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I agree that Pinterest has so much to offer, but can be overwhelming! You really have to have a focus in mind when looking at pins.
If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.
- It's Janine!
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BDJOHNSON
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Yesterday, I made some forms on Google.com for my students' parents to fill out and a QR code to direct them to the information form. I also made up two sets of flashcards for my students to use at Quizlet.com. There are so many different presentation programs such as Wix, Prezi, etc. that you could get dizzy trying to keep it all sorted. Anyhow, I had fun doing something new and necessary (parent info form).
~*~**~*~**~*~ ~*~Brenna~*~ ~*~**~*~**~*~
"If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." - Romans 12:18
I have to say it is very addictive! But there are some really creative ideas out there and if you are going to Common Core Curriculum lots of ideas for that as well! I have pinned a lot over the last few weeks for school - and I redid my boards so they were more specific and easier for me to find ideas I have found! One of the things I like the most is the blogs that teachers are creating!
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KRYS210
Posts: 48,323 7/24/12 2:49 P
I may have to look at pinterest one of these days, those ideas sound great!
I have a little less than a month here - starting to feel ready to head back... did some shopping for my room last week.... got some new boarders and wrapping paper to use on boards and my desk - going with a polka dot theme - I have seen some cute stuff on pinterest! I have also seen some really cute ideas for little gifts to give to teachers there - saw the hand cut out idea - cant think of the others off the top of my head but I have pinned a bunch!
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AMPROSKE1
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Something else to do once in a while is to bring treats or lunch for your team. I was once on a team where we would do a pot luck lunch once in a while, and we tried to eat lunch together on those days. Or bring cookies/brownies (or something healthy!) as a treat for them, just because. Doing those types of things inspires others to do the same, and brings a positive boost to the work environment.
15 Days until: Baby due!
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TECHSUN
Posts: 566 7/20/12 7:59 P
Morale boosters, I just caught part of that discussion. Need to go back and look at y'alls suggestions. We used to do high fives - hand shaped notes that you could write a message. Kind of died out for a few reasons. I might bring that back.
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TECHSUN
Posts: 566 7/20/12 7:56 P
When do you go back to work? I had one month yesterday. How about you?
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EGRAMMY
Posts: 11,818 7/19/12 10:22 A
Mike_________ a SP contributor told us to do things at home like "
Get out the rake and shovel.
Try some gardening.
Walk to your neighbor’s house to visit instead of calling.
If you must watch TV, do a quick exercise during commercials.
We did the same thing in our bathroom - we actually named ours the "redneck twitter board" and had an old sock to erase when it got full.... also would post jokes!
SparkPoints: (11,859)
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More ways to boost morale- for free!- you could do affirmations, either anonymous or not...Put notes of thanks, specific thanks or appreciation for people on your campus in their mailbox. Sometimes we get caught up in the everyday stuff and we forget to really show our thanks.
On my campus we do not have a PTA, and very little parent involvement, so outside help is challenging as far as ways to show appreciation.
15 Days until: Baby due!
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JIACOLO
SparkPoints: (197,810)
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I am fortunate to have several paraprofessionals in my classroom so going to the bathroom is not a concern for me in my current position. However, I do remember that need to go and not being able to when I was a regular classroom teacher. I am sure they will appreciate you giving them a break so they can go.
If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.
- It's Janine!
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MOM4407
SparkPoints: (46,272)
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I am a librarian/teacher. Last year I was put back into the classroom after being out for 18 years. I had forgotten the most simplest thing like being able to go to the restroom. Next year my goal is to remember during my conference time to go allow teachers to just use the restroom.
I am an intelligent person. I will control my emotions and not let my emotions control me.
We need each other. Becky in Donna, Tx
JIACOLO
SparkPoints: (197,810)
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You could also ask people to donate items.
If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.
- It's Janine!
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KRYS210
Posts: 48,323 6/28/12 12:01 P
Love these ideas. If you have an active PTO/PTA they can help with this. Ours gave out cute little things once a month and provided a birthday treat (cake, cookies, birthday cards, etc.) each month.
Those are great ideas! Have you even seen the site Operationbeutiful.com. You leave sticky notes with motivating statements. I've thought about putting them in the staff lounge/bathroom anonymously.
Kim
"Train hard, expect success" Tom Venuto
"Teaching is the profession that creates all others."
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JIACOLO
SparkPoints: (197,810)
Fitness Minutes: (68,685) Posts: 13,782 6/26/12 4:39 P
Sonya....it is so true that we work in a career that creates stressed out people with limit appreciation. I know being told I have done a good job can really go a long way. I hope you take that idea and run with it! Little notes of appreciation, words of encouragement, and a simple "thanks" would certainly help to remind us all why we chose this career. At my school, we can recognize staff for something. The paper "thanks" are posted in our main hallway on a staff stars bulletin board. Once a month 10 of those papers are drawn at a schoolwide assembly and the staff are given small trinkets (candy, flowers, a prime parking spot for 2 weeks). I make sure my classroom staff get recognized at least once, as well as choosing one person each month to thank. Sadly, for those of us who go out of the way everyday, we are forgotten. But we know we have done something for someone else and that is what matters. My goal this year is to address those that do for others everyday and make sure everyone gets recognized. Good luck!
If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.
- It's Janine!
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SONYALATRECE
Posts: 6,239 6/26/12 12:52 P
Issue: Too many teachers on my campus get stressed out before December. The demands of standardized testing, job security, and other pressing issues facing our nation as a whole all while making the same salary over the past 4-5 years.
Solution: Boost morale with small goodies on a weekly basis, celebrate kids' accomplishments, and create a more pleasant environment through positive interactions.
Any other ideas welcomed
Since I choose to eat right and drink right, I suppose you could say I LIVE right!
John 3:16 - the ultimate sacrifice
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KRYS210
Posts: 48,323 6/25/12 8:18 P
Jenn - I think Janine gives good advice! You can only do your best; but don't forget to take care of yourself in the process as well.
SparkPoints: (197,810)
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You need to channel your inner Anne Sullivan (who just happened to have grew up in the town I live it) and do what you do best....teach. Differentiated instruction is what we do everyday with our students. And remember that if every day is not perfect, that is okay.
If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.
- It's Janine!
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TEACHERMOMFIVE
Posts: 1,145 6/24/12 10:44 A
We do, but he is not really so much help. The girl does have a special ed teacher who oversees her education, though; she and the aid have been a lot of help so far. We'll just see how the year progresses. I worry about doing my best for her without neglecting my other students. Thanks for your suggestions! I'll take all the help I can get.
Jenn
Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. - Carol Burnette
The first step to getting what you want out of life is this: Decide what you want. - Ben Stein
The person you think you are is no match for the person you really are.
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KRYS210
Posts: 48,323 6/23/12 7:19 A
Jenn - does your district have a sp. ed. Coordinator? If so, she should have some ideas to help you. Can you get in touch with last year's teacher? She should have a bunch of advice.
SparkPoints: (197,810)
Fitness Minutes: (68,685) Posts: 13,782 6/22/12 11:48 P
Jenn.....enlist the help of the aide and the students. They might give you help on how to make the lessons more meaningful and the student connection stronger. Good luck!
Edited by: JIACOLO at: 6/23/2012 (14:25)
If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.
- It's Janine!
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TEACHERMOMFIVE
Posts: 1,145 6/22/12 10:21 A
Yes, the student has a Brailler that she brings to class and uses. I hate that I won't be able to do much but stick exactly to my lesson plans. And I probably won't be able to do as much map work (I teach social studies). I'm sure it will be fine; I'm just nervous about it.
Jenn
Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. - Carol Burnette
The first step to getting what you want out of life is this: Decide what you want. - Ben Stein
The person you think you are is no match for the person you really are.
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HDHAWK
Posts: 14,385 6/21/12 8:35 A
Not to worry. We had a blind student a few years ago. The aide learned how to use the brailler to help with materials. There should be a vision specialist (like an OT or PT) who can help with ideas.
Kim
"Train hard, expect success" Tom Venuto
"Teaching is the profession that creates all others."
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TEACHERMOMFIVE
Posts: 1,145 6/21/12 8:27 A
I will have a blind student in my regular classroom this year. She has an aide, but I have ZERO training for this situation. Common sense, I guess, will have to be my best friend. I'm worried already.
Jenn
Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. - Carol Burnette
The first step to getting what you want out of life is this: Decide what you want. - Ben Stein
The person you think you are is no match for the person you really are.
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JIACOLO
SparkPoints: (197,810)
Fitness Minutes: (68,685) Posts: 13,782 6/21/12 7:46 A
Get to know your students' interests and build off of those. It is a very different feel from a gen. ed. classroom. Progress can be slow and in small increments. Be patient. And enjoy yourself!
If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.
- It's Janine!
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NFLATTE
Posts: 5,599 6/21/12 6:50 A
I am 'student teaching' an elementary functional skills class, attempting to get my intense intervention license after teaching gen. ed. for 20+ yrs...Any advice would be welcome....
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JIACOLO
SparkPoints: (197,810)
Fitness Minutes: (68,685) Posts: 13,782 6/20/12 10:03 P
If only we could solve the problems we all encounter in our schools on this forum, just think of how much more teaching we could accomplish during the day!
If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.
- It's Janine!
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KRYS210
Posts: 48,323 6/20/12 8:40 P
Solve the problems of the world, your school, and your household here. Okay, maybe we can just discuss these things and anything else you would like to talk about. Ask questions, make comments, etc.
FORUM: 
TOPIC: 
Found some really cute ideas just looking through stuff.
