Terrific Teacher Tips = Terrific Link-Up!!!!

Before I begin, I want to tell you about a creative way to encourage students to memorize their multiplication facts.  This product was created by Nick at http://sweetrhyme-purereason.blogspot.com/
You can check it out here: 

 http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mandala-Math-Fact-Fluency-Tracking-Multiplication-and-Division-1055159
  or

 http://www.pinterest.com/pin/138415388521457667/

I've always wanted to try some sort of incentive program for memorizing math facts beyond getting a certificate in Xtramath.  The reward for this accomplishment is having lunch with me and a friend in the classroom.  Let's just say that I've only had lunch with 3 students so far, and this is for addition facts.

 

Today I'm linking up with Lauren at Love, Laughter and Learning in Prep  to share ideas for beginning teachers as well as experienced teachers who are always looking for great ideas, too!  I heard about this from my blogging buddy, Paula -
Paula's Place 

Paula lives in Australia where they are having some of the hottest weather ever.  I was even reading about the heat wave in The Boston Globe this morning - that's how hot it is there!  In the meantime, we're having a bit of a heat wave here in Massachusetts - temperatures in the 50's!  That is very warm for the winter, especially compared to the frigid weather last week when it was in the single digits.

Back to the Link-Up!

If you would like to join in, copy the above image (made by Mel at Graphics From the Pond) and link up.  It doesn't matter how long you've been teaching to share your top tips.  Here's a list you can use or you can be creative and make your own.

Number One - Top Tip for Classroom Organization

Make sure that everything - paper, scissors, band aids,... - has a designated place, and the kids know where to find what they need.  The kids will be more independent, and there will be less interruptions.

Number Two - Top Tip for Behavior Management

Make sure the kids know and understand the rules from the first day.  

Number Three - Top Tip for Being a Team Player

Share your ideas.  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

 

Number Four - Top Tip for Time Management

I have 5 folders - one for each day of the week.  As I copy my papers, I put them in the correct folder so that all the paper I need for the week are in that day's folder, including the homework for that night.  In a perfect world, I would leave on a Friday, and all my papers for the next week would be in the correct folders.  Plus, if I don't get to that paper, I just put it in the next day's folder.

 

Number Five - Top Tip for Engaging Students

 I'm always trying to connect what we do in class to real life.  For example, memorizing math facts is SO important to math success.  I try so hard to get the kids to understand how important it is to memorize these facts.  As you read at the top, I'm still working in this area.  

 

Number Six - Top Tip for Getting Along with Parents

Treat parents and their children with respect and understanding.  I hope that my blog allows the parents to know what we're doing in class as well as to know me as a person.  

Number Seven - Top Tip for Teacher Fashion

Dress professionally and comfortably.  I like to dress up (skirts, jumpers, tights) for school because my clothes put me in the "school" frame of mind.  I always wear shoes/boots that are super comfy because I'm on my feet most of the day.

 Number Eight - Top Tip for Bargain Hunting

I buy a lot of books at yard sales, my local library book sale and at Savers (which is like a Goodwill store).  Plus, if I do go to Lakeshore Learning Store, I try to buy items on sale or use coupons.

 

Number Nine - Top Tip for Eating Well at School

I bring my lunch every day.  I try not to have too many treats in my desk because I tend to reward myself with food.

 

Number Ten - Top Tip for Staying Sane

I would have to say having that plan book and daily folders in good shape helps me so much because I know I'm prepared and organized for the week ahead.  

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.  I'm always looking for ways to improve.