School will be starting soon and I know that teachers everywhere are getting organized for a new school year just like me!

Therefore, I am offering a flash freebie on Wednesday, July 29 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST.  (Sorry, you missed this one.  Keep an eye out for future Flash Freebies.)  Get my Organizational Classroom Labels: Bright Chalkboard Solids (Editable), usually priced at $5.00, FREE!  Simply visit this blog and click on the link that will be here. 

Click here for a preview.

Best wishes for a fantastic school year!

Jill

My Favorite Organizational Tip for the Classroom

One really effective organizational "trick" for the classroom can make a big impact.  For teachers, every minute saved where classroom management and clerical tasks are concerned is golden.  This system can be implemented for any subject area and at most grade levels.

I have used this particular student filing system for many years with great success.  I don't know where the idea originated, but it has been passed along from teacher to teacher in my building for a while now.

You will need hanging files and some sort of crate to accommodate them as shown in the photo below.  Each student in your class will have a file folder labeled with his or her name.  I use files of different colors for each class period and alphabetize student names within each group.  (Here's what I use for the name tabs.)  Some teachers use files that are all the same color with differently colored tabs.  

The No Work -  No Credit posters can be found here.

Students use the files to turn in assignments, collect graded papers, and pick up makeup work when they are absent.  Place these near the door and teach your students to check their file as they enter the classroom.  They always turn in work "hotdogged" (sticking up out of the file).  This is work I need to either grade or record.  Sometimes students do this as they enter the room.  Other times, we check answers together and then they file the papers.  Returned papers are "hamburgered" (turned sideways so they cannot be seen).  This is work for which I have already recorded scores.  

I "hotdog" makeup work for students to pick up which saves me time getting class started.  I use this editable makeup work form (FREE) and attach handouts to it as necessary.  Students "hotdog" makeup work as it is completed. 

Here is a makeup form "hotdogged".

Makeup Work Form with Daisies or Apple

Benefits for the teacher:
1.   Class time is not lost returning and collecting papers.  Although I thought it would take a long time for a whole class to file assignments, that hasn't been the case.   Some students are always quicker about completing tasks, others are slower, but it works out.  I do have ideas for preventing a potential backup at the files:  

• Girls file first, then boys or vice versa.

• Table/row 1 files first followed by table/row 2, etc.

• Students whose last names begin with A-G files first, then H-N, followed by O-Z.

• Have a task for students to do next (pick up a handout, put returned papers in notebook/folder, do bellwork problems, etc.) so no one is waiting with nothing to do.

• Turn to a certain page in their textbook or notebook.

2.   It is quick and easy to see if a student has not turned in their work by simply checking the files.

3.   When papers are pulled to be graded, they are already in alphabetical order.  (I was skeptical about this saving me time.  However, it does!)  Entering scores is much faster whether recording them electronically or on paper.

4.   "Hamburgering" the graded work goes very quickly and does not have to be done during class time.  No class time is lost by handing out graded papers.

I hope you find this idea useful in your own classroom!  Let me know by commenting if you have any questions.

5 Ways to Motivate Yourself & Your Students

Like many of you, I get excited about a new school year.  Yes, I get the same thrill at the prospect of buying brand new supplies that I always did as a student.  However, its more ... the feeling of rejuvenation and the anticipation of attempting to be a better teacher each year.  

Can I discover more effective and exciting ways to deliver instruction?  Will I be able to create a love of learning in even the most difficult to reach students?  How can I make my students understand the importance of education?  How can I move students toward setting and reaching their own educational goals?  

It is all about MOTIVATION!

You might think that after thirty years of teaching middle school math I would know exactly how to do this.  I wish!  However, I do have ideas.  I've narrowed a long list down to five:

1.  Be welcoming to your students and exhibit your own excitement about school.  Don't try to be their friend, but let them know that you are willing to listen if they need to talk. You don't want to be a dictator in your classroom.  Be easygoing and most will follow your cue.  Students will give you much more effort if they respect you.  Be firm, yet fair ... kind, yet professional.

2.  Talk to your students about the importance of education.  Most middle school students are not thinking about life after middle school, let alone after high school.  Remember that not all parents really talk with their children about how working hard in school right now, truly will effect their future education and opportunities for a career.  Students are developing work habits in school that will follow them for a lifetime.

3.  Create school spirit.  Middle and high school students still enjoy many of the same things as those in elementary school.  I know a math teacher who had his students create "I Love Math" buttons from paper.  Students who wore the button all day got extra credit.  They loved it!

4.  Make your assignments interesting and active.  You may not be able to do this every day.  However, students will be more willing to complete routine practice if everything isn't "routine".  Using task cards and problem trails are great ways to get students up out of their seats and moving around the room while learning.  Also, many big kids (and adults) enjoy coloring.   Maybe you can use one of these free activities with your  students.   Several of them are appropriate for early in the school year.

5.  Make a personal contact with each student and learn everyone's name immediately!  This really needs to happen during the first week of school if possible.  I know this is difficult with the number of students most of us teach at the secondary level.  However, it is important that students realize that you have noticed them personally and that they are not anonymous.  Have a brief conversation, complement them on their classwork, t-shirt, smile, ... anything!

In summary, make school fun for your students and have a terrific year!  After all, most of us would not be teachers today had we not had a positive experience with school. 

How do you motivate yourself for a new school year?