Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/42291
Jenny Rovira CORE SUBJECTS ON TECHNOLOGY: I use Apple's iWeb to create and main- tain a website with a wrap-up of what we've done in class that day and "links" for students who want to go above and beyond, plus a "worksheet archive" where students can download handouts. I love Quizlet (quizlet.com) for making flashcards for students to study for upcoming tests. Many of my students have smart phones (like iPhones) or iTouches. A lot of free apps sync with Quizlet. Quizlet also has a Facebook interface that I can use to let students know I've created a new set of flash- cards. It will appear on my Wall and on the News Feed with a quick link for students to navigate to the Quizlet site if they don't have an iPhone or iTouch. Another cool thing is an app called Class Cards. It randomizes stu- dents to call on, allows me to rate their responses, and backs up those scores to a server. Then I can print out data about each student's responses. It's awesome for informal assessments and tracking student learning. Ladera Vista Junior High Fullerton Elementary Teachers Association Rosenda Thomas Lori Regalado SECOND-GRADE TEACHER ON COMMUNICATION: It's important to have good communica- tion with the office and support staff. They can let you know about important things going on. For example, we had a big beehive at our school, and the first person I heard about it from was the custodian. I also try very hard to keep the line of communication open with parents. Sometimes they say they don't have time to help with homework, but they really just need someone to listen. You get a lot of respect and support from parents by lending an ear. I let them know that some children can work inde- pendently, and that I give out homework packets that cover Friday to Friday so they can work on them over the week- end with their child, even while sitting in the laundromat. I talk to them about setting limits at home and at school and tell them how to set up "contracts" with students so they know what's expected of them. When parents trust you, you can offer them advice on discipline so they can set limits that are reasonable and not too punitive. Fruitvale Elementary School Oakland Education Association PRESCHOOL TEACHER ON WEBSITES: Here are my top four picks: • www.theteachersguide.com/ClassManagement.htm provides classroom management strat- egies, discussion groups, books and printouts, as well as lessons. The website also has a link to a chat board along with printables that can be used to manage your classroom. • www.teachervision.fen.com/classroom-management/ resource/5776.html has resources for behavior management that are very useful. There is a section for social/emotional issues, con- flict resolution and special needs. • www.ccsd.net/ellp/programs/teachingguidelines.html provides guidelines for helping English language learners. • And www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr139.shtml offers special education staff a large array of resources for their classrooms and how to modify lessons to involve special-needs students in daily lessons. MORE INFO Find more useful links at www.cta.org/About-CTA/Useful-Links Mentone Elementary School Redlands Education Support Professionals Association September 2011 / www.cta.org 11