Teachers Archives - Page 71 of 107

Matthew Lynch published in Teachers January 10, 2023

10 of the Best Teacher Bags

If you’re looking for the perfect teacher bag, a few options are sure to meet your needs. Whether you need a small bag for carrying textbooks and other school supplies or a larger bag to store everything you need while on the go, there are a variety of bags to choose from. Here are some of the best teacher bags you can buy:

Lovevook Laptop Bag

This classic and chic laptop bag from Lovevook adds to your professional look.

Zysun Laptop Bag

Every educator will love this stylish carry-on tote of soft, sturdy, environmentally-friendly nylon trimmed with eco-friendly leather.

ECOSUSI Briefcase

The Ecosusi Briefcase is a mix of vintage and elegance- a classy bag for teachers and students.

Kroser Laptop Backpack

The Kroser Laptop Backpack is a convenient bag to have if you do a lot of commuting or walking to work

Monstina Laptop Tote Bag

The Monstina Laptop Tote Bag projects class at an affordable price.

SCOUT Pocket Rocket Tote Bag

The Pocket Rocket bag from SCOUT is a tote that has elite organization

Crest Design Nylon Shoulder Bag

If you prefer a casual-looking yet stylish and attractive bag, the Crest Design bag is best for you.

ESVAN Water Resistant Tote

The ESVAN Water Resistant Tote is among the best educator bags. Made with unique waterproof polyester fabric and a nylon shoulder strap, this tote is durable and light.

Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Bag

The Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Bag is a functional and gorgeous teacher-tote bag. If you commute, this is a good bag for you.

DEMOMENT Canvas Tote Shopping Bag

The Demoment Canvas Tote bag is one of the best teacher-tote bags on the market. Made with deep dimensions, this tote can store a 15- inch laptop, modules, and learning plans

No matter your needs, there is a teacher bag out there that is perfect for you. The best teacher bag you can buy depends on your needs and preferences, so be sure to consider what you’re looking for before you make your purchase.

Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Teachers January 10, 2023

19 Ways to Get Students to Participate in Learning Activities

Are you looking for ways to get students to participate in learning activities? If so, keep reading.

1. Let the learner select a special event or exciting learning experience for the class.

2. Give the learner success-oriented special activities or learning activities so they may develop an interest in them.

3. Alter or adjust situations that cause the learner to be reluctant to participate (e.g., degree of difficulty, competition, fear of failure, threat of embarrassment, etc.).

4. Place emphasis on individual success or progress rather than winning or “beating” other students.

5. Give the learner chances for small group participation as opposed to large group participation.

6. Urge the learner to take part in small groups. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the size of the group.

7. Urge the learner to share things of special interest with other members of the class.

8. Select a peer to model appropriate interactions in classroom learning activities for the learner.

9. Get the learner to question any directions, explanations, and instructions not grasped.

10. Let the learner select a group of peers with whom they feel comfortable.

11. Ascertain which peers the learner would most prefer to interact within classroom learning activities and attempt to enable the interaction.

12. Select outgoing, non-menacing peers to help the learner participate in classroom learning activities.

13. Organize their surroundings so the learner has many chances to interact with other peers in classroom learning activities.

14. Assign the learner to classroom learning activities in which they are likely to interact successfully with peers.

15. Organize a sociometric learning experience with the class to ascertain those peers who would most prefer to interact with the learner in classroom learning activities.

16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

19. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Matthew Lynch published in Education Leadership, Teachers January 9, 2023

22 Ways to Teach Students to Assume Responsibility for their Mistakes and Shortcomings

Are you looking ways to teach students to assume responsibility for their shortcomings? If so, keep reading.

1. Do not put the learner in a situation where the learner feels that they must blame others for their mistakes.

2. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

3. Refrain from arguing with the learner about whether they are making excuses; simply explain that they are not being entirely honest about a situation.

4. Make sure that consequences delivered for unacceptable behavior are not extreme and are causally related to the unacceptable behavior(e.g., things that are destroyed must be replaced, work not done during work time has to be made up during leisure time, etc.).

5. Refrain from arguing with the learner about whether they are telling the truth. If you do not have proof, it is better to avoid blaming someone who might be innocent.

6. Always determine the accuracy of the learner’s claim that someone or something caused them to have a problem or to fail. In some cases, someone or something may legitimately be causing the learner to experience problems or failure.

7. Make sure the learner knows that not being honest when confronted will result in more negative consequences than telling the truth. Be very consistent in this approach.

8. Show the learner that they should be happy with their personal best effort rather than perfection.

9. Attempt to have an open, honest relationship with the learner. Urge the learner to tell the truth, and do not use threats to make them tell the truth (e.g., “You had better tell the truth or else!”).

10. Praise those students in the classroom who accept responsibility for their own behavior.

11. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for accepting the responsibility for their behavior at school.

12. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., accepting responsibility for their own mistakes) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

13. Praise the learner for accepting responsibility for their own behavior based on the duration of time the learner can be successful. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

14. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

15. Talk with the learner to explain(a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., failing to take responsibility for their behavior, blaming other persons or learning materials, etc.) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., accepting responsibility for their own behavior, accepting outcomes, etc.).

16. Praise the learner for accepting responsibility for their own behavior: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

17. Take the learner away from the learning experience until the learner can accept responsibility for their behavior.

18. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

19. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

20. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

21. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Teachers January 8, 2023

17 Ways to Help Students Lower Their Tardies

Are you looking for ways to help students lower their tardies? If so, keep reading.

1. Select a responsible peer to escort the learner to school/learning activities.

2. Make sure that the learner is successful in school-related learning activities. The learner will be more likely to be present if they experience success.

3. Make the learner a leader of the learning experience or group.

4. Make sure that other students do not make it unpleasant for the learner to attend learning activities.

5. Make sure the learner has all the appropriate learning materials for learning activities.

6. Record attendance/promptness with the learner.

7. Begin the day or class with a success-oriented learning experience that is likely to be highly reinforcing for the learner.

8. Give the learner as many high interest learning activities as possible.

9. Give the learner many chances for social and academic success.

10. Give the learner academic learning activities presented in the most attractive and exciting manner possible.

11. Provide the learner a schedule of daily activities to be signed by each teacher to document promptness.

12. Gather anecdotal information on the learner’s absences/tardies. If a trend can be determined, remove the learner from the situation, modify the situation, or help the learner create the skills to be more successful in the situation.

13. Get the learner to document personal attendance at the end of each learning experience.

14. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

15. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

16. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

17. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Matthew Lynch published in Education Leadership, Teachers January 7, 2023

18 Ways to Helps Students Lower Their Unexcused Absences

Are you looking for ways to help students lower their unexcused absences? If so, keep reading.

1. Set a time for the learner to leave their home in the morning.

2. Require that time spent away from class/school be made up at recess, during lunch, or after school.

3. Make sure the learner is properly placed according to capacity and ability level in those classes in which they are enrolled (e.g., the class is not too complicated; the class is not too easy).

4. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Repeated failure may cause the learner to be absent to avoid competitive situations.

5. Assist the learner in creating friendships that may encourage their attendance in school/class.

6. Provide open communication with the learner’s family to make sure that the learner is leaving for school at the designated time.

7. Do not force the learner to interact with others or do things that make them feel awkward and cause the learner to want to be absent.

8. Make sure the learner and parents are aware of the laws involving attendance in school.

9. Connect with the parents(e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for school attendance.

10. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e .g., being in attendance) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

11. Praise those students who attend school/class.

12. Praise the learner for coming to school/class or arriving at a learning experience at a specific time: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

13. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

14. Talk with the learner to explain(a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., being absent from school/class and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., being in attendance).

15. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

16. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

18. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Teachers January 6, 2023

24 Hacks for Teaching Students Not Disturb Others

Are you looking for hacks for teaching students not to disturb others? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the learner to practice waiting for short periods for a turn to speak. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for a turn to speak.

2. Take the learner away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.

3. Ask the learner a question when they are most likely to be able to respond correctly.

4. Urge the learner to remind himself/herself to wait when they feel the need to interrupt (e.g., “Stop. Count to 10.”).

5. Teach appropriate social rituals (e.g., say, “Excuse me,” before interrupting; wait until someone stops speaking to begin talking, etc.).

6. Provide directions, explanations, and instructions in a clear, concise manner to lessen the learner’s need to ask questions.

7. Train the learner on how to interrupt for an emergency. Make sure they do it in a way that conveys the urgency (e.g., “I’m sorry for interrupting.” “May I stop you for a minute?” etc.).

8. Show the learner why it is unacceptable to interrupt the teacher (e.g., impolite, unfair to other students, others cannot hear what the teacher is saying, etc.).

9. Get the learner to make a list of consequences associated with regularly occurring behaviors (e.g., by disrupting others, I will be perceived as unmannerly; by behaving aggressively, I will cause people to avoid me.).

10. Make sure that reinforcement is not provided for unacceptable behavior(e.g., the teacher responds to the learner after they have interrupted).

11. Make sure that you do not interrupt others. If you interrupt others, the learner will continue to do so.

12. Recognize the learner’s presence and/or need to talk with you (e.g., by saying, “Just a minute”; putting your arm around the learner; smiling and nodding your head; etc.).

13. Create rules for conversing with others (e.g., wait for your turn to talk, stand quietly by the person with whom you want to talk until you are noticed, excuse yourself when you interrupt others, etc.). These rules should be consistent and followed by everyone in the class. Talk about the rules often.

14. Give the learner a predetermined signal if they begin to interrupt.

15. Praise the learner for raising their hand to be recognized.

16. Get the learner to find the situations in which they are most likely to interrupt. After they have identified these situations, have them think of ways to minimize their occurrences.

17. Assist the learner in improving concentration skills (e.g., listening to the speaker, taking notes, preparing remarks in advance, making remarks in an appropriate context, etc.).

18. Be firm, fair, and consistent, expecting the learner to behave properly during class lectures. Do not let the learner interrupt one time and expect them not to interrupt the next time.

19. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., waiting for a turn to speak) and what reinforcement will be made available when the terms of the agreement have been met.

20. Always treat the learner with the utmost respect. Talk objectively at all times.

21. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

22. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

23. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

24. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Matthew Lynch published in Child Development, Teachers January 5, 2023

19 Ways to Teach Students Not to Snatch Things From Others

Are you looking for ways to teach students not to snatch things from others? If so, keep reading.

1. Teach the learner acceptable ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

2. Do not assume the learner is being treated nicely by others. Peers may be stimulating unacceptable behavior.

3. Teach the learner to ask for things positively. Teach keywords and phrases (e.g., “May I borrow your pencil?” “Do you mind if l play with your ball?” etc.).

4. Teach the learner the concept of sharing by having the learner borrow from others. Require them to ask permission before doing so.

5. Teach the learner to take turns sharing possessions (e.g., each child may use the markers for 15 minutes; one child bats while the other throws the ball, and then players change places after three hits, etc.).

6. Give the learner enough things that sharing will not be appropriate. As the learner learns to share, slowly lessen the number of things.

7. Teach the learner to think before acting (e.g., they should ask themselves, “What is happening? “What am I doing?” “What should I do?” “What will be best for me?” etc.).

8. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., not grabbing things away from others) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

9. Praise those students in the classroom who demonstrate appropriate behavior in reference to others’ belongings.

10. Take the learner away from the learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate behavior and self-control.

11. Praise the learner for demonstrating appropriate behavior based on the duration of time the learner can be successful. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

12. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. • Raise your hand. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

13. Connect with the parents to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for appropriate use or consideration of others’ belongings at school.

14. Talk with the learner to explain(a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., grabbing things from others) and (b) what the learner should be doing (e.g., asking to use things, borrowing, sharing, returning, etc.).

15. Praise the learner for demonstrating appropriate behavior: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

16. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

19. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Matthew Lynch published in Classroom Management, Teachers January 4, 2023

21 Strategies to Teach Students Not to Tattle

Are you looking for strategies to teach students not to tattle? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure the learner knows what information is appropriate to report (e.g., peers’ emergencies, injuries, fighting, etc.).

2. Make sure the learner knows what information is not appropriate to report (e.g., peers whispering, not working, copying, wasting time, etc.).

3. Provide mobility to prevent the learner’s need to tattle. If you see behavior happen, it will not be appropriate for the students to call attention to it.

4. Do not inadvertently reinforce tattling by overreacting.

5. Make decisions based on what you observe rather than what is reported to you to keep objectivity.

6. Embody appropriate behavior for the learner. Publicly praise and privately redirect learner behavior.

7. Minimize the emphasis on competition. A highly competitive environment may increase the likelihood of tattling.

8. Explain the logical consequences of tattling to the learner (e.g., peers will not want to interact with them, peers will retaliate, etc.).

9. Teach the learner appropriate ways to express displeasure, anger, frustration, etc.

10. On occasions where the learner comes to you to tattle, stop, and ask the learner, “Is this something that is so essential that you need to come to me?” “Is someone hurt?” “Is this something you can solve without me?” etc.

11. Urge the learner to use problem-solving skills: (a) find the problem, (b) find goals and objectives, (c) create strategies, (d) create a plan for action, and (e) carry out the plan.

12. Do not listen to the learner. Immediately stop the learner when tattling begins.

13. Make sure the learner does not go to another adult when you don’t respond to their tattling.

14. Minimize the chance for the learner to be in competitive learning activities that may cause tattling.

15. Immediately remove the learner from interacting with others when tattling begins.

16. Be firm, fair, and consistent when dealing with tattling. Do not let tattling go one time and expect appropriate behavior the next time.

17. Create a list of the number of times each day the learner tattles. Make the learner aware of the number of times each day they come to you to tattle.

18. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

19. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

20. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

21. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

Matthew Lynch published in K-12, Teachers January 3, 2023

21 Genius Ways to Get Students to Remain On Task

Are you looking for genius ways to get students to remain on task? If so, keep reading.

1. Get the learner to work with a peer tutor to keep attention to tasks.

2. Get the learner to work with a peer who manages time well.

3. Place the learner away from those peers who create the most auditory and visual stimulation in the classroom.

4. Provide the learner one task to perform at a time . Introduce the next task only when the learner has successfully finished the prior task.

5. Let the learner have some movement while performing tasks. Observe and limit the amount of movement.

6. Get the learner to connect with appropriate staff members (e.g., counselor, nurse, administrator, etc.) about concerns (e.g., home, peer, personal problems, etc.) that interfere with their capacity and ability to remain on-task.

7. Connect with parents to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for staying on-task in the classroom.

8. Give the learner a quiet space in which to work where auditory and visual stimuli are reduced. This is used to lessen distracting stimuli, not as a punishment.

9. Get the learner to ask themselves questions (e.g., “What’s next?”) to keep themselves focused on tasks/projects.

10. Create a classroom environment that is quiet and tidy (e.g., clean, well-lighted, fresh-smelling, and at a comfortable temperature).

11. Get the learner to keep a chart representing the amount of time spent on-task.

12. Teach the learner appropriate ways to respond to visual and auditory stimuli in the classroom (e.g., moving to another part of the room, asking others to be quiet, leaving the group, etc.).

13. Assist the student in learning to be happy with their best effort rather than some arbitrary measure of success. Success is measured individually according to capacity and ability levels, and progress of any kind is a measure of success.

14. Place the learner so that they experience the least amount of auditory and visual stimuli.

15. Give the learner a predetermined signal (e.g., hand signal, oral signal, etc.) when they begin to display off-task behaviors.

16. Get the learner to ask for help when they need it.

17. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (create a sensible duration of time to remain on-task) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

18. Plan highly desirable learning activities contingent upon staying on-task a required amount of time (i.e., staying on-task for a required amount of time earns the learner the chance to take part in a desirable learning experience ).

19. Give flexibility in scheduling so the learner may perform alternative learning activities that result in more successful on-task behavior.

20. Provide visibility to and from the learner. The teacher and the learner should be able to see each other at all times, making eye contact possible at all times.

21. Consider using assistive technology designed to help students to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to concentrate. Click here to view list of assistive technology apps that we recommend.

Matthew Lynch published in Education Leadership, Teachers January 2, 2023

15 Ways to Teach Students Not to Retaliate

Are you looking for ways to teach students not to retaliate? If so, keep reading.

1. Urge the learner to think through the idea of “getting back” at others: (a) think about the thoughts and feelings of others (e.g., the person who is the focus of the “get even” reaction, family members and friends of both parties, classmates, school administration, etc.) if revenge occurred; (b) think about the potential consequences to themselves if revenge occurred; (c) find positive alternatives to revenge; (d) find thoughts/feelings of others should the positive alternative be attempted; and (e) find thoughts/feelings of himself/herself should the positive alternatives be attempted.

2. Give the learner a clear chain of command they and others in their surroundings need to use to process complaints, grievances, etc. Practice each communication link and praise the learner for resorting to the chain of command.

3. Working alongside the learner, create coping techniques tailored to individual preferences and abilities (e.g., taking two slow, deep breaths; moving to another part of the classroom to calm down; head on table or desk for 20 seconds; etc.).

4. Give the learner the chance to connect with role models from the community who have success stories to relate. Enlist these community heroes in identifying revengeful behavior as damaging and undesirable.

5. Give positive learning activities to (a) give the learner matters of interest to focus upon, think through, and act upon other than revenge; (b) give the learner chances to experience success (this may help decrease stress related to frustration); and (c) give the learner positive, structured chances to work with others to urge productive teamwork and hopefully render vengeful thoughts/ behaviors counterproductive.

6. Allow the learner to focus on their actions and behaviors by developing a daily schedule with them. Praise the learner for (a) initiating schedule development, (b) beginning scheduled learning activities independently, (c) following their schedule, (d) finishing scheduled learning activities, and ( e) making positive attempts at working on the schedule and on scheduled learning activities.

7. Give the learner frequent, natural chances to feel successful daily.

8. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may encourage unacceptable behavior. Let the learner work in small groups or teams on learning activities, but structure team learning opportunities, so these are not competitive by establishing ways of providing merit for each group’s efforts.

9. Monitor the learner who is sensitive to failure and who may voice or attempt retribution. Give positive alternative learning activities instead of ongoing learning activities when the learner indicates signs of frustration or overstimulation.

10. When a schedule has been created with learner involvement, make sure the learner receives assistance to achieve success the first few days. As the learner shows success, slowly decrease assistance.

11. On occasions where providing the learner with the chance to work with others, try to assure that they will complement the group based upon the unique interests and skills they will contribute. Refrain from grouping students totally by capacity and ability, and give small groups structure and monitoring.

12. Consider using a classroom management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

13. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

14. Consider using Alexa to help the student learn to behave appropriately. Click here to read an article that we wrote on the subject.

15. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.