tools of the trade

I'm always on the lookout for letter and number resources to add to my bag of tricks. Anything that might encourage a reluctant reader or give a new spin on learning. Engaging students, giving their morale a jump start is one of the things that really makes my day at work rewarding.

I found the wooden letters at an op-shop, one letter of the alphabet is missing, but I'm told that with just these six letters it is possible to make up seventy words!

I feel very fortunate to be able to work with individuals and small groups to support disadvantaged learners. As any teacher would know, this type of teaching is very difficult to provide in a large class. As the school year draws to a close we try to keep all motivated.

This week we are making our own versions of a traditional Bush Game. This game is like just like tic tac toe - but you can keep moving the pebbles around until someone gets three in a row. Really good for developing lateral thinking, strategy and patience. Design, measurement and cultural heritage are also part of this learning process. And of course they can bundle it all up into a pouch to take home.

And here is something each teacher at our school was presented with last Friday. I meant to share it sooner but I must admit that working five days a week has meant I've been falling for the pillow. hard. As much as I love what I do, it has been exhausting. Hopefully I build up a bit of stamina before the year is out....