September Lesson Plan Themes

September Lesson Plan Themes

Thinking of Lessons for September? Here are a number of September event / themes you will want to include in your lessons.

1. September 6 is Read a Book Day

2. September 7 is Labor Day

3. September 8 is International Literacy Day

4. September 17 is Citizenship Day

5. September 21 is International Peace Day

6. September 22 is the First Day of Autumn / Fall

7. September 25 is Native American Day

8. The 3rd Week of September is National Constitution Week.

Source: Teachnology Staff

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For More Resources, go to http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/septthemes.htm

Clipart by http://www.phillipmartin.info/clipart/occupations.htm

Top 10 Rules for Back-to-School Success

Top 10 Rules for Back-to-School Success

Special thanks to John Bishop of Goal Setting for Students.com for contributing this entry to our Blog.

These ten life skills will help your children develop a YES! Count On Me attitude that you can use in the classroom and in life. Good luck!

1. Use the "YES! Count On Me" words: yes, I can, and I will.
2. To get ahead in school and in life - read more, learn more, do more.
3. Learn how to set and achieve goals and how to use these principles in the classroom.
4. No Vision = No Direction. Write down what you want to accomplish in the first four weeks of the school year. Repeat for the next month.
5. Don't find a fault; find a solution.
6. Minimizing the Bummer Words - no, can't, won't, never, maybe, and if. These six words will hold you back from reaching your full potential.
7. Eliminating excuses.
8. Regularly ask yourself: "Did I give my best effort to today's activities?"
9. Help others.
10. Remember: Luck comes to those who work hard.

This is your life, your goals and your success. You are a WINNER!

Susan's Blog http://www.googolpower.com/content/blog

More Resources: http://www.geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/backtoschoolthemes.htm

Kid Writing to Read

Writing to Read in Kindergarten:

Explore the Power of “Kid Writing”

Presented by award-winning kindergarten teacher and literacy coach, Julie Lay,

Make your kindergarten writing program be the best it can be! Learn proven strategies for organizing the kindergarten environment. Let Julie Lay show you why the "Kid Writing" approach is such a powerful way to systematically develop phonics skills through journal writing. Use music, art, Sign Language, and dance for brain-friendly learning across the curriculum.

In just one day, you'll learn how to:
Begin the year with “Kid Writing” and book making
Use powerful ABC and phonics immersion strategies
Teach high-frequency “heart” words—their way
Make interactive word walls
Teach handwriting effectively

For more info, see www.nellieedge.com Nellie Edge Kindergarten

More Resources for Writing: http://www.geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/writingandreadinglinks.htm

First Day of School Preparations

School Preparations TeachersFirst Update - August 24, 2009

There is something very pleasing about a classroom poised and prepped for the students on the first day of school. In elementary classrooms, the desks have pyramids of books and supplies and hand-lettered names. In high school, no-nonsense posters spell out what is expected in this room. In middle school, a sense of humor underlies bulletin boards that try to appeal to both childlike wonder and adolescent aloofness. No matter how prepared the room looks, you know it will never be the same in just an hour. You have sweated through your last days of summer to be ready. We hope you have (or had) at least a moment to savor the calm before the gusts of students blow in.

Getting Organized Back to School time is the season for organizers: organize your assignments, your lesson plans, your closet, and your life! What better time to take advantage of TeachersFirst's memberships and tools to organize your Favorite finds from our over 10,000 resources? TeachersFirst Favorites allow you to "tag" a resource by unit, assignment type, subject, etc. Each favorite can have as many tags as you want. No more filing into only one "folder" then forgetting what you called it. Think of tags as the instant search flags that help you find things in your technology closet. For example, an author resource could be tagged authors, reading, book reports, and more, depending on all the assignments and lessons where it fits into your teaching. What an organizer! Thousands of teachers have already taken advantage of our time-savers. Have you?

Daily Hooks There is no better way to hook your students into the history of the world than connecting to what they already know. Now you can start each day (or one day a week) by sharing a hint to the unknown that they must connect to the known through a series of prompts. TeachersFirst's Dates That Matter reveals a new piece of history every day of the year, projector or whiteboard-ready for your middle and early high school students. Share the hint on the screen as students enter class-or parents come in for Back to School Night-then let them walk through the clues to "figure out" a pivotal event and why it matters. Extend the thinking with links provided. Your students may even want to write some hints for events of their own! See the teacher materials by clicking on the book icon on the Why Does it Matter? page.

Your "teacher to go,"
Candace Hackett Shively
Director of K-12 Initiatives

For More Info, see http://www.teachersfirst.com/index.cfm
For More Resources: http://www.geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/

Our First Born Son...

Thirty-two years ago, I gave birth to our first-born, blonde-haired, 8lbs.14oz. son, whom we named Kevin Daniel. He was such a good baby and the thrill of his parent's hearts. Yesterday marked his Birthday. We are SO proud of the man our son has become and marvel at what a great Da he is now. How did te time fly by so quickly??

What a gas!!

This gave me such a great laugh....and I'm sitting in the library and had to supress my laughter so I wouldn't disturb others. Maybe one of you can use a good belly laugh today :)


I was in the pub yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately needed to fart. The music was really, really loud, so I timed my farts with the beat.

After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. I finished my pint and noticed that everybody was staring at me.

Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod.

Cut & Perm

This is my Mother-in-Law. My son, who is 6'7" went to visit his Grandma and took this picture because she just got her hair cut and permed. I mention my son taking this pic because I had to chuckle at the angle it's taken.....she is SO much shorter than her grandson :)They both live in Southern B.C., so we appreciate how he pops in to see Mom and takes her out for coffee. She lives in a Senior's Manor, so it's wonderful that he takes her out and about, since she can't drive anymore ad her world is pretty much shrunk to a few block radius. Looking great Mom!!!

Let your hair hang down....

Spending time with our Grand Daughter is such a pleasure. She is growing up SO fast and we have great fun. Sunday we took her to the park and had a picnic lunch. Of course, playing on those play stations is tremendous fun and strength building (for her...I could never hang off those darn monkey bars anymore...haha)Now, my idea of fun is seeing who can swing he highest :P

How To Start A Class

Teaching Tip: How To Start A Class By: Teachnology Staff

Getting the ball rolling can be the hardest task of all. Here are some things to keep in mind when that first day of class is ready to begin.

1. Greet students at the door.

2. Make a starting class routine for the students and yourself.

3. Use a "do now" or quick assessment.

4. Remember to take attendance.

5. Have a sign-in area.

6. Listen to student concerns.

This Week in History

1741: Alaska discovered by Danish explorer Vitus Bering.

1896: Dial telephone patented.

Inspiring Teacher Quote:

By viewing the old we learn the new. Chinese Proverb

Weekly Tips for Teachers Issue 475: August 17, 2009
This newsletter is brought to you by Teachnology.com, a free and valuable resource for teachers.
Back to School Teaching Theme Unit
http://www.teachnology.com/themes/holidays/back/

First Weeks of School Teaching Themes

http://www.teachnology.com/themes/holidays/firstweeks/

First Weeks of School Lesson Plans

http://www.teachnology.com/gold/lessons2.html

Teacher Worksheets

http://www.teachnology.com/gold/worksheets3.html

For More Resouces: http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/backtoschoolthemes.htm

Teacher Worksheets--New School Year

Teacher Worksheets For The New School Year

School Is Getting Close...Teachers: Are We Ready?
We're getting closer to the fall rush once again. Our friends in the South start school late next week. You should probably start to look through your curriculum now. I like to chart out my first four weeks...if I'm really on top of things.

Teacher Worksheets For The New School Year
An absolute explosion of worksheets are on the way! Our teachers have been busy this summer. You will see an additional 1,500 worksheets added over the next few days. We really focused on our unbelievable Writing Worksheet area and our acclaimed Reading Comprehension Worksheet Area.
Outstanding Writing Worksheets
Reading Comprehension Worksheets
Teachers & Parents - Check out our Ready for School Page

Printable Worksheets to Make Your Week Easier
Algebra Math Worksheets
Labels for Your Classroom
Summer Reading Book Report Worksheets
Writing about Summer Worksheets

Teaching Tip Article of the Week
Teacher's Guide to Getting Ready for the First Day of School

Remember you matter, educators make the world go around!
Cynthia Hughes & Carol Bailus (Newsletter Editors)

Source: Worksheet Library
Worksheet Library Newsletter
Week of August 11, 2009

For More Resources:
http://www.geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/worksheets.htm

28 Years Ago....

.....this handsome young man came into our lives. It's David's Birthday today and we greatly miss him. He brought so much love and laughter into our lives, an example of God's love in the big bear hugs he gave and his gentle spirit.
David, we miss you :)

First Day of School--Teacher Guide to Get Ready

Teacher's Guide to Getting Ready for the First Day of School
Whether you are a first-time teacher or an experienced educator, there are certain things you have in common. One of those things is the first day of school. Being prepared and ready to accept students into your classroom is paramount in making them feel welcomed to your classroom, and also giving you the edge to begin the school year off on the right foot. This simple guide will help you make sure you are ready for the first day of school. Know Your Stuff If you have not already done so, be sure to know your state standards for the grade level you are teaching. This information can usually be found at the board of education website for your state. Here you will learn about the mandatory regulations for math, reading, and writing, as well as other subjects. If you are a veteran teacher, you will also find any updates that may be different than before. Summertime is the time to go over these standards and contact your administrators with any questions you may have.

What's Your Behavior Management Plan?
It is highly recommended that you have a written plan for what rules will be implemented in your classroom. You should also know how to handle difficult students who do not follow the rules. The plan should be well thought out and look professional. Some schools require that you turn in your plan to the administration. Keep a copy for yourself, if you must do this. New teachers may have to start business management plan from scratch. In this case, don't be afraid to ask veteran teachers for their opinions. You don't necessarily have to use everything you hear, but it gives you a good idea of where teachers may feel the same on certain issues. While compiling information for your behavior management plan, contemplate these questions:
What incentives motivate children to behave?
How long are students in my grade expected to sit still?
In what ways does a positive environment affect students behavior?
When is the best time to allow children to work together; work independently?
These questions might help you tailor a behavior management plan that works. When something isn't working, change it!

Organizing a Seating Arrangement
Consider what ways you think would work best with seating arrangements in your classroom. Do you prefer to have the students facing you at all times? Does a group or sitting in teams approach appeal to you? Much of this will depend on your style of teaching. Are you a teacher that stands at the whiteboard most of the time, or at the front of the room, or do you like to walk around constantly and be interactive with your students? Keep in mind that you can try something at first, and if it isn't working out how you planned, you can by all means do something different. Again, see what other teachers are doing, and ask them how it is working out.

Classroom Décor
Your classroom should be a safe haven for your students. It should be welcoming and warm. While you want the room to be structured and make sense, it can be given a "homey" feeling by placing pillows in a reading center (or even bean bag chairs). You can also let the students help decorate the room, to give them a sense that this is their room and you are their teacher, because you share ideas with them.

Classroom Materials
Make sure you have the following things ready for the first day of school:
Forms
File system
Lesson planner/grade tracker
Substitute/Emergency Lesson Folder
Nametags, if applicable
List of classroom jobs
List of classroom routines (Pledge, bathroom breaks, etc.)

Miscellaneous Information
Homework Assignments
Develop a homework policy that your students will understand. Talk with them about your expectations for completing homework assignments, and how your grading system works.

Letter to the Parents/Guardians
Devise a letter to be sent home to parents/guardians making yourself available to answer their questions, let them know you are excited about working with their children, and copies of your behavior management plan, homework policy, and other pertinent information about making the school year run efficiently. If you have a parent/student orientation night, you can give this letter out at that time.

Classroom Schedule
Record a schedule of how each day of the week will run. Go over this schedule with your students on the first day, and post the schedule in a place that is easy for them to see. Kids work well with routines, and being able to see what they are doing day-to-day will help them stay focused.

Reference Source: Preparing for the First Day of School - Jan Zeiger
Worksheet Library Newsletter--Week of August 11, 2009
http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/firstdayofschool.html

For more resources, go to:

http://geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/backtoschoolthemes.htm

Old Dog = New Tricks??

Soooo....yesterday and today were dedicated to helping Mom pick out and buy a laptop computer. Hubby, who is such a computer Geek, set it up for Mom and then we took it over there this aft and introduced Mom to the World Wide Web! This is the dawning of the age of technological birthing for Mom, who can't seem to figure out her DVD player, handle 2 remote controls or manage to make more than a phone call with her cell phone. It's going to be an interesting ride for us...never mind Mom.....what did we get ourselves into?? Ack!
In setting up programs for Mom last evening, we were green with envy. Her new computer is Sweet!! It's sleek, sexy, 17" screen for some high resolution color. We are so happy Mom has this computer so we can all stay in touch with Mom more closely with e-mails and pictures :)

Hump Day?..Wordless Wednesday?..

....whatever you call Wednesday, I'm with Maxine...any day this side of tth flower bed is a good one.....so I choose to celebrate all the days of the week :)

Celebrating Our Province

We've entered the month of August, when temperatures can reach new heights, shimmering off all surfaces, distorting them into one huge blob of hot! Here August came shaking ang booming in on thunder storms, cooling the muggy air and allowing us to sleep through thte night and wake up refreshed. The lightening was Nature's fireworks, and prettier than any other firework show I'd ever seen. The sunshine is back, the sky filled with cotton-ball clouds and a gentle breeze setting my wind chimes singing it's song.What a wonderful start to this new month :)In BC we enteer each summer month with a Long Weekend - August boasts B.C. Day - celebrating 151 years :)
"The British Columbia Day Act was first introduced to the Legislative Assembly in 1974. The aim of the Bill was to create a statutory holiday on the first Monday in August to recognize the pioneers in the province and the act gained royal assent in 1996."
~Time and Date.com

August Lesson Plan Ideas

Lesson Plan Ideas For August By: Teachnology Staff Thinking of Lessons for August? Here are a number of August themes you will want to include in your lessons. 1. August is National Inventor´s Month - Learn about past inventors and inventions. Consider holding a science fair. 2. The 19th Amendment to U.S. Constitution was ratified on Aug. of 1920. Consider exploring voting and elections. 3. August 16th is National Tell a Joke Day. Have students make up topic related jokes. 4. Bill Clinton was born on August 19th. Why not learn about the highlights and challenges of his presidency? 5. August 26th is Women´s Equality Day. Explore Women´s History.

This Week in History 1790: The first U.S. census estimated just under 4 miliion people. 1914: The first ship passes through the Panama Canal. Inspiring Teacher Quote "Education should turn out the pupil with some- thing he knows well & something he can do well." Alfred North Whitehead Weekly Tips for Teachers Issue 473: August 3, 2009 Teachnology.com Source: http://www.teachnology.com/newsletters/473.html Resources: http://www.geocities.com/mrsjacksonsclass/

August.

August, with its clouds of scented blooms,
August, with its great stacks of giant clouds,
August, with corn plants standing like rows of soldiers,
August, with watermelons, full and heavy, dozing in the sun,
August, remember swimming in the lake?
August, and its lightening laced sky,
August, and shimmering memories hanging like drops of dew,
August, the bountiful, August the full,
August, blessed harvest of memories,
August.