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9 Tips for Motivating Unmotivated Kids

October 22, 2016 by pathway2success 1 Comment

9 Tips for Motivating Unmotivated Kids Blog

Many kids and young adults struggle with motivation. These are the kids who are slow to start classwork, often don’t turn in homework, and may even refuse to attempt any assignment they view as a challenge. It can be extremely frustrating, especially because these students are often bright and capable in their own way. Here are some strategies you can use within your classrooms to help support their needs while still holding them accountable.

1. Keep your expectations high. Even when kids are struggling with finding motivation, you want to give the message that you expect greatness from them.

Give Choices2. Give choices. Allowing a choice in an assignment or task gives kids power and helps them feel more in control of what they are accomplishing. Choice can mean choosing between two different worksheets, choosing their own lab group, or choosing whether to write or type an assignment.  Consider finding a choice that fits a student’s individual strengths or interests. If a student isn’t motivated to write a research paper on a famous poet, allow them to present about their favorite musical artist. Instead of completing a lab report on cells, have your artistic student draw and label a diagram of a cell. It’s okay to think outside the box with this.

3. Allow accommodations when necessary. Simple accommodations, like a word bank, a calculator, or a word processor can help kids get in a better mindset for finishing a challenging task.

4. Talk to the student. Find out what is behind the lack of motivation to complete work in your class. Perhaps the student struggles with your content area, doesn’t understand the way you give directions, or is having some major issues at home. Talk privately and compassionately with the student and you can find out a lot.

5. Work out a plan. For students really struggling with getting tasks done in your class, try working out some incentives. Find out what the student would like to work towards – extra points on a quiz, a homework pass, or sitting in a special spot in your classroom. Then, make a plan so that your student can work towards earning that incentive. Maybe when he or she finishes homework for an entire week, they earn something special. Not only does this give the student something to work for, but it also helps build your relationship, too.

Motivation Workbook6. Work through motivation challenges together. Use this Motivation Workbook to teach about motivation, identify motivational challenges, and make a plan for success. Consider trying the Free Motivation Workbook Sampler which includes identifying what motivation is, understanding lack of motivation, strategies for improving motivation, and a motivation journal.

7. Talk to other adults who work with that student. Look for trends. Find out where the students does well and find out how you can replicate that in your class. For example, I worked with a student who did considerably better in his history class than his science class. With some investigating, I was able to notice that the science class lacked the same structure that his history class had. It was a simple thing to replicate once the teachers were made aware. Another important consideration is the time of day that the student is struggling. Is it in the morning when he or she didn’t get enough sleep? Or maybe around lunch time is challenging after being in a less structured social setting? These are just some examples of what you can consider.

8. Talk to parents. When you find yourself not making enough progress with your student, talk to his or her parents. Share what you have tried and see if there is anything at home the child can work for and if parents could talk to the child, too.

9. Keep your cool. It’s easy to get frustrated at kids who lack motivation but remember that they are just kids. There is often a reason why students won’t initiate tasks, even if we don’t know that reason at the moment. Take your time working with the student and show you are proud when you see progress – even just a little means baby steps in the right direction.

Filed Under: Behavior Management, Social Emotional Learning, Special Education, Study Skills, Teaching, Tips for Teachers

12 TpT Tips You Need to Know

July 2, 2016 by pathway2success 1 Comment

12 TpT Tips You Need to KnowYesterday marked my 2 Year Anniversary with starting Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) as a teacher-author. I really wanted to make a post to share some tips that have helped me be successful, but it actually turned into a therapeutic experience for me to look back on the experience as a whole.

I’m very serious when I say TpT has changed my life. I think back to when I got my first alert on my phone that I sold something. It seriously sold for 96 cents. I wasn’t even a Premium Seller at that that point yet, so my earnings were 28 cents. Yes, 28 cents! Yet those 28 cents would impact me (and my then boyfriend, now husband) more than words could say.

Hard work here on TpT really does pay off. I’m so grateful for this experience all the support of the entire community. So, here are some tips that I wish I knew about 2 years ago right from the start. And if anyone ever needs help, feel free to reach out! If you are interested in learning about becoming a TpT seller, feel free to read my free TpT Seller Guide or learn more about getting started (Note that these links do include an affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and start an account).

1. Embrace the TpT community. Get involved in the forums. Join some groups. I honestly cannot say enough positive things about you all here. You make everyone feel welcome and accept everyone with open arms. I love giving back by helping people in the forums. So, if you’re new, ask that question you’ve been thinking of! Don’t be shy – there are many sellers that are honestly happy to help you.

2. Focus on quality content. My best selling products are full of rich and robust content that is unique to my store. It takes more time and effort to complete, but the payoff is worth it. When I create something, I like to think, “Would I buy this?”. You are taking your own precious time and effort to make materials, so make nothing less than something amazing.

3. Keep your prices high. You are worth it! Don’t fall victim to thinking people will buy more if you way lower the price on an item. Charge what you truly believe it’s worth is. If it’s a great unique product, buyers will come.

4. Revisit your old products once in a while. It’s amazing how much and how quickly we grow as authors and designers. I just spend several days redesigning covers that I thought were amazing at one point. Since we continue growing, it’s important to take the time and check up on our older products to make sure they are up to par with our current materials.

5. Get on board with the bundles! I always say this is a win-win for both sellers and buyers. Not only do you sell more of your materials, but you are giving people a chance to get more for less.

6. Make the business investments you need to. You have to either think of this as a hobby or a business. Even if you’re just starting, it’s important to invest in what you need: clipart, fonts, computer programs, etc. Then, once you get going, consider other ways that will help your productivity like computer upgrades, Tailwind, having a logo designed, and more. I personally spend quite a bit on clipart and fonts every year. I don’t think of it as buying a new pair of shoes (even if it feels THAT good when you purchase). It’s a smart business investment that’s worth making.

7. Listen to the negative feedback. Some of my BEST products were created out of semi-negative feedback from buyers. Someone recently told me that one of my best selling items was “too basic”. I felt a mix of anger and heartbreak, especially considering all the positive feedback that item has gotten. But instead of ignoring it or feeding into negative emotions, I took that feedback into consideration and ended up making an entirely new (and more advanced) version of the product. A couple have already sold in just a couple days. So, always listen to your critics. They can give you your best ideas.

8. Invest in your brand. You should have seen my first logo that I made myself. It was horrendous and embarrassing. Having a professional logo and website (my website was JUST redone!) contribute to your image as a whole. I also recommend having a TpT designer do it for you- we have so much talent right here among us. Laine from A Little Peace of Africa has done mine and I highly recommend her!

9. Be open to new ideas. Sometimes my husband will tell me he thinks I should change something right after I put something up or think I’m “finished”. I honestly don’t want to hear that feedback, but he’s usually right. A fresh set of eyes can help give you new perspective on your products and store. Similarly, if you’re thinking of trying something new and innovative in your store, be brave. You’ll never know until you try it. Be open to new ideas, both with feedback from family/friends and your customers. We are always improving.

10. Think of your buyers as your friends. I actually learned this from a video I saw with Deanna Jump. It’s true. Your buyers and supporters are what keep you going. When someone has a question or problem, it should be extremely important to you. I do think it has helped me develop more repeat buyers and if nothing else, it’s the right thing to do.

11. Follow your passion! My BEST products have been created out of pure passion and excitement. I keep a list of ideas that I refer back to when I’m drawing a creative blank. Sometimes, though, I don’t even write an idea on the list. I get a new thought that I’m SO passionate about and start working right away. This actually just happened to me last week. When you are truly excited about a topic or project, the creativity just flows. It’s honestly the best feeling.

12. Know when to take a break. Most of us extreme-TpTers struggle with this, I think. I’m still working on it but luckily my husband keeps me in check (well, he tries to). You can’t accomplish everything in one day and if you get to a frustrating road block, sometimes it’s better just to start fresh the next day. Make sure to enjoy time with your family and still give yourself a break here and there.

Thank you all for these amazing 2 years. Dream big, work hard, and never give up!

Filed Under: Tips for Teachers

5 Ways to Maintain a Work-Life Balance as a Teacher

December 29, 2015 by pathway2success 3 Comments

5 Ways to Maintain Work-Life BalanceMany teachers struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I know I do. While it’s true that the majority of other jobs lend themselves to some work outside the 9-5 schedule, the life of a teacher is just different. There are a few big reasons why teaching so drastically impacts the work-life balance for educators. First of all, we’re dealing with the lives of children and young adults. Even when things are going well and we’re making good progress in our classrooms, we’re always thinking about those kids! Did that student really understand the lesson? Is this student making enough progress in reading? Is that student eating breakfast? The questions go on.

Also, there is always, always more work that can be done. No matter how many emails we read, another one pops up. The list of papers to grade almost never ends. And even when you have lessons planned perfectly for the week, there are always new ideas that come up.

Here are five simple ways to help maintain a good work-life balance in our world of education:

1. Leave e-mails at work

1. Leave e-mails at work

1. Leave the e-mails at work. Make a general rule that you won’t answer emails from home. That might mean you need to come in early or stay 20-30 minutes late each day, but that’s okay. It will make a huge difference in how much time you spend working each night. Another extra benefit is that it will reduce stress. We’ve all gotten that “hair on fire” emergency email from a parent at 8pm and have the need to head to the computer and write back right away. It would have been more beneficial to never have seen the email until the next morning. The truth is that it’s not an emergency and yes, the emails can truly wait.

2. Reduce your grading

2. Reduce your grading

2. Reduce your grading. There are a few ways you can accomplish less grading in your classroom. One way is to grade homework assignments for completion, rather than accuracy. Go around the room and check off who has the homework. Then, you can go ahead and review the homework as you wish. It becomes one less pack to take home. Another simple strategy is for students to grade their own papers. This also allows students to see their own mistakes as they go. Rubrics are also very helpful with reducing grading, because they make the grading process very clear. Students can even grade their own work before you see it and “double check” their grading.

 

3. Make dinner time sacred

3. Make dinner time sacred

3. Make dinner time sacred. Whether you have two or five in your family, dinner time should be something that is shared with the family. Make a general rule that work goes away once dinner hits the table. Let this be a relaxing and happy family time to chat about the day and what is going on in the world.

 

4. Find time for yourself

4. Find time for yourself

4. Find time for yourself. Schedule things you love doing into your week, so that they become a habit that you just can’t break. Whether it is daily reading, Zumba twice a week, or a weekly night out at a restaurant, make sure you incorporate such hobbies and activities into your everyday routine. It’s extremely beneficial to have something awesome to look forward to. Whatever you choose to do is also most likely going to reduce your stress levels, too. Even more, once you schedule these activities into your day or week, it really forces you to leave the work behind.

Talk

5. Let someone help you

5. Encourage a family member to keep you in check. Sometimes it’s easy to get lost in how much you are over-dedicating yourself to school/work. Talk to someone close to you about it, whether it is your spouse, best friend, brother, or mother. For me, this person is always my fiance. He can easily tell when I’m stressed with work and need a break, even when I am sometimes absolutely blind to it. Once you open up to someone, you can ask them to give you a polite hint when they think you are spending too much time at work or if you might need to put the computer away.

The work-life balance is always a struggle for teachers. We are tossed in many directions at once and we truly want to accomplish it all- that’s just our nature! It truly is in our best interest (and our students’ best interest!) to be well-rested, fresh, and ready-to-go for our students every single day. It’s okay if your work-life balance isn’t perfect yet, but let it always be something you’re striving towards.

Filed Under: Teaching, Tips for Teachers

De-stressing Tips for Teachers

December 4, 2015 by pathway2success 1 Comment

De-stressing Tips for TeachersTeaching is stressful. Mentally, physically, and emotionally, as teachers we give our all to our students and our profession. In addition to the hustle and bustle in our classrooms, many teachers have spouses, children, parents, and friends on our minds, too. We are pulled in many directions all at once and often put others first. It’s just part of the teacher mindset. This can take a huge toll on the well-being of educators over time. Here are some tips on how to de-stress and put yourself first for a change.

1. Revisit an old hobby. You really need to make the time for things you love doing, even when you think you don’t have the time. It could be as simple as reading, or a more specialized hobby like crocheting or playing guitar.

2. Find a workout routine you love. Research is very clear that physical exercise is one of the best ways to de-stress. It’s critical that you invest time into finding a workout routine that you really enjoy doing. One that makes you feel good. That might mean you’ll need to try out several different types of exercise before you find your thing- that’s okay. I remember about a year after I started teaching, I tried out the gym. I gave it a good try but it was more torturous going there than it was even worth. While some people love the gym, it just wasn’t for me. Luckily, soon after, I found yoga, which has seriously changed my life. It helps me stay fit while keeping my mind calm. Other teachers that I know love zumba or even jogging. It’s important to experiment and find what you love.

3. Spend time away from the computer. Sometimes we think that Facebook and Instagram is downtime, but we really need time away from screens and computers. Use that time reading a book, calling an old friend, or gardening. The time spent away from a screen will help you focus on yourself and destress over time. It will also make sure that you’re not over-checking your emails.

4. Pamper yourself. Consider getting your nails done, hair styled, or even getting a massage. As teachers, we love to help others and make others feel great. We need to make sure we do the same for ourselves!

5. Spend time getting organized. Much can be said for taking even just 15 minutes to reorganize your desk, calendar, and to-do list. A great tip given to me by a fellow teacher was to make tomorrow’s to-do list for the day before you leave. That will give you a sense of control over what has to happen the next day, and will give you a jump start when you get to your desk in the morning. Another option is to reconsider how you organize your plans, emails, or papers in your room. Try a new organization strategy that will put less work on  you in the long-run, such a bin for students to turn homework into or a folder/cubby for each student when work needs to be returned. It might not be relaxing while you are organizing, but it will provide you with a sense of calm and relaxation after.

6. Use a journal. Just writing about your day can help melt the stress away. Share with your journal or diary why you are stressed and how you feel. It’s an extremely positive outlet that no one else will see but you.

7. Use aromatherapy. Many scents can be extremely helpful in calming nerves and allowing you to relax. Use a plug in air freshener by your desk or light a candle at home. Lavender, jasmine, chamomile, and sandalwood are scents known to reduce anxiety and stress.

8. Draw and color. Research has recently shown that drawing for adults is similar to meditation. It might seem silly but there are even adult coloring books and free coloring materials you can find online.

Remember that what is relaxing for one, may not be for someone else. Experiment and really find what soothes your soul. You deserve it!

Filed Under: Teaching, Tips for Teachers

Starting Up on TpT

October 15, 2015 by pathway2success 1 Comment

Getting Started on TpTTeachers are creative. It’s part of our nature and what we do every single day to help kids learn best. That’s why becoming a seller on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT) can become a wonderful positive outlet for educators all over the world. I wish I had known about it years ago so I want to share my experience with others in hopes of inspiring someone along the way. Note: This page includes an affiliate link below, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and start a a new seller account.

Here is my own personal TpT story: In the summer of 2014, I was looking for alternative ways to earn extra money during the summer. I already tutored students but it was very limiting for me. Tutoring requires so much prep time (and yes, I’m one of the many teachers who prefer to over-prep than under-prep), so I was looking for other options. In addition, I was also seeking some type of teacher support community. I had just finished my Master’s degree and missed connecting with other teachers from all around. When I stumbled upon a link to Teachers Pay Teachers, I figured I might as well give it a try.

I made some quick freebie products and uploaded them. They were not anything special, but I learned that I really enjoyed making products and being creative. I explored the TpT site, eventually finding the TpT seller forums. These forums are the go-to place for sellers where you can ask and learn just about anything and everything. I realized I had found my community of teachers!

As a few weeks went by, I continued adding more and more products. I tried to think what other teachers could use in their classrooms to help them in the upcoming school year. Not long after, I got my first sale. I couldn’t believe it- someone actually purchased items that I myself created for other teachers! Of course, this only motivated me more. I worked tirelessly creating more and more products. It became a bit of an obsession – one that I absolutely loved! Ever since that point, TpT has been an integral part of my whole life. TpT encourages me, inspires me, and helps me grow as an educator.

Best of all, anyone can start as a seller on Teachers Pay Teachers. It’s free to start, fun to learn, and encouraging with a positive community of other teachers behind you along the way. Here are just some of my favorite reasons why being a TpT seller is such a unique and amazing experience:

  • You become a better teacher. Making new educational products help you stay on the forefront of what’s working in education. Both by creating new products and seeing the products of other sellers, you are immersed in teaching ideas, curriculum, and strategies on a constant basis.
  • Creating new products helps your creativity flow. This helps you create great new materials that others will purchase, but the creativity also overflows into your own classroom.
  • TpT is a community. You will meet the most amazing, creative, and kind teachers who will support and encourage you along the way.
  • You earn extra cash. While this isn’t the only (or main) reason for many TpT sellers, it’s fair to say that earning some extra cash for your efforts is a huge plus! First it will be coffee money, then shoe money and school supplies, and eventually (with LOTS of hard work and time) you might even be paying your rent or mortgage.
  • You become a mentor to newer sellers. There is such a special feeling about helping new teacher-authors and really giving back to the community. With the TpT seller forums, you are always able to be a support to sellers just beginning their journey even soon after you’ve started your own.
Fullscreen capture 9202015 75658 PM-001

Free TpT Seller Guide

If you haven’t started yet, you need to try! First, sign up for a TpT account. Then consider checking out my free TpT Seller Tips & Tricks Guide that will help you find success as a TpT seller. Whether you are completely brand new to the idea of Teachers Pay Teachers, or you’ve recently started and need some tips, this guide can help. I’m also always willing to help support new sellers with questions, thoughts, and ideas along the way. Remember that here at TpT we are a community and we are capable of great things together!

 

Filed Under: Tips for Teachers

Why It’s Okay to Reduce Homework

September 11, 2015 by pathway2success 3 Comments

Why It's Okay to Reduce HomeworkAs teachers, we all want our students to learn, practice skills, and thrive. Time is certainly limited in our classes. Even critical academic time gets interrupted with so much from assemblies, to guest speakers, and even standardized assessments themselves. So, homework often seems to be a great way to get kids to practice those skills we have taught. It’s a deceiving idea, though. There is substantial research that extra homework is NOT the answer to getting children and young adults to learning more. In fact, sometimes overdoing the homework can have a pretty negative result, overflowing to the home and school the next day. Here are some thought provoking reasons why it is okay to reduce the homework.

Not All Kids are Created Equal – For some students, doing homework might be fairly quick. I know several students who enjoy homework, even. It comes easy to them and they can finish with their assignments within an hour of getting home. For other students, though, that same homework is a significant and painful challenge. Students with reading disabilities and weaknesses may struggle with just reading the directions. Children without access to computers or technology may lack the ability to find information online or access websites. Kids with limited attention may sit for 30 minutes and only get one problem done. Since not all kids are created equal, it seems insane to assign homework that is a one-size-fits-all. Simply put, kids who struggle are going to need less.

Home Time is Important – Working families are so busy. Parents come home, do chores, and start dinner. Time is really so limited to spend with kids. Consider that single hour left before bed time. Do you really want the only family time being used struggled with homework? While this could serve as family time, in many families it is probably more important for children to sit with their parents and talk, watch the news, or play a board game together.

Kids are Busy, Too – Children and young adults are so busy with their own activities that homework is often quite a struggle to fit in. Some who disagree with this mentality might say that academics should come before sports. It’s true! That is why kids spend six or seven hours a day in a school learning. It’s extremely important to a child’s social, emotional, and academic well-being to be involved outside of school in all sorts of ways. This might include sports, music, drama, dance, and a variety of other extracurrricular activities. Of course we want our kids to be academically solid learners, but we also want them to be well-rounded individuals who can balance all aspects of their lives.

Homework is About Practice, Not Endurance – Imagine doing the same type of math problems over and over again thirty times. It gets old pretty quickly! At some point, it becomes only a race for endurance and no longer practicing the actual skill. So many kids burn out this way. Reducing homework to a minimum, though, is one simple way to get around this. You can still provide the practice and allow for independence while keeping the work to a reasonable level.

These points are not at all to say that some homework is not helpful- it is! Homework, in moderation, can help children and young adults practice skills, learn their weaknesses and strengths, build confidence, and come to class the following day prepared to ask questions and get necessary support. However, some points need to be remembered when you do in fact assign homework.

1. Give homework as practice, not a graded assessment. Homework should not be graded for accuracy. This is the time when kids should be practicing the skills. They should feel free to try new things and take risks. It’s perfectly find if students come to class with homework that is wrong, as long as they made a genuine effort. Homework should aid in the learning process and be a tool to help teachers guide instruction. It shouldn’t serve as an assessment.

2. Homework should be independent work. Some students have extremely supportive homes with parents available to sit with their children through the homework. Others simply do not, for a variety of reasons. The reasons really aren’t important. What is important is that homework shouldn’t need to be something a child does with their parent. The ultimate goal is that homework is done independently. If the homework is too challenging for a student to do on their own, consider changing that student’s assignment or the homework entirely.

3. Accommodate or modify for your struggling learners. The students needing specialized instruction or intervention support in specific subjects will need different and lower level assignments to help them through. As stated above, since not all kids are created equal, it’s impossible to think that a student reading two grades below grade level should be able to read and complete the same passage as someone reading on grade level or above. Consider your learners and allow differentiation. It’s also an important lesson for the kids to learn that sometimes what is fair doesn’t mean exactly the same.

4. Make homework meaningful. If you assign homework, you should definitely give time to go over problems, provide extended examples, and allow students to ask questions. Show students that the homework assignments are extensions of your learning during the day.

5. Be comfortable assigning just a few questions or problems. Sometimes teachers feel like they have to assign twenty or thirty questions for a homework assignment. If the goal is some practice to see if students really understand a skill or idea, just a few problems will often do.

6. If a student is struggling, ask them why. Recently, I had a student who was not completing any math assignments. When I talked to her about her lack of homework, she told me that the math was too challenging for her and she lost her calculator. What an easy fix! I immediately gave her what she deemed to be a “fancy” calculator. Within a week, her math work was caught up and her confidence zoomed through the roof. The lessons here is that if you have a student who is not turning in homework, talk to him or her personally. Find out why. It will give you so much insight to the student’s life and give you ideas for how you can help him or her along the way.

As the school year rolls on by, remember that homework is just one small part of the big equation. Students who are in our classrooms and schools are there for several hours each day. Homework should help reinforce skills, encourage independence, build confidence, and encourage questions for upcoming classes so that students are even more ready to learn. Always come back to these core principles with homework and you can’t go wrong.

If you are a parent struggling with homework completion at home, or a teacher who wants to help parents with this, consider the Parent Homework Helper to save you some time.

Filed Under: Back to School, Behavior Management, Classroom Management, Special Education, Study Skills, Tips for Teachers

Back to School Planning Tip #1: A Positive Classroom Climate

August 20, 2015 by pathway2success 2 Comments

My number 1 tip for teachers as we plan to head back into the classroom is my favorite thing most of all. It’s all about developing a positive classroom climate that fosters respect, understanding, and an environment that encourages learning in the most open way.

#1 Setting Up A Positive Classroom Climate: There are several reasons why it’s smart for teachers to spend a little extra time helping to grow their positive classroom climates early in the year. The main reason is probably that a positive climate means less behavioral problems. If all students feel listened to and accepted, you will be able to spend more time teaching and less time putting out fires. Also, a positive climate really allows for students to take risks. In turn, this just means kids will be more open and willing to learn. What teacher doesn’t absolutely love when they see that reserved student stepping outside their comfort zone? With a great classroom climate, it can happen.

One simple step to developing a positive climate is arranging your room with lots of positive reminders. Simple posters of encouragement can go a long way. You can make them into a bulletin board or just have them arranged around the room. Don’t only have them up on the walls, though. Use them during teachable moments. For example, you might say, “I really like how I saw Sam help Greg pick up his papers when they fell on the ground, even though it meant they were last to get in line. That is doing the right thing.” Then, you can point to a poster that highlights doing the right thing. Many kids will see and hear this and want to step up to the plate to do the same.

Classroom Posters with Meaningful Messages

Classroom Posters with Meaningful Messages

Another strategy is to make sure you encourage and reward kindness and courtesy for others. Have special kindness slips or student shout-outs in a spot in the room. Teach that kids can fill these forms out to record and give credit when they see someone doing something nice. Kids might fill them out when someone loans them a pencil, someone helps them on a math problem, asks them to play outside at recess. It’s up to you whether or not you want to give tangible rewards for this, such as a weekly or monthly drawing for a special prize or privilege. You don’t even have to give any specific rewards, though. Just make sure you spend time reading and giving credit to those who are kind to others.

Teaching Classroom Kindness

Giving lots of group, partner, and collaboration time among peers is also so critical. Rearrange groups frequently so that ALL students learn to work together. Have it be part of the routine that groups switch up on a regular basis. The goal is that all students in your classroom not only work together as classmates, but function as a family. When you have a class that functions in this way, it really makes the learning community such a positive place for all kids (and adults)!

Check out my all my back to school planning tips:

  • #1 Back to School Planning Tip: Making a Positive Classroom Climate
  • #2 Back to School Planning Tip: Getting to Know You Activities
  • #3 Back to School Planning Tip: Instructional Planning
  • #4 Back to School Planning Tip: Getting Organized
  • #5 Back to School Planning Tip: Bulletin Boards

Filed Under: Back to School, Classroom Management, Tips for Teachers

Back to School Planning Tip #2: Getting to Know You Ice Breakers and Activities

August 9, 2015 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

Getting to Know YouThe beginning of the school year is such a fun and exciting time for kids. They are seeing old friends while meeting new ones. Use this time of excitement to help your students get to know each other while you are learning about them. This brings me to my number two back to school planning tip. It’s all about setting the stage with those getting to know you activities. There are a variety of ways you can incorporate getting to know you activities with your new students.

One simple and fun idea is to play “Two Truths and a Lie” with your whole class. Pass out index cards to each student or have students pick them up on the way into the classroom. Tell students to write two interesting facts that are true on the card along with one thing that is not true. You can give examples, like visiting different locations, playing sports, favorite music or bands, professions of their parents, and so on. The options are really endless for what kids can write. Then, have each student read their list to the class and have everyone vote on which they thought was untrue. It is so fun because many times the facts about each student really surprise the others in the class. Another way to modify this game is to have students turn their cards in to the teacher. The cards are shuffled and passed back out randomly. Each student will read someone else’s card. The class then tries to  guess whose card it might be. Again, it’s so exciting watching the kids begin to interact and learn about each other. Best of all, this activity can be done at almost any grade level and with no materials at all.

"Spotlight on Me" Mini-book

“Spotlight on Me” Mini-book

For young grades, “All About Me” activities are tons of fun. Kids love sharing their age, favorite foods, hobbies, who they live with, their pets, and all about their life. It can become a fun beginning of the year project to make a “Spotlight on Me” Mini-book that lets kids share about themselves. Once your students are done making their minibooks, give time for students to share them either in small groups or with the whole class. Presentations like this early on in the school year not only build confidence but a real sense of community and belonging.

Getting to Know You - For Middle and High School Kids

Getting to Know You – For Middle and High School Kids

Middle and high school kids often don’t like to share their life stories with the whole class, so sometimes you need a different approach with them. For these grade levels, you should still give time for your kids to tell you about themselves, just in a more private way. Written questionnaires are a great way to let students share how they learn, what they are curious about in your particular class, and what they will need help in. You can even incorporate this as a homework writing assignment. Give your students class time and beyond to write a letter to you about themselves.

However you approach these activities, make sure you make time for getting to know you activities and ice breakers. It’s important to set the stage for positive connections early on so you can have a great year all around. Make sure to come back for my number 1 back to school planning tip!

Check out my all my back to school planning tips:

  • #2 Back to School Planning Tip: Getting to Know You Activities
  • #3 Back to School Planning Tip: Instructional Planning
  • #4 Back to School Planning Tip: Getting Organized
  • #5 Back to School Planning Tip: Bulletin Boards

Filed Under: Back to School, Tips for Teachers

Back to School Planning Tip #3: Instructional Planning

August 1, 2015 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

It’s so important to have a guideline of several topics, resources, and curriculum components you’d like to incorporate this year. Is there something you’ve always wanted to teach but don’t have time to find it once the year starts? Summer is the perfect time to go back and evaluate what you teach and how you teach it.

Best of all, now is the PERFECT time to shop and find great materials you’ll want for the rest of the year. Teachers Pay Teachers is having their a back to school sale on August 3rd and 4th. Many teacher sellers list their materials at 20% off. With the extra TpT discount, you can get materials for up to 28% off.

TPT Back to School SALE!

TPT Back to School SALE!

Here are some materials I am checking out for the upcoming school year:

  • No prep printable worksheets – I like to have some morning work that I can just print off, copy, and give to kids. This is also a lifesaver for sub plans. It’s always nice to have extra worksheets that you know your students haven’t done before. I like to save a packet of them behind my desk for those days when I need something extra to assign. With many of the no prep worksheets, you know the material is still great information that the kids are learning, you just skip out on all the prep work yourself. It’s a win-win.
  • Teacher binder and calendar – In past years I’ve purchased my own teacher binder and desk calendar at a dollar store over the summer. But TPT has some amazing teacher binders and calendars with everything already in them. Many of them come with classroom forms and they can be editable so you can revise them throughout the year as needed.
  • Back to School “Getting to Know You” Materials – The first days back can be a little scary. They are full of so much uncertainty! I LOVE having extra back to school activities, worksheets, and coloring activities that we can do as a group when extra time allows. It can be a great time to build bonds and learn about each other without giving that dreaded downtime on one of the first days.
  • Nonfiction Reading Passages – I can never have enough of these! Nonfiction can be extremely high interest for struggling readers. The key is having a wide variety of topics and being able to choose what you need. Nonfiction reading often leads to  great discussions, research, and writing, too. It opens the door for so much.

Good luck shopping and finding everything you need. It’s so wonderful to find it and check it off the list before school comes around. Keep watching for my number 2 back to school planning tip!

Check out my all my back to school planning tips:

  • #2 Back to School Planning Tip: Getting to Know You Activities
  • #3 Back to School Planning Tip: Instructional Planning
  • #4 Back to School Planning Tip: Getting Organized
  • #5 Back to School Planning Tip: Bulletin Boards

 

Filed Under: Back to School, Tips for Teachers

Back to School Planning Tip #4: Getting Organized

July 23, 2015 by pathway2success Leave a Comment

Back to School Planning Getting Organized

Once the year gets going, it’s very difficult to slow down and make sense of things. You need to have a system from the start before you hit the ground running. That’s what brings me to my fourth critical back to school planning area: Getting organized.

There are so many elements to consider about being organized and how you want your classroom system to work. This includes turning papers in, students who are absent, classroom forms, class jobs for students, planning your lessons, and more.

Binders for Organization

Binders for Organization

First, get several binders ready to get organized. These are binders for the teacher (not the student). Use the binders to store specific materials and information you’ll need on the spot. Start with a professional development binder, a student information binder, a parent contact binder, a substitute binder, and a lesson planning binder. Using some simple and cheap dividers, you can split each of those binders to reflect the information that is most important and relevant to you. Most importantly, label your binders! Then, you can keep them near your desk or in an area that you’ll have access to in a moment’s notice. When you contact a parent, you’ll have a spot to jot that down in your parent contact binder. When you have a staff meeting, you’ll have a spot to store those handouts given by your administrator. Use them in the best way that works for you.

 

Use bins to organize anything

Use bins to organize anything

Another simple and cheap organization tip is to buy lots and lots of bins. You can find them at any store, including dollar stores. They may vary in size, shape, and color, but their purpose is the same. These bins will help you keep tidy and organize everything in your classroom – colored pencils, markers, books, magazines, flash cards, and prize bin rewards.

Some other class organization specifics to consider include:

  • How do you want students to turn their work in? A special bin by your desk or in the back of the room means no extra work for you collecting papers. Make it part of the class routine from the start.
  • How will absent students get their work? You can have an “absentee helper” take extra papers for the absent students, write their names on it, and keep in a special spot. Alternatively, you could just add the days extra papers to a bin. Again, make sure it’s the routine that students know to get those pages from the bin on their own when they come back.
  • Consider what classroom jobs, if any, you want to implement this year. Classroom jobs for kids help the class run smoother without you having to do every task. It also promotes a sense of responsibility for students. Some jobs include: homework checker to check off students with assignments, computer helper to set up technology, class librarian to organize books, class veterinarian if you have a  class pet, absentee helper to make sure absent kids get their work the next day, and keeper of the pencils, who will pass out an extra pencil from the pencil bin to students without a writing utensil.
  • How do you envision your lessons to span across the year? Get a calendar and map out what skills you want to teach to students in each month. Even if it’s a rough estimate, a monthly lesson planning calendar will help you stay on track with lessons.

Getting organized is a critical step. Even if you just get a foundation of organization down, it can help the whole year round. I hope all the teachers out there are enjoying their back to school planning. Stay tuned for my third tip for back to school planning coming up soon!

Check out my all my back to school planning tips:

  • #2 Back to School Planning Tip: Getting to Know You Activities
  • #3 Back to School Planning Tip: Instructional Planning
  • #4 Back to School Planning Tip: Getting Organized
  • #5 Back to School Planning Tip: Bulletin Boards

 

 

Filed Under: Back to School, Classroom Management, Tips for Teachers

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⭐ Kristina Scully
💖 SEL & Executive Functioning
💻 Blogger at www.thepathway2success.com
👩‍🏫 Curriculum Specialist
🏫 10 Year Special Ed Teacher

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