Resources                                                                        

In the Keeping Them Engaged Faculty Development Seminar and Keeping Them Engaged Train-the-Trainer Workshop, some of the strategies I share are about how to effectively use games, costumes, and props to engage a class.  Listed below are some game, costume, and prop resources.  In addition, I have included some links to educator resources and software I have found helpful.


Games/Puzzles

Some of the most effective tools I have implemented in my classes have been games and puzzles.  Game Show Presenter, listed below, is one of the most popular tools with my students.

Game Show Presenter

Crossword Compiler

Word Search Puzzle Maker Software

Software

I have found the software listed below to be invaluable. The titles listed have helped me focus on teaching by assisting with administrative tasks.

Dragon Naturally Speaking	Cuts grading/class prep time significantly (see Prof video)
TextAloud Download	Prep for your class while driving, working out, etc.
Acronis Disk Director	Easiest tool I have used for better PC performance
CoffeeCup Direct FTP	Simple FTP program that gets your web pages up quick
BasicMouse	Disables certain mouse & keyboard functions - Great for kids
NewsAloud Download	Keep current with news to bring relevance to your class

Costumes

I have found that using costumes is a very effective way to engage a class.  However, test results have shown that costumes go beyond engaging the students. The results have shown high retention rates of the material when costumes are used.

Costumes can be used in any discipline to help bring the content alive.

Sherlock Holmes	Sherlock Holmes Cap	Police Officer
Renaissance	Abraham Lincoln	Pilgram
British Redcoat	Patriot	Ben Franklin
George Washington (1)	George Washington (2)	Frontierman
Statue of Liberty	Colonial Woman	Prairie Lady
Pilgrim Woman	Native American Man	Native American Woman
Native American Chief	King	Napolean
International (Men) 1	International (Men) 2	Confederate Soldier
Union Soldier	Union Officer	Confederate Officer
Colonial Shirt	Colonial General	Colonial Captain
Colonial American Man	Old West	Uncle Sam
Historic/Patriotic (General)	Judge	Colonial Mop Cap
Native American Wigs	Knight's Helmet	Native American Headdress
Civil War - Union Soldier Hat	Viking Helmet	Pilgrim Hat
Civil War - Confederate Soldier Hat	King Crown	Judge Wig
Civil War - Confederate Officer Hat	French Aristocrat Wig	Pilgram/Colonial Hats
Civil War - Union Officer Hat	Viking	Uncle Sam Hats
Frontierman's Coonskin Cap	Charles Dickens	Surgeon
Charles Dickens Coat	Astronaut	Doctor
Safari Hat	Police Officer Hat	Chef Hat
Construction Worker Hat	Einstein Wig	Spanish Senorita Wig
Romeo	Juliet	Beards/Moustaches

Props

If you have attended the Keeping Them Engaged Faculty Development Seminar or Keeping Them Engaged Train-the-Trainer Workshop, you saw me demonstrate the power of props.  Included below are some of the props that have helped students maximize their retention of the subject matter.

Giant Sunglasses	Stethoscope	Movie Clapper Board
Jumbo Magnifying Glass	Gavel	Historic/Patriotic Props
Posters

Educator Resources

This list will be in ongoing development due to the continuation of finding additional resources to share with you.

journeyEd.com	Educational discounts up to 85% on Microsoft Software
Crayola Store's Educator Page	Great site for educators that use Crayola products
Teacher Tips & Ideas	Ideas and tips especially for teachers
Google For Educators	Google's dedicated site for educator resources
Bigger & Brighter	Book lights and reading accessories
Copyright & Fair Use Info	Copyright & Fair Use information for educators
NCCET	National Council for Continuing Education & Training