Check out this blog Little Treasures for an awesome giveaway!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Mints-Good for the Brain or the Breath?
This morning a student asked a fellow teacher, "Why do all the teachers think we have bad breath?" The teacher asked, "What do you mean?" and the student said, "They've all been passing out mints a lot!"
I guess some of the teachers didn't explain the mint theory...
Get the most out of your Scholastic orders!
Who doesn't love Scholastic Books? They have thousands of books for very reasonable prices. And, now, with online ordering for teachers and parents, it is so easy! Here are some tips to help you increase your orders and earn free stuff for your classroom.
First, I started sending home a letter along with my catalogs. As many intermediate teachers know, when you give something to a kid, they stuff it in their desk or book bag and it enters that black hole of things never to be seen again. The letter makes it more official. And usually, if something is dressed "Dear Parents" the students do take it home. Unless, of course it's a discipline referral! In the letter, I always put the date the order is due and the directions for online ordering. Sometimes, I highlight specific titles that may interest the students. You can download my latest letter here.
Second, I pass out the catalogs about 10 minutes before it's time to pack up and I let the students browse. Giving them this time to shop makes them more likely show mom and dad the catalog. Kids are smart, and lots of times they'll even take the catalog straight to Grandma.
Third, during the holidays, I offer to collect orders in secret. Again, online ordering makes it super-easy, but I will also hold onto the books for the parents to stop by and pick up before or after school. Scholastic even has things that I call "junk," but do make great stocking stuffers.
Last, whenever possible, have the due date near a payday.
I also place orders with my classroom orders. I buy books for my own child, my niece and nephew, and for prizes. Why go to the dollar store and buy silly prizes when you can buy $1 books AND receive bonus points to use later?
I hope you find these tips helpful!
First, I started sending home a letter along with my catalogs. As many intermediate teachers know, when you give something to a kid, they stuff it in their desk or book bag and it enters that black hole of things never to be seen again. The letter makes it more official. And usually, if something is dressed "Dear Parents" the students do take it home. Unless, of course it's a discipline referral! In the letter, I always put the date the order is due and the directions for online ordering. Sometimes, I highlight specific titles that may interest the students. You can download my latest letter here.
Second, I pass out the catalogs about 10 minutes before it's time to pack up and I let the students browse. Giving them this time to shop makes them more likely show mom and dad the catalog. Kids are smart, and lots of times they'll even take the catalog straight to Grandma.
Third, during the holidays, I offer to collect orders in secret. Again, online ordering makes it super-easy, but I will also hold onto the books for the parents to stop by and pick up before or after school. Scholastic even has things that I call "junk," but do make great stocking stuffers.
Last, whenever possible, have the due date near a payday.
I also place orders with my classroom orders. I buy books for my own child, my niece and nephew, and for prizes. Why go to the dollar store and buy silly prizes when you can buy $1 books AND receive bonus points to use later?
I hope you find these tips helpful!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Test Day-It's Here!
It is a cold, rainy, dreary day in Columbus, Ohio. I know May only comes around once a year, but I'm pretty sure we're supposed to see the sun and feel it's warmth. It's one of those days when you just want to stay in your bed underneath the covers and watch all your favorite shows saved on your TiVo.
But, we can't. It's Test Day. As I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning, I was thinking about my students. I was sincerely hoping the weather was not going to affect their mood. Especially for the kids at my school, but I'm guessing like many kids, if one thing goes wrong for them in the morning, it can ruin their whole day.
The class and I talked yesterday about the importance of getting a good night's rest and eating a good breakfast. A teacher across the hall suggested her fifth graders take a shower in the morning because it can revitalize you and make you feel good about yourself. As I'm in the midst of the chaos of arriving to school later than normal (..you know, that whole staying in bed under the covers thing), signing that ever-so-lovely paper saying you're not going to help your students cheat, getting the test booklets and snacks ready, moving desks, and sharpening pencils, I'm hearing whispers.
"I ate pancakes and sausage and eggs this morning!"
"I took a shower this morning...it really does make you feel good!" (I literally laughed out loud at this one. What a novel idea fifth graders...)
"I went to bed at eight o'clock last night." (whispers from another student) "Yeah, my mom made me."
It was quite amusing hearing all of these things in the hallway before school started, and it definitely made my morning feel not quite as hectic. Why was I all worked up? I'm not the one taking this test. They are. And they're fine.
The bell rings, and here comes the quiet line of test-takers down the hallway. The third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers stand outside their door and clap for them, chanting "Do your best on the test!" The students transformed into rock stars. Their faces lit up, they were high-fiving the teachers, and they were confident. At that point, the weather outside was all but forgotten.
But, we can't. It's Test Day. As I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning, I was thinking about my students. I was sincerely hoping the weather was not going to affect their mood. Especially for the kids at my school, but I'm guessing like many kids, if one thing goes wrong for them in the morning, it can ruin their whole day.
The class and I talked yesterday about the importance of getting a good night's rest and eating a good breakfast. A teacher across the hall suggested her fifth graders take a shower in the morning because it can revitalize you and make you feel good about yourself. As I'm in the midst of the chaos of arriving to school later than normal (..you know, that whole staying in bed under the covers thing), signing that ever-so-lovely paper saying you're not going to help your students cheat, getting the test booklets and snacks ready, moving desks, and sharpening pencils, I'm hearing whispers.
"I ate pancakes and sausage and eggs this morning!"
"I took a shower this morning...it really does make you feel good!" (I literally laughed out loud at this one. What a novel idea fifth graders...)
"I went to bed at eight o'clock last night." (whispers from another student) "Yeah, my mom made me."
It was quite amusing hearing all of these things in the hallway before school started, and it definitely made my morning feel not quite as hectic. Why was I all worked up? I'm not the one taking this test. They are. And they're fine.
The bell rings, and here comes the quiet line of test-takers down the hallway. The third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers stand outside their door and clap for them, chanting "Do your best on the test!" The students transformed into rock stars. Their faces lit up, they were high-fiving the teachers, and they were confident. At that point, the weather outside was all but forgotten.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Who is Miss Malarkey?
Have you heard of Miss Malarkey? Miss Malarkey is a character in the book Testing Miss Malarkey. Her students are getting ready to take a very important test, "The Test," and she is very nervous about it.
If you are a teacher in a high-stakes testing grade level, I'm sure at some point in time you have thought to yourself "I am Miss Malarkey!" I know I certainly have. I read this book to my class today. We begin our state testing tomorrow, and I thought it would be a fun way to discuss "The Test" and the anxious feelings that comes along with it.
So who else wants to admit it...who is Miss Malarkey??
So who else wants to admit it...who is Miss Malarkey??
In The Teacher's Lounge: 100 Followers Give-Away!
Cindy, In the Teacher's Lounge, is having a give-away for reaching 100 followers! Follow her blog for a chance to win!!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Testing Anchors
Testing week is upon us....
I know a lot of people have differing views on testing anchors. I believe there is a lot to be said for them. I was actually surprised when I read a book recently that was very anti-anchors, if you will. Do I teach to the test? No. Do I teach test taking strategies? Absolutely. I have to. I have nine and ten year old students being asked to take a very tricky test. My students need strategies to help them think about what they are reading and what the question is asking.
I have found that my students can use reading strategies beautifully, but they don't relate those strategies when taking practice tests. Check for understanding is a reading strategy we have used since the first day of school. They practice it when reading with partners, and by writing down what they read on sticky notes. When I told them to check for understanding in the margins of their test, it was like a lightbulb went off in their heads... Oh yeah, that makes sense! This was the same when I told them to back up and reread when they don't know an answer to the question. You would think that is common sense, but it really is not. When they can't remember what they read in a chapter book, they use that strategy, but again, when it comes to "The Test," they need to be taught and reminded of these things.
I created a "Remember your Testing Anchors" checklist that I am going to laminate and tape to each student's desk. Since it doesn't have any actual content, I believe it is OK for the students to have on their desk while taking their achievement test. Of course, I will double check with my principal, just to be sure!
If you want your own copy of the testing anchors you can download it here!
I know a lot of people have differing views on testing anchors. I believe there is a lot to be said for them. I was actually surprised when I read a book recently that was very anti-anchors, if you will. Do I teach to the test? No. Do I teach test taking strategies? Absolutely. I have to. I have nine and ten year old students being asked to take a very tricky test. My students need strategies to help them think about what they are reading and what the question is asking.
I have found that my students can use reading strategies beautifully, but they don't relate those strategies when taking practice tests. Check for understanding is a reading strategy we have used since the first day of school. They practice it when reading with partners, and by writing down what they read on sticky notes. When I told them to check for understanding in the margins of their test, it was like a lightbulb went off in their heads... Oh yeah, that makes sense! This was the same when I told them to back up and reread when they don't know an answer to the question. You would think that is common sense, but it really is not. When they can't remember what they read in a chapter book, they use that strategy, but again, when it comes to "The Test," they need to be taught and reminded of these things.
If you want your own copy of the testing anchors you can download it here!
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