How to Hook Your Students Instantly: the Anticipatory Set
When your students first walk into your classroom you have that instant to give them an impression of what you have planned for them for that day. You can hook…
How to Foster a Love of Reading in Your Students
Most teachers love to read. Actually, do any teachers not love to read something? I haven't met a teacher yet that didn't love to read. So if you are one,…
Lesson Plans and Curriculum: The Story of Complete Literature
A Rough BeginningWhen I started writing and teaching children's programs 25 years ago, the thought of having my own website with a lesson planning and curriculum line was not even…
How to Teach Productively Between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Teachers know it. Parents know it. Even the kids know it.The few weeks of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the toughest time of the school year. Except for maybe…
How Students Feel About Educational Technology
When you look online to see how students feel about educational technology, you will find all kinds of articles and information about whether or not it is effective, ways to…
Unique Classroom Ideas: Candy Cane Hunt
I am always trying to think outside of the box for my classes. I am determined not to give my students a chance to get bored. And for the most…
Are Shorter Class Periods Better for Students?
For some time now there has been a debate between block scheduling and shorter class periods. And there are excellent teachers and administrators on both sides. We all realize that…
Eleven Proven Ways to Prevent Boredom in the Classroom, Part 2
In my last article, I covered the first 5 of 11 proven ways to prevent boredom in the classroom. If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, just click…
Eleven Proven Ways to Prevent Boredom in the Classroom, Part 1
As teachers, we've all seen it. The glazed over, "I-couldn't-care-less," checked-out, bored look in the eyes of your middle schoolers. It would seem they are a pretty tough crowd to…
10 Excellent Techniques to Help Struggling Readers
Every middle school teacher realizes this within the first few days of their very first classroom. They have lots of great readers, and a few expert readers. And then they…