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Sponsored by:
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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
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Your Tips
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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.
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Peppy Test Prep
From Lillie Palmer (lillie.palmer@k12.sd.us), a teacher in South Dakota:
"We have a pep assembly for the third and fourth graders a couple of days before standardized testing starts. Two teachers pretend they are cheerleaders and shake pompoms as they give a ‘pep’ talk about doing a good job on the tests, getting a good night's rest, etc. We have three teachers sit in desks and pretend to be examples of how not to take the test. One keeps turning around and bothering his neighbor, one cries, and one is not paying attention to directions. Another teacher is showing the ‘right’ way to take the test. Breakfast is provided for the students and the teachers/helpers on testing mornings. We also borrow an archway from the local hardware store and put Christmas lights on it with a sign that says, ‘Entering Testing Zone’. We set it up in the hallway that leads to the third and fourth grade rooms. The lights are on whenever we are testing.”
Math Machines
From Ellen Gevers (emgeve@wbl.whitebear.k12.mn.s), a first grade teacher in Minnesota:
“I introduce algebra to my first graders with an ‘In and Out’ machine, which they love using. Draw a box like machine with an ‘in’ hole and an ‘out’ spout or shoot. Set up some examples of ‘ In’ numbers with paired ‘Out’ numbers, like ‘In goes 1, out comes 3. In goes 5, out comes 7.’ (Rule is ‘in’ + 2.) Kids have to figure out the rule of what is happening to the numbers in the machine. When they understand the concept, they can work as partners to make up rules and give the in and out numbers to each other. Later, talk about the ‘in’ number as ‘n’ to get them thinking about variables."
Question of the Week: National Poetry Month
From the Works4Me Worker Bees:
"April is not only about showers that bring May flowers but also National Poetry Month. What ideas do you have to introduce your students to the pleasures of reading and writing poetry? How do you inspire creativity in those students who think they are not creative?"
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Tired of Being Tired
Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:
"I'm a new teacher who is tired all the time and need some suggestions as to what to do about it. In short, I need help!! I find myself completely exhausted after work, and when I get home it is usually time for me to relax. What has worked for any of you?"
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Submit a Tip
We couldn't do it without you! Click here to submit a tip or reply to this
e-mail. 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. |
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Sponsored by: The Lance Armstrong Foundation
Want Lance Armstrong to Visit Your School?
The Lance Armstrong Foundation is challenging educators to get students involved in the fight against cancer. Participating classes will have the opportunity to win a visit from champion cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong.
To enter the LIVESTRONG at School contest, educators must complete a lesson from the LIVESTRONG at School curriculum and answer the question with their students, “What does LIVESTRONG mean to you?”
Through LIVESTRONG at School, the Foundation offers free online lessons to teach your K-12 students about cancer in an age-appropriate, hopeful, inspiring and empowering way.
The entry submission deadline is May 1.To learn more, visit www.livestrong.org/school
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