Resources
In
the Keeping
Them Engaged 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.
Study/Nap Music
I composed a CD entitled Celestial
Journeys
with Steve Fish that has been used in the classroom for study and/or
nap time depending on the grade level. It was also featured
in IMAX theatres and aboard airlines to create relaxing environments.
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01. Departure 02. Into The Heavens 03. Astronomical Awe 04. New Horizons 05. Andromeda 06. Voyager 07. Twinkle Of A Star 08. Far Away 09. The Space Between 10. Edge Of The Frontier |
11. Undiscovered 12. What In The World 13. DreamSpace 14. Discovery 15. The Heavens 16. StarLife 17. Retrospective 18. Closer To Home 19. Down To Earth 20. Touching Down |
|
$9.99 |
Click
any track above to hear a sample. After listening to the sample, please click the Back button on your browser to return to this page. |
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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
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
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.
Below are many costume ideas for use in the classroom:
| Sherlock Holmes | Sherlock Holmes Cap | Police Officer |
| Renaissance | Abraham Lincoln | Pilgram |
| British Redcoat | Patriot | Ben Franklin |
| George Washington | $100 Bill | Frontierman |
| Statue of Liberty | Colonial Woman | Prairie Lady |
| Pilgrim Woman | Native American Man | Native American Woman |
| Native American Chief | King | Napolean |
| 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 |
| Jumbo Magnifying Glass | Gavel |
Fund Raising
My wife, Monica, has a passion for making unique and very flavorful cookies. She compiled her cookie recipes in The Guaranteed No Burnt Bottoms Cookies Cookbook. This cookbook can be used for a unique fund raiser at your school. For more details, please call or email us.
 |
Over
100 cookie recipes that bake perfectly EVERY time
- Guaranteed! Spiral bound for ease of use in the kitchen I baked the chocolate fudge semi-sweet cookies. The cookies were perfect, delicious, and easy to make. The pudding really helps the cookies to have a nice texture and taste. I love to bake and the No Burnt Bottoms Cookies Cookbook is a wonderful addition to my collection. - Jenny Gowen - |
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 |
| MindMeister Mind Mapping | This is one of the best mind mapping tools I have used |