Teacher Lingo

The Blog Revolution: Day 5 - Stay On Target!

So You Want To Teach? — Fri, 09 May 2008 07:00:02 GMT

Have you signed up to join the Blog Revolution Project ? As we continue the Blog Revolution Project , we come to the final day of our focus on writing. Today’s article will focus on keeping your blog focused. One of the main reasons I unsubscribe Read More......(read more)

Teaching grown-ups

Elbows, knees, dreams — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:48:55 GMT

Some weeks ago, a person from the early childhood department was visiting my classroom, and she saw me doing story time using the repeated interactive read-aloud strategy, so we talked about how it works, and I offered to do a little workshop on it for Read More......(read more)

I'm teaching a web resource class for educators

Iggy — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:44:00 GMT

I'm teaching a class to teachers where I am suggesting resources that they can use in their classrooms. What is your favorite web resource?

Will it fly?

misterteacher — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:36:00 GMT

Thank Goodness It's Thursday!! The science fair projects have been turned in, the learning walk is over, and Lost comes on in a couple of minutes.

Speaking of the science projects, my afternoon class tackled the problem of Will a Paper Airplane Fly Farther with a Paper Clip or without? We spent days making a hypothesis, coming up with a list of materials, going over the steps of the procedure, and making our data table. Oh yeah, and making quite a few paper airplanes as well. Several times when I asked kids for their hypothesis, I had to gently remind them to include the word "farther" because they kept telling me that they thought a paper airplane would fly with a paper clip. Yeah, it will fly without one too, but we're trying to see which will go FARTHER.

Then came actually performing the experiment. The procedure included standing behind a line on the floor, tossing the paper airplane, and then measuring the distance from the line on the floor to the spot where the airplane landed. Of course, much like their large steel counterparts, paper airplanes tend to skid along the floor after they land. Since we wanted the distance that the paper airplane actually FLEW, it was necessary to quickly mark the spot where the airplane first hit the ground.

Each time we threw the paper airplane, I asked a different child to tell us where the plane had landed by stepping on that spot. Then two other kids would get to use the tape measure to see the distance between the starting spot and that child's foot. I soon found myself doing my own science experiment inside my head -- What Is the Average Distance between the Spot Where the Airplane Actually Landed and Where the Child Puts His/Her Foot?

I figure the answer was about a foot and a half.

At any rate, it's finally over, like I said. Judging is tomorrow, so we'll see how the kids did. At least I know they did better than that second grade project titled Which Tastes Better -- Dog Food or Cat Food?

Learn Me Good

Final Exam Review With WWW.BUBBABRAIN.COM

CaptainAmerica — Fri, 09 May 2008 01:31:00 GMT

Thanks to all of the teachers that have been using www.bubbabrain.com!!!

We are closing in on our goal of 100,000 games played. Teachers should e-mail the brainteam if they want a screen name and password.

brainteam@bubbabrain.com

Good luck on your final exams

WWW.BUBBABRAIN.COM CHECK IT OUT AND HAVE SOME FUN!!!

Comprehensive & Affordable Educational Software

Essential Skills Software — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:37:00 GMT

Essential Skills software is developed by experienced teachers and based on well established teaching methods that have been proven to enhance early learning. Our software is closely aligned with current curriculum standards and is used in more than 12,000 schools to supplement classroom instruction. We are so confident that our programs will deliver measurable academic results that we offer a 45 day return policy to our school and district customers. Our educational product library includes over 70 titles that cover a variety of elementary learning skills and subject areas, including phonemic awareness, Phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, math, science, and more. We also offer a number of educational titles specifically designed for older remedial students in the higher grades.

Essential Skills equips every program with Marks Manager, a tracking, recording, and reporting tool that shares information from one teaching program to another. This convenient feature provides an overview of how well a student is progressing and allows teachers to identify educational strengths and weaknesses. The ability to quickly and easily print reports saves precious instructional time and provides an effective means of sharing student data for team planning.

Website: http://www.essentialskills.net

AC-CENT-TCHU-ATE THE POSITIVE

The Power of Educational Technology — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:37:36 GMT

Teachers and students are doing some amazing work with technology at Wellesley High School! This is my first year working as the technology integration specialist at Wellesley High School Most of the projects we have been working on are in their infancy. Read More......(read more)

How I Know It's Almost Summer

lfox368806 — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:21:00 GMT

The teachers are walking around with that beaten down look - frowns that are furrowing their brow, lips tightly compressed against the possibility that they will say what they really want to, heavy sighs preceding and ending conversations, clutching a fat stack of referral forms.
The student have decided to come to school in body only - they have failed to pack their minds.
Everything that is done in class - written assignment, test, quiz, lab, "fun" activity - they respond to with rolled eyes, "sucking teeth" (that phrase is a Southern thing - and it is HIGH disrespect), and heavy sighs. When I remind them that (after 20+ minutes of class) they have yet to start the assignment, they reply "I'm 'bout to". NOTE TO STUDENTS - "I'm 'bout to" means you FREAKIN' haven't done squat!
June (and Tiffany, and Shakeisha, etc.) is BUSTIN' OUT ALL OVER. Where can a male teacher put his eyes? Nowhere, it seems, without risking ending up on the evening news.
Despite it being a requirement of Chemistry lab protocol, NO female will wear anything but sandals, heels, or flip-flops. They'd rather flunk than be unfashionable.
I'm starting to fantasize about lawn chairs and Margaritas.
I'm right next to the Senior lockers. It takes an Act of God, and at least 2 teachers and an administrator, to move them along to the next class. They are, whatever the calendar says, DONE!

Have some fun this summer. I know I will. Then again, I'll probably never again have a class like this one:

Yeah.

My kind of book

Betty — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:02:42 GMT

After posting a list of the five most read books per grade level, my sister called with one of those "get over there quick" messages about a warehouse book sale put on my Scholastic Inc. I immediately changed my afternoon plans and was pleasantly surprised by the large selection of books on sale. Most of the books were 50% off, but I also picked up some for $1.00. Go here to find out when a Scholastic warehouse sale might be in your area. You can also print a $10.00 coupon.

This morning my sister asked, "Did you buy the book Take me out of the bathtub?" She went on to tell me about the book and how silly lyrics are sung to the tunes of old, familiar songs. Yes, great retired teacher minds do think alike. I had also bought the book, and I love it.

Imagine singing "Go Go Go to Bed" to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or "Stinky, Stinky Diaper Change" instead of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star". The "silly dilly" lyrics are hysterical, and the illustrations by David Catrow are delightful and guaranteed to make you laugh. "Ripped My Favorite T-Shirt" follows the melody of I'm a Little Teapot". Of course, I have to memorize the lyrics to this one since it is one of my favorite children's songs.

Take me out of the bathtub by Alan Katz is perfect for all ages. I can just see sixth graders writing more lyrics and creating their own illustrations. As for me, I can't wait to sing some of the songs with my grandsons.

I also found the book for cheap online at abebooks.com if you can't wait for a warehouse sale. There are fourteen songs in all, so it's a great buy.

Using a Smartboard or Mimio Board

iMom — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:47:00 GMT

i've read a lot of posts, articles by teachers who love their Smartboards/Mimio Boards. They talk a lot about how much they love it and how it's a crucial part of their daily teaching. However, I cannot seem to find many who give actual examples of what they are doing with it. I would love to hear about actual usage examples from teachers.

High Tech Lessons

Amy Madden — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:22:00 GMT

Since beginning my masters program in technology it's amazing to see how much technology can play a role in lessons and education. I have began to research different programs that may help some of my lower level learners. What are some of the programs you have seen that are beneficial?

To ask or not to ask...

Jenna — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:41:00 GMT

After school today we had a presentation by an educational company of educational books. The representative informed us that when teaching a new concept, we should never ask the children if they know anything about the topic before we have taught it. She explained that this creates the children's thinking that their teachers don't really know what is going on and are asking the kids to inform the teachers.

BUT...

When I was studying, our lecturers always told us that even when it is a new concept or whenever, whatever, however we should always ask the children if they know anything about the topic, what they know about the topic etc. so as to find out where their level is and to create interest in the topic to be thought.

WHICH ONE IS CORRECT?

I am of the opinion that to ask questions constantly arouses creative thinking and generates interest, but now I'm not sure because of this opposing thought that the kids may think I know nothing and that is why I am asking them.

???

Link on Assignment on Cheating

mrs.martin — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:05:00 GMT

Link for Thursday, 5/8

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/education/edlife/notebook.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=cheating+corner+of+my+eye&st=nyt&oref=slogin

Education Crossing

tankendrick — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:23:00 GMT

Visit one of the best job opening research site http://www.educationcrossing.com for a comprehensive collection of over one million researched job openings with education job openings from virtually every employer career web page and job board in America, including all Fortune 500 companies. For people looking for education jobs, Education Crossing is the best site to visit.

The Blog Revolution: Day 4 - Develop Your Writing Voice

So You Want To Teach? — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:00:41 GMT

Have you signed up to join the Blog Revolution Project ? As we continue the Blog Revolution Project , we come to day four of our focus on writing. Today’s article will focus on crafting your own personal style, develop your writing voice . Newer Read More......(read more)

5 Ways I Improved My Teaching

The Doc Is In — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:40:03 GMT

I’m currently in my 9th year of full-time teaching, and I’ve learned a great many lessons the hard way as I’ve navigated my way through administrative minefields, labyrinthine bureaucracies, challenging curricula, and diverse students. Read More......(read more)

Standardized mania

Tales of a Rookie Schoolteacher — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:17:00 GMT

My kids have been taking standardized tests this week. My kids are either the sneakiest or the dumbest kids I have ever taught. We've had at least 4 incidents a day. Kids who've gone back to work on previous portions they weren't able to finish. Kids Read More......(read more)

Not my finest day

misterteacher — Thu, 08 May 2008 03:11:00 GMT

This morning, I got to exercise the algebra muscle in my brain and figure out a puzzle without using a paper. Mr. Hard Drive, our IT guy, drove by while I was out in front of the school doing my morning duty and presented me with a math problem.

"A guy on a bike is following a path that goes up and back down a hill. He rides for five hours. Going up the hill, his speed is 8 mph; coming back down the hill, his speed is 12 mph. How many miles did he ride?"

I won't post the answer here, so as to ruin the joy of discovery. And I do mean joy, as solving that problem was the high point of my day.

Lump was back from suspension and up to his usual modus operandi today. You can pretty much set your clock by when he's going to raise his hand and tell you he has a potty emergency -- 8:00. Also, have I mentioned how much of a hypochondriac he is? My knee hurts, the knuckle of my fourth toe is aching, my outer elbow appears swollen. Two weeks ago, he called me over and just pointed at one of his eyes. When I asked what he was trying to show me, he said, "This eye is big." If I had been a little more quickwitted (and slightly less mature), I should have recoiled in horror, slapped my hands over my mouth as I released a gasp of terror, and let out a bloodcurdling scream.

Today, I took my morning class outside to the field so that we could do the experiment for our science project which involved rolling a basketball on grass and on wood chips. Lump kept disrupting the project, so I finally told him to go stand in a spot about 10 feet away. Instead, he started walking towards the building with no intention of stopping. I shouted at him that if he was going to go inside he better be sure to go by the principal's office. Later, when he decided to grace us with his presence again, he claimed to have stopped by the principal's office, but I highly doubt that he did. It was quite obvious that he HAD stopped by the clinic, though, to tell the nurse all about the mysterious ridge that had shown up on the inside of his thumb. I'm sure he made her day.

When we came back inside from doing our project, I discovered that one of the kids from my other class had been acting like a fool and running up and down the halls. When I asked him what was going on, he decided that he didn't need to answer me. It really irritates me that so many kids, at least at my school, think that that's an acceptable choice, and that they don't really need to respond when an adult asks them a question. I had to spend about 10 minutes dealing with him, including getting one of the bilingual teachers to call his Spanish-speaking mother.

That was 10 minutes I really didn't have to waste, as the science projects are due tomorrow, and we were under the gun. Couple that with two of my team members being out, field trip permission slips needing to be sent home, and the short-notice advance warning from yesterday about all of the fourth and fifth grade teachers coming into my room tomorrow during class for a learning walk. Yeah, I'm feeling a little stressed.

So I made a little bit of a misstep this afternoon, and I did something that I normally don't do. I didn't break any laws, commit any crime, or violate anyone's civil rights, but I said something that I've tried to excise from my at-school vocabulary.

One of my kids kept playing around while I was trying to give instructions to the class. He was across the room from me, but I looked him directly in the eye and told him to go stand in the corner. Then I resumed talking to the class, but this kid started trying to talk over me, pleading his case. I told him to stop talking and go to the corner. In all, I had to tell him three times before he finally went to the corner, and then he still kept telling me how this other kid had done such and such. So I had finally had enough, and I shouted, "SHUT UP!!!"

Like I said, I almost never say that at school, and I didn't feel too proud about saying it today. But on the bright side, the rest of my kids were perfectly quiet after that. For about 10 minutes.

3:00 could not come fast enough today. Hopefully tomorrow will be a much brighter day. Because after today, I feel like one of my thumbs is bigger than the other, and that one of my nostrils has turned green. Lump and I can visit the clinic together.

In a much lighter note, Richie over at Bellringers has put together a really awesome Carnival of Education for this week. I really can't tell if she's mocking my t-shirts or promoting them, but either way, they get a lot of mention. Check it out, and see if you're smarter than a blogger.

Learn Me Good

Let's Talk About Sex, Baby, Let's Talk About You And Me...

It's Not All Flowers and Sausages — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:55:00 GMT

Yes, let's talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be. Although I'd rather not. Why? Because talking about sex, lesbianism and rape with eight year old children just seems wrong. I mean, make your own parenting decisions, but to me, Read More......(read more)

ATTN.TEACHING COMMUNITY

SOLOWPOET — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:10:00 GMT

http://www.educationcrossing.com/

There's a great site you guy's need to check out it's and it is an excellent source of TEACHING JOBS.there are a tremendous amount of jobs available here(really the most), their job board is An exclusive one for people who are very serious about finding Work. There are various tools on the website to help you achieve your goal of successfully finding employment…Some of you guys out there in there in the TEACHIN AND EDUCATION related professional fields might want to know that EDUCATIONCROSSING also offers valuable industry insight that most sites of this nature don’t take the time to construct for you so go check them out.
ALSO IT IS A GOOD PLACE TO FIND JOBS IN THE EDUCATION FIELD

CHECK IT OUT AT: it is an excellent source of TEACHING jobs.

http://www.educationcrossing.com/

Monkey Poop has arrived!

MysteryTeacher — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:24:00 GMT

Guess who is Team leader for the 4th grade team next year? You got it! Monkey poop herself! To start with, I couldn't believe that the team was kept together. They needed to be split up. However, it isn't my problem. I do have to agree of the three members, MP is probably the best teacher. However, she is not the best leader. She is focused on the little things all the time. She doesn't get the big picture. She also talks and talks and I can't get away from her.

But then, I wouldn't follow any of them. None of them have the leadership qualities that I would need in order to follow them. JG just shrugs everything off. Ms X is a timid little mouse and only speaks up when she is mad because I went to lunch first. And then it was really MP who did the talking. (and talking and talking)

I only have 3 weeks left with the team. Then, I am in charge of a new team. One of the people I know really well. I had her boys in school. She is another talker and she did not do well in charge of the ESL this year. So, I get the team next year but they haven't told her because they don't want to deal with the temper tantrums until after the summer.

Isn't life fun? Here I am always putting my foot in something and yet, life goes on.

Congratulations to the Byington's and Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Talking Books Librarian — Wed, 07 May 2008 19:11:37 GMT

Congratulations to Michael & Ann Byington and the Kansas Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired... Have you heard? The Kansas Library Association Presidential Award Winner for Library Advocate is Michael Byington! For more information, please Read More......(read more)

I wouldn’t want to be anything else

Confessions from the Couch — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:04:14 GMT

So, when I got up this morning and turned on the news, I was filled with excitement! According to the news, Barak Obama will be the nominee of the Democratic party in the 2008 Presidential Election. I wasn’t excited because I think he should be Read More......(read more)

What is it about the 7-year-old bladder...

Nadia — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:12:00 GMT

...that prevents it from going during a scheduled break? Then, less than 5 minutes later, the 7-year-old bladder screams, "Let me go!" This is seriously annoying.