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Blog: Ed Tech Today

Clicker Crazy!

Its official. I have gone Clicker Crazy! I have found ways to incorporate the clickers~ or remote control keypads as they are known in my school district~ into all kind of activities. These remote controls allow students to punch in answers electronically~ and the results are posted on the overhead screen. For instance~ the class answers a math problem~ punching in either the number or choosing a mutliple choice answer~ and then the screen shows what percent of the class got the...

Blog: Ed Tech Today

Women's History Month-Learn about...

I developed plays based on the To Tell the Truth Game Show on several of our First Ladies. Perhaps~ you may find them useful to use with your students during this month which highlights the contribution of women.Go here to download(free) the following plays: http://www.gailhennessey.com/index.shtml?plays.html


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Blog: Ed Tech Today

Classroom Accountability!

Most teachers have heard of a token economy classroom. Many variations are out there based on this very principle. I personally find a simple form of this idea to be rewarding for the students~ but more importantly~ for me. This is how I set up my classroom environment: First~ I begin with contacting local banks to donate a class set of blank check registers and checkbook covers. Second~ the students use sticky foam letters to place their name on their...

Blog: Ed Tech Today

A Novel Idea!

I have an idea I want to share. I don't know about you~ but as an educator I have sometimes sat in professional development trainings and wondered how the training applied to my classroom. I have also wondered how much my school district might be spending to bring in these trainers~ some of whom may haven't been in an actual classroom in years.

How about this: school districts use professional development days to allow educators to come together and share their best practices....

Blog: Ed Tech Today

John Glenn~ First American to Orbit the...

Whenever astronaut John Glenn left on a mission as a fighter pilot~ he'd tell his wife~"Well~ I'm going down to the corner to buy some chewing gum". He said the same thing on Feb.20~ 1962~ when he left to board the Mercury capsule~ on a mission to orbit the Earth~ In a 9 1/2 by 6 ft. space...

Blog: Ed Tech Today

Keep'em Moving!

Movement. I think it defines my classroom for most of the day. I have students take a stand when debating. They stand to answer questions or play games. They stand and perform movements when singing chants. When they get an answer correct~ they come up to the front of the room and jump a few times on the trampoline. Keeping youngsters moving just makes sense. Expecting children to sit still in a room all day is a recipe for disaster. Using movement purposely in your teaching does a few...

Blog: Ed Tech Today

Don't Forget the Tunes!

Noise level is something we have to control every second in our classroom. It can't be too noisy, or others will be bothered, including the teacher next door. I was always conscious of my class's noise level so I didn't become a nuisance. It is never much fun to hear the "Wow, your class must have been really excited about something today" line from your partner across the hall.

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Blog: Ed Tech Today

Money Saving Strategies for Schools

Editor's Note: This week's Pulse blog comes from Fatima Haris~ an educator in Pakistan.

Less is More

It is very important that we reduce our expenses in schools. Instead of the fancy soft board displays~ we can use recycled material. In my school~ the same displays are rotated on different floors so that cost is cut down while maintaining the quality. There is no compromise on the quality of service rather more time and energy is spent on each child...

Blog: Ed Tech Today

Learning at the Carpet

Many teachers believe that teaching from the carpet is a practice that should end after Kindergarten. The argument is that the students should practice self-control and be able to learn from their seats. In the real world, adults are not able to sit down on the floor to work. My view is that these teachers are correct. But, I am not teaching adults in the workplace. I am teaching children, who do not have the same level of concentration or maturity that an...

Blog: Ed Tech Today

Happy Presidents' Weekend-Fun...

John Quincy Adams brought his pet alligator to the White House He also liked to skinny deep in the Potomac River. A reporter once sat on his clothes until he gave her an interview! John F. Kennedy was the first president to have been a Boy Scout James Garfield was the first president to be left- handed AND could write with both hands(and different languages at the same time-Greek and Latin) George Washington was a spelunker, loved searching in caves. Presidents' Weekend is almost here. I...

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