Dear Teacher Educators,
Welcome! This back-to-school Professional Development newsletter has been sent to you by Education World®, the largest free, independent resource for educators on the Web. We hope you'll take this opportunity to learn more about Education World, discover how our resources can benefit your education students all year long and, in the process, find ways to use Education World to help your students become better teachers now and in the future. Please also be sure to visit our Web site at www.educationworld.com to find tens of thousands more pages of free resources for new teachers -- and veteran teachers too.
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Volume 3, Issue 15
August, 2009
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September Newsletter
Show students and their families what they can look forward to in a back-to-school newsletter.
Welcome Letter
Prepare them for the first day of school with this friendly and informative welcome letter.
Back to School
Planning for Your First Day of School
On the first day of school, the secret to success is in the planning, not the pedagogy.
Personality Profile Posters
Mark Rougeux's middle schoolers reveal their personalities through profile posters.
Back-to-School Guide for Beginning Teachers (and Not-So-New Teachers Too)
Resources for getting your feet on the ground, lesson planning tips, assessment ideas, time and behavior management resources, classroom freebies, technology information, humor, and much more!
Icebreakers
An icebreaker is a simple activity that enables teachers to get to know their students and students to get to know their teachers and one another.
The Learning Machines
From the Science Machine
Cell Models Students click the names of cell parts to view their descriptions. (Grades 5-12)
From the Reading Machine
Alton-Ra: The Lost Statue reinforces spelling, sentence structure.
(Grades 3-6)
From the Math Machine
Penguin Waiter is a fun Web site for teaching about percentages and money. (Grades 4-12)
From "Pretty" to Practical: Using Bulletin Boards to Teach
If you've ever been guilty of ignoring a clearly out-of-date bulletin board or of putting up "anything" that will do, maybe it's time to give your bulletin boards a second look. Experts tell Education World that classroom boards can be more than just "wallflowers" -- they can be tools for teaching too.
Check out these Five Fabulous Back-to-School Bulletin Board Ideas from Education World.
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 Eric Baylin's Songs to Brighten a Teacher's Day
The Teacher Anxiety Song
It's coming -- the inevitable end of summer and the opening days of school. The mere mention of summer's end is cause for the onset of teacher anxiety dreams. Perhaps we should put our fears and worries into song instead?
Dr. Fred Jones: Tools for Teaching
Tools for Teaching Implements Response to Intervention (RTI)
RTI is designed to develop capacity for identifying, adapting, and sustaining effective instructional practices.
Effective Room Arrangement
Classroom management expert Fred Jones identifies "three zones of proximity" and discusses how knowing what they are can help you "work the crowd" in your own classroom.
Emma McDonald: The New Teacher Advisor
Being a Professional Requires More Than a Degree
If we want others to treat us as professionals, we first must portray ourselves as such. That is accomplished through our clothing, attitude, demeanor, and discernment.
Day One: Laying the Groundwork
Every teacher wants a smoothly running classroom, but to do that, you need a vision. Then you use the first day of school to lay the groundwork for making that vision a reality.
Professor Joe Martin: The Educator Motivator
Teach in the Now
Let’s make a pledge to adopt a “now mentality," and leave the delay tactics to the bureaucrats.
Teach Like Every Day is Christmas
The night before every new school year, I get to re-live Christmas Eve. Because when I arrive at school, I have 25 to 30 gifts waiting to be opened. And they're ALL mine.
Dr. Ken Shore: Classroom Problem Solver
The Rude Student
The basic mission of school is to teach children the three R's, however a fourth R merits teachers' attention as well. That R stands for respect.
Line-Up and Hallway Dilemmas
Behavior problems often occur when students line up and walk through the halls. That is not the time to relax rules or lessen efforts to maintain discipline.
Angela Powell: Getting It Together
De-Clutter Students' Desks
Keep seldom-used texts on easily-accessible shelves, not in students’ desks.
A Movable Seating Chart
Make seat changes easier with this versatile seating chart.
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 Each week, Education World spotlights books of interest to educators. This week, read a brief summary of two more of our "top 50 books for educators."
The Writing Teacher's Book of Lists
Subtitled, "with Ready-to-Use Activities and Worksheets," this book adds an extra level of practicality to the idea of a book of lists. Interestingly, the activities and worksheets in each section come before the lists of words themselves, which demonstrates the emphasis the book places on its practical features. The lists represent great variety, with some based on traditional groupings, like synonyms, etc., and others based on such groupings as "Advertising Words," "Words of Folklore," or special lists for student writers such as "Traits of Good Writers" and "Books for Students about Writing and Writers."
Click to learn more or to purchase this book.
Teacher Under Construction: Things I Wish I'd Known!
(A Survival Handbook for New Middle School Teachers)
One of the books from the revived Weekly Reader presses, this handbook (it's only 110 pages) is a good, brief, practical guide for the middle school educator. Features such as a parent conference checklist, a "5-10-15-20" rule of time management, and other common-sense tips are indeed the kinds of things experienced teachers can usefully offer newcomers. A great balance between the nuts and bolts practicalities and the human aspects of the job, and a book concise enough to fit into your bag!
 Click to learn more or to purchase this book.
Click the icon to the right to see more books and many other products that are available in the Education World MarketPlace.
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Reader's Theater
Uptown Mouse and Country Mouse
When Uptown Mouse and his cousin City Mouse exchange visits, they both find that home is truly where you make it.
Bus Yard Blues
Bernard, a shiny yellow school bus, hopes a coat of paint and new wheels will make his riders sit up and take notice.
Cathy Puett Miller: The Reading Coach
Discovering the Writer in Every Student
Are you tired of "What I Did on My Summer Vacation?" Do you want to move your students beyond weak, formulaic writing? Discover how.
Creating a Reading Community
Make it your goal this year to transform your classroom -- by declaring reading an empowering, engaging, life-enhancing experience.
Reading Feature
Reading Aloud: Is It Worth It?
Why do teachers read aloud to students? Are the benefits worth the time? Many teachers believe reading aloud enhances classroom instruction and improves academic achievement -- and research supports that belief.
 Best Books for Teaching About…
Math Concepts
Communities and Community
Back to School
The Five Senses
Total Reader
How Cool Is That!
http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev149.shtml
From the Writing Center
Writing Lessons
Paper Bag Book Report
Paper Bag Book Report combines literacy, community service. (Grades 3-8)
Amusing Animal Adaptations
Animal adaptations spur creative writing. (Grades 3-5)
The Week That Was
A weekly writing assignment documents students' writing progress. (Grades K-12)
Space Tourism Brochure
Create travel brochures to sell tourists on the concept of space travel. (Grades 6-12)
Writing Bugs
I Was So Angry
I have never been so angry as the time...
It's Great To Be My Age
My age is the best age to be because…
First Day of School
A writing activity for the second day of school.
A Silly Vowel Story
Write a story in which every other word begins with a vowel.
Writing Features
Discovering the Writer in Every Student
Are you tired of "What I Did on My Summer Vacation?" Do you want to move your students beyond weak, formulaic writing? Discover how.
A+ Ideas for Creative Writing
Teacher Susan Schweiker has a unique approach to building creative, confident writers: it starts with promising them A's!
Kids Can W.R.I.T.E.
How can you make writing an exercise in personal expression, not drudgery? One key to better writing is better writing assignments -- and the Internet has them.
Wendy Petti's Math Cats Math Chat
Writing About Math
A look at some of the benefits; a variety of writing categories and topics; and suggestions for creating a positive environment for writing about math.
A Math Toolbox in Every Home
As teachers, we know the value of hands-on exploration. Extend that sense of discovery into students' homes by helping them assemble math toolboxes to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Go Figure
Roll 'Em
What numbers did they roll on the dice?
Family Vacation
How many miles did Maria's family travel?
Box Cars and One-Eyed Jacks
(Math Games With Joanne and Jane)
A - Ten - Tion: Reinforce the concepts of odd/even and place value. (Grades 1-2)
Featured Math Article
Make Puzzles Part of Your Game Plan
Puzzles and riddles have an inherent appeal to children, and through play, children can develop new concepts and reinforce skills. Many sites offer puzzles, riddles, and other games to stimulate fun and learning. Check out a few of them!
Math Mnemonics
The Number of Feet in a Mile
How do you spell Arithmetic?
Wire Side Chat
Improv Team Acts to Curb Violent Behavior
The Urban Improv troupe helps students explore non-violent approaches to resolving conflict in a safe learning environment.
From Our Classroom Tips Library
Classroom Management: Planning for a New School Year
Behavior Management: Rules, Routines, and Procedures
Motivating Kids: Treat Students With Respect
Book Report Makeover: A Book Report Sandwich
Homework Tips: Homework Club
Best Idea: Time Capsule
Testing Tips: Are They Ready?
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Education World now incorporates www.SchoolNotes.com ~ "everybody on the same page!" The leading school-to-home communications platform, with FREE pages for teachers and automatic notification of parents and students when new homework is posted!
For a modest $24.95 PER YEAR, upgrade to Personal Edition, "Super SchoolNotes," with thousands of resources linked to your state's standards!
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This Week's Feature
 Fitness Equipment
Coaches and kids -- and everyone in between -- should visit the Education World MarketPlace for fitness supplies. From balls to the latest in Wii products, the MarketPlace offers everything to "fit" your school fitness needs.
Remember, by shopping the Education World MarketPlace (powered by S&S Worldwide) and our Education World/SchoolNotes bookstore (powered by Amazon) you help us maintain Education World as a free resource for educators.
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Education Humor With Regina Barreca
It's Just Not That Simple
The people most visibly drawn to extolling the joys and the privileges of teaching are high-powered attorneys, successful venture capitalists, and exceedingly youthful movie stars...
 The Principal Poet
Education World’s resident poet, Mr. Ivan, presents a poem that is sure to bring grins to school leaders everywhere. This week’s poem is Teacher's Questions.
But I’ve started thinking lately
That teacher’s really not that bright
’Cuz she keeps on asking questions…
With answers even I get right…
Doug Johnson: Tech Proof
TechProof
My love of technology is conditional and that is what the Tech-Proof columns reflect. You will find these writings informed, practical, and perhaps even a little skeptical.
Miguel Guhlin: The IT Crowd
Who We Are Together
Writing an AUP must be a collaborative, conversational approach that facilitates a "conversation between human beings trying to understand who they are together."
Brenda Dyck: Brenda's Blog
My Weary Query
For many educators, technology initiatives invoke feelings of anxiety. How can the very thing that invigorates my teaching serve as a draining experience for another teacher?
Evelyn-Cortez Ford's Coaching Teachers To Be Leaders
How Do I Know If Teacher Leadership Is Working?
Creating a community of leaders seems like the right thing to do, but how can schools ensure that teacher leadership is supporting the achievement of school goals?
Larry Bell's Somebody Needs You!
Daily Participation: One Key to Raising Achievement
Some teachers don't let students speak unless they raise their hands. To that news, many at-promise students will immediately think, "If the only time I have to speak in here is when I raise my hand, then you can stick a fork in me right now because I'm done."
Lorrie Jackson's Techtorials
Bookmarking Without Borders
Learn what social bookmarking is and try a system in your classroom.
Create a Seating Chart With Excel
How do you make a chart that's easy to read and easy to edit as classroom furniture and students change? Consider using Microsoft Excel.
Alma Row's Gadgets of the Week
Stickies
Stickies allows you to create virtual sticky notes on your desktop.
MailCatch
MailCatch is a quick temporary solution to e-mail accessibility issues.
 Starr Points
The Best Laid Plans
You're ready, able, and full of anticipation about your new group of students. You just know it's going to be a wonderful year! But is it going to be the year you planned?
Partners for Student Success
Late Summer Cookout Lights Fire for New School Year
What began as a segue from a traditional school calendar to a year-round schedule has become a signature event at one school. The "beginning of the school year cookout" brings together staff members, students, and parents. The picnic event is a “scorching success.”
Featured Site Reviews
 The History Lab
Build your own lessons from primary sources at this interactive site.
Exploring Space: The Quest for Life
PBS examines mysteries about the origin of life that may exist in space.
EconEdLink
A database of more than 250 Internet-based economic lessons for K-12 teachers.
The Heart of the Matter
Featuring scientists and machines that explore the universe’s tiniest particles.
Historic Maps in K-12 Classrooms
Lesson plans built around historically significant map documents.
Music Education Online
A one stop source of information for anyone interested in music education.
Be sure to explore our Site Review Archives for more great sites. You also can keep up with our latest reviews by signing up for our Site Review Newsletter. This free weekly newsletter brings you up to date by presenting links to all new reviews posted in our Site Review archive. Click here to sign up now!
 Video of the Week
Barack Obama on Education
Barack Obama talks about his plan for improving schools and making college more affordable.
School Doodle
You Can't Get There From Here
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MORE FEATURES OF INTEREST!
 Reader’s Theater More than two dozen scripts, perfect for the classroom.
Best Books for Teaching About… Booklists for 30 popular teaching themes.
Sign Up for Our Newsletters Ten free newsletters full of practical ideas.
Special Education Center Tools for the special education community.
Techtorials Tutorials take the terror out of tech.
Template Library Explore dozens of templates to meet your every need.
Wire Side Chats Ed World chats with experts from the "education world."
Printables Library 100s of printables!
Meet Our Columnists From across the "education world."
Early Childhood Themes From Sue LaBella.
Stress Kit Tools for catching your breath.
Classroom Management 101 Real tips from real teachers.
News for Kids World news with kids in mind.
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