July 2005

I love setting my room up with books categorized in different genres. I have the book color coded by genre, however I have two problems.

First, what do you do with the books that the students haven't finished, however don't have time to complet
This month's question comes from Christa who teaches 1st Grade in Oak Brook, IL
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August 2005
I would like to know what are some good ways to keep track of students' assignments and make them accountable for missing and unfinished work. This has always been a challenge for me. I have been teaching almost 10 years and every year it gets ver
This month's question comes from Charlotte who teaches in Indianapolis, Indiana
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August 2005
I would like to know what are some good ways to keep track of students' assignments and make them accountable for missing and unfinished work. This has always been a challenge for me. I have been teaching almost 10 years and every year it gets very frustr
This month's question comes from Charlotte who teaches in Indianapolis, Indiana
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September 2005
Does anyone know of an effective way to get parents to come to conferences (elementary level). Last session, I had one parent (yes, just one!) show up. Help!
This month's question comes from Terah who teaches in Hosford, Florida
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October 2005
Does anyone have any ideas on a QUICK (5 minutes) way to practice sight vocab every day? I keep 10 words on my board all week long and we do practice them daily. However, I only have a few different strategies for practicing them. and I don't want my
The October 2005 question was submitted by Kathy who teaches 1st grade in Harrisburg, PA
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November 2005
I teach an all day Kindergarten Program and just like every grade the curriculum is getting more and more difficult and lengthy. Unfortunately, Kindergarten children are still little people with lots of energy!!!!!-They need activity and lots of it. We
This months's question was submitted by Susan who teaches in Jonesville, Michigan
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December 2005
I teach kindergarten and due to new school requirements, I need to incorporate vocabulary instruction into my already "packed" day. Does anyone have any quick, effective ways to teach vocabulary words to younger students?
This month’s question concerns Vocabulary Instruction and comes from Lichelle, who teaches Kindergarten in Milwaukee, WI
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December 2005
I teach kindergarten and due to new school requirements, I need to incorporate vocabulary instruction into my already packed day. Does anyone have any quick, effective ways to teach vocabulary words to younger students?
This month’s question concerns Vocabulary Instruction and comes from Lichelle, who teaches Kindergarten in Milwaukee, WI
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January 2006
I've come to hate the hassle of the last 1/2 hour of school. Please give me tips to make this "tired time" a bit easier on me AND the students.
This month’s question was sent in by Kari, who teaches in Toronto, Ohio:
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January 2006
I've come to hate the hassle of the last 1/2 hour of school. Please give me tips to make this "tired time" a bit easier on me AND the students.
This month’s question was sent in by Kari, who teaches in Toronto, Ohio:
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February 2006
Does anybody have activities/ strategies/games to teach 2nd graders about cause and effect relationships? Many thanks!
This month’s question was sent in by Marlene Arduino, who teaches in Las Vegas, Nevada:
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March 2006
1) How do you get a completely talkative group to stop talking all day long?

2) What do you do or how do you say things to make them hear a direction the first time and not have to repeat it 5 more times?
This month we have two good questions from one teacher, Keleen, who teaches in Milwuakee, Wisconsin:
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April 2006
I am looking for suggestions to help my students write fiction. They don't seem to understand the idea of writing a story.
This month's question comes from Cindy, who teaches 2nd Grade in Richmond, Virginia:
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May 2006
I am a 3rd Grade Math teacher and am looking for creative ideas to help my students master their basic facts. If anyone has any creative ideas, I would greatly appreciate them.
This month's question comes from Susie, who teaches 3rd Grade in Erie, Pennsylvania:
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June 2006
I teach 1st grade. Next school year I am planning on having four 15-minute guided reading groups. I need ideas of what the other students can do for the 45-minutes that they are not in reading groups. It has to be an independent activity.
This month's question comes from Sherry, who teaches 1st Grade in Clinton, Ohio:
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June 2006
I teach 1st grade. Next school year I am planning on having four 15-minute guided reading groups. I need ideas of what the other students can do for the 45-minutes that they are not in reading groups. It has to be an independent activity.
This month's question comes from Susie, who teaches 3rd Grade in Erie, Pennsylvania:
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July 2006
Does anyone have great ideas for a school newspaper? I am in charge starting this August, and would like to put out a paper that is different from the old one. I would like each issue to be fun, interesting to kids and parents.
This month's question comes from Tom, who teaches in Ontario, California:
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August 2006
I have a job for every student in my class, and the jobs change each week. Some of the jobs happen in the morning, some at the end, and some all day long. Most of the jobs are important for my sanity. Last year, my students were not very good at getting
This month's question comes from Elisa , who teaches in Blackfoot, Idaho:
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August 2006
I have a job for every student in my class, and the jobs change each week. Some of the jobs happen in the morning, some at the end, and some all day long. Most of the jobs are important for my sanity. Last year, my students were not very good at getting t
This month's question comes from Elisa , who teaches in Blackfoot, Idaho:
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September 2006
"Would you share some ways that you keep the pack up end of the day chaos from being so loud and chaotic?"
This months question comes from Vicki, who teaches in Pottstown, PA:
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September 2006
Would you share some ways that you keep the pack up end of the day chaos from being so loud and chaotic?
This months question comes from Vicki, who teaches in Pottstown, PA:
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October 2006
I'll be in a double classroom next year with two other teachers, one general ed and one special ed. Any ideas on how we can work together smoothly to present one face to the students?
This months question comes from Kathy, who teaches in Rochester, NY:
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November 2006
My school is looking for creative ways to reduce lunchroom noise/talking. Any suggestions?
This month's question comes from Kelly, who teaches in Ashville, NC:
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December 2006
I teach a 3/4 combination and I'd love to hear about some different classroom management systems that have been successful.
This month's question comes from Rita Goedl, who teaches in Chico, CA:
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January 2007
I teach Science for the whole third grade at my school and I find when they come into the Science Lab, it takes much too long for them to transition and get ready to start the lesson. Any suggestions for what I could have ready for them the minute they w
This month's question comes from Sally, who teaches in Portsmouth, VA:
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January 2007
I teach Science for the whole third grade at my school and I find when they come into the Science Lab, it takes much too long for them to transition and get ready to start the lesson. Any suggestions for what I could have ready for them the minute they wa
This month's question comes from Sally, who teaches in Portsmouth, VA:
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February 2007
I have a T.A. helping me this year. One of my responsibilities is to know what she is doing at all times. I do not feel comfortable in this position. I need ideas on how to work with her without making her feel inadequate.
This month's question comes from Debra , who teaches in Waynesboro, GA:
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March 2007
One of our state standards for second graders involves being self-reliant. I have a parent who does everything for her child, and doesn't want to "let go". She even comes to school at lunch time to blow his nose when he has a cold! Many people have gently
This month's question comes from Lyn Conley, who teaches in Kilmarnock, VA:
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March 2007
One of our state standards for second graders involves being self-reliant. I have a parent who does everything for her child, and doesn't want to 'let go'. She even comes to school at lunch time to blow his nose when he has a cold! Many people have gently
This month's question comes from Lyn Conley, who teaches in Kilmarnock, VA:
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April 2007
I have an underachieving, certified gifted student. I have tried individual contracts and frequent positive reinforcements. Any suggestions on how to motivate this student?
This month's question comes from Debbie, who teaches in Nashville, TN:
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May 2007
Hi, I am new to teaching and would like to know what are the best methods to quiet a chatty class. I've tried silent sign, whispering, standing still, give me five, positive reinforcement (ex: I like how Johnny is sitting quietly.) Any ideas would be grea
This month's question comes from Melissa, who teaches in Randolph, NJ:
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June 2007
How does your school or district handle parents who would like to have their students in a certain teacher's class? We would like to come up with a district policy for parental request which will help us in planning classes for the next school year.
This month's question comes from Kate, who teaches in Albion, MI:
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July 2007
Hi, I am a kindergarten teacher and would like to know any helpful hints on getting students to stay resting during rest time? My students tend to get up find little items on the floor and bring them to me. My classroom is a little smaller, so it is diffi
This month's question comes from Marsha, who teaches in Cresco, IA:
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August 2007
When we return to school in September, I will be having 5 students from my previous year ( first going into 2nd grade) and 5 new students (kindergarten going into 1st grade). Any suggestions on making the new comers feel special as well as making the soon
This month's question comes from Barbara, who teaches in Middletown, NJ:
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September 2007
How does your school handle the class bully who threatens the other students constantly, but whose parents think they can do no wrong?
This month's question comes from Joel, who teaches in Brooklyn, NY:
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October 2007
I have a kindergarten child that is very bright but is always poking, touching, and bothering other students. When I talk to him about it he seems to think it is funny. I need an effective way to help him keep his hands to himself!
This month's question comes from Becki, who teaches in Mansfield, PA:
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October 2007
I have a kindergarten child that is very bright but is always poking, touching, and bothering other students. When I talk to him about it he seems to think it is funny. I need an effective way to help him keep his hands to himself!
This month's question comes from Becki, who teaches in Mansfield, PA:
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November 2007
What is a good way to teach children (Kindergarten and First) to be quieter in the classroom?
This month's question comes from Karen, who teaches in Philadelphia, PA:
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November 2007
What is a good way to teach children (Kindergarten and First) to be quieter in the classroom?
This month's question comes from Karen, who teaches in Philadelphia, PA:
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December 2007
How do you help the chronically disorganized child?
This month's question comes from Amanda, who teaches in Houston, TX:
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December 2007
How do you help the chronically disorganized child?
This month's question comes from Amanda, who teaches in Houston, TX:
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January 2008
I teach a reading group in the Success For All literacy program. Any ideas on how to make it more fun while still meeting all required parts in the 90 minute time period?
This month's question comes from Donna, who teaches in Lebanon, OH:
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January 2008
I teach a reading group in the Success For All literacy program. Any ideas on how to make it more fun while still meeting all required parts in the 90 minute time period?
This month's question comes from Donna, who teaches in Lebanon, OH:
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February 2008
I am looking for ideas for grandparents day. The class has to do a 15 minute program in the classroom for the parents and grandparents. Do you have suggestions that would make sense for pre-k and kindergarten.
This month's question comes from Norma, who teaches in Carencro, LA:
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March 2008
How do you get students to slow down and focus on work instead of rushing so they can do something else?
This month's question comes from Mary, who teaches in Lafayette, IN:
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April 2008
Calling all Kindergarten Teachers. My collegue and I are going to be teaching 'single gender' classes next year. We currently have 5 sections of all day/every day Kindergarten. Next year we will be offering 3 "traditional" and 1 all boy and 1 all girl cla
This month's question was sent in by Cherie, who teaches in Fennville, Michigan:
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April 2008
Calling all Kindergarten Teachers. My collegue and I are going to be teaching 'single gender' classes next year. We currently have 5 sections of all day/every day Kindergarten. Next year we will be offering 3 'traditional' and 1 all boy and 1 all girl cla
This month's question was sent in by Cherie, who teaches in Fennville, Michigan:
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May 2008
I would like ideas for first-day activities, crafts, etc. for my first & second grade students. I would appreciate any ideas, thanks!
This month's question was sent in by Donna, who teaches in Tulsa, OK:
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June 2008
Does anyone have any great activities for Kindergarten or first graders to do on the first day/week of school?
This month's question was sent in by Connie, who teaches in Ukiah, CA:
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June 2008
Does anyone have any great activities for Kindergarten or first graders to do on the first day/week of school?
This month's question was sent in by Connie, who teaches in Ukiah, CA:
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July 2008
Does anyone have a really good and simple discipline management system that's easy to implement with 1st graders, and more importantly, easy to stick with throughout the year?
This month's question was sent in by Cindy , who teaches in Cedar Park, TX:
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August 2008
I am looking for activities for the first few days of school for a very high energy group.
This month's question was sent in by Deb , who teaches in West Chicago, IL:
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September 2008
This year, for the first time, I will have a retained student in my class. Last year's teacher shared that he did little more than sit, disrupt the class, and sleep. I would love to have some ideas on how to start his year out on a positive note and sugge
This month's question was sent in by Denise , who teaches in Detroit, MI:
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October 2008
How can I best manage my guided reading groups or math centers so that I can concentrate and focus on the group I'm working with? I've modeled and practiced, but the students continue to talk loudly due to excitement, or they interrupt my group to ask que
This month's question was sent in by Amber , who teaches in Asheville, NC:
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November 2008
I find it hard to have centers in the classroom because some students are misbehaving and not doing what they are supposed to. I love having centers but can be very hard to manage. Are there any good management strategies to help me make sure that my stu
This month's question was sent in by Allison, who teaches in Elgin, IL:
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November 2008
I find it hard to have centers in the classroom because some students are misbehaving and not doing what they are supposed to. I love having centers but can be very hard to manage. Are there any good management strategies to help me make sure that my stud
This month's question was sent in by Allison, who teaches in Elgin, IL:
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December 2008
How do you get low level readers to actually read during silent reading time? I've tried everything I can think of and they still won't read.
This month's question was sent in by Jackie, who teaches in South Bend, IN:
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January 2009
What are some creative ways to give positive attention to students who make noises and throw things for attention or to make others laugh?
This month's question was sent in by Gina, who teaches in Daphne, AL:
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February 2009
What activities can I do to help improve reading fluency in third grade. We have read several poems and done Reader's Theater, but I am looking for some new ideas!
This month's question was sent in by Terri, who teaches in Prophetstown, IL:
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March 2009
Do you have any great ideas for teaching first graders how to write poems and develop a liking for poetry?
This month's question was sent in by Michelle, who teaches in Columbia, SC:
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April 2009
Does anyone have any games, that do not require prep, that I can play with my students when I only have 5 or 10 minutes to spare? Something that would be fun for intermediate grades, I teach 6th.
This month's question was sent in by Terri, who teaches in Kent, WA:
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May 2009
How do you get primary students to slow down and take their time with their writing and classroom work?
This month's question was sent in by Karen, who teaches in Fort Wayne, IN:
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June 2009
For the first time in my teaching career I am having to teach a combo classroom. Any suggestions/advice on how to teach two grade levels at the same time?
This month's question was sent in by Nichole, who teaches in Chandler, AZ:
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July 2009
How can I make an aide feel like a part of the team?
This month's question was sent in by Sally, who teaches in Sequim, WA
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August 2009
After many years of teaching, I still have trouble with "dismissal time", which can be as long as 20 mins. in my school. Any ideas on keeping kids quiet while waiting for their buses to be called?
This month's question was sent in by Nancy, who teaches in Portsmouth, RI
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August 2009
After many years of teaching, I still have trouble with "dismissal time", which can be as long as 20 mins. in my school. Any ideas on keeping kids quiet while waiting for their buses to be called?
This month's question was sent in by Nancy, who teaches in Portsmouth, RI
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September 2009
After almost 10 years of teaching, I still struggle w/ finding 3-5 min. activities to use with upper elementary grade students during transition/wait time. Any suggestions?
This month's question was sent in by Vicki, who teaches in Barkhamsted, CT
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October 2009
How do you manage lunchroom behavior? I want to let them socialize but they go crazy! HELP?
This month's question was sent in by Kathy, who teaches in Charlotte, NC
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November 2009
I'm looking for whole-class strategies to keep ADHD kids on task during independent work times (like when I'm teaching reading groups). More than half the kids in my class display the inattentive, overactive behaviors of ADHD, so I need tips that I can us
This month's question was sent in by Amanda, who teaches in Rockville, MD:
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