iPad

I just bought an iPad and I love it. I am trying to add apps to it. Do any of you use your iPad or other technology in your classroom? Let me know your favorite apps.

Inspirational Quote

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.

-- Helen Keller

Timers

I went to this CST (Child Study Team) meeting the other day and we were coming up with ideas to help this student succeed in the classroom.  My idea was a timer that counts backwards so that the student can see how much time is left.  I suggested it because time can be a hard concept, but when asked to figure out how much time is left, can be even harder (especially for a 1st grader).  Here is what I am talking about.

Spammed!

So I went to log into the usual things and I have been spammed!  I had to change my personal email address and delete all of my contacts so that they would not get spammed!  This is not a great start to a 3-day weekend.  I hope it gets better.

Valentine's Day

So how did everyone's Valentine's Day go? Did you have a classroom party?  Were your students all full of sugar today?  Since I am a Resource teacher,  I do not have my own classroom party, but I did pass out valentines to all of my students.  

Today could have been worse.  It wasn't like the day after Halloween, so that was good.  Feel free to share your experiences!

President's Day Craft

I am not the most crafty person I know when it come to art  projects in the classroom.  But, I did come across this fun craft for President's Day.  In no way do I take credit for this idea.  I am simply sharing my find.  

Writing Prompts

Teachers are always looking to ways to increase interest in writing.  One way I do that, is through writing prompts.  If you keep the students interested in the topic then they are more likely to have fun and enjoy writing. Here are some fun prompts for you to use.  Feel free to add to the list.

• If I were in charge of the world...
• Last night I was locked in a Target store and...
• If I could create my own type of pizza, it would...
• I think school should end after recess because...

I also use fun looking outlines when I am teaching writing.  I have one that is a hamburger that I use and the students love it.  They hate the boring ones.  They always ask for the hamburger outline.

Teacher Resources

I love walking into another teacher's classroom and looking at all the different resources.  The funny thing is is that they are all different.  I have helped several teachers clean out their files and I love looking at what they have.  It is amazing to see what you never knew you didn't have.  

As teachers, we all know you can never have enough resources.  You also know that even if you don't need the resource now, you probably better save it because you are sure to use it at one point.  My rule of thumb is to only save the master copy.  You do not need fifty copies of the same thing.  It will just take up space.  Besides, if you make copies as you go for each unit, then you can make the amount you need and you don't waste all the extra paper.

What is your favorite resource you have found along the years?