Instructor (1990) articles from March 2003

Instructor (1990) archives from March 2003

The snack cabinet. (Editor's Note).(Editorial)
March 1, 2003... The memory is vivid. I can still picture the 1920s-era walnut-hued cabinet that sat behind the desk in my classroom. In it, my stash of snacks for my third graders: a whopping daily dose of...sugar. Looking back, I feel rather foolish,...

Letters.(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2003... We ?? Readers' Theater As a teacher who has seen the difference RT can make, I was pleased to share my experience in "The Power of Reader's Theater" (Jan/Feb 2003)." I would like to clarify one point, however. While the average gain of my...

Advice on: helping an overweight student cope.
March 1, 2003... Cathy Phillips, Grove Hill Elementary, AL, Grade 1 I have a child in my class who's not accepted by the other children because she is overweight. One morning she came to me because a child had teased her about her weight. She asked me, "Ms....

Grants.
March 1, 2003... Math Software Grant Math 911 is offering free grants for its math software ($2,400 value) to middle schools. To apply, schools should describe how they intend to use the software and their program objectives. To apply: For more...

Online rubrics in a snap. (Electronic Learning).
March 1, 2003... Assessment rubrics, by setting benchmarks for student learning and achievement, are effective tools for evaluating a wide variety of student learning activities. And beyond providing teachers with helpful guidelines for student assessment,...

A dictionary for every child. (News & Trends).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Mary French believes that if you give the power of words to students, their minds will soar. Learning new words "makes children feel enlightened," says French. "They crave words." The South Carolina mom is trying to satisfy that...

Online K-8 schools growing. (News & Trends).
March 1, 2003... Online schools--a trend typical of secondary schools and universities--are filtering down to the elementary level. Cyber-elementary schools are open in Alaska, Ohio, and Arkansas, with more planned in California and Idaho. One mission of these...

More fruits and veggies at lunchtime. (News & Trends).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Looking for a way to help your students choose healthful foods and actually finish eating them? Try sitting with them during lunch. A number of recent studies note that lunchtime is an opportune time to build a sense of community, foster...

Best books online. (News & Trends).(www.icdlbooks.org)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... A new Web-based library will give children, parents, and teachers a place to read children's books from around the world. The International Children's Digital Library (www.icdlbooks.org) has nearly 200 titles representing 45 different cultures....

Certified teachers on the rise.(Illustration)
March 1, 2003... Certified Teachers on the Rise. The number of teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is steadily growing. Most board-certified teachers are working in southern states. MISSISSIPPI 1,459...

Couch potato crisis: diabetes, obesity, little physical exercise...the news is bleak for the health of America's children. (Special Report: Kids' Health).
March 1, 2003... Nine million American children aged 6 to 19 are overweight. That is triple the number of 20 years ago, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between video games, computers, and TV, children have become more sedentary than...

Up & At'em: teachers share activities to build kids' bodies & minds. (Special Report: Kids' Health).
March 1, 2003... Darla Perry knows an active body means an active mind. So when her third-grade students have been sitting in their chairs too long, Perry gives their bodies--and their brains--a boost. She weaves 10 minutes of movement into her curriculum. When...

A letter to families about health & fitness. (Instructor Reproducible).
March 1, 2003... Dear Families, We all want our children to be happy, healthy, and physically fit. Here are some ways to help your children make healthy choices that will last a lifetime. Get Active Federal dietary guidelines recommend at least an hour...

Science & Technology: it's a perfect match!
March 1, 2003... When Katie Long wants to excite her students about science, she turns to her digital camera and her computer. Long is among many teachers who are using technology--computers, scanners, and digital cameras--to motivate and excite students....

Shared reading in the upper grades? You bet! Whole-class shared reading of novels minimizes fear and maximizes motivation and learning.
March 1, 2003... Looking for a dynamic way to teach novels to all the students in the classroom? Try whole-group shared reading, a technique that builds fluency, confidence, and the ability to read with inflection and expression, plus strengthens vocabulary and...

March activities. (From Our Readers).
March 1, 2003... Life Cycle Pop-Ups To integrate science and reading for my second graders, I teach a mini-unit using Gail Gibbons' books, such as Ducks, Spiders, Sea Turtles, and Frogs. I divide the class into groups based on student interest and the book's...

Shamrock math game. (Instructor Reproducible).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Liven up your classroom St. Patrick's Day celebrations--and reinforce basic operations skills--with this original board game, which uses leprechauns and pots of gold to get kids excited about addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Before...

Sonia Delaunay: an early 20th-century artist with a versatile, bold, and abstract style. (Masterpiece of the Month).
March 1, 2003... Meet the Artist Sonia Terk Delaunay is best known for her colorful paintings, but she also expressed her creativity by designing clothes, furniture, theater sets, balle costumes, and more. Born in 1885 in the Ukranian village of Gradizhsk,...

Going Buggy with poet Douglas Florian! (Poetry Workshop).
March 1, 2003... What better way to celebrate science than with a hilarious insect poem by Douglas Florian! His unique recipe of rich rhyme, keen observation, and off-kilter comedy has made him a favorite with kids everywhere. But don't let his playfulness fool...

Animal habitats. (Scrapbooking the Classroom).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Educational scrapbook posters are a great way to get students excited about science. Working in cooperative groups, kids can design posters on topics that match your curriculum--from space to the human body to animal habitats. Post these great...

The science kingdom: enter the realm of science teacher Steven B. King, whose fourth-grade classroom in Winterville, GA, is an energizing extravaganza. Here's why his kids are crazy about science! (Classroom Snapshots).
March 1, 2003... * Learning Centers I designed this special rain forest center after a trip to Costa Rica. We also have displays devoted to butterflies and insects, dinosaurs, rocks and minerals, the human body, the solar system, and aviation and space...

To be a bee: why do honeybees dance? How do bees carry pollen? Invite children to answer these questions and more, as they explore the world of honeybees with these hands-on activities.
March 1, 2003... Society in a Colony Buzz into your study of honeybees by helping children understand the roles within a bee colony. The queen bee lays up to 2,000 eggs per day to populate the hive. Thousands of workers attend the queen, nurse young bees, guard...

Women who dared. (Cyberhunt Activities).
March 1, 2003... Women's History Month is the perfect time to introduce your students to female pioneers in the sciences. Begin with the CyberHunt Reproducible, page 53. Everyday Inventors Many women came into the science field by inventing useful...

Moon "lit" science: make your day shine with moon-filled read-alouds and lunar science activities.
March 1, 2003... Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me By Eric Carle (Simon and Schuster, 1999). When the moon gets small enough, a loving father climbs a ladder and takes it from the sky to give to his child. > After reading this Eric Carle classic, ask...

Math mat challenge. (Games).(Learning Resources)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7.4 With this talking floor mat, kids listen to the equation, do the math, and step on the right answer. Comments: "Novel. It's a fun way to practice a number of different skills." Learning Resources, 800-222-3909,...

Scooby-doo math fact finder. (Games).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8 Cartoon dog helps students learn basic math skills. Comments: "Reinforcing. Bright, colorful, and clear. A valuable tool in mathematics classrooms." E-Z Grader, 800-732-4018, www.ezgrader.com; Gr. 1-4. $6.

Brain quest America. (Games).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 This trivia card game covers all aspects of United States history, from famous people to laws of the land. Comments: "Relevant! Every teacher has some lags in the day--what a great way to provide a challenge during that time. No...

Meteor math bingo. (Games).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 9.7 Boost addition/subtraction and division/multiplication skills with this star-studded, colorful bingo game. Comments: "Bingo is a sure winner! The kids loved it, and it's a great way for small group or whole class...

GeoSafari sea search. (Games).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7.7 Seven interactive games let students hunt for buried treasure, test their knowledge of marine life, and learn about explorers. Comments: "Comprehensive. Concepts like longitude and latitude are easy to understand on the game's...

Pharaoh's phonics game. (Games).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8.7 Kids learn both long and short vowels, beginning blends, and consonant sounds as they play and exciting board game. Comments: "Love it! The kids really liked it, and it's great for small group centers. Educationally valuable!"...

GeoSafari talking globe. (Games).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7 Review geography facts with this hand-held, talking game. Comments: "A nice supplement to world geography units. It's hard to get kids excited about geography, but this toy can do it. Tests their knowledge of cities, rivers, and...

USA talking puzzle. (Games).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7 Touch each state on this map/puzzle to hear its name and capital. Comments: "Lively. Learning capitals can be tedious, but it's less so when combined with a puzzle and an electronic voice. It also sings the Star Spangled Banner."...

ABC news classroom videos. (Books, Videos & Sites).(social studies documentaries)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 Educational documentaries to supplement social studies unit topics--each video is aligned with national standards. Comments: "Fascinating. Complex material made digestible with commentary, graphics, and onscreen fact files. Drawn...

Public performance video collection. (Books, Videos & Sites).(science and social studies videos)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8 Science and social studies videos as well as adaptations of beloved children's books. Comments: "Fun! Grab kids attention while enhancing their language and literacy skills. Vast catalog includes ESL and foreign language videos."...

Making toys for school-age children. (Books, Videos & Sites).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8.5 This book by Linda Miller and Mary Jo Gibbs features projects for teachers and students for construction play, active play, games, and nature activities. Comments: "Packed with creative ideas for making classroom learning...

New book of knowledge. (Books, Videos & Sites).(online encyclopedia)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 9 This online encyclopedia offers reference and current events, as well as links to related topics, projects, and experiments. Comments: "Informative. A great way to expose students to current events, as well as rich reference...

Magic school bus video series. (Books, Videos & Sites).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8.7 These educational videos cover topics from nutrition to a bug's life. Comments: "Awesome! I'd use them as supplements to units on appropriate topics. Watching the videos yourself beforehand lets you pull out unfamiliar...

Tell me why video series. (Books, Videos & Sites).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 6.5 Answer basic questions about the world--how sugar is formed, where guppies are found, why carrots are orange--with these in-depth videos. Comments: "Very well done! Useful and practical and very clear. Good as a take-home...

Read & Understand science. (Books, Videos & Sites).(workbooks with objects from National Science Education standards)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 9 Each workbook contains 27 stories (fiction and nonfiction) that address objectives drawn from the National Science Education standards, followed by activity pages. Comments: "Imaginative. Combining reading, writing, and science...

HP PSC 2210 all-in-one. (Teacher Tools).(print, scan copy and fax with digital camera)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 Print, scan, copy, and fax with this all-in-one machine. You can even print straight from your digital camera. Comments: "Great! It's an all-purpose machine that allows teachers to use it for arts and crafts, for bookmaking with...

SmartDraw software. (Teacher Tools).(clip art images)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7.7 Create charts, diagrams, and technical drawings with more than 50,000 built-in symbols and clip art images. Comments: "Versatile. Teachers and students can use this program--teachers to create curriculum materials, and older...

E-Z Grader original slide chart. (Teacher Tools).(product calculates grade percentages)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 This oldie but goodie calculates grade percentages for up to 95 problems. Comments: "Valuable. I have used an E-Z Grader since I began teaching in 1980--I don't go too far without it! I always give them as gifts to my student...

Photosmart 720 series digital camera. (Teacher Tools).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8 Taking photos is a snap, and so is downloading them onto your desktop with this camera. Comments: "Pictures are quickly imported from the camera to the computer using one cable or the optional loading doc. The zoom worked well,...

Accu-Cut mark IV roller die-cutting machine. (Teacher Tools).(tools for bulltetin board and scrapbook decoration)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 Cut colorful shapes and letters for bulletin boards and scrapbooks. Comments: "No assembly required. We were amazed at its ease and simplicity. Many of the dies--such as the tiny ladybug--feature remarkable detail." Accu-Cut,...

It's deductible: teacher's edition. (Teacher Tools).(tax software program for teachers)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 6 Tax software program specifically for teachers. Comments: "Helpful. Similar to Quicken but with more specialized features. A wonderful way of keeping track of how much you're spending and donating, but it's only PC compatible."...

Boxlight wireless imager. (Teacher Tools).(presentation equipment)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8.7 Wireless imager kit makes connecting to your computer simple. Optional PC card slot lets you continue if your laptop fails mid-show. Comments: "Makes presenting to your class (or your colleagues) a simpler, less stressful...

LeapPad learning system. (Tech Tools).(interactive mini-computer)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 Pop a cartridge/book set into this notebook-sized mini-computer for an interactive learning experience in any curriculum area. Comments: "Enticing. Reading about subjects like the solar system, phonics, and multiplication is...

Little fingers keyboard. (Tech Tools).(keyboard sized for child's use)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 6.4 Sized-down keyboard makes typing easier for smaller hands. Comments: "Clever. It would be great for a particular child, though not necessarily for a whole class or lab setting. Connected easily to my older Macs, but not...

KidzMouse. (Tech Tools).(computer mouse sized for child's use)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 Computer mouse sized for small hands, modeled after ladybugs, dinosaurs, water bugs, and bumblebees. Comments: "Adorable. Perfect for young hands--makes operating the computer easier. One second-grader said 'Yeah! A mouse that...

Imagination desk learning system. (Tech Tools).(interactive coloring device)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 9.2 This computerized artist's palette makes coloring interactive--kids color and it talks back (special coloring books and cartridges sold separately). Comments: 'Fun! Little ones love being 'talked to' while they color, and the...

Unitedstreaming.com. (Tech Tools).(database of curriculum videos)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 Access more than 1,500 educational core-curriculum digital videos by simply searching a database and downloading onto your desktop. Comments: "Awesome! You can find anything and everything imaginable in this video library. It's...

Junior computer. (Tech Tools).(portable mini computer offers musical instruction, math lessons, games)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8.4 This versatile, portable mini-computer offers everything from musical instruction to geometry lessons to tic-tac-toe. Includes 68 activities and 9 levels. Comments: "Attention-grabbing. The kids loved trying this out on their...

QuickPad pro. (Tech Tools).(word processor teaches kids how to type, use keyboards)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7.6 Portable mini word processor teaches kids keyboarding and then allows them to take notes in class. Comments: "Convenient. Great way to learn keyboarding, or to take really thorough notes in class. Downloading to a computer is...

Building homes of our own. (Software).(free simulation game )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 9.4 This simulation game reinforces basic skills in math, science, social studies and language arts as students design and build their own virtual 3-D dream home. Comments: "Realistic. Easy to navigate. Builds life skills such as...

Diorama designer. (Software).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7.7 Students design and create dynamic dioramas, choosing historically accurate materials from an array of different historical periods. Comments: "A very good resource. It's great to see a product that can be used in so many ways,...

Reader rabbit series. (Software).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 These CO-Roms use activities with reproducibles as well as teacher guides to reinforce reading, math, science, and language arts skills. Comments: "Supportive, easy to follow, and teacher friendly. The introduction of software...

Clues to comprehension. (Software).(reading and writing CD-Rom )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 9.4 This reading and writing CD-Rom--paired with a workbook--encourages students to think critically, as well as to apply and synthesize their knowledge. Comments: "Clever! CD component paired with resource book a plus! I love the...

Hydromania properties of water. (Software).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 9.7 Students get hands-on experience exploring the properties of water. Comments: "Engaging. Explores key concepts in a sequential manner and provides interactive labs. I love the way it explains tough concepts to students!" ...

Curious George reading & phonics. (Software).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 George goes on a reading adventure through his fictional town with three learning levels and colorful onscreen flashcards. Comments: "Enjoyable! Excellent for specific phonics areas. Narration is clear. Very easy for the...

Digital photo activity kit. (Software).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8.2 This bilingual CD-Rom and accompanying teacher's guide present digital camera activities for all curriculum areas. Comments: "Promotes cross-disciplinary literacy. Encourages evaluation of multiple forms of representation. Great...

Thinking skills. (Software).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 The cross-curricular thinking challenges in this CD-Rom/book set will strengthen students' thinking skills and enhance learning. Comments: "Innovative. I thoroughly enjoyed using an LCD projector as a teaching tool! The guided...

Accelerated reader. (Software).(reading management)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 6.4 This reading management software offers quizzes on fiction and nonfiction to help monitor students' comprehension and progress. Comments: "Good tool to supplement a reading program. The reports it generates help flag trouble...

Inspiration 7. (Software).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 9 Helps kids brainstorm and organize their thoughts for book reports, papers, and projects. Comments: "For students who have trouble getting started, this could be a godsend. It helps them put their ideas in order and helps them...

More quick and easy origami. (Arts & Crafts).(origami kits)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 6.4 This origami starter kit allows the beginning origami artist to create a variety of pieces, from finger puppets to boxes to all sorts of animals. Comments: "The diagrams are easy to follow, and help students build skills as...

K'Nex space exploration. (Arts & Crafts).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8 Help your students build 10 models of NASA spacecraft, then challenge them to learn about space travel through Internet research. Comments: "Hands-on. Lessons are creative. Provides an overview of the space program, from past to...

Crayola model magic. (Arts & Crafts).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7 Get students' imaginations in gear with colorful modeling clay. Comments: "Lots of fun. The modeling material is easy to use and sticks together without the aid of toothpicks. The colors are really vibrant and pretty, though it's...

Texture plates. (Arts & Crafts).(craft projects)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7.5 Kids create textured paper and foils for all sorts of craft projects. Comments: "Neat. Especially handy at holiday times, when kids are making Valentine's Day card-holders or other seasonal gifts for their parents." Fiskars,...

Color-me crafts. (Arts & Crafts).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7.5 Your students decorate planters, mugs, pencil hoJders, and magnets. Comments: "Wow! These products are teacher- and student-friendly. They really showcase the students' work, and the finished products will become treasured...

Sprout & Grow window. (Arts & Crafts).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7.6 Supplement a science unit by growing beans and peas in a translucent window planter. Comments: "Kids loved checking every day to see if the seeds were sprouting, and then writing about what was happening in the sprout & grow...

Scholastic planetarium. (Hands-on Learning).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 6.7 Help your students learn about the position and movement of all the planets in our solar system with this revolving, projecting planetarium. Comments: "Makes the abstract concept of the solar system more concrete and easier for...

Touch chess. (Hands-on Learning).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 7 Students can learn chess or improve their play (and their logic skills) with this electronic game. Comments: "Convenient. Kids don't need a partner to practice, and they can increase their skill level as they improve. Portable...

MIC-D digital microscope. (Hands-on Learning).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 10 This microscope connects to a computer via a simple USB cable, allowing kids to view specimens on a full-color computer monitor. Comments: "Amazing! Special illumination effects let you see solids, such as fingerprints. Students...

Language master speaking dictionary/thesaurus. (Hands-on Learning).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 6.4 Look up definitions and synonyms or play word games. Comments: "Fun for kids during free time. Playing anagram games gets them interested in words. Dictionary and thesaurus could be useful." Franklin, 800-266-5626,...

ABC phonic squares. (Hands-on Learning).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 9 A carpet square for each letter of the alphabet. Each features a picture that represents its sound. Comments: "Kids love choosing these when it's time to sit on the floor. The colorful squares and their pictures reinforce alphabet...

Money Savvy pig. (Hands-on Learning).(banks help in teaching money management)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8 Divided into four parts (save, spend, donate, invest), this pig-shaped bank teaches kids about money management. Comments: "Too little attention is given to financial education. This bank offers kids a simple introduction to the...

Volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. (Hands-on Learning).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Rating: 8.7 Build your own volcano, create a tsunami, and simulate an earthquake with this hands-on science-experiment kit. Comments: "Thorough. The experiments are valuable in and of themselves, but each one also comes with discussion...

Christopher's hugs: a first grader's love for a teacher is measured in notes, stuffed animals, and hugs. (End of the Day).
March 1, 2003... Corporate CEOs and major league sports coaches get sizable bonuses or raises. As a former teacher of first graders, I would get hugs. It is one of the often unmentioned benefits of the job. It was a wonderful and frequently unearned fact of...