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Showing posts from June, 2024

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 ...

Best Classroom Management Apps for Teachers

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Here are detailed explanations of the best classroom management apps, including their pros and cons, along with links to their official websites: 1. ClassDojo    - Features: Real-time feedback, behavior tracking, parent communication, classroom community building.    - Pros:      - Easy to use and set up.      - Engages students with positive reinforcement.      - Strong parent communication features.    - Cons:      - May not be as effective for older students.      - Limited integration with other educational tools.    - Link: ClassDojo https://www.classdojo.com/ 2. Google Classroom    - Features: Assignment distribution, grading, real-time collaboration, integration with other Google tools.    - Pros:      - Seamless integration with Google Workspace.      - User-friendly and free for schools.      - Stron...

Kahoot! For Teachers Explained

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  Kahoot! For Teachers Explained  Kahoot!  is a popular game-based learning platform used in educational settings to create engaging, interactive learning experiences. It allows teachers to design quizzes, surveys, and games that can be used in the classroom or remotely. Here’s a detailed overview of Kahoot!, including its features, benefits, and use cases:   Overview of Kahoot!   Kahoot!   transforms traditional learning into a fun and interactive experience. It leverages game-based elements to motivate students and make learning more enjoyable.   Key Features 1.   Quizzes and Surveys      -   Creation  : Teachers can create custom quizzes and surveys using a wide range of question types, including multiple-choice, true/false, and short answer.    -   Templates  : There are various templates available to quickly create new quizzes. 2.   Game-Based Learning  ...

Starting a New School Year Right

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10 Things a Teacher Should do at the Start of the School Year Starting a new school year can be exciting and challenging for teachers. Here are some simple and short tips to help you kick off successfully. 1. Be Prepared: Organize your classroom and materials in advance. Have a clear plan for the first week. 2. Set Clear Expectations: Establish and communicate classroom rules and expectations from day one. 3. Build Relationships: Learn your students' names quickly and take an interest in their lives. 4. Create a Welcoming Environment: Make your classroom inviting and inclusive for all students. 5. Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt your plans as needed; things don’t always go as expected. 6. Use Icebreakers: Start with fun activities to help students get to know each other and feel comfortable. 7. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and show enthusiasm for the subject and the school year. 8. Organize Your Schedule: Use a planner or digital tool to keep track of important date...

Engaging students with indoor classroom activities

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  Engaging students with indoor classroom activities can be both educational and entertaining. Here are some ideas that can be effectively implemented in a classroom setting: Class Mural Collaboratively create a large mural on a theme relevant to a current lesson. Jeopardy-Style Review Game Use a digital template or create a board to review recent lessons in a fun, competitive way. Bingo Create bingo cards related to vocabulary, math facts, or historical figures. Indoor Scavenger Hunt Create a scavenger hunt using items found within the classroom. Storytime Read aloud from a class favorite or a new book, encouraging students to predict what happens next and discuss the plot. Spelling Bees Practice spelling with friendly competitions. These activities can help keep students engaged and enthusiastic about learning while providing a variety of ways to explore different subjects and skills. More teaching tips at: Teachersindex.com