9/25/2011

The Quiet Lamp


The Quiet Lamp sits in my friend's classroom, which is right across the hall from my room.  One afternoon I happened to be in her classroom when I noticed a little girl go over to the lamp to turn it on and move its arms around.  When I questioned her about this, she told me that this was her job because she was the Star Student of the Week.  She then turned off the ceiling lights, leaving the soft glow of the Quiet Lamp to warm the room.  The rest of the children were quietly resting, having just come in from outside recess.  They knew that when the Quiet Lamp was on, it was time to rest.


My teaching buddy later told me that she wanted to give the children more responsibility for the classroom setting and tone, and chose this odd and unusual lamp to incorporate into this plan.  Giving the Star Student this job was a way to give the class ownership of their classroom and at the same time, a way to calm the children down after their recess time.  The lamp is first grade friendly because its arms are easily adjustable and at the correct height for little 6 and 7 year olds.  On top of that, the lamp came from a yard sale!  Score!

What a terrific and very effective strategy!  Kudos to my teaching friend across the hall!

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9/18/2011

Show Me Sunday




Denise at YearnToLearn  is starting a new feature on her blog entitled, "Show Me Sunday."  Today is the day to share a favorite quote.

I know this sounds a bit nerdy, but I am a big Star Trek NG fan, and so I just couldn't resist this quote from Data.

"If you prick me, do I not . . . leak?"
Data, Star Trek Next Generation

I know, not very 'teacher-y', but, I just love it!  What is one of your favorite quotes?



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9/10/2011

The Teaching Channel


We all love watching teachers in their classrooms demonstrating a technique.  The Teaching Channel highlights videos on a variety of topics from assessment to classroom management.   As stated on the website:

"At Teaching Channel we believe what makes teachers inspiring is how they became experts -- the hours and years they've dedicated to improving their craft to benefit their students.  Our mission is to capture their technique on video so that all teachers -- new or seasoned -- have a place to find inspiration."


I have especially loved Ms. Noonan's videos.  She is just amazing!  The Teaching Channel is also on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  Click here to check it out.

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9/08/2011

A Winner!

Barbara over at Grade ONEderful was having a give away when she reached 50 followers.  Her blog is full of freebies and fabulous ideas for the classroom.  I joined the give away and I actually won!  Oh boy!  I'm looking forward to those spongy Halloween stickers.  Thank you Barbara at Grade ONEderful!


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9/03/2011

The WilderWoman Pin

Back in the 90's and early 00's, teachers wore pins a lot.  I have boxes of interesting and different pins.   Wearing a pin was a way to add a touch whimsey to a school outfit.  The children loved seeing them and sometimes made connections to the pins.  As times and fashions change, pin wearing went out of "teacher vogue" and so all of my pins sit in boxes unused for the most part.   BUT, last Saturday I was strolling around at the Portland Sidewalk Art Festival and found this!



How could I resist?  It's just fabulous!  I couldn't wait to wear it on the first day of school.  Here's a pin that might find its way onto my clothing at least once a week.  The pin came from  WilderWoman Country Store.  Love it!  




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