Online Projects

• Busy Teacher's Pen Pal Exchange
• iEARN International - Database of online projects
• Postcard Geography Project
• Flat Stanley Project
• Techno Spud (run by Jennifer, creator of the Oreo Cookie project and more)
• Monster Exchange
• The Teddy Bear Project (Australia)
• If I Were a Giant......
• Classroom Pet Exchange
• Online Autumn Revival 2008
• Bucket Buddies
• The Election Con-nection 2008
• Global Schoolnet

Organizational Notebooks

Mr. Moore, a third grade teacher in Canada, came up with this alternative to homework worksheets. I began using the system this past year with a great deal of success.  Of course, I made a few of my own modifications since I work with younger students but the kids enjoyed it immensely. Along with these links, I have added some of my own ideas on how to use these charts.

• Choose-A-Chart Page by Mr. Moore
  (Don't forget to check the rest of his site for fabulous ideas!)

• Teachers Net Gazette Article on Choose-A-Chart

How I modified the system for my students:

• I purchased several chart pads that are half the size of regular chart paper. This made it easier to fit the charts into plastic ziplock bags as well as easier for little kids to work with.

• As I taught new concepts throughout the year, I would make a couple of charts based on what the students learned. That way the charts covered everything that was taught during the year and students were able to practice them all year long.

• Instead of printing out dozens of worksheets, I copied them by hand onto a chart.

• I developed many reading comprehension charts by photocopying or printing stories and gluing them onto the chart. Then I would write questions or activities based on the story.  For great stories, go to www.abcteach.com .

• The charts were divided into three baskets--language arts (phonics, reading, grammar, writing), math (word problems, number sentences, manipulatives,etc.) , and science/social studies.

• I used clipart from books and the computer to create word problems, cloze, vocabulary, phonics activties, and more.

• I am still creating charts as we speak.  The charts range from very easy to challenging.  Some are as simple as addition problems; other charts require students to complete critical thinking tasks.  I have used ideas from activity books, resource books, and worksheets. There are so many possibilities!!

• Choose-A-Chart was part of their homework program.  They had a chart 3 days a week (Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday) along with other homework.

It's very easy to implement and doesn't take much time to create!  This is one of the best ideas I have used in my class. 

Tips from Other Teachers

1) There is a first grade website, www.mrs.burns.com , that
consists of monthly windsocks and the pattern to make them.  There is a
cute one for back to school.

2) Name Glyph
   The students will use stencils to trace the letters in their name on
a paper strip.  They will use these directions to make their name.
1st letter-boy-stripes/girl-checkboard
2nd letter-do u have any brothers or sisters-yes-red/no-green
3rd letter-do you have a pet-black dots-yes/no-white dots
4th letter-Which subject do you like the most?
reading-red
math-blue/science-green/ss-purlpe/art-orange/music-yellow
other-brown
5th letter-How do you get to school?
walk-yellow/bus-purple/car-red/van-0ange/other-green
6th letter-Do you like ice cream?
yes-black triangle/no-white triangles
7th letter-Do you like sports?
yes-black stars/no-white stars
more than seven letters color the eighth like the first one,and so on.
This idea came from the Mailbox magazineAug/Sept. 2002

More Back 2 School Tips:

Some other useful links:

• Learning Centers Section: Summer is a great time to create and organize your centers.

• Literacy Centers Section: Another section specifically geared towards literacy centers.

• Classroom Management: Start organizing your classroom, your students, and yourself!

• New Teachers: Here are a list of links that will help you if you are a new teacher or a student teacher.

• Mini-Offices: Take this time to create these great dividers for your students!

• Discovery Packs: Thematic packs created by this wonderful kindergarten teacher. You can also see Literature Bags, created by a second grade teacher.

• School Forms: Includes calendars, newsletters, etc.

Upcoming September Resource Page

• Bulletin Board Links

• Back 2 School updates

• Fall/Autumn Theme

• More.....