Category Archives: Best Practices

Articles that gives ideas or suggestions for best teaching practices.

Creating a memorable first day of school

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As the start of a new academic year is upon us, educators all over the country are contemplating ways to create a successful first day of school. Here are a few thoughts.

Think about what you want to accomplish with your students, right from the start. Of course, classroom management is important, but current educational philosophy suggests that classroom management is easiest when students are actively engaged in stimulating and meaningful activities. So, avoid reading aloud a list of your classroom rules and expectations or your course syllabus. Also, don’t plan a lecture. It’s a snore for the kids, and your throat will be sore by the end of the day.

To create a memorable first day, plan an activity that introduces students to your classroom values. Presumably these values would include respect for peers and working well together. Consider ice-breakers that encourages students to interact with each other. Reward them for learning the names of their classmates. It’s also a great idea to try and learn the names of your students as quickly as possible so that you can greet them by name on their second day. Also, create activities that give kids opportunities to help you and their classmates get to know what is unique about them. Example activities would include a round of Two Truths and a Lie, a Shoe Pile Mingle, or Never Have I Ever.

Another customary classroom value emphasizes the joy of learning. Many teachers want their class to be an exciting adventure as they and their students explore learning together. Crafting an activity that is interactive introduces this classroom value right from the beginning. Consider planning a trivia game, collaborative drawing, or a scavenger hunt.

Whatever you plan for that first day, just be sure it is stimulating and engaging. The time will be well spent if the effort kicks off the school year with a sense of excitement for your class or subject. And that list of classroom rules an expectations and the course syllabus? Consider emailing these to parents before the school year begins, and having them reply that they have received it, perhaps with a simple phrase such as “I Agree.” Or use the communication as an opportunity to invite parents to dialogue with you about their child’s individual needs or concerns.

Above all, have a great year!

The start of a new school year is just around the corner!

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As much as teachers would like summer vacation to go on forever, we cannot deny that the end of summer is rapidly approaching. The start of a new school year is just around the corner. Getting ready for the upcoming school year requires a great deal of planning. Here is a helpful list of tips to help you prepare. Some suggestions are more suitable for elementary teachers, other suggestions are better for secondary teachers, and some are useful for both levels. Adapted from ThoughtCo. Enjoy!

  • Write and mail or email a welcome letter to parents and students
  • Create name tags for students and their desks
  • Read through student files to help determine placement in groups and activities
  • Determine desk arrangement and create seating charts
  • Decorate and put up bulletin boards
  • Decorate the front door
  • Determine the rules and consequences or how you will have the class decide upon the rules
  • Organize first-day ice-breakers
  • Collect activities and design lessons for the first week of school
  • Become familiar with the class computer and other technology needed for the classroom
  • Decide how to welcome students and introduce them to the rules and procedures
  • Develope a substitute folder
  • Create a list of classroom jobs
  • Introduce yourself to fellow teachers and staff members
  • Set up your classroom calendar
  • Organize the classroom library, if you have one
  • Make copies of forms and worksheets you want to send home the first week
  • Have all systems in order (homework basket, paperwork basket, etc.)
  • Create or purchase a lesson plan organizer and calendar
  • Gather teacher materials and supplies
  • Set up a class web page to communicate with students and parents
  • Purchase or acquire any classroom supplies that are needed
  • Obtain a copy of the district curriculum standards for your courses
  • Prepare a folder for faculty meetings and information
  • Make copies of materials for the first couple of weeks
  • Post emergency evacuation map and procedures
  • Acquire or stock a first aid kit
  • Decide how to manage homework
  • Decide how to manage using the restroom (bathroom passes, etc.)
Source: ThoughtCo

A visit to Boston’s Old North Church offers a great learning opportunity

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Hal Marzell examines a statue of Paul Revere in the shadow of the steeple of Boston’s Old North Church. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

Most teachers would agree that travel, in addition to being fun and intellectually stimulating, is one of the most meaningful learning experiences available for both themselves and their students. And summer vacation is a great opportunity for travel! Recently, my husband and I returned from a vacation to Boston, Massachusetts. There we visited many sites of historical significance. One of them was the Old North Church, a site of historical significance since our nation’s Colonial times.

Constructed in 1723, the Old North Church is the oldest standing church building in the city of Boston. The place is famous for its role in Paul Revere’s midnight ride, which took place on April 18, 1775. That night, the church’s sexton, Robert Newman, hung a signal lantern in the steeple which put Revere and other Colonial rebels on alert that British troops were on the move against the patriots. “One of by land, two if by sea,” says Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his famous 1860 poem about the event. The event precipitated the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which launched the American Revolution.

The Old North Church is famous for its role in Paul Revere’s midnight ride, which precipitated the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

Today, the Old North Church is one of 17 stops along the Freedom Trail, a two-and-a-half mile path that traces landmarks related to the birth of our nation. You and your students could benefit greatly from a stroll along this trail, and if you are able to do so in person, and a stop at this church is an absolute must. The church is located at 193 Salem Street in Boston, and there is an entrance fee of $5 per person to enter. If you are unable to escort your class in person, you can encourage your students to consult this official website, The Old North Church, or direct them to this website developed by The Freedom Trail Foundation.

No matter how you choose to explore this historic location, I wish you happy learning!

Explore the New Massachusetts State House, in person or virtually

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One of the best ways to create meaningful experiential learning experiences is travel. A great place to travel to is Boston, Massachusetts. In a city full of historical sites and fascinating museums, one of the most interesting is the New Massachusetts State House. Any state capitol building is fun to tour—and we have been to several of them—but the Massachusetts State House is one of the most beautiful, and is particularly steeped in early American history, so I would encourage teachers and students to visit this one especially.

The Greek Revival-inspired architecture and the golden dome of the New Massachusetts State House in Boston is graced by the equestrian statue honoring Civil War hero General Joseph Hooker. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

The New Massachusetts State House is one of the oldest state capitol buildings currently in use. The structure, designed by 19th-century American architect Charles Bulfinch, is considered a masterpiece of Federal architecture and among this architect’s finest works. In fact, the building was designated a national Historic Landmark for its architectural significance.

Located on the summit of Beacon Hill, the State House is easily recognizable by its Greek Revival-inspired architecture and its beautiful golden dome. The dome was originally constructed of wood, which was later covered in copper by Paul Revere in 1802. In 1874, the dome was covered in a very thin layer of gold leaf, and that’s what gives it such a brilliant hue. Numerous statues of Massachusetts heroes can be found on the grounds, including an equestrian statue of General Joseph Hooker, a Civil War hero who fought on the Union side, and a bronze sculpture of President John F. Kennedy.

This beautiful House of Representatives chamber in the New Massachusetts State House is graced by lovely wood paneling and spectacular decorative elements. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

The location of state government for over 200 years, the New Massachusetts State House is also a museum reflecting the history of the Commonwealth since it early beginnings in colonial times. The structure features nine historic spaces, including the Massachusetts House of Representatives and  Senate. Also highlighted are paintings, sculptures, stained-glass windows, artifacts, and decorative arts commemorating the people and events that helped to shape not only the Massachusetts Commonwealth, but also the nation.

The New State House is well worth a visit, but if it is not possible to escort your students on an in-person visit, you can encourage them to explore this excellent online virtual tour of the facility.

Whether you travel to the  New Massachusetts State House in person or virtually, I wish you and your students happy learning!

The USS Constitution offers opportunities in experiential learning

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Many educators would agree that one of the best methods of experiential learning is travel. Travel allows the student to fully experience a locale with all the senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. And one of the most rewarding destinations for travel for both students and teachers is Boston, Massachusetts.

The author’s husband, Hal Marzell, explores the USS Constitution, often referred to by the nickname Old Ironsides. The ship is berthed at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo credit: Terry Lee Marzell

My husband, Hal, and I made a pilgrimage to this historic city last month. There we visited many sites associated with our nation’s history. One of the places we toured is the museum ship named the USS Constitution. This venerable ship is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a US National Historical Landmark.

The USS Constitution is the world’s oldest ship still afloat. Launched in 1797, the vessel is best known for its action during the War of 1812. During this conflict, the crew of the Constitution‘s defeated no less than four British frigates during three separate battles. She accomplished this feat with only 44 canons! One of these engagements was against the HMS Guierriere, a formidable foe boasting 100 guns. During the battle, it appeared as if the enemy’s cannonballs could not penetrate the Constitution‘s strong oak hull, and that’s how she earned her nickname Old Ironsides.

Author Terry Lee Marzell explores the deck of the USS Constitution, experimenting with turning the ship’s large helm. Photo credit: Hal Marzell

Still fully-commissioned by the US Navy, the ship is manned by a crew of 75 officers and sailors on active duty. During the hours the vessel is open to the public, some of these sailors serve as interpretive historians and are available to answer questions and ensure public safety, if any teacher is able to escort a class to the site for a visit.

The USS Constitution is berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard on Boston’s Freedom Trail. Admission is free. A museum is also located on the grounds and provides engaging and hands-on experiences for visitors. Here students can explore how the ship was built, sailed, and preserved. If you are unable to escort your class on a tour of the ship, your students can explore the following website:  USS Constitution.

Whether you and your students visit the site in person or online, I wish you happy learning!