Originals
When I have a master copy of a sheet, I write the word "original" across the top
of it in yellow highlighter. This way, when I make copies, the highlighter
doesn't show through, and I know which one was my original.
Linda ~ Louisville, KY
Test Tape
When recording long multiple-choice tests, record the answers on
a tape cassette and use the recording to help grade each test. You avoid
looking back and forth from answer key to student test.
Uzma Harris ~ Brooklyn, N.Y.
To encourage my keyboarding students to
learn good touch keying and not look
at their fingers, I ask them to bring a cute pair of boxer shorts to class. They
put the computer keyboard through the elastic and sit it on
their
desk. They put their hands through the legs and position them correctly on the
keyboard. Off they go! They think it's cool and it
encourages
good keying technique since they can't see and really have to concentrate on
their sense of touch.
Bruce Baker ~
Virginia Beach,
Virginia
A quick and inexpensive way
to make white boards for the class: Get a box of file folders (about $3.00) and
have them laminated in school (if you have access). Cut apart and you have
instant (and cheap) white boards.
Stacy ~ Swedesboro, NJ
I cut apart comic strips and
pass them out to my students. They must walk around the room to find the rest of
their comic strip, creating a team. This activity is an easy way to create
groups. The kids think it's fun so there are no complaints.
Aimee McCracken ~
Perry, Ohio
When having debates in class
use a Nerf ball. Who ever has the ball gets to talk, then they can throw it at
someone else to give them the floor. It is a lot of fun and the kids get a great
kick out of it and seem to get more involved.
Shelly Clark ~
Tallahassee, FL
I teach the students the
sign language for paper, pencil, and bathroom. This saves some time when
communicating what they need to me.
Kelly Brandon ~Vero Beach, FL
When having students pass in papers, it takes less time to pass them sideways than to the front. No one has to turn around.
To find out if students
understand , say "Thumbs Up". If they understand, they
will put their thumbs up near their stomach. If not, they will put their thumbs
down. This way no one knows and the students will not be afraid to say they don't
understand.
Leshawn Jones ~ Hialeah, FL
Try to learn students names
within a week. It helps you get personal and let's them know they are important to
you.
Keith Poole ~Jacksonville, FL
When showing parents grades from a
grade book, cover the other students' grades. Parents have a natural tendency to
compare their child with others in the class.
Lynn Cable ~Lebanon, TN
Give your students the opportunity to
teach a lesson. Choose a skill and have the students prepare a 10 minute lesson with
questions, explanations, a worksheet, and a hands-on game. The children learn from
each other.
Lauren Wilkinson ~
Dade County,FL
I have each
student bring in an old sock as their "eraser" for their white boad. They store
their sock in their math kit. I have them bring it home half way through the
year to be washer and brought back in.
Connie Semler
Never lose your master again! Draw a line across the master with a yellow
highlighter. It doesn't show on the copier and the students will know to return
it if it accidentally gets passed out to them.
Trudee K. ~ St. Paul, MN
I have a calendar posted on the wall entitled "What I Missed While I Was Out."
This eliminate students from asking, "what did I miss yesterday?" or "what were
the daily activities and objectives?" Students know once they return to class
they can simply write their information off the calendar and worksheets are
listed on the table next to the wall.
Tiffany Williams- Grand Prairie, TX