Pamela J Cernjul

Pamela J Cernjul

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Experiential Learning Nurtures the Whole Child

Experiential Learning Nurtures the Whole Child

Imagine a classroom where children are building, exploring, and asking questions… not because they have to, but because they want to. Where learning is something they live, feel, and reflect on, rather than something delivered at them. In the primary grades, this kind of learning experience is transformative. When learning

The Hidden Cost of Absenteeism in the Primary Grades: Why Every Day Matters

The Hidden Cost of Absenteeism in the Primary Grades: Why Every Day Matters

Consistent school attendance in the early years is far more than a measure of compliance. It’s a cornerstone of literacy, social-emotional development, and long-term academic success. In primary grades, every day a child is present strengthens foundational reading skills, builds resilience, and nurtures the confidence to learn. Understanding how

Teaching Virtues and the Constitution: simple lessons for the elementary classroom

Teaching Virtues and the Constitution: simple lessons for the elementary classroom

Constitution Day is September 17th. Classrooms across the country should celebrate this important day because it marks the foundation of our democracy. In my state, schools are required to teach about the Constitution on this day. Unfortunately, that is not the case everywhere. Why does this matter? Because the Constitution

School Stamina: Mental, Physical, and Emotional Strategies for a Strong Start

School Stamina: Mental, Physical, and Emotional Strategies for a Strong Start

The back-to-school season is full of excitement, new friendships, and fresh opportunities for learning. But for many students, the transition from summer to school routines can also feel overwhelming. After months of flexibility, children are suddenly expected to sit still, concentrate for longer stretches, and regulate their emotions in a

Back to School: How Teachers Can Support the Social-Emotional Needs of Elementary Students

Back to School: How Teachers Can Support the Social-Emotional Needs of Elementary Students

As a new school year begins, elementary educators across the country are preparing classrooms with fresh bulletin boards, sharpened pencils, and carefully planned lessons. But while academic readiness is a key focus, another crucial element deserves equal attention: the social-emotional well-being of students. For young children, the transition from summer

Why 'Whole Child Teaching' Isn't Actually Obvious

Why 'Whole Child Teaching' Isn't Actually Obvious

So, isn't it obvious that teachers teach the whole child... not half, not one third, not one quarter. Isn't this a redundant, over-used term!?!? If only it were that simple. While the concept of teaching the "whole child" might seem like educational common sense,

Trauma Sensitive Children

Trauma Sensitive Children

Did you know that at least half of all children, ages birth to eight years, in the United States have been exposed to one type of trauma? (Bartlett &Steber, 2019) Did you know that young children exposed to five or more significant adverse experiences in the first three years

To Walk or Not To Walk

To Walk or Not To Walk

first written June 2, 2024 Yesterday I had the opportunity to formalize my doctoral degree by participating in the hooding ceremony. I am glad I did. I wasn’t going to. You see, I defended my dissertation almost one year ago, and I felt kinda silly walking after so much

I Teach because...

I Teach because...

I spent four 8-hour days unpacking standards for a school district. Throughout the arduous process, I reflected on teaching some thirty years ago before ‘no child left behind’ and ‘teach the standards’ became a thing. We had learning objectives, pacing guides, and criteria that had to be met for student

It's My Mission

It's My Mission

My mission is to empower children. Through my words and actions, children will know they are unique and worthy individuals deserving of love, respect, and dignity. They will know they matter. Every child is teachable. Every child can learn. In my class, each child will feel safe and know they