By: Molly Simms, 3rd Grade Teacher
“Around Thanksgiving time, I always photocopy the outline of a turkey. I send the turkey home with students. I then challenge students to talk to their parents about their cultural background and dress the turkey in a traditional outfit representing their cultural background. To stir some inspiration, I share turkeys that I have created that represent my cultural background. The project is great fun for all!“
By: Chris Byron, Teacher
“When reinforcing cursive, I now worry less about quantity and more on quality. To focus on this, I incorporate music by teaching them capoeira songs. They write the chorus and we sing it at the end of the mini lesson. Writing in a language that is unfamiliar means they concentrate on the letter shapes a bit more. The singing at the end is a plus. We've also built up a list of songs we could do if there is a need to refocus the class during transitions or if we're asked for quick assembly performance.“
By: Tiffany Hughes, Grade 4
“In October, I always bring in a classroom pumpkin. I center most of my lessons on the pumpkin. Here is a list of some of the activities that involve the pumpkin:
1. An adjective activity that requires students to describe the pumpkin.
2. An estimation unit where students estimate the weight and circumference of the pumpkin.
3. A senses activity where students describe how the pumpkin feels, looks, and smells.
4. Comparing the pumpkin to various fruits and vegetables.
5. Making pictures with pumpkin seeds.
6. Estimate the number of seeds the pumpkin has and graphing the estimates versus the actual number of seeds."
Students really enjoy the class pumpkin lessons.“
By: Angela Ross, Primary Teacher
“I use a large stuffed elephant as a motivator in an alphabet/phonics game to encourage students to share their thoughts. We call him the Alphabet Elephant.
I pretend that the elephant whispers letters to me and tell the class that the Elephant wants to hear a word that starts with a certain letter. I choose the letter at random. I then ask for volunteers to share words with the class that start with that letter. Students that wish to share a word hold the elephant while saying the word.”
By: Lisa Morris, 7th Grade Teacher: Woodbury Middle School
“Before dismissal, I announce to the class that the "quietest, cleanest, straightest row or group will be dismissed first. To add a bit of interest, I also add another adjective, such as weirdest, happiest, most sleepy, most professional-looking, etc. The possibilities are endless. I even use new vocabulary terms such as "most indignant," and "most discreet." The kids soon start submitting ideas to use. It is amazing how the room is straightened up in such a short amount of time!“
