Instructor (1990) articles from January 2009

Instructor (1990) archives from January 2009

What's your 2009 resolution?(Editorial)
January 1, 2009... One thing about teachers, you never stop striving to make every minute in the classroom count, to understand your students more deeply, and to grow as learners yourselves. That's what makes teaching such an amazing profession! Whatever your New...

"Get Crafty" contest!(NEWS FROM INSTRUCTOR)
January 1, 2009... This issue's cover story, "Get Smart with Art!" (page 36) emphasizes the importance of making the arts an integral part of the curriculum, in every subject, every day. Not only do the arts increase engagement, they also build academic skills....

Hear these stories.(set your bookmark ...)(www.scholastic.com )(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Research shows that listening to recorded books can boost reading skills for struggling students by as much as 28 percent. A new resource will offer free streaming audio of children's classic literature titles, along with standards-based lesson...

Meet the President.(set your bookmark ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... As our President-elect prepares for his inauguration, encourage your students to learn more about their country. Share with your students the history of the office of the President, the Executive Branch, the Cabinet posts, and past Presidents....

More everyday art.(set your bookmark ...)(Instructor.com)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Love the examples and ideas in our cover story? Then head to our website for more ways to expand your arts curriculum! Art and literature, art combined with math and science, and beautiful art from recycled products create new possibilities for...

Escape to freedom.(set your bookmark ...)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Travel along the network that helped slaves escape to freedom in the Underground Railroad Activity. This resource includes slideshows of important themes in American history, interactive maps, and a library of primary sources. Hear the stories...

Celebrate MLK day.(set your bookmark ...)(Martin Luther King)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... As Dr. King's birthday approaches, you'll find biographies recollecting events in his life, inspirational quotes, and plays detailing the long and controversial struggle for civil rights. Share with your students our great printables and many...

The secret to job satisfaction?(your career)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Each day, you spend hours in the same building, share classrooms, materials, and even students, but how well do you really know your coworkers? A 2007 nationwide survey conducted by the Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement...

Homework that works.(your career)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Homework only yields results when the work gets done. Here are three quick solutions for when the excuses roll in. "WHAT? I DIDN'T KNOW WE Establish a set of homework rules to be HAD HOMEWORK!" applied for the entire...

5 Famous former teachers.(your career)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... What do these celebs have in common? They were teachers before they hit the big time. STING The Police front man's two-year teaching experience inspired two of the band's greatest hits. He also admits he wasn't the best teacher! ...

My aide has a "take charge" attitude and sometimes acts like she's the teachers. Help!(Q&A)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... A brief regular meeting to clarify the assignments you have chosen for her will define her role more clearly," says Instructor advisor Dr. Suzanne Tingley, "especially if you take time to write out her responsibilities. Using an aide takes...

A few of my fifth-grade girls are overly obsessed with fashion.(ask a psychologist)
January 1, 2009... Q They are judgmental about brands and rate their classmates' outfits. How can I curb this behavior? A The behavior probably can't be entirely eliminated, and if that is your professed goal, it's likely to go "underground" and become even...

Why I teach.(INSPIRATION TO GO)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Six quotes to teach by. Clip them out and pass them to all the great teachers you know--including yourself, of course! "Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army." --EDWARD EVERETT Why I Teach "A word...

The best classroom ideas from expert teachers like you!(idea swap)
January 1, 2009... ABC POSTER One of the projects I do every year is an Eric Carle-inspired alphabet poster. Just like the illustrator, the kids create their own hand-painted paper. Then, we use stencils to draw the letters of the alphabet, punch them out,...

Hometown heroes.(GREAT GRANTS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Is there a unique educational program you'd like to implement, if only you had the proper funding? Despair no longer! An ING Unsung Heroes Grant can provide up to $25,000 to get your program off the ground. Each year, 100 grants are given to...

Attention, scientists!(GREAT GRANTS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Have you devoted your career to teaching biology or life science? Every year, the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award (OBTA) program recognizes a biology teacher (grades 7-12) in each of the 50 states who stands out in his/her field. Nominees are...

Captain planet.(GREAT GRANTS)(Captain Planet Foundation )(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... If you have an unusual idea for a hands-on environmental project in need of funding, the Captain Planet Foundation is ready to help with grants ranging from $250 to $2,500. To qualify, your program should promote understanding of environmental...

Start a music revolution.(MUSIC MANIA)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Have you started a student band? Constructed instruments with your class? Show off your kids' musical chops and celebrate creativity! The Michael Davis Music Is Revolution Foundation provides mini-grants up to $500 to fund musical experiences...

Breakfast avengers.(free stuff)(www.schoolbreakfast.org)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Kids learn the importance of eating a nutritional breakfast from a series of superhero-themed activities created by Power Up with School Breakfast. They can also submit their own breakfast superhero at www.schoolbreakfast.org. It all culminates...

Visualize better learning.(CONTESTS)
January 1, 2009... The 2008-2009 Inspired Visual Learning Awards recognize educators and their students who are using visual learning creatively in the classroom. To apply, submit examples of projects created by your students using Inspiration Software. Fifteen...

Agents of change.(CONTESTS)
January 1, 2009... Show students that they can make a difference with the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. Teams of middle school students identify a local environmental problem, and then use their creativity and mobilize their communities to solve it....

Outstanding teacher award.(CONTESTS)
January 1, 2009... When it comes to teaching math or science, think you're the best of the best? Then apply for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF). It's the nation's...

What's your White House pet?(free stuff)
January 1, 2009... Thomas Jefferson had two bear cubs, John Quincy Adams had an alligator, and James Buchanan had an elephant. Instructor wants to know your vote for the best presidential pet to live in the White House. Students in grades 1-6, submit a 100-word...

Happy birthday, Lincoln!(RESOURCES)(Abraham Lincoln and www.abrahamlincoln200.org.)
January 1, 2009... Mark your calendars for February 12, 2009, President Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday! Celebrate this great American in your classroom with a "Live the Legacy" bicentennial poster, free from the Lincoln Bicentennial website. Partnered with the...

Race bridges.(RESOURCES)(www.racebridgesforschools.com)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Diversity can be a tough topic. Here's how to break the ice: Race Relations Seeking Harmony offers diversity lesson plans and resources for students. Log on to the website to find lesson plans about the African-American, Mexican-American, and...

Must-have multimedia.(RESOURCES)(www.learner.org)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Annenberg Media uses media and telecommunications to help advance teaching in U.S. schools. Their multimedia resources include online videos that help K-12 teachers increase their expertise in fields such as the arts, foreign languages,...

Mozart for the mind.(RESOURCES)( www.classicsforkids.com/teachers, allegro non troppo)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Studies show that classical music helps kids learn. And now Classics for Kids, a website sponsored by Naxos of America, can help them learn about classical music. Kids listen to clips of classical music and play interactive games. Teachers find...

Gimme shelter.(RESOURCES)(www.humanesocietyyouth.org)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... The Obama family's search for a pet for Sasha and Malia has inspired many other families to consider rescuing a shelter animal. The Humane Society Youth website is loaded with fun animal news for kids and teens as well as activities and lesson...

Math Matters.(RESOURCES)( www.hotchalk.com/mydesk)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Let's face it: Most kids don't get that warm, fuzzy feeling when they hear the word math. Well, not anymore! HotChalk.com has created Math Matters, a timely and motivating alternative to traditional instruction. HotChalk's first Math Matters...

4 ways to honor black history.(teachers' picks)(When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat, My People, Chains and A Tugging String)(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review)
January 1, 2009... Add these must-reads to your classroom library in recognition of February's African-American History Month. * When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat By Muriel Harris Weinstein, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. $16.99. "Chew-itee, chew-itee,...

4 Lincoln tributes.(teachers' picks)(Abe's Honest Words, Lincoln Shot, Lincoln and His Boys and Our Abe Lincoln )(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review)
January 1, 2009... Happy Birthday, Abe! The 200th anniversary of the 16th president's birth is this year. Here are four ways to celebrate. Abe's Honest Words By Doreen Rappaport, illustrations by Kadir Nelson. $16.99. The author of Martin's Big Words paints...

4 tween novels.(teachers' picks)(Lyonesse: The Well Between the Worlds, Scat, 11 Birthdays and The Year the Swallows Came Early)(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review)
January 1, 2009... As they're growing out of children's novels, but not quite ready for young adult, your fifth and sixth graders will devour these page-turners. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lyonesse: The Well Between the Worlds By Sam Llewellyn. $17.99. The...

4 bookish valentines.(teachers' picks)(Hug a Bug, Henry and the Valentine Surprise, The I Love You Book and What's Love?)(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review)
January 1, 2009... These sweet stories are just the thing for sharing with one another on February 14. Hug a Bug By Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Dan Andreasen. $16.99. It's hard to resist this charming ode to hugging, which urges readers to "hug your...

Best musical notes.(teachers' picks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... BEST FOR MAKING SOME NOISE Instruments from Around the World are a perfect fit for small hands and multicultural music lessons. Includes ten instruments--from Ghanaian rattles to a frog-shaped Asian rasp. $79.50; www.lakeshorelearning.com;...

Best arts and crafts.(teachers' picks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... BEST STICKY SUPPLY SINCE THE GLUE STICK Super-Safe Craft Tape Center comes with eight rolls of craft tape--great for decorating bulletin boards and art projects. The wooden center has a safe plastic cutting edge. $49.50;...

Type to learn 4.(Must-Have Software)(store.sunburst.com)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Budding typists act as "Agents of Change," keyboarding their way through a futuristic world. They encounter intriguing characters, while saving information in 36 key-boarding lessons--complete with real-time diagnostics and activities. $699.95,...

Timeliner XE.(Must-Have Software)(www.tomsnyder.com/timelinerxe)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... This is an easy Web-based way for kids to create timelines. Tom Snyder offers over 400 activities in all core areas. There are 50 ready-made research assignments, with articles from Grolier Online, electronic note taking and "Finish Me"...

Lexia reading V5.(Must-Have Software)(www.lexialearning.com)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Lexia's original software was developed by the father of a dyslexic child. Today, it has become a Web-based reading option for all children. Teachers can assess, manage, and individualize reading instruction. Secure hosting is an option....

Kidspiration 3.(Must-Have Software)(www.inspiration.com)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... Students can organize reading and writing and improve math problem-solving skills by using visuals that help the understanding of key concepts. Kids can record and listen with the Listening Tool and teachers can record directions. $69, three...

Best new tech.(Samsung SDP-850DX, Epson EX LCD Projectors, Qwizdom Q7 Presenter and RM Classpad)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... BEST PROJECTION RECORDING The Samsung SDP-850DX document camera can record audio and full-motion video. With a single keystroke, lessons can be scanned and saved for future playback. It can be connected to any whiteboard. $899;...

16 ways to celebrate Black History Month: explore great African-American achievements with cross-curricular, online activities.(black history month)
January 1, 2009... As we witness Barack Obama and his family move into the White House on January 20, 2009, celebrating February's Black History Month seems more relevant than ever. The struggles and successes of many African-American personalities, from civil...

Talking with Erin Gruwell: the woman behind the Freedom Writers Diary wants to pay for your master's degree.(interview)(Interview)
January 1, 2009... When just out of college, Erin Gruwell started teaching in an inner-city school, working with kids whose lives were permeated with violence. She came home each day feeling spent--only to clock in at the second job she needed to stay afloat. ...

Escape from the 5-paragraph essay: tired of reading dry, formulaic writing? Give your students some fresh approaches.(best practice)
January 1, 2009... I have heard all the arguments in favor of the five-paragraph structure: It is all students can handle; it is a good "crutch" for lower-level writers; it teaches structure. I have even heard it claimed that the five-paragraph essay teaches...

Art & literacy: power up primary fluency with these art-infused classics!(Get Smart with Art!)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON Post big sheets of butcher-block paper along the walls of your classroom and give each child a purple crayon. As you tell the story of Harold, have students deepen their listening and artistic skills as they...

Art & math: "redesign" your basic math lessons.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... I SPY MATH SKILLS Challenge pairs to make their own "I Spy" assemblage, based on the popular Scholastic books by Walter Wick, and to write rhyming hints to accompany it. For example, at right: "I spy a rubber duck, a little cork, the...

Art 2.0.(online art tools)(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... These online art tools are educational and cool, and they're encouraging collaboration between students all over the world. * WORDLE Create a pictorial "word cloud" by typing in a chunk of text (such as a student's poem or short...

Music & dance: help kids retain concepts by getting them on their feet!(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... WATER SONGS Teach your students that shorter instruments (such as a piccolo) produce a higher pitch, or frequency, because the air vibrates more quickly in a small space. Longer instruments (such as a tuba) produce a lower pitch because...

Art history: introduce a few innovative modern artists.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DESIGN WITH NATURE: ANDY GOLDSWORTHY Armed with digital cameras, take your class on a nature walk to collect fallen leaves and petals, sticks, and small stones. Students will collaborate in groups to make...

Art & Science: get in touch with the natural world with hands-on projects.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... ALIEN ADVENTURES After studying the planets of our solar system, ask each student to choose one planet and study atmosphere, gravity, and conditions. Then invite them to design an alien that might withstand life on that planet, explaining...

Recycled art: transform your trash into fresh, imaginative designs.(Brief article)
January 1, 2009... CONSTRUCTION ZONE Teams work together to create buildings from recycled materials. Choose a theme, such as famous landmarks: pyramids, Stonehenge, Eiffel Tower. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GAME TIME Use discarded items to make a...

7 art-infused kids' books.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review)
January 1, 2009... THE DOT by Peter H. Reynolds WHY WE LIKE IT: Encourages your students to "Just make a mark and see where it takes you." Students will see themselves in the heroine, who takes a chance, tries to draw, and succeeds! BALLERINA DREAMS by...

Living smarter on a teacher's salary: the economic forecast has teachers nervous, but you can weather the storm.
January 1, 2009... Like many of us these days, Diane Birdwell, a 10th-grade world history teacher in Dallas, is worried about money. In the wake of a massive deficit in the fall, her district laid off hundreds of teachers, and she is now working without a...

The places you'll go! Making summer plans? Check out these incredible teacher learning vacations across the United States.(teacher leader)(Calendar)
January 1, 2009... Albuquerque, New Mexico Launch a Supercomputer Club Find out how middle school students can participate in New Mexico's Supercomputing Challenge by signing up for the program's Summer Teacher Institute, in which you'll take on a...

The bipolar child: one out of 100 kids is now diagnosed with bipolar disorder. What you need to know to reach that child.(tough topic)
January 1, 2009... Carrie always knew something was different about her son, Liam. One moment he'd be affectionate and talkative, and the next, irritable and sulking in the corner. He was moody, violent, and, at times, unrecognizable even to her. "Every day I...

Chinese New Year: celebrate the year of the Ox, which begins on Monday, January 26.(World Holidays)
January 1, 2009... THE CHOPSTICKS CHALLENGE Improve kids' fine motor skills with a cooperative chopstick race. To make chopsticks easier for beginners, fold the wrapper into a wad, place it between the ends of the sticks, and secure with a rubber band so the...

Math about ourselves: these fun activities build classroom community and early graphing skills.(Simple Graphs and Charts)
January 1, 2009... 1 SIMPLE CHARTS FIRST-NAME FRIEZE Use an eye-level alphabet frieze to chart, names by first letter. To begin, write each child's name on a separate sticky note. Then invite children to attach their names under the letter on the frieze...

Deal me a full house! You only need a deck of playing cards for each of these addictive math games.(Math Practice)
January 1, 2009... ALL ROADS LEAD TO TEN KIDS WILL PRACTICE: Addends of ten HOW TO PLAY: Divide students into groups of four. The dealer passes out seven cards to each. (Face cards are worth ten, aces are one, and the rest are face value.) Students make...

Warm books for cold days: get cozy with these new books and kid-friendly, no-bake recipes.(Classroom Library)(Recipe)
January 1, 2009... THE PEACE BOOK by Todd Parr Ring in the New Year with a book that shows how kids can make a difference in our big world: "Peace is growing a garden. Peace is learning another language. Peace is having enough pizza in the world for...

Snowy parts of speech: students will learn to identify nouns, adjectives, and participles with these frosty parts-of-speech activities.(Grammar Games)
January 1, 2009... WINTER WONDER NOUNS WHAT YOU NEED: Large sheets of paper, a variety of art supplies WHAT TO DO: Have groups illustrate a winter scene. They must label the people, places, and things in the picture with appropriate nouns: field, fence,...

CyberHunt: the Oval Office.(reproducible)
January 1, 2009... DIRECTIONS: On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama will be inaugurated as our 44th President of the United States. Improve your Oval Office IO with our Presidential Cyberhunt! Start at www.scholastic.com/instructor, then follow the links to answer...

Better biography projects: assigning biographies this semester? Challenge your students to bring historical subjects to life with these fresh twists on the traditional report.(Social Studies)
January 1, 2009... HISTORIC MYSPACE PAGE Bring a historical figure into the 21st century by creating a mock MySpace page (see author Lisa Yee's page for a sample: www.myspace.com/lisayeeblog). Who would have been in Thomas Jefferson's "Top 8"? What would...

Dealing with bad behavior: name calling, mean girls, PDA--we turned to the experts to answer your toughest questions about middle schoolers' worst behavior issues.(Classroom Management)
January 1, 2009... Q I sometimes overhear kids calling each other derogatory names in the hall. But if I reprimand students, they say they're 'just kidding' and they can call each other names because they're friends. I disagree. How can I stop this? A...

Louis Sachar: holes author gives us the secret to his success and how to motivate kids: write what you like.(pop quiz)(Interview)
January 1, 2009... * Who was your favorite teacher as a kid? I really liked ray sixth-grade teacher. He was the first teacher I had who was male, and he always treated everyone with humor and respect. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * What was most memorable...