Back to School Preparations

Back to School Preparation

Sadly, Ladies and Gentlemen, school is getting ready to start again. I hope you are ready. I am not. However, here are some things that I am doing to get ready for the crazy back to school rush.

1.   I am creating and posting rules for my classroom.

2.   I am creating my rubrics for my classroom journals and homework.

3.   I have cleaned my room and began organizing my papers so that I can find them more easily.

4.   I have started getting my student journals ready.

5.   I have created my bellringers and printed them off for the first 2 weeks of school. (Bellringers are so time consuming! I make them early so that I am not so stressed later.)

6.   I have created my back to school brochure for Parent Night.

7.   I have created my spelling, vocabulary, and sight word list for the 1^st 9 weeks.

8.   I am trying to get my body back used to school hours.

9.   I am doing my rating on TpT so that I can have some extra money for the TpT back to school sale.

10.                I am posting products for the back to school sale.

 

 

So, what are you doing?

Bad Grades: Things Parents Shouldn't Do

Things NOT to Do When Your Child Has a Bad Grade

So, your child has a bad grade. Whether it is on a progress report or a report card, there is nothing like the sting of seeing that “D” or “F”. Just as there are a lot of things that you can do to help improve your child’s grade, there are some things that you DON’T DO if you want to help.

Negative Talk

The biggest mistake parents can make when their child has a bad grade is to talk negatively about the child’s teacher. It is so easy to become upset with the teacher and start mouthing off to friends, neighbors, co-workers, your child, and even other teachers who work with the offending teacher. However, this will not help the situation. In fact, it will only help to exacerbate the situation.

The truth is the teacher is not out to get your child. Chances are good that the teacher is also a parent~just like you. He/She is not childish enough to “give” your child a failing grade. Grades have to be record in grade books and turned in to the school office and the state department of education. So, instead of opening your mouth, try talking to the teacher to see what the problem is. Ask your child to explain to you why he/she received the failing mark. Check your child’s grades. And, let’s be honest. Your child’s teacher is human too. Your negative remarks will more than most likely reach his or her ears. Although the teacher won’t intentionally fail your child, he/she WILL NOT offer him or her any extra help or assistance.

Intimidation Doesn’t Work

Why…oh, why do so many parents feel obligated to get on social media and degrade the teacher? Parents, what you are doing is called slander. So, what if you know who the teacher is dating or where he or she hangs out after school hours? The teacher’s job is to educate your child. It is not to cater to your whims. Your threats and malicious gossip will only backfire in the long run. It will not help your child’s grades, and it can possibly land you in court if the teacher decides to pursue the issue. It also makes you look petty.

Do Not Support Your Child’s Bad Behavior

Okay, let’s face it. Most students who have bad grades are behavioral problems…not all but most. Why? Because when a student is confused or can’t keep up, he tends to act out. As a parent, make it a point to get the whole story. Don’t just assume Little Johnny is telling the truth. Find out what is going on in the classroom from the teacher, your child, the principal, and other teachers if possible. Get a clear view of the situation.

No one is perfect. Bad grades can happen to even the smartest students from time to time. What’s important is how you react to those grades as a parent. You are the key to your child’s success. You are also your child’s primary role model. So, instead of displaying negative behavior that can backfire in the long run, put your best foot forward. Work with your child’s teacher to improve his or her grades.

Surviving the Days before the Holiday

Surviving the Days before the Holidays

Part 1

Yep. It’s that time of the year. It is almost Thanksgiving, and some of you may or may not have had a Fall Break. (My school does not have one. Bummer!) Whether you have had a break are not, chances are good that you are plum wore out at this point. As teachers, we tend to let school become our center focus. We put our own families and lives on the backburner. We have too many things to do, too many papers to file out, and not enough time in the day. And, some of us sell products on TpT. Some of us have a second job. So, what can you do?  This is my first installment of teacher survival tips.

Just Walk Away

So, they want you to be the PTO secretary or they need you to help run the school newspaper on top of everything else you have to do. And, you hate to say “no”. Teachers are often guilty of trying to do too much. After teaching for 8 hours, we often come home and continue to work. Instead of spending this time with our families, we spend it doing lesson plans and grading papers. However, if we are to survive…if we are to be successful at our jobs and at being a “person” outside of work, we are going to have to learn how to just say “no”. That’s it. Just say “no” and walk away. Don’t feel guilty. Don’t wonder who they found to replace you. Don’t worry, and don’t wonder. You deserve to have some time to yourself.

I once had a principal who told me that he and his wife made it a rule to never bring work home. They don’t bring papers home. They don’t talk about unruly students. They don’t discuss school work at all. Their time at home is designated for time for their family.

Sounds it possible doesn’t it? But, it is doable. You just have to make a conscious effort to leave work at work.

Go to bed on time

Next, go to bed. That’s right. Go to bed, and go on time. A lack of sleep can make you feel both physically and mental exhausted. It can lower your immune system and lead to colds and other illnesses. Remember most people need 7-8 hours of sleep each night in order to perform at their best. So, no, those quick catnaps you take on the couch of 2-4 hours doesn’t count. Put those papers down, and go to sleep.

Teaching is a demanding job. In order to stay on top of your game, you have to take time for yourself. Stop taking piles of papers home. Stop taking on extra work. Go to bed on time.

Teachers and At-Risk Students

 

Teachers and At-Risk Students

The sad reality is that in each school there are students who are at-risk of dropping out or falling between the cracks. It is also a fact that we, teachers, play in their negative experiences at school. We also influence their decision to either drop out of school or hang in there until the end. Are you wondering how?

Think about your low achievers or those students who “can’t get it”. Now, think about the way you treat them. Do you call on them as much as you do your smarter students? Do you give them as many opportunities as you do other students?

Unless you are one those exceptional teachers, your answers are probably not the ones that they should be. Let’s face it. Whether we intend to or not, sometimes we overlook our most vulnerable students.

What are somethings that you can do to help? First, change your behavior.

Ø  Call on these students more.

Ø  Allow these students more time to answer questions when you do call on them.

Ø  Often more praise

Ø  Provide them with feedback as soon as possible

Ø  Provide the students with more hands-on activities

 

 

5 Things Teachers Wish Parents Knew

 

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a teacher? If you are honest, you will admit that it seems like a pretty easy job. Teachers get their summers off. They get two weeks off for Christmas, a week off for Spring Break, and three or more days off for Thanksgiving. However, there is more to teaching than what meets the eye. The following are five things that teachers wish parents knew.

Your Involvement Is Key

Yes, we want you to be involved in your child’s education. In fact, you play a key role in your child’s education. You can do what we can’t. You know your child intimately. You know what he or she likes and doesn’t like. You are the biggest influence in your child’s life. And, you know what it will take to motivate them. So, yes, we want you to be involved. We love for you to check-up on your child. We look forward to seeing you at Parent-Teacher Conferences and other school events.

Keep Us Informed

Don’t keep important details from us. We need to know what your child is allergic to. We need to know what medicines he or she is on. And, we need to know what your child’s interests are. If there is a death in the family, let us know because this can influence your child’s grades and behavior. Although you may not want to divulge that you and your spouse are going through a divorce, it could help us to better understand why you child is acting out in class.

Be Careful What You Say

Monitor what you say in front of your children. Whether you want them to or not, you children come back to school and repeat the things that you have said. They don’t mind let their teachers know just how you feel about them.

Teachers Have Lives Outside of School

Parents seem to forget that teachers have lives away from school. So often parents call after-hours or on weekends. When this happens, teachers are nice and address your concerns, but they find it frustrating.  A good rule of thumb is to call during the teacher’s planning time. If this is simply not possible, then call before it 7:00 P.M. and avoid calling on the weekends and avoid calling on Friday nights all together.

It Isn’t About the Money

Contrary to what some parents may think, teachers are definitely not in it for the money. In fact, compared to other professions, teaching does not pay well. And, most teachers end up spending what little money they make buying school supplies and other materials for their classroom.

How to Encourage Creative Thinking in Primary Children

Getting your primary students to think creatively may seem impossible. In reality, primary students are at the right age to develop their creative thinking abilities. So, what can you do to help facilitate the creative thinking process? Read on.

*Encourage questions

Young children are naturally curious. They will ask questions about almost anything. Instead of discouraging their many questions, educators should encourage them. Yes, some of the questions they ask may sound silly. However, these silly questions are your primary students’ way of formulating creative ideas and concepts.

*Allow them to make decisions

Encourage your young students to make some decisions. Young children often like to take the initiative. They begin to imitate the adults around them, and they want to do things their own way. So, let them. These decisions can be something as simple as which coloring crayons to use to color the grapes on their coloring sheets. Letting them make decisions will allow them to learn independence and encourage creativity.

*Allow them to make mistakes

It is hard to watch your students made decisions and then fail. However, it is through these experiences that primary students learn how to come up with creative solutions to their problems.

*Praise their efforts

Always praise your students’ efforts. Praise will increase their self-esteem, and motivate them to keep trying. By praising your primary students’ efforts and creative ideas, you are encouraging them to try new things and letting them know it is okay to be different.

*Open ended questions

Ask your primary students open-ended questions. These questions shouldn’t have simple “yes” or “no” answers. They should make the students think. It may take a few times for your students to adjust to these types of questions, but once they do, they will begin to use their imaginations.

*Read to them often and discuss what you have read

Books offer students a way to use their imaginations. Reading takes them to magical worlds and foreign lands. It offers them an escape from the “real world”. By listening to you read, your students are using their imaginations and learning how to think creatively. So, read to your students often and discuss the stories that you read as a group.  

*Print rich room

Create a reading friendly room. Have print everywhere. Keeps books and age appropriate magazines readily available for your primary students.

*Model Creative Thinking

Model creative thinking for your primary students. Young students are very impressionable. So, let them see you working on creative projects. Work through problems out loud so that the students can see how you solve problems. And, definitely let them see you read.

As a teacher, you have a wonderful opportunity to cultivate your primary students’ creative abilities. Encourage them to ask questions, to use their imaginations, and to “think outside the box”.

How to Get Your Teaching Staff to Work Together

 

Working in teams is almost unavoidable in any work setting, and teaching is no different. But, how do you get a diverse group of teachers to work together toward a common goal? The following are some great strategies that you can use to get your teaching staff focused and to keep them motivated.

Identify goals

The first thing that you will need to do is to get the entire staff together. During this meeting, both long and short term goals should be discussed. As a team, develop a plan of action for accomplishing those goals. Once you have identified the goals for the staff and developed a plan of action, you should have regular staff meetings in order to assess progress and to encourage the staff to stay focused on those goals. You can also invite guest speakers to come periodically to help keep your teaching staff motivated.

Clearly define expectations

As a principal, superintendent, Lead Teacher, or other person of authority, it is up to you to provide the staff with clearly defined expectations. Each teacher should know what they are expected to do, what the expected outcome is, and how that outcome works toward the overall goal.

Build teams

Once you have discussed the school or district’s main goal with the staff and clearly defined your expectations for them, you can then decide if you want your staff to work as one large group or if you want to divide them up into smaller teams. Working as one large group can be almost impossible in a large size school. So, in this instance, a smaller group would work more effectively than a larger one.

Now, you must decide how to group your staff. You can place them in groups according to their subject areas or you can opt to mix the different subject areas.

Leadership roles

Once the staff is divided into groups, you should delegate leadership positions. The teams should have one person who is in charge of keeping the team on track. This should be a person who is a decision-maker and a visionary. They should also have good interpersonal and communication skills.

Active participants

In order to successfully accomplish your goals, each member of the teaching staff must be active participants in the group. With the stresses of dealing with students, parents, and trying to meet state and federal standards, it can be easy for staff members to attempt to avoid the added responsibility. This is a mistake. All of the teaching staff needs to be fully committed to working toward the school’s mission. They should not be passively watching their co-workers do all the work. So, how do you get these teachers motivated?

 One way to keep teachers actively involved in the team is to rotate leadership positions. Each team member should have to take a leadership position at some point during the project. Another way to get disengaged staff members involved is to assign them projects that interest them and fall within their area of expertise. Ask them to share their ideas and opinions. People tend to work harder when they feel their work and their opinions matter.

Value diversity

Don’t try to beat your teaching staff into one mole. Celebrate each of the member’s diversity. This diverse group can bring a variety of different points of view to the table. They can also offer their expertise in different areas.

Getting a diverse group of teachers focus on a common goal may seem difficult. However, it can be done effectively by identifying goals, defining expectations, embracing diversity, and getting everyone actively involved.

http://video.about.com/management/How-to-Build-a-Teamwork-Culture.htm
http://humanresources.about.com/od/involvementteams/a/twelve_tip_team.htm

Ways Teachers Can Set Good Examples for Students

Setting Good Examples for Students

Teachers hold the future in their hands.  Aside from parents, no one else has a greater influence on children.  It is because of this influence that teachers should set good examples for their students by doing the following:

Demonstrate positive decision-making skills:

Each day brings with it new challenges and new opportunities to show students the importance of making good decisions. A teacher can demonstrate the thinking process for the students by going through a process called thinking out loud. Thinking out loud is when the teacher encounters a problem and verbally works through that problem. This will allow the students to know what the choice is and how the teacher comes to a decision.  Students get to follow the thinking reasoning process from start to finish. 

Admit mistakes and apologize

Everyone makes mistakes.  The key is to admit the mistake and apologize.  Because little eyes are watching, it is imperative that the teacher demonstrate good citizenship by apologizing as soon as the mistake is identified.  This shows students the importance of taking responsibility for ones mistakes.  By apologizing in front of the students, the teacher is repairing the mistake and setting a good example for students to follow.

Demonstrate Fairness

Fairness is extremely important.  Students can quickly pick up on favoritism, and it should never be a part of the classroom.  By giving all students the same opportunities, the teacher is demonstrating fairness. 

Be Flexible

The world is in a constant state of change.  Nothing stays the same.  When things do not work out as planned, the teacher can point this out to the students and then demonstrate a positive attitude while handling the change. 

Show Respect

One of the most important lessons that a teacher can teach is respectfulness. It is important students learn how to treat people. It does not matter if the other person is another teacher, an administrator, a parent, or simple a student.  They deserve respect.

Teachers influence students in many different ways. By demonstrating good decision making skills, recognizing mistakes and apologizing for them, and being fair and flexible a teacher can provide good examples for students.

Ways to Be More Productive Teacher without Losing Your Mind

Teaching is a demanding job. It is almost impossible to keep up with all the paper work, be a successful teacher, and still have a family life. So, what can you do get it all done in a day and still have time for your family and yourself? Here are some things that you can do to increase your productivity at work.

Get a Good Start

Breakfast is the first meal of the day. Eating breakfast will help to provide you with the fuel you need to make it through a hectic day at school. It is difficult to deal with a room full of bouncy children when you are hungry. Even when I don’t have time for a full meal, I try to grab a quick piece of toast and some type of protein before rushing out of the door.

Get Focused

As teachers, we know how important it is to stay focused. So, I would suggest that you meditate, exercise, read, or enjoy a simple cup of coffee. Do whatever it takes to get your mind focused and ready for the school day.

Do One Thing at a Time

I love to try to multi-task; however, when do more than one thing at a time, I end up making a mess. Contrary to what your bossy may tell you, multi-tasking is really not a good idea. Instead of trying to focus on three or four things at a time, only focus on one. Complete that task. Then, move on to the next task.

Prioritize

Decide what needs immediate attention and do it first. Like most people, I have more energy in the morning. So, it makes more sense to do the most demanding tasks first and save the easier tasks for after lunch when your energy starts to wane.

Have a Routine

Have a set routine. You should have set days for giving test and quizzes, and you should have set days to teach each of your state objectives. This will help to save you time and allow you to be more productive. It will also provide stability for your students

Plan Effectively

One of the keys to being a more productive teacher is planning. Plan your lessons early. I know this can be difficult to plan days before you finish the lesson you are currently on. However, this ensures that you don’t get behind on all those tons of paperwork. Remember, these are only plans. Nothing is set in concrete. You can always go back and remediate students who didn’t get it. And, you can always go back and make changes to your lesson plans.

Organize

Okay, I have to admit that I am not the most organized person in the world. My desk is often cluttered, and I tend to collect and keep tons of student work. However, one of the best ways to be more productive as a teacher is to be more organized. I have found that my day runs a lot better when my desk is clean and my files in place. And, I get a lot more work done. Trust me. I know you are busy, but take the time to get organized. It will pay off in the long run.

It is possible to be a more productive teacher. Have a set routine. Plan effectively. Get organized and stop trying to do it all at one time.

 

http://voices.yahoo.com/teacher-survival-effective-teacher-without-11979272.html
http://lifelearningtoday.com/2007/08/23/25-tips-to-become-more-productive-and-happy-at-work/

Gift Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. As a teacher, I can tell you that every single thing that you give us will be appreciated. Even something as simple as a handwritten note that tells us “Thank You” can mean a lot. Here are some quick suggestions for teacher happies: board markers, copy paper, key rings, pencils, flowers, plagues, brief cases, angles, gift cards, etc. For other gift-giving ideas, check out my article:

http://www.celebrations360.com/index.php/present-ideas-for-teachers-2-1820/

M-STAR Survival Tips for Educators

M-STAR: Some Quick Tips on What You can Do to Survive Your Evaluation

Mississippi Statewide Teacher Appraisal Rubric is the new method of evaluation classroom teachers in Mississippi. M-STAR evaluations include two formal evaluations and at least five walk-through evaluations. This system is designed to help teachers reflect upon their own teaching methods and to provide quick, meaningful feedback. Whether you are new to the classroom or a veteran educators, the new system can be confusing. Instead of constantly worrying about your evaluation, use some of these tips to plan ahead.

Individualized Teaching

M-STAR is all about making the student the focus of learning. One of the main things you will want to do is to individualize your teaching to fit each of your students. Have activities for your visual learners, your kinesthetic learners, and your auditory learners. Have a center where you are stationed to help your struggling learners.

Technology

You can’t escape the computer age. The new teacher evaluation system wants to see you use technology in your classroom. So, incorporate the computer, promethium board, netbooks, or eBooks into your lesson plans. There are tons of computer programs that you can use to do this. You can also have your students take interactive quizzes on line. Make sure that when you are being evaluated that you show your evaluator that you do work with technology.

Print Rich Environment

It doesn’t matter which subject you teach. Having a print rich environment is a must. Create a print rich environment in your classroom by having books, magazines, posters, ankle charts, and other reading material on your subject area readily available and in plain view. You can even opt to section off an area of your room where books and magazines on various topics are displayed. Your students are bound to come across something that they may want to read.

Across the Curriculum

It has been said that no man is an island. Well, teaching is no longer a one man show. Teachers are no longer expected to just teach their own subject area and move on. You are now expected to teach across the curriculum. You must be sure to integrate other subject areas into your lessons. It is also a plus when you hang posters or student work that displays the incorporation of other disciplines.

Make Connection to Real World

Students always want to know what the subject has to do with them or why they have to learn something. So, it is important to make a real world connection. If you are teaching a book, be sure to compare the book to a real life situation or experience that you have had. Then, allow your students to briefly share their experiences that connect with the subject of your lesson.

Explain the Objective

Before you dive into the lesson for the day, explain what you will be teaching. Explain why it is important, and make those real world connections.

Questions Please

The new M-STAR evaluation requires teachers to think about the way they question their students. Instead of asking questions that require simple responses, M-Star encourages educators to ask questions that require students to use their critical thinking skills and creativity.

Safety

As teachers, most of us are more concerned with teaching the lesson than checking out our classroom. Well, we must begin to do a quick evaluation of your classrooms. Check to see if the room is safe for students and yourself. Are there book bags in the aisles? Are there other things that can pose safety hazards? These things must be addressed before your evaluation.

No Down Time

Do not allow any downtime for the students. Activities should flow smoothly. So, plan accordingly.

Make Corrections

Be sure to handle any disciplinary problems in your classroom quickly and promptly. Post classroom rules throughout your room, and make sure that they are visual. Refer to your rules throughout your class.

Procedure

Make sure that you have taught your students classroom procedure. The person doing your evaluation will look for these things as they are observing your class.

M-STAR evaluations can be scary. Know what to expect and plan accordingly.

http://mpbonline.org/News/article/inside_mississippi_teacher-evaluations
http://home.mds.k12.ms.us/docs/rocurement-library/m-star-system-guide.pdf

Things Administrators Look for When Doing Classroom Observations

All teachers get them-those nice little walk-through and formal evaluations. So, what exactly is your principal looking for when he or she stops by? Check out the following list.

Objectives

One of the first things that your administrator will do when he or she enters your room is check to see if you have your objectives posted. These can be your objectives for the day or for the week. It is crucial that you have these posted and in a place of high visibility. And, make sure you go over these objectives with your students each day.

Classroom Engagement

The principal or administrator will also check to see if your lesson is engaging. Are your students actively involved in the lesson or if you are doing only lecture? So, try to plan lessons that will require your students to be involved and actively engaged.

Teacher Location and Movement

The principal will check to see where you are when he or she enters the room. Are you sitting at your desk or walking around monitoring your classroom? Not many of us can stand on our feet all day long. However, your principal will want you to spend the majority of the day walking around your class. This will help to decrease the amount of behavioral problems in your class and ensure that you students stay on task.

Classroom Organization

How is your class organized? Are your desks in straight rows or are they set up in small groups? Administrators want you to encourage correlative groups. So, try to plan group work for a majority of the time.

Time Management

Another big issue is time management. Your principal will observe your time management skills. He or she will check to see how you use the time you have to get the most out of your class. They also want to make sure that you stay on task. Most want you to teach from “Bell to Bell”. This means form the time that the students enter your class to the time that the bell rings for them to be dismissed. Although you may can’t accomplish this all the time, make sure if your boss is present that you do this.

Student Work

Not only will your boss check to see you are on task and your students engaged, he or she will check to see if you have any of your students’ work displayed. Be sure to hang some student work somewhere in your classroom or outside of your door.

Meaningful Lesson

Your principal will also check to make sure your lessons are meaningful and relevant. Some lessons are cute, but they don’t go with your curriculum. If this is the case, don’t waste your time teaching them. They will count as a strike against you.

Readily Available Lesson Plans

Keep your lesson plans in a place that you can find them at a moment’s notice. Your principal may ask to see these when he or she stops by to evaluate you.

Don’t be caught off guard. Be prepared for walk-through and other evaluations from your principal.

http://www.ehow.com/how_7666347_teach-lesson-evaluation.html

http://voices.yahoo.com/tips-being-successful-teacher-11906762.html

February Journal Writing Topics

Fall in love with writing this February. Use the following writing prompts to start a fire in your heart.

1.      February 1 is National Freedom Day. President Lincoln signed the 13^th Amendment on February 1, 1865. National Freedom Day became an official holiday on June 30, 1948. Write a paragraph describing 3 freedoms that you are thankful for.

2.      Ground Hog’s Day is on February 2. Research the origin of Ground Hog’s Day. Then, write a brief description of this holiday’s origin.

3.      Send a Card to a Friend Day is February 7^th. So, compose a few quick lines that you would like to send to a close friend.

4.      The Winter Olympics will be starting soon. Which winter sport is your favorite and why.

5.      February 8 is Boy Scout Day. Make a list of some great activities that you can do to help improve your neighborhood or school.

6.      On February 9, Hersey’s Chocolates Company was founded. What is your favorite candy and why?

7.      February is Black History Month. List 5 famous African American and their accomplishments.

8.      This is also Canned Food Month. Write about creative ways that you can collect canned goods.

9.      February 11 is National Inventors Day. Write about 5 inventions that you are most thankful for.

10.  Think of 4 special people in your life and write them appreciation letters.

11.  The colors of Valentine’s Day are red, white, and pink. What other colors do you think could be used for Valentine’s Day and why?

12.  Compose a poem for someone you love.

13.  Think of your favorite Valentine’s Day gift. What was it and why?

14.  If you could go on a date with anyone living or dead this Valentine’s Day, who would it be and why?

15.  February is National Dental Health Month. What are some ways that you can take better care of your teeth?

16.  President’s Day is February 17. Write a paragraph comparing and contrast 2 United States Presidents.

17.  February is National Heart Month. List 3 ways that you can help to keep your heart healthy.

18.  If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be and why?

19.  February 27 is Polar Bear Day.  List 5 fun facts about Polar Bears.

20.  List 4 famous African Americans from your state.

Let the love of writing warm your heart this February. Choose some or all of the writing prompts listed above.

http://voices.yahoo.com/national-canned-food-month-look-canned-food-5435359.html
http://voices.yahoo.com/national-freedom-day-recognition-proposal-5279281.html