Tuesday's Teaching Tip

Do you ever have students upset that their drawing (or other art) did not come out as well as they wanted?  Here is a tip for you. Read this book to your class.

Ish is a terrific book about being okay with your attempt and not needing it to be perfect. I model noticing my drawing {let's say a pig} doesn't look so good but saying, "Oh well, it looks pigISH." The kids really catch on to this and it seems to allow them to let go. I often hear them repeating the ISH remark to themselves.

Give it a try and let me know if it works as well for you as it does for me!

Tuesday's Teaching Tip

Do you make the most of your parent volunteers?
I have a sign by the door reminding them of possible tasks that often need doing.

I also have a bin by the door with projects to copy, laminate, etc. They have a sticky note with directions so they don't have to bother me. Yes, it takes a second to write down what you want but I barely ever make copies anymore and it saves SO much of my time not cutting and laminating!

There are many times a parent comes in, works for an hour silently, then waves  good-bye on the way out the door. I don't schedule parents at the same time. Have you ever shushed someone's talking and find out it was the parents?

Now I sound pretty mean but I also have parents scheduled at times to help with computer lab, art projects, science lab, etc where they can interact more with the kids.

On the other hand, I did have a parent washing my windows yesterday, so maybe I am mean. ;-)
{That sounds terrible but they were so dirty and we were putting artwork in them. Luckily it was a super cheery mom.}

Taming the Paper Mountain

Maybe you do this already, but the best thing I ever did to keep the paper mountain under control is to buy 2 Sterilite drawers and stack them. I bought the 12x12 size so I can fit in a little more like books or construction paper. I labeled one drawer for each day and the extra says next week. I also *try* to have copies done a week ahead so I never have to wait in line for the copier or get caught if it is down.
Simple but effective! I'd love to hear your best organizing tips!

No Name Papers No More

Are no name papers the bane of your existence? Then I have the tip for you. The trick is.......................

HIGHLIGHTERS! 
Before my students turn in ANYTHING they highlight under their name. I simply keep a cup of highlighters and pencils next to the turn in bin. When they go to highlight, they realize, "Oh, there is no name to highlight" and have to write it before they can highlight.

So simple but it works. I have had 0, you heard me Z-E-R-O no names so far this year!! 

I will have to admit I had to make a few rules around them.
1. No using every color to make a rainbow. Pretty but time consuming.
2. No coloring over your name. They sometimes did it so much I could hardly read the name.
3. Your name must be in pencil. "But I wrote it right there in yellow highlighter."

And that is my first Teacher Tip Tuesday!