Teacher's Lounge Radio Episode 7

Thank you listening to Teacher's Lounge Radio episode 7!  I'm so excited to introduce a new segment: GATE Guru!

Uncommon Uses for Common Things

You can find different color plastic cups at many party supply stores.

Book of the Week
Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites: 20 Instructional Strategies That Engage the Brain  by Marcia L. Tate

Song of the Week
They Might Be Giants song "QU" is off the album Here Come the ABCs.


English Language Strategy 
Reader's Theater is a great strategy to use.  For more information read, write, think has an article all about using this strategy, or read this article from literacy connections.

Website of the Week
Here are some websites where you can find some scripts teaching heart or the best class.

GATE Guru
Read these articles for more information: Texas Gifted and the Total Talent Portfolio.

Teacher's Lounge Radio Episode 6

Thank you for listening to episode 6!  Here are the show notes:

Uncommon Uses for Common Things

Self stick velcro!

Book of the Week

Teaching Reading Sourcebook 2nd Edition is the book of the week.  The version I have is the first volume, but this updated version looks like it has even more information and lesson plans.

Website of the Week

Readwritethink.org is a great tool.  Be sure to check out the comic creator and the story map!

Song of the Week

Sing & Read Alphabet from Frog Street Press features the alphabet songs of the week.  They have lots of different wonderful tools for teachers.  When I taught kindergarten, I really loved to sing the A to Z songs with my kids.

Management Magic

All you need to make is a seating chart and remember the acronym: TOADS

T= talking

O= off task

A= assignment

D= disrespectful

S= shouting out

English Language Learner Strategy

Think-Pair-Share is an important strategy for all teachers to use to help encourage conversation, cooperation, and critical thinking.

Teacher's Lounge Radio Episode 5

Welcome to Teacher's Lounge Radio.  My goal is to provide tips, tricks, and tools for your elementary school classroom.  Thank you to all everyone for supporting this project!  I'd love to hear from you, let me know what you like. Here are the show notes from Episode 5:


Uncommon Uses for Common Things
Socks!

Book of the Week
32 Third Graders and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons from Teaching by Phillip Done.  Check out Mr. Done's website too.

Song of the Week
Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies features the song Beethoven's Wig.  For more information see the website.

Website of the Week
Children's Music Network is an organization that celebrates the positive power of music in the lives o children by sharing songs, exchanging ideas, and creating community.

English Lagrange Learner Strategy
5-3-1 Summary

Teacher's Lounge Radio: Episode 4

Welcome to Teacher's Lounge Radio Episode 4

Book of the Week
New Management Handbook.  Rick Morris's website provides more information about his books, ideas, and strategies.

Management Magic
The first time I heard this idea was at Rick Morris's training and it is by far my favorite classroom management strategy!  The best time frame for transition songs is right around a minute.  It sounds fast, but trust me, the students are capable after practicing.  And you do need to practice!
Here are some suggested TV show theme songs I've used in my classroom:
Science: Bill Nye the Science Guy
Reading: Reading Rainbow
Math: The Price is Right
Other songs I've used
Test Time: Dragnet
Thinking Time (before I call on someone): Jeopardy
Pass in your papers: Bonanza
Line up to leave the classroom: Lone Ranger
Get ready to correct our papers: Get Smart
Get out your homework: Dick Van Dyke Show
Find a Partner: The Dating Game (okay, the title of the show may not be the best, but the tune is catchy)
Clear off your Desks: Password
Pack Up and Clean Up: Popcorn (not a TV show song, it's longer, but you need it to be in order to have enough time)
Social Studies: How the West Was Won (It's a little long)
If you know how to edit songs consider some of these:
Will Smith's Switch for times when students need to switch classrooms or desks
Dixie Chicks Ready to Run for PE times
Here are some TV theme song albums and some cover artists doing TV theme songs in iTunes, what can you think of?

Uncommon Uses for Common Things
Color Pencils bundled up in groups of 6 usually provide what I need.  Don't use yellow - it's too hard to read!

Song of the Week
Follow Directions with Exercise by Mark D. Pencil and Friends

Website of the Week
Check out the Smithsonian Education website.

English Language Learner Strategy
For more information about the Tea Party strategy read this article.  It's very detailed and gives some good examples on how to apply the strategy.

Download episode 4 here.