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

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
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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 Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Are you great at setting up your classroom -- seating, bulletin boards, storage, display of student work, etc.? What suggestions would you give new teachers who are setting up their learning environments?"
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4. Spanish Conversation

"This is my first year teaching Spanish. I am having trouble with my Spanish 4 class. What can I do to get them talking in Spanish? They seem to like things more concrete and structured, like grammar and fill in the blank exercises. When it's time to talk and respond or give a report in Spanish, they just can't put it together. What can I do?"
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1. Ding Dong Silence

Mary Graves, a math coach and department chair at Westridge Middle School in Orlando, Florida:

"To quiet my class, I use a wireless doorbell. I carry the button with me when I work with small groups. The students know that when I ring the doorbell, they need to lower their noise level. If I ring the bell while standing at the front of the class, the students know that I need their silent attention. The wireless doorbell has worked well for me and is a very inexpensive item."
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2. Changing Signals

From Robin Moreng, a third grade teacher:

"I have a large rain stick that I turn over slowly when it's time to transition from one activity to another. Students know that they must be in their seats listening for instructions before it stops raining or their name goes in our discipline book. I use a brass bell if we are switching from centers, and I also own a Yakker Tracker stoplight for classes that need extra noise management techniques. It helps to use different strategies so that students do not develop immunity to them. I also say, very quietly, 'thumbs up if you can hear me,' until this action spreads throughout the group and I can begin speaking. I never try to talk over a class. Sometimes I will stand, smile, and with eye contact to as many as I can, say, 'I'm waiting...but not very patiently.' At the beginning of the year, I give 'letters' for students who comply immediately, decreasing this award as the months progress and replacing it with consequences if necessary, such as staying in at recess to write a behavior analysis for parent signature. I have used these techniques with students in elementary and middle school."
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3. Taking Off Quietly

From an anonymous reader:

"I was reading an educational magazine when I stumbled across an article in which the teacher themed her classroom like an airport. The 'fasten your seatbelt' announcement is used to get children back to their seats and the dinging just before the captain speaks is used to gather the children's attention."
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4. Question of the Week: Vacation Catch Up

From the NEA Today writers:

"It's the time of year when some families decide to take a ski trip or get a bit of sun regardless of whether there is a school vacation or not. How do you deal with students missing school for extended family vacations? How do you manage the time you spend preparing take along packets or catching the student up upon return?"
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5. Sleeping Student

"I have one particular student in my self-contained E/BD classroom that sleeps every single day. She is living in a group home, so has no job or family issues to deal with after school. Medications have been altered several times, but the results are the same. She averages three hours a day sleeping in class. What can be done to keep her awake?"
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1. African American Artists

From an anonymous reader:

"For two weeks in February, Black History Month, I teach about Black artists becoming successful artists because of their bold themes, vibrant colors/textures, and understandable simplicity. I take three artists from the Harlem Renaissance -- painters William Johnson and Jacob Lawrence, and the collage artist Romare Bearden -- and let the kids choose whether they want to paint or collage. They draw a human figure in familiar poses that reflect their own lives, much as these three artists captured their own lives. They add color to these drawings by filling in with watercolor, oil pastels or cut paper from magazines. So many cross-curricular lessons are available through this single art lesson, and since none of the three artists were strict realists, there are few stressors for the students in trying to achieve success."
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2. Hardwaria

From Michael Konecky, a high school biology teacher in Arizona:

"I did a taxonomy activity in which I had my students devise a classification system for a box of nuts, bolts, screws, nails and other hardware in the Kingdom 'Hardwaria.' They had to divide them into phyla, classes, orders, families, genera and species based on some system they could explain. The final requirement was to devise a descriptive binomial for each piece using a list of Latin and Greek roots. A small brass hex nut might end up with the binomial Microhex aureum and a washer "Platiformus centrostoma."
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3. Question of the Week: Quieting the Class

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"From clapping to silent hand signals and flashing off the lights, teachers have many different techniques for quieting their classes and getting students' attention. What innovative, effective solutions have you discovered for "getting their attention"?
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4. Reading First

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"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? I work in a Read First School and the work load is outrageous, and the benefits are not that much higher than with other programs I have used. I am ready to jump ship and am surprised that somebody hasn't complained about the demands being placed on teachers due to this program."
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1. Family Book Club

From Barbara Kruming, a kindergarten teacher::

"Our entire K-6 school reads the same book, and parents are invited to read it too. At the end of the month, we have an evening discussion of the book in the auditorium. Of course, we serve refreshments first. There are some books that work well for both primary and upper level students. Two different books by the same author have also been chosen in the past. Our parents are very excited about sharing in the reading and discussion. The younger siblings of the older students feel proud of the fact that they can talk about the book too! I am a kindergarten teacher, so I read the book with my class, but also encourage my parents to read it themselves."
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2. Stop to Read

From Jenny Smith (BluzTeach@aol.com), a teacher in Miami, Florida:

"On Dr. Seuss Day [also known as NEA's Read Across America], we volunteer to read to children at one of the big malls. We ask parents to stop for a few minutes and allow us to read a book to their child. The children are given a ticket after listening to the reading and then allowed to pick a free book from our table of books. I'm not sure where or how the books are purchased, but I'm sure that something is worked out with one of the book companies. The reading is an awesome experience for me; it's great to share my love for reading and to watch the children's expressions as they listen."
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3. Question of the Week: Read Across America

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"NEA celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday each year with Read Across America, the nation's largest reading celebration. It's a special day, to be sure, but many of us like to encourage reading all year long. How do you foster a love for reading among kids and teenagers? Do you organize book clubs? Recommend books to read outside of class? Send information home to parents? Share with our readers your true-tried tips and best ideas and for encouraging young people to read."
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4. Greek and Latin Activity

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I give my students sixteen words containing Greek and Latin roots or prefixes, which they need to know for quizzes. They use those words to write sentences on slips of paper with the definitions on the back. I'm trying to come up with a short activity (10-15 minutes) that will get them out of their desks. I would also like them to work in pairs. Any suggestions?"
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1. Saving Student Notes

From an anonymous reader:

"I teach sophomores and seniors but I don't see the kids in eleventh grade. The eleventh grade material doesn't overlap mine at all. So, when I teach grammar skills to my tenth graders, I save the kids' note sheets and return them to the students in their senior year. Seeing their own writing on a familiar note sheet helps jog their memories. They also don't have to rewrite all those notes during their senior year! The kids laugh at their terrible sophomore handwriting and appreciate having those notes right at hand as we go over the old material and then build on it."
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2. Recorded Spelling

From Cheryl Gumz, a second grade teacher:

"I have a non-English speaking student from Bangladesh and a Spanish student with non-English speaking parents. To help these students with their spelling and word enunciation, I record the spelling word, the word in a sentence, and the spelling of the word on a cassette tape. The ESOL department supplies the player and tapes. Since I have started recording the words, the students have improved so much! These recordings also help other family members at home."
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3. Question of the Week: Black History Month Across the Curriculum

From the NEA Today writers:

"During Black History Month, many teachers explore the people, places and events that have helped shape the African American experience. If you are a history or social studies teacher, what Web sites, books and other resources are among your favorites for teaching this subject? If you teach other subjects, how have you brought Black History Month into your curriculum?"
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4. March is Reading Month

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"Our school is looking for some fun ideas to celebrate March is Reading Month. We work with many economically disadvantaged kids who have little or no reading materials at home. What are some activities you have done in the past?"
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1.Healthy Hearts

From Brooke Ross, a transitional first grade teacher at Eagleville Elementary School in Pennsylvania:

"I plan on celebrating Valentine's Day by teaching about heart health. The American Heart Association has a plethora of lessons for all different grade levels. I am asking parents to send in heart healthy treats for Valentine's Day to avoid the abundance of sugar in the room. My students in the past have loved the fruit more than the sugary treats!"
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2. Podcasting Book Response

From Gwenn Marchesano, a district media specialist at Whitmore Lake High School in Whitmore Lake, Michigan:

"To encourage reading among our high school students, I have collaborated with the Reading Workshop teacher. In place of one book response essay, each student creates a podcast book review. These are posted on the Library Information Center website. Students are writing their own scripts, using a new technology, and sharing their reaction to books with other students. We hope that these podcasts will also encourage more reading."
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3. Special Friday

From Victor M. Vazquez, an English teacher at University High School in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico:

"The last Friday of every month is special because we take the class outside to the basketball court, the school yard, etc. The activities are related to what we have been reading and are usually kinesthetic in nature. Sometimes the activities are very physical, and they always require more space than a regular classroom provides. For example, after reading 'The Miracle Worker,' we played a game using blindfolds to get the feel of living with a vision impairment. A lively discussion followed. I always help plan the activities, but they are usually led by a different small group of students every month. They really look forward to it!"
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4. Question of the Week: Summer Loss

From the NEA Today writers:

"Summer loss" is the term given to the well-known phenomenon in which some kids forget much of what they've learned over the summer. NEA Today is developing an article about ways to keep all the knowledge you've nurtured into your students from draining out this summer, and maybe even packing in some more. What's your strategy? Contests for most books read? Geek summer camp? Taped subliminal messages while they sleep? Share your best strategies and get featured in Works4Me and perhaps NEA Today."
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5. Documenting in PowerPoint

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"Is there an accepted way of documenting information sources in PowerPoint presentations? We stress to our students the importance of crediting sources and not plagiarizing when they do research, but how do we model that in our own PowerPoints?"
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1. Recorded Reading

From Pamela Fuller, a third grade teacher at Meyer Elementary School in San Jose, California:

"Some of my parents do not have the time to ensure that their children read nightly so I send home a mini tape recorder Monday through Thursday. My students return it in the morning with 20 minutes of recorded reading. I play a little for the class, do a courtesy listen of the rest, rewind, and return them to each student for their nightly read."
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2. Classroom Chat

From Sharon, a third grade teacher at Lakenheath Elementary School in RAF Lakenheath, UK:

"At the end of the day, my students sit in a U-shape on the carpet in the front of the room. We take a few moments to talk about 'something good that happened today' and then 'something I/we need to work on for tomorrow'. Children who want to share flash their fingers in the air and share away. Some of the comments are about themselves and some are about what happened in the classroom during the day. Many of the insightful comments mention an activity, literature shared, or a good deed done by a classmate. Some of the comments about things we need to work on are directed to the group or an individual. All of the sharing is valid and really builds a sense of community and value. It's one of the favorite parts of our day."
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3. Question of the Week: Candy Free Holiday

From the NEA Today writers:

"February 14th is the day of love. How are you and your students going to celebrate Valentine's Day? Many schools have no candy policies. Please share your ideas on how to celebrate this holiday without chocolate."
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4. Smartboard Usage

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I would like to know how you are using Smartboards. Are you showing PowerPoint presentations? Are you going to websites? Are you showing movies with it? What is the best thing about having one?

"If you are a teacher who does not have a Smartboard and would like one, how would you plan to use it in the classroom?"
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1. Movements toward New Beginnings

From Patrick D. Tavarez, a special education teacher at Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California:

"To break up concentrated, focused, and on task time, I have my class mirror my tai chi movements. A good friend's master teacher taught me the fundamentals. You have to start with the basics and work up slowly. Practice at home first; you'll feel better and be glad you did! When I see the students getting fidgety, I give them a 2-minute warning, put on the timer, and say, 'I think it's time to visit China.' After a few times they'll know what's coming. Some kids will moan, but most will welcome the time to become physically and spiritually enhanced!"
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2. New Beginnings

From Carol Cirtin, a third grade teacher at Otterbein Elementary School in Otterbein, Indiana:

"An annual poem I have my third graders memorize is a wonderful reminder for the whole year. I have students who tell me when they are graduating from high school that they recite it to remind them of important things.

New Beginnings
By: Helen Steiner Rice

How often we wish for another chance
to have a fresh beginning
A chance to blot out our mistakes
and change failure into winning.
It does not take a new year
to make a brand new start.
It only takes the deep desire
to try with all your heart.
To live a little better
and to always be forgiving
To add a little "sunshine"
to the world in which we are living.
So, never give up in despair
and think that you are through,
For there's always a tomorrow
and a chance to start anew.

My students memorize this poem every year and do it within a week. We also recite it on the morning announcements. I have students that stop by to recite it in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade and have even had it recited at graduations! What a wonderful way to start a healthy new year!"
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3. Question of the Week: Classroom Podcasting

From the NEA Today writers:

"Podcasting can be fun. It's inexpensive and invites a global audience into the classroom. How have you incorporated podcasts into your teaching and curriculum?"
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4. ESL Student

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"This is my eighth year in teaching. I just found out that I'm getting a new student who speaks Spanish with very limited English. Her parents do not speak English at all. Our ESL teacher will spend only one hour per week with her. Oh, what to do? Any suggestions?"
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1. Student Homework Responsibility

From Sondra Schiffelbein, a fourth grade teacher at Alta Brown Elementary School in Garden City, Kansas:

"To help students be responsible for their homework, I devised a letter to the parents on which the students must fill in the blanks. The first paragraph starts, 'I am writing this letter to you because I chose not to do my homework. I was supposed to turn in my assignment on...' The second paragraph starts, 'I chose not to do it because...' The last paragraph states, 'I need to bring my completed homework tomorrow and this note that has been signed by you. I also have to miss one recess per day that I don't return the homework and this signed letter.' The student, teacher and parent signs and dates the letter, and I make a copy. I put the copy in the student's file as documentation. If the letter does not get returned, the parents are called."
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2. Foul Language Policy

From Kimberly Fandiño, a high school teacher:

"When I hear an offensive word, I just politely say, 'language please' to the individual. Normally, the student will immediately apologize. If I have time to continue the conversation I may add, 'remember that a good vocabulary is a sign of great intelligence. Show me how smart you are and find some alternatives to those adjectives.' I say these things in a smiling, teasing sort of way and get very good responses from high school kids. If someone is belligerent or in my face, I normally will ask them politely if they want to take care of it now or if we need to invite the principal in for a discussion about vocabulary choices. It's only once in a blue moon that I am taken up on the second option. Our school policy is that swearing intentionally without stopping after a reminder equals in-school suspension. Swearing repeatedly with intent to upset people, and/or swearing at a staff member results in automatic out-of-school suspension."
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3. Question of the Week: Healthy Lessons

From the NEA Today writers:

"It's a new start to a new year. What are you teaching and doing with your students to promote healthy habits? How have you incorporated good health and exercise into your classroom?"
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4. Homework Limits

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"Do any of you have a homework policy for your school or grade level? As an administrator, we encourage any homework that reinforces the skill learned at school. At times though, our students have an abundance of homework. Sometimes our parents and our teachers (that are parents) complain. Do you have suggestions about how to keep the homework to a certain amount of time? Does your school have a policy on homework?"
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1. Spell It Right

From Jennifer Lee Queen-Hurt, an ECSE teacher at Southside Elementary School in Dinwiddie, AE:

"I play the game Spell It Right with my second and third graders. I place my students' names on tongue depressors. I pull two names to be the next contestants to, 'Come on down!' I give them a spelling word of the week for the imaginary grand prize. The first contestant to spell the word correctly wins the prize. A few weeks later, I pull names to form teams of students. The teams compete for real prizes from a treasure chest. The team with the most points has first choice of a treasure chest item. Since playing this game, spelling grades are rarely below 105% with bonus words. This activity also helps us with science vocabulary words."
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2. I Love Angry Parents

From Janice Troyer, a counselor at Howard Wilson Elementary School in Leavenworth, Kansas:

I love working with angry parents! This is my philosophy and procedure.

1. The parent always has a valid complaint, according to how he/she understands something.
2. Remain calm. Don't be defensive. Just listen.
3. Ask the parent to tell you what he/she is angry about. Then say something like 'I can understand why you would be angry about that. I am happy that you are your child's advocate.'
4. Then say, 'Let's see what has already been done about this issue and what we can do to solve it.'
5. Hopefully, what has already been done has been documented. I may have to tell the parent that I will need some time to work this problem out, but I will let her/him know as soon as I know something. I sometimes ask clarifying questions.
6. I document every time I talk with a parent or child and keep enough details to answer upcoming questions.
7. I follow through, investigate, and call the parent back."

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3. Question of the Week: No Swearing

From the NEA Today writers:

"Students sometimes forget the difference between street and school language. What is your school policy on swearing? What do you do about profanity use in your classroom? How do you keep school language clean?"
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4. Accountability for Missed Work

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"There are school days in which the elementary classroom is like a revolving door. A few students at a time go in and out for special lessons, such as instrumental music, gifted and talented, ESL or speech. How do teachers keep track of the work that students miss when they leave the class for these specials? When and how is the missing instruction provided for the students? What is the system for the students being accountable for the missed work?"
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1. Youngsters' Office Trips

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

"I teach preschoolers with disabilities and have also taught kindergarten. I have taken in-school field trips to the office. We observe what the office staff does and the equipment they have. I have my assistant stay in the classroom, and we call her over the PA system. The kids love the PA system, and calling my assistant helps the kids understand where the voice in the box is coming from when they hear announcements. I also let each child use the copying machine. After the trip we set up our own office in the classroom complete with clipboards, an electric typewriter, computer keyboards, phones, envelopes and stamps.

"We also visit the clinic. We do this visit early in the year before anyone needs to go. The trip helps alleviate some of the fears they have about being taken to see the nurse. She weighs and measures them, lets them try her stethoscope, lets them look in each others' ears, and shows them things like Band-aids and ice packs."
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2. Math is Everywhere

From T'Chris, a middle school math teacher:

"I teach grid coordinates by mapping the school using tiles on the floor. The tiles in the ceiling can be used if there is carpeting in the classroom. It is great fun finding out where the doors are, where the bathrooms are, and where the furniture is in the classroom. This mapping lends very nicely to talking about the third dimension because my desk contains several objects the students want to map but can't because they aren't on the floor. We also have a big drainage ditch in the corner of our yard. After suitable safety instruction, we measure volume and calculate how many cement bags would be needed to build the site. There are lots of things to measure around school. I love our chances to go away from the classroom in order to show that math is everywhere."
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3. Question of the Week: Demanding or Angry Parents

From the NEA Today writers:

"How do you deal with demanding or angry parents? An upcoming NEA Today article will feature practical strategies that educators can share with each other. Please include at least one example of a time you have used your strategy, and please include your email, school name and the city in which you work."
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4. Afraid to Graduate?

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"To those of you who teach high school seniors: Have you ever had a student who was afraid to graduate? I've known several in my years in the classroom. They experience the opposite of senioritis. They start doing poorly in class, avoiding school, and generally trying to keep the inevitable from occurring. In short, they self-destruct. How do you deal with these students? Our guidance counselor and I have been trying to see what makes these kids tick and find ways to help them to prepare for life after high school. Any suggestions?"
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1. Hot Gifts

Cyndi Stumpf, a second grade teacher in Jefferson Township, New Jersey:

"For the holidays, my students make a hot plate out of a 12 inch solid white tile. I purchase the tiles at a local home building supply store, and the students decorate the top with permanent markers. I spray the tiles with an acrylic paint sealer which is also available at the home building supply store. The students glue felt squares to the bottom for table protection. These hot plates have been a popular and useful gift as well as being applicable to all holidays."
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2. Fingerprint Stationery

From Denise Muto, a fifth grade teacher at Roadrunner Elementary School:

"Our students make fingerprint stationery for gifts each year. Last year, we used black ink to make a fingerprint on each sheet of paper, each envelope, on a cover for Post-It Notes, on a gift bag, and on a gift tag. The students then used markers to turn the fingerprints into mice.

"This year, we are using acrylic paints in holiday, colors and the fingerprints (pinkie finger only) will be turned into a string of lights. Again, we will make the entire ensemble of stationery and gift bag/tag. It is fast, easy, and inexpensive. The kids love to do the project and are proud of the results."
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3. Shell Candles

From Mrs. V, a third grade teacher in Long Island, New York:

"We live near an ocean beach. This summer, my husband and I gathered up several large clam shells. My students are going to decorate them and glue in a small tea light to give to their parents for the holiday season."
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4. Question of the Week: In House Field Trips

From the NEA Today writers:

"Your colleagues a tNEA Today are putting together a story about fun and educational field trips that teachers can lead without leaving school grounds. (For example, shall we peek into the school pantry and figure out how many boxes of burgers must be defrosted for Friday's BBQ?) If you’ve taken a field trip without leaving school grounds — or if you have a great idea for one — we’d love to hear it."
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5. Kids Say the Darndest Things

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I am a second grade teacher. We were studying nouns, and I felt pretty confident that the whole class knew what a noun was. When I asked for someone to tell the class the definition of a noun, all I could do is laugh. His response? A person who plays with a thing."
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Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. Spelling Scatter Graphs

From Curtis Stuart, a third grade ESL teacher:

"At the beginning of the year, I give my students a list all of the words they will need to know how to spell. They each have a folder with the list and a graph of the words in a sheet protector. I select ten words each week and hang them in different locations around the room. Everyday we go around the room, say and spell the words. On Thursdays, I pull the words down and give them a test. I say the word, where it was and use it in a sentence. Their spelling has improved greatly. On Fridays, I give sticker tests. I have a jar with the year's spelling words written on Popsicle sticks. I pull 10 sticks randomly and ask them to spell them. Some words they've had, others they have not. I graph these sticker tests rather than grade them. I mark the ones they have correct and write the number at the top of their papers. On the wall is a scatter graph where they put a small sticker by the number they have correct. They highlight those correct words on their yearly spelling list and graph in their own folder. They see how many words they have learned by the highlighting and their progress from their own graphs. From the scatter graph, I add the total number of words correct that week and put them on a plot graph on the wall. The class can see how their group is doing and realize if that if someone is absent during the sticker test, the graph may go down. The sticker test process should not take more than ten minutes once they are trained. I have some very limited prior education students, and they love the sticker test. The graphs are also handy to show parents during conferences. Some of our SPED teachers use this graphing method for all subjects in middle and high school."
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