 The final days of August are sad and exhilarating. Many of you have already been in class for a week or two. Others are busy taking their own children off to college or to their first days of preschool amid the start-of-school teaching crunch. And the sun goes down earlier these days in the northern hemisphere. The newness of shoes and notebooks reminds us of new opportunities to try new ideas. We at TeachersFirst try to support you in trying something new. Think of this Update as our first-day-of-school speech on what this year can be like: new ways of learning.
New School Year, New Beginnings
Do you feel a nagging sense of sameness as you start this school year? If you are not sure how to make changes to your teaching without stressing out and sapping any remaining energy, consider the changes that TeachersFirst review team member (and full time teacher) Louise Maine has made. Her new approach to teaching using a wiki garnered an article in Edutopia magazine (online version available now). This article may be just the ticket to your next teaching voyage. Remember that TeachersFirst has the ideas and support you need as a traveling companion.
Words of Wisdom
You probably remember a poster from a favorite teacher’s classroom: the poster that you think of when you need inspiration. TeachersFirst has instant inspiration ready for download. Check out our printable Bulletin Board Hang-ups, ready to make an impression for a fresh start of the year. If you have colorful paper, that’s even better!
Trying to reach ALL students
Primary and elementary teachers often wonder how to add a multi-sensory approach to lessons or how to use the support of technology tools to address different learning styles. TeachersFirst offers a new sampler: Lessons for All Learners, plans using multi-sensory approaches appropriate for special needs and regular ed students. This collection of standards-aligned lesson plans (grades PreK-6) from an award-winning teacher and the TeachersFirst team includes specific strategies and tech options to use with this curriculum content and easily adaptable to other content. Envision ways to meet the needs of all your students with these ready-to-go plans.
Sifting Through the Filters
One common teacher frustration is the Internet filtering in schools. Do you wonder why it’s there, how it works, and what other schools do? Are there sites you cannot access? Are you worried that your students may access “bad” things under your supervision? Learn the basics of Internet filters, consider key questions, and take a quick poll in SiftingThrough the Filters, TeachersFirst’s newest teacher-friendly interactive content. Gain a new perspective on filtering and some ideas to advocate for positive change.
Watch for it…
Geo and Meri hit the road in October on Globetracker’s Mission, with a preview in mid-September. Watch your Updates for more info. This is much better than the new television season!
Keeping up with what your students know
Are you looking to try a new way for your students to safely show what they know or for you to share resources on the web? You and your students are good candidates for the Building Learners Project. Read about it here, join us, and receive the friendly support of fellow project members and the helpful staff of TeachersFirst and TRintuition workbench, the awesome, online tool that project members are using for FREE. (The new Sifting Through the Filters information on TeachersFirst was created using this tool). NOW is the time to join to do something new this fall. If you already joined, but have not received your confirmation emails, check your junk mail or email cshively (at) sflinc.org.
This Week’s Question of the Week
Would you rather have a new class whom you know nothing about or a group that comes with warnings from last year’s teachers? Why? Share your thoughts by responding to this Question of the Week. Remember to check "anonymous," if you wish. See what other teachers have to say, as well. You can always see responses to past questions by clicking to see the Question archives.
Featured Sites
This week’s featured sites include tools and ideas for many subjects:
- a marvelous butterfly site for elementary to high school
- classics and poetry in audio form (with text versions, too!)
- a thorough, student-friendly look at careers
- challenges to solve tough world problems
- a collaborative booktalk site to join with classes worldwide
- interactive earthquake simulations
- a primary grade movement and dance activity
- and many other TERRIFIC “recent additions” (click at the bottom of the page)
Whether you are new to your job or a seasoned veteran, we wish you good nights of sleep and some de-stressing walks outside as you face the new school year. Have a good week and a wonderful Labor Day weekend!
Your “teacher to go,”
Candace Hackett Shively
Director of K-12 Initiatives
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