Uncategorized – Page 3 – Josh Stumpenhorst

What’s Best For Kids

Posted on February 15, 2019 by stumpteacher

As teachers, we are constantly trying new things with and for our students. Teaching is an evolving craft that changes from day to day and even minute by minute. We are always looking for ways to make learning the best it can possibly be for our students. Sometimes that means stepping out of the box […]

Let Them Read Graphic Novels

Posted on February 9, 2019 by stumpteacher

Not too long ago, I was in our local public library and heard a mom tell her son he couldn’t check out a graphic novel. She told him he had to get “real” books. I overheard this as I was walking with my son to the checkout with his 9 graphic novels. 🙂 I share […]

Maker Projects

Posted on January 31, 2019January 31, 2019 by stumpteacher

Recently, I have been posting a great deal of content via my Instagram and twitter feeds around things our students have been creating in our library. Yet, as a follower on twitter pointed out to me recently, I really have not shared the how or why with many of the projects. With that in mind, […]

Tough Topics

Posted on October 7, 2018 by stumpteacher

Sexual assault, rape, harassment, and abuse are currently hot topics in the world and often ones we don’t like talking about. In light of recent world events, I’ve thought a great deal about these topics and their impact on our society. For many people, it is hard to fathom having to go through a situation […]

Stories of the Refugee

Posted on June 21, 2018 by stumpteacher

Turn on any news station and undoubtedly, you will hear stories pertaining to immigrants and/or refugees. One thing I fear most Americans are struggling with is having empathy for these people. I don’t say that as a criticism, but more a reality of the lives many of us have lived or are living. It is […]

We Need More Honesty

Posted on June 9, 2018 by stumpteacher

We need more honesty in education and fewer platitudes and false idealism. Far too often, educators willing to call out problematic aspects of their jobs or raise criticisms are being labeled as negative or accused of bashing teachers. Yet, in reality, they want nothing more than to lift up their profession and make learning better […]

Favorite Maker Activities 2018

Posted on May 31, 2018 by stumpteacher

This year has been one for the ages in terms of the flat-out cool stuff I’ve been able to work on with students. I wanted to share our highlight reel with everyone in hopes it will inspire some great end of the year projects or something to look forward to next year. If you have […]

Straight White Male

Posted on May 22, 2018 by stumpteacher

When a student is struggling with their sexuality or gender, I don’t know what to tell them. When an African American student struggles with society’s treatment of people of color, I don’t have an answer. When an autistic student is easily frustrated or acts out, I don’t often know how to help them. When I […]

Best Books of 2018 (part 1)

Posted on April 30, 2018April 30, 2018 by stumpteacher

It is that time of year when lots of folks share their “best of” posts for the 2017-2018 school year. I love looking at the best books lists just to see what others are reading and enjoying. I thought I would take a crack at sharing the books I find myself putting into kids’ hands […]

Moments

Posted on April 14, 2018April 15, 2018 by Josh Stumpenhorst

As teachers, we are tasked with teaching content and helping kids grow into productive and successful citizens. We are given a set of content standards we must cover and a battery of assessments to determine if we have succeeded in doing so. Our evaluations are based on how we plan and deliver our lessons as […]