Teacher to Teacher Tips (from recent editions of the newsletter)

~~ To get history students to actually read the assigned chapter before class discussion:  Day of discussion, divide students into teams of 3 or 4.  I write up about 50 questions.  Ask team a question and they have 15 seconds to discuss and come up with an answer for a pointof extra credit.  If they don't the question goes to another team.  You can have them write the answer so they can't hear other team discussion. I also allow the team with correct answer to ball up the correct response and toss into garbage can 20 feet away.  No name, workshop participant, Illinois. 
 
~~ Have a "special chair" in the classroom - like an executive office chair on wheels.  The chair gets used for special day students - birthday, highest grade on test, biggest improvement of ponts on units, etc.

~~ When asking questions & a child gets stuck, give them the option to "phone a friend". Staff, Cedarwood Preparatory School, S. Africa.
 
~~ When teaching a 45 minute class, it works well to do the 3-15 method. Lecture for fifteen minutes than transition to a 15 minute discussion, transition to a fifteen minute demonstration. I find this keeps kids focused. Sal Buchetto (via email)

~~ Attach an empty box of tissues to the full one as a rubbish bin.  It minimized dirty tissues around your room!  Jessica Steele, Elsen Academy, South Africa.
 
~~ Children are never empty vessels when they come to school.  Always let them brainstorm regarding the topic you want them to learn about.  Start from the known to the unknown.  Welsh Oata - Get Ahead College, Queenstown, SA

~~ Post examples of work in the classroom for things such as APA style, Formal Letter, Essay, etc. Wendy Jo H., King Academy.
 
~~ In my middle school classroom, each student has a 3-ring binder of their work, which is kept on the bookshelf (one shelf for each period).  As the students come in, they take their binder. It helps in taking attendance as missing student's notebooks are still on the shelf. We have the class helper put handouts in the notebooks for absent students.  Workshop participant, Minnesota.

~~ Wear an inexpensive tool belt when teaching. It holds dry-erase markers, passes, pens, stamps, etc - all for easy access. -  workshop participant
 
~~ I raise my hand while asking a question and my 2nd graders all raise their hand with the answer. Works amazingly well. Colleen Brandt, Rothsay, MN

~~ I put students in groups of 3 or 4.  In front of each I place small cubes - either 4, 8 or 12.  Each child can only speak using the number of words according to their cube number.  It causes them to focus on their thinking and use more concise language.  Kathleen Schratz, Ryerson Community School.
 
~~ I call the roll changing all children's names to begin with the sound of the day.They respond by changing my name to begin with the same sound. V. Fleming, grade 1, ON

~~ Decorate the windows of your high school with window decals from colleges and universities that your graduates have attended. (seen at Noble HS, ME)

~~ Every time I make some sort of error, whether it be a calculation error on the board or an error in the solutions of a worksheet, I reward the first student to recognize it and correct it with a lollipop. It keeps them alert and motivates them to question their and my solutions. Mark Bolivar, Upper School, The York School, ON.

~~ In my math class I break the class into teams and have them work the practice problems out as a group, then stamp them off as they finish. We give points for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place team. No name, workshop participant, Montana.

~~ With any academic subject, once it is done, make a storyboard from the content.  Fun, tactile, group activity and easy to observe and grade.  MaryAnn B., 5th grade, IL.

~~ I use dry erase markers directly on my tables and  desks. If you use low odor, you must use a spray to completely erase.  If you get the regular, it wipes right off. We use socks as erasers. My kids  love it. At the end of the day I wipe tables off and they are ready for the  next time. This is amazing for math and spelling. Catherine Miller Elementary Special Education, Santa Fe School District

~~ Empty CD cases with a white piece of a paper or cardstock in it can be used for mini wipe off boards.   - Ann Walker (email)

~~ I have reduced eighth graders from asking to go to the bathroom. How? By placing a mirror near the door entering my room. I have come to the conclusion many teenagers ask to go to the bathroom to make sure they look right when the bell rings and they enter the hallways. Sal Buchetto (via email)

~~ A quick, easy way to make individual whiteboards is  to put a piece of stiff white paper (cardstock)  inside a plastic page protector. A dry erase or whiteboard marker will write on this and wipes off with a paper towel.  Elizabeth J.  Wake Forest, NC.

~~ Save empty boxes that hold kitchen plastic wrap.  The serrated edge works great if you need a fast way to tear paper.

~~ Make "bathroom pass" kits using small tool boxes. You can have one for boys and one for girls. Include items like folded paper towels, liquid soap, small paper cups, hygiene products.  The kit functions as the hall pass and encourages hygiene.  Have the student replenish the kits when returned, from the supply cabinet.

~~ Use a pocket pencil tree in the front of the room. Each student's name is on a pocket.  They pick up their pencil as they come in and return it on their way out.  Easy way to take roll too. Misty Koeppen, Kuna, ID