How to use the chalkboard effectevely

In the elementary grades the school usually have chalkboards and as I am not used to write on them I look for recommendations on how to use it as effective tools and here I will share them with you:


How to Use the Chalkboard As an Effective

With the emergence of technology and digital media in the classroom, teachers have a variety of resources at their fingertips including interactive whiteboards and student laptops. However, the age-old chalkboard still can be an effective teaching tool with today's tech-savvy students, and in many cases is more reliable than its electronic counterparts. When using the chalkboard as a teaching tool, consider several aspects to ensure that effective teaching occurs.

Instructions

Practice good chalkboard hygiene by eliminating dust and keeping the chalkboard clean. A clean chalkboard makes writing easier to see, which makes teaching and learning more effective for all involved. Appoint a student to wash the chalkboard and ledges at the end of each day, so it is ready for the next school day. Appoint another student to vacuum out the erasers once each week in order to keep dust to a minimum.

Use different colored chalk to draw attention to specific words or concepts during teaching. However, keep in mind that some colors may be more difficult to see than others. Ask students which colors are easiest to read and use those ones. Additionally, ensure that you write big enough, so each student in the room can see equally well. Avoid glare by closing window blinds during certain parts of the day.

Erase irrelevant material from the chalkboard that may distract from what you are teaching. If a chalkboard is filled with information from several prior lessons, some students may have trouble focusing on the pertinent information for the lesson.

Use the chalkboard on a predictable, consistent basis. For example, write a morning activity on the chalkboard for students to do each morning upon their arrival at school. Students will become accustomed to looking at the chalkboard as they enter the room to complete the daily assignment.

Involve the students in using the chalkboard. Do not make the assumption that in order to effectively teach, you must be the one doing the teaching. A teacher can become a facilitator when involving students in activities and games that encourage learning. For example, play "Addition Race" using the chalkboard. Divide the class into two equal teams and have them stand an equal distance from the chalkboard. In front of each team, write 10 to 15 addition questions on the chalkboard. Have a player from each team approach the chalkboard and complete his choice of a question. The team that completes all of the questions first is the winner.

http://www.ehow.com/how_7616186_use-chalkboard-effective-teaching-tool.html#ixzz22SF4sPhf

Numbers from 1 to 15

Level: 1st grade
Subject: Numbers from 1 to 15
Objectives:
The student will be able to build number recognition
The student will be able to reinforce basic counting and additions

Procedures:

Write the list of numbers from 1 to 15 on the board with the corresponding word. Students must copy

Students learn how to read additions with symbols. Teacher write a practice in the board with many examples

Delete some numbers and words randomly and have students come up to the board and complete the blank fields
Read the book Numbers Bilingual and ask students to count the objects in each page
Students read the complete addition with numbers and symbols and after doing the practice some of the them come to the front to write the result and read the complete addition
Teacher check notebooks and sign the complete and correct practice also provides feedback.

Vocabulary:

+ : plus

= : equal

Numbers 1-15

Laps
Crayons
Candles
Pencils
Beach balls
Other vocabulary from the  book (colors, animals, objects)

Bibliographical resource: book Numbers Bilingual (Stop look and learn, BENDON PUBLISHING INC. 2004)

The clock

Level: 2nd grade
Subject: The clock
Objects: Students are able to describe the correct time in the clock using the o`clock times

Procedure:
Teacher draws a big clock in the board and explain what o`clock means with the arrows in the clock.  Provide examples: It is three o`clock

Teacher do six clocks in the board to have students practicing;  students must write down the corresponding hours as in the example (numbers in letters). What time is in this clock?

Prepositions of place

Level: 1st grade
Subject: Prepositions of place
Objective: Students will be able to follow instructions with prepositions of place

Instructions:

 Close the book and clean your desk.

Leave only the cartridge case with the glue and eraser in your desk.

When  the teacher say in; put the glue and eraser in the cartridge case. On; put the glue and the eraser on the cartridge case. Under; raise the cartridge case. Between; put the cartridge case in the middle of the glue and eraser. (Do a little practice)

The max. of points per student are: 4 points (1 per preposition)

Procedure:  The teacher calls one student to come to the front desk and plays with the instructions I give to him/her.  Depending on the prepositions I say and his performance accordingly obtain the corresponding points

After the majority of students participate, the instructions are given by other student and not the teacher. This will increase the excitement and participation from a different perspective.

Get student`s attention in the classroom

In order to keep the class interesting we must plan accordingly but it is also very important to know hwo to get students attention in class so here are some tips I found:

Tips to Get a Student's Attention in the Classroom

Gain the attention of students by communicating in ways that interest young people. Use a consistent method to take control of your classroom, such as a sound, silence, signal or structure. Build shifts of thought into your teaching, avoiding one topic or one perspective for too long. Share the importance of paying attention by highlighting the potential payoff of quality learning and better grades.

Sound

·         Call your class to order by ringing a bell, playing music or chanting a fun cadence the class responds to. Teach the students a hand-clap pattern, and use it to garner their attention by clapping in that way and having them repeat it until the whole class is paying attention. Preempt confusing chatter by immediately speaking after each period bell rings.

Silence

·         Ask an interesting question, and wait for the response. Show a picture and wait a few moments before speaking, using the awkward pause to gain the attention of your class. Use intentional eye contact with disruptive students, locking your gaze upon them until they recognize you.

Speak in a normal voice and say, "If you can hear my voice, please quiet those around you so we can continue." Wait before speaking again, hinting that class will not progress until order has been established.

Hold up a jar of treats, such as candy or small toys, and remain quiet until the kids calm each other down. Reward those who help bring the room to attention.

Signal

·         Change the lighting in the room by flipping the switches back and forth or darkening a lit room. Raise your hand, signaling that the rest of the class is to raise their hands until every one has quieted down and given you their attention. Play a mirroring game, asking students to repeat the hand signals or faces you make.

Structure

·         Explain the purpose of each lesson you teach and its relevance to your students' lives. Write important words on the board, using pictures and diagrams to further illustrate key points. Hand out manipulatives and supplemental material for advanced students who may finish their work early.

Assign students to seats that put them next to others who won't distract them from their work. Move unruly students closer to your desk, and partner them with others during group activities. Supply what they need to complete their assignments.

Instruct students to take notes during lessons, and randomly check their notebooks to grade this. Give a manageable amount of work that each student is capable of completing. Scan the classroom and frequently reinforce positive behavior. Pass out prize coupons to students who follow instructions.

Shift

·         Write key words or pictures on the board or overhead projector while teaching. Illustrate an important point with an activity, such as having students draw a picture that represents their understanding of what you've just shared. Show a comic strip that pertains to the lesson and ask everyone to assign a caption to it.

Change the way you call upon students, such as "If you have a watch on, stand up. This next question is for you." Look for those in your class you normally get overlooked, and give them the chance to offer their thoughts.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/list_7643754_tips-students-attention-classroom.html

Places in the school

Level: 3rd grade
Subject: Places in the school
Objective: Students will be able to consolidate their learning on places in the school thru Bingo game.
Procedure:
Bingo game:

—  Make couples and give each couple a Bingo card and 9 beans
—  Explain the game; recognize the picture for each place that the teacher says if it is in your card. Put a bean on it
—  It can be play in different ways such as 4 corners, full card, X, etc.
—  In order to win the students must have the drawing matching correct and be able to write the corresponding places (in the board)  and read the words in front of the class


Vocabulary:
English class
Boys` restrooms
Girls` restrooms
Playground
Principal office
Gym
School
Hall
Classroom
Lunch
Lunch room
Art class
Music class
Computer lab
Library


You can personalize you Bingo cards in here:
http://www.toolsforeducators.com/bingo/school.php

Traditional games

Level: 2nd grade
Subject: Traditional & Modern games
Objectives:
Students will be able to practice pronunciation for traditional and modern games through play

Procedures:
Mimic game
·         The group is divided in 2 and they select a name for their team.
·         2-3 students are called by the teacher to represent a traditional game with a corresponding card; students cannot talk nor do gestures to respond to their partners while they are guessing
·         If the response is in Spanish the point doesn`t count
·         After some rounds the students called to the front can choose another game that is not in the book.
The team with more points win

Action Cards for: Eyes closed, opposite hand, mimic, simple draw, wild card.

 Vocabulary:

Hide and seek

Telephone
Freeze Tag
Ride bikes
Yo-yos
Marbles
Jump the rope
Others