TEACHER TOOLS
TEACHER TOOLS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(AVAILABLE THROUGH RCPS)
Click the link above to see a list of the professional development DVD and
VHS sessions that are available from the Russell County School Board Office.
WORKSHEET GENERATOR
http://school.discovery.com/teachingtools/worksheetgenerator/
Scroll down to see the different types of worksheets that can be generated.
At present, some of the worksheets are no longer available.
GREAT TUTORIALS
http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/index.html
Find great tutorials for many software programs. Includes Word,
PowerPoint, Publisher, Email, United Streaming as well as many other great tips
and tricks. (Shared by Kathy Hayter, CES)
EDUCATOR'S RESOURCES
http://www.4teachers.org/4teachers/profdev/
This site has GREAT teacher resources. Rubric makers, assistive
technology, grant resources are just a few of the links you'll find on this
site.
WHY TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS?
http://www.edtechactionnetwork.org/technology_schools.html
WHAT EVERY TEACHER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TECHNOLOGY
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech227.shtml
Ed-tech professor Bernie Poole identifies six essential technology-related
skills every good teacher should possess -- or acquire.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PUBLICATIONS
http://www.edpubs.org/webstore/content/SearchResults.asp?FormName=Audience&id=18
Order numerous publications that relate to No Child Left Behind, improving
literacy, mathematics, history, and other education issues. All
publications are free.
WINNING WAYS: TEACHERS TALK ABOUT BUILDING RAPPORT WITH STUDENTS: 3
PERSPECTIVES:
http://education.indiana.edu/cas/tt/v1i1/winning.html
This article addresses three main ideas crucial to developing better rapport:
becoming public relations teachers, making content relevant, and using democracy
in the classroom. See how.
QUICKIES ON WHAT WORKS IN TEACHING:
http://www.adprima.com/whatworks.htm
Some practical suggestions, in several subject arenas, for teaching practices
that have yielded particularly successful results.
CARING TEACHERS:
http://education.indiana.edu/cas/tt/v1i1/caring.html
Would your students describe you as caring? Middle school students were
interviewed here to find out which attributes contributed to create a caring
teacher.
A LINK FOR TEACHERS
A great resources for homeschool parents, teachers or even a parent wanting
ideas to supplement a child's education in a particular area. Lots of free
hand-outs and ideas to help your children learn.
http://www.rhlschool.com/
QUICKIES ON WHAT WORKS IN TEACHING:
http://www.adprima.com/whatworks.htm
Some practical suggestions, in several subject arenas, for teaching practices
that have yielded particularly successful results.
PROFESSIONAL DEVL./RESOURCES =CARING TEACHERS:
http://education.indiana.edu/cas/tt/v1i1/caring.html
Would your students describe you as caring? Middle school students were
interviewed here to find out which attributes contributed to create a caring
teacher.
NEA FREE THINGS FOR YOUR STUDENTS OR CLASSROOM:
http://www.nea.org/grants/free.html
From book samples, computer kits, chess sets, jump ropes, office supplies, maps,
pen, and post-it notes; to teaching packets, tennis equipment, UN kits and tv
training-- an ecclectic and often useful list of free or next-to-nothing
resources for teachers, from the National Education Assoc.
GRADEBOOK SERVICE:
http://www.mygradebook.com/
This grading service allows you to offer student grades at any time, notify
parents/students when new grades have been posted, give out individual passwords
for student use, display school announcements, inform of class assignments and
bulletins, plus use many nifty items on the grading and attendance features. The
service is free but requires registration; registration requires creating a
password account, with your name, address, and email address.
CONFLICT MEDIATION:
http://educ.indiana.edu/cas/tt/v1i2/conflict.html
Peer conflict mediation is taking off all over the country in secondary schools,
and with positive results in many instances. Here is a brief intro. to peer
mediation; if you have any thoughts of setting up such a program in your own
school, this site points you in the right direction.
TRAINING IS FOR DOGS... TEACHERS TEACH, TEACHERS LEARN:
http://www.surfline.ne.jp/janetm/inet95.html
Librarian Janet Murray presents a disciplined and thoughtful argument for
providing professional development "...which supports educational reform goals,
models collaborative inquiry-based learning, and guides teachers toward
incorporating the global information infrastructure in their instruction." This
professional development is necessary for integrating technology into the
curriculum in ways that can immediately be seen to enhance learning, and which
can be brought about by non-traditional inservice training; so asserts Murray.
Lectures do not work, as she argues for hands-on practice and follow-up
activities and support in order to promote and sustain educational reform.
WHAT IS YOUR CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PROFILE?
http://educ.indiana.edu/cas/tt/v1i2/what.html
This questionnaire will help determine your own classroom management style;
elaborate on that profile, and discuss its implications.
VIRTUAL REPORT CARDS:
http://www.electronic-school.com/199906/0699f3.html
Owega, N.Y. superintendent of schools Edward J. Reid has come up with an
innovative and potentially revolutionary idea: virtual, "just-in-time" report
cards. Given his basis that communication and information between parents and
schools needs to be revamped, and that the current report card process in
unwieldy, over-complicated, and almost obsolete by the time it's received, Reid
suggests a new report system. This would be ",,,on demand without intruding on
the learning process." He compares this new technology to accessing credit-card
info, and suggests that it need not be much different, nor at all complicated.
Instead he proffers that this just-in-time report would lead to more student
control of their own grades, and parental involvement in what could be seen as a
dynamic learning process.
11 TECHNIQUES FOR BETTER CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE:
http://users.aol.com/churchward/hls/techniques.html
Not a theoretical, aery discussion that offers no practical solutions... this
article instead offers step-by-step, concrete instructions to help you achieve
effective group control in your classroom. Also check the useful Techniques That
Backfire, at the bottom of the page.
A LIST OF WAYS TO ENCOURAGE GOOD BEHAVIOR:
http://persweb.direct.ca/ikhan/elementary/classman1.html
Ah, those rewards... often there's nothing quite like them to get the job done!
Here's a tried and true list of ways to promote and reward good behavior in the
elementary classroom.
TIPS & STRATEGIES FROM FIRST-YEAR TEACHERS:
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/FirstYear/ch3.html
Over plan! Prepare prepare prepare!! These tips are often given to (and
sometimes needed by...!) new teachers. But here you'll, also find much more
wisdom and sage advice-- from first year teachers themselves!
OPENING ACTIVITY IDEAS:
http://teachnet.org/docs.cfm/dcs/firstday/actideas
With sample forms and management tips; these activities could be very helpful!
HELPING YOUR STUDENTS WITH HOMEWORK: A GUIDE FOR TEACHERS:
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/HelpingStudents/
Homework: A Concern For Teachers... is one of the subtitles at this site. The
very name conjures up dread for almost all involved parties. This publication
aims to address problematic homework concerns, and gives several tips for
getting homework accomplished.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:
http://www.angelfire.com/ks/teachme/firstday.html
Back by request, more activities addressed specifically to guess which day!
Also find some valuable links on learning styles.
FIVE MINUTE ACTIVITIES:
http://www.teachnet.com/take5/index.html
Have five minutes to fill before the bell rings? Here are several activities
designed just for those five minute time slots!
GETTING STARTED HOW-TO'S:
http://teachnet.org/docs/ntol/howto/start/index.htm
Some of the items on this how-to list include: Get to Know Your Students on the
First Day; Keep Students Engaged in Learning With Marker Boards; Plan an
Exciting First Day for Your High School Classroom; Set Up Your Middle School
Curriculum; Survive That First Day.... and more!
THE FIRST DAYS:
http://teachnet.org/docs.cfm/dcs/firstday
Again from teachnet, this compilation of timely tips from those-in-the-know will
help your first days go smoothly--and make you seem like a seasoned
professional!
CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION:
http://intergate.bcsd.k12.ca.us/newenvorg.html
Effective strategies for creating and maintaining an organized classroom
environment; includes seating arrangements and bulletin boards.
MAKE IT GREAT! TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL, FULFILLING YEAR:
http://www.ascd.org/pubs/eu/starting.html
One of the wisest tips you will find in this article is the very last one: Get a
Life! Don't laugh... It's amazing how many first year teachers can become
quickly burned out from the drain on their energy and time. This and other
advice here is useful for new teachers.
SUPPORTING BEGINNING TEACHERS:
http://ascd.org/pubs/el/may99/extwasley.html
Patricia Wasley's article starts with a stark contrast in students' first day
reports on their teachers. She investigates how new teachers can be supported
and encouraged to become engaging and enthusiastic educators.
STARS TOGETHER:
http://www.starstogether.tierranet.com
A free graphics wonderland for teachers! Clip art, graphics, and decorations for
your classrooms, webpages, banners, etc. The Calendar Boutique has desktop
calendar wallpaper for your computer as well.
BEGINNING OF SCHOOL PACKET:
http://www.inspiringteachers.com/tips/packet/index.html
I enjoyed the numerous items listed on Sponge Activities at this site, but it's
also full of strategies for parent conferences, lists of lifeskills, fifty
opportunities to say you're terrific, and learning activities for the seven
intelligences.
TOP TEN MUST DO ITEMS!
http://www.inspiringteachers.com/tips/top10.html
From Inspiring Teachers' archives, this top ten to-do list might just come in
pretty handy right about now!
MAKING A GOOD START:
http://www.ascd.org/pubs/eu/seot97eu.html
This article addresses the following issues: creating a good climate for
learning; connecting students to learning; high-interest materials; connecting
with parents; and teaching and caring.
FIRST DAY STRATEGIES:
http://education.indiana.edu/cas/tt/v1i2/first.html
This lesson plan for the first day back at school is from middle school teacher
Laura Versaci, and can be adapted for grades seven through twelve.
ICE BREAKERS AND ENERGIZERS!
http://www.angelfire.com/ks/teachme/icebreakers.html
These activities are useful for getting to know other right at the start of the
school year, as well as learning right away to cooperate and to work in teams.
NEW & GREAT IDEAS FOR SCHOOL WEBSITES:
http://www.techlearning.com/db_area/archives/WCE/archives/jacobsen.htm
What are the benefits of having a school website? (Does your school have one
yet?) Besides homework and notice postings, or research links for your students
to use, a school website offers many more possiblilities. Visit this site to
draw ideas, potentials, and suggestions; then link to examples of good school
websites.
TEACHER TIPS:
http://www.gae.org/teacher/teacher.html
FULBRIGHT TEACHER'S EXCHANGE:
http://www.grad.usda.gov/International/ftep.html
TEACHER MENTORING HANDBOOK:
http://www.gse.uci.edu/MentorTeacher/Contents.html
Mentoring programs have helped the professional development of inexperienced
teachers, as well as those wishing to advance in a different direction. They can
also lead to curriculum development projects and/or staff development workshops.
Whether for beginning teachers or mid-career crossovers, this manual will be
helpful in designing and implementing your own mentoring program.
ONLINE ALMANAC:
http://www.infoplease.com
Everything an almanac usually carries is here, but online. It also offers a
special features category with highlighted and timely articles.
MR. FLACK'S RESOURCEFUL WEBSITE:
http://pages.hotbot.com/edu/mrflack
Educator Jim Flack of North School in Lancaster, Ohio, offers his extensive
website for reader use... and useful it is, for teachers, parents, and students
alike. His site is well-organized (give it a bit of time to download), with a
host of resources, references and many, many, many links! You're sure to find
this site useful for any number of projects and/or classes throughout the school
year.
ZING.COM:
http://www.zing.com/z?e40c50z11
The hottest new place for online greetings!
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SCREEN-SAVERS:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/download/
You will find 15 National Geographic images to choose from, each with scene and
photographer info.
THE INTERNET TESL JOURNAL:
http://www.aitech.ac.jp/~iteslj/
A monthly resource on the web, covering lesson plans, teaching techniques,
articles, projects, games, activities--you name it! A great resource, with many
useful links. Archived issues available, as well as handouts.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: HELPFUL HINTS
FOR BEGINNING TEACHERS:
http://www.positiveparenting.com/jane4.html
In looking at back-to-school resources this week, and perhaps especially for new
teachers, it is
important to address fears and anxiety, as well as great expectations. Dr. Jane
Bluestein offers practical suggestions here to tackle potential problem areas,
such as classroom management, time management, methods of instruction,
professional interaction and professional growth. Her tips and advice are
timely and supportive; never patronizing.
Well worth the read!
A CHECKLIST OF TIPS:
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/FirstYear/checklist.html
First year and veteran teachers alike have added their best tips to compile this
top ten list for you to consider.
STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS:
http://intergate.bcsd.k12.ca.us/newdevstress.html
We had to mention the issue of stress! Starting a new school year is bound to be
at least a wee bit stressful, for both novice and experienced teachers alike.
There's nothing miraculous offered in this list of remedies and tips; just some
down-to-earth--and wise--advice.
SURVIVAL KITS:
http://www.pacificnet.net/~mandel/ClassroomManagement.html
This site has been labeled Classroom Management, but it is really so much more!
It gives a general guide for grading; a survival kit; welcome bags; supply
lists; guidelines for classroom management;classroom set-up tips; parent
involvement discussion; ideas for new teachers; centers set-ups; a before-
it-starts list; meeting the parents advice; the first five minutes ideas; and
more--and extremely helpful!-- suggestions.
MORE ADVICE FOR NEW TEACHERS:
http://www.middleweb.com/INCASEconnect.html
....... and if you REALLY must have just one more piece of advice or just one
more tip this week, then this site is willing to give it to you! It includes
first year mistakes, direct from first year teachers!
BEGINNING OF SCHOOL PACKET:
http://www.inspiringteachers.com/tips/packet/index.html
TOP TEN MUST DO ITEMS:
http://www.inspiringteachers.com/tips/top10.html
MAKING A GOOD START:
http://www.ascd.org/pubs/eu/seot97eu.html
FIRST DAY STRATEGIES:
http://education.indiana.edu/cas/tt/v1i2/first.html
ICE BREAKERS & ENERGIZERS:
http://www.angelfire.com/ks/teachme/icebreakers.html
GETTING STARTED HOW-TO'S:
http://teachnet.org/docs/ntol/howto/start/index.htm
THE FIRST DAYS:
http://teachnet.org/docs.cfm/dcs/firstday
CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION:
http://intergate.bcsd.k12.ca.us/newenvorg.html
MAKE IT GREAT: TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR:
http://www.ascd.org/pubs/eu/starting.html
TEACHING WORTH CELEBRATING:
http://ascd.org/pubs/el/may99/extwasley.html
TIPS & STRATEGIES FROM 1ST YEAR TEACHERS:
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/FirstYear/ch3.html
OPENING ACTIVITY IDEAS:
http://teachnet.org/docs/cfm/dcs/firstday/actideas
HELPING YOUR STUDENTS WITH HOMEWORK:
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/HelpingStudents/
ACTIVITIES FOR THE 1ST DAY OF SCHOOL:
http://www.angelfire.com/ks/teachme/firstday.html
FIVE MINUTE ACTIVITIES:
http://www.teachnet.com/take5/index.html
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: HINTS FOR BEGINNERS:
http://www.positiveparenting.com/jane4.html
A CHECKLIST OF TIPS:
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/FirstYear/checklist.html
STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS:
http://intergate.bcsd.k12.ca.us/newdevstress.html
SURVIVAL KITS:
http://www.pacificnet.net/~mandel/ClassroomManagement.html
MORE ADVICE FOR NEW TEACHERS:
http://www.middleweb.com/INCASEconnect.html
GENERAL CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TIPS:
http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/manage/index.html
>From student reading assessment, to popcorn rewards; from high school make-up
exam policies to animals at school; indoor recess activities, line-ups... there
are many useful ideas here to consider using in your own classroom!
TESTED CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:
http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/tips/cmanagement.html
Here are some more tried and tested tips from experienced teachers and the A to
Z Teacher's site. I liked the ideas for getting students to complete their
homework, as well as the activities for beginning the day. Lesson plans from and
for teachers are also available at this site.
A NEW TEACHER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE:
http://www.wcsu.ctstateu.edu/~ZABBIA001/homepage.html
Activities and suggestions are packed into this survival guide, all tested by
teacher Mrs. Zabbia. They are
generally geared to early elementary classrooms and teachers, but many of these
tips are worthwhile for and adaptable to older students as well. Her section on
strategies for substitute teachers applies across the board.
INNOVATIVE CLASSROOM'S CLASS MANAGEMENT:
http://www.innovativeclassroom.com/
This site is so neatly organized that you just know the organization tips are
going to be good! Bellwork of the
day starts the list, with, as the name suggests, a different activity each day
to start students off at bell time. Organization tips include Headphone
Central, Dear Time and Centers Made Simple. Center Focus is next, with ideas
that include Sequences, Puppets, Spin-and-Spell, etc. Lastly, a printable
certificate rewards good student work!
1ST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR GRADES 7 - 12:
http://educ.indiana.edu/cas/tt/v1i2/first.html
Learning about each other and breaking the ice-- this activity addresses this
topic in a creative manner, for middle and high school students and classes.
14 MORE GREAT ACTIVITIES FOR THE 1ST DAY OF SCHOOL:
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson073.shtml
A couple weeks ago we responded to a reader request for 1st day activities with
a site from Education World,
called 14 Great Activities for the 1st Day. Now they've added 14 more; take a
look!
IT'S A START!
http://www2.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Papers/Getting_started.html
Getting your class or course off to a rip-roaring start the first week,
motivating and challenging your students
to learn all year long-- or scattering, confusing, noisy chaos -- not a hard
choice! This paper from NCU examines critical issues we deal with in the first
week of classes, and how we might treat them to keep our classes focused and
enthusiastic throughout the year.
THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS:
http://uga.berkeley.edu/sled/bgd/firstday.html
The items covered in this article start with a firm grip on common-sense and
take on a strong organizational attitude, with good advice to keep you on-track
and in control.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT:
http://www.nea.org/helpfrom/growing/works4me/manage/behavior.html
Order, respect and trust in the classroom are the key issues addressed here, and
indeed, provide a good place to start. From noise control to safety issues to
transforming behavior, these suggestions are worth investigation before you run
into the problems!
11 TECHNIQUES FOR BETTER CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE:
http://users.aol.com/churchward/hls/techniques.html
These eleven techniques offer top-notch advice and methods. Be sure to take a
look!
DISCIPLINE AS A NEW TEACHER:
http://www.iloveteaching.com/discipline/index.htm
Advice and links to help you establish your own approach and practices.
TIME MANAGEMENT & CALENDARS:
http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/organization/orgtime.html
Many of you have asked for calendar suggestions. Not only will you find such
tips here, but also some good guidelines for managing your classroom time and
schedules!
ORGANIZING LEARNING:
http://www.nea.org/helpfrom/growing/works4me/organize/orglearn.html
You are thrown into the classroom with all good intentions, but the immediate
experience might be a bit daunting!
To help you out even before you set foot in the classroom, read some of the
numerous organizational tips offered here. Experienced teachers offer ideas for
lesson plans, grading, student organization, class participation, rewards,
keeping students busy... guaranteed to be useful and to help keep your class
running smoothly!
ATTENDANCE TIPS:
http://www.nea.org/helpfrom/growing/works4me/manage/attend.html
Also from the National Education Association, some tips to make the roll call a
smooth process.
NEW TEACHER'S GUIDE TO THE DEPT. OF EDUCATION:
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/TeachersGuide/
Be prepared to spend some time sifting through this vast site. You can also
download the file in PDF format; a copy of Adobe's Acrobat Reader is available
free on-site.
BULLETIN BOARD IDEAS:
http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/decor/fallbbs070699.html
I've received many requests for some great bulletin board ideas, so here you
go! This site is loaded with creative
suggestions from teachers, and has an archive at page bottom with 50 more past
offerings. >From the resourceful teachnet, they have also included several
photos of finished product bulletin boards for visual planning.
14 ACTIVITIES FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL:
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson074.shtml
We'll explore 1st day activities again later in August, but meanwhile, to
address a reader's request, here are some
great activities to break the ice! These ideas were sent in from teachers
around the world.
A LINK FOR TEACHERS
http://eho.org/
Eclectic Homeschool Online is a resource for parents teaching children at home.
This site is packed with information about all learning areas such as reading,
math, social studies.... If you're a homeschool parent or one looking to
supplement a child's education at home, there are many suggestions here.
A LINK TO CONSUMER ED
http://www.wa.gov/ago/youth/
Consumer Education for Kids is a site geared for teens. It's intended to help
teens become educated consumers.
A LINK FOR TEACHERS
http://www.indiana.edu/~eric_rec/fl/pcto/menu.html
Parents and Children Online Together is an online magazine with stories for you
to enjoy with your child.