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	<title>The Lesson Machine&#187; Lessons and Projects</title>
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		<title>10 Classroom Management Strategies to Promote Full-Class Participation</title>
		<link>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/09/29/10-classroom-management-strategies-to-promote-full-class-participation/</link>
		<comments>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/09/29/10-classroom-management-strategies-to-promote-full-class-participation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:21:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Myscha Theriault</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Classroom Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lessons and Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Latest from Lesson Mag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[class participation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[classroom management strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/?p=854</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Keeping all your kiddos on point is no small feat.  Wandering minds and fidgety bodies can interfere with even the best laid instructional plans. Here are 10 classroom management strategies to promote full-class participation at multiple grade levels. Classroom Management Strategies that Get Every Student Participating Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down This is a great [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Thumbs-Up.jpg"><img title="Thumbs Up" src="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Thumbs-Up-211x300.jpg" alt="" width="211" height="300" /></a><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Thumbs-Up.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Keeping all your kiddos on point is no small feat.  Wandering minds and fidgety bodies can interfere with even the best laid instructional plans.<span id="more-854"></span> Here are 10 classroom management strategies to promote full-class participation at multiple grade levels.</p>
<p><strong>Classroom Management Strategies that Get Every Student Participating</strong></p>
<p><strong>Thumbs Up / Thumbs Down</strong></p>
<p>This is a great group response strategy for true / false and yes / no questions. It’s simple, usable from K – 12 and requires absolutely no special equipment or prep.</p>
<p><strong>Laminated Index Cards</strong></p>
<p>A favorite filler activity of mine to integrate basic math skills for younger grades is to create response cards using large blank <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/more-classroom-ideas-for-old-fashioned-index-cards/">index cards</a> with the less than (&lt;) symbol on one side and the greater than (&gt;) symbol on the other.  I laminate them for stability from year to year, and write basic math equations on the board with the appropriate symbol missing.  I then ask the class to respond as a group with their individual cards. It’s a quick way to assess which students are still having trouble identifying the proper symbol to use. You could also use this technique to create true / false or yes / no answer cards. It would be a great sight word builder for ESL classrooms.</p>
<p><strong>Individual Response Boards</strong></p>
<p>You can use individual-sized chalkboards, white boards cut from large pieces of shower stall board, or make bargain white boards with copy paper and <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/06/green-teaching-page-protectors-to-the-rescue/">sheet protectors</a>. Use appropriate writing utensils and make sure students each have an old sock to erase their boards with in between questions. Use this technique with brief math problems, multiple choice questions delivered orally and much, much more.</p>
<p><strong>Choral Reading</strong></p>
<p>This can be used at any grade, whether it’s in a primary grade classroom reading the assigned poem for the week, or in a high school classroom working on a readers’ theater play with portions designed to be read chorally in group presentations.  Not every reading assignment will be perfectly suited to this, but those that are provide a great opportunity to keep students on task and involved.</p>
<p><strong>Oral Cloze Technique</strong></p>
<p>This is similar to choral reading in that all students respond at once. However, the response is limited to a word you have left out as they follow along during a teacher read aloud of a certain passage or paragraph. Basically, it’s like a cloze worksheet without the worksheet. This works great when you need to review something quickly like directions, or introduce a key word such as a vocabulary term.  I particularly like to use this technique when I want to make sure the students are involved, but find myself in a situation where it’s more appropriate for me to do the oral reading. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does I feel like I’m covering all of my bases.</p>
<p><strong>Delayed Student Selection</strong></p>
<p>Basically, I’m speaking of asking the entire group a particular question so they all become engaged with figuring out a way to answer appropriately. Then I call on an individual student after everyone’s had a chance to figure out how they would reply. A great way to keep this fair is to select a learner from a mug full of <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/06/classroom-uses-for-the-age-old-craft-stick/">wooden craft sticks</a> with all student names written on them. It keeps things random and fair, without letting the students know in advance who will be called on.</p>
<p><strong>Call to Action</strong></p>
<p>Require all students to locate a word on a reading handout and perform a certain action on that word (circle it, underline, draw a box around it, etc.) before calling on the group or an individual to say what that word is.  It’s a good idea to make the word critical to the lesson you are about to begin, such as if that word is related to a lab experiment, writing assignment parameters or a math concept review.</p>
<p><strong>Team Reviews</strong></p>
<p>Students love to review for tests in game format. Break them up into small groups to compete tournament style, or have two main groups competing. Try having learners play content review games one on one with a buddy, or against a few people at once in a learning center. Here are several more <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/reviews-that-rock-great-ideas-for-covering-test-content/">ideas for test reviews that rock</a>, including a couple of my favorites: chalkboard relay races and a review technique that uses little more than a paper bag.</p>
<p><strong>Put Them in the Hot Seat</strong></p>
<p>Assign study groups and have students prepare for a round table discussion where their fellow students and possibly some guest teachers ask them any number of questions related to the content material. Film it like a reality TV show and make sure everybody gets grilled.</p>
<p><strong>Line Up Question and Answer</strong></p>
<p>Make answering a content question a prerequisite for lining up at the door for recess, lunch, catching the bus home, etc.  Do this orally or have some questions prepared ahead of time on folded papers placed in an empty bucket or bowl.  Call on students randomly from your popsicle stick coffee mug management system and then choose their review question manually as well. If a student answers a question wrong they need to sit back down. Personally, I don’t like to have this be miserable for the kiddos, so if they answer the second one wrong as well, I let them get help from a friend already in line and encourage them to review more at home on their own. Math and geography flash cards are great for this activity as well, as they require absolutely no prep time and don’t cut into other lesson time when you know your students really could use the extra review time on the material in question.</p>
<p>What are your favorite tips for full-group participation or keeping all of the students on their toes?</p>
<p><strong>Photo Credit:</strong> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dorubens/4486220339/">Rubens LP</a></p>
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		<title>Survival Science Unit Part 2</title>
		<link>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/08/09/survival-science-unit-part-2/</link>
		<comments>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/08/09/survival-science-unit-part-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:56:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa Overman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lessons and Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Latest from Lesson Mag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Science Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Science Units]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sixth Grade Science Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Survival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Survival Unit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/?p=695</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is part two in a series Survival Science Day 7  Students choose a partner to work with on a Survivor experience.  Students discuss and compare their survival lists and combine lists and create a final list of fifty items that they will take to the island. They may choose six luxury items for this list, three for each [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_709" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/4438425814_7fbc0262f9_m.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-709" src="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/4438425814_7fbc0262f9_m.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Survival </p></div>
<p><em>This is part two in a series Survival Science</em></p>
<p>Day 7  Students choose a partner to work with on a Survivor experience.  Students discuss and compare their survival lists and combine lists and create a final list of fifty items that they will take to the island. They may choose six luxury items for this list, three for each student.</p>
<p>Day 8  Discuss survival items students could make while on the island using basic items found on the island combined with selected items from their list, such as  string, net, wire, or duct tape .  Each student is then instructed to create an invention item. They are instructed to complete the project in one week and required to demonstrate it&#8217;s purpose in class. Students are to include a list of items used to determine that each item was actually on the final list.</p>
<p>Day 9-10 Class time on projects. (Another three school days were given to complete the project at home as homework.)</p>
<p>Upon completion of projects students demonstrate them in front of the class. I also recommend allowing time for other students to view them and explore how they work after the presentations. We then displayed them in a  display case in the school lobby. Students included a description of each item and what it would be used for.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve discovered options to expand the unit. Reality shows like Survivor certainly have expanded older students knowledge of survival in extreme conditions so in appropriate grade level settings such as high school an episode (that has been pre-viewed) could be used to discuss  shelter building, protecting food from the elements, fire starting with flint and fishing techniques. Another resource would be Boy Scouts. These students would be an additional resource for the unit as they often learn survival and camping skills.</p>
<p>Students could make videos of the building process as they create their survival item. Here you can read about other Lesson Machine <a title="Teaching in the Trenches" href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/more-classroom-hacks-for-teaching-in-the-trenches/" target="_blank">Teaching in the Trenches tips </a> including video projects and web projects to use for special school events as well as other helpful advice.</p>
<p>Students could pack and prepare a backpack with their listed items (provided their family owns these items already.) If they don&#8217;t then you could bring in the items as a class and have the students pack them in class to see just how such a task would be completed and the skill necessary to make such a pack hold what you need while being light enough to handle.</p>
<p><a title="Survival" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/edytamaterka/4438425814/" target="_blank">Photo Credit Edyta Materka</a></p>
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		<title>Science Survivor Style for the Classroom</title>
		<link>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/07/19/science-survivor-style-for-the-classroom/</link>
		<comments>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/07/19/science-survivor-style-for-the-classroom/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:53:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa Overman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lessons and Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Latest from Lesson Mag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[media integration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/?p=690</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is part one of a two part series on Science Survivor Style As a teacher it&#8217;s important to find projects and units of study that keep students interested and motivated. One unit of study I used with Science students in sixth grade was a Survivor Unit. This unit can easily be adapted to upper level students. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_702" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2731696170_fe4fbef131_m.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-702" src="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2731696170_fe4fbef131_m.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="160" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Cast Away</p></div>
<p><em>This is part one of a two part series on Science Survivor Style</em></p>
<p>As a teacher it&#8217;s important to find projects and units of study that keep students interested and motivated. One unit of study I used with Science students in sixth grade was a Survivor Unit. This unit can easily be adapted to upper level students.</p>
<p>Day 1-3. I began the unit by showing the movie Cast Away with Tom Hanks. We then had class discussions about the experiences and situations that Tom Hanks character faced.</p>
<p>Day 4 I assigned the students to make a list of 1oo items that they would want to take with them to an uninhabited island. I instructed them to think carefully about what they would need to survive and thrive in such a difficult environment. I allowed them to talk in groups of four about their ideas for fifteen minutes before making their list. I also suggested to them that they should include at least a few luxury items such as as sport gear, books, a journal, a camera etc. It would be their choice which  luxury items were included, but they were limited to ten.</p>
<p>Day 5 We discussed and shared our lists ( I made one as well.) We noted items that we felt were essential and we discussed how people have different ideas about what might be essential and why.</p>
<p>Day 6  Narrow the  list to the top 30 items that will go to the island with you. The luxury items are now narrowed to three. ( I chose one tenth of the list.)  Finish with a class discussion about what makes the final list and why.</p>
<p><em>Science is a subject where scientific information and resources are always expanding and changing. One great option to expand your science content and knowledge is to use these <a title="Science News Services" href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/06/03/5-science-news-services-for-teachers/" target="_blank">online Science  News Services. </a></em></p>
<p><em>See part two of the series for the remaining unit and project plans.</em></p>
<p><em><a title="Cast Away Photo " href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssanyal/2731696170/" target="_blank">Photo Credit Shayan USA Flickr</a></em></p>
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		<title>Environmental Education, Recycling and Trash Pickup</title>
		<link>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/07/09/environmental-education-recycling-and-trash-pick-up/</link>
		<comments>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/07/09/environmental-education-recycling-and-trash-pick-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:37:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa Overman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lessons and Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Latest from Lesson Mag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[landfill]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recycling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trash]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/?p=771</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As concerns mount regarding the state of our gulf coast and the oil spill, it&#8217;s a perfect opportunity to increase our children&#8217;s environmental awareness and educate them further about  the ways our planet is being damaged. There are many great programs for recycling but there are many people who don&#8217;t participate.  A great student project to demonstrate the importance of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_783" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/1277634907_ca5088f5cc_m.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-783" src="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/1277634907_ca5088f5cc_m.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="198" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Importance of Recycling</p></div>
<p>As concerns mount regarding the state of our gulf coast and the oil spill, it&#8217;s a perfect opportunity to increase our children&#8217;s environmental awareness and educate them further about  the ways our planet is being damaged. There are many great programs for recycling but there are many people who don&#8217;t participate.  A great student project to demonstrate the importance of recycling is to have the students collect various types of trash from the classroom and home and dig a classroom landfill in a school approved area. If your school doesn&#8217;t have an area where you can dig there&#8217;s another excellent options in this article to achieve similar educational awareness about trash and recycling.</p>
<p>Project 1 Take student collected trash (food trash, plastic trash, paper trash.) It works best to include all types of trash for this project.</p>
<p>Phase One: As a class dig the landfill hole and place your trash items in the landfill. Have students map the landfill area, so that you know where each type of trash is located, for the second phase of this project. Take photos of the trash items before covering your landfill with soil. Cover the landfill area and then have a classroom discussion about how long the trash items will take to decompose in the landfill. Discuss recycling options in your individual area. Field trip option; visit a local landfill in your area for students to see the reality of what our garbage actually does to the planet.</p>
<p><em>This is part one of a two part series on Recycling and Trash.</em></p>
<p>Recycling Photo Credit By: <a title="Recycling" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9229859@N02/1277634907/" target="_blank">Bucklava</a></p>
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		<title>Celebrating Cultural Diversity</title>
		<link>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/07/06/celebrating-cultural-diversity/</link>
		<comments>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/07/06/celebrating-cultural-diversity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:58:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa Overman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lessons and Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Latest from Lesson Mag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Celebrating Cultures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cultural Diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United Nations Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[World Cultures]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/?p=578</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Living and working overseas taught me the importance and joy of celebrating the cultural diversity of my students. Celebrating cultural events raises awareness among students and staff. Exploring the varied ethnic cultural diversity of students through cultural celebrations gives children a taste of ethnic customs,  food, dance, language and dress. It&#8217;s an  exciting way to involve everyone in a no [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="mceTemp">
<div id="attachment_631" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/239168960_f9414892fa_m1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-631" src="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/239168960_f9414892fa_m1.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="158" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Cultural and Musical Diversity </p></div>
</div>
<p>Living and working overseas taught me the importance and joy of celebrating the cultural diversity of my students. Celebrating cultural events raises awareness among students and staff. Exploring the varied ethnic cultural diversity of students through cultural celebrations gives children a taste of ethnic customs,  food, dance, language and dress. It&#8217;s an  exciting way to involve everyone in a no pressure environment where learning  takes place naturally.</p>
<p>In Germany I included local celebrations in my plans.  Students enjoy sharing little gifts on December 6th, which is the European <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=87" target="_blank">St. Nicholas Day</a>. In German custom bad children receive a lump of coal and good children receive small gifts. Another special celebration that all small school children in Germany celebrate is the receiving of  their  <a href="http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/07__Culture__Lifestyle__Travel/06/05__Schultueten/Schultueten__S.html" target="_blank">Schultute</a> , a giant cone filled with sweets and treats to take away the bitterness of school starting. <a href="http://www.alphamom.com/holiday/2009/08/make_a_schultute_for_your_firs.php" target="_blank">Directions to make your own Schultute.</a></p>
<p>When I taught on the island of Guam we celebrated United Nations Day with  a day long celebration of costumes from cultures around the world and  a musical program where students and staff shared songs and instruments around the world. Through our experiences we learned about new foods, ways of life and activities that raised awareness of cultures different than our own. In each of these very different cultures teachers brought the culture of our &#8220;second home&#8221; to life through customs and experiences that drew children closer to each other, while teaching them more about their second home culture.</p>
<p><a title="Cultural and Musical Diversity" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tenerife/" target="_self">Photo Credit Secret Tenerife&#8217;s</a></p>
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		<title>Tie Dye Tee Shirt: Class Project</title>
		<link>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/06/27/tie-dye-tee-shirt-class-project/</link>
		<comments>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/06/27/tie-dye-tee-shirt-class-project/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jun 2010 13:20:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa Overman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lessons and Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Latest from Lesson Mag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[classroom crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[end of the year projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer school ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tie dye]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/?p=637</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Making memories is what the end of the school year is all about. As a teacher I always tried to plan something the kids would love. One event that works well is to have an outdoor activity day combined with dying tie dye tee shirts.  I&#8217;ve participated in such an event and I&#8217;ve planned a follow up event. It&#8217;s fun [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_645" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 190px"><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/2836104187_e48e522668_m.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-645" src="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/2836104187_e48e522668_m.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="240" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Tie Dye Tee Shirt </p></div>
<p>Making memories is what the end of the school year is all about. As a teacher I always tried to plan something the kids would love. One event that works well is to have an outdoor activity day combined with dying tie dye tee shirts.  I&#8217;ve participated in such an event and I&#8217;ve planned a follow up event. It&#8217;s fun and well suited to work together. Here&#8217;s why.</p>
<p>When you tie dye you should really be in a space where sloppy messes don&#8217;t matter. The outdoors is a wonderful space for tie dye, if a pan of dye gets spilled the grass can be hosed down and there are no classroom messes to deal with. Secondly if you pair the tie dye activity with an outdoor activity such as volleyball or kickball then students can rotate in and out of the game to tie dye their shirt. This allows you to supervise the game and oversee shirts being made a few at a time, with no waiting or fussing among students. Remember when planning to choose a sporting activity that doesn&#8217;t require a huge team of players. This will allow you to start a few on the shirts and then rotate additional students into the tie dye and back into the game seamlessly.</p>
<p><a title="Tie Dye Tee Shirt Project" href="http://www.jacquardproducts.com/support/projects/proj0042/" target="_blank">Tie Dye Spiral Tee Project </a></p>
<p><a title="Tie Dye Heart Tee Shirt" href="http://www.jacquardproducts.com/support/projects/proj0045/" target="_blank">Tie Dye Heart Tee </a></p>
<p><a title="Tie Dye Tee Shirt Projects" href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/tie-dyed-t-shirts-666905/" target="_self">Tie Dye Tee Shirt Ideas and Instructions</a></p>
<p><a title="Tie Dye Tee Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aegidian/2836104187/in/photostream" target="_blank"> Photo Credit: Tie Dye Tee Flickr</a></p>
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		<title>Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag Project</title>
		<link>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/05/30/homemade-ice-cream-in-a-bag-project/</link>
		<comments>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/05/30/homemade-ice-cream-in-a-bag-project/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 30 May 2010 14:32:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa Overman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lessons and Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Latest from Lesson Mag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cooking in the Classroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Edible Science Experiments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ice Cream]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Science]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/?p=615</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is a fun project to do with students or with the children in your family on a vacation day.  I used this as a Science activity with my seventh grade students in Hawaii. The instructions and ingredients are simple enough that this ice cream project can also be used with younger age children. My students did this particular  ice cream activity outside [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is a fun project to do with students or with the children in your family on a vacation day.  I used this as a Science activity with my seventh grade students in Hawaii. The instructions and ingredients are simple enough that this ice cream project can also be used with younger age children. My students did this particular  ice cream activity outside to minimize the mess.  As an added bonus students can bring their favorite ice cream topping in a ziploc bag to add into the ice cream mixture as it is firming up.</p>
<div id="attachment_624" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 250px"><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/3531457561_9b78a46b1b_m.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-624" src="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/3531457561_9b78a46b1b_m.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="180" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Homemade Ice Cream</p></div>
<p>Here are links to three options for Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag.</p>
<p><a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/homemade-ice-cream-in-a-bag-684806/">http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/homemade-ice-cream-in-a-bag-684806/</a> (This one uses half and half.)</p>
<p><a href="http://homeparents.about.com/od/recipesandcrafts/r/zip_icecream.htm">http://homeparents.about.com/od/recipesandcrafts/r/zip_icecream.htm</a> (This one uses milk rather than half and half.)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/science/icecream051999.html">http://www.teachnet.com/lesson/science/icecream051999.html</a> (This one offers the option of making the ice cream in a coffee can.)</p>
<p><em>Ingredients  and Materials to Make Ice Cream in a Bag</em></p>
<p><em>1 C half and half</em></p>
<p><em>2 Tbsp sugar</em></p>
<p><em>1/2 tsp vanilla</em></p>
<p><em>1/2 C rock salt</em></p>
<p><em>ice cubes </em></p>
<p><em>ziploc bags (One gallon size bag and one quart size  bag will be needed for each recipe made) </em></p>
<p><em>towels</em></p>
<p><em>permanent marker to put names on the ice cream bags</em></p>
<p><em>Divide your ice cream mixture into individual ziploc bags and then place the sealed bag of  ice cream mixture into a larger gallon sized bag filled partially with ice. Add rock salt to the outer bag and seal it carefully. Have the students toss the ziploc bag back and forth within their hands, using the towels as needed, when the bags become too cold. I remember this project taking about 10-15  minutes. We then took the ice cream out of the exterior bag and placed it in the freezer for a firmer freeze. When you are taking the ice cream bag out of the larger bag to put it in the freezer wipe it off and then add in your individual ice cream toppings. When the ice cream is firm the kids can eat it directly from their individual bags which have been labeled with their name.</em></p>
<p><em><a title="Homemade Ice Cream" href="http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/ener/3531457561/" target="_blank">Homemade Ice Cream Photo by: Enersauce</a></em></p>
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		<title>Web Roundup: Down Days, Progress Reports and More</title>
		<link>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/web-roundup-down-days-progress-reports-and-more/</link>
		<comments>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/web-roundup-down-days-progress-reports-and-more/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:46:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Myscha Theriault</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lessons and Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Latest from Lesson Mag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education writing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[supplies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teacher tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/?p=229</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[January is prime month for quality instruction. Yet it is also the time many of us have a hard time gearing up after the holidays. To help out, I’ve rounded up what I feel are the top tips from around the web as we launch into 2010. What to do with only five minutes left [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/schoolbusrszd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-249" title="schoolbusrszd" src="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/schoolbusrszd.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="218" /></a></p>
<p>January is prime month for quality instruction. Yet it is also the time many of us have a hard time gearing up after the holidays. To help out, I’ve rounded up what I feel are the top tips from around the web as we launch into 2010.<span id="more-229"></span></p>
<ul>
<li>What to do with only five minutes left in class? This post from The Apple gives you ten tips to <a href="http://theapple.monster.com/benefits/articles/4282-10-things-to-do-when-you-only-have-5-minutes-left-in-class" target="_blank">use small amounts of classroom time wisely.</a></li>
<li>Top personal finance and parenting blogger Linsey Knerl got a sneak peek of the new Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs DVD. Check out her <a href="http://www.lillepunkin.com/2009/12/review-of-cloudy-with-chance-of.html" target="_blank">review</a> to see why she thinks it’s a winner for family entertainment.</li>
<li>Snow days cutting in to your academic classroom time? Frugal Upstate has a list of <a href="http://www.frugalupstate.com/2010/01/40-things-to-do-on-a-school-snow-day.html" target="_blank">forty different snow day activities</a> you can recommend to parents.</li>
<li>Looking to make more of a personal connection with your students? Sean Banville shows you how with his fantastic tips on using <a href="http://seanbanville.com/2010/01/11/using-audio-files-to-provide-feedback-2/" target="_blank">audio progress reports</a> for one on one interaction.</li>
<li>Finally, those looking to motivate your kiddos for goal setting should check out Shelly Terrell’s <a href="http://teacherbootcamp.edublogs.org/2010/01/09/goal-whats-your-personal-theme-song/" target="_blank">theme song activity</a> for goal setting over at Teacher Reboot Camp. It’s a must read.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Got another top tip for educators? Share the love in the comment section below.</em></p>
<p><strong>Photo Credit:</strong> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dok1/3662911977/" target="_blank">Dok 1</a></p>
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		<title>Classroom Holiday Calendar on the Cheap</title>
		<link>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/classroom-holiday-calendar-on-the-cheap/</link>
		<comments>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/classroom-holiday-calendar-on-the-cheap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:25:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Myscha Theriault</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lessons and Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Latest from Lesson Mag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[easily modified holiday activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday countdown calendar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[multicultural holiday activities]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/?p=218</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As December approaches, many teachers are looking for ways to celebrate the Christmas holiday that keep both classroom discipline and budget in check. A holiday countdown calendar is one way to do that, provided you select affordable rewards and activities. Here is a way to incorporate a holiday countdown calendar into your current classroom routine, without breaking [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/holidaycalendar.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-351" title="holidaycalendar" src="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/holidaycalendar-220x300.jpg" alt="" width="220" height="300" /></a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">As December approaches, many teachers are looking for ways to celebrate the Christmas holiday that keep both classroom discipline and budget in check. <span id="more-218"></span>A holiday countdown calendar is one way to do that, provided you select affordable rewards and activities. Here is a way to incorporate a holiday countdown calendar into your current classroom routine, without breaking the bank.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">First, use a classroom calendar with slightly larger squares, similar to the ones most elementary teachers already use. Those who teach older grades will still be able to incorporate this, it will just require a larger activity space. (Here&#8217;s a set of directions to <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/06/a-cheaper-classroom-calendar-diy-to-the-rescue/" target="_blank">make your own affordable classroom calendar</a>.)</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Second, find a source of smaller envelopes, such as the multi-packs of miniature gift cards you can buy along with <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/stock-up-on-classroom-supplies-at-dollar-tree/" target="_blank">classroom supplies from the dollar store</a>. Attach one envelope to each calendar day you will be in class during the month of December.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Third, come up with a list of affordable or free classroom rewards, prizes or activities. Make sure you have enough to cover each of the days where you will need envelopes. Some suggestions include holiday pencils, free paper passes, watching a movie in the class, five bonus points to add to a future quiz or test, a classroom popcorn party, erasers or a no homework night.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Write each of these items on the card that goes with the envelope. If you bought a pack of miniature gift cards at the craft store, you&#8217;re all set. If you folded your own decorative envelopes, then you&#8217;ll need to print off some cards or slips of paper to use.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Pull out the reward, prize or activity at whatever time of day works for you to reveal what&#8217;s inside. You might even want to schedule a different reveal time for various days, depending on what&#8217;s inside the envelope. For example, a night off from homework at the end of the day, an afternoon classroom movie that you let the students know about just before lunch, or new holiday pencils at the beginning of the day.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Have you tried a similar advent calendar activity in your classroom? What types of activities or gift card ideas did you use?</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><strong>Related Readings:</strong> <a href="http://www.wisebread.com/an-easy-holiday-advent-calendar-for-two-bucks" target="_blank">An Easy Holiday Advent Calendar for Two Dollars</a> and <a href="http://webesharin.com/2009/11/29/70-ideas-to-enjoy-with-your-advent-calendar/" target="_blank">70 Affordable Advent Calendar Ideas</a>.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8457200@N02/3026024766/" target="_blank">Campbelj45ca</a></p>
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		<title>Spelling Activities: 27 Ways to Practice in Style</title>
		<link>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/spelling-activities-27-ways-to-practice-in-style/</link>
		<comments>http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/spelling-activities-27-ways-to-practice-in-style/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:17:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Myscha Theriault</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Lessons and Projects]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Latest from Lesson Mag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lesson ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spelling activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/?p=180</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Spelling lists are a necessary part of our weekly routine. We all want our students to do well, but still need to spend time creating exciting lessons for the rest of the curriculum. So how do we keep the spelling activities familiar enough to allow for self direction, yet fresh enough that the students won&#8217;t [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="mceTemp"><a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/game-pieces.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-535" title="game pieces" src="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/game-pieces.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="164" /></a></div>
<p>Spelling lists are a necessary part of our weekly routine. We all want our students to do well, but still need to spend time creating exciting lessons for the rest of the curriculum. So how do we keep the spelling activities familiar enough to allow for self direction, yet fresh enough that the students won&#8217;t balk at the idea of doing them? Here are twenty-seven tips for primary through high school to help get you started. <span id="more-180"></span></p>
<p>For starters, having a deep repertoire of practice activities is critical. You want the activities to feel familiar when the come again in the classroom, so students will be able to immediately get to work. However, you don&#8217;t want to repeat a certain activity too many times, or it will become boring for the children. Also (and this is just a personal opinion), it helps to have a fair number of the spelling practice activities take place while you are busy with small group instruction or circulating the room to reinforce on task behavior. It just sets things up for success from a classroom management perspective. Here are several that I&#8217;ve used at various grade levels over the years, and a couple that I ran across just recently.</p>
<p><strong>Spelling memory.</strong></p>
<p>Similar to definition match up for vocabulary instruction, you&#8217;ll need <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/more-classroom-ideas-for-old-fashioned-index-cards/" target="_blank">index cards </a>for this as well. It&#8217;s great for sight word based spelling lists as well as harder to spell terms. Basically, two separate cards are needed for each word, as well as an initial copied list to check off found words from. Since students create their own master game list and word cards, this makes the age old traditional assignment of copying down each word 2-3 times meaningful and game – based as opposed to boring and tedious. My experience is that children up to at least fifth grade enjoy this activity.</p>
<p><strong>A manuscript and cursive T-chart.</strong></p>
<p>This one works well for grades where you&#8217;re transitioning from manuscript to cursive penmanship, or for ESL groups that are learning both versions of the new alphabet. Require name and date in the top right hand corner of the looseleaf page, and keep the top margin available to label each column of the T-chart. This way the students are responsible for their own lists, and get the initial practice of having to write each word twice. It&#8217;s an authentic activity as well, because taking home a spelling list is necessary for weeknight study activities. This technique also reinforces both spelling and penmanship without taking time away from other holistic lessons and activities.</p>
<p><strong>Parts of speech sorting mats.</strong></p>
<p>This can be used with story vocabulary spelling lists as well as sight words. Divide a sheet of looseleaf notebook paper into two columns, and then add lines to form four to six separate rows of two cells each. Label each section with a separate part of speech such as adjective, conjunction, verb, pronoun, etc. Have students create individual word cards by using cut apart sections of index cards and copying the words from the spelling list on the board. They will then practice sorting the word cards onto the various sections of the parts of speech mat. Using the dictionary and story the words are pulled from, the students will also need to copy a fresh list onto notebook paper, making notations as the parts of speech for each word. They can use it to check their answers. Have each student create their own set of materials, but work next to a partner so they can check each other&#8217;s work. If you&#8217;re not sure what a sorting mat should look like, check out some of the coupon sorting mats used by money saving mothers around the internet. It will give you a pretty good idea of how this spelling lesson should work. If you don&#8217;t want to take the time to have students create their own mats, use our <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/shoestring-teaching-the-multipurpose-game-board/" target="_blank">multipurpose game board</a> strategy and use this as a small group or buddy pairs center activity.</p>
<p><strong>Newspaper search.</strong></p>
<p>It&#8217;s no secret that I&#8217;m a huge fan of using things like <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/06/no-brainer-ideas-for-newspapers-in-the-classroom/" target="_blank">newspapers</a> and <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/06/teaching-ideas-for-old-phone-books/" target="_blank">phone books</a> as <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/06/cheap-stuff-for-starving-teachers/" target="_blank">affordable classroom materials</a>. Here&#8217;s a super cheap spelling activity students can work on using nothing but their own supplies and donated newspapers. Have students create a T-chart on a piece of notebook paper by drawing lines with their pencil. After recording name, date and assignment information in the top right corner, the spelling words need to be copied in order down the left hand side of the paper. Using their own scissors and glue sticks along with one new newspaper each, students will search for examples of each word to cut out and paste directly across from the corresponding hand written word in the next column. If a reasonable attempt has been made to find full examples of each word and some are still missing, students may resort to cutting out individual letters to assemble the remaining words letter by letter.</p>
<p><strong>Three – column term / antonym / synonym charts.</strong></p>
<p>You might need to have the class orient their notebook papers horizontally for this one, depending on the average length of the spelling words that week. Label the tops of the columns with the three categories mentioned, placing the terms category first. Then, assign research of antonyms and synonyms for each word, and have the students record them in the appropriate slot in the chart, on the same line as the corresponding term. For those occasions where there isn&#8217;t a synonym or antonym to be found, record a dash (hyphen) in the slot. This will make their overall charts look complete data wise, and yet let you know what could or could not be found.</p>
<p><strong>Secret code.</strong></p>
<p>Kids of all ages love to solve secret code puzzles. Why not work this in to your weekly spelling routine? Members of our curriculum web site, <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/" target="_blank">TheLessonMachine.Com</a>, have this provided for them in all of our units anyway. For those who are just starting out however, you could always have the students create their own and have a partner solve them. Or, you could create one of your own and list each word in code on the board. Then work as a group or assign independent decoding of the spelling words as a sponge activity.</p>
<p><strong>Pictionary or charades.</strong></p>
<p>This doesn&#8217;t exactly work with every single word, but there are usually at least a few terms each week that are suitable. Establish a set of workable rules and use either one of these as a sponge activity for getting kids to line up, or to kill a few minutes while waiting for the art specialist to arrive.</p>
<p><strong>Story retellings.</strong></p>
<p>This only works if you are integrating your spelling words with your weekly classroom literature choice. Require a minimal number of terms to be used, and require students to rewrite the story to be told in their own voice. This gives you an integrated writing, spelling and reading assignment with only one project to grade.</p>
<p><strong>Syllabication and accent breakdowns.</strong></p>
<p>You can do this not only in written form, but also with oral and kinesthetic strategies. Integrate dictionary skills practice as well by looking up each word together as a group. Pronounce the words together as a class. I also like to pronounce the words in sections as well. For example, if it&#8217;s a five syllable word, say the word in its entirety, followed by the first two syllables only, then the first three, first four and the word in its entirety again. I say the word or sections of the word first and have the students repeat after me. This works REALLY well with ESL students. Still looking for the kinesthetic connection? As you say each syllable, touch a different joint, starting with your shoulder and working your way down one arm and up the next. Or, have them count out the syllables on their fingers. It&#8217;s a great way to work on syllable count in morning language, if you are the type to write up a simple paragraph using some words from the spelling list.</p>
<p><strong>Prefix and suffix breakdowns.</strong></p>
<p>You can work this one in as words come up certainly, but if you are looking to cover the concepts with a strong initial focus, it might be good to concoct a list on a week where you don&#8217;t necessarily have a separate story to read. (For example, when you are allowing extra time to work on a science or social studies report.) That way, the vocabulary for that assignment will already be familiar to the students and you&#8217;ll have the open slot to create a prefix and suffix rich list for that week. Cover what the most common prefix and suffix combinations are and what they mean. Use this information to decode word meanings as a group and work in the concept of root words.</p>
<p><strong>Word search puzzles.</strong></p>
<p>These are again something we work in with all of our <a href="http://www.thelessonmachine.com/index.php?id=6" target="_blank">literature units</a> as a way for teachers to have access to a meaningful sponge activity every week. However, they can also make a great DIY activity for the children. They can use quarter-inch or larger graph paper to create two copies each of their own word search puzzle. Place the words in the puzzle from all directions and then fill in other letters into the open squares randomly. Just make sure the second copy is the exact replica. (Or photocopy the original) One will have the answers highlighted in red (or another color) and the other will not. Glue each graph paper to opposite sides of a slightly larger piece of colored construction paper and slip into a <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/06/green-teaching-page-protectors-to-the-rescue/" target="_blank">page protector</a>. Then, using grease pencils or water based overhead projector markers, they can swap with a buddy to each have a unique word search puzzle that they can self check afterward.</p>
<p><strong>Rhyming matrix.</strong></p>
<p>Students can either create one on notebook paper or in their journals using a pencil or create one on the computer using the insertion of a table with multiple rows and columns. In the first column on the left hand side, list the spelling words placing one term in each table cell. Several cells will be to the right of it for adding rhyming words that correspond with that particular word. I would shoot for a minimum of five rhyming words for each spelling term, but do what you think meets the needs of your class. This creates an impressive looking final chart that is more grown up in appearance than your basic rhyming list, and also gives the students practice with charts and tables.</p>
<p><strong>ABC order.</strong></p>
<p>An oldie? Yes. But valid, nonetheless. Being able to alphabetize data is a skill we need into adulthood. Granted, if you have older students you&#8217;ll want to have them alphabetize the list in addition to another activity, but that doesn&#8217;t mean you shouldn&#8217;t try to work it in.</p>
<p><strong>Incorporate alliteration.</strong></p>
<p>Assign spelling sentences for each word where every word in the sentence starts with the same letter as the spelling word. (Or at least as many as possible.)</p>
<p><strong>Word form wackiness.</strong></p>
<p>See how many forms of each spelling word you and your students can come up with as a group. (past and future tenses, suffix or prefix additions, etc.)</p>
<p><strong>In the Bag.</strong></p>
<p>I&#8217;ve mentioned this game before as being popular with nearly every grade. It requires nothing but basic information on word strips, cut paper or index cards stuffed in a paper sack for on the fly review games. Here&#8217;s a link to a full <a href="http://mtheriault.lessonmag.com/2008/04/28/shoestring-teaching-it%e2%80%99s-in-the-bag/" target="_blank">article </a>on how to set one up.</p>
<p><strong>Direction cards for line up order.</strong></p>
<p>Basically, you call on one student at a time to complete a particular spelling task before they are allowed to line up for recess. If you have more students than words, it&#8217;s no big deal. Just start through the list again. Some examples: spell a word while standing on one foot, spell a certain word backwards, sign language spelling, spell and use in a sentence, etc.</p>
<p><strong>Body Boggle.</strong></p>
<p>This full body floor game is great for competing in teams of two for larger words, or one student against the other for shorter words. Use for indoor recess, or a center activity.</p>
<p><strong>Anagrams and palindromes.</strong></p>
<p>Children in intermediate grades and above have fun spelling a different word with letters from a particular vocabulary term (anagram) or noticing that a word is spelled the same forward and backward (palindrome). Incorporate these ideas as appropriate.</p>
<p><strong>Stencils and stamps.</strong></p>
<p>For younger children or any learner needing an extra kinesthetic element to spelling instruction, have stencils and alphabet stamps available for students to create each spelling word letter by letter on its own index card. Then they can punch a hole in the top left corner of each card and thread them on a book ring to take home for extra practice.</p>
<p><strong>Rainbow writing.</strong></p>
<p>This is a definite hit with first and second graders. Using larger lined index cards or sections of sentence strips, have the students copy their spelling words one at a time in pencil using their best penmanship. The larger handwriting makes this a perfect time to incorporate rainbow lettering. After each word has been written, have the children take a word at a time and copy over it using a different color crayon. Then another, and another until they have four-six colors copied over the original lettering. The colors should overlap creating a rainbow effect. Primary children love rainbows, so this is a fantastic way to get the age old “write your spelling words x number of times” assignment to have meaning for them. It&#8217;s also a great science integration if you happen to be covering rainbows, crystals and light bending concepts.</p>
<p><strong>DIY bingo.</strong></p>
<p>Use extra large graph paper with squares that are 13 inches in width. Have each student place a different spelling word in a random square (allowing some to actually be in straight or diagonal lines) until each word has been use. Then have them fill in the extra squares with random words. Then they can switch with a partner, and using dried lima beans as game pieces you call out the words until someone has a straight line of covered terms for “Bingo”.</p>
<p><strong>Morse code.</strong></p>
<p>Work in a nearly lost art by assigning conversions of the spelling words into <a href="http://ling.ucsc.edu/~hank/morseabc.html" target="_blank">this form of code</a>. Then have them switch lists to decode back to the original words.</p>
<p><strong>Sidewalk chalk.</strong></p>
<p>Take the kids out for recess a few minutes early and let them practice spelling words using sidewalk chalk and a checklist. Collect the chalk in a bucket afterwards and let the children keep the lists in their pockets. This way they&#8217;ll make it home for study time.</p>
<p><strong>Dry erase markers on sliding glass doors or windows.</strong></p>
<p>The writing can be removed with <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/05/diy-whiteboard-and-homemade-cleaner/" target="_blank">DIY whiteboard cleaner</a> and the activity as a whole has a fair bit of fun factor. Great for home schooling or resource rooms.</p>
<p><strong>Self selected spelling study.</strong></p>
<p>I can&#8217;t take credit for this one. Although I think it&#8217;s super cool. <a href="http://www.superteacherideas.com/spelling39-chart.html" target="_blank">Here&#8217;s a chart</a> a teacher put together of various ways he&#8217;ll allow the children to work on their spelling homework. Rather impressive, in my opinion.</p>
<p><strong>Spelling aerobics.</strong></p>
<p>Again, not my idea but a great one regardless. <a href="http://www.superteacherideas.com/spelling1-aerobics.html" target="_blank">Here&#8217;s a link</a> to some ideas on how to try this out in your classroom.</p>
<p><em>As you can see, there are more than enough ideas here to keep things fresh throughout each grading quarter, no matter what grade level you teach. Several of these activities could also be incorporated into interactive <a href="http://thelessonmachine.com/blog/2010/04/09/bulletin-boards-12-ideas-for-older-classrooms/" target="_blank">bulletin boards for older students</a>. However you decide to incorporate them, your spelling activities will be seamlessly integrated into your overall classroom routine.</em></p>
<p>Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/centralasian/3370700682/" target="_blank">Central Asian</a></p>
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