Funny things that happen

Today i decided to post differnt storys about teachers.

Think Before You Speak

When I work with kids, I often exaggerate talents. For example, I might say that a kid is a "master stapler" or, when asked for the 90th time how I can fold so straight, refer to myself as a "professional paper folder." One day, I was engaged in one of those verbal power struggles with an especially precocious 7th grader. Too tired to argue and needing to move forward with the lesson, I sighed and said, "Connor, I give up. You win. You're a Master Debater." Twenty-eight wide-eyed adolescents stared at me in a long second of silence, before bursting into hysterical laughter. Needless to say, they wouldn't drop that one until June.

 

Nice Pants

My school uses a character program called Great Expectations. One of my responsiblities was to greet each of my fourth grade students at the door each morning. Last fall, as I was getting ready for work I selected a pantsuit that had a "jungle" type print on the pants. As I greeted my class that morning, Chris greeted me with a big smile and said, "NICE pants Ms.Plum!" His tone was one of friendly sarcasism. When we got into the class I wanted to use this as a great example of sarcasm, so I asked Chris to repeat to the class exactly what he said and be sure to use the same tone of voice. He willingly complied. Of course, the class couldn't believe he had told me that! One of the girls was frantically waving her hand and saying, "Ms. Plum! Ms.Plum!" I called on her and she anxiously reassured me that, "Ms. Plum, I like your pajamas!" Her well-meant "compliment" caused me a moment of uncontrollable laughter as well as the rest of the class. After composing myself and the class, I told the class, "That's it! We are NOT going on the safari now! We will have to stay at school at work!" (Of course, as fourth graders, they said later, "Ms. Plum, were we really going on a safari today??"

I switched to 6th grade midway through the year and when we had the word compliment as the word of the week, I used this story to illustrate the difference between sarcasm and genuine compliments. They laughed at the
story and understood the intent!
Shelley
Bristow, OK

Bad Ideas
      Now its my time to tell a story. Two years ago my PALS teacher decided to clean her room and have her students help. When we were cleaning under and in one of her couchs we found a condom wrapper yes it was empty. Everyone broke into a laughing fit. That joke never stoped even after the year was over.

7 Ways to Bring Apps, Gadgets, Online Services Into School Classrooms

1. Track Attendance and Behavior: Using an app is a simple way to not only keep tabs on student attendance, but there are also software programs that can help you track behavior, manage assingments  and more.
2.Use Devices for Collaboration: Engage in virtual online presentations, taking advantage of video or voice chat functions to connect with experts, peers, mentors and other classrooms worldwide. Use tablets and i pads instead of papper.
3.Make Learning Fun: There are a number of online programs, games and apps that are designed by educators which teach science, geography, history, math and more to kids in a fun, engaging way.
4.Make Technology the Medium, Not the Focus: Focus on technology as a tool for performing other tasks. Use a presentation program to teach basic technology concepts while secretly keeping the focus on verbal and public speaking skills.
5.Connect with Families: Many classrooms use centralized websites as way for teachers to communicate directly with parents, and also for parents to stay in touch with each other and share information relevant to the class.
6.Record Lectures and Notes: Use webcams or even audio recording to track lectures and lessons to allow students who miss them to view programs later, or to be used as study review tool when the it's time for tests and quizzes.
7.Use eBooks and Multimedia Editions: There are many benefits to using eBooks instead of real-life books that range from cutting down on costs to also being able to ensure material is up to date and having access to a wider range of reference tools.

We have been talking about this in class so i thought it was a good idea to blog about it. I found this not on a news podcast.

I listened to the news about teaches and heard some not so good things.As insurance costs increase, state funding decreases and fear of a tax that could be levied under the new federal health care law grows, school districts are asking teachers to share the burden.
The request could lead to long delays in signed union contracts. It could - and already has - caused strikes, strained relationships and years-long battles.
Teachers in five of Lackawanna County's 10 school districts - Abington Heights, Carbondale Area, Dunmore, North Pocono and Old Forge - are working under expired contracts. By the end of August, that number could grow to eight, as contracts in Lakeland, Mid Valley and Riverside are set to expire.
None of the teachers in those districts is required to contribute toward health care premiums - for now. While teachers may pay deductibles for doctor appointments or hospital stays and co-pays for prescriptions, nothing is paid toward premiums.