The Lesson Machine Magazine

Innovation Goes Mainstream: Reflections from Sean Banville

Fourteen years ago, a student at my college asked to use ‘the computer’. His next question stumped me. “How do you turn it on?” I failed in my attempts to help him. How was I to know the power button on the Apple Mac was on the keyboard? I was an EFL teacher! I made [...]

Classroom Advent Calendar on the Cheap

As December approaches, many teachers are looking for ways to celebrate the Christmas holiday that keep both classroom discipline and budget in check. An advent calendar is one way to do that, provided you select affordable rewards and activities. Here is a way to incorporate a traditional holiday advent calendar into your current classroom routine, [...]

Physical Education: Seven Pieces of Equipment for a Frugal Program

With tight budgets and position cuts the norm in many school districts, physical education often ends up being on the classroom teacher’s list of responsibilities. How do you implement a sustainable physical education program without diverting valuable classroom budget dollars on supplies? Here are seven simple suggestions to get you started. Hula hoops. Great for using with [...]

10 Free Resources for Learning and Technology Professionals

There are many free resources online designed to help learning and technology practitioners design curriculum, plan lessons, advance their career, and engage students in the learning experience. This article by Karen Schweitzer offers a list of 10 free resources to explore: TED – This non-profit organization is dedicated to “Ideas Worth Spreading.” Each year, TED hosts an [...]

Stick Man: A Winter Holiday Book Review

Stick Man, a new release by Scholastic, is out this season for holiday enjoyment. Created by Julie Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this seasonal rhyming tale tells the story of a stick man who is taken accidentally from his family tree by a well meaning pooch. One mishap after another takes him farther away from home. [...]

Truce: A Book Review

Jim Murphy and Scholastic have teamed up to provide an engaging historical Christmas narrative for intermediate level readers. Teachers of nine-twelve year olds looking to incorporate a real life holiday story with their studies of World War I may want to take a look. Read on. Synopsis: In Truce, Newbery honor author Jim Murphy tells the true [...]

Crow Call: A Book Review

Two time Newbery Medalist Lois Lowry takes her first stab at a picture book in Crow Call, published by Scholastic. This title for primary grades features a young girl’s first memory of a big outing with her father, a man who had previously been a stranger to her due to a long war time absence. The [...]

How To Work Around Paper and Copy Limits: Guest Post from Tom DeRosa

Teachers are used to working with limited resources, but few issues impact your daily instruction as much as limits on paper, the number of copies you can make, or both. In my career, I’ve dealt with all three. There were schools with strict copy quotas per teacher or department, overworked machines that broke down weekly, [...]

Free Classroom Fitness Program for Teachers

Trying to find time to honor any type of fitness program in the classroom when PE has been virtually stripped from your school’s curriculum? Lucky to fit in one group activity per week along with all of the unexpected assemblies, special ed integration consults, math reviews and more? Kathy Kaehler, healthy living expert and personal [...]

Walt Whitman: Words for America

Written by Barbara Kerley. Illustrated by Caldecott honor artist Brian Selznick. Published by Scholastic Press. First Impressions A perfect picture book for older children just getting introduced to the life and works of Walt Whitman. This book looks like a present at first glance, with its gilded lettering, cut-out picture frame and Robert F. Sibert silver award [...]

Pancakes for Supper: A Book Review

Written by Caldecott honor book author Anne Isaacs, this pioneer themed tale is set in the American wilderness. This Scholastic Press title is boldly illustrated by Mark Teague. PERKS Opportunities for student story predictions. These exist each time the main character, Toby, meets a new forest animal. Since she trades one item of her winter gear for her [...]

Guest Post from Karen Schweitzer: 20 Professional Development Resources for Teachers

For most teachers, education doesn’t end when a degree is earned. The teaching profession demands continuing education, and in certain cases, advanced education. Fortunately, there are many online resources that can help teachers with professional development. Here are 20 resources for educators to explore: NCATE – The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredits [...]

Back to School Ideas for the Classroom: What to Do for the First Day

We all scramble every school year to find balance between getting our classroom management and discipline procedures up and running and providing those first day of school activities that go the extra mile in style. This article covers both in detail. Last year, I wrote an article on strategies to start the school year off right. [...]

Inexpensive Classroom Supplies for Teachers on a Budget

Times are tight for schools everywhere. Teachers who do have a classroom supplies budget with their school or PTO are needing to pare things down as much as possible. Most are still dipping into their own monies to make ends meet in the classroom. With the economy as sluggish as it is, purchasing classroom supplies [...]

Free Middle Eastern Studies Resource: The Doha Debates

Those educators serving junior high through high school students who are looking for a quality media resource to study Middle East issues and current events have a fantastic freebie available to them at the click of a button. Read on. The Doha Debates, carried regularly on CNN, have a web site of their own. What’s great [...]

Fundraising without buying cookie dough or magazines for yourself!

Okay, how many of us have bought an extra magazine subscription we don't need, cookie dough for the freezer, cheese cakes, gift wrap that gets tucked away and forgotten, oh, the list goes on! Here are some fundraising ideas that come from things you already are buying for your home. The school needs to set up accounts and then have collection areas. Capri sun juice pouches- Capri sun has a great program right now- save the juice pouches and send them in in packs of 100. Each pouch is worth 2 cents and they reuse them and make backpacks, bags, binders, pencil bags. Your school will need to set up a collection bin in the lunchroom and have someone that is in charge of counting

Generate less trash in the cafeteria and learn new skills for a new ‘greener’ lifestyle

Walk into any school cafeteria after lunch and observe the bins and bins of trash the students create with little thought. With a little work and education, your school staff (or parent organization) can tackle this and generate less trash, as well as teach the students a valuable skill. Before making the changes, make sure the district or community has the facilities to support the changes. Bring in the right people from the community to make sure the effort made to collect things for recycling is rewarded with pick up! 1. Educate the students and change language they use. The first week of school, expectations need to be set up, they need to walk through and have changes explained and understand why they

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared To Dream

This true story of the Mercury 13 Women, written by Tanya Lee Stone, chronicles the trials and tribulations of these remarkable women who stepped up to the space challenge.

Why have you never heard of them? After completing all of the testing and a grueling training schedule, they were basically scrubbed from the program. In fact, many would argue that NASA never intended to allow them in space to begin with. Regardless, these women were ahead of their time, and the story is worth reading.

While this is clearly a book for junior high students, I'm still not sure why no attempt was made to dress up the historical photos. Changing a few to sepia, or

Wall-E

A futuristic movie portraying just how Earth could end up if the rate of consumption and trash production doesn’t slow down. Cleverly done, as a single robot character on his own is able to carry the entire first portion of the film. The trash level and toxic fumes have so consumed the planet that humanity is [...]

Ten Tips for First Year Teachers

The first year in the trenches can be overwhelming, to say the least. You come out feeling prepared only to realize very quickly there’s still lots to learn. You’re on your own now though, so leaning on your advisors and host teacher from your internship are no longer an option, particularly if you landed a [...]

Classroom Coupons: An Easy No-Cost Management Tool

Constantly looking for ways to positively reward good behavior without dipping into your own personal funds? If you’re teaching intermediate to older grades, they love getting classroom coupons and extra passes. Design your own in a size that lets you fit at least four-six coupons on a page, allowing a place to add the date, [...]

Six Strategies for an Inviting Classroom

While structure and the feeling of a serious learning environment are important, an inviting classroom where students feel secure and welcome is also critical to achieving inclusion for all students. Here are six different strategies for increasing the comfort factor of your classroom. Lighting. Yes, you’re going to have the traditional florescent ceiling lights no matter [...]

Stretch that Teacher’s Salary Even Further with this Stylish New Budget Book

We all know classroom teaching isn’t exactly a big money profession. The constant supplementing of classroom materials many of us do cuts into take home pay even further. Tired of feeling like a pauper after all your efforts? Check out this new book by the writers of WiseBread.Com. 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a [...]

Spelling Activities: Twenty-Seven Ways to Practice in Style

Spelling lists are a necessary part of our weekly routine. We all want our students to do well, but still need to spend time creating exciting lessons for the rest of the curriculum. So how do we keep the spelling activities familiar enough to allow for self direction, yet fresh enough that the students won’t [...]

Eight Simple Ways to Reduce Plastic in the Classroom

OK. We all know about the plastic bag dilemma. Additionally, most of us are trying to use at least a few cleaning and personal care products that are less toxic. The recycling gig is also familiar to many. But when I recently read about the Pacific garbage patch (North Pacific gyre) on Beth Terry’s web [...]

Bulletin Boards: Twelve Ideas for Older Classrooms

Educators of older students ask me all the time for ideas that are low on “cutesy” and high on sophistication. This request holds true for bulletin boards and classroom décor as much as curriculum and lesson structure. Want some ideas on how to pull this off? Read on. Let’s face it. All students eventually get [...]

Eco Trash Bags for Classroom and School

Trying to fight the plastic bag dilemma? Still need to get your classroom trash to the curb? I recently came across a product that is as helpful for schools as it is for office and home. Read on. The Perf Go Green company has tackled the issue of biodegradable trash bags in a way that [...]

Three Easy Ways to Provide Tactile Instruction for Parts of Speech

Let’s face it. Grammar is far from the most exciting subject matter out there. Providing instruction for it can be a bit like pulling teeth without Novocaine. Here are three simple ways to make it hands on for students in early primary through intermediate grade levels. First, get yourself some bingo chips, dried beans or [...]

More Classroom Ideas for Old Fashioned Index Cards

Looking for cheapskate lesson ideas? Love the idea of tried and true materials with major multipurpose potential? When it comes to affordability, index cards are hard to beat. Read on. They come lined and unlined, colored and plain, small and large, blank on one side and ruled on the other. With all these options, it’s no [...]

Vocabulary on the Cheap: Two Easy Hacks Using Simple Index Cards

Need a cheap way to get your students involved in spelling and vocabulary activities? Read on to find out how easily simple index cards can get the job done. The classroom supply budget is a major concern to everyone in education. So is getting the kiddos involved in ways they can feel excited about. One [...]

Nim’s Island: A Movie Review

Starring Jodie Foster, Abigail Breslin and Gerard Butler, this movie features a young girl (Nim) living alone on a remote island with her plankton studying Dad and corresponding with her favorite adventure novelist, Alex Rover. When Nim’s Dad gets delayed and stranded in a dangerous storm, Nim reaches out to her adventure writing hero, Ms. [...]

Four Hot Tips for a Smooth Running Classroom

Looking for some simple, affordable ways to make things go more smoothly on the classroom front? Here are four great management hacks to get it done on the cheap and easy. Bonus? They work in classrooms from K – 12, making this one of those classroom tip articles high school teachers can actually benefit from. [...]

Stock Up on Classroom Supplies at Dollar Tree!

Got a PTA group that wants to support you, but they’re on a budget? Need to replace some basics and score a few craft supplies? Look no further than your nearest Dollar Tree. Read on. While I agree that for many items one dollar store is as good as another, there are a few areas [...]

Supporting Teachers: Eight Ideas for Administrators

Are you a school administrator? Feel like you’re herding cats on a regular basis? Do you appreciate and respect the independence of your staff, yet wonder how to balance that with needing them to fall in line when necessary? With the free-flow of creative energy comes at least a moderate need for the same thing [...]

Setting the Tone: Strategies to Start the Year Off Right

We all know how we start the year with students directly impacts what is to come . . . and just how smoothly it will go. Following are a few ideas to get things flowing in the right direction. Post an inspirational quote on the door, or at the entryway. Something about striving for excellence, [...]

Want a Green Bulletin Board? Consider Cloth!

I don’t have to tell you how much paper consumption goes in to our yearly bulletin boards. I also don’t have to tell you just how tedious it is to get them ready and keep them rolling every year. Looking to save paper and a little bit of your precious time? Read on. Cloth is a [...]

Sign of the Beaver

Looking to integrate Native American heritage with a state of Maine studies unit? This title by Elizabeth George Speare might be just the ticket. In this historical fiction piece for intermediate students, a young man is left alone in the wild to tend the new homestead while his father returns to civilization for the rest of [...]

Sarah, Plain and Tall

This historically themed, family style story of the American prairie features a family’s grief, a farm’s struggle and a mail order bride. A classic piece in American classrooms for early intermediate students, this book turned movie by Patricia MacLachlan is an excellent example of a “big kid” story written at a more accessible level for younger [...]

The Golden Compass

Looking for a magical tale of intrigue from the great frozen north? This wondrous story of a parallel universe may be just the ticket. Sam Elliott, Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig star in this film chronicling the journey of a young girl on a quest to save her world, and the one beyond. Warrior bears, [...]

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium

A magical store where toys come to life is the backdrop for this film starring Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman. The Wonder Emporium, run by Mr. MaGorium, is getting ready to change hands. Dustin Hoffman’s character (MaGorium) wants to give the store to his long time manager and apprentice Mahoney (Portman) as his legacy to [...]

Nanny McPhee: A New Mary Poppins?

What do you get when you combine the talents of Angela Lansbury, Colin Firth and Emma Thompson? A magical tale of love, responsibility and growing up. Emma Thompson plays Nanny McPhee, the latest in a long string of nannies hired by Mr. Brown (Colin Firth) who have previously been easily run off by his seven resistant [...]

Lemony Snickett’s A Series of Unfortunate Events

A darker children’s story with a European feel, this film would make an interesting selection for the intermediate classroom. Based on a children’s book series by the same name, this piece stars Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep and the narrative voice of Jude Law. The persecuted child theme brought back memories for me of some of [...]

Movie Review: Night at the Museum

A working father’s night job turns out to be far more intense than he expects . . . Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke and Owen Wilson join for a feel good family movie that celebrates history in a humorous tale of thievery and teamwork. Ben Stiller plays Larry Daley, a newly hired night [...]

Project Hack: Some Thoughts on Glue Sticks

Tired of cleaning out individual glue caps with the closest available paper clip? I hear you. Here’s why glue sticks are one of my favorite classroom supplies . . . and why they always went on my new student “back to school” buy list during my classroom days. No leaks. Not on the desk areas, not [...]

Movie Review: The Great Debaters

Starring Denzel Washington and introducing several new talents, this movie is for more than coaches of debate teams. Set in the south during the era of segregation, this film tells the story of an inspirational teacher, some motivated, capable students, and the changing consciousness of a nation. Sometime towards the middle of the movie, Denzel [...]

Reviews that Rock! Great Ideas for Covering Test Content

Tired of the groaning whenever you settle in for a topic review in class? Here are some ideas to use when getting ready for a big test, and also some strategies to keep the material fresh all year long. Bonus? Many of these ideas can be used as team activities, or as sponge activities when [...]

Streamline Parent Communication with Your Own Blog

Trying to accommodate parents without re-documenting every piece of communication you release? Got more than a fair number of forgetful tikes in your class whose newsletters never quite seem to make it home? Consider starting your own blog site. No longer simple online journals, blogs have come into their own. Why not put one to [...]

May Round Up

Well, loads of articles have made it into our corner of the blogosphere this past couple of months. In case you’ve fallen behind on your reading, or haven’t had the chance to sign up for our R.S.S. feed, here are a few of the highlights. · What’s in YOUR Bomb Bag -An extreme teaching article with [...]

Career Hack: Teach to Travel

Sign up to save the world and left feeling like a chump after seeing your first paycheck from the local school district? Here’s an alternative way to maximize the perks of your career choice. It only requires a sense of adventure. If you haven’t considered overseas teaching and the bargain travel opportunities it offers, perhaps [...]

Art on the Cheap: Torn Paper Mosaics

Teaching in an extreme situation where you are short on everything, including scissors? Here’s a lesson idea I got years ago from a frugal art colleague in Micronesia. Bonus? It’s one of those great lessons that can be used from early primary through high school. The project? Torn paper mosaics. The flexibility? Nearly endless. Useful [...]

Twenty-five Ways to Say Good Job!

Every teacher needs an idea bank of ways to provide positive reinforcement. Looking for a few ideas to keep from sounding repetitive? Here’s a list of twenty-five ways to give verbal praise, many of them useful at all grade levels. 1. Rock on! 2. That’s awesome! 3. I can tell you’ve been practicing. 4. That’s very colorful. 5. [...]

International Job Seeking Resource for Teachers: It’s Serious!

Looking for an extra employment resource for overseas classroom positions? Here’s one I tried out when we were on the road for a few months, with rather decent results. The web site? SeriousTeachers.Com.The premise? Simply post your profile and resume for free. Schools and head hunters who are also registered get to post job openings that [...]

More Classroom Hacks for Teaching in the Trenches

If you’ve been following this blog all along, you’re already aware that I love to pass along great classroom hacks as soon as I think of or run across them. This is no exception. Read on for some great ideas on getting things done on the cheap and easy. Hula Hoops. In addition to making great classroom [...]

Learning Centers for Less

Need some cost conscious ideas for independent, fast working students? Following is a list of my favorite cheapies. Listening centers. Whether it’s the old fashioned book and tape set you still have, or an audio book file for an I-pod, listening centers are a powerful supplement to any language program, and fantastic for ESL support. Deck [...]

Fantastic Ideas for File Folders

Whether I’m starting fresh or recycling used one, file folders are on my short list for simple, affordable classroom consumables. Bonus? They’re super versatile. Read on for some teacher-friendly ideas. Some of my favorite project ideas are the ones that involve the easiest methods and most affordable supplies. File folders meet both of those requirements. [...]

Shoestring Teaching: The Multipurpose Game Board

Need a get-the-job-done, dirt cheap option for reviewing content in the classroom? These multipurpose game boards always did it for me. Read on to find out how to make them. •Take an extra large piece of oak-tag or other strong paperboard similar to a file folder, and visually divide it into 3-5 inch squares using a [...]

Classroom Uses for the Old Fashioned Clothespin

When it comes to cheap office supplies, clothespins are tough to beat. Bonus? There are loads of things you can use them for in the classroom. Following are just a few. Project clamps. Great for all the old stained ones that parents are getting ready to chuck anyway. Art clothesline. A bit old fashioned? Maybe. But [...]

Middle East Henna Activity

Need a cultural heritage activity that’s big on style and short on cash outlay? Here’s a slamming alternative to traditional face painting booths that’s not only more culturally diverse, but cheaper as well. Using simple henna patterns and inexpensive eyeliner and eyebrow pencils, have your students draw temporary designs on themselves using the easily washed off [...]

The Village of Round and Square Houses: A Book Review

The Village of Round and Square Houses, by Ann Grifalconi is the story of the village of Tos, in Cameroon. Here, men and women live separately, and in differently shaped houses. Thistale was told to the author by a girl who actually grew up there. From what I understand, they actually had to walk in [...]

Free ESL News Resource for Educators!

With all of the not so great freebies out there you need to wade through in order to find the good stuff, it’s always nice to find a consistently updated resource available for instant use in the classroom. If you love to cover current events and have a wide range of ages in your student [...]

Classroom Management Hacks : Six Simple Strategies

Looking for classroom control from day one, but not interested in spending three days custom laminating name cards and pocket charts? Believe me, I hear you. This article provides streamlined management strategies that will still let you have a life. Read on. Behavior Points. A simple, budget friendly way to acknowledge group behavior. Here’s what you need: [...]

Dollar Deals at Scholastic.Com for the Month of May!

Think there aren’t any screaming deals left out there for teachers on a budget? Guess again. From now until the end of May, Scholastic is offering tons of great classroom supplies . . . all for a buck! This seems almost too good to be true, folks. But I checked their site, and yes indeed, dollar [...]

Gugu’s House: Review of the Children’s Book

In this book by Catherine Stock, a young girl named Kukamba enjoys spending time helping her grandmother, Gugu, with her art. What I loved most about this title is how it demonstrates so clearly the contribution art can have in our everyday lives, as well as how powerful the concept of temporary art can be. [...]

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain: A Book Review

Told by noted children’s author Verna Aardema, this tale is from the Nandi tribe of Kenya. The storytells how an unusual drought on the plain inspires a cow herder to come up with an unusual solution. The illustrations? Absolutely charming. The story was discovered nearly one hundred years ago by Sir Claud Hollis, a noted anthropologist [...]

Movie Review: March of the Penguins

A film shot with a fair amount of discipline, devotion and passion for the subject to say the least. For those who have not yet seen it, if you are looking for a new library addition to your unit on penguins or Antarctica, you will not be disappointed. Narrated in the earthy voice of one of [...]

The Mountains of Tibet: A Book Review

Written by Mordicai Gerstein, this piece tells of a man who is offered all the choices of the universe, yet learns to appreciate the simple beauty of his own life. The illustrations are softly yet strikingly done, making for an absolutely precious piece of children’s literature. Written from the perspective of Tibetan spirituality, yet perfectly [...]

Why the Sky Is Far Away: Review of the Nigerian Folktale

Retold by Mary-Joan Gerson, this tale from the Bini tribe of Nigeria is at least a half a millennium old. In the story, the tribe’s people learn the hard way about the management of available resources. In addition to exploring Nigerian folklore, this book would also be fabulous to use when teaching about conservation and [...]

Movie Review: Whale Rider

Based on the novel of the same name, this film celebrates the Maori culture of New Zealand. A young girl, Pai, must overcome gender resistance from her grandfather, who is helping raise her. According to tribal tradition, any successive tribal leader must be the son of the current one. According to legend, a chief named [...]

Paper Clip Ideas for a Rocking Classroom

Simple, cheap and around for as long as most of us classroom warriors can remember, these under-the-radar bits of office supply fluff can help you get the job done on multiple fronts. Read on for a list of affordable classroom tips involving the humble paper clip. Ornament hooks. Need a way for parents to hang those precious [...]

Cheap Stuff for Starving Teachers

I don’t know about you, but rarely has my allotted classroom budget met my needs. In fact, in all my years of teaching, I can only think of one school where I was provided with everything I really needed. Even there, I had to be financially careful. And we all know what the unwritten expectation [...]

A Cheaper Classroom Calendar: DIY to the Rescue

Let’s face it. Classroom calendar supplies can add up to big bucks. If you are at the primary grades and need to work in patterning, it can more than double. Here’s how I made my own and skipped the cutting out and laminating of countless expensive apple and pencil cut-outs. First, get a piece of plain [...]

Classroom Uses for the Age Old Craft Stick

These things have been around for as long as I can remember, including my years as a grade school student. Available in multiple sizes, they really go the distance for getting things done on the cheap. Need a few ideas for putting them to use and reducing your classroom materials budget? Read on. Streamlined questioning [...]

Low Cost and No Cost Student Rewards

We all know that student rewards are a necessary part of successful classroom management. But how do we keep things rolling smoothly without going broke? Easier said than done, I know.Here are a few things I’ve used over the years, as well as some interesting ideas I’ve run across recently. Earn a movie. I usually use the [...]

Shoestring Teaching: The Portable Puppet Theater

Looking for a classroom drama resource that’s quick, easy, inexpensive, and will take up practically no additional space? This tip is for you. What you need: a tension rod to fit the doorway of your room, and a curtain with a slot at the top to fit the chosen tension rod. That’s it. Just make sure [...]

Muhammad: Review of the Children’s Book

Written and illustrated by the author Demi, this is an exquisitely illustrated biography of the world’s most famous Meccan. The author consulted and worked closely with many regional, historical and religious experts for the publishing of this book. Written with cultural sensitivity, tolerance and tender respect, this title is an excellent addition to any multicultural [...]

Shoestring Teaching: It’s in the Bag!

Need a simple cheap review strategy that can take you from day one to year end ? Would you love it even more if it truly could be used from early primary grades through high school? I’ve got your back. With this article, I’ll show how you can review any concept, any time using only [...]

Movie Review: Freedom Writers

A young first year educator tackles a group of rough inner city teens through a high school English class. Using basic but powerful student journaling strategies (also the basis for the script) and a study of the life of Ann Frank, she finds a way to break through and earn their trust. Also dealt with [...]

Words of the Week Part One

Vocabulary building ideas are always a challenge. One simple way to make sure you are doing a bit extra is to consistently incorporate a word of the week. Read on to findstrategies for trying this out, and an extensive start up list for those raring to go. First of all, if you want to make sure [...]

No Brainer Ideas for Newspapers in the Classroom

Loads of ideas are out there for using newspapers effectively in the classroom. Following are some of my favorites, as well as some interesting ones from around the web. Desk covers for messy projects. I always called these work spaces, but basically they were individual sheets of newsprint that when unfolded covered basically the entire [...]

Movie Review: Rabbit-Proof Fence

In this biographical account of the struggle for aboriginal rights in rural Australia, three young girls tackle significant adversity to find their way back home after being forcefully torn away in the early 1930’s. Featuring real-life footage and commentary from two of the girls, this film pulls no punches when it comes to the misguided [...]

Rubber Bands in the Classroom

After a post I wrote on this subject a while back for Wise Bread, I started thinking about their use in the classroom and just how often educators put them into play. Here’s a quick rundown of a few ideas I’ve tried over the years. Securing rolled up classroom art work. Take down the art posters and [...]

Teacher Strike Looming in England and Wales

In an article posted today on BBC World News, over two thousand schools are predicted to close to some extent. Projected date? This Thursday. What threatens such an expansive occurrence of empty classrooms? Teacher pay. Big surprise. Since I graduated from college in 1990, education salaries have continued to range from ridiculous to pathetic. The only [...]

Green Teaching: Page Protectors to the Rescue

Wanting to do your ecological part in the classroom and needing to conserve supplies at the same time? Then maybe it’s time to give some serious consideration to repurposing the standard paper sheet protector. Traditionally used for keeping black-line masters in good condition, portfolio assessment or corporate presentations, these little gems can help you save [...]

Extreme Teaching: What’s in YOUR Bomb Bag?

Those of you used to teaching under nearly constant threat of evac will be used to these. For those who are only starting to explore the overseas option of working in intense locations, this article will be a primer. Either group will likely benefit from the list of ideas. Read on for some strategies to [...]

Teaching Ideas for Old Phone Books

When I taught in Micronesia, the phone company came at the start of every year to donate extras of the previous year’s book. In a school district that had very little in terms of a materials budget, this was one of those rare times when I had a full class set of anything. Here are [...]

Skip the Insanity: Open House Ideas for Real People

Did open house creep up on you again this year? Your secret is safe with me. Read on for some strategies to help you pull off a successful evening on the fly. This subject is somewhat dear to me, because no matter how hard I seemed to try, parent night arrived every year leaving me [...]

Beverage Box Ideas for Starving School Teachers

If you’re like most teachers, free is your favorite price when it comes to classroom resource materials. Enter the humble cardboard beverage flats. You know the ones. They come holding soda cans by the case. Not the colored ones you rip open. The soda can flats I’m talking about here are those plain ones the [...]

Cooking in the Classroom: Three Simple Recipes

Primary level instructors tend to work this in for thematic purposes. However, even older students can enjoy an unexpected treat occasionally. Whatever your reasons for wanting to whip something up at school, here are three simple recipes to get you started. Ice Cream in a Bag. Is this a cool idea, or what? I found the recipe [...]

Fund Raising Ideas for High Schools

Let’s tell it like it is. High school professionals tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to cool idea resources. In fact, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard the complaint. So secondary teachers, this one’s for you! Read on for a list of unexpected and high [...]

Year Long Bulletin Board Ideas

Staying late on a Friday night to cut out thirty-eight individual paper apples when you could be on a date? Looking to regain a life while still feeling like you’re going the distance for your job? I hear you. This list includes some of the ideas I found most helpful during my years in the [...]

DIY Whiteboard and Homemade Cleaner

Need a whiteboard, but suffering from budget overload? Help is here. Read on for ideas on how to create a DIY version for yourself. Starting up a new school and need a bunch of them? Homeschooling and need to squeeze out every extra penny? Or perhaps you are starting your own home office to pursue extra [...]

Online Portfolios: Rocket Fuel for Teaching Careers

Stuck in the initial stages of teaching where you are jumping through mentor hoops at every turn? Use it to your advantage. Rather than just doing the basics and posting a static set of pictures and lessons, you can turn this short term headache to your long term benefit. I’ve developed a list of ten [...]

Going Green in the Classroom: Affordable Ways to Make it Happen

As with life on the home front, finding ways to go green in the classroom without breaking your annual consumables budget can require a fair amount of ingenuity. Following are a few ideas to make it happen without breaking the bank. Laminated reinforcement charts. Teachers from pre-school through high school use these little beauties and they cost [...]

Classroom Hacks: Binder Clips to the Rescue

Having previously written about the household uses of these office gems, I thought it might be fun to do a classroom version here. Following is a quick list of suggestions for various grade levels of classroom instruction. Use them along with pushpins to display artwork creatively. Out of staples, or just want a more industrial, [...]

Bandanas in the Classroom: Three Simple Teaching Hacks

I wrote a fairly extensive piece a while ago on various ideas and craft project involving colored bandanas. However, the teacher in me just couldn’t leave the topic alone. I had to give this some extra time and document some simple classroom bandana hacks every teacher could use. Following are my top three picks. Field trip [...]