Middle/High School
- Pros and Cons of Teaching
- Create a New Poetry Unit
- Building Good Relationships
- Summer Planning for School
- Packing in the School Year
- End of the Year Activities
- End the Year with a Fun Activity
- Can Technology Replace Textbooks?
- Social Sites Can Hurt Employment
- Bulletin Boards and Student Work
Posted by
Kellie Hayden
Kellie Hayden
Teaching can be a thankless job. Summer time is a time to reflect and think about what is great and not so great about teaching middle and high school.
As I slather on sun tan lotion and think about my small bank account, I think about the pros and cons of teaching middle school. In the past, I have taught both middle and high school. When I tell people that I am a middle school teacher, they think I am crazy. Or, they thank me over and over again for taking on such a thankless job.
Cons of Being a Middle/High School Teacher
Cons of Being a Middle/High School Teacher
- Apathy of students
- Student attitudes or "mouthy" students
- Achievement test score pressure
- Class load (I have personally had over 150 students in a year.)
- Preparations for a variety of classes (Right now I have five different classes that I have to prepare for and teach.)
- Pay in comparison to other professionals
- The joy of teaching (Yes, I really do enjoy my job!)
- Enjoying pleasant students
- Helping those in need
- Teaching a favorite content area
- Summer vacation and spring break
- Being able to be home with own children on breaks and holidays
Posted by
Kellie Hayden
Kellie Hayden
Language arts teachers mainly focus on reading and writing essays. Poetry can add interest to the daily routine or plans.
Poetry terms generally are on the achievement tests, and students enjoy writing poems on topics they love. At first, students may whine when you tell them that they will be studying poetry. However, if you write poetry with them and share your work, they will stop the whining and want to share their work with you.
Assign students to create a themed poetry project. In this project, students will learn about poetry techniques, such as hyperbole, alliteration, rhyming, personification, similes, metaphors, and onomatopoeia. These techniques add pizzazz to any writing assignment.
After the students have mastered the poetry techniques, they can learn about poetry types, such as syllable count poems, free verse poems and shape poems.
In addition, poetry can be written in conjunction with holidays. For Saint Patrick's Day, assign students to write limericks. For Valentine's Day, ask students to write a love poem.
To get students to publish their work, poetry is a great place start. Poems are generally short and students feel confident sending in a short poem. Plus, there are many poetry contests where students can be successful.
So, add creative poetry writing in your lessons. It is fun, and it probably will show up on the achievement test.
Assign students to create a themed poetry project. In this project, students will learn about poetry techniques, such as hyperbole, alliteration, rhyming, personification, similes, metaphors, and onomatopoeia. These techniques add pizzazz to any writing assignment.
After the students have mastered the poetry techniques, they can learn about poetry types, such as syllable count poems, free verse poems and shape poems.
In addition, poetry can be written in conjunction with holidays. For Saint Patrick's Day, assign students to write limericks. For Valentine's Day, ask students to write a love poem.
To get students to publish their work, poetry is a great place start. Poems are generally short and students feel confident sending in a short poem. Plus, there are many poetry contests where students can be successful.
So, add creative poetry writing in your lessons. It is fun, and it probably will show up on the achievement test.
Posted by
Kellie Hayden
Kellie Hayden
Building better relationships with students, parents, and school leaders can help teachers stay in the profession and build better schools.
With almost 50% of teachers leaving the classroom within the first five years, something has to change. Teacher morale does matter. A new study finds that building relationships is also very important.
Vick Dill and Delia Stafford report in “Teacher Retention a Critical National Problem” [EdNews, March 14, 2008] that Dr. Martin Haberman found that the three most important attributes of teachers who remain in the classroom are "content knowledge, pedagogy and the ability to build relationships with children, parents and school leaders." The ability to build relationships seems to be very important.
So, how do teachers build better relationships with their students, parents and school leaders?
Vick Dill and Delia Stafford report in “Teacher Retention a Critical National Problem” [EdNews, March 14, 2008] that Dr. Martin Haberman found that the three most important attributes of teachers who remain in the classroom are "content knowledge, pedagogy and the ability to build relationships with children, parents and school leaders." The ability to build relationships seems to be very important.
So, how do teachers build better relationships with their students, parents and school leaders?
- Listen more and talk less. Students will tell you a lot when you stand around in the hallways and ask them about their day.
- Attend community functions. Students and parents love to see educators at sporting events, musicals, band functions, etc. It is something they remember and talk about when they are talking with their neighbors.
- Shop at the community stores and eat in the local restaurants. Having a nice conversation at the local pizza shop with parents will help if the same parents are called about their disruptive child later in the school year.
- Ask principals if they need help with anything. Being ready to go a little above and beyond cements a good relationship with the bosses.
Posted by
Kellie Hayden
Kellie Hayden
Most teachers are so ready for the school year to end in May. However, the sun and relaxation can help energize exhausted teachers and allow them to plan effectively.
As I sit writing this blog, I am mentally checking off the items in my pool bag. The sunscreen is getting a little low, and I need to buy some more healthy snacks.
Summer Planning is Less Stressful When Completed in the Sun
However, I am also thinking about next school year too. I love having time to think through issues of the following year in a low stress environment. Here's a short list for newbie teachers of middle and high school students to do over the summer:
Summer Planning is Less Stressful When Completed in the Sun
However, I am also thinking about next school year too. I love having time to think through issues of the following year in a low stress environment. Here's a short list for newbie teachers of middle and high school students to do over the summer:
- Read books or textbooks that you may want to use in the classroom. It is much easeir to read them on the beach than during the school year when you are trying to juggle grading, family, and over a hundred students.
- Rethink projects you did this year. Look at what worked and what did not. This is a great time to tweak those projects to make them better for next year. I love to think about those items poolside.
- Skim lesson plans and units from last year. Does everything fit together? Could units be moved or deleted? Do new rubrics or assessments need to be created? Are any indicators not being taught?
Posted by
Kellie Hayden
Kellie Hayden
At the end of the school year, teachers just want to be done. However, it is smart to plan for the following year when packing up the classroom.
School is out for summer! This song is a favorite of mine; they always play it as the students exit the building on the last day of school. It is tradition that the teachers go outside and wave to the busses, a few do cartwheels.
But before the teachers can leave, there is a mountan of things to do. Let's face it. Teachers are tired at the end of the school year. So, think smart.
But before the teachers can leave, there is a mountan of things to do. Let's face it. Teachers are tired at the end of the school year. So, think smart.
- Allow students to help you take down bulletin boards, organize closets and run errands. They love to do it. I used to think middle and high school students wouldn't want to help. Boy was I wrong! They love to help and little treats make them smile when they are done. A can of soda will motivate any middle school student to help after they have completed the class assignement.
- Copy the syllabus in the last days of school before summer break. It is one less thing you will have to do in August.
- Organzie files, which means throw out what you won't use the next year. Purge the items you haven't used in a couple of years. Next school year you will be able to find things much easier. My file cabinet was so stuffed I couldn't get anything in or out until I drug the large trashcan over and threw away things I hadn't used in years.
- Put desk items in one box and put it on top of the pile. You can start with it before school starts again in August.
- Organize gradebook for next year. Some schools have class lists at the end of the school year.
Posted by
Kellie Hayden
Kellie Hayden
During the last week of school, students are restless and teachers have a ton of paperwork to complete. Here is a list of ideas to keep everyone happy.
End the last week of school with a bang. Finish up final exams a few days early so that teachers have time to complete paperwork, and students can head home happy.
Teachers Can Plan the Following for a Few Days of Fun at the End of the Year
Teachers Can Plan the Following for a Few Days of Fun at the End of the Year
- Cook lunch outside and have a “play day.” Even high school student like to sit out in the sun after a great lunch.
- Have an awards assembly during the last days. The kids go home with awards and a smile.
- Invite parents in to help teach activities. Periods can be shortened and students can learn to knit, sew, play cards, play chess, scrap book, make a collection, play tennis, etc.
- Create a beach volleyball, tug of war, or softball bracket so that student teams end up playing the teachers.
- Have a dance for a whole class during the school day. Teach students to do line dances and dance with them.
- Watch movies that go along with class reads.
- Go on a field trip to a local museum or movie theater.
- Take one grade level a day to the local pool or beach.
End the Year with a Fun Activity
Posted by
Kellie Hayden
Kellie Hayden
Instead of frowning and making students fill out worksheets in the last days of the school year, do something fun! Try something new. Your students will thank you!
Ending the year with a bang instead of muddling through to the end is difficult when students take high-stakes tests in the last moths of school. The weather becomes nicer, and students wish to be outside instead of cooped up inside a classroom.
One idea that my colleges and I do is to let creativity reign. We complete a cross curricular project called When We Were Your Age. Teachers complete cross-curricular lessons on pop culture, historical events and what is really was like when we were their age during this week.
We hold a style show showcasing the music and the clothing fads of the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's. Students model clothes, lip sync to the "oldies but goodies" and dance. Students get to showcase their talents on stage.
Another day is spent watching a movie, usually "Back to the Future". Then an assembly is held where students come dressed in outfits from the various decades. Prizes are given for the best outfits, best hula-hoopers, best hands with a yo-yo and the best music trivia knowledge. The week ends with a dance at the end of the school day where only the "oldies" are played. All of the students line up to do the Hustle and Pop Corn dances.
This project is a great way to end with enthusiasm. Students have fun, and they even learn a little bit with a smile.
One idea that my colleges and I do is to let creativity reign. We complete a cross curricular project called When We Were Your Age. Teachers complete cross-curricular lessons on pop culture, historical events and what is really was like when we were their age during this week.
We hold a style show showcasing the music and the clothing fads of the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's. Students model clothes, lip sync to the "oldies but goodies" and dance. Students get to showcase their talents on stage.
Another day is spent watching a movie, usually "Back to the Future". Then an assembly is held where students come dressed in outfits from the various decades. Prizes are given for the best outfits, best hula-hoopers, best hands with a yo-yo and the best music trivia knowledge. The week ends with a dance at the end of the school day where only the "oldies" are played. All of the students line up to do the Hustle and Pop Corn dances.
This project is a great way to end with enthusiasm. Students have fun, and they even learn a little bit with a smile.
Can Technology Replace Textbooks?
Posted by
Kellie Hayden
Kellie Hayden
As technology becomes more readily available for students, should teachers chuck their textbooks and mainly use the computer and Internet to teach their students?
Computers quickly and easily give students information at school. Most teachers know that students enjoy using computers and the technology associated with it. Students use computers for gaming, Internet surfing and social networking outside of school. However, should these reasons be enough to chuck the textbook?
Is Technology Better Than a Textbook?
On the Teacher Magazine website, the article Technology-Rich Classrooms Render Textbooks Useless by The associated Press shows a fourth grade class in Garden City, Kansas that has all but replaced textbooks with technology.
Personally, I like to integrate computers in the classroom. Computers are great for research, word processing, presentations, and video activities. However, I don’t think that students need to be reading longer text information, novels and short stories online. And, computers don’t always work as they should. Books are a personal passion and to replace them with a lit screen is somewhat scary.
Are Computer Only Schools a Reality?
Most schools have a computer lab or two, which need to be scheduled in advance and cannot be used on a daily basis. For every student to have a computer, the school district would have to dig deep into its pockets. Currently, many schools are concerned about how to pay for gas to bus the students to school.
I think that the Kansas fourth grade class is neat; however, I am not ready to scrap my textbooks and novels for blurry eyed students staring at a computer screen. I would much rather that they fall asleep reading their novel than slumped over at the computer desk.
Is Technology Better Than a Textbook?
On the Teacher Magazine website, the article Technology-Rich Classrooms Render Textbooks Useless by The associated Press shows a fourth grade class in Garden City, Kansas that has all but replaced textbooks with technology.
Personally, I like to integrate computers in the classroom. Computers are great for research, word processing, presentations, and video activities. However, I don’t think that students need to be reading longer text information, novels and short stories online. And, computers don’t always work as they should. Books are a personal passion and to replace them with a lit screen is somewhat scary.
Are Computer Only Schools a Reality?
Most schools have a computer lab or two, which need to be scheduled in advance and cannot be used on a daily basis. For every student to have a computer, the school district would have to dig deep into its pockets. Currently, many schools are concerned about how to pay for gas to bus the students to school.
I think that the Kansas fourth grade class is neat; however, I am not ready to scrap my textbooks and novels for blurry eyed students staring at a computer screen. I would much rather that they fall asleep reading their novel than slumped over at the computer desk.
Social Sites Can Hurt Employment
Posted by
Kellie Hayden
Kellie Hayden
Teachers, high school and college students who wants to get a job in the near future need to think about what is on their Facebook or MySpace. Employers do check.
Where does freedom of speech end and the world of work begin for high school students, college students and teachers with online websites? It is something that all people who have a MySpace or Facebook account need to ponder.
Many students, as well as teachers, have a MySpace or Facebook site. These can be private places to put personal photos, poems, discussions, etc. for friends to view. However, many employers are checking these sites before they hire someone. A few teachers have been dismissed over having improper or “raunchy” photos on a site.
The article When Teachers Go Wild on the Web by Ian Shapira [Washington Post, April 28, 2008] gives examples of where teachers who thought that their websites were not open to the public were found by parents and students. Some teachers were given a warning about what was posted on their sites, but some were let go.
Teachers are not the only ones who need to be careful about what they post. Alison Doyle in Alison’s Job Search Blog reports that employers will check social networking sites, blogs and chat rooms of potential employees. It does not matter what type of job the person is seeking: full-time employment, summer employment or even an internship.
So, next time pictures are taken at a party, think twice about posting them on a social networking site. Not only is Big Brother watching, but so is everyone else.
Many students, as well as teachers, have a MySpace or Facebook site. These can be private places to put personal photos, poems, discussions, etc. for friends to view. However, many employers are checking these sites before they hire someone. A few teachers have been dismissed over having improper or “raunchy” photos on a site.
The article When Teachers Go Wild on the Web by Ian Shapira [Washington Post, April 28, 2008] gives examples of where teachers who thought that their websites were not open to the public were found by parents and students. Some teachers were given a warning about what was posted on their sites, but some were let go.
Teachers are not the only ones who need to be careful about what they post. Alison Doyle in Alison’s Job Search Blog reports that employers will check social networking sites, blogs and chat rooms of potential employees. It does not matter what type of job the person is seeking: full-time employment, summer employment or even an internship.
So, next time pictures are taken at a party, think twice about posting them on a social networking site. Not only is Big Brother watching, but so is everyone else.
Bulletin Boards and Student Work
Posted by
Kellie Hayden
Kellie Hayden
Middle and high school teachers vary in their use of the bulletin boards and wall displays of student work. Displays can be distracting or an effective teaching tool.
Bulletin boards and student work taped to the wall can make a teacher's room look inviting or cluttered. It is a teacher's preference how to decorate a room, but the jury is out on the effectiveness of this practice.
Bulletin Boards in the Classroom
I am a middle school teacher and am not as artistically inclined as my elementary counterparts. However, I do create bulletin boards, and I do hang work on my walls. I find that middle school students (boys and girls) love to help design and make bulletin boards. Sometimes I ask students to either design bulletin boards or to put them up for me as a time saver. Pre-service teachers can be a big help too.
Many high school teachers do not use bulletin boards as a teaching tool, unlike most elementary teachers and some middle school teachers. It seems that the older the students are that the bulletin boards are used less.
Student Work Displayed on the Walls
Sometimes my room looks like a tapestry of student work on the walls, and sometimes they are blank. To reinforce key concepts, I like to hang student work. I don’t just pick the best pieces; I like to hang them all up on the walls. I find that this inevitably helps bolster the quality of the work for all students. Students show others their work, and they talk about the best ones. The key for this to be effective is to take it down after a week.
On the flip side of “plaster the walls with student work”, I have had teachers tell me that this is a distraction or too much stimulation for struggling students. So what is a best practice when it comes to bulletin boards and student work? I think that variety is the key.
Bulletin Boards in the Classroom
I am a middle school teacher and am not as artistically inclined as my elementary counterparts. However, I do create bulletin boards, and I do hang work on my walls. I find that middle school students (boys and girls) love to help design and make bulletin boards. Sometimes I ask students to either design bulletin boards or to put them up for me as a time saver. Pre-service teachers can be a big help too.
Many high school teachers do not use bulletin boards as a teaching tool, unlike most elementary teachers and some middle school teachers. It seems that the older the students are that the bulletin boards are used less.
Student Work Displayed on the Walls
Sometimes my room looks like a tapestry of student work on the walls, and sometimes they are blank. To reinforce key concepts, I like to hang student work. I don’t just pick the best pieces; I like to hang them all up on the walls. I find that this inevitably helps bolster the quality of the work for all students. Students show others their work, and they talk about the best ones. The key for this to be effective is to take it down after a week.
On the flip side of “plaster the walls with student work”, I have had teachers tell me that this is a distraction or too much stimulation for struggling students. So what is a best practice when it comes to bulletin boards and student work? I think that variety is the key.
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