Teaching Learning Leading K-12

148: 9th Grade Transition Programs for Kids

 

Do you have a 9th grade transition program for your rising 9th graders?

If you don't, you should.

If you do, do you have kids help run it?

If you don't, you should.

Kids don't have all of the answers but they do know what they like and don't like.

Many of them will tell you whether the 9th grade program you have is boring, too long, and/or next to useless.

 

9th grade transition programs should be gameified as much as possible and student led. Now this doesn't mean that there are not adults involved. Oh, no! It simply means that you are going to have a team of adults and kids that work to put the kids in front of the new kids. Not only in front of them but also have them help you design what will happen.

 

Now remember you are still going to want the media specilaist, 9th grade counselor, and 9th grade teachers involved but you also want the kids to tell you what kids want to know more about coming to the high school for the first time. 

 

For example, have it end at lunch where you feed the kids (maybe pizza), and give them a school t-shirt or goody bag. Make sure that the tour shows them where the lockers are and how to use them. It is great if they can get their locker during this visit. It will increase your numbers attending if you make it known that they will get their lockers.

Take the kids to the drop off/pick-up areas. Also make sure that you show them the cafeteria and explain the lines as well as how you get there.

Listen to my talk today to get other ideas.

Just know that you should create an opportunity for the kids to learn from other, older kids about their new school.

It will help create success for your rising 9th graders.

 

Length: 21:25

147: 3 Ideas about Making Field Trips Successful

 

Field trips are important. There is nothing like experiencing something first hand or putting your hands on whatever the content is. Virtual trips are nice for those trips that would be too expensive, but nothing takes the place of being front and center in the content.

If you want to know what it is like in a swamp, you need to be there. If you want to get the feel for the power of the large engines that drive a naval battle ship you need to be in that engine room. If you want to feel the past you want to visit an historical or archaelogical site.

Field trips are important, but to make them work you have to plan the trip.

(Check out episodes 141 and 142 for more information about field trips.)

 

You have to be organized and plan the trip down to the smallest detail. Afterall, you are responsible for someone else's children. 

Today's episode is completely focused on making the trip a success by "sweating the small stuff."

Here are my 3 Ideas for Making a Field Trip a Success

1. Be choosey.

2. Design the trip.

3. Keep track of the kids.

Field trips are awesome ways of engaging kids and creating better understanding, but you have to address challenges. 

Thanks for listening.

Happy field trip planning.

Check out episodes 141 and 142 for more information about field trips.

Length: 27:23

146: 40 Years of Star Wars and School

40 Years of Star Wars and School!

Wow!

Were you there in line on May 25th, 1977?

Do you have any favorite memories of any of the Star Wars movies?

How about favorite characters or scenes?

Let's think about school?

Any special memories as a kid or teacher that are connected with school and Star Wars?

Looking back at 40 Years of Star Wars and School.

Thanks for listening and joining me on this trip down memory lane.

By the way, check out the Star Wars related links below. 

http://www.starwars.com/

http://www.paletteswapninja.com/music/# (Princess Leia's Stolen Death Star Plans)

Muppets' Pigs in Space with Luke Skywalker

Donny and Marie Star Wars Episode 

What can you get a Wookie for Christmas when he already owns a comb

Opening Scene of Star Wars

Meco's Star Wars music

Length: 21:08

145: 3 Reasons Why Flea Markets, Garage Sales, Thrift Stores, and Estate Sales Are Your Best Friend

Have you figured out that to help you with the classroom you need to buy stuff that will help you? 

Don't get me wrong the school often will have supplies that will help, but to really get a leg up on working with the kids you need to buy stuff.

Well, since this is the case the best places to get this stuff is where you will find it for cheaper than at department or retail stores.

You know what I am talking about right?

Oh, yea...

You need to make visiting flea markets. garage sales, yard sales, church sales, thrift stores, and estate sales a habit. They can be your best friend.

 

Here are my 3 Reasons Why Fleamarkets, Yard Sales, Thirft Stores, and Estate Sales Are Your Best Friend

1. Organizational Stuff

2. Teaching Stuff

3. Cool Stuff

 

 

So what are you waiting for? Start this weekend! Seek out those things that will help you work with your kids.

Time to uncover treasure.

Start this weekend!

Length: 24:52

144: 11 Wants for My Perfect Classroom

 

Today, I'm talking about my 11 wants for what I consider my perfect classroom.

Have you ever thought about this?

You know, if money was not an issue what would you like to have? What changes would you make to your current classroom or if you haven't started teaching yet what would you like your first classroom to look and be like?

Here are my 11 Wants for My Perfect Classroom

1. Tables and chairs, not desks.

2. Permission to decorate and/or paint the walls.

3. Space

4. Interactive Board/Projector that makes a wall interactive.

5. Tablets, laptops, chromebooks, etc.

6. Access to social media.

7. Microphones and money for hosting a class audio podcast.

8. A rug.

9. Outside space.

10. Funds to build up a classroom library.

11. Access to a closet or drawers.

 

So what about you? What would you like for your perfect classroom? 

What 11 things would you really want for your classroom?

 

Length: 19:04