: When introducing a new project or assignment, outline each step on the board. Provide students with a checklist they can follow, ticking off each step as they complete it. Pair students with a buddy to discuss and divide tasks, promoting collaboration and peer learning. 3. Incorporate Games that Encourage Planni ng Games are a fun and effective way to develop planning skills. Activities that require strategy and foresight can help students learn to think ahead and plan their moves. How to Implement: Introduce board games like "Checkers" or "Connect Four," which require strategic thinking. Use puzzles that require students to plan their approach before starting. Organize team challenges where students must work together to achieve a goal, fostering both planning and collaboration. 4. Consistency is Key Consistency in your approach helps students understand the expectations and develop a habitual routine. When they know what to expect, they are more likely to engage in and initiate tasks independently. How to Implement: Establish a consistent classroom routine that students can rely on. Reinforce the importance of following the routine and provide gentle reminders as needed. Use consistent language and cues when discussing planning and task initiation. 5. Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate Small Wins Positive reinforcement is essential in motivating students and reinforcing good habits. Celebrating small achievements encourages students to take initiative and develop confidence in their abilities. How to Implement: Acknowledge and praise students when they successfully follow their schedule or complete a task. Use a reward system, such as stickers or a classroom reward jar, to recognize their efforts. Share success stories with the class, highlighting how planning and initiative led to positive outcomes. By incorporating these strategies into your teaching, you can create a supportive environment that empowers your students to develop crucial executive functioning skills. Remember, the goal is to provide them with the tools they need to plan effectively and to be organized. With consistency and encouragement, your students will be well on their way to becoming independent learners and thinkers. GrapeSEED’s carefully created curriculum is built on consistency, routine and building independence over time. Check us out by clicking here today!

Mastering the Mind: Understanding the 10 Essential Executive Functioning Skills

January 7, 2025
In the dynamic world of childhood education, executive functioning skills play a pivotal role in shaping a child's learning and development. These skills act as the brain's control center, helping young learners manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions. Today, let’s explore the 10 key executive functioning skills essential for elementary school students and understand their impact on everyday learning and activities at a high level: 1.Planning Planning for young students involves setting simple goals, like completing a project or organizing a playdate. This skill helps them visualize steps needed to achieve their objectives. In a school setting, planning assists children in approaching assignments systematically and managing their time effectively. 2. Organization Organization means keeping school supplies, homework, and personal items in order. For elementary students, it translates to having a tidy desk or backpack. Organizational skills help students follow daily routines and reduce anxiety about misplaced items, leading to a more focused learning environment. 3. Task Initiation Task initiation is about starting homework or chores without delay. Young learners often struggle with procrastination, and this skill encourages them to begin tasks promptly. In the classroom, it helps students dive into activities or assignments as soon as they receive instructions. 4. Flexibility Flexibility allows children to adapt to changes, like classroom schedule shifts or unexpected challenges in projects. It encourages them to embrace new ideas and learn from mistakes. This skill is crucial for fostering creativity and resilience in learning. 5. Attention Attention helps children focus on their teacher's instructions or classwork while ignoring distractions. It is vital for absorbing new information and completing tasks efficiently. Improving attention can enhance a student's performance in subjects like reading and math. 6. Self-Control Self-control is the ability to manage impulses and emotions, such as waiting patiently for their turn or reacting calmly to a peer's comment. This skill supports positive interactions and helps maintain a conducive learning environment. 7. Metacognition Metacognition is thinking about one's own thought process. For children, it might involve reflecting on what strategies helped them learn a math concept or why a story was challenging to understand. This awareness boosts their ability to adjust learning tactics and improve academic success. 8. Working Memory Working memory enables students to hold and use information temporarily, such as remembering instructions or story details. It is crucial for following multi-step directions and participating in class discussions. Strengthening working memory supports academic achievement across all subjects. 9. Time Management Time management for elementary students involves learning how to allocate time for homework, play, and rest. It helps them balance schoolwork with leisure activities, reducing stress and improving their overall well-being. Mastering this skill can lead to more efficient and enjoyable school days. 10. Perseverance Perseverance is the determination to keep trying despite difficulties, like solving a tough math problem or learning a new sport. This skill teaches students resilience and encourages a growth mindset, essential for overcoming academic challenges and achieving goals. Nurturing executive functioning skills in elementary school students is crucial for their academic success and personal growth. By focusing on these areas, we can support children in becoming organized, adaptable, and resilient learners. Encouraging the development of these skills will not only enhance their educational journey but also set them on a path toward lifelong success. Be sure to check out this entire series, where we’ll take a deeper dive into each of the executive functioning skills. And be sure to check out what GrapeSEED can do for your English Language Learner and Emergent Multilingual Leaner students by clicking here .
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