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Last Month's Question
July 2008

This month's question was sent in by Cindy , who teaches in Cedar Park, TX:

Does anyone have a really good and simple discipline management system that's easy to implement with 1st graders, and more importantly, easy to stick with throughout the year?

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Question Archive:

"I have one child that continues to make silly noises for attention and even though he has missed recess several times, it doesn't seem to matter. I've talked to the mother and she has no solutions. Any ideas?"
Gina from Nanuet, NY
April 2003
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"I have 25 first graders who can never stop talking while I am reading, explaining directions, etc. I have tried many things such as rewards for good listening behavior. Nothing seems to be working. Any ideas?"
Andrea from Acton, Massachusetts
April 2004
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" I was recently raked over the coals by a parent for the amount of homework that I give my first graders. She says that it is 45 minutes to an hour a night. If they do everything, I don't see that it could possibly be more than 30 minutes - tops! This is
Christi from Forney, Texas
April 2005
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"I am a first year teacher and would like some Fall ideas and projects that I can get the children's parents involved with. Does anyone have some suggestions of projects that parents can come to school and work with their child. Any ideas would be greatly
Jess in Somerville, Ma
August 2004
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"I teach a combination 4th/5th grade class. Can you offer some good management tips to help me teach to one group while keeping the other group engaged in their work? "
J. Scott from CA
December 2002
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"Does anyone have any positive suggestions for getting their children to walk as a group in the hallways without talking, carrying on, or disturbing others?"
C.T. in Harrisburg, Pa
December 2003
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"Does anyone have any positive suggestions for getting their children to walk as a group in the hallways without talking, carrying on, or disturbing others?"
C.T. in Harrisburg, Pa
December 2003
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"Do any of you teachers out there have any suggestions about how to help children that have difficulty completing independent work?"
Vicky from Santa Cruz, California
December 2004
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" I am interested in starting a lunchbag bookclub with students and need ideas on how to proceed. Does anyone have any ideas?"
Mrs. Jaw
Feburary 2003
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"Does anyone have any original and educational field trip ideas for students in grades 3-6?"
Dana from Roscoe, Illinois
Feburary 2004
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"I know it is wonderful to have parents come in to the classroom to spend time with their child or come in to help the class with projects, but sometimes I have a problem with the children of those parents. Many times the child will either misbehave and t
Susan from Pittsford, MI
February 2005
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"I'm looking for some fresh ways to count up the first 100 days of school. I already use calculator tape posted around the edge of the room to track the days, but I want to try something different Any ideas?"
Donna K
January 2003
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"I am looking for ways to make my Jehoviah Witness children feel included in all of our activities in our room. When we do a holiday activity, I need to exclude them from it. I feel bad about this but feel it would not be fair to the other children if we
Lisa from Salem Oregon
March 2004
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" How do you adjust your math and reading activities for your gifted children? I've tried adding problems, asking challenging questions, but need some more ideas to keep them motivated. "
Gina from Nanuet, NY
March 2005
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"I am a pre-school teacher. In my class when its free play time some children always play guns. I want to know what is appropriate: to stop them or just to let them go? Any suggestions?"
Fauzia Aslam
May 2003
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"Does anyone have any great book buddy activities for Kindergarten and/or First Grade and fourth or Fifth Grade reading"
Nicole from Whitestone, New York
May 2004
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"I have a student this year who has little to no social skills. His desk has been moved many times already this year in an effort to find a workable combination. (Lots of desks move so he is not isolated). I have observed his behavior and the reactions of
Elaine from Clintondale, New York
November 2003
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"I have big windows in my classroom and would love some creative ideas as to how to decorate them?"
Susie from Chicago, Illinois
November 2004
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"I am a 1st grade teacher and I am in search of a new discipline plan for this year. I have done colors and money in the past. Just want something new. Any ideas?"
Denise from Ladson, South Carolina
October 2003
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"Does anyone have good OPEN HOUSE IDEAS centered around literature? (i.e. Dr. Seuss was done one year.) This would have to include lots of art too as I teach Kindergarten.
Linda from Modesto, California
October 2003
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"Does anyone have good OPEN HOUSE IDEAS centered around literature? (i.e. Dr. Seuss was done one year.) This would have to include lots of art too as I teach Kindergarten. Thanks."
Linda from Modesto, California
October 2003
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"When my children come from noon recess they have many tales to tell me of injustices on the playground. I think it is important to listen to these stories because I do not wish ot allow bullies to get away with bullies harrassing other children. This tak
Connie from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
October 2004
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"I am a regular education teacher and will be teaching a 4th grade integrated class next year. I need suggestions for how to make this a positive experience for all of my students."
Keri from Moriches, NY
September 2003
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:"I am a regular education teacher and will be teaching a 4th grade integrated class next year. I need suggestions for how to make this a positive experience for all of my students."
Keri from Moriches, NY
September 2003
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"I'm looking for some new ideas for discipline/classroom management. Please share if you can."
Janet from Whittier, North Carolina
September 2004
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"I have 25 second graders. Their behavior at lunch is terrible. They talk too loud and touch each other's food. HELP!"
Kathy from Green Island, New York
January 2004
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"What do you do when your class disrespects a substitute or special class teacher? "
Tinna, from Kansas City, MO
January 2005
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" I teach an all day every day Kindergarten program. We have a 30 minute rest time daily after our lunch. We have found that many children, especially at the beginning of the school year need this time and often sleep. Others probably could do without it.
Sue who teaches Kindergarten in North Adams, Michigan
May 2005
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" I will be teaching a combined kindergarten/first grade class next year. Does anyone have any good ideas on how to keep wiggly kindergarteners quiet and focused on hands-on activities that they can do independently while I am teaching the fir
This month’s question comes from Jean, who teaches in Lyndonville, Vermont:
June 2005
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I love setting my room up with books categorized in different genres. I have the book color coded by genre, however I have two problems.

First, what do you do with the books that the students haven't finished, however don't have time to complet
This month's question comes from Christa
July 2005
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I love setting my room up with books categorized in different genres. I have the book color coded by genre, however I have two problems.

First, what do you do with the books that the students haven't finished, however don't have time to complet
This month's question comes from Christa who teaches 1st Grade in Oak Brook, IL
July 2005
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I would like to know what are some good ways to keep track of students' assignments and make them accountable for missing and unfinished work. This has always been a challenge for me. I have been teaching almost 10 years and every year it gets ver
This month's question comes from Charlotte who teaches in Indianapolis, Indiana
August 2005
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I would like to know what are some good ways to keep track of students' assignments and make them accountable for missing and unfinished work. This has always been a challenge for me. I have been teaching almost 10 years and every year it gets very frustr
This month's question comes from Charlotte who teaches in Indianapolis, Indiana
August 2005
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Does anyone know of an effective way to get parents to come to conferences (elementary level). Last session, I had one parent (yes, just one!) show up. Help!
This month's question comes from Terah who teaches in Hosford, Florida
September 2005
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Does anyone have any ideas on a QUICK (5 minutes) way to practice sight vocab every day? I keep 10 words on my board all week long and we do practice them daily. However, I only have a few different strategies for practicing them. and I don't want my
The October 2005 question was submitted by Kathy who teaches 1st grade in Harrisburg, PA
October 2005
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I teach an all day Kindergarten Program and just like every grade the curriculum is getting more and more difficult and lengthy. Unfortunately, Kindergarten children are still little people with lots of energy!!!!!-They need activity and lots of it. We
This months's question was submitted by Susan who teaches in Jonesville, Michigan
November 2005
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I teach kindergarten and due to new school requirements, I need to incorporate vocabulary instruction into my already "packed" day. Does anyone have any quick, effective ways to teach vocabulary words to younger students?
This month’s question concerns Vocabulary Instruction and comes from Lichelle, who teaches Kindergarten in Milwaukee, WI
December 2005
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I teach kindergarten and due to new school requirements, I need to incorporate vocabulary instruction into my already packed day. Does anyone have any quick, effective ways to teach vocabulary words to younger students?
This month’s question concerns Vocabulary Instruction and comes from Lichelle, who teaches Kindergarten in Milwaukee, WI
December 2005
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I've come to hate the hassle of the last 1/2 hour of school. Please give me tips to make this "tired time" a bit easier on me AND the students.
This month’s question was sent in by Kari, who teaches in Toronto, Ohio:
January 2006
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I've come to hate the hassle of the last 1/2 hour of school. Please give me tips to make this "tired time" a bit easier on me AND the students.
This month’s question was sent in by Kari, who teaches in Toronto, Ohio:
January 2006
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Does anybody have activities/ strategies/games to teach 2nd graders about cause and effect relationships? Many thanks!
This month’s question was sent in by Marlene Arduino, who teaches in Las Vegas, Nevada:
February 2006
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1) How do you get a completely talkative group to stop talking all day long?

2) What do you do or how do you say things to make them hear a direction the first time and not have to repeat it 5 more times?
This month we have two good questions from one teacher, Keleen, who teaches in Milwuakee, Wisconsin:
March 2006
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I am looking for suggestions to help my students write fiction. They don't seem to understand the idea of writing a story.
This month's question comes from Cindy, who teaches 2nd Grade in Richmond, Virginia:
April 2006
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I am a 3rd Grade Math teacher and am looking for creative ideas to help my students master their basic facts. If anyone has any creative ideas, I would greatly appreciate them.
This month's question comes from Susie, who teaches 3rd Grade in Erie, Pennsylvania:
May 2006
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I teach 1st grade. Next school year I am planning on having four 15-minute guided reading groups. I need ideas of what the other students can do for the 45-minutes that they are not in reading groups. It has to be an independent activity.
This month's question comes from Sherry, who teaches 1st Grade in Clinton, Ohio:
June 2006
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I teach 1st grade. Next school year I am planning on having four 15-minute guided reading groups. I need ideas of what the other students can do for the 45-minutes that they are not in reading groups. It has to be an independent activity.
This month's question comes from Susie, who teaches 3rd Grade in Erie, Pennsylvania:
June 2006
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Does anyone have great ideas for a school newspaper? I am in charge starting this August, and would like to put out a paper that is different from the old one. I would like each issue to be fun, interesting to kids and parents.
This month's question comes from Tom, who teaches in Ontario, California:
July 2006
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I have a job for every student in my class, and the jobs change each week. Some of the jobs happen in the morning, some at the end, and some all day long. Most of the jobs are important for my sanity. Last year, my students were not very good at getting
This month's question comes from Elisa , who teaches in Blackfoot, Idaho:
August 2006
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I have a job for every student in my class, and the jobs change each week. Some of the jobs happen in the morning, some at the end, and some all day long. Most of the jobs are important for my sanity. Last year, my students were not very good at getting t
This month's question comes from Elisa , who teaches in Blackfoot, Idaho:
August 2006
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"Would you share some ways that you keep the pack up end of the day chaos from being so loud and chaotic?"
This months question comes from Vicki, who teaches in Pottstown, PA:
September 2006
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Would you share some ways that you keep the pack up end of the day chaos from being so loud and chaotic?
This months question comes from Vicki, who teaches in Pottstown, PA:
September 2006
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I'll be in a double classroom next year with two other teachers, one general ed and one special ed. Any ideas on how we can work together smoothly to present one face to the students?
This months question comes from Kathy, who teaches in Rochester, NY:
October 2006
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My school is looking for creative ways to reduce lunchroom noise/talking. Any suggestions?
This month's question comes from Kelly, who teaches in Ashville, NC:
November 2006
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I teach a 3/4 combination and I'd love to hear about some different classroom management systems that have been successful.
This month's question comes from Rita Goedl, who teaches in Chico, CA:
December 2006
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I teach Science for the whole third grade at my school and I find when they come into the Science Lab, it takes much too long for them to transition and get ready to start the lesson. Any suggestions for what I could have ready for them the minute they w
This month's question comes from Sally, who teaches in Portsmouth, VA:
January 2007
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I teach Science for the whole third grade at my school and I find when they come into the Science Lab, it takes much too long for them to transition and get ready to start the lesson. Any suggestions for what I could have ready for them the minute they wa
This month's question comes from Sally, who teaches in Portsmouth, VA:
January 2007
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I have a T.A. helping me this year. One of my responsibilities is to know what she is doing at all times. I do not feel comfortable in this position. I need ideas on how to work with her without making her feel inadequate.
This month's question comes from Debra , who teaches in Waynesboro, GA:
February 2007
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One of our state standards for second graders involves being self-reliant. I have a parent who does everything for her child, and doesn't want to "let go". She even comes to school at lunch time to blow his nose when he has a cold! Many people have gently
This month's question comes from Lyn Conley, who teaches in Kilmarnock, VA:
March 2007
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One of our state standards for second graders involves being self-reliant. I have a parent who does everything for her child, and doesn't want to 'let go'. She even comes to school at lunch time to blow his nose when he has a cold! Many people have gently
This month's question comes from Lyn Conley, who teaches in Kilmarnock, VA:
March 2007
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I have an underachieving, certified gifted student. I have tried individual contracts and frequent positive reinforcements. Any suggestions on how to motivate this student?
This month's question comes from Debbie, who teaches in Nashville, TN:
April 2007
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Hi, I am new to teaching and would like to know what are the best methods to quiet a chatty class. I've tried silent sign, whispering, standing still, give me five, positive reinforcement (ex: I like how Johnny is sitting quietly.) Any ideas would be grea
This month's question comes from Melissa, who teaches in Randolph, NJ:
May 2007
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How does your school or district handle parents who would like to have their students in a certain teacher's class? We would like to come up with a district policy for parental request which will help us in planning classes for the next school year.
This month's question comes from Kate, who teaches in Albion, MI:
June 2007
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Hi, I am a kindergarten teacher and would like to know any helpful hints on getting students to stay resting during rest time? My students tend to get up find little items on the floor and bring them to me. My classroom is a little smaller, so it is diffi
This month's question comes from Marsha, who teaches in Cresco, IA:
July 2007
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When we return to school in September, I will be having 5 students from my previous year ( first going into 2nd grade) and 5 new students (kindergarten going into 1st grade). Any suggestions on making the new comers feel special as well as making the soon
This month's question comes from Barbara, who teaches in Middletown, NJ:
August 2007
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How does your school handle the class bully who threatens the other students constantly, but whose parents think they can do no wrong?
This month's question comes from Joel, who teaches in Brooklyn, NY:
September 2007
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I have a kindergarten child that is very bright but is always poking, touching, and bothering other students. When I talk to him about it he seems to think it is funny. I need an effective way to help him keep his hands to himself!
This month's question comes from Becki, who teaches in Mansfield, PA:
October 2007
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I have a kindergarten child that is very bright but is always poking, touching, and bothering other students. When I talk to him about it he seems to think it is funny. I need an effective way to help him keep his hands to himself!
This month's question comes from Becki, who teaches in Mansfield, PA:
October 2007
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What is a good way to teach children (Kindergarten and First) to be quieter in the classroom?
This month's question comes from Karen, who teaches in Philadelphia, PA:
November 2007
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What is a good way to teach children (Kindergarten and First) to be quieter in the classroom?
This month's question comes from Karen, who teaches in Philadelphia, PA:
November 2007
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How do you help the chronically disorganized child?
This month's question comes from Amanda, who teaches in Houston, TX:
December 2007
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How do you help the chronically disorganized child?
This month's question comes from Amanda, who teaches in Houston, TX:
December 2007
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I teach a reading group in the Success For All literacy program. Any ideas on how to make it more fun while still meeting all required parts in the 90 minute time period?
This month's question comes from Donna, who teaches in Lebanon, OH:
January 2008
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I teach a reading group in the Success For All literacy program. Any ideas on how to make it more fun while still meeting all required parts in the 90 minute time period?
This month's question comes from Donna, who teaches in Lebanon, OH:
January 2008
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I am looking for ideas for grandparents day. The class has to do a 15 minute program in the classroom for the parents and grandparents. Do you have suggestions that would make sense for pre-k and kindergarten.
This month's question comes from Norma, who teaches in Carencro, LA:
February 2008
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How do you get students to slow down and focus on work instead of rushing so they can do something else?
This month's question comes from Mary, who teaches in Lafayette, IN:
March 2008
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Calling all Kindergarten Teachers. My collegue and I are going to be teaching 'single gender' classes next year. We currently have 5 sections of all day/every day Kindergarten. Next year we will be offering 3 "traditional" and 1 all boy and 1 all girl cla
This month's question was sent in by Cherie, who teaches in Fennville, Michigan:
April 2008
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Calling all Kindergarten Teachers. My collegue and I are going to be teaching 'single gender' classes next year. We currently have 5 sections of all day/every day Kindergarten. Next year we will be offering 3 'traditional' and 1 all boy and 1 all girl cla
This month's question was sent in by Cherie, who teaches in Fennville, Michigan:
April 2008
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I would like ideas for first-day activities, crafts, etc. for my first & second grade students. I would appreciate any ideas, thanks!
This month's question was sent in by Donna, who teaches in Tulsa, OK:
May 2008
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Does anyone have any great activities for Kindergarten or first graders to do on the first day/week of school?
This month's question was sent in by Connie, who teaches in Ukiah, CA:
June 2008
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Does anyone have any great activities for Kindergarten or first graders to do on the first day/week of school?
This month's question was sent in by Connie, who teaches in Ukiah, CA:
June 2008
Click here to read answers...

Does anyone have a really good and simple discipline management system that's easy to implement with 1st graders, and more importantly, easy to stick with throughout the year?
This month's question was sent in by Cindy , who teaches in Cedar Park, TX:
July 2008
Click here to read answers...

I am looking for activities for the first few days of school for a very high energy group.
This month's question was sent in by Deb , who teaches in West Chicago, IL:
August 2008
Click here to read answers...


Can you help answer this month's question?

Q: This month's question was sent in by Deb , who teaches in West Chicago, IL:

I am looking for activities for the first few days of school for a very high energy group.



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