Table of Contents
Preface ix
Purpose ix
Intended Audience and Anticipated Uses ix
Knowledge Base of the Book x
Overview of the Scope and Organization x
Acknowledgments xii
About the Author xv
Introduction xvii
1 Classroom Environment 1
2 Parent Communications 9
Beginning of the Year Letter 9
Weekly Newsletter 14
Open House Newsletter 20
Open House Video 26
Conferences 27
Telephone Communications 32
Written Communications 33
Bridging the Communication Gap 33
3 Parent Involvement 35
Parents as Tutors 36
Parents as Guest Speakers or Readers 37
Parents as Lunch Buddies 37
Parents as Chaperones and Classroom Helpers 37
Dealing With Conflicts 38
4 Discipline 39
Rules and Consequences 39
Structure 41
Documentation 42
5 Instructional Planning 47
Long-Range Planning 48
Short-Range Planning 69
Teamwork in Planning 70
Planning for a Substitute 74
Planning for the First Day of School 78
Planning for a Typical School Day 82
Planning for the End of the Year 83
6 Developing Themes 87
Weather Unit 88
Vowel Search 105
Theme as a Gift 110
7 Instructional Presentation 111
Beginning 111
Middle 112
Ending 115
8 Differentiation of instruction 117
Layering Assignments 118
Grouping 118
Centers 126
9 Student Assessment and Record Keeping 129
Creating Student Portfolios 129
Setting Up and Maintaining Grade Books 130
Completing Report Cards 131
Grading Daily Work 133
Grading Homework 134
10 Using Technology in the Classroom 135
Use of Computers 135
Using the Computer as a Communication Tool 136
Using the Computer to Plan and Research 136
Using the Computer to Develop Student Activities 137
Student Use of Computers 144
Use of Photography in the Classroom 145
11 Planning for Special Events 147
Class Parries 147
Field Trips 150
12 Professionalism of Teaching 153
Relationships With Others 153
Getting Involved With School Committees 154
Getting Involved With Professional Organizations 154
Creating a Professional Portfolio 155
Conclusion 156
Index 157
