"Where the Wild Things Are": Educational Activities

 

Maurice Sendak’s book, Where the Wild Things Are can be used to teach many different skills and fun activities that can be stretched across the curriculum.  The following are some exciting activities using Where the Wild Things Are that can be altered to fit different age groups while still being educational.

Character Education:  “Why Be a Wild Thing?”

The story is a great way to introduce a discussion on emotions and how to handle them. After reading the book, ask students if they know what emotions are.  Allow time for students to answer.  Then, explain that emotions are feeling.  Once you have explain what emotions are, ask students if they have ever been angry like Max and if they have, how did they handle that anger.  You can have them look at the consequences of Max’s behavior-being sent to his room without supper.  Then brainstorm with them things that they could do differently.

Social Studies:  “Where are the Wild Things?”

Have students design their own world map or globe. The model must include the 5 oceans (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic) and at least two continents that actually exist. Then, allow them to create their own “Land of the Wild Things” on their map. Older students can make their model 3-D. 

Science: “And a Forest Grew”

Have your students grow their own forest.  Students can do something as simple as plant seeds in paper cups and watch them grow.  If you want to do something on a larger scale, you can plant a classroom garden in a designated spot outside.

Art: “Create a Wild Thing”

Students can draw and paint pictures of what they think a wild thing is.  They can also use pictures from the internet or various magazines to create their own “wild thing”.

Language Art:  “Wild Review”

Once the students have read “Where the Wild Things Are”, have them practice their writing skills by either doing a book review.  Have students include the story elements such as plot, setting, and theme.  They can rate the book on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being not interesting at all and 5 being very interesting.

“Wild about Books”

Students can also write their own children’s story.  The book can be about wild animals or how to deal with different emotions. Their story should also include fun illustrations.

Music:  “Wild Rumpus”

Students can make their own rumpus.  Let them use different musical instruments to make some fun “wild rumpus” of their own during playtime or music class.

Where the Wild Things Are is an unforgettable children’s book.  It can be used to teach students about anger management, geography, plant growth, and how to write book reviews.

http://voices.yahoo.com/where-wild-things-geography-lesson-281969.html

http://voices.yahoo.com/tutoring-lesson-plan-book-where-wild-things473279.html

 

Things to Include in a School Magazine

 

Writing for a school magazine can be fun and exciting. It is an excellent way to cultivate pride in your school and to make sure the masses stay informed. But, how you figure out what to include in your school magazine? What are today’s students interested in? If you find yourself asking these questions, consider some of these great article ideas for your school magazine.

*Health issues

Health articles are wonderful additions to any school magazine. Students are often curious about diseases and other health issues, and a school magazine is just the place for these articles. The health articles should be informative, but the terminology used in the articles should be easy to understand. It won’t do your students any good to read an article they can’t understand. You can choose your health article by month. For example, February is heart healthy month and November is Diabetes Awareness month.

*Healthy food choices

Students from high school to graduate school are often in a rush. As a result, they tend to make poor food choices. A school magazine can include ways that busy students can get both a quick meal and the nutrition that they need.

*Fashion

Have you ever found yourself wondering what you were going to wear or what your favorite celebrity was wearing? Well, so have the students who will be reading the school’s magazine. Articles on fashion are sure to interest both male and female students even if they are stuck in school uniforms.

*Tips for communicating with parents

Teenagers often find themselves struggling to communicate with their parents. As they begin to assert their independence, family relationships can become strained, and they may even find talking to their parents intimidating. So, be sure to include articles on how to bridge the communication gap between students and their parents in your school magazine.

*Relationship tips

Teens and young adults are always interested in dating tips. These can include everything from the best places for a date in your area to dating safety to how to handle sexual pressure while on a date.

*Book spotlights

Trying to encourage students to read can be frustrating. So, use every opportunity you can to promote reading. The school magazine is a great place to spotlight books.  Be sure to include a brief summary of the book, and the books pros and cons.

*Money saving tips

It is never too early to start learning how to save money. A school magazine should include money saving tips for students. This can be something as simple as how to plan a mini-budget or how to save on entertainment.

*Creative writing from students

A school magazine is a great place to display student work. These simple pieces will draw a lot of attention from fellow students. They will also be treasured by the student authors and their families. Just be sure to carefully read and edit these creative pieces before publishing them.

Don’t be confused about what to include in your school magazine. Choose topics that will interest your students and be educational at the same time.

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/

Teacher Interview Tips: How to Land that Teaching Job

 

 

The school year is drawing to a close and some of you may have decided that the place you are currently employed is not the place you want to be employed when school starts again next year. So, you have decided to hit the pavement and look for another teaching position. If you are one of these educators, there are some things you should do as you prepare for your interview.

Teacher Beware

Be warned. Some principals have confessed to monitoring interviewees from the moment they get out of the car. Why? So they can see if you appear energetic or if you appear disinterested or bored. These principals also intentionally show up a few minutes late in order to see how you will handle the time while you are waiting. So, don’t just go to the interview. Appear excited from the time that you get out of the car until the time that you finish the interview. Bring along some material that you can read while you wait for your interview to begin.

Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

I have been asked over and over again at teaching interviews what is my greatest strength and what do I feel is my weakness. So, don’t be surprised when you are asked this questioned. Think about this before you go to the interview and have an answer readily available. Sell yourself to your interviewer. Highlight all of your accomplishments. However, don’t say that you don’t have any weakness. Principals and interview team members are checking your intergrity. They have already called your former employers and checked your record. Remember everyone has at least one weakness. It is okay to mention one “minor” problem that you might have. However, don’t give your interviewer reasons not to hire you.

The Reason You Left Your Old Job

This is a question is to be expected at any job interview. So, you be prepared to answer.  Be as honest as you can, but as careful as possible. Again, don’t give the interviewer a reason not to hire you. They want a team player so make sure that you don’t bad mouth your boss or co-workers. How do you handle discipline in your classroom?

Test Scores

Test scores rule the teaching world. You can’t escape them if you work in a public school. Be prepared to answer questions about your test scores record. Also, be prepared to discuss how you plan to contribute to increasing the school’s test scores.

Sample Work

Take samples of your students’ work, lesson plans, and other activities with you. Combine this into a portfolio and have it handy at your interview.

Before you head off to that teaching interview, be prepared.

For more tips, read my other article.
http://www.careerpath360.com/index.php/common-teacher-interview-questions-79/

How to Foster a Love of Writing in Your Students

 

 

The first of school, my students could have cared less about writing. It was not something that they did often, and when they did have to complete a writing assignment, they didn’t like it. Now, school is almost over for the year, and I can’t get them to think about much else. They write and write often. And, the great thing is that I don’t have to tell them to write. In fact, they write on their own, and they can’t wait for me to critique their work. So, how did I get those reluctant writers to begin writing more?

Be an Example

As a teacher, we must lead by example. My students know that I loved to write. They also know that I write often. It helped that I write for the local newspaper, and many of my students had read some of my articles. They later learned that I write on-line and blog. I frequently shared with them the reasons that I love to write. I talked passionately about my writing, and my students saw my excitement and wanted to be a part of it.

Publish Student Work

Many of my students did not know that they could have their writings published. So, when they saw my writing on-line, they became motivated to write their own short stories, poems, and articles. I then made it a point to submit their work to any and every writing contest that they qualified for. Yes, it was a lot of work. However, it was worth it. A few of my students won writing contests and were recognized for their work. This help to make the other students work harder and write more.

Encourage Expression

Even though my students are pre-teens, they are very opinionated. They loved to let you know what they think and how they feel. So, I let them. No, I don’t let them their feelings out or disrupt my class. Instead,  I have them transfer their feelings to a journal or diary.

Use the Local Newspaper

Because my students know I write for the local newspaper, they are always telling me about things that are going on in the community or in the school. Instead of grabbing the scoop myself, I encourage them to compose new stories on their own. These are critiqued, and if they are interesting, I submit them to the local paper.

Getting students interested in writing can be difficult. However, I have found that if you show your students how much you love writing and the world opportunities that it can open up, they too will develop a love for writing.

 

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