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<title>My RSS Feed</title><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/index.html</link><description>Teacher Productivity</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2011 Peter Stocker</dc:rights><dc:date>2012-05-06T09:33:07-07:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 09:33:24 -0700</lastBuildDate><item><title></title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><dc:subject>Teacher Productivity&#x21;</dc:subject><dc:date>2012-05-06T09:33:07-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/3f239887f60464c090b02e6448e7077a-37.html#unique-entry-id-37</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/3f239887f60464c090b02e6448e7077a-37.html#unique-entry-id-37</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Teacher Appreciation Sale at TeachersPayTeachers!


TeachersPayTeachers is having a sale 


Be sure to use the Promo Code TAD12 when you check out.    All items mentioned on this site are now available for 25% off!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Reading Readiness and Numbers</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><category>primary resources</category><dc:date>2011-10-16T16:39:55-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/a102063e3b5bd39379b28116151d32b5-36.html#unique-entry-id-36</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/a102063e3b5bd39379b28116151d32b5-36.html#unique-entry-id-36</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This is a series of lessons that is designed for children aged 3 to 5 years old.


...Instructions on each page can be adapted  to meet your children&rsquo;s 


...This resource is very flexible, and has wonderful illustrations and age-appropriate activities


...The pages are presented in black and white.   This allows the teacher to give 


specific coloring directions to the children to promote an understanding of the 


readiness and numbers instructions. 


...Sets of pictures provide the reading readiness activities and faciliate the 


understanding of the numbers.   Small muscle development is promoted through 


tracing picture outlines with a crayon or pencil.   The children will identify similarities 


and differences, use the numbers from 1 to 10 and sing the Ten Little Fingers action 


song to the tune of Ten Little Indians. 


...Finally the children sing a song about Charlie Leong&rsquo;s train.   This is sung to the tune 


of Old McDonald Had a Farm.   They count the train cars, the animals, and learn to 


notice details by identifying pictures that are the same or different. 


These lessons integrate action, listening and song. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Halloween Motivator</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><dc:date>2011-10-16T19:02:38-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/ba0f4ab890bf40062377b5ecb77e7516-35.html#unique-entry-id-35</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/ba0f4ab890bf40062377b5ecb77e7516-35.html#unique-entry-id-35</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Getting kids to write and dig deep in their thesaurus is a tough job for teachers.     It is hard to motivate some kids to enjoy writing and to have fun with words.    Here is a great activity which is also just in time for halloween.


This activity is suitable for Grades 3-7.     The resource includes a template for a small 2&rsquo; skeleton, a large 4&rsquo; skeleton, and a fabulous writing activity.


BUILD A SKELETON AND WRITE ABOUT IT ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Complete ESL Children&#x27;s Curriculum</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>ESL instruction for children</category><category>ESL Children&#x27;s Curriculum</category><dc:date>2012-05-06T09:33:24-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/77cc36cf430d28e823c33e9f14ee59fd-34.html#unique-entry-id-34</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/77cc36cf430d28e823c33e9f14ee59fd-34.html#unique-entry-id-34</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Complete Language Arts program for students that struggle with basic English.     In BC Canada, almost every elementary class has students that need far more ESL support than they are getting.     This series provides high interest- low vocabulary reading for students that need extra support with English.     The series starts with the basics of the alphabet, then moves on to writing of sentences, paragraphs, expanding vocabulary, and using simple grammar.      What really works about this resource is that the activities allow the teacher to work with other students while the ESL group works on the appropriate activities.     Oral language, writing, reading,  and vocabulary are all addressed each lesson.


READ MORE


ESL Classroom Resources
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Try 3 Pigs Coloring With Younger Students</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><dc:date>2011-05-17T18:51:03-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/67672d57b60f5f8043679cf9e020fbdb-33.html#unique-entry-id-33</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/67672d57b60f5f8043679cf9e020fbdb-33.html#unique-entry-id-33</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[June is a hectic time for teachers.    Primary teachers need activities that engage small children, that tie into the theme, and provide a (small) break for the tired teacher.    This resource works just great:


Three Pigs Enrichment Pack


<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N_0x9GWyXjM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


This Primary Enrichment pack is ideal for any primary classroom.    It has a huge 27 page coloring book based on The Three Little Pigs Story, and lots of web links to other sites, videos, and resources to immerse your little tykes in this great story!     The coloring book is all original art work.     Preview this resource here:


Three Pigs Enrichment Pack 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Interesting Online Design Tools</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><category>Useful sites for teachers</category><dc:date>2011-05-11T22:30:14-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/29985c9f19c5b1b6a1382abea3c6a184-32.html#unique-entry-id-32</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/29985c9f19c5b1b6a1382abea3c6a184-32.html#unique-entry-id-32</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Create Word Clouds with Wordle</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><dc:date>2011-05-08T21:43:21-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/0197f0554c76cc82bb4f5d00f0ab77a3-31.html#unique-entry-id-31</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/0197f0554c76cc82bb4f5d00f0ab77a3-31.html#unique-entry-id-31</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>High Interest Low Vocabulary Readers</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>high interest and low vocabulary readers for English struggling students</category><category>ESL intermediate resource for reading and writing</category><category>help for English challenged students</category><dc:date>2011-05-03T20:58:04-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/18adef54543b9e16978f15725102eb47-30.html#unique-entry-id-30</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/18adef54543b9e16978f15725102eb47-30.html#unique-entry-id-30</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Teach with literature</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>teaching tips </category><dc:date>2011-04-22T21:18:14-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/73e9dd8606f4135976290fd2d6973f44-28.html#unique-entry-id-28</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/73e9dd8606f4135976290fd2d6973f44-28.html#unique-entry-id-28</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Literature can be incorporated with students of all ages.


Listen to the Tennyson poem about the Kraken - a mythical sea monster:


A fun and solid teaching unit about the Kraken can be found here:


Discover the Real Kraken 


For a resource that deals with the classic Coleridge poem in a way that even struggling students can understand:


Rime of the Ancient Mariner Complete Resource 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Useful Sites for Teachers #4  Khan Academy</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>Useful sites for teachers</category><category>resources</category><dc:date>2011-04-22T14:42:26-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/ea55253e7ae4068b1baa0c94824a10ed-27.html#unique-entry-id-27</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/ea55253e7ae4068b1baa0c94824a10ed-27.html#unique-entry-id-27</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Videos are clear and simple to understand with mindblowing graphics or sound.    Nice to see.


View a simple video of the structure of an atom:


<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1xSQlwWGT8M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Khan Academy
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Astonishing presentations online FREE&#x21;</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><category>presentation sites</category><dc:date>2011-04-07T20:41:36-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/81f3b7052d91ac41eb78d387c6a7775e-24.html#unique-entry-id-24</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/81f3b7052d91ac41eb78d387c6a7775e-24.html#unique-entry-id-24</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Prezi is an award winning creative and free online presentation site that wows students and teachers alike.    It is is hard to beat this original and effective site.    Using Prezi is like having a large on-line white board that you can fill with text, video, animations, and pictures.     You then set the presentation to &ldquo;zoom&rdquo; in and out of the different components you have added.         


  Prezi - The Zooming Presentation Editor


Here is an example of the presentation style:


Why should you move beyond slides?   by Adam Somlai-Fischer on Prezi


               


            


  ]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Free on the web?</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><dc:date>2011-04-03T09:45:12-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/47e61e95af0c7a50379cd88184357e1d-23.html#unique-entry-id-23</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/47e61e95af0c7a50379cd88184357e1d-23.html#unique-entry-id-23</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Free Clip Art for Teachers</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><category>Useful sites for teachers</category><dc:date>2011-04-02T21:51:28-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/58d6dc1bed22c28cde42e250d6377a60-22.html#unique-entry-id-22</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/58d6dc1bed22c28cde42e250d6377a60-22.html#unique-entry-id-22</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Free or Inexpensive Websites for Teachers</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><category>Useful sites for teachers</category><dc:date>2011-04-02T21:34:05-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/f829adb1e6a540a34ee3cc495057c540-21.html#unique-entry-id-21</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/f829adb1e6a540a34ee3cc495057c540-21.html#unique-entry-id-21</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Grade Connect


Teacher Office


Fortune City


Class Webs


Teachers Net


Cool@Class


SwitchBoard


eSmart


ThinkFree


My Class


...100 Best Free Web Hosting Providers


Free WebPage Building


Voice Thread


...iGoogle


SquareSpace


Hoovie School


4MeWeb


There are many more appropriate places to post your class web pages.     As of this posting, all these sites had useful features and were free of inappropriate advertising or commercial interests. 


In the comments section please share your web hosting solutions.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Useful Sites for Teachers #2:  That Quiz</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>Useful sites for teachers</category><category>resources</category><dc:date>2011-03-30T17:47:44-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/7f54233a27f7ccc2442e114e95bf318d-19.html#unique-entry-id-19</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/7f54233a27f7ccc2442e114e95bf318d-19.html#unique-entry-id-19</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[	&bull;	look for one on the public test library and assign it to your group


	&bull;	assign a whole bunch of tests, merge them, and then delete the questions you don&rsquo;t want to use


	&bull;	use the site to write your own tests


The site provides you with a class web page where your students log in.    You will have to upload or enter the names of your students and make a simple password.   


 Here is my site:


Grade 4 2010-2011


On this  ALL FREE site I have various content area tests,  and times table mastery tests, and practice tests.   It has saved me dozens of hours.    A real time-saver!]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Useful Sites For Teachers  #1:  SOLARO</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><category>Useful sites for teachers</category><category>teacher efficiency</category><dc:date>2011-04-19T23:08:12-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/2ab6f5a538f9a94c6cdf2d5085de3284-18.html#unique-entry-id-18</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/2ab6f5a538f9a94c6cdf2d5085de3284-18.html#unique-entry-id-18</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The benefits to teachers are amazing:  


Explore here at the SOLARO website:


SOLARO &raquo; For Teachers


In a nut shell:


Class and Individual Student Reporting


Individual student reports help teachers identify student strengths and weaknesses for each concept and regional standard.


Class reports show performance concers, which teachers can address in class or by suggesting additional work in SOLARO for students to complete on their own.


100% Aligned to Standards


All lessons and practice questions are aligned to the regional standards for each subject and grade.


Hundreds of lessons and thousands of practice questions in each grade covering math, sciences, and English language arts.


The great thing about Solaro is that it can be used in lots of different ways:


	&bull;	pretest:  formative assessment


	&bull;	partner work with challenges


	&bull;	practice


	&bull;	post test


	&bull;	homework practice or assignments


To sign up for this great service- go to:


SOLARO &raquo; SOLARO for Schools
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Useful Sites for Teachers  #3: Teachers Pay Teachers</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><category>Useful sites for teachers</category><dc:date>2011-03-25T16:34:15-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/3453d693af6485670b21959163d1d76f-17.html#unique-entry-id-17</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/3453d693af6485670b21959163d1d76f-17.html#unique-entry-id-17</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Teachers Pay Teachers is a huge marketplace full of teacher made and teacher tested resources (mostly dowloads).     This includes 9500 free items.


You can link to the free items here:


Browse: Free Downloads - TeachersPayTeachers.com


You can find a wealth of really excellent and inexpensive products - usually PDF files or also smart board or powerpoint files.    This site requires you to log in to buy products.    It has the added advantage of being a place that teachers can sell.    At teacher productivity we have put together a package for sellers interested in uploading to the site.     You may want to take advantage of advice and guidence here


Check out my store here:


Store: Peter Stocker - TeachersPayTeachers.com  (I know shameless and unrepentant self-promotion going on here)


For help setting up your own store to sell items you have made with promotion and Search Engine Optimization check this page first:


Make Some Money From Your Lessons! 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Use Activities to Facilitate Learning</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>teaching tips </category><dc:date>2011-03-25T16:31:28-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/bb8e1bf3f47b1b73b9214a61e7f6daf7-16.html#unique-entry-id-16</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/bb8e1bf3f47b1b73b9214a61e7f6daf7-16.html#unique-entry-id-16</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The many different areas of sport such as team games, track and field, the fine arts, or the often non-competitive sports such as swimming or skating always meet with enthusiasm.   Most students can find excitement and fulfillment in one or more of these.   How can we use this understanding to make the basic curriculum exciting and meaningful?

Let&rsquo;s look at some of those basics.

If you are teaching language arts then even the youngest students can participate in singing.   Next they would be ready to participate in writing a group story.   This promotes a lot of laughter if each student in a group of four to six contributes one sentence.   When the sentences are written down the story can be presented to the class.   Using another approach, the students choose a story from their textbook and re-write it into a play.   Depending on the technical equipment available they can create a video for others to see.   These simple activities give students the practice they need with reading, writing and oral expression.

Science is a wonderful subject for hands-on participation.   It is vitally important for the students to understand today&rsquo;s environmental decisions if progress is to be made in solving world problems such as food supplies, fresh water maintenance and our changing climate.   If you look at the area around your school you&rsquo;ll be able to plan projects for your students that will improve their surroundings while you teach basic science.   Whatever you do can become the subject of discussion, research and writing in your classroom. 

An alternative activity could be science games.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Organize with all-in-one criteria sheets</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>teaching tips </category><category>teacher efficiency</category><dc:date>2011-03-24T20:03:01-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/289b9420f06eeb92a241aa5c41919c82-15.html#unique-entry-id-15</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/289b9420f06eeb92a241aa5c41919c82-15.html#unique-entry-id-15</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[1.  make sure you assess across multiple categories eg:  speaking, research, group-work, pictures etc,


(never just one big fat mark)


2.    If there is a presentation, mark some things right on the spot:   eg pictures and graphic presentation, speaking


3.   Give students a chance to practice presentations with peers before you mark


4.    Have an all-in-one criteria sheet that has the whole project outlined, and the marking.    Have the students hand in the marking sheet before presenting.


Here is an example:


Try merging names into the criteria sheet from excel or a database of your students names.     This really helps keep things organized.    Using Microsoft Word you use the data merge manager with the form letter option.    A little bit of secretarial expertise goes a long way!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Suggestions for Helping Troubled Students</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>class room management</category><dc:date>2011-03-23T10:02:54-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/c4ab32441a2754a9716311577f48e769-14.html#unique-entry-id-14</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/c4ab32441a2754a9716311577f48e769-14.html#unique-entry-id-14</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[There are troubled children, confused teens and upset adults in every country of the world.   We live in a changing world that seems to present new complex situations that previous generations didn&rsquo;t have to confront. ...  This article will suggest some approaches that may help you, as teachers, to deal with these troubled and often demanding young people.

Perhaps the most basic problem of many difficult students is their poor self-image.   If they don&rsquo;t like themselves they are likely to feel angry at the world and a good place to express that antagonism is in the classroom where they have an audience.   It&rsquo;s difficult for a teacher to know how to begin to approach such a student but a good place to start is to CATCH THEM DOING IT RIGHT.   Give praise, reward the smallest success, and find some small thing that you like about what they do. 

...You might try making him or her into an expert in something. ...  It also needs to be something that the student can do successfully.   It might be setting up a piece of equipment, turning on a computer, looking after sports equipment or caring for a classroom pet.   You might make them a leader in something, but watch out; you could end up with a young dictator! 

...A teacher&rsquo;s job is very difficult, but by juggling the fun extras while demanding responsibility, this approach can help.   While trying these strategies, you have made them feel that you appreciate what they can do and you&rsquo;re glad they belong to the group.   Your acceptance of them is a silent message that you like them. 

...I soon noticed the most interesting small pictures at the bottom of his exercise book. ...  By encouraging him to tell me more and write a sentence about them, he gradually started to make some progress with his other work too. ...  That child&rsquo;s imagination could take him far if the school system could provide encouragement and show him that they are interested in is ideas. 

...We teachers need to do everything we can to make them feel better or even good about themselves.   The easiest way to achieve this is to CATCH THEM DOING IT RIGHT.   Sometimes you&rsquo;ll have to look very hard, but once you start, they will change a little, making your job easier and much more enjoyable.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>How to Gain Rapport With Parents</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>teaching tips </category><dc:date>2011-03-23T10:00:40-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/bc26c8e34aa41f293f46bec2a989be1a-13.html#unique-entry-id-13</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/bc26c8e34aa41f293f46bec2a989be1a-13.html#unique-entry-id-13</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[When people have children it is a huge event in their lives. ...  As teachers we enter the scene without any knowledge of all the worry, care and expense that has preceded our working with the child.   It&rsquo;s understandable that parents are concerned and likely tense about what is taking place in your classroom.   This article will offer some suggestions that may help you to gain the confidence of the parents of your students.

Let&rsquo;s assume that in most cases, the more we understand each other&rsquo;s life situations, the greater the mutual trust.   How can you gain the trust of parents that you hardly ever see them? ...  Arrange a situation where you can tell them a little about your life, your family and any funny stories you may have.   Then, if you feel comfortable, talk about some of your difficulties. ...  We suggest that you limit your talk to about five minutes before asking if they have any questions.

The next step may be to make them feel welcome when they arrive at school with their children.   At first it will take time, probably more time than you feel you can spare, but after a few weeks most parents will have relaxed and be quite satisfied with a cheerful greeting. 

...What are you going to do about the two or three that are still worried and are expressing a long line of concerns? 

...You may have already tried the following suggestion or you might find it to be quite outrageous!

...They will hear and see what you are dealing with and understanding will dawn. ...  Generally they wouldn&rsquo;t want their parents in the classroom but if an anxious parent can help with a sports program, in a computer lab or accompany groups on field trips, then even a teenager will likely feel proud.   After a parent has assisted in the school for awhile they&rsquo;ll become a part of the system and likely feel more relaxed about their son or daughter.

...During the first year I was told that I couldn&rsquo;t invite any parent into the staffroom for coffee at recess or at any other time.   It was embarrassing when recess came because I had to thank my parent politely and either leave them in the classroom or have them wander off home! 

...If there is an opportunity to get more information or to get involved at the root of their concerns then they can often relax.   Welcome your parents to the school in any way that you can and many will become your friends and supporters.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Make Some Money From Your Lessons&#x21;</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><dc:date>2011-03-21T10:06:33-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/3b7cf463641e3f50e1d9a293e10f63ec-12.html#unique-entry-id-12</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/3b7cf463641e3f50e1d9a293e10f63ec-12.html#unique-entry-id-12</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Have you worked hard as a teacher and made some interesting units that work with kids?    At teachers-pay-teachers you can upload and sell some the work you have worked hard to create.    With huge numbers of teachers uploading to the site your work can easily be lost.     Successful teacher-sellers at the site say that some outside promotion is necessary.


Here is a proposal.     I will help you set up your site in exchange for referral earnings.     I get a cut from each of your sales BUT THE CUT DOES NOT COME FROM YOU  rather TEACHERS PAY TEACHERS PAYS ME A FINDERS FEE.    I will help you edit your profile and listings for clarity and key words, and promote your products on my site.     You will get the traffic to your tpt site because of my promotion of your products.    You win (it will cost you nothing!)  ,  I get paid because I have referred you.


Contact me and I will send you a startup package with links and advice:]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Why have fun?</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><category>teaching tips </category><dc:date>2011-03-15T21:47:58-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/e23696003813813c8236322d34513a45-11.html#unique-entry-id-11</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/e23696003813813c8236322d34513a45-11.html#unique-entry-id-11</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Here is a great example of some outstanding student work:


The resource for writing this podcast script can be found here:


Book Response Podcast 


Here are some great plays by a Grade 4 teacher.    These students memorized their lines and made their puppets:


Grade Four Media Page


 Puppet Shows!!!


The teacher author used this resource to make puppets:


Hand Puppet Resources 


A primary version of rod puppets on a fairy tale theme can be found here:


Simple Rod Puppets 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Tips for multimedia projects&#x21;</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><category>teaching tips </category><category>teacher efficiency</category><dc:date>2011-03-15T19:36:03-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/e396afc3a3caecd50d544b6e5df6bedf-10.html#unique-entry-id-10</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/e396afc3a3caecd50d544b6e5df6bedf-10.html#unique-entry-id-10</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[These projects can take a lot of time.    Organization is key.


TIPS TO GET ORGANIZED  and SOME NICE RESOURCES:


...Know your software before starting and do some starter activities.    A little time now will save you grief later.


...Use the time before Christmas and before Spring Break to do the fun stuff.    Have things like the scripts ready and have the students practice or do the computer time during these times.    Nobody objects to taking a day or morning or afternoon during these &ldquo;crazy days&rdquo; before  Christmas or spring break.


...Use computer project time as leverage for writing.    Writing is difficult for some kids, but writing a play script or a podcast script is fun and motivating.


...Know your techie students.    Give them extra computer time to prepare for the project.    Use them as assistants (they&rsquo;ll have theirs set up already)


Let&rsquo;s talk about types of projects and how to get there:


Here are some great links to projects:


...Grade Four Podcast 2010: Chris van allsberg


This was a book review enhanced podcast done by Grade 4 students.    You can find a great resource for writing a podcast script here:


Book Response Audio or Podcast Project 


Some really meaty articles about multimedia for schools:
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Look Good</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>teaching tips </category><dc:date>2011-03-10T20:21:26-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/5148612fe719034986f8609457644dc7-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/5148612fe719034986f8609457644dc7-8.html#unique-entry-id-8</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[In teaching appearences are important.    A well ordered classroom with lots of student work attractively displayed is important for the impression you want to make.  ...  You want to be appreciated by parents, other teacher&rsquo;s, and students.  

...But lets look at the other benefits.     It is important for students to see their own work displayed.   Use this as a learning opportunity:  point out really good work to the class.   Show the interesting or creative work (This can be a chance to praise students).


	&bull;	When students see the excellent work, it pulls up the whole class to a higher standard of excellence.


	&bull;	Students need to know and learn that appearances count.    Many well organized and neat students can earn decent grades, while the messy but brilliant student is penalized for neatness.    While it is important to be aware of these types of students,  all students need to know how to make their work neat and nice to look at.


If you are messy and a bit rough around the edges&rdquo; in your class ... instead of justifying it -


	&bull;	schedule a daily period to organize.     Just a five or ten minute period to organize and clean will go a long way.


...See my early post:  let the machines do it.


	&bull;	REMEMBER:  you are teaching students an important skill by showing order cleanliness and organization


	&bull;	schedule a personal planning 5 minute period during the day.    THINK:  what can I give back to the students - marking, or what can we do to be more organized.    You will find there is something almost every day.


	&bull;	randomly reward clean binders and desks - candy works well!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Pace Yourself&#x21;</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>teaching tips </category><dc:date>2011-03-07T21:10:56-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/bc10527b32cb84e775a35047e53f14a4-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/bc10527b32cb84e775a35047e53f14a4-7.html#unique-entry-id-7</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[	&bull;	start the day with a quiet activity of 10- 15 minutes.    Enforce silence.    Have students do silent reading, handwriting, problem-solving,  vocabulary exercises,  or give them a choice.    It&rsquo;s worth it to write it on the board so they know.     This quiet time is a non-negotiable.    Explain this to the students - and start writing names on the board if necessary.    YOU NEED TO GET ORGANIZED


	&bull;	Don&rsquo;t under-estimate some time-consuming work such as title pages,  character illustrations, or other work that does not require a lot of teacher time circulating.    Learning to present information in an attractive way is a very necessary skill.    Teach them layout for something like a title page and then give them the time to do it.   This will free up time for you.


	&bull;	I give one period a week for handwriting (only part of the year).    This is time to conference with students, catch up on marking late work, and adapting for special needs


	&bull;	I have some fabulous educational videos with  worksheets I have made.     These videos fall around &ldquo;report card high season&rdquo;, and are a great help.


During class working time,  I take time to look out the window at the spectacular North Shore mountains.    I take a breath and feel thankful for my job and my life.  


STRESS OR NO STRESS - IT&rsquo;S UP TO YOU!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Have the machines do it&#x21;</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>resources</category><category>teaching tips </category><category>teacher efficiency</category><category>Useful sites for teachers</category><dc:date>2011-03-05T08:53:25-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/a3c59119b0ae24061040aa999c2572a1-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/a3c59119b0ae24061040aa999c2572a1-5.html#unique-entry-id-5</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[  Computers can do a lot, but not all.   

...BUT PRODUCTIVITY IS SO WE CAN GIVE MORE TO STUDENTS.


Here are some really cool solutions that have saved me untold hours of marking.


That Quiz is an educator&rsquo;s dream.  

...	&bull;	look for one on the public test library and assign it to your group


	&bull;	assign a whole bunch of tests, merge them, and then delete the questions you don&rsquo;t want to use


	&bull;	use the site to write your own tests


The site provides you with a class web page where your students log in.     Here is my site:


...On this  ALL FREE site I have various content area tests,  and times table mastery tests, and practice tests.   It may look rather plain, but this site is a real gem.    It has saved me dozens of hours.


...Another great solution (that requires a little more technical knowledge) involves various programs for testing.   An extremely efficient and powerful program I use is Starquiz.    This gem of a program easily makes quizzes and tests or surveys that can be given on our school network.    It can run for testing on one machine,  a computer lab, or on the internet.     You can set questions types for matching, multiple choice, fill in the blanks, essay, or other computer marked or teacher marked options.


...I found when I started using these two solutions I was assessing more and having access to better information about where my students were struggling or succeeding.    (I even got into formative assessment...(

... I CAN FEEL THE LOVE!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Does marking have to ruin you?</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>teacher efficiency</category><category>resources</category><category>teaching tips </category><dc:date>2011-03-03T16:57:48-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/817fab8071167910fca0d9d717d29e3f-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/817fab8071167910fca0d9d717d29e3f-4.html#unique-entry-id-4</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Just think: piles of unmarked papers from lessons well taught - BUT -  Without organization.   


All that marking  gets out of control:  and even the whole weekend is not enough to get through it all.


A teacher of a friend of mine used to get the students working really hard (they were afraid of her), then she would throw out all their work.  

...You have to weigh what is important in marking.    What do you want for the students.


Here is how I see it at the intermediate level:


...But what you can do is:


...We want them to become good listeners don&rsquo;t we?    Be demanding and don&rsquo;t accept shoddiness or laziness.


leave your imprint on each student page - a star, a stamp, or a check.  

...walk around with a pen marking as the kids work.    I get to every kid in the class marking the spelling pretests while they work.     I make them mark it, but I get around and start marking too. (with the high students I just check their accurate marking)


I have students mark in groups with an answer key.  3 students works well


I have jig-saw style presentations where I mark the whole project while they present (3 at a time is the most I can swing - have them make a small quiz for their peers and that gives a bit of extra time)


...Make a criteria page with the marking built in.     I just love marking with a highlighter.


Use mail-merge for criteria sheets (sounds geekish I know but keeps you organized!)


automate your marking for some things  WOW A REVOLUTION IN MY TEACHING -  THIS WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF THE NEXT BLOG POSTING 


         I&rsquo;M HAPPY AND I CAN FEEL THE LOVE!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Classroom Management: do or die tips</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>class room management</category><dc:date>2011-03-02T21:27:10-08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/9d70a85bbafb62852836489000aac6fa-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/9d70a85bbafb62852836489000aac6fa-3.html#unique-entry-id-3</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Several things you need to know:   You are the teacher and students want you to lead and teach.   They respect a confident teacher who really teaches.    Your confidence and self-assurance is everything.     Your positive affirming self is everything.    Go in the door and be sure you do not miss a chance to praise each deserving student.    Bond to all your students, without losing your professional leadership.    Everything about you shows you are the boss.   Be aware of students that you need to have on your side.    (Get those types to help you with cool stuff like the laptops.) ...  And never forget:  CATCH THEM DOING IT RIGHT.  

...	&bull;	HAVE SOME FUN WITH YOUR STUDENTS:  if they have at least one thing to look forward to at school, your life will be easier.  ...  Show concern when they are sick and greet them when they come back.  

...	&bull;	Know when to laugh with your students,  then OK it&rsquo;s back to work.    Reward kindness amongst your students, and model it yourself.


...	&bull;	At times there are some students that need special TLC.   

...	&bull;	Always be in a good mood;  learn to always smile and don&rsquo;t take yourself too seriously;  If you don&rsquo;t &ldquo;feel&rdquo;  good then fake it.  ...  You will see, you will get there.)


Here is a fantastic link that about sums it up:


Classroom Management by Genghis :: :: A to Z Teacher Stuff


Get a grip on classroom management and you will be productive and enjoy your job.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>What is teacher productivity?</title><dc:creator>peterstocker@me.com</dc:creator><category>teacher efficiency</category><dc:date>2011-04-26T21:03:37-07:00</dc:date><link>http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/1aa9d0faa58bc8ff4865b20e20f499dd-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.lesson-plan.org/files/1aa9d0faa58bc8ff4865b20e20f499dd-1.html#unique-entry-id-1</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[-more personalized instruction - ability to adapt or modify for individuals


-formative assessment:  tracking of class progress to guide teaching


-a cheerful manner so that you can give hope and joy -  especially to struggling or troubled students


- accurate and personalized reporting that is fair and shows esteem for your students
]]></content:encoded></item></channel>
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