SpiritLine offers thousands of school spirit
items, apparel, mascots, decorations, cheer / dance gear, and sports
products. They also offer fundraising products, prom supplies and
homecoming supplies. Their guaranteed quality merchandise is offered at
competitive prices and always comes with FREE customization.
School Party
Room mothers or parent volunteers will appreciate these quick and speedy
tips for classroom party games. Use for back to school party, classroom
holiday parties or end of year school party.
Educational Classroom Games - Simple Hand-made
These ideas may work for classroom incentives or at a holiday party to
keep kids entertained and amused. Try these classroom party ideas, tips,
and games in the classroom or at your next school party.
Contributed by: Inez Haythorn buffy@christianfamilytreasures.com
Christian Family Treasures http://www.christianfamilytreasures.com
After teaching for many years, I have learned several ways to use games
in the classroom. Games are a good way to get kids motivated to practice
skills, and they hardly realize they are learning. These can also be
used at home with your own kids. They can be used with any subject and
require a minimal amount of materials. Usually the only materials needed
are paper, index cards, construction paper, markers or crayons, pencils,
scissors. Sometimes dice and game markers are also used. None of these
games are my originals. They are well-known, common games that I have
adapted to classroom use.
BINGO
This can be used with math facts, spelling words, vocabulary words,
or just about anything else you can think of.
(Any number of players. If only two players, take turns calling.)
1. Make a 5x5 grid on paper. The blocks should be no smaller than 1
square inch. Make grids for every player.
2. Each player puts the answers at random in the blocks, making sure to
label the free spot in the middle.
(This way no two grids are alike.) There should always be more answers
than spaces. If not, everyone will win!
3. Cut out small pieces of paper for markers. At school I pass out
colored construction paper. We make markers to go with the colors of the
season, such as red and green for Christmas.
4. Make a master list of answers. These could be words or math problems.
5. The caller says a word or a problem.
6. If the players have that answer, they cover it.
7. The first player to have 5 spaces covered across, up and down, or
diagonally, is the winner. That player gets to be the next caller.
(Variation: Have a smaller grid with only 3x3 spaces. This would be
better for younger children.)
FOUR SQUARE
(Two players or two teams.)
1. Draw a master grid on a large piece of construction paper or tag
board. It should have 25 blocks, 5x5.
2. Make markers out of construction paper in two different colors.
3. Create a list of words, questions, or math problems.
4. The caller asks a question. Player #1 answers. If he is correct,
he/she gets to place a marker anywhere on the grid.
5. Player #2 is asked a question. If he/she is correct, he/she places a
marker of the other color.
6. The object of the game is for one color to get four in a row, while
at the same time preventing the other team from getting four in a row.
It can be across, up and down, or diagonal.
7. The first person or team to get four in a row is the winner.
(Variation: Make a smaller version of the game by using a tic-tac-toe
grid.)
CONCENTRATION
(Two players. Can be used with spelling words, math problems, or any
other subject.)
1. Each player makes 20 cards out of construction paper. Plain or
colored index cards may also be used.
2. With a marker or crayon, write a word on each card. Make sure the
word doesn't show through on the other side.
3. When both players are ready, they shuffle their own cards and place
them face down in 4 rows of 5 in front of them.
4. Player 1 picks one of his cards and one of the opponents. If they
match, he keeps both cards. If not, they must be placed face down
exactly where they were.
5. If the cards match, that player may keep picking until he misses.
6. Player 2 does the same thing.
7. When all the cards are gone, the player with the most cards is the
winner.
BOARD GAME
(2-4 players.)
1. Get a large piece of construction paper or tag board.
2. Draw a game board pattern of anything you would like on it. It could
be a pathway of squares or a curved path.
3. Number the blocks on the path from 1 to 50. But at random, place an
"x" instead of a number. There should be at least 10 "x's" on the board.
4. Have a prepared set of questions, words, or problems. Players need a
marker and a set of dice.
5. Caller asks player 1 a question. If she answers it correctly, she
rolls the dice and moves that number of spaces.
6. The same procedure goes for player 2.
7. If a player lands on an "x", they must go backwards to the last "x".
8. The first player to reach the finish block is the winner. They must
have an exact roll to land on the finish or stay where they are.
I hope your children enjoy these games. They are tried and true in the
classroom. My students are always asking me to play these games. We use
them to practice math facts, spelling words, and to review for tests.
Learning can be fun and games!
Inez Haythorn is a Christian wife, mother, elementary
school teacher, pianist, and freelance writer. She is the publisher of
Christian Family Treasures, a website full of resources for women, moms,
parents, and families. Her goal is to glorify and honor God, and bless
and help others. Copyright 2003. All rights reserved. http://www.christianfamilytreasures.com
This article provided by the Family Content Archives at:
http://www.Family-Content.com
Moms: 7 Tips to Organize Your School Kids
by Barbara Myers - barbmyers@adelphia.net
Getting Organized Saves Time http://www.ineedmoretime.com
1. Place near the door a rack for outerwear and a shelf or mat for
shoes. Have kids deposit their coats, hats, gloves, shoes upon entering.
Each evening, they replace with tomorrow's shoes and jackets.
2. Have kids empty their backpacks when they arrive home. Provide a
basket in which they can place anything for parents' review.
3. Make sure your kids have a well-lit place to do homework. Teach them
to use in/out trays to ensure no homework is missed.
4. Give them chores. Teachers report that kids who regularly do chores
at home are more responsible in the classroom.
5. Help kids manage their time. Teach them to list all their
responsibilities (chores, homework, soccer practice) and how much time
each will take.
6. Prepare each evening. Pick out clothes and shoes. Pack lunches. Set
out breakfast. Place backpack by the door.
7. Make an out-the-door checklist. Note everything they need to take to
school. Post it on the door.
Barbara Myers is a professional organizer and author of
The Complete Guide to Organized Parenting. FREE "50 Ways to Manage Your
Time" Tips Booklet. Visit http://www.ineedmoretime.com This article
provided by the Family Content Archives at: http://www.Family-Content.com
A Bouquet of Wishes for our School Secretary
This poem is a humorous gift for a school secretary and a fun
way to say Happy Secretaries Day, thanks for a great year or happy
retirement. (On a poster board glue a seed packet by each stanza of the
flower mentioned; embellish with colorful flower graphics or cutouts)
A bouquet of wishes for Secretaries Day
A caretaker of many from August to May
Before our eyes she begins to bloom
Good "Morning Glory" we all chime in tune
But something happens as the "Phlox" gather near
She begins to wilt and the smile disappears
Our instincts tell us things are looking slim
As those "Snapdragon" buds begin to dim
We see her "Impatiens" grow by the hour
And we know that something is going sour
What a relief when "Four O’clock" rolls around
And our poor secretary can split these school grounds
Its home to her husband we see her flee
To cuddle and snuggle and be his "Sweet Pea"
Written by: Diane Pollitt
PartyMerchant.com
http://www.partymerchant.com
