Continuously refer to why and what you want students to get out of what you are teaching them. Remember to teach tolerance, citizenry, humanitarianism, humility...you can & should focus on more than just content.

Start your first day with your BEST lesson.
Would you hire you?

Start your first day with your BEST lesson.
Would you hire you?

One of the reasons that students don't like school. Solving problems releases dopamine in the brain and makes them feel successful and energized. It gives them a sense of pride and motivates them to want to keep learning.

Washing clothes paragraph to show the importance of looking at titles.
Thumbs to pinky finger to show the importance of practice and perseverance.
Counting squares and triangles to show the importance of organization.

Washing clothes paragraph to show the importance of looking at titles.
Thumbs to pinky finger to show the importance of practice and perseverance.
Counting squares and triangles to show the importance of organization.

What are the characteristics of a great classroom?
10 common suggestions from each classroom and make a poster to hang on the wall.
Should include ideas like:
1. Fun & meaningful
2. No BUSY work*
3. Manageable assignments
4. Energy & enthusiasm
5. Humor
6. Varied instruction with group work
7. Clear expectations
8. Student input will be valued
9. Respect
10. Structure & organization

Have students pair up and complete exam correction sheets. (Make sure to do exam corrections!)
Could use a sheet where students assess why they missed the question:
Not enough studying?
Never understood?
Stupid mistake?
Those who scored a 100% or missed only 1 or 2 questions can help the others--ALWAYS collaborate.
Post exam results-- can use CPS clickers, phones, etc.

This is the most important! This creates a relationship between you and your students...stand at your door and greet students, play music at beginning of class, etc.

Reviews--here's what we have learned--content, vocab, etc.
Create a class mural (of all the content they learned) and have the classes compete. Have other teachers or administration judge them and keep the best one up on the wall for the next year.

Anchors v. Oars

Everyone likes to have fun
Pictionary, link tag, heads up 7 up, in-class volleyball

Tell me and I will forget
Show me and I will remember
Involve me and I will understand
--Chinese Proverb