Sound Machines in the Classroom to Increase Productivity and Decrease Distractions

So, here’s a weird concept. My  husband has been working in the construction field as an electrician for the past five years. He has wired offices from Sales Force to Facebook, Twitter to We Work. A common thread amongst a majority of the office projects has been overhead sound machines built into the ceilings. The speaker system emits a hum throughout the common work space. One barely even notices the steady thrum unless it is unexpectedly turned off. This got me thinking, what if I added a sound machine to my classroom?

Read on for the results…

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Classroom Management Strategies That Work

The beginning of the school year is well underway, and your knowledge about each of your students is growing. If you have not done so already, now is the time to begin instilling clear expectations for your students about how you want your class to run. Whether you’re a veteran teacher or this is your first year, aside from building strong relationships with your students, classroom management is the most important thing you can do to keep your classroom running smoothly for the rest of the school year.

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Building a Supportive Community: The Importance of Teacher Networks

Let’s dive into something that can elevate your teaching experience from solitary confinement to a vibrant, collaborative adventure: building a supportive teacher network. Imagine a space where you can swap lesson plans, vent about the challenges of integrating new technology like AI in the classroom, and celebrate the small wins that only fellow teachers truly understand. Ready to make that a reality? Let's go!

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Unmasking the Mysteries of Student Writing: A Teacher's Guide to the Chrome Extension Revision History

Ever wonder if your students are wizards of words or if there's some digital magic afoot in their writing? As teachers, we strive to nurture genuine creativity and honest effort. But in the age of AI, how do we ensure that the essays and reports we receive are truly the fruits of our students' labor?

Enter the Chrome Extension: Revision History. This handy tool doesn't just track changes—it reveals the story behind every keystroke. Let’s delve into how this can be your new favorite classroom assistant.

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How to Engage Middle Schoolers with Spooky Podcasts : A Perfect Halloween Lesson

As Halloween approaches, finding engaging, educational activities that capture the spirit of the season can be a challenge. This year, I’ve designed a lesson that taps into middle school students' love for spooky stories through podcasts, paired with a deep dive into the psychology of fear. It’s a blend of literature, science, and, of course, a whole lot of chills—perfect for the Halloween season.

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