Tiny Time Saver Archives - Page 2 of 2

I want to talk to you about one of the things that’s been in my head this summer as I plan for the new year: assessment.

June 6, 2014

Perfect Poolside Planning – Thinking About Next Year

Classroom Ideas

No teacher every shuts off their “teacher” brain. Not really. We’re always thinking about what could change or what great things we want to improve on. In the summer I like to think ahead to the new school year and also reflect back on the previous year. What did I […]

April 18, 2014

Loving the Line – Tricks for Lining Up

Classroom Ideas

Does it ever feel like the last 3 minutes of class can be the craziest? You get students all settled down where they’re learning and following directions with no problems and the second you mention the words “line up” they turn into a herd of cats. Line up time doesn’t […]

Ideas, suggestions, and classroom management tips to make teaching recorder a snap!

April 14, 2014

Recorder Tricks and Tidbits #2

Lesson Ideas

We’re edging every closer to the end of the school year but we’re still plugging away with recorders! My students have really fallen in love with this quirky little instrument and I’m so proud of their progress. Today I stood back as my kids played “Mambo Mary B-A-G” from the […]

Assessment, positive reinforcement, and one-on-one instruction all rolled into one fun trick!

April 8, 2014

Sticker Attack!

Classroom Ideas

This little teacher trick came from one of those crazy moments when you just do something crazy, go with it, and see where it leads. I had a kindergarten class show up at my door one day and they desperately needed something special to get them to pay attention and […]

April 1, 2014

Recorder Tricks and Tidbits #1

Lesson Ideas

So, my first year teaching I hated teaching recorder. It was so much work and so much logistical planning and so much stress. It took some time, research, and planning to make it fun. Now I really like playing and teaching recorder. Here are some little tips I’ve picked up […]

Quick little phrases that I use all the time to get kids back on track!

January 21, 2014

2/4 Tuesday – Little Phrases to Save the Day

Classroom Ideas

I have a bunch of little catchphrases that I use every day. I think that all teachers do! “One, two, three. Eyes on me!” These quick little sentences help reorient our classes and get kids’ attention. The other day I was in a friend’s classroom and heard her say one […]

Here are some of my favorite little tricks to smooth transitions and get kids learning more quickly.

November 20, 2013

2/4 Tiny Tricks to Make Life Easier

Classroom Ideas

You can never have enough tricks up your sleeve when you work with kids. It’s bad enough for classroom teachers who see the same 20-30 kids day in and day out. At least they have time to teach kids procedures that help to alleviate some of the crazy behaviors. They […]

Children standing on a stage for a school performance

November 14, 2013

Preparing for A Concert or School Performance

Classroom Ideas

I’m always looking for new tips and tricks to make concert preparation easier. I feel like I perpetually get burned out and stressed out when planning for a school performance because there are so many details to work out. Anything that I can do to alleviate some of the stress […]

October 2, 2013

Awesome Socks Rocks – Cheap and Easy Positive Reinforcement

Classroom Ideas

If you’re looking for a cheap and effective way to reinforce good behavior with kids then look no further than Awesome Socks Rocks! I use this little trick as a form positive reinforcement with my younger students and it really helps with classroom management. Awesome Socks Rocks are another fabulous […]

September 11, 2013

Awesome Autographs – A Simple Positive Reinforcement Trick

Classroom Ideas

I’m always looking for new and fun ways to encourage kids in my classroom. If you’ve worked with kids long enough you know that stickers or candy treats only work so long to reinforce positive behavior. You really need several different tricks up your sleeve because not every reward works […]

September 10, 2013

Cool Kid Spray – Free and Simple Positive Reinforcement

Classroom Ideas

A little spritz of water can be one of the most powerful behavior management tools when you call it Cool Kid Spray! So funny how something as simple as water in a little spray bottle can get kids excited and motivated to do what’s right. This super simple and effective […]