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Back to School Tips for Teachers

Jennifer Wagaman — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:12:09 +0000

It may still be early in summer vacation, but it’s not too early to be thinking about preparing to go back to school. The preparation process is slightly different if you are a new teacher, but basically, the process is the same.

First, create or tweak your classroom management plan. This is important because only when your students are obeying the rules and on task will great learning take place in the classroom. If you are a returning teacher, think about what worked and what did not work, and find something new to add to your classroom management plan. It may also be helpful to become familiar with individualized behavior plans.

Second, create a curriculum map or review previous lesson plans. If the curriculum is new, a curriculum map will cut down on lesson planning time during the first quarter. If the curriculum is not new, reviewing the first few weeks worth of lesson plans will help prepare you for the new year.

Here are some more great tips for preparing for the first day of school.

Online Games for Kids

Jennifer Wagaman — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:39:16 +0000

There is a great wealth of information online for kids to have fun while learning. Spending some supervised time on the Internet over the summer can be a great resource for preparing to go back to school. While Internet safety is vital, the fun games and activities found online can provide excellent educational tools while kids play and have fun.

Here is an article that outlines two great sites for parents and even teachers to take some time to check out. Back to School Online Games

The Importance of Summer Tutoring

Jennifer Wagaman — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:16:02 +0000

Summer tutoring can be a fight in many households. Students who do not want to continue to go to school through their summer break may fight and complain but for some children, it is the best option the parents have for helping them with their school work.

Some children do not need to worry about the “summer slide” because they are quick to remember and begin gaining ground again in the fall. Other children slide further than they are able to catch back up in a short period of time in the fall and need additional help over the summer. Still other children need extra help over the summer to be on grade level in the fall because they struggled through the school year.

Students who have specific learning disabilities have the biggest need for the additional help of summer tutoring. Find out more about who needs summer tutoring.

Spring Break

Jennifer Wagaman — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:10:40 +0000

The closer you get to spring break, the more excited the students and the teachers are. That last day before spring break might as well be the day before Christmas or the day before summer break, and the students are not ready to pay attention and learn anything else.

Teachers, you do not have to fight your students to get them to pay attention! Make changes in your routine in order to keep your students in line and get through the day. Some ideas include:

Extra recess at the end of the day for good behavior (this will end the day early!)
Play educational games
do an art project or other different activity that will keep their attention

Need more ideas? Check out What to Teach the Day Before Break

While you’re at it, get ready for that first day back from break with Activities for Students After Holiday Break

Have a great spring break!