Ericas Ed-Ventures

Primary Education Ideas

Teacher Week ’13: Tips and Tricks – Freebies & More!

I am back for the final day of Teacher Week 2013.  Todays post is about “Tips” and “Tricks.”

Tip #1: Never assume that parents are just going to know what to do.   Always give directions and when possible, a visual helps!   Yes, it takes longer to do, but in the long run, you will save so much time.  Think about the time it takes answering notes.

The beginning of the year is a good time to give the parents of your students a handout explaining everything there is to know about your class.  I call it my “General Information Packet.”   Below you can read mine for free (just click the cover), if you would like to purchase an editable Word version for $1, click here.

Here is another example, this is a freebie explaining how to do spelling homework in a notebook:

I am also working on a Spelling Homework Menu Packet.  If you are interested, be sure to follow my TpT store to get an email alert when it is posted.
Tip #2:  Hot Glue Everything!
This board was made by hot gluing wrapping paper and a border to the dry erase board.  Then I hot glued clothespins to hold the pictures and posters.  Each week, I just pop out the poster and pictures and pop in new ones!  My Star of the Week kit is also available on TpT.
Hot glue works well on cement walls and wood doors.  At the end of the year, I just take my little scraper and scrape it off.  Or you can peel it off with your fingers. 
I just posted a new Ultimate Bright Tonal Chevron Packet to TpT and some Camouflage decor items.  I hope you check them out.

Don’t forget to hop over to Blog Hoppin’ for more Tips and Tricks!

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Comments

  2. Great ideas, help and blog! Thanks for caring and sharing with everyone.
    Mrs. Jackson's Classroom-Pre-K-12 Themes, Lesson Plans, Resources, Activities, Crafts, Ideas

    Teacher classroom website of resources to plan themes, lessons, holidays, projects, activities, parties, and to give the best links, ideas, and info for students, teachers, parents, and homeschoolers. Great ideas for learning! Tons of themes and fun for all! I have a blog with teaching activities, too.

    Thanks,
    Mrs. Charlotte Jackson

    http://mrscjacksonsclass.com/
    http://mrsjacksonsclasswebsiteblog.blogspot.com/

  3. I do a similar packet at the beginning of the year. Parents always comment on how nice it is to be given something so organized. 🙂 Your duck hunters gave me a giggle. 🙂 My hubby is a fan of Duck Dynasty!

    Lindsey at Forever First Grade

  8. Hi Erica,

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    If you know any other teachers who might be interested in this Website, please forward this to them and if you have any questions, feel free to message me.

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    Martin