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Games and Activities For Those Times That Need Filled

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes in the classroom lesson end early and the teacher has some extra time that needs to be filled. The teacher knows if the student sit around with unstructured time that is when problem occur. There are some activities that are quick and easy to put together to fill that free time.
Crossword puzzles and mad lips are good for just about any age group. Copy some ahead of time and offer student a point or two of extra credit if they complete the activity. Another suggestion is to give a small prize such as a pencil to whoever finished the crossword first. This will ensure more student complete the puzzle. If the class is a little rowdy the teacher should organize a game. Some popular choices are silent ball or a group game of hangman.
In a subject like math there is always room for homework to reinforce the concept. Allow the student any remaining class time to get a head start on that night’s assignment. If the teacher is teaching elementary grades full in the free time by reading the class a story. As it teacher is it important to be prepare for free time to prevent students from finding their own ways to fill it.

What Now?: When You Feel You Can’t Keep Teaching

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Many first-year teachers experience the feeling that they are in the wrong profession. As a member of the education world, I can honestly say that I went through the same thing after my horrendous first year experience. But don’t end your career without trying some other options. It truly is such a rewarding profession and there is a desperate need for good teachers. If you are a first year teacher, look into programs that might be offered through your school district that give you the opportunity to observe master teachers or attend professional development. Some professional development courses can be very beneficial because they can focus on the issues that you are having difficulty with. If you have problems with classroom management, differentiating instruction, or integrating technology into your lesson plans, there are commonly professional development classes offered on these topics. There are also many great books out there that address common issues that first year teachers have. These books can help you realize that you are not alone. If you exhaust all of these options and truly realize that you love being in the education field but not as a teacher, you can go back to school for a degree in an area that more suits your preference, such as Library Science, Speech, or Counseling. Whatever your choice may be, make it for yourself-while education is a rewarding field to be in, your happiness is most important!

How To Learn The Most From A Mentor Teacher

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

While working with a mentor teacher there are many ways to learn from them. The most important thing to do with a mentor teacher is to ask question. If the teacher does not understand something or needs clarification ask. No question is silly when learning. That is what the mentor is there for. If the teacher does not ask a question they will not find out the answer.
Another way to get the most out of working with a mentor teacher is to ask for feedback. Whether is it delivering a lesson, planning a lesson, or developing classroom management skills feedback is always helpful. If the mentor teacher has a suggestion to improve something give it is try. Feedback is to help not to hurt so do not take any suggestion personally. Feedback can improve a lesson and give a new direction to try.
If possible observe the mentor teaching giving a lesson. What how the teacher delivers the information, interact with the students, and assesses what the students are learning. Take notes if possible. Sometimes the best ways to learn is by watching. The mentor teacher is the best resource to becoming a well rounded teacher so do not be embarrassed to ask for help and suggestions if needed.

How To Redirect The Off Task Student

admin — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

There are several ways to redirect an off task student. During instruction time walk over the where the student is sitting. The teacher should stand near the student’s desk but not right on top of the student. Just being in close proximity will redirect the student to pay attention. In this instance of verbal redirection or stopping of the lesson is needed.
Another way is redirect an off task student is to ask them a question relating to the lesson. If the student does not know the answer the will realize the teacher caught them being off task. This will help bring the student back to the lesson and increase their focus.
To redirect an off task student the teacher may have to find out the distraction. If it is another student is may benefit to rearrange seat. If it is something the student is playing with such as a pencil or other small item, the teacher should ask the student to hand over the distraction. The student may be having trouble sitting still. To solve this problem the teacher should ask the student to do a simple task such as passing out paper. Moving around from a minute may help the student regain their focus to the lessons. These are just a few students can be redirected.