Help with Cleaning up the Classroom

I usually need reminders of good ideas, and this is one I've heard many times before but always seem to forget when the classroom is messiest. 


Play secret scrap.  Tell kids that there is a certain piece of garbage or debris on the ground and that you will reward the student who picks it up with a prize.  (Sticker, pencil, etc)  This little trick usually gets every piece of everything picked up off the floor and you don't have to try to find the broom or crawl around the floor picking everything up while trying to leave on time.

Mailbox DEALS 5 for $10!!

Mailbox is a staple in the teaching world.  I'm sure you know all about it!  Right now they have activity and theme books on closeout $3 each or 5 for $10.  Some of these would be great to keep in your substitute bag, if you sub in elementary school often.


Their graphic........

1. Click this email and shop for Closeouts. No coupon code is needed. 2. Add 5 or more Closeouts to your shopping cart and each Closeout item will drop to only $2!

While supplies last. No adjustments on previous purchases. Subject to change without notice. Qualifying items are found on the page titled "Closeouts".

Interesting ways to take roll....

I hate taking roll. It's super important for us, but the kids see no value in it and even the best classes can't stay quiet and attentive the entire time.  Their only bright spot is getting to take it to the office.  Hopefully I see that kid again.  I haven't on a few occasions in the upper grades.

I was reading the blog "Dr. Jean & Friends".  She has some great ideas for ECE and Kindergarten teachers, which is what I have been doing the last few months.  One of her posts sparked a great idea for subs. 

Give students a question and have them answer instead of saying "Here" or "Present".   Here are her suggestions, which could be altered for older kids but they would probably like to answer these questions as well. 

Here are a few starters:
If you were an animal, what would you be?
If you found a genie in a bottle, what would you wish for?
If you were a candy bar, what would you be?
What is the theme song for your life?
What book character would you like to change places with?
If you found $100, what would you buy?
If you could go on a magic carpet ride, where would you go?
Happiness is…
If I were the teacher I would…

Younger kids will probably give you one or two word answers, but you might want to limit it for the older ones. Maybe three words or less.

Easy Art Projects to keep kids busy.

I sometimes offer a prize if the kids get the project done by the end of the day, with certain instructions of course.  You can't give me a sloppy mess and expect a prize.

The longest line is super easy and comes out pretty cool. It's even easy enough for Little Firsties.