Sight Words (Dolch Word List)

In light of the U.S. Education Secretary's recent push for tougher teacher training standards, many teachers are a bit defensive about being under an even sharper microscope.  For example, commenter Stuart candidly said:

"The last thing I need is for a know-nothing administrator lurking in my classroom and leaving comments about petty things that have absolutely nothing to do with teaching especially when many of these schmendricks have been out of the classroom for eons.

I have been teaching for 41 years and I do not need some one who was being toilet trained when I started teaching telling me my business."

While Stuart's viewpoint might have been expressed bluntly, I'm sure it echoes the concerns of many classroom teachers.  Do you think teachers need more rigorous standards to enter the profession and closer observation once on the job?  Would you welcome the scrutiny or resent it?

Blog Comment of the Week: "The last thing I need is for a know-nothing administrator lurking in my classroom..." originally appeared on About.com Elementary Education on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 10:55:24.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Everyone's feeling the economic pinch nowadays.  As teachers, we're used to having to make every dollar count.  Budgeting skills and a frugal nature are practically job requirements!

These money-saving tips for teachers offer practical ways that you can give your students the best opportunities to learn without having to dip too much into your own wallet.

I believe that effective teaching doesn't require fancy gadgets or prizes for good behavior.  How do you stretch your classroom budget?

Money-Saving Tips for Teachers originally appeared on About.com Elementary Education on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 16:40:16.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

There's a new trend in town: teachers selling their lesson plans online for cash.  It's controversial because one of the hallmarks of the teaching profession has always been the open sharing and collaboration between colleagues.  But proponents argue, "Why shouldn't I profit from the lessons I create?"  Many teachers use the funds they earn to buy much-needed supplies for their classrooms.

Would you consider selling your lessons for money?  What do you think of teachers who cash in on their intellectual property rather than share it freely with other educators?

Would You Sell Your Lesson Plans Online? originally appeared on About.com Elementary Education on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 10:26:49.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love how it's family-oriented, food-centric, and heavy on the gratitude for our individual and collective blessings. That's my kind of holiday!

So it comes naturally to me to bring my Thanksgiving enthusiasm into the classroom. My top way to spread the November cheer is through a variety of Thanksgiving writing activities:

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving lesson? I'd love to add to my November repertoire.

Thanksgiving Lesson Ideas originally appeared on About.com Elementary Education on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 12:38:40.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

So, we're a few months into the school year and let's face it - your classroom may be starting to look a little less than fresh, particularly when it comes to untidy student desks. Take this messy matter into your own hands with these proactive tips for helping your students straighten up their desks:

What are your most effective tips and tricks for keep student desks tidy?

How to Get Cleaner Student Desks originally appeared on About.com Elementary Education on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 03:45:52.

Permalink | Comment | Email this