Classroom Management

I do not know what it is but students know when they can run over you.  Its like they can sniff your uncertainty or your lack of control.  If I had to give advice, it would be to let students know what you expect and what will happen if they do not do what you expect.  Also, always do what you say you would do. A teacher that makes empty threats is just harming his or herself.
Be firm and kind.

Making Teaching Less Stressful: Tip # 1

I always wondered iif it was possible to make teaching less stressful.  Well I am on this mission to prove to myself that I can.  I started downloading powerpoints and worksheets for each topic in Reading because I teach Reading a lot and it is in the mornings.  So I would rather be prepared the first teaching period instead of scrambling around to be prepared the night before or that morning.  The good thing about doing this is that I can print the information on transparency paper if I only have an overhead projector.  Also I can use the information as a reference for me so I will know what to teach or what to write on the board.  In addition, I can simply make copies for the students.  Or just use the lcd projector when I have one. The point is , if you create a teaching file for those subjects that take up most of your time  before hand, when its time to teach you wont be stressed out looking for resources.

Two More Cool Ideas

Part 2 - More cool ideas

   

Things teachers will love.

Well, I am back on my hunt for looking at teacher ideas and the internet and the blogs do not fail me.  I mean from Pinterest to Youtube the possibilities are endless of all the things you can find out there to make your life better as a teacher.  Check these out!

I visited www.kidblog.org and let me tell you it is so easy to set up a caveman could do it.  It allows you to have your students share their writing.  Other students can comment on it, the things you can do are many.  I signed up today but I will have to wait for my class list to add the students to it.  It is safe too, no funny business you know- that's important cause you can monitor the students' entries etc.


I am strongly considering the Daily 5 or some components of it- I think it brings structure to the reading period.  I often feel like I need a structured way to teach during the literacy period in the morning and I am currently loving this Daily 5 thing.  I love how it encourages students to be independent so that it frees you up to work in small groups or one on one with students who need intervention.

In grade 6 we learn about different cultures so I was thinking of linking up with teachers from those parts of the world via their blogs or emails to see how I make the topics more engaging when it comes to learning about their culture.  I have linked up with a teacher from Australia.

Work on Writing Component of the Daily 5 - These topic journals would be good to use when its time for the work on writing period.  Instead of each students having a journal, there will be topic journals which students can choose from each day.  Journal writing wont be boring.  I love that the Daily 5 gives students a chance to work on writing each day.  Students need continuous practice to become better writers.

Ideas I love

Well I know you have misised me so I wanted to just give you some more blog time.   Anywhoooo....I am just loving the blog world right now because teachers around the world have so many great ideas.  Check it out.  P.S.  My book club buddies I think this book is so on point with brain research and how we teach Mathematics.  I need to order this or someone could buy it for me......(smile)   Comment to tell me what you like or dont like.  Oh, I am discovering I really like designing things for the  classroom, so I think I need to make a business out of this.  Check out my rules, rewards and consequences caption I worked on.

Here is something I have been working on for my theme this year.

This is really catchy.

I love this, I will use this idea.

I am going to use this in many subjects because you can do just that.

Classroom Themes

So, this year I have decided to go with a classroom theme.  The picture above is an example of a picture I am using with my movie theme. Its pretty easy to do.  Go on google images and save all the pictures you want that relate to your theme.  Make sure that the pictures are suitable for you to put a text box on it so you can write on the picture.  Make sure the picture isnt too busy where persons wont be able to focus on the words on the picture.  The possibilities are endless.  Go have fun.