Saving Notes and Recorded Spelling

Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. Saving Student Notes

From an anonymous reader:

"I teach sophomores and seniors but I don't see the kids in eleventh grade. The eleventh grade material doesn't overlap mine at all. So, when I teach grammar skills to my tenth graders, I save the kids' note sheets and return them to the students in their senior year. Seeing their own writing on a familiar note sheet helps jog their memories. They also don't have to rewrite all those notes during their senior year! The kids laugh at their terrible sophomore handwriting and appreciate having those notes right at hand as we go over the old material and then build on it."
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2. Recorded Spelling

From Cheryl Gumz, a second grade teacher:

"I have a non-English speaking student from Bangladesh and a Spanish student with non-English speaking parents. To help these students with their spelling and word enunciation, I record the spelling word, the word in a sentence, and the spelling of the word on a cassette tape. The ESOL department supplies the player and tapes. Since I have started recording the words, the students have improved so much! These recordings also help other family members at home."
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3. Question of the Week: Black History Month Across the Curriculum

From the NEA Today writers:

"During Black History Month, many teachers explore the people, places and events that have helped shape the African American experience. If you are a history or social studies teacher, what Web sites, books and other resources are among your favorites for teaching this subject? If you teach other subjects, how have you brought Black History Month into your curriculum?"
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4. March is Reading Month

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"Our school is looking for some fun ideas to celebrate March is Reading Month. We work with many economically disadvantaged kids who have little or no reading materials at home. What are some activities you have done in the past?"
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