Sponsored by: NEA Teacher ToolKit
It's about time... that teachers can focus on students rather than paperwork! Are you frustrated by having student data recorded in more than one place? The NEA Teacher ToolKit can help. This exciting new classroom resource for teachers is a fully integrated web-based application that can help save you time. NEA Teacher ToolKit...classroom tools designed for teachers by teachers. Learn more now. |
|
|
 |
Previous
Newsletters
Catch up on the ones you missed.
Tips Library
Browse hundreds of tips we've gathered over the years.
Works4Me Lounge
Meet other teachers and share classroom tips on our online discussion board
Send Us
Your Tips
We couldn't do it without you!
DISCLAIMER
Works4Me is a vehicle for instructional staff to share their ideas with other instructional staff. As such, it does not constitute an endorsement of any particular curriculum or teaching method by the National Education Association or any of its affiliates. |
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Active Listening
From Lisa Floryshak-Windman (smileyhawk@yahoo.com, an art teacher at New Canaan High School in New Canaan, Connecticut:
"I find that I work really hard at trying not to step on that escalator towards a conflict. Some things that have worked really well for me have been to ask the student to go take a walk or to get a drink, which gives time to cool down. Upon return, I ask the student to schedule a time to discuss the issue. If it’s urgent, I ask if it’s private and if we should go into the hall, or if it can be handled at my desk. I also make sure I repeat the student’s concerns back to the student as we are discussing things. For example, ‘if I am understanding you correctly...’ works well. ACTIVE LISTENING WITHOUT A DEFENSIVE REACTION IS KEY. Remain calm; you are the adult. If you allow the bulk of the class to see an escalation of your temper, you will loose their trust despite how they feel about what their peer is doing or saying to get that rise out of you. Do not hesitate to apologize when it’s called for. Damage control goes a long way, as does being approachable rather than defensive."
 Comment on This Tip
More Behavior Control Tips
Classroom Lighting
From Betty Hakanson (bjhak77@hotmail.com), an English teacher at Freeport Middle School in Freeport, Florida:
"Instead of using the industrial, fluorescent, ceiling lights, I bring in lamps. Inexpensive floor lamps can be purchased at any discount stores or online. I put a lamp in each corner, in the back, by my desk, and use just one of the overhead light switches. Everybody loves the lamp look. It's warm and inviting and makes the room feel more like home."
Comment on This Tip
More Teaching Techniques Tips
Question of the Week: Welcoming New Teachers
From the Works4Me Worker Bees:
"New teachers come in a number of shapes and sizes: young teachers fresh out of college; experienced teachers transferring from another school, district or state; or, older teachers coming to the profession as a second career. What suggestions do you have for making new teachers feel welcome in your school?"
Send an e-mail to the Works4Me Worker Bees, or...
Post Your Tip Here
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Fabric Swatches
Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge from Ingrid (ingrid.beaty@cox.net):
"I have a TON of furniture fabric swatches in a variety of sizes, and I'm trying to find a good way to put them to use in the classroom. Any ideas? I don't want to just throw them out. I originally asked for some from a fabric store because I do use them as test taking cover ups. Each student keeps one in their desk and uses it to cover their answers during a test."
 Comment on This Tip
More Tips for Free Stuff
|
|
 |
|
Submit a Tip
We couldn't do it without you! Click here to submit a tip or reply to this email. Please contribute your own brief, practical, broadly applicable classroom tip to Works4Me. When submitting a tip, please include your full name, school, specific assignment (grade/subject), city and state. This newsletter is only as good as the tips we receive, so send your ideas today. |
|
|
