May 23, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Journaling
"Once a week each of my students write to me in our dialogue journals. They can ask or tell me anything. They write in a marble copy book that is kept in their desks. I reply after school on the same day that they write so feedback is immediate. The students get to "talk" privately and personally with the teacher. It promotes writing for a purpose and sometimes is therapeutic for them. When I reply, I model correct grammar and spelling so they learn incidentally. A couple of years ago a former student wrote me a letter five years after I taught her. Her letter told of cleaning out her closet and finding her dialogue journal. She said, "I sat down and read all the way through it. I got in trouble for not finishing the cleanup, but I also got a lot of neat memories. I'm sure glad you did this with us."
Content
I Spy Collages
"My students love the I Spy books by Walter Wick. They've nearly worn out the pages from many of the books! As a result of their interest in reading and in searching for the hidden objects in these books, we decided to make our own 'I Spy' collages. The students worked in groups of four to six and created little collages around the room with our own little toys, magnets, games, blocks and anything small that they could find. Students can also create collages based on specific themes. I used a digital camera to take the pictures for the book and then the students wrote their own riddles at the bottom of the page. Older students could make more difficult riddles. We put our kindergarten "I Spy" pictures on the TV to look at and we also have our own I Spy book in the room. It was great fun and the kids have been asking to make another book soon!"
Getting Organized
Assigning Student Numbers
"Keeping up with school supplies, calculators, books, etc. is no longer a chore for me nor my students. Each student on my roll is assigned a number, as the students appear on my roll (the numbering allows me to use the same system year after year while using names would not). The first student is 1 and numbering continues downward to the last student. All items (books, calculators, rulers, scissors, glue, workbooks, etc.) available for student use have that number printed on it with a permanent marker. Students cannot claim an item that does not have their number on it. Students soon relate the numbering to alphabetical order and also learn each others' numbers which allows prompt return of misplaced materials. This system also requires students to be accountable for those materials. No one gets blamed for having another student's box of colored pencils or literature book. As the school year closes, I have more items returned than in previous years when not using this system and the year has been trouble-free with locating assigned supplies."
Managing Your Classroom
Knightly Actions
"I knight my students in order to encourage them to get along with others and focus on positive behavior. I dub all deserving students with my apple 'scepter' pointer stick. The class discusses the reason for a student's entrance into knighthood and that student vows to continue the knightly actions. Knightly actions can range from helping other students to improving in classwork. The knights fill in their shields that are displayed for all to see. All the knights have meetings at the Round Table where I read them excerpts from King Arthur and Sir Lancelot."
Relationships
Guest Teachers
"When I am absent, I ask the guest teacher to rate each class on a scale of 1-6, with 6 being an outstanding score. If a class receives a rating of 5 or 6, I provide verbal praise and a treat when I return. My students are aware of the system and what it takes to earn an outstanding score. Most of the time the students do score well. I call substitutes 'guest teachers' and I discuss with the kids how one treats a guest. So far, so good."
Using Technology
Avoiding Ghosts
"Write on excess laminating film, paper-clipped over printed overhead transparencies, instead of writing on the transparency itself. No more washing transparencies and especially, no more ghost writing where you used purple!"
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May 16, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Guest Speakers
"Every week, I choose one of my students to bring in a guest speaker on Friday afternoon. The speakers are usually parents, grandparents or family friends and they speak about how school studies have helped them succeed in their job. We've had a nurse come in and speak about the importance of math in measuring medicine and an engineer show how math, art and design help him do his job. We've also had a lobbyist, newspaper worker, storeowner and even a chandelier designer explain the link between school and the real world. Some guests bring in a collection or a hobby and focus on how their schooling helped them in their endeavors. We follow up with huge thank you cards for the guests."
Content
Advertising the Elements
"When studying the Periodic Table, my students make a newspaper or a television advertisement for an element. Each group must show how the properties of the elements are useful to human beings. They can sell their product by using comedy, drama, rap or poems. This activity gives meaning to studying the Periodic Table."
Getting Organized
Pencil Pots
"To ensure that borrowed pencils are returned at the end of class, I cut green flower arranging foam to the shape of a decorated clay flower pot and insert it into the pot. I buy inexpensive artificial flowers and separate them into single flowers. I cut each flower so that it has a two-inch stem and cover the stem with tape so there aren't any sharp ends. I attach each stem to the end of a pencil making sure that the eraser is free to be used by the borrower. I sharpen the pencils and insert them into the foam. The students know where to borrow a pencil and they return them before leaving class. I ask the students to donate new pencils to replenish the pot. Those students who regularly use the pencil pots are excited about having their new pencils rooted!"
Managing Your Classroom
Student Compliments
"In fifth grade, sometimes students are more interested in being mean to or teasing each other than in treating people respectfully. To help promote looking for the good in each other, we do 'put-ups' at least once a week. We thank individuals for nice things that they've done for us and for others. Around the holidays we have the students write compliments for everyone in our class. Those compliments are compiled into a full-page sheet, mounted on a decorated border, and given to the students for a holiday present. We've had many parents say that their students keep their gift on the bulletin board at home and are encouraged to refer to it when things aren't going so well. I love to see their reactions as they read it for the first time."
Relationships
Pictures on Index Cards II
"Every year before school starts I take a copy of last year's yearbook and photocopy the incoming class photos. I have the students fill out 3x5 cards with the usual information about parent's names, hobbies, etc. Then we tape their copied photo on the card. It gives me an easy way to learn names and faces of a hundred kids more quickly and provides a handy reference for subs."
Using Technology
Overhead Sentences
"I use the overhead to have students arrange words into sentences and sentences into paragraphs. I type the words on the computer using a large font, print them on a transparency and then cut up the sentences. When students are able to move the words around on the overhead and the class can see what's going on, they pay attention. Sentence strips can be used in the same manner. To modify for younger students, one could use letters to make words or show a picture and have the students give the correct word."
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May 9, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Strategies for Success
"I spend a lot of time connecting what we do in the classroom with the world of work. For example, students' supplies are their tools for their current job. If they are unprepared, I remind them that in the working world they would not be able to do their jobs if they forgot their tools. I talk to them about how school is their job and their effort and hard work reflect the success they will have when they enter the working world. Establishing good habits now will bring them rewards in the future. Their Pay Day is when I hand out progress reports or report cards. Their effort is directly reflected in the grades they earned. We discuss how far they can go in the world of work with the pay they earned. Discussions of the workplace are supported by a yearlong effort to teach my students strategies for success in all their classes such as test taking, note taking and listening skills as well as personal goal setting. By the end of the year most are taking responsibility for their performance, which reflects growth and maturity. In junior high this is sometimes a monumental achievement!"
Content
Spelling Review
"When I review for a spelling test I put the class in groups of four. I mix all levels together and give each group member a number (one to four). I have popcicle sticks in a can with those four numbers and draw one after having pronounced one of our spelling words. The students who have that number come to the board and write the word. The winner is the first one who correctly spells the word legibly on the board. I then give that team a point. This makes sure they help each other know the word because they don't know who is going to be called on next. The winning team gets a treat."
Getting Organized
Easy Ordering
"Here is a tip that will help every teacher at ordering time in the spring. I use the inside cover of my grade book to record the things I need to order for next year. For example, if I discover that I'm about to use the last box of staples in my cupboard, I immediately write it in my book. I see it frequently throughout the year so I know exactly what I need to order when the time comes."
Managing Your Classroom
Hall Passes
"In our school, our administration wants every child to have a hall pass when he or she leaves any classroom. However, I find that I could spend my entire period writing passes, so I have the kids do it themselves. Here's how: I have a clip board with a piece of paper that has columns labeled name, destination, time out and time back. When kids ask me, I give them permission at a good transition point and they fill everything out and take the pass to their destination. They're very good about completing the form because they know I check it."
Relationships
Pictures on Seating Charts
"Our school receives digital student pics (on CD) when we do our annual school pictures. It takes a little time, but I copy my students' pics as PICT files and insert them in my seating chart made up in a Draw program. Anyone can glance at the chart and identify the student."
Using Technology
E-Mail Extras
"I use the digital camera to take pictures of the students participating in class activities. Then I e-mail the pictures to the students in the class. They enjoy seeing their pictures and many times they show the pictures to their parents thus creating a school to home communication link."
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May 3, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Groundhog/Shadow Day
"Turn Groundhog Day into Shadow Day: a day during which the parents take their children (and maybe a few friends) to work and let them be their shadow. The children get to experience a day at work and see firsthand how their schoolwork applies to the real world. We are making it a school wide event, hoping all will be able to participate."
Content
Greek Drama Masks
"My students staged a production of Antigone and made Greek masks from Plaster of Paris. We used Plastercraft and Plaster of Paris impregnated gauze cut into strips. We wet the strips and applied them to our faces where it hardened. We painted the dried masks with exaggerated facial expressions to convey the emotion depicted by the characters according to the conventions of Greek drama."
Getting Organized
Special Class Labels
"I make labels on the computer that say lunch, gym, music, library, etc. to stick in my plan book. This saves a lot of time and looks very impressive if done in different colors. I also typed up the names of special classes and printed them on brightly colored paper to hang on our time schedule. This way, I can change them daily and the young students can easily see what's on the agenda for the day."
Managing Your Classroom
Helping Other Teachers
"As a special education teacher who works with first grade, I am always looking for ways to promote goodwill between regular and specialists. One of the complaints voiced in our building is that regular teachers have all of the homeroom duties and specialists get assigned [only] door duty, etc. This year I decided to take my turn with homeroom duties. Each month I treat one of the regular teachers who welcomes me into their rooms. When the bell rings I collect their students from outside, get them settled and help with the roll call and cafeteria orders. I also take this same class downstairs when it is time for lunch. The homeroom teacher gets a few more minutes for preparation in the morning and a chance to sit down a little longer at lunch. This simple gesture has smoothed the way for a lot of cooperation in the classroom between us.
Relationships
Substitute Box
"I teach a hands-on program that is not always easy for a substitute, so I have a substitute box in my room. I include promotional copies of science magazines that publishers send out. I make up reading lessons with work sheets. These are items I would like students to read but do not otherwise have room for in an already-overcrowded schedule."
Using Technology
Dear Abby
"Once my keyboarding students begin composing, there is no stopping them! An activity which takes them out of the textbook involves writing a letter to Dear Abby regarding a question or problem they have. Instead of using their names, students sign the letter with appropriate nicknames like 'Upset and Unhappy' or 'Please Help' and their letters are given a number when they are handed in for grading, to protect their anonymity. After a week or so the letters are handed out for another composition session. This time students become Dear Abby and answer a letter written by one of their peers. If there is more than one keyboarding class, this works even better as students won't know who answered their letter. The number assigned will help in getting the letter back to its originator."
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April 25, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Writing In History
"Since one can argue that specific historical data is not needed in the everyday workplace, I bypass the argument entirely by focusing on writing. I emphasize to students that the knowledge they gain in American history courses is not simply factual, but broad in basis to help them understand human nature. I assign writing to analyze this in each of our units. I further emphasize the importance of written communication beyond school by reminding students that we are a communication-oriented society. Email and faxes need to be written clearly and concisely. I incorporate various aspects of technology in many assignments. Students report research by using a Power Point presentation or by building a Web page. Through this, they learn the information and a valuable technological skill in the workplace."
Content
Real Life Math
"I have a math activity that I just started and it's been very successful so far. I recently had to purchase a major appliance, so I did some comparison-shopping. I talked to my class about this, and when I finally did make the purchase, I told them what I saved. I started thinking about all the real life examples of how we use math every day, so we've started a regular part of our math lesson called 'Real Life Math'. I tell my children how I used math during the previous 24 hours, and they volunteer ways they've used math too. We chart the results and we've gone through 2 pages of chart paper already! They actually remind me to ask them when I forget. One day they helped me figure out what I saved by catching a mistake on my shopping receipt. I feel it's very important for children to see a practical application of what they learn in school, and this activity has been a winner!"
Getting Organized
Making Magnets
"Here's a tip for the beginning of the school year. I made magnets on my computer using sheets of magnets from any office supply store. I made one for each student to take home and use for hanging schoolwork on the refrigerator. I used our class name and a cute clip art to go along with it."
Managing Your Classroom
Clothes Pins II
"For attendance, I use clip-type clothes pins with students' names and desk numbers written on the wooden part, clipped to a small basket or plastic container. As students come into the classroom, they put only their pin in the container. I can tell at a glance who is absent or if a student is taking attendance, she/he knows how to spell the absent student's name. I also keep an attendance pad in each basket so I'm not always searching for it and I can write on the entire pad the period number in advance."
Relationships
Electronic Sub Plans
" I find that email is the perfect tool for sending sub plans to school when I am not able to go myself. I just email a friend who can print out the plans and take them with him/her in the morning. (Of course, I call first to make sure the friend is able to do it.) I already have an outline of my schedule and other permanent information on word processing. Whenever I am going to be absent, I just type in the current information. Computers make planning so much easier."
Using Technology
Students Create Power Point Presentations
"My students create oceanography Power Point presentations on the computer. Some of the topics the children have chosen in the past are The Titanic, submarines, hurricanes, The Bermuda Triangle, and famous oceanographers such as Jacques Cousteau. Power Point presentations can be done in almost any subject or within any topic of study. Students can put together slides and add graphics, sounds, music and factual information to them. Many schools are fortunate enough to have computer labs making it possible for all of the students to have time to complete their presentations. Students can work in small groups if less computers are available."
April 18, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Students Get Paid
"At the beginning of each quarter, students in my advanced computer classes create a time card for themselves. Each day students record their attendance just as one would at a job. Each class period counts four hours. On Fridays this information is transferred to a spreadsheet representing a payroll register. Formulas are put into the payroll register to calculate total hours for the week, gross pay, deductions, and net pay. Since part-time workers receive no benefits, there is no pay for snow days, school vacation, sick days, doctor's appointments, etc. There is also a deduction of ? hour for tardiness. At the end of the quarter, students who have earned the most pay receive valuable bonus points. Students quickly learn that being late or absent does not 'pay'."
Content
Constructing Geometrical Forms
"For an engaging and dramatic geometry unit, my students construct large models out of tightly rolled newspaper struts. The struts must be clipped at the ends where there are weakest and it's best to use full format newspapers and roll them tightly from corner to corner. I use masking tape to make the connections. I've been able to construct tetrahedral prisms and 3-D Sierpinsky prisms up to eight feet high. Making measurements of height, slant height and base area is a challenging and interesting problem that makes the study of surface area and volume more of an active concrete exercise."
Getting Organized
Bright Envelopes
"I ask my local card shop for left over envelopes for cards that were not sold because their usual procedure is to throw them out. I use the brightly colored ones to send home notes to my students' parents. The color makes the envelope stand out between the school papers and has a better chance of being delivered."
Managing Your Classroom
Post-It Notes
"To make seating charts for my classes, I write student names on mini-post-it notes and then stick the notes to the inside of a manila folder. It's so easy to change my seating arrangement and the stickiness of the notes lasts the entire year! I label the outside of the folder to identify the class and I am set for anyone who has to take over my class."
Relationships
Student Teachers Send-Off
"When our student teachers complete their time with us, we fill a bag full of goodies: stickers, e-z grader, bulletin board stuff, etc. We each give a teaching tip that is fun, easy and appropriate for just about any age. It is a great send-off for student teachers and allows them to spend their precious few dollars for real teaching materials."
Using Technology
Teaching Vocabulary with Power Point
"I use Power Point to present new vocabulary in my classroom. The Spanish words and their English equivalents or pictures continuously scroll across the TV monitor during the class period. For example, the Spanish word 'El Perro' will appear and then five seconds later, the word 'dog' and a picture of a dog will appear."
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April 11, 2011`
Teaching Techniques
Mind Bending Monday
"Critical thinking skills are an important part of everyday life. To enable my students to enhance their critical thinking skills, I have established a weekly program called Mind Bender. Each Monday, I post a new mind bender question which requires close reading and interpretation. Most of the time, the students overlook the obvious. Each student can make one guess each day. Each guess must have the student's name, date and period. Students place their guesses in a special box on my desk. The students wait anxiously all week to hear the answer and many of them make a guess every day. At the end of the marking period, the student with the most correct answers wins a prize. Mind benders can be found in different places, including the book Improve Your Lateral Thinking by Paul Sloane and Des MacHale."
Content
Teachers Make Mistakes Too
"I deliberately make errors when I read to my class. When we read together and the kids are following along in their own books or on their own papers, I sometimes reverse the words. For example, if the paper reads 'up' I might say 'down'. The students are allowed and encouraged to shout out the correct word. It seems like such fun when I act so bewildered and they look forward to finding my mistakes. Those who weren't tuned in by the first error or two, certainly look forward to finding my mistakes and joining in with the others. This helps kids read at a faster pace than they might have done independently and makes a game of recognizing words out of context or silly add-ins."
Getting Organized
Magic Cream
"My student feel a need to show me the tiniest little scrape on their fingers and they have many complaints of leg, arm and wrist aches and pains. When I'm 100% confident that all they need is a little TLC, I offer them my magic cream. Actually, my cream is Avon hand cream. I validate their complaint and offer them the cream. It always makes the pain disappear instantly and gives me a moment of alone time with one of my students."
Managing Your Classroom
Cooperative Colored Circles
"When working with cooperative groups, I keep the noise level under control by using colored circles. If a group is on task and using quiet voices, I give them a green circle. If I need to remind them about the noise level, I give them a yellow circle. If a group is way off task, I give them a red circle and step in to give them assistance. This is a great way to model appropriate behavior when I am just beginning to establish groups and ground rules. It also saves time because I don't have to interrupt the entire class to get one group back on track."
Relationships
Student Teacher Shower
"My class throws a shower for our student teacher at the end of the term. I secretly invite the parents to contribute anything the student teacher might be able to use. I send home a suggestion list that includes a range of ideas from stickers to books. I like to give a book of poetry. One parent will usually offer to serve cake and ice cream and the kids present the student teacher with the gifts. The shower is a great ending to a year of learning."
Using Technology
Recognizing Quality Writing
"I use a banner screen saver message on our classroom computers to recognize quality writing. They are easy to change so whenever one of the resident users of a computer does something outstanding, I can easily call attention to their achievement. An example of a current scrolling message is, 'Amy included a related question in her book report!'. When other children read these messages, they are moved to use the same techniques."
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April 4, 2011
Teaching Techniques
It Can Be
"When I have some time at the end of the day, I play IT CAN BE with my class. This is a math game where the child holds up an addition sum and the class has to give the problem. For example, if the card says 17, someone called on might say, "9 + 8." If the flashcard says 8 + 9, the child holding the card would say, "IT COULD BE BUT IT'S NOT." If the child says, "8 + 9", the child holding the card would say, 'IT COULD BE AND IT IS." The children have to give the problem exactly as it's written on the card. If a child gives a completely incorrect answer such as 9 + 6, the response is, "IT COULDN'T BE." The child that answers correctly gets to be the next one to hold up the flashcard. This is a great activity for enhancing math thinking skills."
Content
Volcanic Plate Movement
"When I discuss plate movement in my volcano unit, I do a hands-on activity that gives the students visuals and a tasty treat. I give each child a piece of wax paper with a tablespoon of frosting on it and a graham cracker. The students break their graham crackers into segments. They put two segments on the frosting and move them like the plates of a volcano move. After the discussion, let the kids eat their plates. The students love this lesson and it adds variety and visuals to a sometimes complicated lesson."
Getting Organized
Hanging Student Work
"I have painted cinder block walls in my classroom and I found that charts stay on the wall better with hot glue than with stick tack. To display student work, I hot glued clothespins to the wall in alternating rows. I glued my students' names above the clothespins. Changing displays of student work has never been easier and the pins lift right off the wall when I'm ready to remove them."
Managing Your Classroom
Teacher Empathy
"A good way to instill empathy for the teacher is to have the rowdy or bored student teach a lesson for 20-30 minutes. The student becomes the teacher and I become the student that sits in his/her seat. The results are amazing! The student learns to understand the frustrations and rewards of teaching a lesson. Sometimes I pick the lessons and give the students materials. Other times, I let them teach something that is of interest to them. Try it, it works!"
Relationships
Cozy Old and New Teachers
"I am often in school before we're required to be so I meet the new people as they move in and offer to assist them with their move. I make a point of seeing them daily to inquire about their day or answer any questions. I also sit with the new teachers at lunch and during meetings. Last year, we had a teacher who was new to the area so we went out to dinner and did social things together to get her accustomed to the town."
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March 22, 2011
Greetings! There are many new ideas out there to help members. NEA has created a web-site called “Works-4-Me” which are tried and true teaching hints suggested by NEA members. Each week you will receive an e-mail with six helpful (and short) hints to help you in your professional life. They will fall under the following categories:
Teaching Techniques
Content
Getting Organized
Managing Your Classroom
Relationships
Using Technology
In addition, you will get information about your CTA andNEA Member Benefits that are available to you through your membership in the Association. Click on the link or visit www.cta.org and www.neamb.com.
Teaching Techniques
Sticky Note Taking
"I find that using square sticky notes for note taking is a wonderful way to keep my students focused. They use them to keep notes on specific sections of our social studies text and as a place to write short chapter summaries in the novels we are reading. The notes stay with the section read or attached to the last page of the chapter. The sticky notes are especially useful when reviewing for tests or preparing book reports."
Content
Popcorn Reading
"When I have students read a passage, they only read as much as they can handle and then say 'popcorn' and the name of another student who reads next. Most end up reading longer passages than they would be assigned by me and all have to stay on their toes. If students are not on track they must read until the teacher tells them to stop. As you would expect, students stop in the middle of sentences, paragraphs, etc. I culminate this activity with a popcorn treat if all students have been on track."
Getting Organized
Leap-Frog Repeating
"Here's a way to increase students' listening skills. When I find a student who has a correct answer, I have them say it aloud, and then I have a student sitting close repeat the answer. If that student says it correctly, I then ask another student to repeat it. If any student has trouble saying it correctly, the previous student in the thread says it again. In this leap-frog repeating method, everyone has a chance to know the answer."
Managing Your Classroom
Forming Groups
"At the beginning of the school year, my students write their names on index cards. I use these to draw from when forming groups. I always shuffle the cards for randomness but I let the students know that I have the final say if I feel that a group is incompatible. Sometimes I pick the first three cards, pick every other card, or pick one card and let that student choose the other members of the group."
Relationships
Blooming Students
"I am a mentor teacher who works with a number of new teachers every year. On the first day of school, I bring a small vase of flowers for each new teacher and say, I know your students will bloom this year."
Using Technology
Teaching Diversity
"There are wonderful resources for teaching about diversity and anti-bias work on the Web. The following three are particularly worthwhile. Starting early with teaching respect and anti-bias behaviors is so important but sometimes a bit scary. These sites will provide you with some tried and tested resources. There is a lot to explore at each location.
http://www.adl.org/tools%5Fteachers/tools_tips.html - This is a page of the ADL (Anti-Defamation League) directed specifically at educators with practical tips and even an easily printable page "Creating a Positive Environment in which to Raise Diversity Issues" and another whole section for Parents and Kids. There is also much information about teaching about religion in public schools.
http://www.splcenter.org/teachingtolerance/tt-index.html - Free materials are available from "Teaching Tolerance" for teaching about multicultural issues. They are described on this web page. This is a program of the Southern Poverty Law Center, also a non-profit organization dedicated to the reduction/elimination of hate groups and hate related behavior and violence.
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March 14, 2011
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
Many of you may be thinking about travel plans. Did you know that CTA Member Benefits offers discounts on car rentals for members?
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It is fast and easy to make arrangements for your car rental needs nationwide with Enterprise Rent-A-Car!
Online:
- Enter your Account Number: NACA068
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By phone:
- Call (800) RENT-A-CAR for the nearest branch
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- Make your reservations with the rental branch
Visit www.cta.org to obtain more information about the CTA Rental Car Program through Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
NEA Member Benefit of the Week:
NEA Member Benefits Sweepstakes
NEASM Smart Option Student Loan® by Sallie Mae® Sweepstakes
Prize: $2,000 cash.
NEA Member Benefits has teamed up with Sallie Mae, provider of the NEA Smart Option Student Loan, to offer NEA members a chance to win $2,000 cash! It’s our way of rewarding you for your dedication and helping you further your own educational pursuits. If you’re one of the lucky $2,000 winners, you could choose to fund professional development courses for yourself, cover some of your expenses toward National Board Certification, or even help a family member with their college tuition!
View a list of previous sweepstakes winners.
No purchase is necessary. Giveaway entry begins at 12:00:01 a.m. ET, March 1, 2011 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET, March 31, 2011. Winners will be notified on or before April 15, 2011. Please see the complete rules for details.
Source: www.neamb.com/home/192.htm
Hope you are having a great week!
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March 7, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Understanding Test Directions
"In a few weeks, the students in my county will be taking standardized tests. My students are reading well below grade level but are still expected to master fourth grade skills. To improve test scores, I am putting emphasis on reading and understanding test directions. Test directions are written on their 'Positive #2 Pencils' that are taped to their desks. Two to three times a week, students read the directions and then interpret what they mean. I give supporting examples on the board."
Getting Organized
Assignment Schedule
"I get a big desk calendar and hang it by the door of my classroom. I write what we did that day and the assignment on the calendar. This way, my students can get the assignments they missed and the dates that they're due. I don't need to keep going through my plan book to answer questions about when certain papers and projects are due because the students can see for themselves."
Managing Your Classroom
Hall Passes II
"As an Association leader, I attend a number of state meetings. I have found a use for all the name badges I have received. I re-use them in my classroom as hall passes! On the back of each pass I write the location (bathroom, office, library, locker, etc.). Students know to pick up the correct pass from the hook when they leave my room. If there are any questions in the hall or if the students leave the pass somewhere my name is printed on the other side."
Relationships
Lunch with New Teachers
"I ask new teachers to have lunch with me so we can share ideas and discuss any situations they are going through. The most important tip I can offer is to share ideas with new teachers when they ask for help. I have found new teachers to be quite creative and have ideas to share as well."
Using Technology
TV Generation
"With today's kids spending more time in front of the TV than ever before, I have decided, 'If I can't beat em', join em'.' Through the uses of technology I use my classroom computer to take notes with the students. As I type in the information, it is projected onto the TV screen. When I would traditionally turn to the chalkboard to write, I now turn to my computer. The kids love it. I can change font, size, bold print, or underline to emphasize important parts of the lesson, and I can change colors to add fun to the task of note taking. What is best of all is that I can print out these notes when we're done and give them to any students who are having trouble keeping up or any students that were absent and didn't get the notes. The kids are drawn to the TV. Why not use it as a tool for learning instead of just an "idiot box"?"
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February 22, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Vacation Reports
"After long vacation breaks, I hand out large post-it notes to my students and they write down something they did and where they went over the vacation. I draw a long line with hills and flatlands. Then I have students post their 'notes' to the 'map,' and we find out who traveled the farthest and what they did. I establish two far away places I suspect students visited -- for me it's Mexico because I teach Spanish -- so students can fill in between. Some illustrate their drawings beside the note with an identifying landmark. Then we share orally. This activity can work in the primary as well as secondary language, ESL classes, and as a social studies sponge."
Content
Silent Reading Baskets
"My students used to waste a lot of their silent reading time picking out their books so I purchased a plastic basket for each student. When my students arrive in the morning, it is their job to pick out silent reading books before the day begins. They place the book in their basket that stays in their cubby until it's time to read. No more time wasted on picking out books! Their library books are also placed in these baskets, so it cuts down on library books being misplaced."
Getting Organized
Color Coding Lesson Plans
"I have found it helpful to color code my lesson plans which I prepare a week in advance. I use a yellow marker to highlight the unit, chapter and lesson headings as well as objectives and the core curriculum standards being emphasized that week. The lessons themselves are not color-coded, but as I complete each one I use an orange marker to show what has been completed. It keeps me on track and a substitute can see just where to begin a day's work."
Managing Your Classroom
Changeable Seating Chart
"I have a great tip for making a seating chart. In middle school, we have so many students whose seats and classes constantly change that I found this to be a big help. I laminate an 81/2" X 11" sheet of colored paper. I then set up the chart with removable labels with the students' names at the location of their desks. As their seats change, the labels can be easily moved to a new location on the chart. I also place this inside of a 3-ring sheet protector. I can then use an overhead marker to mark absences, incomplete work, or any other notations for the day over the student's name. This makes recording a simple end of the day task!"
Relationships
Displaying Credentials
"Lawyers do it. Doctors do it. Educators should do it! No, I'm not talking about making a lot of money! I'm talking about prominently displaying educational degrees and professional certificates. Displaying one's credentials will help you appear professional and legitimate. It's very impressive and reinforces to the public the amount of effort it takes to become a teacher and to maintain certification."
Using Technology
Annual Class Album
"At the beginning of each school year, I request a blank video tape to be sent to school along with the typical school supplies. Once a week, a parent volunteer videotapes each child reading a book of choice onto the child's personal tape for approximately three minutes. In addition, I take digital pictures of our activities throughout the year. I put these pictures to music and download them on all the children's tapes to be taken home on the last day of school. It's essentially a class album of their entire school year. The students love having their pictures taken and the parents enjoy having a window into their child's classroom. It's amazing to see how much each child grows and to rediscover all the activities that have been packed into one program."
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February 15, 2011
Teaching Techniques
March 32nd
"I've long followed the custom of writing the date on the chalkboard each morning. When April 1st rolls around though, I remind myself that any teacher who writes April 1st is asking for whatever pranks students dare to risk. I solved that problem by writing March 32nd instead. It's interesting to see how students rarely even notice and will dutifully turn in classwork with that date on it. The fun comes when someone does complain to correct me and I get to say, 'Gotcha'! Happy April Fool's Day, everyone!"
Content
The Present
"Here's a great writing activity for the holidays that reviews the four basic types of writing styles. My students write one expository paragraph explaining how to wrap a present. They write one descriptive paragraph describing what the present looks like after it's been wrapped and they write one narrative paragraph describing what will happen to the present. The final paragraph is a persuasive paragraph explaining why the present is the best present given."
Getting Organized
Wonders of Hair Spray
"I keep a bottle of hair spray on hand for whiteboard marker mistakes. It also gets ink out of clothing as well as a multitude of other things. It makes me wonder what it does to hair."
Sometimes a marker is grabbed to write on the whiteboard and invariably, it turns out to be a permanent marker. A quick solution is to use the correct type of dry-erase marker to write over the permanent ink. This breaks down the permanent ink and the whole mess wipes away!?
Managing Your Classroom
Group Work
"When choosing groups, I tell my students that when they are working they will not always be working with their best friend. I remind them that an important part of class is learning how to work in a group."
Relationships
Before the School Year
"Before school begins in the fall, I invite all my students and their parents/guardians for a special back-to-school night in my classroom. In this informal setting, we all get to know each other and talk about our expectations and concerns. The students find their desks and cubbies (lockers), ask questions, and meet old and new friends. Parents become active in their child's learning team, organize a class advisory team, set up committees to help with activities, and arrange private conferences to discuss their goals for their child. The principal, school board members and others who work with the class also attend. As a result, I know most of the children the first day and have the support of both families and children as we work together throughout the year."
Using Technology
Digital Library
"I've found that the digital camera is a wonderful classroom tool. Since I use it frequently, I found a solution to scanning through the disks to find just the picture that I want. I created a template in Print Shop, which shows each picture on the disk. Then I print out the pictures and store them in a loose-leaf binder. I put each page in a vinyl sleeve and put the disk in with it. That way, when we want a particular picture, we can search the notebook instead of the disk. It saves a lot of time."
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February 7, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Holidays on the Net
"Holidays on the Net, http://www.holidays.net, is a great source of inspiration and ideas for me. It's also a nice place to send students for information concerning holidays."
Content
Title Predictions
"To help students with comprehension, I have them make predictions about what events might take place in the story based on the title of the chapter. I positively reinforce all predictions given. Once the predictions are made, I give a brief idea of what the chapter is about and ask the children to think about what questions they want answered when they read the chapter. We record these questions on chart paper. This helps to set up a purpose for reading and I've found that students are so in tune to the story that they are better able to answer with more detail and enthusiasm."
Getting Organized
Clean Chalkboards
"To keep chalkboards clean, use a Kleenex that has lanolin or hand lotion on it. Put it around the eraser and erase the board. You will rarely have to wash your board."
"Here is a blackboard tip that eliminates yucky wet cloths and sponges while keeping blackboards looking like new. I take a clean small towel and put a little bit of lemon oil on it. I place the towel in a Ziploc bag and leave it overnight so that the lemon oil soaks into the towel. After I erase the blackboard, I clean it with the towel and it removes all the chalk dust without leaving any streaks. The blackboards look like new. I add a couple of drops of lemon oil from time to time but there should not be so much that it wets the board."
Managing Your Classroom
When Students Move
"Whenever a student moves out of the district, I provide him/her with a stamped, addressed envelope. I tell the student to wait a month to get acclimated to his/her new surroundings and then write me about how he/she is faring in the new school. Students tell me about all sorts of things. This information is valuable since subjects are taught in many different ways with different textbooks by teachers using different approaches."
Relationships
Parental Involvement in High School
"I keep parents involved at the high school by inviting them to class to work with their child in lab activities. This gives the parent the opportunity to observe firsthand what their child is learning in class and hopefully opens a door of communication about school. It gives me the opportunity to get to know the parents a little better too. The best reason for inviting parents to class is that the students learn that their parents are really pretty sharp."
Using Technology
Picture Stories
"I take digital photos of things going on around our school. I print a copy for our photo wall but I also insert the photo in a Word document and save the file with the names of the students in the picture and the date. Students can open them easily by finding their name or their friend's name in the file name. Once open, students can write a sentence or story about the picture and print it. I pre-format the Word document with a large size font so it's ready to go. Children sometimes type random letters but they can read their story because the picture reminds them. Other students prefer to dictate a story to a buddy, volunteer or a teacher. Often children will see a picture on the photo wall and ask a staff member to help them bring it up on the computer."
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January 31, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Group Review
"A great review learning activity is to have students divide a piece of paper into 4 quadrants. Then they wad the paper up and throw it on the floor. Each student now grabs another piece of paper and repeats the activity, writing in another quadrant. Students can't write something that they already wrote OR repeat something already on the sheet. After repeating this activity four times, I chose one student to read something from her sheet. That student chooses another student, who has to explain/perform/demonstrate the one thing the previous student read as well as something from his sheet. We keep repeating until all students have been called on. This is a great way to review and have fun."
Content
Novel Bookmarks
My students have difficulty with comprehension and sequential events when reading novels. They use an index card marked with the chapter they're reading as their bookmark. On the card, they jot down one or two sentences about the chapter, any difficult words and the characters they met. This only takes a few minutes because it is done when the chapter is fresh in their minds. We continue this throughout the book and keep our bookmarks together with elastic. At the end of the book, we read the cards as a review. This is a great way to keep track of sequential happenings and write up a book summary. (I borrowed this idea from my daughter who thought of this when she was in the sixth grade.)
Getting Organized
Beginning of Year
"This is a tip that I heard about from a retired colleague. One of the biggest chores when beginning a new year is decorating our rooms. Instead of planning and doing a welcome back bulletin board yourself before school starts why not have your current class plan and put together the board before they move on to the next grade? The teacher then simply covers the completed board with butcher paper and goes home for the summer with the knowledge that one back to school task is done! I send this now because to really have a nice board for next year - it's a good idea to let students plan and decorate a couple during the year."
Managing Your Classroom
Clothes Pins I
"I find time management in my classroom essential. I try to make short work of many tasks. To shorten attendance, my homeroom students enter my room and take their own attendance. I have placed an empty coffee can on a desk as they enter the room. Clothes pins are placed around the rim, each containing the name of one of the students. As they enter they drop their pin in the coffee can. Within minutes I can tell which students are absent."
Relationships
Parent Interests
"My opening letter to parents inquires about what their child's interests are but it also inquires about their interests. Once I find out their interests whether it is music, writing, fractions or nutrition, I have a pool of experts to draw on all year. I can ask my parents to be guest speakers or come in and do demonstrations. Parents love to share their knowledge and experiences with their child's class."
Using Technology
Permanent Grids
"I make a grid with permanent marker on a transparency. I place a clean transparency over it and complete the graph as if it were on one sheet. When I'm finished, I just put another clean sheet on top and start again. Graphs on the overhead have never been easier and the work can be repeated quickly for students who missed it the first time."
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January 24, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Graffiti Day
"I have a Graffiti Day when it's time to review a unit. Each student gets a dry erase marker and they have ten minutes to graffiti-ize the room. The graffiti must be related to the given topic. They can only write on glass surfaces, white boards and desktops and only school appropriate language can be used. While we all browse and admire the graffiti, I ask questions and point out the important stuff. The kids have just as much fun erasing what they wrote when we're finished."
Content
Life-Long Reading
"To help encourage life-long reading, I post a copy of the local newspaper on the hallway wall outside my room. Students stop by during the day to check out the comics, sports page and news headlines. The students in the Missouri Stock Market Game Competition often check the business section. My goal is to get the kids hooked on reading the newspaper on a daily basis."
Getting Organized
Fabric Backgrounds
"I buy inexpensive lightweight cotton fabric for my bulletin boards. I choose a bright solid color because the fabric does not fade nor show staple holes. If I want to use a different background for a certain time of the year, I staple it over the cotton. Then, when I take that display down, I still have the cotton background."
Managing Your Classroom
Try a Semi-Circle Instead
"I never have students line up in a straight line before entering the room. Instead, I have them line up in a semi-circle facing the door. That way, right when I open the door, I can see all of the students' faces, what they are wearing, and can greet them all at the same time. I never have to worry about getting the attention of the back of the line."
Relationships
My Favorite Dish
"To teach process writing, I send a letter home to the parents asking them to help their child select a favorite homemade dish. They provide the child with the recipe and when possible, actually make it together. The student must write the steps to making the dish in paragraph form and explain why the dish is a favorite. The student must also include any memories associated with the dish in the story. We publish our recipes and stories in a book and give them to our parents during the holidays."
Using Technology
Overhead Tip
"Here is a tip any grade level teacher can use. Do you find you are out of those expensive overhead projector sheets when you really need one? A clear sheet protector works well in a pinch."
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January 18, 2011
Teaching Techniques
Student Made Study Guide
"To help the students review for their semester final, I divide the class into the number of units we have covered. Each group has about twenty-five minutes to prepare one overhead transparency with all of the most important information from the section. At the end of class, each group shares their overhead with the others. Every student gets a study guide to help them when they study at home and we all get to see many colorfully decorated pages! Afterward, I make a couple of classroom copies that students can check out if they were absent."
Content
Positive and Negative Numbers
"Teaching operations with positive and negative numbers is a difficult activity in math. I use a card game to help my students grasp the concept. I draw two cards at random and hold one up on each side of my face. Red cards are negative and black cards are positive. Tens and face cards are worth ten, aces are one, jokers are zero and all others are at face value. I call out addition, subtraction, multiplication or division and remind the students to go from left to right as they read. They must write the equation and answer while I count quietly to five. The students have very lively discussions over their responses because they must justify their answers. Often the problems lend themselves to good explanation."
Getting Organized
Kindness Club
"I recognize random acts of kindness in my classroom. I write the student's name, date and act of kindness on an index card. I attach all the cards to a bulletin board titled, Miss Sally's Kindness Club. At the end of the year, I take down the cards and mail them to the parents. This is a great way for students to get recognition for being kind to each other."
Managing Your Classroom
Wandering Eyes
"In order to prevent those wandering eyes during tests, I invested $5.00 for a pair of mirrored sunglasses with a holographic smiling face on each lens. While the holograms smile away to help brighten the day, the students never know where I'm looking, so cheating is not an option. Even better though, I can actually review lessons or complete paperwork at my desk while wearing the glasses."
Relationships
Good News Postcard
"I send a GOOD NEWS postcard to each parent before our first parent teacher conference, detailing positive things about each student. This helps build a positive relationship."
Using Technology
Organize With Overhead Transparencies
"I have eight different classes in a two day cycle and sometimes found it a burden to manage make up work for absent students. Now I put work on overhead transparencies so I can hand the appropriate transparency to a student to copy when he/she returns from an absence. This way the student gets the work without interrupting the rest of the class. Last year I stored all my transparency assignments in a notebook. Now, as I teach a particular topic, I can use some of my original assignments that I've revised to suit this year's classes. The transparency is very easy to erase and edit. I've also found that tests can be done in the same way with the added benefit of saving on expensive photocopy paper."
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Teaching Techniques
Bingo Review
"Terminology is often difficult for students to master. We found that playing Bingo is not only fun, the students tend to retain the information. Bingo cards can be constructed in Microsoft Word by using the Table format. Vocabulary words are then entered into each of the blocks. The instructor reads the definition, and the students mark off the correct words. Using this method, students generally score better on this portion of the exam."
Content
What's My Noun?
"I have a game that I play with two to four teams. Each team writes five nouns for a member of the other team to describe with up to five adjectives. I can increase or decrease the number of nouns, depending on the level of the students. The guessing student's team must guess the noun, with the number of nouns guessed correctly determining who wins. The teacher must referee to be sure no verbs or adverbs are thrown in."
Getting Organized
Painted Windows
"I have an idea for those that are artistic and would like to make their classroom look exceptionally alive and wonderful! I choose a theme relating to either science or literature and paint the windows in my classroom. This month, I chose the solar system and planned a scene in outer space with midnight blue paint as the background. There are yellow stars, planets, shooting stars and aliens in space ships. I painted it with regular tempera paints mixed with about ? cup of dish detergent. This allows the paint to be easily washed off when ready to change themes. Just add water and it washes off with ease. These paintings create a vibrant color wash in the room and are absolutely incredible!"
Managing Your Classroom
Student Numbers and Recording Grades
"I cut down on the time it takes to record grades by giving each student the number corresponding to her/his name in my grade book. Each new year I give students these directions: (1) Make a box on the right hand corner of the folder that you bring to class each day and put the number in this box; and (2) Write this number on the right corner of your paper each time you write your regular heading. Grades will always be posted on the right hand side of the paper. When assignments and tests are picked up, I ask a student to place them in order according to the numbers. Believe me, time is really saved when recording the grades!"
Relationships
School Notes
"To communicate easily with parents and students, I post a message on www.schoolnotes.com. I can list my assignments for the week or direct kids to a favorite web site. It's easy, fun and free!"
Using Technology
Writing Autobiographies
"Students in my computer classes learn how to format reports by writing their own autobiographies. They begin by drawing a 'map' on a plain sheet of paper that I do with them on overhead. In the top right they draw their birth hospital, and in the bottom right they draw the school. In between, they draw the 'highway of life' complete with significant events in their lives as signs along the way. These signs become the side headings of their papers to help them to stay on topic. We make a formal title page together and students are encouraged to add graphical displays. They are directed to use all the features of the word processing program, including the thesaurus, at least once per page. They are also directed to reflect upon the happy moments of their lives and tell no family business. I tell them it is a celebration of their lives to read to their own children some day. For extra credit, I encourage students to create picture displays of their lives that I put up on the walls of the classroom. I get lots of visitors to see these displays."
CTA Member Benefits of the Week:
First Financial Credit Union Supports La Habra Teachers
Your CTA and First Financial Credit Union Benefits in Action
First Financial Credit Union provides many time and money-saving benefits for CTA members in Southern California, including offering an Interest-Free Loan for eligible and approved CTA members on strike.
Recently, First Financial supported the La Habra Education Association members on the strike lines. In addition to First Financial’s management staff providing food and beverages to the striking teachers beginning the first day of the strike (December 8), the credit union also attended rallies and meetings, helped set up tables, visited all school sites at which strike lines were organized, and distributed information on their Interest-Free Strike Loans and the myriad of First Financial services for members.
As a benefit of CTA membership, all eligible members may apply for the Interest-Free Strike Loan. For any CTA teachers on the strike line who were not yet members of the credit union, First Financial opened their membership account and accepted their loan application on site.
First Financial management and staff personnel were available to the teachers during the entire process.
Last April, First Financial provided the same support and presence during the work stoppage by CTA members in the Capistrano Unified Education Association.
For more information about First Financial’s products and services, geared specifically for California’s teachers, please call (800) 537-8491 or visit their website at www.ffcu.org. For information on Provident Credit Union in Northern California, call (800) 632-4600 or you can visit their website at www.providentcu.org.
Time is running out to apply for the California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant
California Casualty has been serving California Teachers Association members since 1951, providing exclusive auto and home insurance. As a trusted education partner, they understand the impact that reduced state budgets have had on our public school system. To help our education community, they are offering a grant for high school sports programs with awards of $2,500 or more.
The application process is simple. If you are a high school employee, visit www.CalCasAthleticsGrant.com to find out how you, your Principal, or Athletics Director can apply for a grant for your school. The deadline for submitting your application is February 1, 2011. If your school is selected for the grant award, your school will be notified and presented with a check in April 2011.
To learn more about California Casualty or to get an auto or home insurance quote, please call 866-680-5142 or visit www.calcas.com/CTA
NEA Member Benefit of the Week:
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| You probably haven’t given much thought to your medicine cabinet during the holidays, but when the calendar turns to a new year it’s a good idea to give it some attention. Once a year you should: |
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Flush any remaining prescription drugs for conditions that have been resolved down the toilet. |
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Dispose of any over-the-counter medications which have expired and, for things you use regularly, replace them. |
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Check your first aid supplies to be sure you have a good supply of adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes and that your antibiotic spray or ointment is within its expiration date (if not, replace it). |
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Discard any leftover sunscreen; it loses its effectiveness and you should buy fresh each summer. |
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Make sure basic equipment, like thermometers, are in working order. |
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| Keeping your medicine cabinet well stocked will ensure that you have the remedy you need when you need it. It’s not as exciting as holiday shopping, but it’s just as important. |
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Drugstore.com offers competitive
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Whether you’re looking to stock up
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Creating a Financial Plan
One way to help make sure that you work toward your goals and control spending is to create a comprehensive financial plan. Like a lesson plan in the classroom, a financial plan can help you identify the steps you need to take.
The tips below may help you take the first steps, but you may want to develop your financial plan with the help of a financial advisor.
Your plan should include:
- A budget: Find out where your money is going. Identify "musts" like mortgage payments, rent, utilities, food, etc., and discretionary items like cable television and entertainment. Then set limits on those discretionary expenses.
- Debt repayment goals: You need some credit to build a positive credit history, but make sure you’re not paying more fees and interest than principal on any debt. Try to avoid taking on any new debt. To learn more, view the "Managing Debt and Credit" Webinar.
- Estimate your pension benefit from CalSTRS
 or CalPERS: This can help you determine how much you need to save to supplement your defined benefit pension.
- Routine retirement investments: Try to max out your 403(b) and 457 plans every year. In 2010, you can contribute up to $16,500 to each plan ($22,000 if you are age 50 or older).
- Automatic savings: Directly deposit at least 5% of your salary into a savings account at your credit union or bank for emergency funds.
- Up-to-date insurance and will: Take care of your loved ones now and in the future.
- A second opinion: A professional financial advisor can help ensure that your newfound confidence is based in reality. Check out the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors for a listing of fee-only planners at www.napfa.com.*
* Be sure to consider whether a fee-only planner is right for you. Web site is provided for information only and no endorsement is implied.
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December 17, 2010
Teaching Techniques
Four Corner Questions
"During our extended block schedule period, my students get a little restless and need a quick activity. Rather than give them a written quiz, I ask them a multiple choice question about the current topic of study and assign each corner of the room a possible answer and letter. To avoid the problem of everyone following the smart kids to the correct corner, I let them know that I've struck a deal with the 'brains' for them to purposely pick the incorrect corner sometimes to throw the others off. The kids love it because involves everyone, it's a quick and easy way to check for understanding and after doing this a couple of times, they're ready to return to their seats for more learning!"
Content
Current Events
"In order to keep my 'current events' current in my classroom, I assign the student of the week the job of clipping local, state, national and world news articles for our news bulletin board. When they come to school on Monday with pictures of themselves and their favorite items to share, they also have current events to share with the classroom".
Getting Organized
Shaving Cream Clean-Ups
"Shaving cream will remove pencil and pen marks from desk tops. I put shaving cream on each child's desk and then we do some form of leaning activity with the cream. For example, I ask students to draw a picture that illustrates a certain fraction or geometric shape or they write their spelling words. The inexpensive kind works just as well as the expensive kind."
Managing Your Classroom
Missing Numbers
"I keep track of assignments by assigning each student a number. All I have to do is look through the number list and I know who is missing work. It's much easier than using names in alphabetical order. I just call out whatever number is missing work. The student numbers are the same as their book distribution numbers."
Relationships
Email Connections
"I help parents connect with their child's school experience by creating an email list of all parents with computer access. I email a newsletter to my parents weekly letting them know what's happening in class. Using email has solved the problem of leaving messages and I have a record of correspondence if I need it. I encourage parents without email to call and leave messages on my voice mail."
Using Technology
Displaying Names
"I only have one computer in my room so I use my screen saver to say, 'Mrs. Chewning and Ms. Sain's wonderful students.' I have each student's name going across the screen."
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
Is Now a Good Time to Evaluate Your Finances and Future Retirement Needs?
As we near the beginning of 2011, some of you may be taking the opportunity to look at your finances and make sure you are on the right track. Do you know that CTA has developed a website to provide valuable information and resources to help you with your financial and personal future? The website, www.CTAinvest.org has numerous articles, webinars, videos, etc. to help with planning for your retirement, shopping for insurance, preparing your will, buying or refinancing your home, etc. The website is full of valuable and helpful information designed to help you become an educated consumer. What you won't find is advertisements.
You like many educators may be concerned about providing for your comfortable retirement. Your defined benefit pension plan through CalSTRS or CalPERS is an excellent starting point, and CTA works hard on your behalf to protect and enhance your pension benefits.
Still, your CalSTRS or CalPERS pension may not provide enough retirement income to support the lifestyle you envision. Fortunately, you have another key advantage in your favor: the option to participate in a 403(b) or 457 defined contribution plan. By choosing to contribute to a 403(b) or 457 plan through your district, you have a unique opportunity to supplement your defined benefit pension.
CTA has developed the guide, Closing the Gap Supplement Your Pension Benefits with a 403(b) or 457 Plan to explain how 403(b) and 457 plans work, what they can do for you, and how you can best take advantage of them. A new guide, Selecting a 403(b)/457 Advisor & Understanding Plan Fees, will help you identify strategies for making good choices for your plan, including choosing a financial advisor who puts your interests first. You can view these publications and order your free copies on our website, www.cta.org, Member Services/ CTA Member Benefits, Publications Order Form. A supply can also be ordered for other members in your chapter at no charge. You can also order these publications at www.ctainvest.org.
Also, the California Educators Investment and Retirement Guide website can be found at www.ctainvest.org. In addition to the valuable guides above, extensive financial and investment information is provided for members without a log in -- you'll find:
· On-line calculators from Standard & Poor’s
· Webinars that walk you through financial and investment concepts
· Educational videos – topics include Why Participate in Your 403(b)/457 Plan, Comparing 403(b) and 457 Plans, Choosing a 403(b) or 457 Product, A Look at Target-Date Funds, and A Look at Fixed Annuities
· Articles that cover the gamut of basics of investing, retirement planning, and 403(b) and 457 plans
· CalSTRS and CalPERS information
· Personalized Checklist - a list of financial planning duties to help you keep track of what you need to do to stay on course
· Ask The Advisor – view answers to general questions about financial issues and post your own questions.
We encourage you to use this website and order the guides above to assist you with your important retirement and investment decisions.
NEA Member Benefit of the Week:
During this holiday season, NEA wants to give you a gift. Call the number above and you can order one free magazine subscription or go to www.neamag.com/thankyou and order two free magazines for a year. While you're there, check out http://www.magazineline.com/nea/homepage.htm and buy a magazine subscription that gives all year long.
Have a wonderful holiday season. I look forward to communicating with you again in 2011!
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December 6, 2010
Teaching Techniques
Bowling Sheets
"As I'm taking attendance, I give a very short quiz reviewing old material or on last night's homework. When our local bowling alley went to automatic scorekeepers I got the idea of using their old overhead scoring sheets for this quiz. I randomly draw 10 of the students' quizzes each day. If eight out of the 10 quizzes are all correct, I then draw out two more to see if they 'pick up the spare.' I then keep score for them on one overhead bowling sheet and they compete against my other classes. The winning class gets a little something extra just for them. I have found that more students review yesterday's work right before class and have fewer tardy students. Students really enjoy it and it works well with all levels. My wife uses it with her eighth grade students."
Content
Mystery Map
"To teach communication skills, I split my classroom in half and create a mystery map. The students in each group choose a place in the school to write directions to for the other group to follow. Each student in the group creates a direction and together we write it on a piece of butcher paper. Throughout the experience, I encourage the students to visualize their directions by closing their eyes. After the directions are complete, the groups exchange them. Each student is responsible for reading a direction and repeating it to the group while the others listen and work together to discover the mystery destination. Afterward, the groups return to the classroom and we discuss how well we followed the directions and where each group ended up. This is a really fun way to work on listening skills."
Getting Organized
Homework Jail/Reward Day
"Occasionally, my team will have a Homework Jail/Reward Day. Those who have no missing work are treated to a movie and those with missing work are doomed to another classroom for a study hall to catch up. Most Homework Jail participants are miffed and do their best to catch up. Once in awhile we even allow those criminals to join the movie in progress once they are current with all of their work."
Managing Your Classroom
Weekly Behavior Report
"To keep parents informed of their child's progress and behavior, I send a Weekly Behavior Report home each Monday. The report has a box for each day in which I document both positive and negative behaviors and any grades the student has earned that week. I also note any special assignments. The parents must sign the report and send it back to school. The weekly report not only informs the parents, it's also good documentation for me."
Relationships
I Learned Letters
"I help parents connect with their child's school experience by having the students write a letter to their parents each week on the back of my classroom newsletter. In the beginning of the year, the students write a rough draft of three 'I learned' sentences. They must write specific comments about what they learned that week. The class brainstorms ideas and I write a list on the board to help them with their spelling. I edit their drafts and then they copy their sentences on the parent newsletter. As the year progresses, the students write what they learned in the form of a friendly letter using all the steps of the writing process. The rough draft is written on Friday mornings and they publish on Monday as morning work."
Using Technology
Call for Help
"In my computer classes I have two plastic cups on each computer -- one red and the other blue. The two cups sit upside down, one inside the other. When the blue cup is on top it means 'Everything is Cool.' When students have questions they quietly reach up and put the red cup on top of the blue cup. That means they need my help. They can continue to work and figure out the problem. The students do not need to keep their hand in the air or call my name. It works like a charm. When I start the year, I am very strict about not answering questions from students who don't use the cup. In about a week they are all used to using the cups and like it. It is also a conversation piece at conference time when the parents ask 'What are the cups for?'"
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
Many of you may be traveling over the next few weeks. Did you know that CTA Member Benefits offers discounts on car rentals for members?
This program provides for rentals at a defined flat rate as low as $33.00 a day, regardless of location. While it does not include other potential rental related charges, like optional insurances, the flat rate is very competitive particularly in areas where vehicle rentals are usually the highest, including major airports.
It's fast and easy to make arrangements for your car rental needs nationwide with Enterprise Rent-A-Car!
Online:
- Enter your Account Number: NACA068
- Enter CTA as the Company Name
By phone:
- Call (800) RENT-A-CAR for the nearest branch
- Provide your Account Number: NACA068
- Make your reservations with the rental branch
Visit www.cta.org to obtain more information about the CTA Rental Car Program through Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
NEA Member Benefit of the Week:
It’s fun to buy a new outfit for the holiday season. But don’t forget about accessories! Seasonal accessories can add a festive flare to clothes already in your closet – and they can be worn for years to come. For example:
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A casual holiday sweater is great to wear to less formal events – this tip works for men, women and children! |
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Adding a little bling – a beaded scarf or some sparkly jewelry – can give a little black dress holiday appeal. |
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Decorative pillows can bring the season into your home. Stow them away with your holiday decorations so you can bring them out again next year. |
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Add a little holiday to your wardrobe – or give seasonal apparel as gifts!
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Brooks Brothers was founded in 1818 as the first ready-to-wear fashion emporium in America. Their apparel and accessories are
timeless – and now women, children and your home, as well as men can benefit from their classic style. NEA members save 15%
during the holidays. So outfit yourself, your spouse, your children and your home in classic seasonal style. Or shop Brooks Brothers
for gifts.
Note: Once you enter Click & Save, search on "Brooks Brothers"
Only the individual sender is responsible for the content of this message, and the message does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of California Teachers Association, the National Education Association, CTA Member Benefits, or NEA Member Benefits.
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Dec. 1, 2010
Teaching Techniques
Bowling Sheets
"As I'm taking attendance, I give a very short quiz reviewing old material or on last night's homework. When our local bowling alley went to automatic scorekeepers I got the idea of using their old overhead scoring sheets for this quiz. I randomly draw 10 of the students' quizzes each day. If eight out of the 10 quizzes are all correct, I then draw out two more to see if they 'pick up the spare.' I then keep score for them on one overhead bowling sheet and they compete against my other classes. The winning class gets a little something extra just for them. I have found that more students review yesterday's work right before class and have fewer tardy students. Students really enjoy it and it works well with all levels. My wife uses it with her eighth grade students."
Content
Mystery Map
"To teach communication skills, I split my classroom in half and create a mystery map. The students in each group choose a place in the school to write directions to for the other group to follow. Each student in the group creates a direction and together we write it on a piece of butcher paper. Throughout the experience, I encourage the students to visualize their directions by closing their eyes. After the directions are complete, the groups exchange them. Each student is responsible for reading a direction and repeating it to the group while the others listen and work together to discover the mystery destination. Afterward, the groups return to the classroom and we discuss how well we followed the directions and where each group ended up. This is a really fun way to work on listening skills."
Getting Organized
Homework Jail/Reward Day
"Occasionally, my team will have a Homework Jail/Reward Day. Those who have no missing work are treated to a movie and those with missing work are doomed to another classroom for a study hall to catch up. Most Homework Jail participants are miffed and do their best to catch up. Once in awhile we even allow those criminals to join the movie in progress once they are current with all of their work."
Managing Your Classroom
Weekly Behavior Report
"To keep parents informed of their child's progress and behavior, I send a Weekly Behavior Report home each Monday. The report has a box for each day in which I document both positive and negative behaviors and any grades the student has earned that week. I also note any special assignments. The parents must sign the report and send it back to school. The weekly report not only informs the parents, it's also good documentation for me."
Relationships
I Learned Letters
"I help parents connect with their child's school experience by having the students write a letter to their parents each week on the back of my classroom newsletter. In the beginning of the year, the students write a rough draft of three 'I learned' sentences. They must write specific comments about what they learned that week. The class brainstorms ideas and I write a list on the board to help them with their spelling. I edit their drafts and then they copy their sentences on the parent newsletter. As the year progresses, the students write what they learned in the form of a friendly letter using all the steps of the writing process. The rough draft is written on Friday mornings and they publish on Monday as morning work."
Using Technology
Call for Help
"In my computer classes I have two plastic cups on each computer -- one red and the other blue. The two cups sit upside down, one inside the other. When the blue cup is on top it means 'Everything is Cool.' When students have questions they quietly reach up and put the red cup on top of the blue cup. That means they need my help. They can continue to work and figure out the problem. The students do not need to keep their hand in the air or call my name. It works like a charm. When I start the year, I am very strict about not answering questions from students who don't use the cup. In about a week they are all used to using the cups and like it. It is also a conversation piece at conference time when the parents ask 'What are the cups for?'"
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Teaching Techniques
Questions and Answers
"On many 3x5 cards I put a problem and an answer, but they do not match. I start the students out by putting a question on the board. Someone has the answer on his/her 3x5 card. They walk up and put the answer on the board and also put up the next question (the question on their card). I give them a new card and they sit down. The process continues and everyone eventually gets up to the board. You could also do this in reverse order for another lesson."
Content
Letters to the Editor
"My writing students send letters to the editor which we submit to local city papers, larger publications and even our high school newspaper. Each quarter, at least four students are published and usually many more! The seriousness with which this assignment is done is amazing as they have a real audience and love to see their names in print!"
Getting Organized
Smiley Cups
"Here's an idea I came up with to motivate students to turn in homework. I put large smiley faces on plastic bathroom cups and I place a cup on the students' desks that completed the homework. They know that if the principal comes into my class, he will know if they've done their work. The amount of completed homework assignments has greatly improved."
Managing Your Classroom
Personal Notes
"I send personal notes to all of my students. I make a pre-addressed envelope for each student and at random, select an envelope or two. I write a note to the students that were picked, put them in their envelopes and give the notes to them at the end of the day. When all the envelopes are used up, then it's time to pre-address another group of envelopes. This makes sure that no student is forgotten."
Relationships
Catchy Newsletters
"I help parents connect with their child's school experience by sending home a weekly newsletter. The newsletter includes anything we've been working on in class, concerns, and informational tidbits. I also include catchy titles and clip art to make the newsletter more fun. I attach a parent signature slip that must be returned the following Monday. Parents love this communication from the classroom."
Using Technology
Taking Turns on the Computer
"I have found a way to schedule the computers in my class in a way that is fair and equitable. At the beginning of the year, I purchase index cards in a spiral package. I write down the names of my students on each card. The cards show which student can use the computer. Once your turn is over, the card is flipped and the next name appears. Each day the card file shows a new name so no one has to ask whose turn it is anymore. The cards do it for me."
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Teaching Techniques
Time Capsule
"I begin the school year by doing time capsules with my students. They include their height, a handwriting sample, a math timed-test (multiplication facts) some predictions (both individual and class) as well as resolutions. I use oatmeal boxes or Pringles canisters for the capsules. We wrap them in wrapping paper, to seal them, them put them all into a large, taped box, kept in plain sight. We open it on the last day of school. It has been great fun."
Content
Self Portraits
"When students do a self portrait they should be able to look in a mirror, so I asked my students and colleagues for old mirror tiles. I had 1/8 inch maysonite cut into 12"x12" backing boards which I attached to the mirror tiles by taping down all the edges with three layers of one inch masking tape. Our shop class made stands for me by putting an angled slot in blocks of wood. Now each student has their own mirror to use during class. This is a great way to do a self portrait because the students can really study their facial features and expressions."
Getting Organized
Original in Yellow
"Sick of having a file of extra copies of the same worksheet and never know which sheet is the original? I write 'original' on the original in yellow highlighter before it ends up in my files. The copy machine doesn't see the yellow marker but I can! It's a super way to save my originals and space in my files!"
Managing Your Classroom
Behavior Bank
"I use a behavior system that also teaches money. At the beginning of the year I have all students punch out their money from the back of their math book to go in our 'bank.' Every morning two 'bankers' pass out five pennies to each student. If a student breaks a rule, I don't need to lecture. I just collect a penny or two. The children get the message very quickly. At the end of the day, the children trade in their pennies for nickels, dimes, or quarters. Once a week, they come to my 'store' to purchase stickers, bookmarks, posters, etc. They may not use pennies to shop so they must learn money skills. The kids love it and my class knows the value of a quarter. Parents donate some of the items for the store."
Relationships
Capturing School Experiences
"I have my kids bring in a disposable camera with their school supplies. I snap special moments that happen during the school year (things that parents miss). When it's filled, I send it home. Parents can have it developed and send in another if they wish. It's a great way to capture school experiences."
Using Technology
Computer Monitoring
"I found the screen saver feature is a great way to monitor students working on the computer. I added a picture of myself with a word balloon to the screen saver. (Virtual Mr. Edwards, version 1.0) They're surprised when the screen saver pops up and alerts them they were perhaps doing more talking than typing. Back to work, kids!"
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
Many of you may be traveling the next few weeks for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Did you know that CTA Member Benefits offers discounts on car rentals for members?
This program provides for rentals at a defined flat rate as low as $33.00 a day, regardless of location. While it does not include other potential rental related charges, like optional insurances, the flat rate is very competitive particularly in areas where vehicle rentals are usually the highest, including major airports.
It's fast and easy to make arrangements for your car rental needs nationwide with Enterprise Rent-A-Car!
Online:
- Enter your Account Number: NACA068
- Enter CTA as the Company Name
By phone:
- Call (800) RENT-A-CAR for the nearest branch
- Provide your Account Number: NACA068
- Make your reservations with the rental branch
Visit www.cta.org to obtain more information about the CTA Rental Car Program through Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
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Teaching Techniques
Students' Year-End Evaluations
"I ask my students for their opinion on the activities and special projects that were assigned during the school year. They list the major projects, assignments, or novels that we studied as I read them aloud. I ask them if I should 'use it' or 'lose it' for next year and what they liked or disliked about each project. This helps me to evaluate projects from year to year and to modify and adjust my assignments for the following year. The students love this activity because they know that their opinion counts and I love this activity because I get valuable feedback!"
Content
Prop Writing Prompt
"Here's a good writing prompt to use for almost any reading: 'Imagine that you are prop master for a play based on the piece we just read. What props would you bring on stage? Whose prop would it be and why is it important to the play?' Props must be explained and examples might need to be given. Kids love doing this as it gives them the opportunity to be creative."
Getting Organized
Weekly Sanity Schedule
"At the end of the school day the amount of work that a teacher takes home seems endless. To keep focused, I designate different nights of the week to different purposes. For example, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday are for marking, Tuesday and Thursday are for planning and organizing upcoming units, Friday is TGIF no work day and Sunday is my day to renew. This prevents me from procrastinating and I seem to accomplish more by knowing my focus ahead of time. A wise teacher recommended that I stick to a 90-minute homework time every night so that I don't get behind in my work. I increase it to two hours when I have to prepare for a report. When something comes up and I have to take a night off, I don't feel burdened because I've kept up. I subtract school meetings and inservice time from that 90 minutes to keep my life in balance."
Managing Your Classroom
Tell Mr. Bucket
"I use a small plastic bucket to address the issue of tattling. I decorate the bucket with a sad face, a nose, eyes and some big ears. After I discuss tattling with the class, I tell my students that if they want to tattle, they must write their concern on a piece of paper and place it in Mr. Bucket. This has been a great help in stopping the tattling because kids don't get my attention. Later, I read what is placed in Mr. Bucket and then decide if anything needs to be addressed."
Relationships
Parent Newsletters
"I help parents connect with their child's school experience by sending home a weekly newsletter. When parents ask students what they did at school the response is often, 'Played'. Although I am pleased that my kids think of what we do as play, I want the parents to understand that there is a lot of learning packed into that play. My newsletter tells what I am teaching and how often I am teaching it. I describe special days and always include parent tips for at home follow up. After reading my newsletter, parents can ask their children specific questions about their day and get specific responses. I also have parent workshops twice a year where I show my parents the methods and materials we use in class. I teach them about alternatives to workbooks ? (manipulatives!) and hope that they will use them at home too. I also set up hands on demos and provide handouts. Parents are grateful to learn my methods and lingo."
Using Technology
Historical Searches
"I designed two Internet searches that introduce students to two great Americans. One is a Civil War hero, Joshua Chamberlain, and the other is an American Indian named Chief Joseph. This assignment was designed to provide an orderly search on the Internet and allow the students to learn about two historical figures. When the students have successfully completed the search, they have to select a search of their own. The search must investigate a technology that become important to the world between 1740-1900AD. The students are to do a historical search and try to determine the societal impact of this 'new technology'. Furthermore, they are to determine if the technology is still in existence today and how it has changed to meet the needs of today's society. The students enjoy doing the searches and find that the technology they experience in their everyday lives has not always been available."
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
The California Teachers Association Credit Card with WorldPoints® rewards
Save and earn your choice of rewards. The CTA Credit Card with WorldPoints rewards, provided by Bank of America, offers you a choice of cash, travel or merchandise rewards, and these great benefits:
- Low member-only rates*
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- Rewards starting at 2,500 points
- More than 1,000 brand name items in the Rewards Store merchandise catalog
Start saving today! Call toll-free 1.866.438.6262
Use Priority Code VAARK4
*For information the rates, fees and other costs or benefits of this program call 1-866-438-6262/
81.9398.
This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services,
N.A. WorldPoints is a registered trademark of FIA Card Services, N.A.
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Greetings! There are many new ideas out there to help teachers. NEA has created a web-site called “Works-4-Me” which are tried and true teaching hints suggested by NEA members. Each week you will receive an e-mail with six helpful (and short) hints to help you in your teaching. They will fall under the following categories:
Teaching Techniques
Content
Getting Organized
Managing Your Classroom
Relationships
Using Technology
In addition, you will get information about your CTA and NEA member benefits that are available to you through your membership in the Association. Click on the link or visit www.cta.org and www.neamb.com.
Teaching Techniques
Growth
"At the beginning of school, I take pictures of my students and measure them. They draw a picture of themselves, record the date, and copy a sentence about how tall they are. I display the pictures for open house. We have a height chart near the door so students can compare themselves to their September height throughout the year. At the end of school, I measure the children again. They draw a new picture and write a comparison of their earlier height to their present height. Besides their physical growth, they notice their cognitive growth in penmanship and drawing from the beginning of the year. Many parents have thanked me for this keepsake."
Content
Pumpkin Geography
"During the month of October / November, I take advantage of the pumpkin harvest to bring hands-on geography to my students. After spending a month becoming familiar with the location of the seven continents and the major bodies of water, each student is given a pumpkin to turn into a globe. Students paint the entire surface of the pumpkin blue to represent water. Next, they use pushpins to position and trace the outline of each continent onto their pumpkins. They use actual globes as models and are careful to place the continents in the correct hemisphere. Then, they paint and label each continent a different color. They label the major bodies of water and use white paint to represent the North and South Poles. While they work on their globes, I take pictures using the digital camera. We complete this project by importing the pictures and adding text on the computer to make a class book titled 'Pumpkin Geography', which we all enjoy enormously."
Getting Organized
Pizza Portfolios
"On the first day of school I give each student a pizza box turned inside out. The student decorates the box and writes his/her name on the top and each side. Every two weeks, the child places a piece of work inside the box, forming a portfolio. The children love sharing these with visitors and parents. At the end of the year, they are able to take them home."
Managing Your Classroom
Ouchies
"When I started my first year of teaching last year, I discovered it was popular for my fourth graders to go to the nurse's office for a band-aid or a spray of Bactine on a hang-nail or paper cut. To curb lost class time and personal frustration, I decided to keep a large bottle of clear aloe on the sink in the back of my classroom, along with a box of cotton swabs. After the students learned how to apply the aloe on their own without leaving or interrupting class, they were quite proud they could take care of the problem without asking for assistance. Their little ouchies also went away in the process!"
Relationships
Good News Calls
"When my students get a 100% on their spelling tests or any other great accomplishment, I let the student call home to share the good news. The phone call usually takes only 2-3 minutes, but it is a rewarding few minutes. I can almost always hear the parent praise from across the room. Students look forward to calling so they try extra hard on their assignments."
Using Technology
Daily Web Visits
"Each morning we have quick presentations from the Internet. The class meteorologists give the first one from http://www.wunderground.com. This site gives us our local forecast. Two students record the sunrise and sunset and the length of day on our learning calendar. Other students record the time the moon rose and set along with the moon's phase. We read the maximum and minimum temperatures for the day and the whole class figures out the range. Wind direction and speed are also given on this site. At the end of the week, we graph the results. We also look at the class historian web site at http://www.historychannel.com/thisday/, http://www.yahooligans.com/docs/tdih/, and http://www.nytimes.com/learning/. Certain students are chosen to quiz the class on what's in the news that day. All of these web sites are bookmarked on our home page and the students have their internet accounts set up to come up to this page. Each class historian and meteorologist prints out their page and we store them in a class book. The students can go back and look at the year's weather and history in their spare time."
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
California Casualty and Impact Teen Drivers
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers, and the most frequent causes are distracted and reckless driving.
The devastating impact of these fatal crashes on the teens involved, their families, communities, and the law enforcement officers who are first responders, motivated the California Highway Patrol to work with one of its long-time partners, California Casualty, and the California Teachers Association to create a powerful intervention designed to alter these grim statistics.
In mid-2007, these three organizations formed a unique partnership to create the 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that is now known as Impact Teen Drivers. Impact Teen Drivers was organized for the purpose of providing awareness and education to teenagers, their parents, and community members about all facets of responsible driving, with the goal of reducing the number of injuries and deaths suffered by teen drivers as a result of distracted driving and poor decision making.
As part of an ongoing educational program for teenage drivers, Impact Teen Drivers, through the support of California Casualty, released a national educational campaign including classroom materials, lesson plans, and videos.
To find out more about the program visit ImpactTeenDrivers.org, or their teen site WhatDoYouConsiderLethal.com. For educator resources and materials, visit http://www.impactteendrivers.org/educators.
If you are interested in contacting California Casualty about information or quotes for automobile and home and renters insurance products, contact 800-800-9410. You can also find more information about California Casualty products at www.cta.org.
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In addition, you will get information about your CTA andNEA Member Benefits that are available to you through your membership in the Association. Click on the link or visit www.cta.org and www.neamb.com.
Teaching Techniques
Class Generated Books
"My students make numerous class generated books throughout the year. On the last day of school, I allow the students to choose one of the books to take home. The collective books make nice mementos for the students."
Content
Bean Bag Count
"I use a bean bag for my students to throw and catch as they count. It's also useful when counting by 2's, 5's and 10's. The beanbags keep the students' interest and make learning fun. This is also good for problem solving because if they drop the bag, they have to start over. Pretty soon they figure out that they should toss it to the person closest to them. It's fun to see them figure out these everyday problems on their own."
Getting Organized
Highlighted Names
"I have a problem with my students remembering to put their names on their papers. To solve this problem I tied a string to a highlighter and taped it to our "in work" box. Students must highlight their name on the paper when they put it in the box. If they forgot to write their name, they can add it and then highlight it. The kids love to use highlighters and it saves time trying to figure out what paper belongs to what student."
Managing Your Classroom
Pocket Attendance
"I quickly take attendance by using a pocket chart. I write each student's name on both sides of a card in two different colors. As the students walk in, they flip their name card over. I know which students are absent because their names are in a different color. Writing the names on both sides in two different colors eliminates the need for me to switch all the cards over each day because I only need to turn over the cards of those students who were absent. I color code the heading at the top of the chart so that students who can't remember whether or not they switched their name can see what color it's supposed to be."
Relationships
Teacher Business Cards
"I had business cards made up with my name, school address, phone and fax numbers and email address. Originally, I just gave them out at the meetings and conferences I attended but now I give them out to my students too. I laminate them and glue a magnet strip to the back. I get the magnets as freebies from business donations. Each family has the magnet on their refrigerator as an easy to find reference. It's also a reminder to my students that I want to be in touch with their families too."
Using Technology
Favorite Sites
"I teach Internet researching skills and have my students keep a notebook on interesting sites that they would like to return to at a later time. This allows them to continue with their research and know that they can get back to a site they want to see again. The notebook works well because they can't save to a favorites or bookmarked folder."
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
We continue to spread the exciting news about our CTA-endorsed California Casualty automobile insurance program. An article and a flyer for your use in helping communicate this valuable information to your members are below.
Automobile Insurance Rates Reduced for CTA Members
This Summer, CTA and California Casualty were able to achieve a reduction in rates for the CTA endorsed automobile insurance program averaging 11.7%! CTA Members who use this program will continue to receive the outstanding service that they have come to expect from California Casualty for over fifty years.
California Casualty Offers Other Benefits Exclusively for Educators
- Zero-deductible coverage for collision or vandalism to vehicles parked on or within 500 feet of school property. This covers vehicles parked at school, school offices, education association offices, and off-campus during school authorized activities.
- $500 personal property coverage if any belongings are stolen from your car, including school supplies.
- Convenient payment plans including holiday and summer skip, and other payment options in the event of a layoff or CTA-sanctioned strike.
Please contact California Casualty for a quote, as well as encouraging other members to do so. Quotes can be obtained by phone at 1-866-680-5142 or online at www.calcas.com/cta. For more information, contact the CTA Member Benefits Department at 1-650-552-5200, or visit the CTA website at www.cta.org.
NEA Member Benefit of the Week:
For those with four legged children…NEA Pet Insurance Program
Pets Best Insurance for healthier pets, happier pet owners!
NEA Member Benefits is now offering one of the nation’s premier pet insurance products to NEA members—Pets Best Insurance.
If you have a pet, you know it can be expensive to care for your furry friend. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that certain procedures, such as treating a broken leg, can cost $2,000 to $5,000. Surgically removing swallowed items, such as sticks or toys, can cost $1,000 to $3,000. The good news is pet insurance can help cover certain procedures and illnesses.
Pets Best plans offer:
- Visit any licensed veterinarian
- Pets Best reimburses you 80% of the veterinarian’s bill for covered services, after a deductible
- Plans include reimbursement for covered care from specialists and emergency services
- Wellness options are available
- Pets Best Plans underwritten by Aetna Insurance Company of Connecticut are the only pet insurance plans endorsed by The American Veterinary Medical Association Group Health & Life Insurance Trust
Rates start as low as $19 per month plus discounts available for members. Additional discounts are available if you pay annually or insure more than one pet.
If you prefer, you may call one of Pets Best's helpful customer service representatives at 1-888-457-2121, Mon-Fri 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or Sat 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (MT). Use referral code NEAWEB.
CTA Member Benefits Article of the Week:
Are Your Auto Insurance Liability Maximums The Right Choice for You?
Have you reviewed your auto insurance liability limits recently? Have your limits kept pace with the potentially high cost of auto accidents and your current life circumstances? This might be a good time to check whether your policy provides you sufficient protection in the case of an automobile accident for which you are found to be at fault.
Too often, advertisers and consumers focus on the cost of auto insurance premiums rather than adequacy of coverage. If you let the cost of the coverage be your primary factor in your decision making, you may find that you’ve been penny wise and dollar foolish. Although you may save on lower insurance premiums now, you and your family may be faced with financial ruin if you or others covered on your policy cause an automobile accident and your coverage is not sufficient.
If you are found to be at fault in an auto accident in which someone is injured, you are financially responsible for their injuries, pain and suffering, and lost wages. If you cause damage to their vehicles, you are responsible for the vehicle repairs. You can also be held responsible for any resulting damage to property, such as road signs and building structures. Your auto insurance policy provides coverage for these costs up to your liability limit. If the claim exceeds that amount, you must cover the difference.
Hopefully, you have sufficient financial resources to pay what your insurance policy will not. You might also have an umbrella insurance policy that will provide additional coverage beyond your auto insurance policy. However if you determine that you have insufficient coverage and disposable financial resources to protect you adequately, you should contact your insurance carrier for assistance.
Take the time to select the liability maximums that are right for you. Once they are in place, we hope that you never have to take advantage of them. But that if you do, you’re happy you took the time to update your policy in order to protect your assets.
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| Greetings! There are many new ideas out there to help members. NEA has created a web-site called “Works-4-Me” which are tried and true teaching hints suggested by NEA members. Each week you will receive an e-mail with six helpful (and short) hints to help you in your professional life. They will fall under the following categories:
Teaching Techniques
Content
Getting Organized
Managing Your Classroom
Relationships
Using Technology
In addition, you will get informationabout your CTA and NEA member benefits that are available to you through your membership in the Association. Click on the link or visit www.cta.org and www.neamb.com.
Teaching Techniques
Strategies for Success
"I spend a lot of time connecting what we do in the classroom with the world of work. For example, students' supplies are their tools for their current job. If they are unprepared, I remind them that in the working world they would not be able to do their jobs if they forgot their tools. I talk to them about how school is their job and their effort and hard work reflect the success they will have when they enter the working world. Establishing good habits now will bring them rewards in the future. Their Pay Day is when I hand out progress reports or report cards. Their effort is directly reflected in the grades they earned. We discuss how far they can go in the world of work with the pay they earned. Discussions of the workplace are supported by a yearlong effort to teach my students strategies for success in all their classes such as test taking, note taking and listening skills as well as personal goal setting. By the end of the year most are taking responsibility for their performance, which reflects growth and maturity. In junior high this is sometimes a monumental achievement!"
Content
Spelling Review
"When I review for a spelling test I put the class in groups of four. I mix all levels together and give each group member a number (one to four). I have popcicle sticks in a can with those four numbers and draw one after having pronounced one of our spelling words. The students who have that number come to the board and write the word. The winner is the first one who correctly spells the word legibly on the board. I then give that team a point. This makes sure they help each other know the word because they don't know who is going to be called on next. The winning team gets a treat."
Getting Organized
Easy Ordering
"Here is a tip that will help every teacher at ordering time in the spring. I use the inside cover of my grade book to record the things I need to order for next year. For example, if I discover that I'm about to use the last box of staples in my cupboard, I immediately write it in my book. I see it frequently throughout the year so I know exactly what I need to order when the time comes."
Managing Your Classroom
Hall Passes
"In our school, our administration wants every child to have a hall pass when he or she leaves any classroom. However, I find that I could spend my entire period writing passes, so I have the kids do it themselves. Here's how: I have a clip board with a piece of paper that has columns labeled name, destination, time out and time back. When kids ask me, I give them permission at a good transition point and they fill everything out and take the pass to their destination. They're very good about completing the form because they know I check it."
Relationships
Pictures on Seating Charts
"Our school receives digital student pics (on CD) when we do our annual school pictures. It takes a little time, but I copy my students' pics as PICT files and insert them in my seating chart made up in a Draw program. Anyone can glance at the chart and identify the student."
Using Technology
E-Mail Extras
"I use the digital camera to take pictures of the students participating in class activities. Then I e-mail the pictures to the students in the class. They enjoy seeing their pictures and many times they show the pictures to their parents thus creating a school to home communication link."
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
We have some exciting news for members about our CTA-endorsed California Casualty automobile insurance program. An article and a flyer for your use in helping communicate this valuable information to your members are below.
Automobile Insurance Rates Reduced for CTA Members
CTA and California Casualty were able to achieve a reduction in rates for the CTA endorsed automobile insurance program averaging 11.7%! CTA Members who use this program will continue to receive the outstanding service that they have come to expect from California Casualty for over fifty years.
California Casualty Offers Other Benefits Exclusively for Educators
- Zero-deductible coverage for collision or vandalism to vehicles parked on or within 500 feet of school property. This covers vehicles parked at school, school offices, education association offices, and off-campus during school authorized activities.
- $500 personal property coverage if any belongings are stolen from your car, including school supplies.
- Convenient payment plans including holiday and summer skip, and other payment options in the event of a layoff or CTA-sanctioned strike.
Please contact California Casualty for a quote, as well as encouraging other members to do so. Quotes can be obtained by phone at 1-866-680-5142 or online at www.calcas.com/cta. For more information, contact the CTA Member Benefits Department at 1-650-552-5200, or visit the CTA website at www.cta.org.
Download the Flyer
NEA Member Benefit of the Week:
 
Teaching Techniques
Strategies for Success
"I spend a lot of time connecting what we do in the classroom with the world of work. For example, students' supplies are their tools for their current job. If they are unprepared, I remind them that in the working world they would not be able to do their jobs if they forgot their tools. I talk to them about how school is their job and their effort and hard work reflect the success they will have when they enter the working world. Establishing good habits now will bring them rewards in the future. Their Pay Day is when I hand out progress reports or report cards. Their effort is directly reflected in the grades they earned. We discuss how far they can go in the world of work with the pay they earned. Discussions of the workplace are supported by a yearlong effort to teach my students strategies for success in all their classes such as test taking, note taking and listening skills as well as personal goal setting. By the end of the year most are taking responsibility for their performance, which reflects growth and maturity. In junior high this is sometimes a monumental achievement!"
Content
Spelling Review
"When I review for a spelling test I put the class in groups of four. I mix all levels together and give each group member a number (one to four). I have popcicle sticks in a can with those four numbers and draw one after having pronounced one of our spelling words. The students who have that number come to the board and write the word. The winner is the first one who correctly spells the word legibly on the board. I then give that team a point. This makes sure they help each other know the word because they don't know who is going to be called on next. The winning team gets a treat."
Getting Organized
Easy Ordering
"Here is a tip that will help every teacher at ordering time in the spring. I use the inside cover of my grade book to record the things I need to order for next year. For example, if I discover that I'm about to use the last box of staples in my cupboard, I immediately write it in my book. I see it frequently throughout the year so I know exactly what I need to order when the time comes."
Managing Your Classroom
Hall Passes
"In our school, our administration wants every child to have a hall pass when he or she leaves any classroom. However, I find that I could spend my entire period writing passes, so I have the kids do it themselves. Here's how: I have a clip board with a piece of paper that has columns labeled name, destination, time out and time back. When kids ask me, I give them permission at a good transition point and they fill everything out and take the pass to their destination. They're very good about completing the form because they know I check it."
Relationships
Pictures on Seating Charts
"Our school receives digital student pics (on CD) when we do our annual school pictures. It takes a little time, but I copy my students' pics as PICT files and insert them in my seating chart made up in a Draw program. Anyone can glance at the chart and identify the student."
Using Technology
E-Mail Extras
"I use the digital camera to take pictures of the students participating in class activities. Then I e-mail the pictures to the students in the class. They enjoy seeing their pictures and many times they show the pictures to their parents thus creating a school to home communication link."
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
We have some exciting news for members about our CTA-endorsed California Casualty automobile insurance program. An article and a flyer for your use in helping communicate this valuable information to your members are below.
Automobile Insurance Rates Reduced for CTA Members
CTA and California Casualty were able to achieve a reduction in rates for the CTA endorsed automobile insurance program averaging 11.7%! CTA Members who use this program will continue to receive the outstanding service that they have come to expect from California Casualty for over fifty years.
California Casualty Offers Other Benefits Exclusively for Educators
- Zero-deductible coverage for collision or vandalism to vehicles parked on or within 500 feet of school property. This covers vehicles parked at school, school offices, education association offices, and off-campus during school authorized activities.
- $500 personal property coverage if any belongings are stolen from your car, including school supplies.
- Convenient payment plans including holiday and summer skip, and other payment options in the event of a layoff or CTA-sanctioned strike.
Please contact California Casualty for a quote, as well as encouraging other members to do so. Quotes can be obtained by phone at 1-866-680-5142 or online at www.calcas.com/cta. For more information, contact the CTA Member Benefits Department at 1-650-552-5200, or visit the CTA website at www.cta.org.
Download the Flyer
NEA Member Benefit of the Week:
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Greetings! There are many new ideas out there to help members. NEA has created a web-site called “Works-4-Me” which are tried and true teaching hints suggested by NEA members. Each week you will receive an e-mail with six helpful (and short) hints to help you in your professional life. They will fall under the following categories:
Teaching Techniques
Content
Getting Organized
Managing Your Classroom
Relationships
Using Technology
In addition, you will get information about your CTA and NEA member benefits that are available to you through your membership in the Association. Click on the link or visit www.cta.org and www.neamb.com.
Teaching Techniques
Groundhog/Shadow Day
"Turn Groundhog Day into Shadow Day: a day during which the parents take their children (and maybe a few friends) to work and let them be their shadow. The children get to experience a day at work and see firsthand how their schoolwork applies to the real world. We are making it a school wide event, hoping all will be able to participate."
Content
Greek Drama Masks
"My students staged a production of Antigone and made Greek masks from Plaster of Paris. We used Plastercraft and Plaster of Paris impregnated gauze cut into strips. We wet the strips and applied them to our faces where it hardened. We painted the dried masks with exaggerated facial expressions to convey the emotion depicted by the characters according to the conventions of Greek drama."
Getting Organized
Special Class Labels
"I make labels on the computer that say lunch, gym, music, library, etc. to stick in my plan book. This saves a lot of time and looks very impressive if done in different colors. I also typed up the names of special classes and printed them on brightly colored paper to hang on our time schedule. This way, I can change them daily and the young students can easily see what's on the agenda for the day."
Managing Your Classroom
Helping Other Teachers
"As a special education teacher who works with first grade, I am always looking for ways to promote goodwill between regular and specialists. One of the complaints voiced in our building is that regular teachers have all of the homeroom duties and specialists get assigned [only] door duty, etc. This year I decided to take my turn with homeroom duties. Each month I treat one of the regular teachers who welcomes me into their rooms. When the bell rings I collect their students from outside, get them settled and help with the roll call and cafeteria orders. I also take this same class downstairs when it is time for lunch. The homeroom teacher gets a few more minutes for preparation in the morning and a chance to sit down a little longer at lunch. This simple gesture has smoothed the way for a lot of cooperation in the classroom between us.
Relationships
Substitute Box
"I teach a hands-on program that is not always easy for a substitute, so I have a substitute box in my room. I include promotional copies of science magazines that publishers send out. I make up reading lessons with work sheets. These are items I would like students to read but do not otherwise have room for in an already-overcrowded schedule."
Using Technology
Dear Abby
"Once my keyboarding students begin composing, there is no stopping them! An activity which takes them out of the textbook involves writing a letter to Dear Abby regarding a question or problem they have. Instead of using their names, students sign the letter with appropriate nicknames like 'Upset and Unhappy' or 'Please Help' and their letters are given a number when they are handed in for grading, to protect their anonymity. After a week or so the letters are handed out for another composition session. This time students become Dear Abby and answer a letter written by one of their peers. If there is more than one keyboarding class, this works even better as students won't know who answered their letter. The number assigned will help in getting the letter back to its originator."
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
CTA Member Benefits is highlighting the CTA Well-Baby Program which provides expert resources to eligible CTA members and their pregnant spouses or domestic partners. This program offers The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy Book, access to the Ask Mayo Clinic 24-hour toll-free nurse line, and access to a Mayo Clinic Pregnancy Advisor nurse available by phone throughout the pregnancy and three months post-partum. This benefit is available free to eligible CTA members enrolled in either the CTA-endorsed voluntary group Life or Disability plan with The Standard and to their spouses/domestic partners. Please note, enrollment in the CTA Well-Baby Program is only acceptable through the 20th week of pregnancy. However, if you are a CTA member or the spouse/domestic partner of a CTA member who is past 20 weeks of pregnancy, a one-time late enrollment opportunity will be accepted as long as the CTA member is within the first 120 days of new employment. For enrollment in the CTA Well-Baby Program, contact 800-906-1064.
Friendly Enrollment Reminders from The Standard!
Do you have voluntary Disability or Life Insurance with another carrier?
From April 1 to May 31, 2010 you can switch your coverage to the CTA-endorsed plans offered by Standard Insurance Company without proof of good health. It’s easy. Simply provide proof of your existing coverage with your application and you can transfer coverage. Call The Standard’s dedicated CTA Customer Service Department at 800-522-0406, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with any questions.
Retiring this year?
As you prepare for retirement please don’t forget that you and your loved ones can continue a portion of your current, active CTA-endorsed Life Insurance if you maintain a CTA-NEA Retired Lifetime Membership and apply within 120 days of retirement. For more information contact The Standard’s dedicated CTA Customer Service Department at 800-522-0406.
Wedding or baby due soon?
Congratulations! Remember that within 31 days of a Family Status Change, you can add or increase Life Insurance coverage up to $200,000 and/or add Disability coverage, all without providing proof of good health. Family Status Change includes birth/adoption, marriage/domestic partnership and other qualifying events. For more information about this enrollment opportunity, or to file a maternity Disability claim, visit the Member Benefits section at www.cta.org and click through to The Standard.
Spring cleaning?
Make sure to call The Standard if you’re moving to a new address or needing to make changes to your beneficiary designation. It’s important to keep your records up-to-date, and it’s easy to do. Simply call The Standard’s dedicated CTA Customer Service Department at 800-522-0406.
Questions?
Call The Standard’s dedicated CTA Customer Service Department at 800.522.0406 (TTY), 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Or, email ctaservice@standard.com. And if you haven’t taken a look at CTA’s newly redesigned Web site, visit www.cta.org and go to the Member Benefits section for more information.
NEA Member Benefit Article of the Week:
20 Ways to Upcycle Before You Recycle
Date published: Thursday, April 01, 2010
By Stephanie Rogers
Don’t toss that junk! Yesterday’s jelly jar and unwanted mail-order catalog could transform into Martha Stewart-caliber kitchen canisters or cute patterned gift bags with naught but some spray paint and glue. These easy upcycling ideas go far beyond classroom crafts—create elegant eco-friendly housewares, décor and more that barely costs a cent.
You’re probably wondering, “what’s upcycling?” Upcycling is often better than mere recycling, because it means you’re transforming a product into something that’s even more valuable without the energy-intensive processing required to recycle.
Glass jars
- Organization: Open your refrigerator door and you’ll likely see an array of glass jars in all sorts of shapes and sizes—perfect for organization. Pretty up the lids with scraps of patterned paper, or spray paint them to match your décor. Printing out your own customized labels is easy, too, with free downloadable labels in a range of styles and colors.
- Bath salts: You can also use those spiffed-up jars as pretty, natural, low-cost gifts by filling them with a scented salt blend that’s simple to create at home with some Epsom salts, baking soda and essential oils.
- Candles: Jar candles can cost a pretty penny at the store, but all it takes to make one yourself is a glass jar and a few candle nubs. A tutorial from Design Sponge Online uses a double boiler, essential oil for scented versions and even crayons to add subtle color.
- To-go cup: A mason jar filled with iced tea is a summertime staple in the South, and it’s easy to see why: Jars make ideal spill-proof to-go cups for cold drinks! They’re perfect for keeping the bugs out during a picnic.
Junk mail
- Envelopes: Hardly a day goes by without at least one piece of annoying, unsolicited junk mail crammed into our mailboxes. But did you ever notice the pretty images and patterns in those calendars and catalogs? All it takes is a few folds and some tape to turn those pages into sturdy envelopes and send them right back out into the mail.
- Gift bags: Download a pattern that fits perfectly on most junk mail pages and use it to transform them into personalized gift bags. Scissors, glue, string and a hole punch are the only tools required.
- Handmade paper and Easter basket grass: But what about those unattractive circulars covered in ads? Shred ‘em and either blend them up into pulp for handmade paper or use them as eco-friendly Easter or other gift basket grass—a great alternative to the plastic stuff. Shredded junk mail also makes great bedding for small animals, or mulch for the compost bin.
Egg cartons
- Seed starting: Give your garden a head start by sprouting seeds in the cups of a paper egg carton, which are perfectly sized and biodegradable, too. Transplanting is so easy—just cut out each cup and place it directly in the ground once the weather warms.
- Organization: Any egg carton, including the foam and plastic varieties, can be used to contain and organize small household items like jewelry, beads, buttons, screws, paper clips and push pins.
- Packing cushion: Got delicate holiday ornaments? If an egg carton can protect eggs, it can protect those heirloom glass globes just as well. They’re also great for containing any small, delicate knick-knacks during a move.
- Fire-starting kit: A cardboard egg carton filled with a mixture of sawdust and wax makes an extremely effective fire-starting kit that keeps for a long time and comes in handy for camping.
Plastic bags
- Doggy bags: Even the greenest of the green sometimes forget their reusable bags at the store and end up with some excess plastic bags. Use them to clean up after your dog while you’re out on walks, or donate them to your local dog park if you’re not a pet owner—many have receptacles to collect them.
- Painting protection: Plastic bags are especially handy for painting projects. When spray-painting small items, place them inside a plastic bag to contain the spray. Plastic bags can also be used as sleeves to slip over and line paint trays for quick and easy cleanup, or wrapped around wet paintbrushes to keep them from drying out in between painting sessions.
- Stuffing and packing: Plastic bags make a great alternative to fiberfill for throw pillows, and are perfect for stuffing holiday lawn décor like floating sheet ghosts. They also make great padding for shipping boxes in place of those pesky styrofoam peanuts.
- Crocheted crafts: Plastic purses? Why not! Strips of intertwined plastic bags can be quickly and easily turned into yarn and crocheted into a surprising array of items including handbags, hats and even clothing.
Cardboard toilet paper rolls
- Cord organizer: You can wrangle those unsightly power cords with a toilet paper roll—and it will look a lot better than you think. This tutorial uses a leftover scrap of wrapping paper to satisfy the pickiest aesthetes.
- Seedling planter: Seedlings that will quickly outgrow egg carton planters can be moved up into roomier cardboard rolls. Just one toilet paper roll makes two compact, biodegradable planters with a few snips of your scissors.
- Crafts for kids: Dragons, lions, fairies and bears: The list of creatures that can be created with toilet paper rolls is practically endless. You could even use junk mail in place of construction paper, and add popsicle sticks to make puppets.
- Document storage: Keep important documents like diplomas and certificates from getting creased or damaged by simply rolling them up inside cardboard tubes and storing them all together in a shoebox.
Source: http://www.neamb.com/home/172_4669.htm
To be removed from this e-mail list, reply to this e-mail with REMOVE in the subject line.
Have a great week!
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Works--4--Me Newly added from CTA
You will get information about your CTA and NEA Member Benefits that are available to you through your membership in the Association. Click on the link or visit www.cta.org and www.neamb.com.
Teaching Techniques
Understanding Test Directions
"In a few weeks, the students in my county will be taking standardized tests. My students are reading well below grade level but are still expected to master fourth grade skills. To improve test scores, I am putting emphasis on reading and understanding test directions. Test directions are written on their 'Positive #2 Pencils' that are taped to their desks. Two to three times a week, students read the directions and then interpret what they mean. I give supporting examples on the board."
Getting Organized
Assignment Schedule
"I get a big desk calendar and hang it by the door of my classroom. I write what we did that day and the assignment on the calendar. This way, my students can get the assignments they missed and the dates that they're due. I don't need to keep going through my plan book to answer questions about when certain papers and projects are due because the students can see for themselves."
Managing Your Classroom
Hall Passes II
"As an Association leader, I attend a number of state meetings. I have found a use for all the name badges I have received. I re-use them in my classroom as hall passes! On the back of each pass I write the location (bathroom, office, library, locker, etc.). Students know to pick up the correct pass from the hook when they leave my room. If there are any questions in the hall or if the students leave the pass somewhere my name is printed on the other side."
Relationships
Lunch with New Teachers
"I ask new teachers to have lunch with me so we can share ideas and discuss any situations they are going through. The most important tip I can offer is to share ideas with new teachers when they ask for help. I have found new teachers to be quite creative and have ideas to share as well."
Using Technology
TV Generation
"With today's kids spending more time in front of the TV than ever before, I have decided, 'If I can't beat em', join em'.' Through the uses of technology I use my classroom computer to take notes with the students. As I type in the information, it is projected onto the TV screen. When I would traditionally turn to the chalkboard to write, I now turn to my computer. The kids love it. I can change font, size, bold print, or underline to emphasize important parts of the lesson, and I can change colors to add fun to the task of note taking. What is best of all is that I can print out these notes when we're done and give them to any students who are having trouble keeping up or any students that were absent and didn't get the notes. The kids are drawn to the TV. Why not use it as a tool for learning instead of just an "idiot box"?"
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
Check out the brand-new CTA.org! It’s the same address—www.cta.org—but you’ll have a completely new experience. You will be able to upload photos to you very own profile area, comment live on various sections of the site, post and share lesson plans and more! We will still be providing members-only content and leadership contact information for members who log in.
Feel free to share with your members. Also, a 4-page user guide for the new website is included in the latest Educator magazine.
For the first two months (March and April) we will be giving away Staples gift certificates each week to randomly selected members who register or login using an existing account.
Also, if you haven’t done so lately, while looking at the new website, take a moment to verify whether you have listed a beneficiary for your automatic CTA Death and Dismemberment Plan and whether the beneficiary information we have listed for you is up to date. Follow the directions below:
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You will get information about your CTA and NEA Member Benefits that are available to you through your membership in the Association. Click on the link or visit www.cta.org and www.neamb.com.
Teaching Techniques
Student Control of Learning
"I design an activity that offers opportunity for personal expression and that will require students to use a small piece of information that they DON'T have, such as a vocabulary word or a verb tense. Once they realize they need to know that, they will want to learn it because it has become their decision to learn it, not mine. Things acquired in this way seem to stick much better."
Content
Reading in the Halls
"For Read Across America, we took time at the end of the day and every single student and teacher sat in the hallway and read for thirty minutes. It was awesome! Our principal feels that we should do this every week. I hope we can do that. It was wonderful!"
Getting Organized
Extra Copy Box
"I frequently have students absent, leaving my room for music lessons, calls to the office, nurse, etc. I have a box in my room labeled extra copies. After I pass out worksheets, I put 10 extra copies in the box for students to use. When a student comes back to my room and notices we are working on a sheet he/she doesn't have, they know to go to the extra copy box and get the sheet. I post all assignments on my backboard so they could check to see what they missed and do not have. I leave the assignments up for two weeks. This has eliminated them interrupting class to ask for a worksheet and makes them responsible for catching up on work they missed. Frequently students may ask to recopy a worksheet because it is sloppy and they want to do it over, I just tell them to go to the box and get another copy. This also instills pride in their work."
Managing Your Classroom
Group Work
"When choosing groups, I tell my students that when they are working they will not always be working with their best friend. I remind them that an important part of class is learning how to work in a group."
Stick Grouping
"I vary my classroom groups by greeting each student at the door with a craft stick. The tips of the sticks are color coded according to the area of the room they must go to or the activity they must work on first. This allows for a differentiation in grouping. The students really like this method and it's very simple to control."
Relationships
Reflections on the Quarter Past
"When report card time approaches, I ask my students, without submitting their names, to reflect and write short notes on what to change, delete and add to the class. Sometimes students have insight that teachers forget to consider. Their comments help me improve my lessons and teaching techniques as well as see myself through their eyes. This gives my students ownership and gives me some grounding."
Using Technology
Movie Night
"I add a blank tape to my list of supplies at the beginning of the year. The students and I use a digital camera to take pictures of classroom activities all year. We use Photo Studio software to download the pictures to videotape and can even put music to accompany these pictures. Our year ends with a class movie night. Parents and students come view our class memory tape. Everyone enjoys the tape tremendously. I make individual copies on the blank tapes students brought in at the beginning of the year so all students have their own copies. It is a wonderful way to capture and celebrate student accomplishments."
CTA Member Benefit of the Week:
CTA Travel, Entertainment and Purchasing Discounts
Are you tired of winter and starting to day dream about your summer vacation? If so, you should be aware that your CTA membership provides travel services and entertainment discounts through TSA Special Member Services that can be of assistance. For travel offerings, visit TSA Travel at www.tsaspecialservices.com/travel.htm or call (800) 570-7877. For discount entertainment tickets to exciting California attractions such as Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, and California’s Great America, visit TSA Special Member Services at tsa@tsaspcialservices.com. Order your tickets by calling TSA on (800) 537-8491.
NEA Member Benefit of the Week:
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-- 1–800–FLOWERS.COM can provide just the right gift. Choose from the freshest flowers and plants,
gourmet foods and gift baskets, confections, and plush stuffed animals.
There’s even more to celebrate now that NEA members save 20% on their purchases!
Go to www.neamb.com and put “1-800-FLOWERS.COM” in the search box in the upper right corner of
the page. Register or Sign In to get the special NEA member promo code to order online or by phone. Sales and
Service Specialists are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.NEA members enjoy a 20% savings
every day on flowers, plants, gift baskets, gourmet foods, confections and plush stuffed animals from
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* Exclusive of applicable service and shipping charges and taxes. Items may vary and are subject to availability,
delivery rules, and times. Items are available online and by phone. Offers cannot be combined, are not available
on all products, and are subject to restrictions, limitations, and blackout periods. Prices and charges are subject to
change without notice. Void where prohibited.
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