Incentives for Good Behavior and Staying On Task for Middle School Students

April 3, 2009 Guest Writer 2 Comments

As children grow older, we often assume that small rewards won’t suffice, especially during the middle school years. Contrary to that belief, however, middle school-aged kids still love being rewarded for their ability to behave and stay on task—although the type of rewards change just a bit. What follows is a list of some incentives … Continue reading Incentives for Good Behavior and Staying On Task for Middle School Students »

Lesson Plans

More Sponge Activities for the Classroom

March 30, 2009 TCR Staff 1 Comment

See previous post for description of what sponge activities are and how they can be used to enhance learning in the classroom. Choose a category such as food, movies, or places, and challenge students to think of one for each letter of the alphabet. Select a category such as famous people. Have one student say … Continue reading More Sponge Activities for the Classroom »

Lesson Plans

Sponge Activities

March 26, 2009 TCR Staff 1 Comment

A sponge activity is something that teachers give students to work on as they come in the room or to keep the students busy while the teacher takes care of necessary business, like taking attendance, getting the lunch count, or collecting notes and homework. Sponge activities are also useful during transition periods while the teacher … Continue reading Sponge Activities »

Teaching Tips

Standardized Test-Taking Tips & Strategies: Part VII – Year Round Prep & Last Minute Tips

March 24, 2009 TCR Staff 1 Comment

A student’s performance on a standardized test is influenced by many things: some obvious, some elusive, some over which educators have control, and others over which they do not. Until someone invents a magic wand, word, or potion that can be waved over, said to, or imbibed by students, educators will have to rely on … Continue reading Standardized Test-Taking Tips & Strategies: Part VII – Year Round Prep & Last Minute Tips »