All posts tagged classroom

3 Ways For Teachers To Save Time In The Classroom

3 Ways For Teachers To Save Time In The Classroom

By Full Editorial on

As we often share, there is never enough time in the day. If we could pack two more hours or more of time into our schedule, that would be a relief, but unfortunately, our minds and bodies are exhausted enough already after our jam-packed 8-hour days. Luckily, these classroom hacks will cut down on tasks to help you make the most out of your day and feel like you are getting some much-needed extra time.

1.    Alphabetize Everything

Alphabetizing your classroom procedures and routines will shave off minutes each time you line students up and grade papers. By having an organized system, the routine will become automatized, and there will be less time wasted waiting around. Always collect papers in alphabetical order; that way, when you go to grade and file them, you can go systematically down the line to efficiently complete the task. Students will quickly learn their line order and remember that they must line up alphabetically each time.

2.    Digitize Records and Resources

Keeping digital records and grades helps to speed up the processes of grading and planning. Instead of having to shuffle through your favorite go-to planning tools or running back to your classroom to grab materials, they will be readily available at your fingertips when they are stored digitally on your computer or other devices.

When grading papers, you can save on time by grading in real-time; this helps save time later when you have to refresh yourself on the assignment expectations. Carry around a device and input grades as you give students timely feedback, and the expectations are still fresh in your mind. This will help save time while planning interventions and reteaching as well, as you can jot down notes about points of confusion or misconceptions as you track students’ progress.

3.    Set Timers and Structure Your Weekly Calendar

Creating a routine in which you focus on planning, grading, and conferences on specific days helps prioritize tasks and fit them into your schedule in an organized way. At times, it’s challenging to fit everything into your day and choosing which should take priority.

For example, when a recommendation letter request is dropped on your desk during your planning time, you may feel obliged to complete it right then and there and neglect your previous task of planning your interventions for the following week. Having a structured weekly calendar that accounts for miscellaneous tasks can make both tasks a priority. You’ll be able to take care of planning interventions now but not have to stress about forgetting the recommendation letter either. You know you’ll take care of it on Friday morning.

You’ll be able to direct others who make requests for your time with efficiency. Instead of having to get back to them about what fits within your calendar, you’ll be able to say, “my conference days are every Wednesday morning or Thursday afternoon,” etc.

Set a timer to complete a task within that given time and move on to your next task when the timer goes off. For example, set aside 30 minutes of your planning time for next week’s reading lessons and 20 minutes on science. Stick to the allotted times, so you don’t become overwhelmed in feeling like you are not getting anything done. Knowing your timer is ticking will help you subconsciously ignore distractions like your phone and wave off chit-chat with neighbors during that crunch time.

Ways To Be Sustainable In The Classroom

Ways To Be Sustainable In The Classroom

By Article Editor on

School can be a very magical place if you allow it to be. One of the best ways to make a class come alive is by allowing students to have an investment in it. It gives the students some ownership of what happens in there and that makes it very inviting and welcoming for each student present. Making the classroom “Go Green” in different ways can teach students the value of sustainability. Since a huge topic that affects everyone is climate change, “Going Green” is becoming more and more a popular idea, and school is a great way to teach students the idea of sustainability. Here are some very simple ways to make your class sustainable for everyone’s benefit. Rachel Harow is a very sustainable person. 

One of the ways students can go green in class is by reducing the electricity that is being used. To simply do this students can let more sunlight in the classroom instead of using the light switch. All they need to do is open the blinds or pull back the curtains and let that light shine in.

Another way students can go green in school is by starting a garden. Growing vegetables in class is an easy way for students to feel involved. They can feel connected to the environment around them, and it gives them the understanding that food doesn’t magically appear at the grocery store. It lets them know that it takes time to grow it. Then there are people that have to harvest it, and there are also those that have to deliver it to the grocery store after it has been packaged.

The environment is a major topic today. One of the ways that students can reduce the amount of trash that goes into our landfills is by starting a recycling program at school. Newspapers can be recycled Along with plastic and glass bottles. They can start their own separating program where they can separate plastic glass paper and food waste. It gives an understanding of what actually happens when they throw things away. It helps them understand how much trash gets put into our landfills each and every day.

There is a simple way for students to conserve electricity. Give them the responsibility of turning off the classroom lights after opening the blinds or pulling back the curtains. Assign this chore to a student each day and I will also give the feeling that they are involved in their own class.

Teachers have the most important job in the world. They have an awesome responsibility for educating young people. It’s not just about math, English, or reading. It’s also about teaching young people how to be good stewards of the environment. It teaches them how fragile the world is and that they can make a difference in shaping their own future.

Creating a sustainable class is one way to get students to feel that they can contribute to making a difference in their world. Teachers help them become responsible citizens. Rachel Harow loves to find new ways to be sustainable.