Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. Parent/Teacher Conference Preparation

From Judy Bonfilio, a retired fifth grade teacher:

"Here are some ideas to help with parent/teacher conferences this year:

1. If possible, include the child in the conference. If you need to critique him on behaviors, performance or study habits, he is right there ready to help make a plan to correct. If all you have is praise, it's great for the child to hear you sing!
2. Be prepared. Have some anecdotal notes, test results, work samples, and so forth to present and discuss in a concrete way, rather than vague references.
3. Ask the parent to bring you up to speed on past school years' performance.
4. Be positive and focused on plans to correct any problems you and the parents and/or student agree upon. Be as specific as you can if you have ideas for implementing help. This may include specific plans about how you and the parent will keep in touch in the ensuing weeks. In short, what can the parent expect you to do to report progress on any new tactics? Be wary of overburdening yourself with constant written reports or phone calls. Don’t forget you have other students, too!
5. Recruit the parent by impressing on him that you are a team. This may include suggesting that he take certain responsibilities in helping his student, too, such as monitoring, checking over work, or even signing daily or weekly reports from you.
6. Reflect on the child, not on defending yourself or your policies. Center on how he can best mesh with classroom rules and procedures that are in place.
7. Be sure the parent knows what to expect as far as progress reports from you throughout the year.
8. Give contact information to the parent if he has concerns.
9. Start and end with something positive about the child, even if you have to dig to think of things."

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2. Handing Back Student Work

From csanders:

"I have some unruly groups who cannot manage even one minute of unstructured time. Handing back papers can turn into mayhem in seconds! To expedite this process, I take a couple of minutes to stack the papers in seating-arrangement order so that I can hand them back quickly. When it's time to return them, I can go up and down the rows and finish in less than thirty seconds. Less time for the rascals to get something started! This also allows me to notice whose paper is not in the pile. I will have to pass by that student without a paper, so I can take that opportunity to remind the student to complete the missing work."
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3. Question of the Week: Social Networking

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Forget MySpace and Facebook -- lots of teachers are now networking with each other on educator-specific social networking sites like Classroom 2.0 or NextGen Teachers. Have you joined any social networks specifically set up for teachers? What are the benefits?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Organizing Career Day

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I have been nominated to be chair of the Career Day committee. I don't know where to begin as far as getting the day together. There isn't anyone on the committee soliciting help. I have a few friends who do have jobs in desirable careers. But where do I go from there? Any suggestions are appreciated!"
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1. Picture Lunch Count

From Pam Pickering, a fifth grade teacher at Loy Elementary School in Great Falls, Montana:

"To save time at the beginning of the day, I created a quick way to take lunch count. I take a picture of each student the first week of school. I then print, cut out and glue the picture to a piece of felt. The sheets with a sticky backing work well. I place the pictures on a small bulletin board covered with flannel. The board is divided into three sections titled hot lunch, cold lunch and absent. When the students enter in morning, they move their picture to either hot or cold lunch. The pictures not moved are absent. A quick glance tells me what my counts are and even alerts me to absences. I have used it with students as young as second grade, and it has worked wonderfully."
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2. PBS TeacherLine

From Fran Lo, an English teacher:

"I hate driving off to take a class at night after a hard day of teaching, so I've taken courses through PBS TeacherLine. These classes are held entirely online, the cost is reasonable, and the time commitment is not overwhelming. You don't waste a moment driving, you can do the work at 3 AM if that's when you can do it, and you get to be part of a professional community which truly enhances your learning. Two caveats are that you need to be self-motivated, and you can't ignore the class for a week. You have to work several times each week, but you can do it in snippets of time from wherever you can use a computer. I even continued to take a class while on vacation by using the local library's Internet computers! They have rich offerings."
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3. Question of the Week: School Lunch Week

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"National School Lunch Week is October 13-17. What type of nutrition programs does your school advocate to make sure that students receive healthy well-balanced meals? What strategies do you use to make sure your students eat a healthy breakfast and lunch?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Loud Groups

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I teach sixth grade. It's the fourth week of school, and the kids are a nice bunch but already just too loud. My district mandates that they be seated in cooperative groupings. We must have frequent cooperative lessons, which I think is a good idea, but they always go from whispers to loud talk no matter how many times I stop them and remind them about 12 inch voices. I've even shown them daily for the past week and a half how they can put fingers to their larynx and feel the difference between a whisper and the vibration of voiced talk, but again they start off with whispers and gradually go into loud talk. There are nearly 30 sets of healthy lungs in the room, and I can't take the volume. A few students have cited this noise as an excuse for underperforming, saying they can't concentrate. They are always a very happy bunch, but I need them to get more serious about this problem. It's really hard to tell exactly who's being so loud. Boy do I ever want to nip this problem in the bud!"
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1. No More Chalk Dust

Two weeks ago, we published a question from Maggie, a second-year middle school teacher struggling to gain control of her classroom. In a message titled, "Panic," she said, "I just can't get it together… I feel as if I have lost it." Many readers had advice for her. Here is one of our favorites.

From LK Williams:

"Making lists helps me to eat the elephant -- one bite at a time. Make two lists covering what you bring to the teaching table: one listing your strong points and another listing your weaknesses. List the things that are going well in the classroom and those things that cause you concern. Label the lists however you like, but understand and like who you are and what you have to offer to students and your colleagues. Next, make lists of things that you can change and things that you can't change. When you finish making those lists (and any other that you can think of), take time to reflect and decide what action to take on each item, if any. Making lists can help bring real fears out into the open, uncover vague misapprehensions, and help direct your actions. When you do act, act on those things that you can change, learn to work with or around those that you can't, prioritize your actions, and enlist help when you can."
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2. Chalkboard Cleaner Revisited

Last week, we ran a tip ("No More Chalk Dust") for using furniture polish to make your blackboards look like new. This tip prompted a strong objection from one reader...

From Pat DeWitt:

"Don't do it! Furniture polish will eventually stain your chalkboard so much that the chalk won't write on it. The chalkboard coating is actually a microscopically rough surface that scrapes off a little chalk every time you write on it. When you wipe off the chalk dust with an eraser, or even with water, you don't 'fill up' the texture. The oil in the polish will, and will make the bumps so slick that they won't scrape off the chalk. I was even told (decades back when I started teaching) that you need to 'reseason' the chalkboard even when you just wash it with water."
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3. Question of the Week: Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"In many instances, teachers' interactions with their students' parents are limited to parent-teacher conferences. Whether you teach elementary, middle or high school students, how do you ensure that your meetings with parents are as healthy, productive and successful as possible?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Election Year in Elementary Schools

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I am curious if other elementary schools have planned any major events, mock elections, or units on voting during this election year? I would like to hear others' ideas/approach to this topic."
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1. No More Chalk Dust

From Joann Benson, a vocal music teacher at Sandymount Elementary School in Hampstead, Maryland:

"An experienced teacher gave me this tip ages ago. For a terrific chalk board cleaner, dab a terry cloth rag with Old English Furniture Polish. Wrap it up right and put it in a Ziploc bag for a couple of days -- the oil will soak in. Use that rag instead of erasers for a "new board" look with no dust!"
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2. Super Simple Whiteboards

From Kagey Duso, a teacher at Jefferson Middle School in Midland, Michigan:

"I have found that the easiest, most convenient white boards for my students to use are made from heavy duty sheet protectors. I simply put a piece of white cardstock into the sheet protector. It works as well as the real thing. The sheet protector and/or card stock is cheap enough to replace so I do not need to worry about maintenance. Also storage is easy since they are so thin. I even have some classes put their 'boards' in their binders to pull out whenever necessary. There is also the additional advantage of being able to put a worksheet, graphic organizer, or graph paper into the sheet protector if one is needed for an activity."
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3. Question of the Week: Ongoing Professional Development

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"With the business of teaching always at the forefront, it can be tough to find time during the school year to keep up with the latest news and research related to your teaching and content area. How do you make time for it, and what resources have you found to help you integrate the latest innovations and research into your teaching?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Better Music Series

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"Our elementary music department is trying to decide between the two companies to purchase a new music series: either Making Music (Silver-Burdett) or Spotlight on Music (Macmillan/McGraw-Hill). Both series offer quality components, but what I would like to know is which is better for me and my students? If anyone out there is using the current version of either series (or even better, if you have experience with both), please share your experience -- good, bad, or indifferent. Thank You!"
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1. Reviving Dry Erase Markers

From Susan Lawson, a fifth grade teacher at Howard Wilson Elementary in Leavenworth, Kansas:

"A colleague gave me this great idea for seating charts. She makes a chart on the computer and enters student names. She projects this chart onto a screen so that students can see it clearly when they enter the room. (Those teachers with less technology can make a transparency and write in the names with Vis-a-Vis markers.) It's easy for all to see at once, and the names can be changed if a new seating arrangement is needed. All the teacher has to do is put it on the screen, and kids will quickly find their new places when they enter the room."
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2. Arranging Desks

From Lori:

"When I had a small enough class, I put the class in a U shape with a rectangular table in the open end. I sat at the rectangular table to meet with small groups. It's easy to make eye contact with all the students because no one has their back to me or the board! With a bigger class, I try to have only four groups with students facing each other and one on the end if needed. This arrangement works well for cooperative grouping or partner work. My desk is in a corner because I'm never there during the day. I work from a round table at the front of the room where I can see everyone and they can see me! Even when meeting with small groups I can scan the room and check that everyone is on task."
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3. Question of the Week: New Technology

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"What new technology system is your school using this year? Do you feel you were adequately trained and can pass that knowledge on to your students? How are you using it in your classroom?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Panic

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I am in my second year of teaching at a middle school in a gang infested area. Last year I started in October, and everything was set up for me. This year I feel as if I can't get control of anything...students, lessons, my desk, and my life! I feel as if I am running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I just can't get it together. I am especially having difficulty managing the students. Last year it was easier for me to get them under control. I feel as if I have lost it. Any suggestions?"
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1. Seating Chart on Screen

From C. Sanders:

"A colleague gave me this great idea for seating charts. She makes a chart on the computer and enters student names. She projects this chart onto a screen so that students can see it clearly when they enter the room. (Those teachers with less technology can make a transparency and write in the names with Vis-a-Vis markers.) It's easy for all to see at once, and the names can be changed if a new seating arrangement is needed. All the teacher has to do is put it on the screen, and kids will quickly find their new places when they enter the room."
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2. Power Teaching

From Kate:

"Check out Power Teaching on the Web. For kids of all ages, this teaching method is a great way to get their attention and help them to help you. This site provides many classroom management ideas and videos. Also, they provide workshops that are free to teachers! These ideas really work!"
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3. Question of the Week: Classroom Set Up

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"When considering your classroom set up and student/teacher desk arrangement, what has worked for you? Which arrangements failed miserably? What advice do you have for your peers while they are considering what to put where?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Peer Mentoring Club

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"My (Caucasian) son wants to create a club with a friend, who is Asian, to help new Asian students feel fully integrated in our large (3,000) high school. Currently, Asian students only sit with other Asian peers. His buddy felt that these students are missing out because they are secluded. Besides making this club similar to a peer-mentoring club, do you have suggestions? Has this type of club been done at your school?"
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1. Student Sticker Labels

From Kathleen Sutton, a retired third grade teacher in Euless, Texas:

"As soon as I get my class list, I take file folder labels and make an entire sheet with each child's name. On the first day of school, I give each child a sheet with his/her name on it, along with unlabeled supplies from home; they pull and stick labels on everything that needs one. When this process is finished, I put all the extra labels in a folder where the kids can get to them. When something needs a name, there it is. These labels work wonderfully!"
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2. Joke of the Day

From Mary Kay Rendock, a language arts teacher at Carmen Arace Intermediate School in Bloomfield, Connecticut:

"As a long time language arts teacher, I understand how much vocabulary and inference are needed to understand jokes. With this in mind, I have a student assigned to read the joke(s) of the day. They are in charge of reading through our joke book and choosing one or two short jokes to tell. They are also asked to explain the joke to those who might not get it right away. These jokes start the day off with a smile and some language development."
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3. Question of the Week: New Student Transition

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Besides assigning a classroom buddy, how do you help students new to your school make an easier transition? What ways can you help them feel comfortable and safe in their new environment?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Students' Undivided Attention

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"This is my eighth year teaching first grade. I have always struggled with getting all my students to stay quiet while I am speaking and giving directions. I hate to keep stopping while I am giving directions. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting students to give you their undivided attention and not be disruptive by interrupting?"
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1. Starting School and Eating Right

From Joanne Tickner, a speech and language therapist for Midland Public Schools in Midland, Michigan:

"With the start of the new school year just a few weeks away, you can do yourself a favor by freezing some of your favorite dinners now. As you have (perhaps) a little more time now than you will when the year begins, simply double the recipes you make, and label and freeze for those nights when you come home late and are too tired to cook. It can make the stress of beginning a new year seem a little less. It can also help keep you from snacking on unhealthy foods if you know you have something prepared waiting for you at home."
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2. Emergency Plans

From Ronda Christoph, an English teacher at Pulaski School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

"Near the beginning of the year, I make an emergency lesson plan box. I use an empty file folder box. In it, I place a packet of work that will cover a block schedule period. I make enough copies for all my classes, including an answer sheet and detailed plans for a substitute to teach the worksheets in the packet. I then add a copy of my seating chart and class lists. I put this box under or near my desk in case I have an emergency where I am unable to make other plans. I let my department chair know about my plan box, so she does not have to suddenly create plans for my substitute."
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3. Question of the Week: Using Humor

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"We've all heard the refrain, 'Don't smile until Christmas.' The idea is to establish classroom discipline early in the school year by being a tough, stern figure of authority. But there is another way. Humor can be a very effective classroom management tool. Humor can diffuse or de-escalate behavior problems, help students relax, and enable students to be more willing to experiment with new ideas and be less afraid to make mistakes. How do you create a classroom that encourages the positive use of humor?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Survival Advice

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"As college students training to become teachers, you can only learn so much. Reading books, listening to lectures and student teaching can only get you so far. It's a whole different ball game once you're alone with your students on that first day of school. What advice would you give to new teachers to help them survive their first day in the classroom?"
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1. First Day Organization and Confidence

From Courtney Gray, MaEd., a high school English teacher:

"I teach high school English on the block schedule. This first day plan takes a lot of preparation on my part, but the result is worth it. When my students walk in on the first day, their names are already taped down on the desks. I've checked with their previous English teachers to see what names they go by, especially since sometimes I'm only given an initial. Then, once the bell rings, I tell them to retrieve the pile from under the desk, sectioned off by block. Inside the first day packet is everything they need, from the student information form they fill out to the first week's vocabulary list to the syllabus and the homework for that night. Honors classes get the weekly agenda, too. They know I'm on top of things. I don't have to spend/waste time putting kids in their right seats or passing out materials. Plus, after ten years of teaching, I still get nervous. I appear completely calm and in control, which sets the tone for the semester."
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2. Opening Game

From Rob Walker:

"I play a game that requires critical thinking and observation skills called 'Crossed or Uncrossed.' Prior to playing the game, I walk around the room with a pair of scissors in my hand, opening and closing them, and staring at them intently. I then have the kids put their desks in a circle or rectangle and tell them that I will pass the scissors to my right and say either crossed or uncrossed. I then tell them that they are to do the same, and I will tell them if they are correct or incorrect. The kids think that crossed and uncrossed relates to whether the scissors are opened or closed. In reality, it's whether or not my legs are crossed at the ankle. This drives them crazy, but most of them figure it out by the third or fourth time around the circle."
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3. Question of the Week: Classroom Show Off

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"We've all had students who think they know it all or just show off on the first day of school. What is the best way to handle these situations? We would like to hear tactful tactics from both elementary and secondary teachers."
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Mentoring Program

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"New teachers can often feel isolated and lost during their first year on the job, but mentoring programs that match seasoned pros with first-year rookies can make a huge difference. What are the qualities of a good mentor, and what are the characteristics of a good mentoring program?"
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1. Silent Signals

From V. Wheeler, a kindergarten teacher:

"My most frequent interruptions are for permission to use the lavatory, get a drink of water or get a tissue. My students use a different silent signal for each request. They are: 1) tap your head; 2) tap your nose; 3) tap your shoulder. I can silently respond by shaking my head yes or no to each signal no matter how far away the student is from me. It's great to be able to respond without interrupting the story that I'm reading or the conversation that I'm having."
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2. Analog Time

From Rosemary Bruckner, a second grade teacher at Central Elementary School in Plainfield, Illinois:

"I teach in a new school where each classroom has a digital display on one wall and a regular analog clock on another. In the beginning of the year, I tape several layers of card stock over the digital display. Whenever we begin our math pages, I challenge the children to write their name, date, and time on their papers. It usually takes a minute or so for them to figure out the time; once some students have recorded a time, I ask someone to tell their answer. I write the correct answer on the board, so that those who don't know can copy it, and those who've made a mistake can correct it. Since this is a daily occurrence in our room, most students have a fairly good knowledge of telling time to the minute before they leave my class."
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3. Question of the Week: First Day of School

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"It's almost the first day of school for both you and your students! Starting off on the right foot is critical to setting the tone for the rest of the year. How are you preparing yourself? What things can you do ahead to make that first day go smoothly?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Ice Breakers

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I am a high school math teacher and would like ideas for the first day of school. We have block scheduling, and I like to spend the first day going over my classroom expectations and getting to know my kids. Can you give me ideas for ice breakers that I could use to have fun with my kids and make them feel a little more comfortable on a stressful day?"
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1. Managing Student Work and Notes

From Kathleen Marshall, a second grade teacher at Juanita Elementary School in Kirkland, Washington:

"Several years ago I saw a great idea to use multiple pocket folders to manage homework and home/school notes. I checked the price of these folders, and they were $2.99 each, which didn't fit my budget. I created the same kind of folders using cheap pocket folders when they hit the before-school sales at 10 cents each. Here are my directions: I use our school binding machine to cut the slots for the cover of the folder on the fold. I take a second folder, usually a different color, and turn it inside out so the pockets are on the outside. Then I take the two open sides and cut them on the binding machine. When I put one inside the other, the cuts line up, and I can attach the plastic binding. Now I have a book that has four pockets. I create labels for each pocket, such as 'homework to do,' 'finished homework,' 'notes for home' and 'notes for school'. Parents know to look for their child's student planner with homework assignments written inside the folder every night. Additional folders can be added if more pockets are needed. These folders cost 20 cents per child, plus the time and plastic binder. They seem to last most of the year but are inexpensive enough to replace mid-year. Laminating the covers does extend their life but isn't necessary. It makes life much easier for children and parents to see work arrive at home and school safely."
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2. Answer to Teacher Interruptions

From Kathy Johnson:

"The Daily 5: Fostering Literacy Independence in the Elementary Grades by Gail Boushey and Joan Moser outlines the answer to teacher interruptions. The book explains how to teach students to work independently allowing the teacher time to work with individual students or small groups. The authors give specific instructions on how to begin and manage their system. I'm so glad I came across this book this summer, because I'll be implementing this plan for the upcoming school year and have high hopes!"
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3. Question of the Week: Teaching Time

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Telling time is an essential, real-life skill, but it's often addressed only when teachers can make some spare time for it. What strategies do you use to teach and reinforce this skill?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Group Math Projects

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I need ideas for group math projects in grades eight through twelve. Please share your ideas with me. I am really new at creating group math projects."
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1. Plastic Seating Charts

From Joann Benson, a vocal music teacher at Sandymount Elementary School in Finksburg:

"As a special area teacher, juggling more than five hundred kids in twenty three homerooms, I've found lots of shortcuts to manage grades. My favorite is using clear plastic notebook sleeves to hold seating charts. Notes can be written directly on the plastic with overhead markers and then washed off as needed. When I do performance assessments, I write the grades directly on the seating chart and transfer the grades to my grade book at a later date. I can also note health issues on my seating charts. These plastic charts are a big help for substitute teachers."
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2. Teaching Kids about Money

From Joyce E. Higgs:

"It's never too early to start teaching students about money. There is a wealth of resources/organizations, websites, books, and games that teach saving, spending, and investing skills to kids. In light of the fact that the U.S. savings rate is at an all-time low, while the personal debt rate is at an all-time high, an investment in your student's financial education will prepare them for making a lifetime of responsible financial decisions. Here are some suggested resources for teaching financial literacy to your students. I've even used them to educate myself.

Websites
MoneyInstructor.com
Savings Quest
New York Federal Reserve

Books
The Everything Kids' Money Book by Diane Mayr
The New Totally Awesome Money Book for Kids by Arthur and Rose Bochner
Barron's Money Sense for Kids by Hollis Page Harman
Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids by Gail Karlitz

These resources teach kids to respect money, to earn money, to set money goals, to distinguish between needs and wants, to make wise decisions, to be charitable, to invest in the market, etc. A financial education will allow your students to reap the rewards of good money management."
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3. Question of the Week: Avoiding Interruptions

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"A teacher's time is interrupted at least a zillion times a day. How do you manage having separate groups work simultaneously while you work with your own group without the constant interruptions?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Self-Contained Special Education

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"How would you effectively teach children at different levels of disability in one classroom? Tell me a specific example." I had hard time with this question at one of my job expo interviews. I just finished my MA degree in special education, but my degree is more focused on an inclusive model rather than a self-contained model. Can any of you come up with appropriate answers based on your experience as special education teachers?"
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1. Organizing Papers

From Annette Scuralli, a fourth grade teacher at South End School in Cedar Grove, New Jersey:

"I find the best way to stay organized in the classroom is to use several 3-4 inch three-ring binders. I buy tab dividers and set up a notebook for each subject that I teach. Every chapter gets an indexed tab. I copy the table of contents for every subject and keep it in the front of the notebook as a reference for filing. At the end of each day I file any worksheets I find or receive in the correct section of the subject notebooks. These notebooks come in handy each year. I simply take them out, and I can pull worksheets to be copied as I begin each chapter.

I also set up a three-ring notebook with tabs that contain my lesson plans, grading info, student information, schedules and school calendars, etc. In my file cabinet, I use hanging folders that I label generally, such as 'Beginning of Year,' 'End of Year,' 'Student Files,' 'School Forms,' etc. Within each hanging folder I file manila folders that I label more specifically, such as 'Class List,' 'Attendance Sheets,' 'Lunch List,' 'First Week of School,' 'Last Week of School,' and set up one for each student. I write pin numbers on the tabs so I don't have to redo them each year. I memorize the pin numbers by the end of September. This works nicely because each general hanging folder has room for growth. I use the same system at home with my personal papers."
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2. NIE Mock Vote

From Ranae Smith, a first grade teacher at Park Lane Elementary School in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma:

"I recently attended a Newspapers in Education workshop and plan to educate my first grade students in the 2008 presidential campaign and the voting process through newspapers. This is an excellent resource. I also purchased the book, See How They Run by Susan E. Goodman. Since I am going through the National Board process this year, I also plan to involve my school in a mock vote made possible by NIE. They are providing all the materials. As a class, my students will provide voter registration forms and encourage those adults that have not registered to vote to do so. My students will begin each day reading the newspaper, and during our morning meeting we will share current events. NIE will give us the opportunity to target a day where we can request newspapers from around the nation to be sent to us where we can compare newspapers for a particular day. I will choose the day after the election so that my students can see the results."
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3. Question of the Week: Teaching Personal Finance

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"What are ways you can teach your students about personal financial responsibility? What lessons do you have for differentiating needs vs. wants? Can you prevent your students from falling into the trap of young credit and teach them to save for the future?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Middle School Cafeteria

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I would like suggestions for rules/policies that would foster a semi-quiet, positive, respectful lunch room atmosphere for middle school students."
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1. Excursion Behavior

From Tami Scruggs, a teacher at Huntsville Intermediate School in Huntsville, Texas:

"Before a field trip or special event, I have the students verbally provide what they think are proper manners and behaviors for the event. They usually provide a more complete list than I can think of. Creating this list helps the students take ownership of their actions. In addition, our school uses a management plan where students earn 'bucks' that are used in the school store or can be saved for the big end-of-year carnival celebration. When we go on a field trip or have a special event, I take some of the bucks with me and hand them out to students that are demonstrating expected behaviors and manners. When individual bucks are hard to handle, I carry a clipboard and paper on which I take notes so I can handle the bucks or consequences later. On our end- of- year field trip this year, our class was complimented by each of the tour guides as one of the best mannered classes they had ever had, and as an inclusion team we had many special needs students with a lot of challenges! I was very proud of them!"
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2. Random Volunteers

From Brad Bowerman (bbowerman@lakelandsd.org), a teacher for Lakeland School District in Jermyn, Pennsylvania:

"I have come up with a system that is random and eliminates the idea of a teacher's pet or favoring boys over girls, etc. I take the backs of old writing tablets and cut them into about 1.5 by 3 inch cards. On both sides of each card, I use a marker to write a number from 1 to the number of students in the class. When I need a student to volunteer for something such as reading, answering a question, assigning projects, etc., I shuffle the cards and pick one randomly behind my back. If I pick number 7, student number 7 alphabetically on my class list becomes the volunteer. This system works beautifully, and I have never had a complaint about its fairness. It also enables the shy students, who never raise their hands to volunteer, a chance to participate in class activities."
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3. Question of the Week: Presidential Campaign

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"How do you plan to include the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign in your curriculum next school year?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Writer's Workshop

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"Anyone have success with writer's workshop in a third grade classroom? I need to know where and how to start. What supplies do the kids need? For example, should they have a notebook with or without dividers? Are pocket folders helpful?"
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1. Secret Student Behavior

From Irene Hughes:

"A trick I use to ensure good class behavior when walking in the halls, at assemblies, etc. is to tell the class beforehand that I will be watching a certain student without saying which student. If that student behaves well, the entire class receives a privilege. The reward might be an extra ten minutes of free computer or reading time. Since none of the students know who was being watched, everyone behaves so as to not let down the class."
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2. High School Bulletin Boards

Dr. Susan H. Smith, a teacher in Andover, Massachusetts:

"Here's a great tip for decorating your high school classroom: Have the students create bulletin boards for your room. Assign cooperative groups of students, making sure each group has a designated artist. Provide a theme connected to what they will be learning (i.e., Shakespeare). Have them do research around the theme, and have them post their work on the bulletin boards. Be certain to grade the bulletin boards, as you would any project. Create a rubric with your students so they know that their work is important. You will be connecting the arts to the content you are teaching. You will be amazed at how creative they are and how interesting your bulletin boards will be!"
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3. Question of the Week: Classroom Fairness

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Although we all know that there are those one or two students in the class that you can always count on, how do you avoid the concept of Teacher's Pet? What are your creative methods for randomly selecting students and practicing fairness in your classroom?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Homework Management Strategies

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"Can you share with me strategies you use for sixth grade middle school math homework? With over 100 students, checking every problem every day is impossible. My students do not have daily access to a computer, and most do not have computer access at home. (I had considered computer based assignments.) How can I hold students responsible for completing the practices, give them feedback, and assign a grade? I have been teaching sixth grade math for a while, but still haven't found something with which I am comfortable. How do you motivate students to carefully complete homework? How do you get them to at least attempt to solve word problems?"
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1. Reading Buddies

From Terry Reeder, a special education paraeducator at Cedar Way Elementary in Mountlake Terrace, Washington:

"Our K-2 teachers have a reading buddy program with our sixth grade classes in which a younger student is paired up with an older one. Once a week, the younger students go to the older class or vice versa, depending on the teacher arrangement. This program gives the sixth graders a leadership opportunity that most accept and enjoy as well as an opportunity to shine."
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2. Chain of Courteous Hallway Behavior

From Deb K.:

"I use a reward system for encouraging good behavior whenever the class leaves our room together. I start a paperclip chain from the top of my chalkboard by hanging a single, large paperclip. We have an opportunity to add a paperclip to the chain if our class can get to our destination and stay courteous to others. It works for the return trip and for getting ready for lunch, too. We earn a reward when the chain reaches the bottom ledge."
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3. Student Teacher Training

From Susan Coons, a teacher in Indiana

"Having a student teacher is a great learning experience. Here are some hints to help make that experience great.

1. Make sure that you communicate your expectations for classroom management (rules, attendance, parent contacts, etc.) and for student learning expectations before classes begin.
2. Have a clear focus for student learning and a goal or an assessment you will use that will focus lesson plans.
3. Create, use and tweak lesson plans together; always debrief the day's lessons, reflecting on what worked and what didn't.
4. Welcome your student teacher to your shared class and communicate professionally with his university supervisor.
5. Model what a good teacher does, let him/her practice with guidance, and then turn the student teacher loose.

Your student teacher is probably more nervous than you are, but with communication, flexibility, and a clear focus on student learning, I predict that mentoring a student teacher will be one of the most meaningful experiences of both your professional lives."
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4. Question of the Week: Decorating Your High School Classroom

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Learning is made up of more than classroom rules and codes of conduct, and your classroom should be comfortable and inviting, and should set the stage for learning. But the same flashy, colorful decorations and juvenile posters that appeal to younger students might not work in high schools. How do you transform gray walls, shabby floors, and plain bulletin boards into an exciting, creative learning environment that appeals to high school students?"
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5. Heard on the Message Board: Classroom Organization Tips

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I start off the school year ready to tackle what's ahead. After the first month, I find that I'm back to piles on my desk, tables, and at home, and am constantly searching for things all the time. I'd love to hear suggestions regarding classroom organization, filing ideas, etc."
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1. Duplicate Passes

From Tiffany Hayes, a content mastery teacher at Leander High School in Leander, Texas:

"Students who leave my classroom to return to general education classes often dawdle in the halls or 'forget' to return to class promptly. To solve this problem, I had my hall passes printed on carbonless, duplicate paper. Now, when I write a pass with the departure time on it, the student gets one copy and I save the other copy to drop in the general education teacher's box. This way, the teacher is kept informed about when that student left one classroom for another. The students are also aware that teachers are keeping track of the travel time to and from class. These passes were very unpopular with the students at first, but most have come to realize that the pass helps keep them out of trouble. Needless to say, the teachers love the new system!"
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2. Teacher Timesaver

Diane Postman, an ECSE teacher at Abingdon Elementary School in Gloucester, Virginia:

"You may have heard the adage, 'Never handle a piece of paper more than once.' My advice is to live by that. If you get a note from a parent, write back that day. If you get a form to fill out in your mailbox, do it and turn it in to the office. The point is, by putting off these tasks, you are increasing your to-do pile which can bury you after awhile. By keeping up, you keep your head above water. Try it."
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3. Question of the Week: Maintaining Discipline

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"What are your suggestions regarding student behavior when you and your students leave the classroom together? Whether you're taking a field trip away from school or merely walk through the halls to another class, how do you maintain the same level of discipline?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Student Teacher

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I am scheduled to have a student teacher in the fall for 12 weeks. I teach 8th grade Earth Science. I've never had a long-term student teacher. He is also visually impaired. Any advice is welcome."
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1. Pascal's Triangle Enhances Number Sense

From Eric O'Brien, a sixth grade teacher at Shore Road Intermediate Center in Bellmore, New York:

"Using hexagonal shapes, I form the first 15 lines of Pascal's triangle on my bulletin board. I fill in the first 5 lines and allow students to think about the formation. When students begin to ask about the triangle, I ask them to make conjectures about the next few lines. This exploration quickly becomes a source of enthusiasm that lasts throughout the year. I ask students a variety of questions, and students begin to find connections among the questions, number theory and the bulletin board they helped to create."
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2. Books on Tape for Slow Readers

From Fran:

"I suggest using books on tape (or CD) for students who are slow readers. Students can follow along in the printed book as they listen. This process gets them past the 'how does this word sound' problem and also gives them the feeling of being read to which all kids like. Every one of the kids to whom I have suggested books on tape have said it has helped them. I have no budget for recorded books, but that doesn't stop me. Two good sources for recorded books are free interlibrary loan and low-cost used books on tape from Amazon.com."
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3. Question of the Week: Summer School

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"When the weather is sunny and warm and their friends are outside enjoying summer break, students enrolled in summer school can have more difficulty staying alert, focused, and ready to learn. What strategies do you use to keep your summer school classes interesting and your students on task and focused on learning?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Kindergarten Roundup

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"This year we are having potential students attend our school for a couple of hours to get an idea of what to expect in the fall. The students will visit performing arts classes and have lunch. It is up to me to come up with what they will do for an hour to an hour and a half in our classrooms. I thought we would do some circle time activities, but what else is appropriate for such a short visit that won't be overwhelming?"
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1. Using Google Docs

Jim Falbo, an electrical program teacher at Grundy Area Vocational Center in Morris, Illinois:

"Instead of Microsoft Word, I now use Google Docs with all of my students. Google Docs will work with any web browser, there are no updates, there's nothing to download, it auto saves, and it allows for accountability with a date of completion. The collaboration feature allows students to develop Online teams to complete projects, and I can monitor who does what and when in the assignment. I also use Google Spreadsheets for shared online rubrics with each student. Have students sign up for Gmail at the beginning of the school year. I suggest using the format Last Name.First Name @ Gmail.com. Take advantage of Docs, Spreadsheets, and the (shared) Calendar which is great for lesson plans. Google Applications is a bonus plan that lots of schools are using. There's control, added features, and it's free!"
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2. Summertime Reading Assignments

From a seventh grade teacher:

"I feel that sending home mandatory summer reading can turn away the kids who don't like to read. I don't particularly enjoy starting my year correcting summaries or book reports either. I suggest possible family trips and projects such as a compiling a photo essay, designing a poster, sending me a post card and researching the trip destination. The student could plan the itinerary, budget and map. I also let my students know the type of genre I'll be reading the next year (sci-fi, poetry and historical fiction) and the topics that will be covered in social studies and science. I do that in case some would like to read up on a particular topic or do some non-fiction reading. They can create a book marker or concept map to share their reading. They can also do plain old reading for fun! Summertime is fun, and kids can enjoy what they read by having free choice. I just provide a guide not an assignment. Bonus points are given to those who, with parent signature, participate in the activity."
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3. Question of the Week: End of the Year Celebrations

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"It's time to celebrate the end of school! How does your school or community recognize graduates at all grade levels?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Teaching Fluency

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

The ability to read text with speed, accuracy and proper expression plays a crucial role in reading with comprehension. Fluency doesn't guarantee comprehension, but it's an extremely important part of the process. One of our readers is looking for tips, best practices and your finest ideas for teaching fluency. Cindy asks, "Please give your suggestions for teaching fluency."
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1. Spider Web of Compliments

From Tracey Dannels, a second grade teacher in Florida:

"On the last day of school, we sit on the floor on blankets or small carpets to autograph yearbooks, T-shirts etc. At the beginning of the last day of school, we sit in a chair in a circle and make a 'Spider Web' with yarn while giving each other compliments. Start with one person and tell something you like or something nice about that person. That person throws the ball of yarn to another person and says something nice about him/her. It keeps going across the circle and back and forth until everyone is holding yarn. This way the students end the year with good thoughts about everyone in the classroom."
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2. Summer Reading Ideas

From The Worker Bees:

Last week we asked readers which books are at the top of their summer reading list. These are the titles you suggested:

• "Water for Elephants: A Novel" by Sara Gruen
• "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Kidd
• "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
• "The Glass Castle: A Memoir" by Jeannette Walls
• "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch
• "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

» View More Titles and Add Your Own
» More Professional Tips

3. Question of the Week: Summer Renewal

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"What professional development activities do you plan to do this summer to renew and refresh your passion for teaching?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Discipline Plan

"Our school is trying to develop a new discipline program. I teach at a small elementary school with a poverty rate of over 90%. This year there have been many behavior issues. There are some students who I feel should have help from counselors outside of school. There are children in first grade who throw chairs, hit other children and swear at the teacher. Many of our kids don't have manners and don't respect others. I attribute some of this behavior to their parents. Yes, we try to teach character traits within the classroom, but we need parents to do their part too. Does anyone have a discipline plan that works in their school? We don't have a Police School Liaison Officer; we have a part time school counselor and part-time school social worker. We need some help. Our principal is overwhelmed with students being sent to the office. Any suggestions would be appreciated."
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1. Writing Vocabulary Stories

Richard Carter, a teacher at Rachel B. Noel Middle School in Denver, Colorado:

"To build on vocabulary, I place important and new words from the next novel we are about to begin on the board. We take a few days to define and use them in creating our own short stories. I never tell the students the title of the book we will be reading until each student has created his own short story. They are always excited in finding the words and seeing how the author used the words in his novel. The result is better focus on reading for meaning."
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2. Packing up the Classroom

Lisa Kanute, a high school English teacher in Tucson, Arizona:

"I strongly dislike bare walls, so I only take down content-related posters right before finals start. I leave up the fun, encouraging ones until the very end. Also, since I use hot glue to put them up on cinder-block walls, they come down quickly and easily. I usually am not one to suggest spending more of one's own money than necessary on supplies; I have found the poster storage systems to be very helpful. The one I have is a box that has large file folders inside. It's easy to slip the posters into the folders when they come off the wall, put the lid on, and go. They stay flat and in good shape, so they're ready to go up in the fall. Finally, I find out who is in charge of copier paper for the school and ask for the empty boxes early. I have to pack up a lot of bookshelves for the summer. The boxes are easily stored on top of cabinets and bookshelves until I need them."
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3. Question of the Week: Summer Reading

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Do you have a good summer read picked out? What are your suggestions to teachers who are looking for a good motivational book about education or an escape from thinking about school this summer?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Reading First

"Any teachers out there working in a Reading First school? What are your feelings on this program, and do you think it is working in your school?"
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1. Teaching Vocabulary

From Kristi Van Hoveln, a science teacher at Milford Community Consolidated Schools in Milford, Illinois:

"I introduce vocabulary to my students at the beginning of the chapter, and we spend 1-2 days on it. I try to have only 8-10 words for each chapter or unit that we are studying. I have made PowerPoint slideshows that have the vocabulary words in them. The first slide shows the word with the definition; the second slide displays the word as a picture; the third slide provides an example of the word used in a sentence, so the students can understand the definition; the fourth slide shows the word with an action associated with it; and, a fifth slide poses a question about the word. The students must summarize the word and use the action. By the time we are done with the PowerPoint, most students can say all of the vocabulary words and the definitions by using the actions. Only after we have gone through the PowerPoint, may the students pick up a pencil and write their vocabulary words into their science notebooks. I follow up throughout the chapter by using flashcards with the vocabulary words and main ideas from the chapter to review in those last minutes of class."
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2. Student Led Review

From an anonymous reader:

"I just learned this technique in a workshop, and it was fun! Kids take a sheet of paper, fold it in half the long way and then in half twice the other way, giving them eight sections. On one side, they write their names. On the other side, they write eight questions. On the side with their names, they write the answers. After a set amount of time (works better than waiting until everyone is done), the kids get up and ask a fellow student a question. If the question is answered correctly, the responder writes her/his name on the question. Then students reverse roles. The first person to have all questions answered wins a prize. Of course, all the winner's questions are asked of the class. The fun for the teacher is that the kids review on their own. It's enjoyable to hear how many questions the kids ask that are on the test. Of course, a teacher who plays could ask the tough test questions. Then everyone wins. We did this on the high school level, where it worked with all subjects."
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3. Question of the Week: Packing Up the Classroom

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"As the school year is winding down, what are your helpful ideas to expedite closing down your classroom? What steps can teachers take so they can actually be dismissed on the last day of school instead of coming back on their own time?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Spelling Help

"I have a few very good 3rd grade readers with very poor spelling. I'm looking for a free program to help them improve their spelling."
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1. Substitute Reward System

Kathy Snyder, a fifth grade teacher at Norwood Public School in Norwood, New Jersey:

"Subs need to establish a goal/reward system during their day or even one class period. I have used 'Toothy' with elementary classes. Draw a smiley face on the board with a big toothy smile. Though the face works best on a black board (because the teeth are black), it also works with white boards. Color in one tooth for good or helpful behavior. At the end of the class or the day, if the smile is white, leave a positive note or bring a reward of stickers, etc. 'Toothy' works in maintaining control while the teacher is away."
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2. Making Magnets

From Angela M. Galbreath, a fifth grade teacher at Union Gap School in Union Gap, Washington:

"Wish you had more magnets for attaching student work to your white board? I attach stickers to old refrigerator magnets and then cut them to size. These magnets work great for displaying student papers or announcements. I keep a supply of magnets in a small container near the white board, making them easily accessible for students who have work to display."
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3. Question of the Week: Memorial Day Ideas

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"On Memorial Day, Americans take time to remember those who have served in our Armed Forces. How do you help your students understand the true significance of the day?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Vocabulary Instruction

"How do you approach vocabulary instruction? Looking words up in a dictionary is tedious and frustrating; most of the time kids find a lengthy definition which does not fit the meaning needed and is itself incomprehensible. Some definitions even use another form of the word, so they don't make sense. What strategies do you use to teach vocabulary that is not just looking up words and memorizing useless definitions?"
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1. Donors Fund Projects

From Debbie Johnson:

"I highly recommend donorschoose.org to fund costly projects. They have a very easy application process and the site is very effective. I have already had two projects funded. I know of several other teachers in my district that have had projects funded as well. Check it out!"
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2. Saving on Classroom Materials

Marta M Pierce, a K-12 educational sign language interpreter in Mobile, Alabama:

"Educators in my city have a group on The Freecycle Network. [As of today, Freecycle has 4,343 groups with 4,969,000 members who all give (and get!) free stuff in their home towns.] Members offer and request items with no money exchanged. I have noticed several times teachers have asked for or offered supplies, so perhaps others could sign on in their own communities and do the same. Browse the site to find a group in your area. Experienced teachers who get rid of items could be a great help to new teachers with only basic resources."
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3. Question of the Week: Individualized Instruction

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Differentiated instruction is more than dividing students into groups. What do you do to make your lessons fit your students?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Test Kits

"Test Time is upon us, and I want to make a Test Taking Survival Kit for each of my 3rd grade students. I want to give them small items that have cute sayings to go with them (e.g. Smarties Candies to remind you how smart you are). I have a couple of ideas but would appreciate more."
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1. Connection to the World Using GPS

From Sharon Fedoruk:

"This year a few of my students and I tracked the participants in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. Each team is equipped with a tracking device. We would log in several times a day to track the mushers' progress. There is also a web cam set up at the finish line. It is updated each minute so we could plan when a musher was going to finish. We saw the anticipation at the finish line, and the next minute the crowd congratulating the finisher."
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2. Clickers in the Classroom

From Michelle, a sixth grade science teacher:

"I have been using clickers [sometimes referred to as an 'audience response' system] now for about 2-3 months and have seen a vast improvement in my students' test scores. At the end of each lesson, I have a 5-8 question clicker quiz. This assessment allows me to generate the much needed data that we as teachers are being called upon to have, and it allows me to tailor the review for each unit to the specific class. My students who struggle in other ways in the classroom have become more confident about science because they know we have a daily review. We also used the clickers with the math review we did leading up to our state testing with a small group of identified students from our roster. The students looked forward to having their quiz once a week in small group, and it allowed us to regroup the students as needed. All in all, the system is a great tool for me as a teacher."
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3. Question of the Week: Free Stuff and Money Savers

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"We're always looking for ways to cut down on classroom expenses, whether that's by getting free supplies, recycling used items, or re-purposing old items for new uses. How do you cut down on expenses for your classroom decorations, supplies and/or equipment?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Something Better Than Busy Work

"As a substitute teacher, I would love to see ideas to bring with me to the various classrooms. I teach K - 8 so I am always looking for fun things to do when the students have done the work left by the teacher. I find that it is usually busy work which gets so boring for the kids and for me!"
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1. RAT Short Answers

From Coleen Walker, a teacher at Miami Middle School in Fort Wayne, Indiana:

"Recently, one of my colleagues remembered a neat way to help students understand how to write a short answer. She used it at a previous school and couldn't quite remember the exact words, but we call it RAT. Our version stands for Restate the Question, Answer the Question and Tie it to the Text. We have not taken the standardized test since we have taught this concept, but we are very hopeful. We have been practicing answering questions using the RAT method. I give them a short reading and then give them an open ended question to RAT. They write their answers, and I ask for volunteers to read them. As a class, we talk about what grade we give would and why. We need more practice, but I think (and hope) it will make a big difference on the ISTEP test."
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2. Read, Write and Think

From J. Hamblin, a third grade teacher:

"My students absolutely loved a lesson on Shape poems using the Shape Poem tool that is on the readwritethink.org Web site. The Shape Poem tool was very easy for the students to use and encouraged creativity. Readwritethink.org also has online student tools for other poem types, though I haven't had the chance to use them yet. I plan to use the Acrostic Poems online tool as part of a center during Guided Reading. Readwritethink has lots of lesson planning ideas."
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3. Question of the Week: GPS Receivers Bring the World to Your Classroom

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"The Global Positioning System (GPS), a worldwide radio-navigation system of 24 satellites and their ground stations, is captured through low-cost GPS receivers that display basic geographic information like latitude, longitude, elevation, direction, and bearing. Higher quality receivers include altimeters, magnetic compasses, detailed topographic and city maps, and other points of interest. Are you using this technology in your classroom? Share some lesson ideas and tips and tricks with your colleagues."
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Clickers in the Classroom

"Are you using clickers -- handheld electronic devices that allow students to answer a teacher's questions by clicking -- in your classroom? What are the benefits? How do they work? How should we prepare students before introducing clickers?"
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1. Peppy Test Prep

From Lillie Palmer, a teacher in South Dakota:

"We have a pep assembly for the third and fourth graders a couple of days before standardized testing starts. Two teachers pretend they are cheerleaders and shake pompoms as they give a 'pep' talk about doing a good job on the tests, getting a good night's rest, etc. We have three teachers sit in desks and pretend to be examples of how not to take the test. One keeps turning around and bothering his neighbor, one cries, and one is not paying attention to directions. Another teacher is showing the 'right' way to take the test. Breakfast is provided for the students and the teachers/helpers on testing mornings. We also borrow an archway from the local hardware store and put Christmas lights on it with a sign that says, 'Entering Testing Zone'. We set it up in the hallway that leads to the third and fourth grade rooms. The lights are on whenever we are testing."
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2. Math Machines

From Ellen Gevers, a first grade teacher in Minnesota:

"I introduce algebra to my first graders with an 'In and Out' machine, which they love using. Draw a box like machine with an 'in' hole and an 'out' spout or chute. Set up some examples of 'In' numbers with paired 'Out' numbers, like 'In goes 1, out comes 3. In goes 5, out comes 7.' (Rule is 'in' + 2.) Kids have to figure out the rule of what is happening to the numbers in the machine. When they understand the concept, they can work as partners to make up rules and give the in and out numbers to each other. Later, talk about the 'in' number as 'n' to get them thinking about variables."
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3. Question of the Week: National Poetry Month

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"April is not only about showers that bring May flowers but also National Poetry Month. What ideas do you have to introduce your students to the pleasures of reading and writing poetry? How do you inspire creativity in those students who think they are not creative?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Tired of Being Tired

"I'm a new teacher who is tired all the time and need some suggestions as to what to do about it. In short, I need help! I find myself completely exhausted after work, and when I get home it is usually time for me to relax. What has worked for any of you?"
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1. High School Learning Environment

From an English and speech teacher at Cobden Unit District #17 in Cobden, Illinois:

"I thought it difficult to set up an attractive learning environment for my high school students because their needs are different than in the younger grades. I now find that a few live plants on the windowsill, a few pictures of the authors and books they'll be reading, some handwritten quotes tacked up here and there, and believe it or not, coordinating color between my desk and the bulletin board help a lot. Literally, I used a big roll of seasonal wrapping paper to do the bulletin board background and my ugly tan desk. I add a touch of whimsy with my collection of Shrek toys behind my desk, and the kids like my family pictures as much as I do. These decorations hold us over between displayable projects."
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2. My Space Bulletin Board

From Bobbie:

"I label one of my bulletin boards, My Space Edu. I divide the board into as many spaces as I have students. I put each child's name and picture on each space of the board. I let them put up whatever work they choose and change it every week or two. The My Space board is easy to maintain since the space belongs to the students."
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3. Vacation Scrapbook

From Tammy:

"When I had a student leave for a two week vacation to the Grand Canyon area, I gave him a simple scrapbook, a few pages, and some fun pens. I also provided him with a notebook to use as his daily diary. I asked him to gather everything he could about his trip like pamphlets, postcards, ticket stubs, pictures, etc. Since he would be writing in his diary and putting together a story of his trip, I counted this assignment as his grade for English/language arts. The historical aspect was easy because of his destination and counted as social studies. I gave him math tailored to his trip using word problems based on time and distance. When he returned, he stood in front of my class to share his adventure using his scrapbook and diary. After grading, he and his family had a scrapbook and notebook full of memories to cherish. This assignment took the pressure off of the student to think he would need to try to make-up or keep up on the daily amount of schoolwork, and it allowed me to have a fun and fulfilling way to help him return with a project that was exciting for everyone!"
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4. Question of the Week: Test Preparation

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"It's getting to be that time of year when the snow melts, leaves come out on trees... and students take standardized tests! Whether you teach elementary, middle or high school, your students need a bit of coaching in order to do well. How do you help your students prepare to do their best on standardized tests?"
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5. Heard on the Message Board: Algebra Center

"I am a teacher in training who needs to develop an algebra learning center to be used in a classroom. It needs to be geared towards first grade. I've search high and low on the Internet for ideas with little luck. Does anyone have any ideas?"
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1. Student Numbers

From an anonymous reader:

"When I set up my files at the beginning of the year, rather than writing the student's name on the tab of the file, I assign each student a number and write the number on the file tab. In this way, I can use the same files for a few years. I tape a copy (from the grade book) of their name and number on the file cabinet door for quick reference whenever I need to file something. I also have the students write their names and numbers on all test papers. When entering grades into the grade book, it is much easier to match the number than to look for their names. You'd be amazed at what a time saver this little tip is."
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2. Hanging Posters

Lisa Kanute, a high school English teacher in Tucson, Arizona:

"Many schools were built using cinder block walls. These walls can be a challenge when trying to hang posters since it seems that nothing sticks to the cinder blocks. The answer is to use a hot glue gun. The hot glue will hold most lightweight things onto the cinder block with ease and then pops right off without any damage when you want to change things. Plus, it's a lot cheaper than some of the other options out there. When hanging posters, just be sure to put some masking tape on the back where the hot glue is going to go so that it doesn't permanently bond to your poster. Happy decorating!"
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3. QUestion of the Week: Extreme Challenge, New Teacher Edition

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"What was your biggest challenge when you were a new teacher and how did you overcome it? We want to hear your extreme stories -- huge class sizes, major discipline issues, total lack of support, absentee parents, last-minute reassignments -- what was the toughest obstacle and how did you handle it?"
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4. Classroom Management for Special Education Students

"Although I am not a special education teacher, I have been asked to teach a 5th/6th grade special education reading class this year. I have 9 students that are reading on a 3rd/4th grade level. These students are extremely needy and very high maintenance. Since I usually teach small classes, I am quite familiar with small group management and have never had a problem with any other groups that I teach. However, this special education class is different. Can anyone give me some classroom management strategies that often work well with special education students that have poor classroom behavior?"
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1. Tense Shifts

From Carla Winters, an English and speech teacher at Cobden Unit District #17 in Cobden, Illinois:

"I have tried to get my students to stop using tense shifts for years. I finally found a way: remove 'ing' verbs. This suggestion forces students to write either in present or past tense. Most scientific journals follow these rules and limit 'ing' verbs. It has worked with my freshmen and sophomores, and we have now implemented this rule across the curriculum. Try it, and be surprised!"
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2. Reading Race

From Donna Dinizo-Ruhl, a teacher at Roosevelt School in South Plainfield, New Jersey:

"To foster a love of reading, I show my class books that I am reading on my own time. They are thrilled by the size of them! In class, I made a large race track out of bulletin board paper and had the kids color in race cars that I printed from the Internet. I gave them all a sheet to keep track of how much time they read outside of class which the parents initial. Their goal is to make it all the way around the track, which is labeled by minutes. Once they have all made it around, we have an ice cream party. They can't wait to move their cars everyday!"
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3. Creating a Learning Environment

From the Works