Random daily seating charts

Each day, I have a random seating chart on the board.  Students get to work with different classmates and experience class from different points of view.  It also prevents students from getting too chatty with the same group all the time.

contributed by Mr. Goodman

Beginning of class review/relaxation

In light of a 90 minute class I have found that taking one minute to go through the goals/schedule for the class for that day that students are given a greater sense of what is coming, and thus more ownership of the objectives for the class. This is accompanied by some visual aid (outline on the board or smart board.) 

I also take one minute at the beginning of brain studies class to dim the lights and have the students take 6 slow deep breaths (4 counts in through the nose, 8 counts out through the mouth.) Compliance is amazing. It also allows me to start class quietly and them to be better focused on what comes next.

Both of these techniques are generic enough to be used in any class.  

contributed by Mr. Piskel

Daily seating changes

Each day, I have a random seating chart on the board.  Students get to work with different classmates and experience class from different points of view.  It also prevents students from getting too chatty with the same group all the time.

contributed by Mr. Goodman

Edmodo - great way to communicate, grade, make quizzes, and much more

Fantastic tool for teachers.  Grades quizzes and tests for you, unlike Google forms where you have to take a few steps to grade things.  Easy for kids to recognize due to Facebook-type look.

www.edmodo.com

Getting projects turned in on time

Want something turned in three weeks from today? Tell them it is due in two weeks.  At the beginning of week two, tell them that you are willing to grant a one week extension for everyone, but they all have to be in at the end of week three.  You look like a hero, they feel like they have been given a gift, and many more come in on time than if you just asked for it in three weeks originally.

Interview a student - first day of class

On the first day of class I have the students "interview" a friend and introduce them to the class. As they introduce their partners to the class, I write down their names (in pairs). I then complete a seating chart and put each partner on opposite sides of the room. 

It's helped a TON in the beginning of the semester. 

from Mrs. Jones

One way to get students' attention when they wander

One thing I do is to tell the students that when I say "Bring it up front".  This is their verbal cue to turn and pay attention when things go astray.  I found it to be more effective than "shhhhh" or other cues.

Submitted by Mrs. Ingersoll

Getting to know the students' names

One trick to make myself know the students' names is forcing myself to know them by the third class or they get extra credit.