Manic Monday: Audit your wallet!

A great website for tips on everyday living as well as for technology tips -- Lifehacker.com. This week, their suggestion was to "Audit your Wallet" -- BEFORE it comes up lost or stolen, then wish you had done so!

AND on a similar note... what about your password list… is that backed up somewhere???

Fun Friday with Animals: Coloring Book & Discover Your Inner Animal

Elementary teachers: Animals are a popular topic this time of year, so here are a couple sites for extension activities or just a little fun!

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National Geographic's Animals Coloring Book

Choose from over 40 animals at this site!

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Your Inner Animal 

What is your "inner animal"? Find out HERE!

Here's mine… a 3-toed sloth!!! "Slow and Steady"! I'm laid back, but not THAT much… I don't think!!! ;-)  And I only WISH I got away to tropical destinations!!!

Do the brief assessment and leave your "inner animal" in the Comments section below this post -- I already started with mine!

Teacher Appreciation Week: Teachers Count

To finish out TAW (Teacher Appreciation Week), take a glance at some famous people and the teachers who inspired them at the Teachers Count website. You can also request free posters from these stars (both teachers and their famous pupils)! Here are some famous people who are included:

• Guy Fieri (chef)
• Edie Falco (actress)
• Carrie Underwood (singer)
• Ne-Yo (singer)
• Jeremy Pivens (actor)
• Alec Baldwin (Words with Friends aficionado)
• CC Sabathia (baseball pitcher)

Now think about your students... first of all, who will be one of the "famous ones" in the future... and would they pick you to be the teacher standing behind them in their poster?

Thinking Thursday: The Don'ts & Don'ts of Teaching

Strange to have a "don'ts and don'ts" list, but the author explains...

Here's a GREAT article from ASCD for novice AND experienced teachers!!! Wish I knew all these when I was teaching! It will be 5-10 minutes well spent to refine your teaching craft… Here's the abbreviated list, but read the details at the link above:

1. Don't try to teach too much in one day.

2. Don't teach a lesson without a student activity.

3. Don't send kids to the office.

4. Don't allow students to shout out answers.

5. Don't make tests too hard.

6. Don't be indecisive.

7. Don't tell a student you're calling home.

8. Don't try to be a buddy.

9. Don't dress too casually.

10. Don't babble.