Supplies and Smiles

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

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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