| UEA | United Educators Association of Texas |
Teacher Tips | |
| Control Key | From the United Educators Association |
| Encourage Participation | From the United Educators Association |
| Keeping Up With Extra Points in A Class Discussion | From the United Educators Association April 18, 2005 We have one winner for the Tuesday Teaching Tip this week. Angela Jenkins, 3rd Grade Teacher, Fort Worth I.S.D. Greenbriar Elementry. Angela will be receiving $25.00 for sharing her idea with her colleagues. THE TEACHING TIP IS: I teach 3rd Grade at Greenbriar Elementary in Fort Worth. To encourage classroom participation, I like to give students extra points when they correctly answer questions during class discussions. I noticed that it was sometimes difficult to keep up with all the points so, I decided to use a roll of tickets and I hung them around the flag pole just out of reach until needed. When my students answer a question correctly, I allow them to tear off one ticket. I don't have to do it. They are to keep the tickets at their desk with their names on the back. Because we test every Friday, they are also allowed to write which subject they would like to add the points. Sometimes they let me decide where the points are needed the most. This really promotes classroom participation. Also, if they lose the tickets, they just miss out. That encourages responsibility. Thank you, Angela Jenkins 3rd Grade Teacher Greenbriar Elementary |
| Helping Absent Students to Make UP Work | From the United Educators Association April 12, 2005 We have one winner for the Tuesday Teaching Tip this week. Barbara Chapman, John D. Spicer Elementary, First Grade, Birdville I.S.D. Barbara will be receiving $25.00 for sharing her idea with her colleagues. I have a system for keeping student's work together when they are absent. I have several file folder trays in my classroom marked 'Absent Tray'. Whenever a child is absent or leaves for an early dismissal, I have my leader place one of these trays on their desk. When any papers are passed out, that child's papers are placed in the tray. When the absent student returns to class they bring the tray to me and we decide what to do with each paper. Barbara Chapman John D. Spicer Elementary First Grade Birdville ISD |
| Introductory Activity | From the United Educators Association APRIL 5, 2005 We have one winner for the Tuesday Teaching Tip this week. Janet Smith, Science Teacher, Mansfield High School, Mansfield I.S.D. Janet will be receiving $25.00 for sharing her idea with her colleagues. THE TEACHING TIP IS: I teach science at Mansfield High School and to help the students 'break the ice' the first few days of a new class, I give them an assignment to walk around the room, find a student they do not know and introduce themselves with a handshake. They have to tell each other their name and something interesting about themselves (a favorite sport, pet, or other interest). Then after they have had 3 minutes to do this, they sit down and I call each student to stand (along with their partner) and introduce each other to the class. It helps them to feel important and helps me to get to know them more quickly. As an extra incentive, I give them a grade based on whether they followed instructions. Thank you, Janet Smith Science Teacher Mansfield High School |
| Pictures of Students on First Day of School | From the United Educators Association MARCH 29, 2005 We have one winner for the Tuesday Teaching Tip this week. Rhonda Best, Burleson High School, Burleson I.S.D. Rhonda will be receiving $25.00 for sharing her idea with her colleagues. THE TEACHING TIP IS: On the first day of class, use your digital camera to take a picture of your students. Then insert the pictures and names in a PowerPoint slide in the order/shape of your seating arrangement. It makes it easier to learn your students and substitutes love it. It is also easy to rearrange or remove students if needed. I also enjoy at the beginning of the next school year refreshing my memory of former students. Rhonda Best Business/Technology Teacher Burleson High School |
| Panther Mail | From the United Educators Association MARCH 22, 2005 We have one winner for the Tuesday Teaching Tip this week. Brandy Schumann, At-Risk Counselor with Denton I.S.D., Robert E. Lee Elementary. Brandy will be receiving $25.00 for sharing her idea with her colleagues. THE TEACHING TIP IS: In order to provide a means for self-referral for counseling, to control note passing, and to inspire children to love to read and write, we implemented a inner campus mail system called "Panther (our mascot) Mail." Students K-5 can write fellow classmates, children from other rooms, the staff including administrators, counselors, custodians, and cafeteria workers, and our Mascot "The Panther." 5th grade students who could benefit from a self-esteem boost or that have been recognized as role model students serve as staff for the system. Each classroom has a mail box ($5.00 at Home Depot or Lowes) and is provided envelopes, and a paw stamp and pad for postage. Mail pick up is Wednesday, sorting on Thursday, and delivery on Friday. (Mail bags for the kids to wear were donated by USPS!!) The response to Panther Mail has been overwhelmingly positive!! The system has been going for 4 weeks and over 150 letters are delivered each week. Teachers have reported Panther mail has eliminated note passing, provided a necessary outlit and increased on task behavior for many students. Our teachers have used it in may different capacities including as a task that children can work on quietly after they have completed their assigned tasks, incorporating spelling words into letters, as a center, as a means to refer repetitive questions (How come we don't get to play on the other half of the playground?), as a way to say thank you or provide a compliment, learning proper letter writing (if you don't have a stamp your letter is returned) the list goes on..... If you have any questions or would like more details about Panther Mail, feel free to contact bschumann@dentonisd.org Brandy Schumann, PhD, NCC, RPT, LPCI, MFTI At-Risk Counselor Robert E. Lee Elementary |
| Students Help Students With Research | From the United Educators Association MARCH 8, 2005 We have one winner for the Tuesday Teaching Tip this week. Kimberly S. Parsneau, James Bowie High School, Arlington I.S.D. Kimberly will be receiving $25.00 for sharing her idea with her colleagues. THE TEACHING TIP IS: "We constantly research for my class, and many times the students need video clips info., or pictures that are hard to find. I started giving students free 100's for bringing what other students need. We make a list on the board, which provides first names, specific need and class period. Students then bring materials in, and if it fits the need they earn a free 100 to replace low grades at the end of the six weeks. Parents love this and it promotes good will towards others. " Thanks, Kimberly S. Parsneau James Bowie High School Communication Application |
| Loaning Pens and Pencils | From the United Educators Association MARCH 1, 2005 We have one winner for the Tuesday Teaching Tip this week. Kristen Molina, Irving I.S.D., Irving High School, Science Department Kristen will be receiving $25.00 for sharing her idea with her colleagues. I constantly have students that do not have a pen and pencil. I tried selling pens/pencils but I didn't like keeping up with the money and the district has discouraged selling items in the classroom. So, now, if students need to borrow a pen/pencil, I have them take off one of their shoes and leave it behind my desk. When they return the pen/pencil, they get their shoe back. It works quite well and I have stopped losing all my pens and pencils. Stinky shoes haven't been a problem (as I thought they might). On the few occasions I have had some smelly shoes left, I nonchalantly spray a little lysol around my desk, (not in front of students, however.) Works well ! Kristen Molina Irving High School Science Department |
| Management Strategy for Art Teacher | From the United Educators Association FEBRUARY 22, 2005 We have one winner for the Tuesday Teaching Tip this week. Charlette Eldridge, Art Teacher from Acton Middle School, Granbury, Texas. Charlette will be receiving $25.00 for sharing her idea with her colleagues. Management Strategy for art teacher: Art teachers have such a time crunch with getting ready to do art, doing art, and cleaning up after, and all within the limited time of one period. This makes it difficult for students to get focused quickly when they come to art. Even though this strategy takes time, it ultimately will save more that it takes. When my middle school students enter my art room they know to open their sketchbooks and go right to work on a quick warm-up entry task. I have a simple drawing on transparency on the overhead. Students know that they must sketch (and re-sketch if time requires) until I turn off the projector. This provides time to do attendance etc. It also provides a quiet available group of working students to address when the teacher is ready. Charlette Eldridge, Art Teacher, Acton Middle School Granbury, Texas |
| Getting Help in Keyboarding Classroom | FROM UNITED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATON FEBRUARY 15, 2005. One Teaching Tip winner today, Silvia Jones, Keyboarding Teacher at Rosemont Middle School, Fort Worth I.S.D. She will receive $25.00 for sharing her tip with her colleagues. I place a red disposable drinking cup at each student's computer work station in my keyboarding classroom. When a student needs help they quietly place the red cup on top of their monitor to let me know they need my assistance. I take the cup off their monitor and place it next to their computer when I help them. It makes it much easier for me to quickly see who needs help as I move around the classroom, and students are not tempted to wave their hands and call out my name to get my attention. Silvia Jones Keyboarding Teacher FWISD/Rosemont Middle School |
| Getting Class Started, Minimizing Lag Time and A Constant Reminder | FROM THE UNITED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION February 8, 2005 Congratulations to one winner this week, Valerie R. Brau, Granbury H S, Granbury I.S.D. She will receive $25.00 from UEA for sharing this idea with her colleagues. As a secondary teacher, I have several courses I am teaching at one time. In an effort to get class started when the bell rings, or prior to the bell, I have divided the board behind my desk into parts using blue electrical tape. The first part of the board is used for information that pertains to every class, (ex. progress reports are due tomorrow with a parent signature.) The second part is used for information pertaining to the first class I teach, (ex. Algebra 2, work the warm up problems p 200 1-10.) The next part is for the next subject I teach, Math Models, (ex.: Pick up the worksheet on the cart and begin the lab exercise.) The last part of the board is used for information about tests, quizzes, etcetera, such as, "Algebra ch 2 test, Tuesday September, 28; Math Models project due, Monday, December 6." When students walk into the room, they are to read the board and follow the instructions. This minimizes lag time or wasted time. It also keeps me from having to repeat information throughout the day or period, minimizes my errors from omitting critical information, and is a constant reminder to students of due dates and activities. Valerie R. Brau Granbury High School, Granbury I.S.D. |
| Remembering Overdue Books | From: United Educators Association February 1, 2005 We have one winner today, Leah Atkins, Arlington ISD, Swift Elementary. Leah will receive $25.00 for sharing her tip with her colleagues. I have a tip that I use with my 2nd grade students: For those students who have overdue books, or who have trouble remembering to return their library books, I take the over due notice that the librarian sends us and cut it into strips showing the books that are due. We then staple this strip around the student's wrist. They wear this home and are supposed to remove the wristband only after they have placed the book/s in their backpack. This has helped cut down on the amount of overdue books in my classroom. You can also take colored construction paper and write "Library Books" on it and use this to remind a student, before it becomes overdue. Even some of the students who never forget their books like to wear the reminder home. This places the responsibility in the hands of the students instead of a note home to the parents. Leah Atkins 2nd Grade Swift Elementary Arlington, Texas |
| Incentive for Carefully Reading & Proofreading Worksheets - "Earn Your Paycheck" | From the United Educators Association January 25, 2005 We have one winner today, FARRELL LACKEY, KEENE I.S.D., Language Arts Teacher at Keene Intermediate School. Farrell will receive $25.00 for sharing this tip with his colleagues. THE OFFICE I have a ticket system that I use in my classroom as an incentive for students to carefully read and correct proofreading worksheets. I call these proofreading activities, “Earn Your Paycheck.” I separate the students into four groups. Each group is an “office.” Each office has a “boss” (group leader) that helps facilitate the group. Offices are given eight minutes to find ten grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors in a specific article. The groups are allowed one “supervisor” visit (the teacher) to assist with one answer. They work together in their groups, discuss their findings and make group decisions on the errors found. At the end of the eight minutes, all offices must shut down and return to their desks. Students trade papers and grade the articles as I read it aloud with the correct answers. Once all grades are written on the sheets, it is time to pass out paychecks. For a 100, you receive a full paycheck of 10 tickets. If you missed one answer, then you receive a partial paycheck of 5 tickets. Missing more than one results in no paycheck. Students collect their tickets throughout the week and “spend” their money at a small “store” that I set up in my room with little items for purchase on Fridays. This idea has really sparked motivation in my kids, plus, we have a lot of fun doing it. -Farrell Lackey, Keene Intermediate School, Keene I.S.D. (4th Grade |
| "Zero Excuses" - Documentation for Student Lack of Success | From: United Educators Association January 19, 2005 We have one winner today, Jody Hodges, Aledo ISD, Aledo Middle School. Jody will receive $25.00 for sharing her tip with her colleagues. The teaching tip is: Documentation for student lack of success is essential. Knowing exactly WHY a student is not turning in work is important. When I collect homework,EVERY student must turn in a paper, regardless of whether they did their homework or not. Students who do not have their homework must write their excuse on a piece of paper. They write things such as: left my homework at home, lost my paper, forgot, went to a football game, or the dog ate it. I keep these "zero excuses" and file them once a week alphabetically in a manilla folder that I have for each student. At progress report time, I staple the "zero excuses" to the progress report and mail home. What an eye-opener for parents! No more "I turned that assignment in but the teacher must have lost it". (Ever heard that one?) This documents the zero as well as their poor excuse for NOT turning i n the work. (At times a student may have a legitimate excuse) Sometimes, students even stretch the truth and write things like, "My parents made me go to church last night and we got home late so I didn't have time to do it." Parents don't like reading excuses that are not true!!! It hasn't solved all my problems, but students think twice about not having their homework, knowing their parents are going to get these excuses in the mail. Jody Hodges Aledo Middle School |
| Accountability - Failure to Turn in and/or Complete Homework or Other Assignments | From the United Educators Association January 11, 2005 There is one teaching tip winner today from your colleagues. Noemi Ogle from Arlington ISD, Remynse Elementary, Third Grade/Bilingual Teacher Noemi will receive $25.00 for sharing this teaching tip with her colleagues throughout the metroplex. The tip is: "Do you have students who fail to turn in and/or complete homework or other assignments? I did! This year I found it to be a major problem with my students. After various unsuccessful attempts such as signing assignment sheets, calling parents and students, and losing recess or other fun times, I decided to try something else. I decided that my students needed to learn the concept of accountability. Here's how I did it. One day I had all the students who failed to turn in their assignments write a letter to their parents saying specifically what work they failed to do and what the result of that failure was. The parents were to sign the child's handwritten letter and then the child would write how he was going to correct the problem. If the child did not bring the letter back, then he would make a personal call to his or her parent. For most students, it only took one time of doing this to correct the problem. I still use this, but it's very rare that I need to. However, I am consistent. If a student does not turn in his work, then he writes the accountability letter. It's amazing how it has worked. I now have generally a 100% return on homework." Noemi Ogle (UEA recommends you speak with your principal before implementing changes in your classroom procedures.) |
| Controlling Behavior During A Fun Activity | From the United Educators Association Tuesday, January 4, 2005 Tuesday’s Teacher Tips: The winning tip for the week comes from Laura Bolton of Elliott Elementary in Irving ISD. Her tip is: “Before beginning a game or a fun activity I always put a word on the board like ‘low.’ I explain to the students that I will erase one letter each time that the volume gets too loud. If the word gets erased then the game or fun activity is gone, and we will learn another way (bookwork). I did this the first week, and the students tested me. They lost their math game, and we did silent bookwork to learn the same concept. It wasn’t as much fun so the students decided to be quiet the next time.” Laura will receive a $25 check for her idea. |
| High Five Wall
| From the United Educators Association December 7, 2004 There are 2 teaching tip winners today from your colleagues. Number one is from MARILYN HOOPER in FORT WORTH I.S.D. and Number two is from KAY HARWELL in JOSHUA I.S.D. These teachers will receive $25.00 for sharing These teaching tips with their colleagues throughout the metroplex. TIP NUMBER 1: "With our new district wide behavior program in place this year, we wanted a way to acknowledge students who exhibit positive behaviors. We have the High Five Wall ! It's just a large piece of bulletin board paper along the wall with the teacher's names on it. When any teacher or administrator sees a student exhibiting positive behaviors, they get a colored hand die-cut out of a can in the office, write the name of the student and the reason for the high-five and put it on the wall by the student's teachers' name. All the kids are anxious to see their name on the High Five Wall so behavior has been excellent this year. We start all over each six weeks and there is not limit on how many times the student can be on the wall. There is no other reward attached other than the intrinsic motivation to get their name up there. !" MARILYN HOOPER, SECOND GRADE TEACHER, SPRINGDALE ELEM IN FORT WORTH I.S.D. |
| Using Stickers As Rewards | TIP NUMBER 2: "I have implemented a sticker system similar to the lower grade charts, but with a twist. Students get their sticker at the beginning of the day. They make their own charts and it is their responsibility to keep up with them. They may staple the chart to the inside of their folder. As the day progresses, if they do not follow a procedure or rule then they must give up their sticker. They can also earn extra stickers for doing something special, such as being the first one ready for the next class or organizing a fellow classmate's desk without anyone asking them. At the end of the week, I give a reward to those with at least five stickers. This can be a ticket for half a homework assignment, extra recess, sit by a friend, or anything that doesn't cost money. Then I have a drawing for a prize. Each student can enter his/her name equal to the number of stickers that they have earned. This allows those who do not have five stickers to still have a chance at getting a reward. I draw three names and have a variety of prizes available such as small toys, stickers, pencils, etc.....Even at this age, students work hard to keep (and earn) those stickers.!" KAY HARWELL, 5TH GRADE TEACHER (MATH AND SCIENCE), JOSHUA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL, JOSHUA I.S.D. |
| Notice to Parents - Bilingual | From the United Educators Association November 30, 2004 There is one teaching tip winner today from your colleagues. It is from Suzanne Lewis at Stripling Middle School in Fort Worth I.S.D. This teacher will receive $25.00 for sharing her teaching tip with her colleagues throughout the metroplex. Suzanne submitted a terrific form she uses in her classroom. It is a parent notification letter that is written both in English and Spanish. The top half of the form is in English and the bottom half is in Spanish. A teacher can quickly fill out the form in both languages by using simple check marks and thus allow parents who speak either language to receive notes from their child's teacher. Suzanne Lewis at Stripling Middle School, Fort Worth I.S.D. You can find Ms. Lewis' form by going thru the internet to the following link address: http://www.ueatexas.com/2004-2005_Teacher_Tips/20041129_Notice_to_Parents-Bilingual.pdf |
| Procedural Manual for Students
| From the United Educators Association November 16, 2004 There are 2 teaching tip winners today from your colleagues. Number one is from KIM SMITH in Aledo I.S.D. and Number two is from SARAH BOYETTE in Fort Worth I.S.D. These teachers will receive $25.00 for sharing these teaching tips with their colleagues throughout the metroplex. TIP NUMBER 1: "I have a "Procedural Manual" in each student's desk. It outlines all the procedures in the classroom. From "What to do when they enter the classroom" to "What do I do when I'm done?" This is a great tool at the beginning of the year as well as throughout the year as a refresher on classroom procedures. Furthermore, it is great when a new student joins the class !" "We role play at the beginning of the year as well as any time I see they need a refresher on a specific procedure. It takes the pressure off of the teacher of constantly having to remind a student of a procedure - I simply tell them "Please take a look at your Procedural Manual"." Kim Smith, 6th grade teacher at McAnally Intermediate, Aledo I.S.D. |
| Post-Its & An Interactive Word Wall | TIP NUMBER 2: "I always keep a pad of post-its nearby. First graders always want to know how to spell a word. This way I don't have to stop what I'm doing and spell it our loud. I write the word on the post-it, the student takes it to their seat and later sticks it on the wall. I have an area where the post-its serve as an interactive word wall and students are free to take down the words and put them up as needed." Sarah Boyette, Carroll Peak Elementary, Fort Worth I.S.D. |
| Geometry or Algebra Classes That Need to Draw Straight Lines
| From the United Educators Association November 9, 2004 There are 2 teaching tip winners today from your colleagues. Number one is from Rebekah Bray in Crowley I.S.D. Number two is from Debbie Martinez in Coppell I.S.D. These two teachers will receive $25.00 for sharing these teaching tips with their colleagues throughout the metroplex. TIP NUMBER 1: My tip for Geometry or Algebra classes that need to draw straight lines. I cut up pieces of vinyl mini-blinds to give to each student. If they lose it, no problem, just cut another section. Longer pieces can be used to model parallel or perpendicular lines. You can also connect two pieces together with a brad to demontrate all types of angle relationships. Rebekah Bray, Crowley I.S.D. |
| Students Fill Out Job Application & Interview for a Job | TIP NUMBER 2: Instead of assigning jobs to your students each week, have the students choose which jobs fit their "style" by having them fill out job applications. You can then conduct interviews and "hire" the most qualified students. Put up a job posting bulletin board in your class for openings, in case students would like to quit and find a new job . Some suggestions are CLASS SECRETARY, CLASS LIBRARIAN, NEWS REPORTER, SOCIAL DIRECTOR, TEACHER ASSISTANT, INTERIOR DECORATOR, HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER, ETC. Put the students in groups and let them have staff meetings to discuss successes and suggestions for improvement. Debbie Martinez, Spanish Teacher, Coppell I.S.D. |
| Vocabulary Words - Using a Power Point Slide Show
| From the United Educators Association November 2, 2004 There are 2 teaching tip winners today from your colleagues. Number one is from Laura Costello with Birdville I.S.D. and Number two is from David Waddell with Everman I.S.D. These teachers will receive $25.00 for sharing these teaching tips with their colleagues throughout the metroplex. TIP NUMBER 1: For my weekly vocabulary words, I make a powerpoint slideshow with the word, definition, a picture and a sentence using the word. I play the slideshow all week long on my computer and television so the kids can study it and get to see the words daily. I also print the slideshow (in the handout format) and send it home with the kids as a visual study sheet. My vocabulary scores have really improved since I started doing this ! Laura Costello, 3rd Grade Teacher, at O.H. Stowe Elementary, Birdville I.S.D. |
| Keeping Up With Handouts | TIP NUMBER 2: Whenever my kids get a handout, I have them glue it directly into a numbered spiral notebook so they don't have to keep up with loose papers. They only have to keep up with one spiral notebook. It also gives them an easy way to study for tests. David Waddell, 7th Grade Texas History Teacher, Everman Junior High, Everman I.S.D. |
| Removing Permanent Marker Marks from Dry Erase Boards
| From the United Educators Association October 26, 2004 There are 2 teaching tip winners today from your colleagues. Number one is from Jennifer Hughes in Arlington I.S.D. and Number two is from Veronica J. Durnell at White Settlement I.S.D. These teachers will receive $25.00 for sharing these teaching tips with their colleagues throughout the metroplex. TIP NUMBER 1: My colleagues have encouraged me to send this tip in... I don't know if you can use it or not but I thought I should at least send it in. Have you ever accidentally written in permanent marker on a dry erase board, your overhead glass, or on a piece of laminated material and thought you had ruined the board, the overhead, or the material? Never fear - there is an easy solution. All you need to do is write over the permanent marker with a dry erase marker. The dry erase marker adheres to the permanent marker and it will lift right off when you swipe it with a kleenex or dry paper towel. No need for nail polish remover! Hope this can help someone, Jennifer Hughes, Arlington I.S.D., Leader Teacher at Short Elementary |
| A Cheap Dry Erase Board for Each Student
| TIP NUMBER 2: I love each student in my class having their own white dry erase board. It sure saves on paper when doing group exercises! One of the cheapest ways to obtain these handy items is to go to your local hardware store and buy a sheet of white shower board. Then ask the attendant there who is in charge of cutting materials to cut you approximately 12" x 12" squares from the board. You can get approximately 30 boards from just one sheet of shower board! It works great! It's less than 25 cents per board. Also, you can use old clean socks or pieces of felt for inexpensive erasers. Red ink tends to stain the boards, so steer clearn of red dry erase markers. Veronica J. Durnell, White Settlement I.S.D., G/T Teacher from Liberty Elementary |
| Using Stickers As A Reward
| From the United Educators Association Tuesday, October 19, 2004 Tuesday’s Teacher Tips: We have three tips for you today. Each of today’s tips deals with rewards for students who do something right. The first tip comes from Rana Doran, a teacher at Crowley High School in the Crowley ISD. The second tip comes from Cindy Richmond, a teacher at Richland High School. The third tip comes from Jeannette Walsh, a sixth-grade teacher in the Coppell ISD. Rana writes: “I teach history to sophomores and juniors. While discussing topics, I always keep a roll of stickers handy. If a student answers one of my tougher questions, I give him a sticker. The sticker is worth 2 points on any assignment, including a test. The students must keep track of the stickers (usually on their notebooks) and place them on the assignment before turning it in. To limit the use of extra points, students are only allowed to use up to three stickers at once. This has brought a great change in class discussions.” |
| Using Stickers As A Reward for Wearing I.D.
| Cindy writes: “I have a tip for complying with the ID rule. My students really struggle with wearing an ID. I really did not like being the ID police. Instead, I decided to make it fun to wear an ID. I stand in the hallway at my door before each class, giving my students stickers when they come into my room if they have on their ID. They do not receive a sticker if I see them put their ID on in the hallway. The point is to wear the ID all day! I never tell them when or how often I will give stickers out, so each time is a surprise and unexpected. This has really encouraged students to wear their ID, and at the same time they are laughing and smiling about complying with the rules. They are required to hang on to the stickers and save them for each quiz. This idea has brought a little fun into the classroom and created a sense of pride in wearing an ID.” |
| Closure Activity - Using Post It Notes As A "Ticket Out" -
| Jeannette writes: “Here is a closure activity that can be used for any subject. At the end of the lesson (class period) I hand each student a post-it note and then ask a question pertaining to a new idea or concept that was just taught during the lesson. They must write their names and their answers on the post-it notes and then stick them on the door on the way out. I call it their “ticket out.” This helps me to see how well the lesson went and which students may need more help. It works VERY well!” These three teachers will receive $25 checks for their ideas. |
| Using A Hand Date Stamp To Date When Students Hand In Assignments | From the United Educators Association Tuesday, October 12, 2004 Tuesday’s Teacher Tip This week’s Tuesday Teacher Tip comes from Amy Kaspar, a teacher at Carroll Middle School in the Carroll Independent School District. Amy’s tip is as follows: Use a hand date stamp to date when students hand in their assignments. These stamps can be purchased at Walmart or Target. It also helps keep track of late assignments when going back to input grades. This is also a quick way to remember what dates to record grades in your gradebook. And finally, you can use it to stamp date in the tiny lines in your gradebook. Amy Kaspar will receive a check for $25. If you have a suggestion that you would like to share with your colleagues, please email them to penney@ueatexas.com. If we print your suggestion, you will receive a check for $25 too. |
| Using Sticky Notes As A Communication Tool In Class
| From the United Educators Association Tuesday, October 5, 2004 Tuesday’s Teaching Tip We have decided to award prizes of $25 to two winners for this week. The first suggestion comes from Aretha Hall a teacher at Crowley High School in the Crowley ISD. Aretha writes: Over the summer I purchased different colors of sticky notes to use as a communication tool in my class. During the school year, when I would like to leave a student a positive note or just a note during class, I wrote the message on the sticky note and place it on their paper. When I see that a student may be having a difficult time or day, I just jot down a positive comment, and as I walk by I casually stick it on their desk, smile and keep walking. This opens up an opportunity for them to talk at a later time or just to let them know that I can see that they just may be having a bad day. |
| Caught Being Good Today
| The next tip comes from Dotty Kirby, a second grade teacher at Heritage Elementary School in the Keller ISD. Dotty writes: Print a picture of a fish and the words: “Mrs. (or Ms. or Mr.) ______________ caught me being good today!!!” on colored paper. My kids love it when I pass one or two out every once in a while. It’s something special for them to show their parents. |
| Keeping Track of Rules & Consequences | And now a TIP from UEA: Number your class rules and letter your consequences. For example: Rule (1) be on time to class Consequence (a) warning. Rule (2)_________________________ Consequence (b)______________ Rule (3)_________________________ Consequence (c)______________ Rule (4)_________________________ Consequence (d)______________ Rule (5)_________________________ Consequence (e)______________ 1/a tells us that the student was not on time and we gave him/her a warning. This is a very simple way to keep documentation. Both Aretha and Dotty will receive checks for $25. If you have a suggestion that you would like to share with your colleagues, please email them to penney@ueatexas.com. If we print your suggestion, you will receive a check for $25 too. |
| Cleaning and Reusing Transparencies | From the United Educators Association September 28, 2004 Tuesday’s Teacher Tip: In this age of budget shortages, we sometimes forget to look at some of the old tired and true ideas for teaching. The following idea comes to us from Kandace Agnew, a teacher in the Denton ISD. Kandace idea is as follows: I use lots of 8.5 x 11 sheets of write-on transparencies in my math classes. I have found a quick, easy way to clean and dry them. Hold them under running water in a sink (faculty or students’ restroom) and the marks flow off. Now, shake the excess water off and place them in a phone book, leaving about 15 phone book pages between each wet sheet. By the next day (maybe two days) they are dry and ready to use again. Ms. Agnew will receive $25 for her Teacher Tip. If you have an idea that you would like to share with other, please send it to penney@ueatexas.com. |
| Using Administrators As Part of a Reward System | From the United Educators Association September 21, 2004 This message is a message from Nora Smith a teacher in the Irving Independent School District. Her teaching tip is: “Don’t forget to use your administrators as part of a reward system. If a student needs a little additional positive recognition, especially if the past has been negative, drop a note to your administrator and have them called to the office for a “GOOD” conference or a phone call to home. This might leave a lasting impression, even more so, than just one from you. It might surprise both the student and their parent.” Nora will receive $25 for her suggestion. |
| Using Email to Keep Track of Phone Calls to Parents | From the United Educators Association Tuesday, September 14, 2004 This week’s Teacher Tip comes from Frank Pace at Joshua High School. Frank’s suggestion is as follows. When I make a phone call to parents, I send an e-mail memo about the call to myself and my PDAS evaluator and myself. I e-file my message in a file for those messages. Frank wins $25 for his suggestion. If you have a suggestion that you would like to share with your colleagues, please email it to penney@ueatexas.com. You do not have to be a member of UEA to participate. |
| Creating and Maintaining a Class Website | From the United Educators Association Tuesday, September 7, 2004 Tuesday’s Teacher Tip: This idea comes from Becky Bevill, a 7th grade ELA/SS and 8th grade math teacher at Applied Learning Academy in Fort Worth. Her tip is as follows: I use the FREE www.scholastic.com template to create and maintain a class website. Anytime I put anything in the students’ hands, I upload a copy to the website. Any rubrics, due dates, and field trip information can be posted here, as well as permission slips, worksheets, newsletters, book lists, and links to research sites. I send home a note with the URL and the passwords, and tell the students that if their parents email me FROM THE SITE, I will give them a 100 daily grade. This lets parents know that I have a website, what’s on the site, my email address, and it gives me their email address. The parents who participated last year thanked me over and over again for using the website to maintain communication. There was less confusion, and there were NO EXCUSES, because the information was readily available anytime. Almost all parents have access to an Internet computer, either at home, at the library, or at work. For those who do not have one at home, I make a paper copy of the information with a tear-off form stating that they have read the information. The templates are easy to use, and the web pages can be maintained from any computer with an Internet connection. This year, I plan to have students help me upload handouts, make necessary paper copies, and maintain the web pages. To learn more about this free service, go to www.scholastic.com . Then go to the area in the green box marked “Teachers.” When this page opens, go to the area in the middle of the screen marked “Update your class homepage.” Create a user name and a password and you are ready to go. Also found on www.scholastic.com is other information for teachers, as well as for administrators and librarians. |
| School Treat Birthday/Parties | From the United Educators Association August 31, 2004 The following tip comes from Laura Telschow of Keller. Her tip wins her $25. If you have a tip that you wish to share with your colleagues, please send it to penney@ueatexas.com. You could also win $25. School Treat Birthday/Parties Laura writes: With all of the new food restrictions here is a cool treat that is also sweet. The kids love it and it is in compliance with the new nutrition rules: Fruit Party Parfait * Yogurt * Strawberries or fruit (fresh) * Granola In a cup put yogurt on bottom then sliced strawberries, (or fruit) then yogurt again top with more fruit and granola. Fun, sweet, cool and healthy. Laura Telschow Keller ISD * Please check with your administration for serving size requirements. From the United Educators Association |
| Using a "While You Were Out" Booklet to Keep Track of Phone Calls | From the United Educators Association August 24, 2004 Teachers Sharing Ideas… This idea comes to us from Christine Owens, a teacher in the Birdville ISD. Christine wins $25 for her tip. UEA will continue to run tips each week. It is our hope that these ideas will help others. If you have an idea, please email it to penney@ueatexas.com. If we use your idea, we will pay you $25. Christine writes… “Since documentation of parental contact is necessary, I use a ‘While you were out’ booklet to keep track of phone calls. It has room for all pertinent information and for a short summary of the conversation. I can tear off the original and put in the child’s folder. The carbon copy stays in the book in chronological order.” |
| Keeping Track of Classroom Sets of Textbooks | From the United Educators Association August 16, 2004 Under some circumstances, teachers who use classroom textbook sets can be required to pay for any of those books which are lost. UEA would like to provide an easy way to keep track of these sets of textbooks with the following suggestion:: Take a small piece of tape and place it on the spine of each book in the set. (Masking tape is the best.) Now assign the book set to your students using the number listed by their name in your gradebook. (For example, 2 books in the set. John Allen is the first name on your roll as number one (1), therefore, his book set would be identified as: 1 A and 1 B.) Now you can always make a quick visual check anytime to see which book is missing and which student would be responsible for the lost book. This idea could be altered and used in every classroom, if needed. UEA will be providing teaching tips throughout the year with the UEA email system so that teachers can share great ideas for better teaching with other teachers in our area. IF YOU HAVE A TEACHING TIP IDEA FOR YOUR COLLEAGUES, PLEASE EMAIL OR FAX IT TO UEA AT: (penney@ueatexas.com fax: 817-572-7736) IF YOUR IDEA IS USED AS AN EMAIL TO EDUCATORS, UEA WILL PAY YOU $25.00 FOR ITS USE. (IF UEA RECEIVES THE SAME OR A SIMILAR TIP FROM MORE THAN ONE EDUCATOR, UEA WILL PAY $25.00 TO THE FIRST PERSON WHOSE IDEA UEA RECEIVED. ) YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF UEA TO PARTICIPATE IN TEACHING TIPS. |