150 Teaching Methods

1. Lecture by teacher (and what else can you do!)

2. Class discussion conducted by teacher (and what else!)
3. Recitation oral questions by teacher answered orally by
students (then what!)
4. Discussion groups conducted by selected student
chairpersons (yes, and what else!)
5. Lecture-demonstration by teacher (and then what 145 other
techniques!)
6. Lecture-demonstration by another instructor(s) from a
special field (guest speaker)
7. Presentation by a panel of instructors or students
8. Presentations by student panels from the class: class invited
to participate
9. Student reports by individuals
10. Student-group reports by committees from the class
11. Debate (informal) on current issues by students from class
12. Class discussions conducted by a student or student
committee
13. Forums
14. Bulletin boards
15. Small groups such as task oriented, discussion, Socratic
16. Choral speaking
17. Collecting
18. Textbook assignments
19. Reading assignments in journals, monographs, etc.
20. Reading assignments in supplementary books
21. Assignment to outline portions of the textbook
22. Assignment to outline certain supplementary readings
23. Debates (formal)

24. Crossword puzzles

25. Cooking foods of places studied
26. Construction of vocabulary lists
27. Vocabulary drills
28. Diaries
29. Dances of places or periods studied
30. Construction of summaries by students
31. Dressing dolls
32. Required term paper
33. Panel discussion
34. Biographical reports given by students
35. Reports on published research studies and experiments by
students
36. Library research on topics or problems
37. Written book reports by students
38. Flags
39. Jigsaw puzzle maps
40. Hall of Fame by topic or era (military or political leaders,
heroes)
41. Flannel boards
42. Use of pretest
43. Gaming and simulation
44. Flash cards
45. Flowcharts
46. Interviews
47. Maps, transparencies, globes
48. Mobiles
49. Audio-tutorial lessons (individualized instruction)

50. Models
51. Music
52. Field trips
53. Drama, role playing
54. Open textbook study
55. Committee projects--small groups
56. Notebook
57. Murals and montages
58. Class projects
59. Individual projects
60. Quizdown gaming
61. Modeling in various media
62. Pen pals
63. Photographs
64. Laboratory experiments performed by more than two
students working together
65. Use of dramatization, skits, plays
66. Student construction of diagrams, charts, or graphs
67. Making of posters by students
68. Students drawing pictures or cartoons vividly portray
principles or facts
69. Problem solving or case studies
70. Puppets
71. Use of chalkboard by instructor as aid in teaching
72. Use of diagrams, tables, graphs, and charts by instructor in
teaching
73. Use of exhibits and displays by instructor
74. Reproductions

75. Construction of exhibits and displays by students

76. Use of slides
77. Use of filmstrips
78. Use of motion pictures, educational films, videotapes
79. Use of theater motion pictures
80. Use of recordings
81. Use of radio programs
82. Use of television
83. Role playing
84. Sand tables
85. School affiliations
86. Verbal illustrations: use of anecdotes and parables to
illustrate
87. Service projects
88. Stamps, coins, and other hobbies
89. Use of community or local resources
90. Story telling
91. Surveys
92. Tutorial: students assigned to other students for assistance,
peer teaching
93. Coaching: special assistance provided for students having
difficulty in the course
94. Oral reports
95. Word association activity
96. Workbooks
97. Using case studies reported in literature to illustrate
psychological principles and facts
98. Construction of scrapbooks
99. Applying simple statistical techniques to class data

100.

Time lines

101.

"Group dynamics" techniques

102.

Units of instruction organized by topics

103.

Non directive techniques applied to the classroom

104.

Supervised study during class period

105.
Use of sociometric text to make sociometric
analysis of class
106.

Use of technology and instructional resources

107.

Open textbook tests, take home tests

108.

Put idea into picture

109.

Write a caption for chart, picture, or cartoon

110.

Reading aloud

111.

Differentiated assignment and homework

112.

Telling about a trip

113.

Mock convention

114.

Filling out forms (income tax, checks)

115.

Prepare editorial for school paper

116.

Attend council meeting, school boar meeting

117.

Exchanging "things"

118.

Making announcements

119.

Taking part (community elections)

120.

Playing music from other countries or times

121.

Studying local history

122.

Compile list of older citizens as resource people

123.

Students from abroad (exchange students)

124.

Obtain free and low cost materials

125.

Collect old magazines

126.

Collect colored slides

127.

Visit an "ethnic" restaurant

128.

Specialize in one country

129.

Follow a world leader (in the media)

130.

Visit an employment agency

131.

Start a campaign

132.

Conduct a series

133.

Investigate a life

134.

Assist an immigrant

135.

Volunteer (tutoring, hospital)

136.

Prepare an exhibit

137.

Detect propaganda

138.

Join an organization

139.

Collect money for a cause

140.

Elect a "Hall of Fame" for males

141.

Elect a "Hall of Fame" for females

142.

Construct a salt map

143.

Construct a drama

144.

Prepare presentation for senior citizen group

145.
Invite senior citizen(s) to present local history to
class including displaying artifacts (clothing, tools, objects,
etc.)
146.

Prepare mock newspaper on specific topic or era

147.

Draw a giant map on floor of classroom

148.

Research local archaeological site

149.
Exchange program with schools from different parts
of the state
150.
In brainstorming small group, students identify a
list of techniques and strategies that best fit their class.

101 (+) Teaching Tips (from the newsletter)

Last update: 2/14/2007

~~ When asking questions, ask 3 questions before seeking any answers. This way students can come up
with an answer with less stress. John Graversen, 5th grade, FDR, Nampa, ID
~~ Start classes or study sessions with physical activity to maximize learning. The challenge is offering
movements that match each persons unique vestibular system. While some people feel energized with
certain movements, others may feel dizzy, even fatigued. For that reason, it is important to offer fine and
gross-motor movement options. Jeff Haebig, PhD (via email.)
~~ Staple the front page of the newspaper every day to a bulletin board set by the pencil sharpener or door
where students line up. They at least may have a minute to read the headlines. no name, Joliet, IL.
~~ Use plastic suction cup baskets attached to the white board to hold marking pens. Grade 5/6 teachers,
Hinsdale, NY.
~~ I write rubrics for students and have students grade their own papers. Then I grade their papers using the
same rubric and we compare and combine scores. M. Schoen, Nampa, ID
~~ One wall of the classroom has a pocket shoe holderon it. I put all the students in the class's names on a
pocket. When they are absent I stick missing work in the pocket and they collect it when they come back.
Diana Fusare, Nampa, ID
~~ I teach special ed students with emotional and behavioral challenges. Lining up for anything creates
arguments and fighting, so I have a "line-up" order for the class. Each week the leader becomes the tail and
the 2nd in line moves up to the leader position. Now students don't race to be first in line (especially for
lunch). Danielle Keis, Olean, NY.
~~ To make sure I get back "loaner" pencils, I ask the students to leave a shoe by the pencil dispenser.
When I get my pencil back, they get their shoe back. They laugh at first, but it really works. My loaner pencil
pile lasts a lot longer then it used to! Katie Maloney, Idaho.
~~ Create your classroom rules with your class. Then put it on a scroll like the constitution. Talk about how
we follow rules to keep us safe and our leaders help us form rules. To close, have a big signing celebration.
Invite "big wigs" to sit at the signing table as your class signs their constitution. (workshop participant, no
name) Brookings, SD.
~~ Need a quiet isolated study area in your room? Hang a see-thru shower curtain from a PVC pipe
suspended from the ceiling. Students who need isolation can work behind the curtain but are still in the
teacher's view.
~~ Create several "stand-by"/ "stand alone" lesson plans to keep at the ready for students who are out of
suspension or illness. EA Isaacs, Elm St. Academy.
~~ Encourage your students to keep post-it notes with key new terms and ideas on the dash of their car or
around their computer monitor. Judy Hopkins, NY.

~~ Collect cereal boxes or have each student bring in one. Cut the cereal box and use it as a journal cover,
portfolios or anything else as a folder. They work great and are very sturdy! Michelle Zlomek, Genesee
Valley School, Belmont, NY.
~~ To organize the kid's day, we make laminated terms for their schedule and put magnets on them. Then it
is easy to put the schedule for each day on the board by moving the little words. It saves writing each day
and it gives the students a reference during the day as to what is next. No name, workshop participant,
western NY.
~~ I've found a great way to reuse all those card stock political and retail adds I get in the mail. Instead of
just throwing them out and putting more trash into our landfills, I cut them into one inch strips for my students
to use as bookmarks. Gina Juliano, Hartford Juvenile Detention Center Schools
~~ I use marker stamps to check my student's understanding. If they are able to complete a problem without
any extra help, I use 1 stamp (green apple). If I give 1 additional instruction I use a different stamp (purple
fish). If I give more help I use a different stamp. This allows me to go back later and see which student
understood or mastered the concept. Robin Taylor, Deubrook School, Toronto, SD.
~~ I use soothing music (ocean waves) - no words- to calm students down after lunch. It seems to help make
them clear thinkers and I get more participation from them. No name, Derfelt Elementary, NV.
~~ Get several shoe boxes and put all supplies in it. (markers, glue, colored pencils, rulers, etc) that are
needed for projects. When the students are in their groups, they can come up and grab a box with everything
in it. Jackie James, Ellicottville Central School, NY.
~~ A good year-round bulletin board in my speech therapy room: The first week I take a digital photo of each
of my students and mount it on construction paper. They then list on it all the items they want me and the
other students to know (pets, home, likes, dislikes). I find my students are interested in reading and rereading it throughout the entire year. No name, Brookings, SD workshop.
~~ I have a "GREAT JOB" bulletin board in my lower elementary classroom. Students each choose their own
work to display. They clip their paper to the board with a clothespin decorated with a "G". Students frequently
choose different papers than I would. (They are not all perfect papers). Teacher, Waverly, SD.
~~ To help get your loaner pens / pencils back from students, use floral tape to tape a silk flower (or other
light items related to your subject) onto each pen and keep them in a bouquet (dry beans in a flower pot
work). Most students will remember to return these! Pam Deminsky, Portville Central School, NY.
~~ When coming up with rubrics, I choose a couple of things that I will grade them on. The student then gets
to go to rubistar and pick out 3 other things they want their project graded on. They like getting to "pick" what
they will be graded on. Pam Petersen, York, Nebraska. ~~ On Open House night, I've noticed students and
parents are never quite sure what to do, so I hand all the kids a "scavenger hunt" welcome check-list as they
enter with their parents. This helps everyone understand all the things they can see in our room and in our
school. The kids and their parents work on checking off the items on the list. Dave Wright, 4th grade, Wilkins
Elem., Amherst, NH. ~~ I save plastic milk caps which I cover with large Avery stickers. I use these for
practice of skills like vocabulary, math facts, sight words, etc. The kids love the manipulatives. No name,
South Dakota.
~~ If you crease the new paper on the edge of a bulletin board, you can easily trim off the excess with a
single staple edge. No name, Brookings, SD. ~~ If you want to remember the Great Lakes, remember, SHO-

ME (in order left to right, Superior, Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie) no name, workshop participant,
Brookings, SD. ~~ When going on home visits to work with children (0-3) I take a plastic tablecloth along. It
shows the child our designated play area, as well as, keeps me from sitting on sticky or wet spots on the
floor. Kay, South Dakota. ~~ I check out various books from the library and pass them out randomly. The
students have 10 minutes to read part of the book and then present a small summary of the section read and
give their opinion if they would finish it and why. It sparks interest in books that some kids originally wouldn't
read. Nicole Coker, Midway ISD, Henrietta, TX
~~ Use chalkboard paint on lockers (paint the large flat section) to leave notes to students regarding missed
homework, "please take:", or "go to ____ at 2:15". Students can leave me a note or notes for themselves as
a reminder. Sherce DeLeon, Wichita Falls, TX.
~~ Have a make-up / late work folder or box somewhere in your room other than your desk. This way you are
not responsible for papers students just try to hand you. Polly Birkhead, Rider HS, Wichita Falls, TX.
~~ With a new year beginning, make sure every teacher has a large sign/poster with his or her name on it
stored near the classroom door. (a "picket" type sign with a wooden stick that allows you to hold the sign
high works best). In the event of an emergency, the teacher grabs the sign on the way out the door. Held up
high in the school yard, this provides a simple way for students to find their class or emergency assignedgroup for roll call. Make sure your students know what it looks like (especially if you teach pre-readers).
~~ Each six weeks I give a new seating assignment to every student so that they may sit by someone new.
This way the students learn to get along with everyone and they are forced to socialize with others.
Otherwise, they tend to stick with their little clic. Sue Martinez, Anson High School, TX ~~ Here's a strategy
for students who lose focus moving from the textbook to their paper while working math problems: Cut a hole
in a 3 X 5 card the size of most math problems. The students can use the card as a bookmark in their math
book, and when working a math problem, lay the card with the hole over the current problem. This helps
them track back and forth from paper to book without losing too much time relocating the current problem.
~~ To help both teacher and students remember to use encouraging statements post sentence stems on the
wall. . . "I like the way you. . ", "I knew I could count on you to. . . ", I would like to know your opinion on that. .
. " Mollie Lapi, BOCES Special Ed, Olean, NY.
~~ Keep a mailbox for students to leave feedback, voice concerns, etc. The "postman" can return mail.
Karen Pontti, Cattaraugus - Little Valley, NY.
~~ I use music stands around the room as designated "standing centers" for students who are tired of sitting.
Liz Halbur, Derfelt Elementary, Las Vegas, NV.
~~ I don't have many bulletin boards so I keep clear page protector sleeves attached to the wall near my
door with labels above them: calendar, menu, band lesson schedules, week's activities, etc. Each week or
month I just replace each with the updated version, and I don't need to re-tape the sleeve. Pam Deminksy,
Portville Central School, NY.
~~ Keep the unfinished work out in the open. Children in my classroom keep their unfinished work in a
ziplock bag magnetically clipped to the side of their desk. Allison Pesch, Coquitlam CANADA
~~ Keep a "thinking path" for students "with the wiggles". Cut out feet from old place mats and place on the
floor. As long as the student is pacing or moving within / along the path, it is okay! Karen Pontti, Cattaraugus
- Little Valley, NY.

~~ My high school has video announcements each day. As part of my A and B layer assignment (with
Layered Curriculum) I allow my students to do a public service announcement to teach the rest of the
student body what they learned about a specific topic in the unit. Roger Mayo, Business & Marketing, Arbor
View HS, Las Vegas, NV.
~~ Have sharp pencils always available. This avoids the disruption of sharpening. Roxanne McCormick,
Idaho.
~~ I use work folders hung on the wall with names on them for student's unfinished work. This avoids them
shoving stuff in their desk. Roxanne McCormick. Idaho.
~~ At the beginning of the year, students come in and say to me, "What are we doing today?". I know I'm on
the right track, when they start coming in a bit later in the year and say to their classmate, "What are we
doing today?" Doug Harman, Upper Canada District School Board.
~~ Absent student work: I have a hanging file with each child's name. When the child is absent I put the work
they missed in the folder. It is now all there when the student comes back. Misty Koeppen, Kuna, ID.
~~ Every Friday is an oral/written spelling test day for us here at West Side,Greers Ferry, AR. I call the words
and the students write them. I use a tape recorder and record the words so that the student(s) who are
absent are able to take the test on Monday hearing my voice. It also saves time, as they can take this test
unaided. This has worked well for all grade levels. - Linda Fulmer
~~ I stand at the door and speak to each of my students as they leave. Some kids are thanked for working
hard, some are reminded about special projects and with some, we just commit to a better day tomorrow.
Nancy Blue, 2nd grade, Weiser, ID.
~~ Tape a file folder closed on the sides with clear packing tape. Tape the folder on one side of students'
desks so they have access to unfinished work. It helps them not to lose unfinished assignments in their
cluttered desks. Park Ridge School, 2nd grade teachers, Nampa, ID.
~~ I have a pocket pencil chart. I give each of my students a pencil with a number on it. At the end of the day
the students put the pencils back in the numbered pockets to be sharpened. Misty Koeppen, Kuna, ID.
~~ Lays Stax Potato Chips plastic containers are excellent storage containers for classroom sets of red
pens. I also use the containers instead of plastic bags for activities. Use WD-40 and paper towels to remove
the labels. Meredith Krebs, Howell, MI.
~~ At the beginning of the year, teach and model how to listen with "eyes, ears, brain, and body". It sets up
your students to listen respectfully to their peers, their teacher and any guest who may be in the room.
Throughout the year, if listening skills begin to wane, all you have to do is say, "eyes, ears, brain, and body".
Jeff Wallowitz, Griswold School, Berlin, CT
~~ I teach mostly 11th graders. This time of year, I bring in college catalogs, college course schedule
samples and sample registration forms. We spend a few days learning how to read a catalog, how to decide
what courses are required for what major, how a clock hour is different than a credit hour, etc. Because so
many of my students come from families with little, if any, college experience, I find this really helps them in
understanding where to even begin with college. Deetta Bird, Granger HS. W. Valley City, UT.

~~ I have a large, mock license plate poster on my wall with the license # 3B4ME. When a student has a
question, I point to it as a reminder that they are to ask 3 peers the question before they ask the teacher.
This works well especially with group work. Kate Nakamura-Stein, Nampa High School, Nampa, ID.
~~ I have bins in my classroom. My students have a classroom folder and workbook that never leaves my
room. They toss them in the bins on the way out the door. Since I started this all my students had all their
materials for class. M. Schoen, Nampa, ID.
~~ After we study the structure of invertebrates, we make edible play-dough. Instead of labeling a diagram,
the kids sculpt with the dough, whatever organism I say. If they get it right the first time they get full points, if
not they try again. For example I may say, "Sculpt a crustacean." Students must have 2 body segments and
10 legs. I ask them to give examples of a crustacean other than the one they made for more points. The
ones who finish early get to eat and entertain themselves by molding whatever they want. Here is the recipe:
cup smooth peanut butter, cup white corn syrup, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, and 3/4 cup dried/powdered
milk. To save me time I put one student in charge of each ingredient and they pour/slop it directly into a
ziplock. Then other kids gently squish the bag until the mixture doesn't stick to the sides anymore. If it is too
sticky, add more corn syrup. Each recipe makes enough dough for about 5-7 kids. WARNING: Make sure
no one has peanut allergies. Fritzi Heckel, Johnson Creek, WI
~~ I save empty Elmer's Glue bottles and use them to store small amounts of paint in my classroom. The
glue bottles are more exact and less messy than storing the paint in larger jars plus, I have more than one
bottle of each color to float around the room. Laura Rothe, North Branch, MN
~~ Use those free AOL metal boxes to store crayons - they will perfectly fit 16 crayons. Kathy Smith,
Rockford, IL
~~ At the end of each day I have my students say an apology or an appreciation to another student or
teacher. Sara Sarensen, Wheatland, WY.
~~ At the end of a unit on meiosis I gave students the task of constructing a model of the all the steps using
yarn for cell outlines and smaller, color-coded pieces of yarn to represent chromosomes all glued onto poster
board. I went around the room as they worked and asked each one questions. This served as their test.
Students loved it and it served as a terrific presentation to hang in the hall. Dorothy Imm, 8th grade, St.
Mary's School, Sycamore, IL.
~~ Open 2 manila file folders. Lay one half way over the other and staple or tape along the top so that you
have 3 sections all together. These make great individual student display boards that stand up. No name,
workshop participant.
~~ Use related songs as a timer. I play "Turkey in the Straw" while my students list words describing
"Turkey." When the song ends, time is up. Valerie Abbott, Exploits Valley Intermediate.
~~ For guided reading in our grade 1 classes, we use file folders for different reading levels. Each child's
name is written on a post-it flag. As children move through the reading levels, you just move the post-it flag.
At a glance you can see your whole class & their reading levels. V. Fleming, Gr.1, N. Pelley.
~~ Attach Velcro strips to the top edge of student desks. Students can insert pencils, markers etc., to keep
them from rolling off. No name workshop participant.

~~ To study for a geography quiz, I write the country (or river, states, etc) on a blank map using pencil. With
a partner we read each label, then erase the last letter in each word and read them again. Then we erase
another letter from the end and read through them again. We keep going until the whole word is gone. By
now, we know the map. Keller Nunley, grade 7 student, Amherst M.S., NH.
~~ Keep in mind that January is one of our darkest months in North America and the lack of sunlight can
affect both students and teachers. Open window shades as much as possible and supplement florescent
lights with incandescent lights to help with seasonal depression, anxiety and aggression
~~ Use a magnetic chalkboard or white board as a bulletin board. Simply laminate the pieces you need to
use and then attach magnetic strips to the backs. This eliminates the need to use tape or staples and saves
time!. Pauline Pawson, grade 3 teacher, Upper Gullies Elem. Conception Bay S., Newfoundland.
~~ Try teaching history backwards. Start with the end chapter and go forward. This helps students
understand the impact of past events on future events in history. No name, Ewing, NJ.
~~ I send home a note to parents asking them to send to school any shoe boxes they may get throughout the
year. I just keep a collection on the top shelf of my closet. We use shoeboxes for so many things and it
seems like a few students can never come up with one when needed - so I just keep a supply going. Margie
S., Kansas City, Mo.
~~ Use tape to attach a plastic spoon to the end of some pens. Put the pens into a cup and leave the cup
on your desk. Let students know that they may take a pen whenever they need but they
need to return it at the end of the period. I never have to add to my original supply. It seems students have a
hard time forgetting to return a pen with a spoon attached to it. Diane Sekula, Berlin High School, Berlin, CT.
~~ Piggybacking on the vinyl table cloth idea [from last issue] I use inexpensive fabric I purchase at a
discount chain store as a background for my bulletin boards. I find that if I choose a neutral color; yellow,
blue, green or a tiny pattern, that I can use any seasonal material on the board. The fabric is fade-resistant
and the holes made by either tacks or staples are self-healing! I leave the fabric up year-round--even over
the summer, with no ill-effects of the color. I usually purchase the fabric for $1.00 per yard and it's a lowcost, one-time purchase for my bulletin boards. Just measure the area inside the bulletin board frame and
fold under any excess fabric. Karen Fohey, German teacher, Burlington, WI
~~ Sing directions. Sing instructional material. Sing anything to kids and they'll remember it. The change
of rhythm gets student attention and assists learning. My students all seem to remember things if they can
hook rhythm and words together. Mary Reynolds, Kindergarten, ECStevens Elementary, Cromwell, CT.
~~ A giant, industrial rubber band or long piece of rubber can be tied across the front legs of a student's
chair near the floor. Use this for your "fidgety" students. They can stretch and push their feet against it while
listening or working. Mrs. Richardson, 3rd grade, Wilkins Elementary, New Hampshire.
~~ Use sticky notes to communicate positive or not so positive messages to students. Just jot & place on
student's desk so instruction is not interrupted! Mary Kelsey, St. John's, Newfoundland / Labrador
~~ Use a vinyl table cloth to back bulletin boards. Use holiday designs. Lorie Van Gore, no city.
~~ Tired of losing your eraser? Use a magnet(rare earth works best, available from leevalley.com) and
using a piece of duct tape, fasten the magnet to the eraser. The eraser can then be stuck to the board or
any metal surface. - Glen Coates, Newfoundland.

~~ For primary grades - instead of having to students announce when they leave for the washroom, have a
teddybear or other large stuffed animal that they set on their chair or desk so the teacher can see at a
glance who is out. - no name, Newfoundland/Labrador.
~~ To help with organization, photocopy the cover of textbooks and attach to the front of exercise packets
that go with that text. no name, Newfoundland/Labrador
~~ On days when the students seem particularly "bouncy" (spirit week, holidays, etc) have a drawing activity
on the overhead as they come in. In my environmental science class I have step-by-step illustrations for
some type of insect, bird, mammal, etc. Every few minutes I expose the next step. They love learning to
draw wildlife and it settles them right down in a matter of minutes. Dan Bisaccio, Souhegan H.S., Amherst,
NH
~~ I found this banner hanging high and prominent in the gymnasium at Somerset School, Manitoba this
week. The welcome from the Manitoba High School Athletic Association read:
WELCOME!
Attendance at this event entitles you to enjoy an exhibition of skills developed by student athletes in an
educational setting. Please be RESPECTFUL and ENCOURAGING in your approach to ALL Athletes,
Officials, Coaches and fellow Spectators. BE A FAN . . . NOT A FANATIC.

~~ While viewing a video, I have students jot down 3-5 interesting facts or observations they make. After
the video, students formulate and ask questions to the class. It's a great way to keep them focused and
discuss what they've learned. Dianna Gerik, Waxahachie ISD, TX
~~ Provide carpet squares under the desks for kinesthetic learners to rub their shoeless feet on during class
and tests. Teacher, Rockford, IL
~~ Tape "brain teaser" math problems on the bathroom stall walls.
- A tip I witnessed myself at Pequea Valley School District last week in PA
~~ Make an accommodations check list and check it off each day for students with an IEP. It's great for
documentation. I make a template that can be used for 5 days. Gayla Wiggins, ESC Region 2, Corpus
Christi, TX.
~~ When having students exchange papers for grading, fill out an answer sheet on a transparency and put it
on the overhead. It makes grading more accurate and poor readers / spellers can check without asking so
many questions. You can call out the answers as you move a cover down the transparency. Kathey
Collinsworth, Breckenridge Jr. High, TX.
~~ Everyone in my room has a job. I put a picture of the job on a clothespin. I make a list of student names
and just rotate the clothespins. This makes every student feel like they have a purpose in the room each
day. Krystal Woolarl, Merkel Elementary.
~~ Teachers' Favorite Back-to-School Tips:
1. Pringles potato chip canisters are perfect to store rulers in.
2. Tennis Balls silence student chairs and desk legs. (slice an X into the ball and slide onto chair legs)
3. Attach velcro strips to your walls in a couple of places and another strip to the bottom of your Kleenex
boxes. Kleenex stay up, convenient and in one spot.
4. Attach current events, unit summaries or other educational information to your "hall pass". Change it

often. Use this "captive audience" opportunity to teach.

5. Most highlighters do not show in a photocopy so write "Original" on your master copy with a highlighter
and you never inadvertently hand it out.
~~ Put vocabulary words on a transparency. Show them on your white board or screen. Give 2 students fly
swatters and the first one who swats the right word after you give the definition, wins. no-name, Workshop
participant, Pequea Valley, PA.
~~ In my Business CIS class, each six weeks I give a new seating assignment to every student so that they
may sit by someone new. That way the students must learn to get along with everyone and be forced to
socialize with others. If this is not forced upon them, they will stick with their little clic. Sue Martinez, Anson
HS, TX.
~~ I cut the tops off 2 liter pop bottles and use them as inexpensive funnels for my middle school science
class. No name, workshop participant Miami, FL
~~ I take the 8 most important ideas in a unit and turn those into 8 learning centers. Throughout the unit,
they rotate through all 8. The stations are not choices, but within each station there are choices. When
students finish their required station work each day, they are free to work on their choice assignments in their
Layered Curriculum. Jennifer Carlson, Fridley Middle School, MN.
~~ I make simple birthday cards printed on my computer and give them to students along with a small piece
of candy. Sometimes this is the only recognition they get. Sephanie G., Ascension Parish, LA.
~~ To track homework (or tests) handed in, have a class list available, highlight names as work is handed in.
Makes a quick reference sheet. Coby Corley, Timberlane, MS. Pennington, NJ.
~~ I stand at the door and greet students as I hand them the worksheet, (today's assignment, whatever) they
will need for that period.Karen Lucci, Hopewell Valley Central H. S., Pennington, NJ.
~~ When I wrote my first Layered Curriculum, I placed all the materials in a binder with the keys and originals
so students could identify and check work. Toni Margoretta, Burlington City, NJ
~~ Each day we start the class period by having students shake hands and greet one of the people around
them. They must say something nice or add a piece of personal information for that classmate. I do the
same. Rearrange the room often, so every student gets an opportunity to meet all their classmates. No
name , Minnesota
~~ Buy a box of golf pencils and give those to students who forget their pencils for about 7 bucks you can
get about 150 pencils. This will serve as a reminder to bring your own pencils. Tamara.Taliaferro-Thomas, via
email.
~~ (Follow-up to last issue's tip on using toilet paper as Kleenex): We call this "roll kleenex". In Thailand my
daughter bought me a container/basket which is just for this purpose. The lid has a whole in the top center,
so that if you crush the cardboard and remove it, the roll pulls easily. Maybe they have something there.
Marcia Meabon, Michigan.
~~ I was always labeling my groups with numbers but could never keep the numbers straight. Now I label

my 5 groups by the days of the week. I never have to remember which group lines up first, goes to the board
first, etc. - I just think of the day of the week! Kate Bowski, Encino Park Elementary, San Antonio, Texas.
~~ Write the word "original" on original copies with a yellow highlighter. It keeps original recognizable but
doesn't show on photocopies. --Toni Margaretta, Burlington City, NJ.
~~ As part of the student's back to school supplies, ask them to bring in 4 postage stamps so they can send
things to parents, friends, grandparents, etc. This would include things such as letters, cards and requests
for information from businesses or companies. It encourages real world writing skills. Bill Osman, Hamilton
Township, NJ.
~~ I use dry erase markers to highlight points of images on the TV or computer screen to draw the attention
of students. A cloth erases the marker easily. R. Alexander, Hopewell School, NJ.
~~ In teaching 8th grade World History 5 times a day, I often find myself answering the same questions over
and over - especially the "What did I miss?" question from students who were absent. I have created a
"What Did I Miss?" board on a cabinet in my classroom. I have listed each day of the nine weeks on a
separate index card. I write what the class and home work was for that day. If I gave out a worksheet that
day, I write the students name on the worksheet and place it in an "Assignments Missed" folder next to the
board. The students know to check this first before seeing me for any clarification. Button Smith, Pizitz M.S.,
Vestavia Hills, AL.
~~ Put something informative or educational (like a current event) on the clipboard you use as a hall pass.
Students are usually isolated as they use the hall pass and may actually read something!
~~ Mount a toilet paper dispenser on the side of your desk (teacher's desk). Use this instead of Kleenex.
It's less costly and lasts longer. No name, Michigan.
~~ My grade 9 and 10's are very resistant to the notion of peer editing and peer revising. I have managed to
get past that reluctance by having my students use red and green editing pens which I provide. They are to
use a red pen to circle and identify (gr., sp., sentence fragment, etc.) any errors they find (and if unsure they
are encouraged to suggest the author check the suspected error by including a question mark). When they
have identified the errors they are then instructed to use one of the green pens and make suggestions for
revisions. As many editors as practicable can work on a piece until the author is satisfied. Authors are
reminded that they must check reported errors, but are not obliged to accept revision suggestions. Somehow
this process seems more acceptable to all concerned, especially when I make all parties accountable for the
improvements. -Charmaine Huculak, G.L. Roberts C.V.I, Oshawa, Ontario
~~ Make the students laugh. Have a joke of the day. Nicole Moussette, Minnesota.
~~ We want to encourage students to become responsible for collecting absentee homework. Besides
keeping building a personal homework web sites, teachers keep an assignment sheet notebook in the
classroom that details both classwork and homework.. The teachers also maintain large white boards that
record assignments for the entire week. Mailboxes or files hold the notes and handouts given for a two week
period. Diane Keane, wwwHolden Middle School, Missouri.
~~ Use mailboxes in your room to pass back papers and allow students to keep their assignments in.
Teresa Bell. (no town)

~~ Use an old love seat and /or couch with plants and a lamp for a reading corner. Heidi Haeffelin (no town)
~~ Color code everything so students know where to go and what color to look for according to the color of
their group. Stephanie Gasparel, Ascension Parish, Louisiana.
~~ After your class completes a biography assignment, give the entire teaching staff at your school a list of
whowas studied. Have the staff sign up and send your "experts" out to share what they learned. Their
knowledge will enrich other students throughout the school and the presenters will have opportunities to
have their hard work validated (and get great public speaking practice,too). Jeff Wallowitz, Kensington, CT
~~ Use the Tribond (game) cards to help students think in relationship to classifying items into categories
(cross-reference). It makes a great starter activity. Kim Suedeck, Harlem H.S., Machesno Park, IL
~~ I put each student's name on a tongue depressor, mix them up and pull one out to call on students. It
always keeps everyone on their toes and it gives everyone an equal chance to be called on. Mike Owens,
Louisiana School for the Deaf, Baton Rouge, LA
~~ A "fortune teller" makes a unique vocabulary guide. Susan Ekstrom (no city) [before you all email to
ask, I think she refers to what has also been called a "cootie catcher" or those things we made as kids where
you fold the paper in by the corners, flip it, fold again and you make a little fortune teller used with the thumb
and forefinger of each hand]
~~ The "name card method" for questions. Put all student's names on cards. Pose the question. Have kids
think, pair up, share, then pull a card with a student's name to answer the question aloud. Robin Johnson,
Shirland School, IL
~~ Group students by different stickers when you hand papers back to them. This way students are already
in groups and there is no arguing or left out students. Brenda Paquin, South Beloit High School, IL

~~ While in Monroe, Michigan last month I spotted this tip in their elementary library - Fill a large
coffee can with those foot long wooden paddle / stir sticks that you get with every gallon of paint
you buy. Students use them to mark their spot in the stacks when they pull out a book. Now
they can re-shelve books themselves as they know right where the book goes.
~~ (both of these might by called "parent tips")My 6 year old son is easily distracted by noise and
lightswhich made it difficult for us to study his spelling words at home. I went to the craft store
and got several small bottles of glow in the dark "scribble paint". This type of paint bottle has a
pointed tip that dries slightly puffy off the paper. I used this to write his list of spelling words. Now
we study them together in his room at night, in the dark, in our jammies. It's fun, different, and
sure keeps his attention focused.
~~The other thing I do with his spelling words is we make index cards or lists with the words on
them and we "post" them in various places around the house all week (on the refrig, the bathroom
mirror, the back of my seat in the car because he sits behind me when he is in the car). The
words seem like old friends by the end of each week and we never have to "cram" or study in any
kind of a laborious way. Maureen Carter, Monroe MI

~~ Put a picture in the middle of a large sheet of butcher paper. SILENTLY, in pairs, students
have a dialog (on the paper) discussing the pictures. After a time limit, they rotate to another
picture, read the comments and add their own. The whole activity must be done in complete
silence. Martha Verde, Cleveland, Ohio.
~~ Put dry erase markers lid-side down in a cup and they won't dry up so fast. Mrs. Baker, no
city.
~~ Laminate a calendar and write a general overview of what was done so students that were
absent always know what was done. Brandi Thompson, Ascension Parish, Louisiana.
~~ Instead of using a time-out chair in your early childhood classrooms, try using a "control
chair". It can be placed in a quiet spot, close to the meeting area. It serves as a safe place for
students to gain self-control in a positive and productive way and gives this form of discipline a
purpose. Discussions can take place prior to its use on the meaning of self-control and ways we
can gain it. - Jennifer Kellogg, Whately MA
~~ I make homonym spelling lessons for my students: they make flash cards with the words and
their definitions on the card, so they can see them together and tell which definition go with which
word. - Dorothy Chandler, no city.
~~ Use flannel backed table cloths for bulletin board covers. (you can get them at clearance
sales). Depending on what design is on the tablecloth, you can use it to generate questions (eg:
what is the fraction of fruits vs vegetables? How many parallel lines do you see?) The only
caution - be sure to use the straight staple remover instead of "jaws" so you don't tear it. Marilyn
Roberst, 4th grade, Amarillo, TX.
~~ When students work with groups give each group two cups to stack. One red, one green.
Green means 'go'. Red means 'stop'. If students need your assistance, they put the red cup on
top-meaning STOP BY MY DESK. When the green cup is on top, it means- you can go by us, we
don't need your help. Of course it does not preclude you from stopping at any desk! This avoids
the students calling out to you. ---Linda Kellner , Assistant Principal, Baldwin High School.
~~ To pair students, use a deck of Old maid cards! There are many creative ones now on the
market. I was able to purchase a deck for 59! If you have an odd # of students use the Old Maid
and have the child choose the pair he/she wants to work with!! By the way- this even works in
High School! ---Linda Kellner , Assistant Principal, Baldwin High School.
~~ On Monday we start each period with a discussion of the hottest band and song of the week.
While the nominees generally come from the students, I too try to glean ideas by briefly watching
one of the cable music networks (so I'm somewhat knowledgeable). We throw it out for a short
debate. It gets my class focused and attentive and it's a great way to start looking at the critical
thinking process. no name, History teacher/NY - via email.

~~ Instead of spending lots of class time handing back papers, buy an expanding accordion file.
Assign each student a "secret number." Label slots with the numbers. Then just pass the file
around the room and each student retrieves his/her own papers. - T.V. Hall, Lancaster High.
~~I have a "student of the day" (S.O.D.)assigned for each day. My S.O.D. is in charge of
everything for that day - lunch count, flag, line leader, any errand that needs to be done, etc. The
S.O.D.can also bring their show and tell that day so we don't spend Friday afternoon with all kinds
of stuff. - Teacher, Rockland, Idaho.
~~ To select partners randomly, I use pairs of different colored sticks. Every Monday I call out
names as I draw sticks until all students have a stick. They partner with the same color. Kim Hall,
Pequea Valley, Intermediate School, PA.
~~ Instead of using needle-nosed pliers to replace the springs of a wood wind instrument, you
can bend the end of a paperclip into a hook. Jeramy Neibaum, Rockland, Idaho..
~~When a student is absent for a test I write their name on a sticky note along with the test name
and post it in a designated area of the classroom. This way you and the student can take a quick
glance to find out who is missing assessments. Amy Getz, Pequea Valley High School, PA
~~Layer bulletin boards by units or months in reverse, with the oldest on the bottom. (for example
May on the bottom and August on the top). Each month just remove the top layer and you're
ready for the next. Chris McAdams, TX
~~Have students use erasable highlighters in their textbooks to highlight important facts when
they read. No name.
~~Use songs to teach important math formulas. For example I teach the quadratic formula to the
tune of "Pop Goes the Weasel". - Jessica Harnly, Pequea Valley High School, PA.
~~As students enter the room I have them put the # of any homework problem they had difficulty
with. Other students watch the board and when they see a number on the board that they did
understand, they go to the board and work the problem for their peers. If students still have
problems, that individual can explain it to them. Diane Peifer, 6th grade math, Kinzers, PA.
~~Use shower boards cut into student slate size for individual dry erase boards for students.
Teresa Bye, (no state).
~~Use disposable cameras in class. I've had kids use them in Chemistry class to take pictures of
lab set-ups, equipment, acid-base titration end points. Sometimes they include them in lab reports
and sometimes we just hang the pictures. I've also done team building activities, scavenger
hunts, etc. Mary Cummane, Chicago, IL.

~~I use the "jigsaw technique" for lengthy reading assignments. Christine Miller, Frontier
Regional, Massachusetts. [jigsaw is a method where each person is responsible for doing one
part and then they come together in a group - with others representing all the pieces - and share]
~~I put the student's names on manilla folders and let them decorate them on the first day of
school. I cut off the tab, laminate the folder, then I staple the sides and tape it to the side of the
student's desk. Any papers that have not been completed go in this folder. I can look around the
room and see who has work to do. Also it helps the inside of the desks stay paper free. Sarah
Stevens, Bovina, TX.
~~Regarding the suggestion in the last newsletter of putting rulers inside of paper towel holders
for storage, - how about a Pringles carton. It even has a lid. Liz Sorrentino, Montauk Intermediate
School, Brooklyn, New York.
~~I have my students grade their own papers so they have immediate feedback on their answers.
They can ask questions and correct misinformation right then. - no name, Texas.
~~Use inexpensive photo albums (from Walmart, Eckerd) to make classroom books. Lisa
McBride, Jim Ned Lawn Elementary, Texas.
~~To encourage hand washing and as a bit of novelty, our teacher uses a bottle of liquid soft soap
for a bathroom pass. - from a High School student at the Help4Teachers discussion board.
~~At the beginning of the school year I invite students to use visual imagery of recent summer
experiences and even imagery of what the school year may be like. The students use this
imagery to produce some type of art (painting, drawing, sculpture) or free-verse poetry. It then
becomes part of a bulletin board and revisited at the end of the year. Devonna Hensley, Madison
County Middle Schools, Richmond, KY.
~~When storing 12" rulers, slide them inside an empty paper towel roll. Exact fit and easy to
store. LaVonne Ross, Whitley City Middle School, KY.
~~Mount a Kleenex box (cut open the top) underneath wall-mounted pencil sharpeners to catch
stray shavings. When full either throw the whole thing away or just empty the box and re-attach it.
Cindi Roady, Abilene, TX.
~~I use a tub for students to put "found" things in. Students who lose things know exactly where
to look - no disturbing anyone for found or lost items. Monda Thurston, Abilene, TX.
~~I teach "money" to very young children and often have a child who may put the coins in his
mouth. So I place coins in a baggie full of hair gel and staple it shut. The coins can be counted by
touch, but it is secure in the baggie to prevent the child from swallowing the coins. Susan
Langford, Wylie Elem., Abilene, TX.

~~Put a small amount of vaseline in glue bottle lids and you won't have anymore trouble with tips
getting clogged up. Sherri Eads, Texas.
~~Use Dry erase markers to practice spelling and sight words on desk tops. It comes off and can
be a great visual reminder when writing. Kathy Booth, Bowie Elementary, Abilene, TX.
~~I velcro babywipes by the computers for clean hands on the keyboards. Leah Daves, Kelley
Elementary, Colorado City, TX.
~~If you're working on Layered Curriculum units over the summer for next fall, get the parents onboard early on by sending some assignment rubrics home with the first unit and have the parents
grade their child.
~~[In using Layered Curriculum with my English 11 students] I have found it helpful to write on the
board each day about how many points they should have. This helps my students have
immediate feedback when they look at their unit sheets. Kathy Plunk, Twin Falls H.S., Idaho.
~~A motivational idea in math - Every student has a checkbook. They make deposits for good
grades and need to make withdrawals for things like not being prepared. At the end of the
marking period students can buy rewards from the math store using their checkbooks. - no name,
Connecticut.
~~[Regarding Kyla Dufrene's tip last issue on lecturing for the first 2 or 3 days of a Layered
Curriculum unit before getting into student choices], I do that no matter how long the period. Two
or three days to make sure they have an idea of the basics, then let them explore for a couple of
weeks. Then at the end of the LC time, a day or two to share their most important work with the
rest of the class. Most will choose a piece of art or their lab or research paper. - Janet Cook
~~When one of my students locates great information from the internet, I will get an extra copy
and place it in my files for later use. - Kathee Richardson
~~When using Layered Curriculum on a "traditional" 50 minute period, I lecture pretty heavily for
the first 2 or 3 days before we get into the C layer options. If I let them start into the choices too
soon they are frustrated as they don't have the background knowledge they need. - Kyla Dufrene,
8th grade, Waxahachie, TX.
~~I use an old deck of playing cards and put the names of the students on each card. When it is
time for student discussion, I shuffle the deck and turn over the cards one at a time. I have one
deck for each class period. Great way to use partial decks of cards. Carol Wehmeyer, Flinn MS,
Rockford, IL.
~~I have a hanging file box in my room with files numbered 1 - 20. Any worksheets or other
information students need for a particular Layered Curriculum assignment can be found in there
while we work on the unit. For example if C layer # 7 is a worksheet, it can be found in file #7. Niki
Walker, Twin Falls, Idaho

~~Whenever I plan a unit or add something new to a unit, I write the resources used on the
outside of a labeled file folder. In that way each time the unit is taught I easily locate the books,
videos, websites, or other resources used and where I found them. -- Janice Carnes
~~Regarding your recent tip on the magnetic boards - I buy strong magnetic clips at Staples. I
have 6 in my class and use them to hang graphs and posters on the mylar boards during lessons.
Robin, Eureka CA.
~~Have students mix chemicals to make a superball. Then in teams measure rebound heights
and graph them. Then have them freeze and warm up their superballs and measure again. No
name, IL.
~~I use baby wipes to clean student desks and tables. They remove glue, crayon marks, etc.
Nancy Guthrie, Homewood, AL.
~~An end of the day project in our classroom is called Talk to the Expert. A student may sign up
to be the expert on a chart that lists the name and topic. They start by making a two sentence
statement about their topic. The students listening may ask questions and are awarded
discussion points on good questioning skills. They receive 0 points for repeat questions, and one
point for short answer responses, 2 points for lengthier responses due to good questions like Why
and How questions, and 3 points for exemplary questions. Students love being the expert and it
helps the other students create higher level questions. -- Rose Regan, 5th Grade, Pine Bend
Elementary, Minnesota
~~When I run out of time to meet with students to discuss Layered Curriculum assignments, I ask
them to write a paragraph explaining what they learn and convince me that they have learned
enough today to earn their points. -- Danny Jellema, Prince of Wales, Peterborough, Ontario.
~~When checking for understanding: teacher asks a question. A student is called upon &
responds. Instead of affirming or correcting the student, the teacher asks the class, "raise your
hand if you agree (or disagree) with that answer". The teacher may then go on with "who has an
idea of why she/he answered that way?" Ted Hadley, Twin Falls, ID.
~~If traditional desk cleaners do not work, try WD-40. It's also great at removing gum. Kathy
Dabestani, Idaho.
~~When my kindergartners are painting, I write down what they tell me about their work. Then I
attach that before displaying. Joy Ellis, Chugwater, Wyoming Elementary.
~~For journalling: Put a quote or insight on the board. Have the students react using "head,"
"heart," and "foot" method. Head - a thought or idea that comes to mind. Heart - a feeling or
emotion expressed or felt. Foot - An action the quote or insight would suggest we take. Use these
to initiate class discussions. -Mike Cannariato.

~~We use familiar tunes all students know (eg nursery rhymes, pop songs) and write lyrics to fit
them for grammar points, lists of key French verbs, etc. -Diane Knowler, Ontario, Canada.
~~Cut out and laminate all sorts of material (cartoon characters, frogs, bugs). Use them on a
bulletin board or as wall decorations. -Gina Brown, Kentucky.
~~I give my students a calendar and each day they are expected to note what they worked on and
check it off if they finished it. They keep the calendars in their group folder where they keep their
work. This helps them keep track of where they are and I can always check a folder to see how
they are progressing. - Chris Roarty, Rockford, IL.
~~ In your classes, assign each student a number from 1- 30 (or whatever). This is done
alphabetically. Then have the students put their numbers in the top right hand corner (I put a
small box in the corner before photocopying) of their assignments that they hand in. Have one
student put them in numerical order and within a minute you have all your papers in alphabetical
order (easier for recording marks) and you know immediately who to call on for missed
assignments. - Barbilee Hemmings
~~ I use post-it notes to encourage changes or redirection on students' work. This way I'm not
marking up their "work in progress." - Peggy Nolan, Rockledge, FL.
~~To do lunch count with my class, I have each student's name on a clothespins (spring). There
are large, laminated cards attached to the front board where I've written today's "lunch offering",
"packers", "alternate" choice, etc on each. As students enter, they clip their clothespin to the
appropriate card. - Gladys Kielar, Maumee, OH
~~ Have students help develop the rubric for a written assignment or project. - Staci Leach,
Maumee High School.
~~ I have a "treat jar" of suckers I use for students who pass back graded papers for me. I put
graded papers in a folder marked for that purpose. Papers are usually passed back before I start
class. - Paula Werner, Sylvania, Ohio
~~This tip comes from Micheal Eudy at the Dallas Art Institute. On his Layered Curriculum units,
he requires students to post their works in progress on a weekly basis to the class website. In
addition to posting their work, they must also post comments and questions to their classmates'
work. This helps keep students from procrastinating, allows the teacher to give feedback along
the way and allows students to learn from each other in the process.
~~ When I have a student who seems isolated from the rest of the class, I give them a project that
will allow the rest of the class to earn points by looking over, reading, or studying the isolated
students work (with his/her name clearly labeled). Take care that the project is possible and is
available for the rest of the class. For instance... I have one boy who when he had down time he
would draw fantastic objects. I asked him to draw a cross section picture of the Mayflower with
different decks, sails and masts numbered so that he could take a quiz on the ship. He did a

wonderful job and took great pride in fact that I laminated his colorful artwork and posted it with
other resources. What has been even more interesting to watch is when other students go to his
drawing to earn points as well. - Daniel Rideout, Hawaii.
~~ After a cut-paste craft project, play a game called "3,2,1, Hoover" to help clean up the mess.
The teacher calls out enthusiastically, "3,2,1 Hoover!" All the children scramble to the floor, rapidly
"sweeping up" the entire floor. They compete to see who can pick up the most pieces of lint,
scraps, etc and the floor is clean in less than 5 minutes. Dianne Powers, Ohio.
~~This tip is really more of a personal warning - the "KLEZ worm" has really been making the
rounds through email this month. If any computer gets it, it will re-send the virus from a random
address in that person's email address book. Many of you have MY address in there. Don't open
any attachments sent via email (even one that looks like its from me) until this worms dies down.
~~ Find out something interesting about all of your students and then throw it into your lectures. J.
Cassady, Palmdale, CA.
Have students design sections of a bulletin board. (a teacher in Palmdale, CA)
~~ To get children quiet and ready after transition, play music from a music box until all are quiet.
Then turn off the box. If at the end of the day, there's music left, the class or group gets a surprise
from the mystery box (slips of paper with small class rewards). - D. Powers, Oregon, OH.
~~WD-40 lubricant works great to get tape off walls and clean dry-erase boards. Also, 3 drawer
wheeled storage carts are great for individual student supplies. - Shelia Tarver, Winnsboro, LA.
~~ Do an 'Opinion Walk' - Hang a sign on each of the 4 walls in the classroom: agree, disagree,
strongly agree, strongly disagree. You make a strong statement (e.g. Hunting is a great sport).
The students decide which wall fits their opinion and move to stand at that wall. Have an active
listening/debate session. Students must include *What is your opinion based on?* What support
evidence do you have? * Who has influenced your opinion and why? *Has listening to anyone
today affected your opinion? (no name - submitted at a teacher workshop).
~~ Use a nail apron (from a hardware store) paint/design it, and wear it around your waist filled
with candy, stickers, pencils, etc. Nikki Einfinger, Winnsboro, LA.
~~Nail polish remover works on dry erase boards that accidentally get regular markers used on
them. -Kathleen McClanaghan (via email)
~~ Put tennis balls on the legs of desks & chairs and you lose the scratching noises. - MaryAnna
Billings, Californina.
~~ Use plastic hooks to hang posters, charts & maps around your classroom. They can easily be
taken down for testing or to replace with new information. Cindy Clement, Georgia

~~Have a folder in your classroom labeled "check here if you were absent". Put absent student
work in folder. Students are responsible for checking the folder when they return. Trina Dunstock,
IL.
~~ Wear a carpenter's apron with pockets during class. Use it to carry your pens, pencils, hall
passes, etc. - anything you normally have to run back to your desk to get. You can even decorate
it with fabric paint. Pam Brooks, IL.
~~ Coffee Cans are made into "Alphabet cans" in my room. When we learn a new letter, I give
each child a flashcard with the letter and a word. They have to bring back items that can fit in the
can that begin with that letter. We leave them out for students to examine and share. Robin
Johnson, Shirland School.
~~Use wrapping paper for Bulletin Board backgrounds. (teacher in Burnsville, MN)
~~ I consider it a successful year in teaching when I can validate for each child in my classroom,
a gift they bring to the world. Sally Rix, Burnsville, MN.
~~ Keep a 3-ring binder for each class/prep containing all the sheets and written material for each
unit. Its much easier to find when you need it and helps keep you organized for next year. Amy
Schlomann, Burnsvill, MN.
~~Another way to remove permanent marker from a white board, trace over the writing with a dry
erase marker and then erase with your regular white board eraser. Miles Vreeland, California
~~ Include headphones on your "back to school supply" list for students. Students can now use
their own headsets for audio centers, video, etc and the teacher doesn't have the health issue of
a generic set. - Tanya, Phoenix, AZ.
~~ Old, condemned textbooks from your district warehouse are great for students to cut out of to
make collages, posters, etc. Rip the covers off or mark in some other very obvious way so they
don't confuse which text they can cut from.
~~I made a bulletin board (the grafftti wall) with a sentence starter: "It's Tough Being a Kid
Because..." Then one at a time the students will come to the board and, using a non-permanent
marker, will complete the sentence. This is a good creative writing activity for my 8th grade
Language Arts. Kay Mitchell, Spartanburg,SC
~~ Use Kool-aid to color Dannon plain yogurt and use as a finger paint. Your students will love it
and it won't hurt them if they eat it! - Sue F. Dallas, TX
~~ Buy a headphone jack splitter from Radio Shack. You can split the audio signal from your
class TV four ways. Using headphones, this allows the video assignment to be a "center" and
everyone in the room won't be distracted by the noise.

~~ Don't forget that new students aren't the only ones that want to feel welcome at the beginning
of the year. Make sure you do something awesome for the new teachers as well. - design a little
"welcome wagon".
~~I allow my first graders to keep water bottles on their individual desks. I encourage them to
freeze them overnight so that they stay cold all day - but to keep the desks dry we slip an old cut
off sock over the bottom of the bottles. - Gladys Kielar, Wayne Trail, Maumee, OH.
~~I use a 3-ring binder on my desk titled our "homework log." When I assign homework, I also
write it on a log sheet for the appropriate class. This benefits absent students and serves as a
reminder for all students. - J. Meer.
~~ I give immediate feedback on tests: I have students put away their pencils, then hand out
green or red ink pens. I have them write the correct answers as we go over the test in the
alternate color, then collect the papers. They have better retention of errors and material.
~~ Bathroom tile board makes individual dry erase boards for student use.
~~ When I do morning roll call, I have the students answer with a thought or comment (rather
than just "here"). Example: have students offer "Words of Wisdom." - my favorite was the child
who responded "Never sit on an electric fence". - Betty Redden.
~~ When doing oral defense I want to be sure I see all students at least every 2 days. I divide my
classroom into 5 sections with equal number of desks in each. On Monday I start oral defense
with section 1, on Tuesday, section 2, etc. Joan Johnson, Waxahachie Jr. High.
~~ Use a plunger for a restroom hall pass. - no name
~~ If you want students to remember something, have them write it in red in their notes. Daneen
Cole, Jefferson Jr. High
~~ Each time I change to a new unit, I rearrange the class room. Students are interested as soon
as they walk into the room. - Patricia Walsh, Lancaster High.
~~Go to an office supply store and have a stamp of your signature made. This can be used to
stamp unit sheets, excuse notes, etc. Neil Murphy, Cleveland.
~~For students who have problems reading black text on white paper, use multi-colored page
protectors for students to lay on top of the text. Sue Snay, Worcester, MA
~~ Download ReadPlease from ReadPlease.com Kids write or copy/paste text then get to hear it
read back to them. This is a great first step for self-editing. Peggy Doyle, Frontier Regional, MA.
~~Need old magazines for students to cut up for projects? Magazine vendors will donate out of
date issues for class use. Danny Pearson, Waxahachie, TX.

~~ Because humor is such a great stress-reducer, use it on tests. Include silly questions once in a
while or humorous answer choices mixed among the others. - teacher, Williamsburg, KY.
~~ Use curtains to hide books and other materials in your bookshelves and reduce the clutter
appearance in your classroom. - teacher, Williamsburg,KY.
~~ On your back-to-school supply list, add large baggies or zip-lock bags. These help the
students organize materials and keep reading and library books clean. - teacher, Williamsburg,
KY.
~~ Have a student or T.A. write down the daily agenda in a notebook. This way when students are
absent they don't have to ask you what they missed. Sarah Hodgson, Lancaster High.
~~ Make a bulletin board using black paper, label it "the black hole." This is where you post the
student work missing names. Students can claim their work there. Leslie Frankenberger,
Lancaster High.
~~ [referring to papers with no name as the tip in the last issue addressed] In my class, the "no
namers" get chewed by our pet hamster. I tell my principal that the hamster is an integral part of
my classroom management. -Margery, in Phoenix AZ
~~Are you running out of wall space to hang posters? I bought a 10 ft. section of 1/2 inch PVC
pipe and four ninety degree corners at my hardware store. I then cut the pipe into equal lengths
and put it together using the four corners. I hung it form my ceiling with a swivel and string.Then I
attached four posters I had made on my computer relating to operations of integers. Now my kids
can look at the rules for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers at a glance - no
name (email)
~~ I have a list of student recommended SSR books pasted in a specific place in my classroom.
Kristen Farnsworth - Lancaster, CA
~~ I teach 8th grade Language Arts. I made a bulletin board with a sentence starter: "It's Tough
Being a Kid Because..." Then one at a time the students will come to the board and, using a nonpermanent marker, will complete the sentence. This is a good creative writing activity. -Kay
Mitchell, Spartanburg,SC
~~ Set up a "Think Park" corner in the classroom for students who would like to work in isolation.
-Debjani Doss, Southeast Asia.
~~ To quickly quiz kids on a text reading assignment, have them make flashcards with the chapter
heading and a graphic on one side and a 2 sentence summary of the section on the back side.
You pull one or two cards and they discuss the section. Angie Bayly - Manila, Philippines.
~~ Kids put things away (community scissors, tape, 3 hole punch, etc) when there are outlines
drawn where they go. Lisa Silmser, Minnesota.

~~ I give my students a calendar and each day they are expected to note what they worked on
and check it off if they finished it. They keep the calendars in their group folder where they keep
their work. This helps them keep track of where they are and I can always check a folder to see
how they are progressing. - Chris Roarty, Rockford, IL.
~~ In your classes, assign each student a number from 1- 30 (or whatever). This is done
alphabetically. Then have the students put their numbers in the top right hand corner (I put a
small box in the corner before photocopying) of their assignments that they hand in. Have one
student put them in numerical order and within a minute you have all your papers in alphabetical
order (easier for recording marks) and you know immediately who to call on for missed
assignments. - Barbilee Hemmings
~~ I use post-it notes to encourage changes or redirection on students' work. This way I'm not
marking up their "work in progress." - Peggy Nolan, Rockledge, FL.
~~ To do lunch count with my class, I have each student's name on a clothespins (spring). There
are large, laminated cards attached to the front board where I've written today's "lunch offering",
"packers", "alternate" choice, etc on each. As students enter, they clip their clothespin to the
appropriate card. - Gladys Kielar, Maumee, OH
~~ Have students help develop the rubric for a written assignment or project. - Staci Leach,
Maumee High School.
~~ I have a "treat jar" of suckers I use for students who pass back graded papers for me. I put
graded papers in a folder marked for that purpose. Papers are usually passed back before I start
class. - Paula Werner, Sylvania, Ohio.
~~ This tip comes from Micheal Eudy at the Dallas Art Institute. On his Layered Curriculum units,
he requires students to post their works in progress on a weekly basis to the class website. In
addition to posting their work, they must also post comments and questions to their classmates'
work. This helps keep students from procrastinating, allows the teacher to give feedback along
the way and allows students to learn from each other in the process.
~~When I have a student who seems isolated from the rest of the class, I give them a project that
will allow the rest of the class to earn points by looking over, reading, or studying the isolated
students work (with his/her name clearly labeled). Take care that the project is possible and is
available for the rest of the class. For instance... I have one boy who when he had down time he
would draw fantastic objects. I asked him to draw a cross section picture of the Mayflower with
different decks, sails and masts numbered so that he could take a quiz on the ship. He did a
wonderful job and took great pride in fact that I laminated his colorful artwork and posted it with
other resources. What has been even more interesting to watch is when other students go to his
drawing to earn points as well. - Daniel Rideout, Hawaii.
~~After a cut-paste craft project, play a game called "3,2,1, Hoover" to help clean up the mess.
The teacher calls out enthusiastically, "3,2,1 Hoover!" All the children scramble to the floor, rapidly

"sweeping up" the entire floor. They compete to see who can pick up the most pieces of lint,
scraps, etc and the floor is clean in less than 5 minutes. Dianne Powers, Ohio.
~~Find out something interesting about all of your students and then throw it into your lectures. J.
Cassady, Palmdale, CA.
~~Have students design sections of a bulletin board. (a teacher in Palmdale, CA)
~~To get children quiet and ready after transition, play music from a music box until all are quiet.
Then turn off the box. If at the end of the day, there's music left, the class or group gets a surprise
from the mystery box (slips of paper with small class rewards). - D. Powers, Oregon, OH.
~~ WD-40 lubricant works great to get tape off walls and clean dry-erase boards. Also, 3 drawer
wheeled storage carts are great for individual student supplies. - Shelia Tarver, Winnsboro, LA.
~~ Do an 'Opinion Walk' - Hang a sign on each of the 4 walls in the classroom: agree, disagree,
strongly agree, strongly disagree. You make a strong statement (e.g. Hunting is a great sport).
The students decide which wall fits their opinion and move to stand at that wall. Have an active
listening/debate session. Students must include *What is your opinion based on?* What support
evidence do you have? * Who has influenced your opinion and why? *Has listening to anyone
today affected your opinion? (no name - submitted at a teacher workshop).
~~Use a nail apron (from a hardware store) paint/design it, and wear it around your waist filled
with candy, stickers, pencils, etc. Nikki Einfinger, Winnsboro, LA
~~ Nail polish remover works on dry erase boards that accidentally get regular markers used on
them. -Kathleen McClanaghan (via email)
~~ Put tennis balls on the legs of desks & chairs and you lose the scratching noises. - MaryAnna
Billings, Californina.
~~ Use plastic hooks to hang posters, charts & maps around your classroom. They can easily be
taken down for testing or to replace with new information. Cindy Clement, Georgia
~~I made a bulletin board (the grafftti wall) with a sentence starter: "It's Tough Being a Kid
Because..." Then one at a time the students will come to the board and, using a non-permanent
marker, will complete the sentence. This is a good creative writing activity for my 8th grade
Language Arts. Kay Mitchell, Spartanburg,SC
~~ Use Kool-aid to color Dannon plain yogurt and use as a finger paint. Your students will love it
and it won't hurt them if they eat it! - Sue F. Dallas, TX
~~ Buy a headphone jack splitter from Radio Shack. You can split the audio signal from your
class TV four ways. Using headphones, this allows the video assignment to be a "center" and
everyone in the room won't be distracted by the noise.

~~ Don't forget that new students aren't the only ones that want to feel welcome at the beginning
of the year. Make sure you do something awesome for the new teachers as well. - design a little
"welcome wagon".
~~ Use wrapping paper for Bulletin Board backgrounds. (teacher in Burnsville, MN)
~~ I consider it a successful year in teaching when I can validate for each child in my classroom,
a gift they bring to the world. Sally Rix, Burnsville, MN.
~~ Keep a 3-ring binder for each class/prep containing all the sheets and written material for each
unit. Its much easier to find when you need it and helps keep you organized for next year. Amy
Schlomann, Burnsvill, MN.
~~ Another way to remove permanent marker from a white board, trace over the writing with a dry
erase marker and then erase with your regular white board eraser. Miles Vreeland, California
~~ Include headphones on your "back to school supply" list for students. Students can now use
their own headsets for audio centers, video, etc and the teacher doesn't have the health issue of
a generic set. - Tanya, Phoenix, AZ.
~~ Old, condemned textbooks from your district warehouse are great for students to cut out of to
make collages, posters, etc. Rip the covers off or mark in some other very obvious way so they
don't confuse which text they can cut from.
~~ Laura (in New Jersey) says that in her large choir class, she has students close their eyes and
they stop talking.
~~ One teacher gives this suggestion for her social studies class: have the students bring in 5
artifacts (not photos) which illustrate their life. Each artifact is displayed with a caption at their
desks. Students browse the "museum" and learn why and how artifacts can help us understand
people and countries.
~~ A Delaware Valley P.E. teachers suggests this: Tape a pen cap to your plan book and always
put your pen in that spot. This way you always know where your pen is. (I think that a great idea
for any teacher). ~~ When constructing a test, always start with easy questions and work toward
more difficult ones. This way you build confidence and prevent children from mentally quitting right
at the start.
~~ At the end of each day, have the students decide upon a word or drawing that sums up or
highlights the learning that day. Put these on cards, mount them on the wall and continue to string
them around the room as the year progresses. It makes a great cue for retrieval. From the
teachers in Stanstead, Quebec: Tip
~~ Detentions don't work - shoot hoops with the kids that give you the hardest time; they'll see
you in a different light.

~~From the teachers in Harrisburg, PA: Because many children prefer absolute quiet while
reading/studying, one teachers told us she keeps "ear protectors" (resemble headphones without
the cord) for use in the classroom. You can buy them at hardware stores. Clean/sanitize between
uses or slide a disposable plastic bag over them.
~~Another tip from Harrisburg: Play the theme from "Mission Impossible" to set the stage before
introducing a difficult or problem solving activity. It really gets kids motivated.
~~ From St George, Utah: If you use headphones for various activities or computers in your
classroom, consider adding them to the school supply list that goes home with the students.
Having students bring their own headphones saves on cleaning and maintenance. You may want
to suggest places to purchase them for under $5.
~~ Tammie Driggers, a 4th grade teacher in the Putnam School District sent this teaching tip for
the beginning of the year: I call a few very responsible kids from the previous year and ask their
parents to bring them to the school [for teacher work days]. They help me clean, organize, make
things, etc., for the upcoming year and are very excited to be setting it up for the class to come! I
usually treat them to lunch I bring in or something little. Of course, students would have to be old
enough for such, but it sure saves me time and headaches and gives me a few helping hands!
~~ Al Iberri, father of a 6 year old boy with autism, wrote this parent tip: My wife came up with
something to encourage our son to speak. She puts small toys like markers, pencils, chalk,
Crayola, etc. in packets (like a Ziploc bag) on the wall, out of our son's reach. When our son
wants a toy he must point and say which one he wants.
~~ Regardless of what grade level you teach (K thru college), on the first day of class, make sure
you stand at the door and greet each and every student as they walk through it. Make them feel
welcome. It's a daily habit that can start on day one.
~~ To assign seats on the first day of school, I hand out sharpened pencils that have the seat
number (table letter, etc) written on the eraser.
~~ Instead of using butcher paper for bulletin boards, use fabric. Not only can you buy fabrics with
different themes, patterns, etc., but you can also hang up student work and take it down without
all the pin holes that you would see in paper. When it gets too dirty, just wash it! Plus, it's a lot
easier to hang up - no need to worry about the creases and tears you get when hanging up a
large piece of paper.
~~ From Connie in Tempe: for some assignments, offer students the opportunity to complete the
assignment with full credit, then earn half as many points again for teaching the concepts to a
classmate. The additional points would be based on the performance of the classmate they
taught.
~~ From Dan in Hawaii: One of my favorite ways of cooling down any disruptive situation in my
classroom is with a Behavior journal. Whenever someone is acting outside of my acceptable

norm I politely ask them to take the Behavior Journal outside and to open the book to the space
saved by a 3X5 card. Completely answer the questions on the card. This does several
things...First it eliminates the situation with respect. Second, it gives the student and I an
opportunity to save face and reflect before discussing what happened. Third, it sends the
message to the rest of the class what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Fourth, it gives
the student an opportunity to communicate their point of view handled. And finally, it provides me
with an opportunity to communicate with the student in writing, discussion, and in private before
the student re-enters the classroom.
~~ Need help cleaning up your school? You've seen the "Adopt a Highway" signs by the side of
the road. Well, how about an "adopt a hallway" or "adopt a restroom" policy at your school.
Different clubs or classes can adopt areas of the school that they will help maintain and clean.
Students will be more mindful of making messes when they know they or their peers have been
cleaning the area. Post signs in the area so students know who is making the effort to clean.
~~As those of us teaching on the traditional calendar close another school year, it is time for
reflection. While you are packing up the classroom, take some time to write down (1) the things
that went really well this year and you want to continue (2) the things that were not good and you
want to eliminate or avoid next year (3) the ideas and events you may have dreamed of or seen
other teachers using that you would like to try next year. Take the time to actually write these
thoughts down on paper. Put the paper in your "summer folder" (see below).
~~Rather than picking up your lesson plan book at the beginning of next school year, get it now
before you leave for the summer. Use this book (or a manila file folder) as your summer ideas
folder. When you think of an idea, jot it on a post-it note and put it in the folder. When you run
across an article or internet site you want to use, put it in the folder. Ideas run through our heads
all summer and we assume we'll remember them next schoo year, but we don't.
~~Be generous with field trips. One of the 3 main components to IQ is the ability to adapt to new
situations which improves problem solving skills. As a teacher, one of the best ways to develop
this area is with field trips. Take as many as you can, especially if you teach a population that may
not have a wealth of experience opportunities. The trips don't have to be to traditional educational
sites like museums, try something new. Ideas: the airport, a butcher, a bank, a factory, downtown
businesses, cultural performances such as city theatre or opera, a university library, the mayor's
office.
~~ From Dan in Hawaii: One of my favorite ways of cooling down any disruptive situation in my
classroom is with a Behavior journal. Whenever someone is acting outside of my acceptable
norm I politely ask them to take the Behavior Journal outside and to open the book to the space
saved by a 3X5 card. Completely answer the questions on the card. This does several
things...First it eliminates the situation with respect. Second, it gives the student and I an
opportunity to save face and reflect before discussing what happened. Third, it sends the
message to the rest of the class what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Fourth, it gives
the student an opportunity to communicate their point of view handled. And finally, it provides me
with an opportunity to communicate with the student in writing, discussion, and in private before

the student re-enters the classroom.

When asked what's on the card???, Dan writes: I have experimented over the last few years.
But basically, I ask the student to tell me his perspective on the situation. Ask him/her to describe
how the situation should be corrected to avoid further disruption. At times I have asked them to
predict what I will say to them. And other times I have asked them to select one person who can
honestly say they saw the whole thing and can enlighten me. And leave a space to make
comments about our conversation and follow up. - Dan
~~ It is test time! Don't forget that cue-triggered recall is an essential aid to memory retrieval....so
make sure your students are tested in the same environment in which you prepared them all year.
In other words, don't give end-of-year tests (state assessment, AP, etc.) in a location outside of
your classroom.
~~ Corethia Qualls from Salt Lake City writes that she uses 3 X 5 cards to quiz students. She jots
down questions or sample problems and the students can "draw" a card for assessment. She
said it is a great alternative for shy and reluctant students.
~~ Anonymous tip: Instead of the traditional book report, have students summarize the main
ideas of a novel or book by re-writing it in "Dr. Seuss" format complete with silly rhymes. You may
change the characters names if necessary to make it work. Works great with Shakespeare.
~~ Provide "visually quiet" areas of your classroom for students who are easily overwhelmed or
distracted by too much visual stimuli. Bulletin boards, posters and student displays are great ways
to teach, but limit their use to just certain areas.
~~ Use music sparingly. While great for transition times and occasionally for independent work,
many students are distracted and learning hindered by music playing while they are working.
Remember, even the best of teaching/learning tools may not fit everyone.
~~ [regarding last issue's tip about editing in red ink] Lisa Ericson, from Maine writes: The above
is a good suggestion, but since red ink has developed such a negative connotation, I use Nanci
Atwell's (In the Middle) suggestion for using a blue pencil. She says it's what editors use. This
makes it nice and "real-life" for students.
~~ Marilyn Morgan from Minnesota gives this tip: Prepare a videotape ahead of time for your
parent-teacher conferences for non-English speaking parents. Have an interpreter present and
include a report from both student and teacher as well as a dialogue.
~~ Joan Ann Mory in Maryland encourages students to demonstrate their editing efforts by having
them use red Bic pens. She calls them their "polishing pens." Great way to see what they've
done, as well as remind students to proof-read their work.
~~ Patricia Crum in Omaha, Nebraska suggests: use name cards or sticks (wooden craft sticks)
to randomly call on students.

~~ Christy Carpenter from Panama City, FL suggests: use a seating chart made with 'post-it'
notes. This provides for easy movement of students on the chart.
~~ Gilbert Hicks of Austin, TX suggests: have students spend 5 minutes at the end of class
completing a "wrap-up" card (for reflection). Use those comments to adjust future instruction and
provide meaningful feedback
~~ Jennifer Yazawa from Albuquerque, NM wrote: have a keyword (7+letters) on the overhead as
the bell rings. Students have 1/2 sheets on their desks. They have to make 2 letter, 3 letter and 4
letter words by scrambling the key word's letters.
~~ A tip from Mary Kay in Crystal City, Illinois: remember the benefits of using humor in the
classroom. In fact, humor has been shown to increase and stimulate memory. Try a few jokes to
lighten the stress before the next test in your class.
~~ A tip from Ray Golarz at the National School Conference Institute: "Don't lower standards, but
do vary time." Never give up.
~~ When working with slow readers or young readers, watch font size. Children 5 - 7 years of age
are particularly sensitive to small print. People of all ages make more reading mistakes as text
font size gets smaller.
~~ A teacher from Crystal Lake, Illinois shared a funny story with me over lunch. He was visiting a
first grade classroom and just when it was time for the students to line up at the door, the teacher
announced, "O.K. everybody, let's be flying chipmunks!" The children all puffed out their cheeks
as full as possible, opened both hands wide and anchored their thumbs on either side of their
heads near their ears and "flapped" slowly as they made their way to the door. When asked the
purpose of this flying chipmunk routine, the teacher responded, "It keeps their mouths closed and
their hands to themselves while they line up." I'm still chuckling at the image.