http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com Serious Resources for Serious Teachers Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:53:58 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Keeping parents up-to-date on what's going on in the classroom can sometimes be difficult. Fortunately, there are many free tools on the web that can help teachers streamline the communication process and get parents the information they need. Here are 10 online tools that are free, helpful, and easy to ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2010/02/02/10-free-online-tools-for-parent-communication/ In the world of online teacher tips, high school educators often get the short end of the academic stick. For whatever reason, many of the lesson ideas tend to be geared towards younger students. Secondary educators, this article’s for you. These three online resources each provide significant academic support to ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2010/01/26/3-online-resources-for-the-modern-high-school-teacher/ January is prime month for quality instruction. Yet it is also the time many of us have a hard time gearing up after the holidays. To help out, I’ve rounded up what I feel are the top tips from around the web as we launch into 2010. What to do with ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2010/01/14/january-web-roundup-snow-days-progress-reports-and-more/ Need a basic math center activity for multiple grade levels that will cost you next to nothing? Try this affordable idea that requires nothing but clothespins and index cards. First, start with a collection of wooden clothespins. Use fine-tipped permanent markers to write various numbers on them appropriate to the grade ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2010/01/09/learning-centers-on-the-cheap-clothespin-math/ A situation came up at The Lesson Machine / Lesson Mag office recently that put us in a bit of a conundrum. It got me thinking about how many of us might be contributing to serious environmental problems in spite of all our classroom recycling efforts. Read on to find ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2010/01/08/select-a-different-classroom-craft-supply-and-save-the-planet/ Everywhere you see the students in your school texting on their cell phones or listening to their Ipods.  Administrators are beginning to ask you how you use computers in your classroom. They have given you gadgets galore you have no idea how to use. I hear educators daily express their concerns ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/12/21/fearing-the-technology-monster-guest-post-from-shelly-terrell/ Fourteen years ago, a student at my college asked to use ‘the computer’. His next question stumped me. “How do you turn it on?” I failed in my attempts to help him. How was I to know the power button on the Apple Mac was on the keyboard? I was ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/12/07/innovation-goes-mainstream-reflections-from-sean-banville/ As December approaches, many teachers are looking for ways to celebrate the Christmas holiday that keep both classroom discipline and budget in check. An advent calendar is one way to do that, provided you select affordable rewards and activities. Here is a way to incorporate a traditional holiday advent calendar ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/11/29/classroom-advent-calendar-on-the-cheap/ With tight budgets and position cuts the norm in many school districts, physical education often ends up being on the classroom teacher’s list of responsibilities. How do you implement a sustainable physical education program without diverting valuable classroom budget dollars on supplies? Here are seven simple suggestions to get you ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/11/07/physical-education-seven-pieces-of-equipment-for-a-frugal-program/ There are many free resources online designed to help learning and technology practitioners design curriculum, plan lessons, advance their career, and engage students in the learning experience. This article by Karen Schweitzer offers a list of 10 free resources to explore: TED - This non-profit organization is dedicated to "Ideas Worth Spreading." ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/10/31/10-free-resources-for-learning-and-technology-professionals/ Stick Man, a new release by Scholastic, is out this season for holiday enjoyment. Created by Julie Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this seasonal rhyming tale tells the story of a stick man who is taken accidentally from his family tree by a well meaning pooch. One mishap after another takes ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/10/31/stick-man-a-winter-holiday-book-review/ Jim Murphy and Scholastic have teamed up to provide an engaging historical Christmas narrative for intermediate level readers. Teachers of nine-twelve year olds looking to incorporate a real life holiday story with their studies of World War I may want to take a look. Read on.  Synopsis:  In Truce, Newbery honor author ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/10/01/truce-a-book-review/ Two time Newbery Medalist Lois Lowry takes her first stab at a picture book in Crow Call, published by Scholastic. This title for primary grades features a young girl's first memory of a big outing with her father, a man who had previously been a stranger to her due to a ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/09/17/crow-call-a-book-review/ Teachers are used to working with limited resources, but few issues impact your daily instruction as much as limits on paper, the number of copies you can make, or both. In my career, I've dealt with all three. There were schools with strict copy quotas per teacher or department, overworked ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/09/15/how-to-work-around-paper-and-copy-limits-guest-post-from-tom-derosa/ Trying to find time to honor any type of fitness program in the classroom when PE has been virtually stripped from your school's curriculum? Lucky to fit in one group activity per week along with all of the unexpected assemblies, special ed integration consults, math reviews and more? Kathy Kaehler, ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/09/02/free-classroom-fitness-program-for-teachers/ Written by Barbara Kerley. Illustrated by Caldecott honor artist Brian Selznick. Published by Scholastic Press. First Impressions A perfect picture book for older children just getting introduced to the life and works of Walt Whitman. This book looks like a present at first glance, with its gilded lettering, cut-out picture frame and ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/08/27/walt-whitman-words-for-america/ Written by Caldecott honor book author Anne Isaacs, this pioneer themed tale is set in the American wilderness. This Scholastic Press title is boldly illustrated by Mark Teague. PERKS Opportunities for student story predictions. These exist each time the main character, Toby, meets a new forest animal. Since she trades one item of ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/08/27/pancakes-for-supper-a-book-review/ For most teachers, education doesn't end when a degree is earned. The teaching profession demands continuing education, and in certain cases, advanced education. Fortunately, there are many online resources that can help teachers with professional development. Here are 20 resources for educators to explore: NCATE - The National Council for Accreditation ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/08/20/guest-post-from-karen-schweitzer-20-professional-development-resources-for-teachers/ We all scramble every school year to find balance between getting our classroom management and discipline procedures up and running and providing those first day of school activities that go the extra mile in style. This article covers both in detail. Last year, I wrote an article on strategies to start ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/08/12/back-to-school-ideas-for-the-classroom-what-to-do-for-the-first-day/ Times are tight for schools everywhere. Teachers who do have a classroom supplies budget with their school or PTO are needing to pare things down as much as possible. Most are still dipping into their own monies to make ends meet in the classroom. With the economy as sluggish as ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/07/21/inexpensive-classroom-supplies-for-teachers-on-a-budget/ Those educators serving junior high through high school students who are looking for a quality media resource to study Middle East issues and current events have a fantastic freebie available to them at the click of a button. Read on. The Doha Debates, carried regularly on CNN, have a web site ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/07/17/free-middle-eastern-studies-resource-the-doha-debates/   This true story of the Mercury 13 Women, written by Tanya Lee Stone, chronicles the trials and tribulations of these remarkable women who stepped up to the space challenge. Why have you never heard of them? After completing all of the testing and a grueling training schedule, they were basically scrubbed ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/06/11/almost-astronauts-13-women-who-dared-to-dream/   A futuristic movie portraying just how Earth could end up if the rate of consumption and trash production doesn't slow down. Cleverly done, as a single robot character on his own is able to carry the entire first portion of the film. The trash level and toxic fumes have so consumed ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/06/11/wall-e/   [caption id="attachment_260" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="First Year Teaching"][/caption] The first year in the trenches can be overwhelming, to say the least. You come out feeling prepared only to realize very quickly there's still lots to learn. You're on your own now though, so leaning on your advisors and host teacher from your ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/06/04/ten-tips-for-first-year-teachers/ [caption id="attachment_350" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Classroom Coupons"][/caption] Constantly looking for ways to positively reward good behavior without dipping into your own personal funds? If you're teaching intermediate to older grades, they love getting classroom coupons and extra passes. Design your own in a size that lets you fit at least four-six coupons ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/06/04/classroom-coupons-an-easy-no-cost-management-tool/ [caption id="attachment_398" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Inviting Classroom"][/caption] While structure and the feeling of a serious learning environment are important, an inviting classroom where students feel secure and welcome is also critical to achieving inclusion for all students. Here are six different strategies for increasing the comfort factor of your classroom. Lighting. Yes, you're ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/05/26/six-strategies-for-an-inviting-classroom/ [caption id="attachment_403" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Wise Bread Book"][/caption] We all know classroom teaching isn't exactly a big money profession. The constant supplementing of classroom materials many of us do cuts into take home pay even further. Tired of feeling like a pauper after all your efforts? Check out this new book by ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/05/18/stretch-that-teachers-salary-even-further-with-this-stylish-new-budget-book/ [caption id="attachment_405" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Spelling Activities"][/caption] Spelling lists are a necessary part of our weekly routine. We all want our students to do well, but still need to spend time creating exciting lessons for the rest of the curriculum. So how do we keep the spelling activities familiar enough to allow ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/05/16/spelling-activities-twenty-seven-ways-to-practice-in-style/ [caption id="attachment_407" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Plastic in the Classroom"][/caption] OK. We all know about the plastic bag dilemma. Additionally,  most of us are trying to use at least a few cleaning and personal care products that are less toxic. The recycling gig is also familiar to many. But when I recently read ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/04/08/eight-simple-ways-to-reduce-plastic-in-the-classroom/ [caption id="attachment_409" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Graphic Organizer"][/caption]   Educators of older students ask me all the time for ideas that are low on “cutesy” and high on sophistication. This request holds true for bulletin boards and classroom décor as much as curriculum and lesson structure. Want some ideas on how to pull this ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/04/07/bulletin-boards-twelve-ideas-for-older-classrooms/ [caption id="attachment_411" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Perf Go Green Eco Trash Bags"][/caption] Trying to fight the plastic bag dilemma? Still need to get your classroom trash to the curb? I recently came across a product that is as helpful for schools as it is for office and home. Read on. The Perf Go ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/04/06/eco-bags-for-classroom-and-school-trash-needs/ [caption id="attachment_413" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Vocabulary Bingo Game Pieces"][/caption] Let's face it. Grammar is far from the most exciting subject matter out there. Providing instruction for it can be a bit like pulling teeth without  Novocaine.   Here are three simple ways to make it hands on for students in early primary through ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/03/25/three-easy-ways-to-provide-tactile-instruction-for-parts-of-speech/ [caption id="attachment_415" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Index Card Art"][/caption]   Looking for cheapskate lesson ideas? Love the idea of tried and true materials with major multipurpose potential? When it comes to affordability, index cards are hard to beat. Read on. They come lined and unlined, colored and plain, small and large, blank on one side ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/03/25/more-classroom-ideas-for-old-fashioned-index-cards/   [caption id="attachment_417" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Another example of index card art"][/caption] Need a cheap way to get your students involved in spelling and vocabulary activities? Read on to find out how easily simple index cards can get the job done. The classroom supply budget is a major concern to everyone in education. ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/02/20/vocabulary-on-the-cheap-two-easy-hacks-using-simple-index-cards/ [caption id="attachment_419" align="alignnone" width="200" caption="Nim's Island"][/caption] Starring Jodie Foster, Abigail Breslin and Gerard Butler, this movie features a young girl (Nim) living alone on a remote island with her plankton studying Dad and corresponding with her favorite adventure novelist, Alex Rover. When Nim's Dad gets delayed and stranded in a dangerous ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/01/16/nims-island-a-movie-review/ [caption id="attachment_422" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Classroom Management"][/caption] Looking for some simple, affordable ways to make things go more smoothly on the classroom front? Here are four great management hacks to get it done on the cheap and easy. Bonus? They work in classrooms from K – 12, making this one of those ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2009/01/16/four-hot-tips-for-a-smooth-running-classroom/ [caption id="attachment_426" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Colored Pencils and Craft Supplies"][/caption] Got a PTA group that wants to support you, but they're on a budget? Need to replace some basics and score a few craft supplies? Look no further than your nearest Dollar Tree. Read on. While I agree that for many items ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/12/16/stock-up-on-classroom-supplies-at-dollar-tree/   [caption id="attachment_429" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Supporting Teachers"][/caption] Are you a school administrator? Feel like you're herding cats on a regular basis? Do you appreciate and respect the independence of your staff, yet wonder how to balance that with needing them to fall in line when necessary? With the free-flow of creative energy ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/12/16/supporting-teachers-eight-ideas-for-administrators/ [caption id="attachment_431" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="School Bus"][/caption]   We all know how we start the year with students directly impacts what is to come . . . and just how smoothly it will go. Following are a few ideas to get things flowing in the right direction. Post an inspirational quote on the ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/08/01/setting-the-tone-strategies-to-start-the-year-off-right/ [caption id="attachment_436" align="alignnone" width="290" caption="Cloth Bulletin Board"][/caption] I don’t have to tell you how much paper consumption goes in to our yearly bulletin boards. I also don’t have to tell you just how tedious it is to get them ready and keep them rolling every year. Looking to save paper and ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/08/01/want-a-green-bulletin-board-consider-cloth/   Looking to integrate Native American heritage with a state of Maine studies unit? This title by Elizabeth George Speare might be just the ticket. In this historical fiction piece for intermediate students, a young man is left alone in the wild to tend the new homestead while his father returns to ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/24/sign-of-the-beaver/ This historically themed, family style story of the American prairie features a family’s grief, a farm’s struggle and a mail order bride. A classic piece in American classrooms for early intermediate students, this book turned movie by Patricia MacLachlan is an excellent example of a “big kid” story written at a ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/24/sarah-plain-and-tall/     Looking for a magical tale of intrigue from the great frozen north? This wondrous story of a parallel universe may be just the ticket. Sam Elliott, Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig star in this film chronicling the journey of a young girl on a quest to save her world, and ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/18/the-golden-compass/ A magical store where toys come to life is the backdrop for this film starring Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman. The Wonder Emporium, run by Mr. MaGorium, is getting ready to change hands. Dustin Hoffman’s character (MaGorium) wants to give the store to his long time manager and apprentice Mahoney ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/18/mr-magorium%e2%80%99s-wonder-emporium/ What do you get when you combine the talents of Angela Lansbury, Colin Firth and Emma Thompson? A magical tale of love, responsibility and growing up. Emma Thompson plays Nanny McPhee, the latest in a long string of nannies hired by Mr. Brown (Colin Firth) who have previously been easily run ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/18/nanny-mcphee-a-new-mary-poppins/ A darker children’s story with a European feel, this film would make an interesting selection for the intermediate classroom. Based on a children’s book series by the same name, this piece stars Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep and the narrative voice of Jude Law. The persecuted child theme brought back memories ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/18/lemony-snickett%e2%80%99s-a-series-of-unfortunate-events/ A working father’s night job turns out to be far more intense than he expects . . . Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke and Owen Wilson join for a feel good family movie that celebrates history in a humorous tale of thievery and teamwork. Ben Stiller plays Larry ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/18/movie-review-night-at-the-museum/ Tired of cleaning out individual glue caps with the closest available paper clip? I hear you. Here’s why glue sticks are one of my favorite classroom supplies . . . and why they always went on my new student “back to school” buy list during my classroom days. No leaks. Not ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/17/project-hack-some-thoughts-on-glue-sticks/ Starring Denzel Washington and introducing several new talents, this movie is for more than coaches of debate teams. Set in the south during the era of segregation, this film tells the story of an inspirational teacher, some motivated, capable students, and the changing consciousness of a nation. Sometime towards the ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/05/movie-review-the-great-debaters/ Tired of the groaning whenever you settle in for a topic review in class? Here are some ideas to use when getting ready for a big test, and also some strategies to keep the material fresh all year long. Bonus? Many of these ideas can be used as team activities, ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/05/reviews-that-rock-great-ideas-for-covering-test-content/ Trying to accommodate parents without re-documenting every piece of communication you release? Got more than a fair number of forgetful tikes in your class whose newsletters never quite seem to make it home? Consider starting your own blog site. No longer simple online journals, blogs have come into their own. ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/06/05/streamline-parent-communication-with-your-own-blog/ Well, loads of articles have made it into our corner of the blogosphere this past couple of months. In case you’ve fallen behind on your reading, or haven’t had the chance to sign up for our R.S.S. feed, here are a few of the highlights. · What’s in YOUR Bomb Bag ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/30/may-round-up/ Sign up to save the world and left feeling like a chump after seeing your first paycheck from the local school district? Here’s an alternative way to maximize the perks of your career choice. It only requires a sense of adventure. If you haven’t considered overseas teaching and the bargain ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/30/career-hack-teach-to-travel/ Teaching in an extreme situation where you are short on everything, including scissors? Here’s a lesson idea I got years ago from a frugal art colleague in Micronesia. Bonus? It’s one of those great lessons that can be used from early primary through high school. The project? Torn paper mosaics. ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/27/art-on-the-cheap-torn-paper-mosaics/ Every teacher needs an idea bank of ways to provide positive reinforcement. Looking for a few ideas to keep from sounding repetitive?   Here’s a list of twenty-five ways to give verbal praise, many of them useful at all grade levels.   1. Rock on! 2. That’s awesome! 3. I can tell you’ve been ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/26/twenty-five-ways-to-say-good-job/ Looking for an extra employment resource for overseas classroom positions? Here’s one I tried out when we were on the road for a few months, with rather decent results. The web site? SeriousTeachers.Com.The premise? Simply post your profile and resume for free. Schools and head hunters who are also registered get ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/21/international-job-seeking-resource-for-teachers-it%e2%80%99s-serious/ If you’ve been following this blog all along, you’re already aware that I love to pass along great classroom hacks as soon as I think of or run across them. This is no exception. Read on for some great ideas on getting things done on the cheap and easy. Hula Hoops. In ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/21/more-classroom-hacks-for-teaching-in-the-trenches/ Need some cost conscious ideas for independent, fast working students? Following is a list of my favorite cheapies. Listening centers. Whether it’s the old fashioned book and tape set you still have, or an audio book file for an I-pod, listening centers are a powerful supplement to any language program, and ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/19/learning-centers-for-less/ Whether I’m starting fresh or recycling used one, file folders are on my short list for simple, affordable classroom consumables. Bonus? They’re super versatile. Read on for some teacher-friendly ideas. Some of my favorite project ideas are the ones that involve the easiest methods and most affordable supplies. File folders ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/18/fantastic-ideas-for-file-folders/ Need a get-the-job-done, dirt cheap option for reviewing content in the classroom? These multipurpose game boards always did it for me. Read on to find out how to make them. •Take an extra large piece of oak-tag or other strong paperboard similar to a file folder, and visually divide it into ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/18/shoestring-teaching-the-multipurpose-game-board/ When it comes to cheap office supplies, clothespins are tough to beat. Bonus? There are loads of things you can use them for in the classroom. Following are just a few. Project clamps. Great for all the old stained ones that parents are getting ready to chuck anyway. Art clothesline. A ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/16/classroom-uses-for-the-old-fashioned-clothespin/ Need a cultural heritage activity that’s big on style and short on cash outlay? Here’s a slamming alternative to traditional face painting booths that’s not only more culturally diverse, but cheaper as well. Using simple henna patterns and inexpensive eyeliner and eyebrow pencils, have your students draw temporary designs on themselves ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/15/middle-east-henna-activity/ The Village of Round and Square Houses, by Ann Grifalconi is the story of the village of Tos, in Cameroon. Here, men and women live separately, and in differently shaped houses. Thistale was told to the author by a girl who actually grew up there. From what I understand, they ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/13/the-village-of-round-and-square-houses-a-book-review/ With all of the not so great freebies out there you need to wade through in order to find the good stuff, it’s always nice to find a consistently updated resource available for instant use in the classroom. If you love to cover current events and have a wide range ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/13/free-esl-news-resource-for-educators/ Looking for classroom control from day one, but not interested in spending three days custom laminating name cards and pocket charts? Believe me, I hear you. This article provides streamlined management strategies that will still let you have a life. Read on. Behavior Points. A simple, budget friendly way to acknowledge group ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/10/classroom-management-hacks-six-simple-strategies/ Think there aren't any screaming deals left out there for teachers on a budget? Guess again. From now until the end of May, Scholastic is offering tons of great classroom supplies . . . all for a buck! This seems almost too good to be true, folks. But I checked their ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/10/dollar-deals-at-scholasticcom-for-the-month-of-may/ In this book by Catherine Stock, a young girl named Kukamba enjoys spending time helping her grandmother, Gugu, with her art. What I loved most about this title is how it demonstrates so clearly the contribution art can have in our everyday lives, as well as how powerful the concept ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/10/gugus-house-review-of-the-childrens-book/ Told by noted children's author Verna Aardema, this tale is from the Nandi tribe of Kenya. The storytells how an unusual drought on the plain inspires a cow herder to come up with an unusual solution. The illustrations? Absolutely charming. The story was discovered nearly one hundred years ago by Sir ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/10/bringing-the-rain-to-kapiti-plain-a-book-review/ A film shot with a fair amount of discipline, devotion and passion for the subject to say the least. For those who have not yet seen it, if you are looking for a new library addition to your unit on penguins or Antarctica, you will not be disappointed. Narrated in the ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/10/movie-review-march-of-the-penguins/ Written by Mordicai Gerstein, this piece tells of a man who is offered all the choices of the universe, yet learns to appreciate the simple beauty of his own life. The illustrations are softly yet strikingly done, making for an absolutely precious piece of children’s literature. Written from the perspective ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/06/the-mountains-of-tibet-a-book-review/ Retold by Mary-Joan Gerson, this tale from the Bini tribe of Nigeria is at least a half a millennium old. In the story, the tribe’s people learn the hard way about the management of available resources. In addition to exploring Nigerian folklore, this book would also be fabulous to use ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/06/why-the-sky-is-far-away-review-of-the-nigerian-folktale/ Based on the novel of the same name, this film celebrates the Maori culture of New Zealand. A young girl, Pai, must overcome gender resistance from her grandfather, who is helping raise her. According to tribal tradition, any successive tribal leader must be the son of the current one. According ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/06/movie-review-whale-rider/ Simple, cheap and around for as long as most of us classroom warriors can remember, these under-the-radar bits of office supply fluff can help you get the job done on multiple fronts. Read on for a list of affordable classroom tips involving the humble paper clip. Ornament hooks. Need a way for ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/06/paper-clip-ideas-for-a-rocking-classroom/ I don’t know about you, but rarely has my allotted classroom budget met my needs. In fact, in all my years of teaching, I can only think of one school where I was provided with everything I really needed. Even there, I had to be financially careful. And we all ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/05/03/cheap-stuff-for-starving-teachers/ Let’s face it. Classroom calendar supplies can add up to big bucks. If you are at the primary grades and need to work in patterning, it can more than double. Here’s how I made my own and skipped the cutting out and laminating of countless expensive apple and pencil cut-outs. First, ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/29/a-cheaper-classroom-calendar-diy-to-the-rescue/ These things have been around for as long as I can remember, including my years as a grade school student. Available in multiple sizes, they really go the distance for getting things done on the cheap. Need a few ideas for putting them to use and reducing your classroom materials ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/29/classroom-uses-for-the-age-old-craft-stick/ We all know that student rewards are a necessary part of successful classroom management. But how do we keep things rolling smoothly without going broke? Easier said than done, I know.Here are a few things I’ve used over the years, as well as some interesting ideas I’ve run across recently. Earn ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/29/low-cost-and-no-cost-student-rewards/ Looking for a classroom drama resource that’s quick, easy, inexpensive, and will take up practically no additional space? This tip is for you. What you need: a tension rod to fit the doorway of your room, and a curtain with a slot at the top to fit the chosen tension rod. ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/29/shoestring-teaching-the-portable-puppet-theater/ Written and illustrated by the author Demi, this is an exquisitely illustrated biography of the world’s most famous Meccan. The author consulted and worked closely with many regional, historical and religious experts for the publishing of this book. Written with cultural sensitivity, tolerance and tender respect, this title is an ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/29/muhammad-review-of-the-childrens-book/ Need a simple cheap review strategy that can take you from day one to year end ? Would you love it even more if it truly could be used from early primary grades through high school? I’ve got your back. With this article, I’ll show how you can review any ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/28/shoestring-teaching-it%e2%80%99s-in-the-bag/ A young first year educator tackles a group of rough inner city teens through a high school English class. Using basic but powerful student journaling strategies (also the basis for the script) and a study of the life of Ann Frank, she finds a way to break through and earn ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/28/movie-review-freedom-writers/ Vocabulary building ideas are always a challenge. One simple way to make sure you are doing a bit extra is to consistently incorporate a word of the week. Read on to findstrategies for trying this out, and an extensive start up list for those raring to go. First of all, if ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/28/words-of-the-week-part-one/ Loads of ideas are out there for using newspapers effectively in the classroom. Following are some of my favorites, as well as some interesting ones from around the web. Desk covers for messy projects. I always called these work spaces, but basically they were individual sheets of newsprint that when ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/23/no-brainer-ideas-for-newspapers-in-the-classroom/ In this biographical account of the struggle for aboriginal rights in rural Australia, three young girls tackle significant adversity to find their way back home after being forcefully torn away in the early 1930’s. Featuring real-life footage and commentary from two of the girls, this film pulls no punches when ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/23/movie-review-rabbit-proof-fence/ After a post I wrote on this subject a while back for Wise Bread, I started thinking about their use in the classroom and just how often educators put them into play. Here’s a quick rundown of a few ideas I’ve tried over the years. Securing rolled up classroom art work. Take ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/22/rubber-bands-in-the-classroom/ In an article posted today on BBC World News, over two thousand schools are predicted to close to some extent. Projected date? This Thursday. What threatens such an expansive occurrence of empty classrooms? Teacher pay. Big surprise. Since I graduated from college in 1990, education salaries have continued to range from ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/22/32/ Wanting to do your ecological part in the classroom and needing to conserve supplies at the same time? Then maybe it’s time to give some serious consideration to repurposing the standard paper sheet protector. Traditionally used for keeping black-line masters in good condition, portfolio assessment or corporate presentations, these little ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/22/green-teaching-page-protectors-to-the-rescue/ Those of you used to teaching under nearly constant threat of evac will be used to these. For those who are only starting to explore the overseas option of working in intense locations, this article will be a primer. Either group will likely benefit from the list of ideas. Read ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/22/extreme-teaching-what%e2%80%99s-in-your-bomb-bag/ When I taught in Micronesia, the phone company came at the start of every year to donate extras of the previous year’s book. In a school district that had very little in terms of a materials budget, this was one of those rare times when I had a full class ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/22/teaching-ideas-for-old-phone-books/ Did open house creep up on you again this year? Your secret is safe with me. Read on for some strategies to help you pull off a successful evening on the fly. This subject is somewhat dear to me, because no matter how hard I seemed to try, parent night ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/22/skip-the-insanity-open-house-ideas-for-real-people/ If you’re like most teachers, free is your favorite price when it comes to classroom resource materials. Enter the humble cardboard beverage flats. You know the ones. They come holding soda cans by the case. Not the colored ones you rip open. The soda can flats I’m talking about here ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/22/beverage-box-ideas-for-starving-school-teachers/ Primary level instructors tend to work this in for thematic purposes. However, even older students can enjoy an unexpected treat occasionally. Whatever your reasons for wanting to whip something up at school, here are three simple recipes to get you started. Ice Cream in a Bag. Is this a cool idea, or ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/22/cooking-in-the-classroom-three-simple-recipes/ Let’s tell it like it is. High school professionals tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to cool idea resources. In fact, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard the complaint. So secondary teachers, this one’s for you! Read on for a ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/22/fund-raising-ideas-for-high-schools/ Staying late on a Friday night to cut out thirty-eight individual paper apples when you could be on a date? Looking to regain a life while still feeling like you’re going the distance for your job? I hear you. This list includes some of the ideas I found most helpful ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/22/year-long-bulletin-board-ideas/ Need a whiteboard, but suffering from budget overload? Help is here. Read on for ideas on how to create a DIY version for yourself. Starting up a new school and need a bunch of them? Homeschooling and need to squeeze out every extra penny? Or perhaps you are starting your own ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/13/diy-whiteboard-and-homemade-cleaner/ Stuck in the initial stages of teaching where you are jumping through mentor hoops at every turn? Use it to your advantage. Rather than just doing the basics and posting a static set of pictures and lessons, you can turn this short term headache to your long term benefit. I’ve ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/13/online-portfolios-rocket-fuel-for-teaching-careers/ As with life on the home front, finding ways to go green in the classroom without breaking your annual consumables budget can require a fair amount of ingenuity. Following are a few ideas to make it happen without breaking the bank. Laminated reinforcement charts. Teachers from pre-school through high school use these ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/13/going-green-in-the-classroom-affordable-ways-to-make-it-happen/     Having previously written about the household uses of these office gems, I thought it might be fun to do a classroom version here. Following is a quick list of suggestions for various grade levels of classroom instruction. Use them along with pushpins to display artwork creatively. Out of staples, or ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/13/classroom-hacks-binder-clips-to-the-rescue/     I wrote a fairly extensive piece a while ago on various ideas and craft project involving colored bandanas. However, the teacher in me just couldn’t leave the topic alone. I had to give this some extra time and document some simple classroom bandana hacks every teacher could use. Following are ... http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/13/bandanas-in-the-classroom-three-simple-teaching-hacks/