Silent Signals and Acing Analog

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

1. Silent Signals

From V. Wheeler, a kindergarten teacher:

"My most frequent interruptions are for permission to use the lavatory, get a drink of water or get a tissue. My students use a different silent signal for each request. They are: 1) tap your head; 2) tap your nose; 3) tap your shoulder. I can silently respond by shaking my head yes or no to each signal no matter how far away the student is from me. It's great to be able to respond without interrupting the story that I'm reading or the conversation that I'm having."
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2. Analog Time

From Rosemary Bruckner, a second grade teacher at Central Elementary School in Plainfield, Illinois:

"I teach in a new school where each classroom has a digital display on one wall and a regular analog clock on another. In the beginning of the year, I tape several layers of card stock over the digital display. Whenever we begin our math pages, I challenge the children to write their name, date, and time on their papers. It usually takes a minute or so for them to figure out the time; once some students have recorded a time, I ask someone to tell their answer. I write the correct answer on the board, so that those who don't know can copy it, and those who've made a mistake can correct it. Since this is a daily occurrence in our room, most students have a fairly good knowledge of telling time to the minute before they leave my class."
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3. Question of the Week: First Day of School

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"It's almost the first day of school for both you and your students! Starting off on the right foot is critical to setting the tone for the rest of the year. How are you preparing yourself? What things can you do ahead to make that first day go smoothly?"
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4. Heard on the Message Board: Ice Breakers

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I am a high school math teacher and would like ideas for the first day of school. We have block scheduling, and I like to spend the first day going over my classroom expectations and getting to know my kids. Can you give me ideas for ice breakers that I could use to have fun with my kids and make them feel a little more comfortable on a stressful day?"
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