Day 1 - Classroom Tips from Vegas!

I just got back from attending an education conference in exciting Las Vegas!  I couldn't get to my computer fast enough to share with you some awesome tips for your classroom I discovered while talking to other teachers while I was there.  I will be sharing them for the next few here on my blog.

Day 1  - Tips from Karen from Cool School with Karen



Karen uses engaging Powerpoint presentations to introduce grammar in her classroom.  Her favorite lesson is called "Contraction Surgery - Contraction General Hospital".  

Contraction Surgery is not a new concept.  But Karen explained to me why this product is special.

She used this approach for a few years, but could always imagine a more exciting video clip playing inside her head.  Her teacher partners say that she sees everything in life through Power Points. She says it took a LOT of work to create this slideshow, but it definitely had the desired effect.  Upper grade teachers tell her that her former second-graders still talk about Contraction General Surgery! They encourage their teachers to show it in class to the kids who are new and haven't seen it.  

The Power Point includes embedded sounds and actions. She always cracks up when the kids react to the excised letter turning red and dropping off.  

Karen also has a free download of a quick assessment you can use after the lesson.  Click on the picture below to print a copy. 

Karen told me that this approach has helped parents understand how to spell contractions.  She says that if she can play even a small part in the "War on Apostrophe Abuse," she will have lived a worthwhile life.  You gotta love a teacher with a sense of humor!

Stop by tomorrow to read about another Tip from Vegas!  And to learn more about the conference in Vegas, read the following Linky Party posts by clicking on the picture below.