Joke of the Week

From Cate, age 9, Charlottesville, Virginia

What is Uncle Sam's favorite snack?

Fire Crackers!

I Love That Teaching Idea!

Late one night while working searching the internet, I came across this website. http://www.ilovethatteachingidea.com/index.htm I chose this site for my next blog because it's filled with practical teacher-created ideas. You, the teacher/provider, are able to search various topics and gain ideas from other teachers. Do you have a tip or favorite lesson plan/idea? If so, you can submit and post your idea too.

Not only can you search curriculum ideas, but also classroom management, character education, and tips for holding class meetings. Do you include service learning within your classroom? There are many suggestions for that too.

A word of caution…do not assume all ideas are developmentally appropriate. Use your own judgment as to what suggestions would be best for your situation. Note: This website is mostly for teachers/providers with children grades K-6.

The Teacher's Guide

The next website on the list for sharing to you is http://www.theteachersguide.com/ I chose this website because it is full of resources for lesson plans, thematic units, book activities, and teacher freebies.

There's a most popular section where you can quickly link to popular (categorized) sites such as Lesson Plans, Thematic Units, Children's Songs, Book Activities, Teacher Store, and Teacher Created. Or check out the 'Just for Teachers' section. You'll find links for Teaching Supplies, Teacher Organizations, Prof. Development, Job Search, and Teacher Magazines. In need of some FREE STUFF? There is a link for that too.

If you're looking more for education resources you'll find links for Class Management, Schools and Violence, Education Psychology, Education Reform, Education Funding, and Dept of Education.

You'll also see many links to other resources as well. I find it useful that there is a calendar with important dates and also a teacher's store if you're looking for items to purchase. This website is created by teachers, for teachers.

Kids' Wings

You may have noticed that I haven't posted for a while. With the holidays, come a packed schedule and Jan. brings the beginning of a new semester at DCTC. Now that I've settled in once again, I'd like to let you know about a website called Kids' Wings. "Kids' Wings was created by educators for educators who care deeply about bringing the best to children."

You can visit Kids' Wings at http://suzyred.com/ I have chosen this website because as I explored deeper and deeper into the website, I found it was a wealth of quick resources! On the homepage, you'll see many different 'rooms.' There's a room for everyone! You can sing in the Music Room, clarify your writing in the Writing Room, multiply your mathematical success in the Math Room, gain inspiration and tools in the Teacher Workroom and there is even a Joke Room! Oh, and of course, the kids' favorite: the Recess Room (filled with Games).

In the music room, I have to admit, my favorite song is The ING Song. What a great learning tool! Some of the songs even have the actual music to listen too.

Make sure you have time to stop in for Recess and check out...Optical Illusions and Visual Phenomena. Wow! School-agers will get a kick out of the Guess My Number Game.

There are MANY links to resources throughout this website! If you're looking for some added fun, curriculum boost, or just something new...please visit http://suzyred.com/.