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Showing posts from October, 2023

Leprechaun Trap Challenge (STEM): St. Patrick's Day

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Leprechaun Trap Challenge (STEM) Instructions: Build a trap to catch a leprechaun using everyday materials. Follow the design process below! Objective: Encourage creativity, engineering skills, and problem-solving by designing a functional trap that could catch a mischievous leprechaun. Planning Sheet: Materials List: What will you use? (e.g., paper, string, tape, cardboard, LEGOs, pipe cleaners, cups, paper towel rolls, craft sticks, aluminum foil, etc.) Sketch Your Design: Draw how your trap will work, labeling key parts and mechanisms. Trap Mechanism: How will your trap trigger when the leprechaun enters? Will it use a pulley, lever, or hidden entrance? Will you include bait like gold coins, glitter, or candy? Building Phase: Work on assembling your trap using the selected materials. Testing & Improvements: Try triggering the trap multiple times. Identify any weaknesses and refine the design. Reflection Questions: What was the most challenging part of building the trap? What ...
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Teachers: Make Grading Easier!

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  More Efficient Grading. Grading can be a time-consuming task for teachers, but there are several strategies and techniques that can make it easier and more efficient. Rubrics. Create clear and detailed grading rubrics for assignments and assessments. Rubrics help both teachers and students understand the criteria for evaluation, which can speed up the grading process and make it more consistent. Batch Grading. Grade assignments or exams in batches rather than one at a time. This can help you get into a rhythm and stay focused on one aspect of assessment, making the process more efficient. Set Realistic Expectations. Don't overburden yourself with excessive assignments or assessments. Be selective about what you assign and consider the time it will take to grade when designing your curriculum. Use Shorter Assignments. Instead of long essays, consider shorter, more frequent assignments. These are quicker to grade and can provide more immediate feedback to students. Prioritize. Focu...
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What do Students Want in a Teacher?

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Here are some characteristics that are appreciated in teachers. Passion for the Subject. Students are engaged when teachers are passionate about the subject.  Approachability. Approachable teachers make students feel comfortable asking questions.  Fairness and Consistency.  Students appreciate fairness in grading and rules.  Respect for Students. Treating  students with respect creates a positive classroom environment. Engaging Teaching Style. Interactive teaching methods, such as discussions, group activities, and hands-on experiences, keep students engaged and interested. Availability and Accessibility. Being available for questions, feedback, and extra help is appreciated. Real-World Relevance. Connecting classroom concepts to real-world applications helps students see the practical relevance of what they are learning. Encouragement and Positive Reinforcement. Recognizing students for their efforts and achievements can boost their confidence and motivation. G...
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Supporting Students who are Facing Emotional Challenges

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  Supporting students who are facing emotional challenges requires a thoughtful and empathetic approach. Here are some strategies to help reach students who may be struggling. Build Positive Relationships.    - Establish a positive and supportive relationship with each student. A sense of connection and trust can encourage students to open up about their struggles. Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment.    - Foster a classroom environment where students feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Encourage respect and empathy among peers. Observation and Awareness.    - Be observant of changes in behavior, mood, or academic performance. Identifying early signs of struggle allows for timely intervention. Open Communication.    - Create an open line of communication. Let students know that you are there to listen and support them. Regularly check in on their well-being, both academically and emotionally. Individualized...
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Lack of Funding: How Teachers can Cope

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  Lack of funding can stress a teacher out. Collaborate.    - Teachers can collaborate and share resources. Pooling materials can help stretch limited resources. Reuse and Recycle.    - Repurpose materials and supplies that could serve a useful purpose in the classroom. Low-Cost.    - Teachers can create teaching aids and displays with minimal expense from DIY and low-cost materials. Donations.     - Seek donations of supplies or funds from parents and local businesses,  explaining the needs of the classroom. Free Resources.     - Teaching resources are available online. There are high-quality educational materials, lesson plans, and tools available. Focus on Engagement.     - Prioritize activities that require fewer resources, but have a high impact on student engagement. Interactive lessons can be effective without extensive materials. Prioritization.    - If you are given a budget, allocate funds where th...
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Positve Teaching Tips

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  Being a positive teacher can significantly impact the learning environment and the overall well-being of your students. Here are some tips for fostering a positive and supportive classroom atmosphere: Build Positive Relationships.    - Get to know your students individually.    - Show genuine interest in their lives and experiences.    - Create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Encourage Open Communication.    - Foster an atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing themselves.    - Listen actively to their thoughts, concerns, and questions.    - Provide constructive feedback in a supportive manner. Use Positive Reinforcement.    - Acknowledge and celebrate students' achievements, both big and small.    - Offer praise for effort, improvement, and perseverance.    - Use positive language to motivate and inspire. Set Realistic Expectations.   ...
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Common Learning Styles and How to Deal with Them

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  5 Common Learning Styles Visual Learners.    - Use diagrams, charts, and graphs to represent information.    - Encourage use of color coding and visual aids.    - Provide written instructions and notes. Kinesthetic Learners.    - Incorporate hands-on activities and practical experiences.    - Allow for movement and physical engagement during learning.    - Use role-playing and interactive simulations. Social Learners.    - Foster group activities, collaborative projects, and discussions.    - Encourage peer teaching and learning.    Solitary Learners.    - Allow for independent study and self-paced learning.      - Offer opportunities for self-reflection and independent projects. Creative Thinkers.    - Allow for creative expression through art, writing, or other outlets.    - Provide open-ended assignments that allow for innovative solutions. Stu...
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