Using resources for teaching success. (Student Slant).

Summer is finally almost here and your semester is about to end. As you look toward a new year, you might consider what resources would be valuable to you as a teacher. Luckily, information is abundant; beginning teachers can find and utilize many different kinds of help for teaching their students in the classroom. Ideally, when you secure that teaching job you have worked so hard for, your classroom will have adequate resources for you to use. Sometimes, however, this is not the case. Whether you are surrounded with materials or the classroom is not quite equipped the way you would like, never fear!

One resource that has consistently proved valuable to me are my college textbooks and notes. I never thought I would look at them again, except maybe when I was really old. When you are stuck on a certain activity or need some ideas, however, your college materials may be very useful. Last year, when my 2nd-grade students were having trouble with the concept of place value and I had used all the resources I knew, I looked at some material from my education math courses and found an idea for helping the students. Therefore, you might find it useful to keep your old books and notes, as you may want to consult them when you are in the field.

The Internet is another excellent source for lessons, activities, and student projects. It is a very good place to start when you are looking for a lesson or help in planning for a certain unit or topic. One site that we use in my school often is www.enchantedlearning.com. This site is especially valuable if you want your students to do basic research on different topics, such as animals, space, or explorers. Two other good sites for lesson ideas are www.abcteach.com and www.teachers.net. If you want to find other lesson plan sites, try using the search engine "Google" at www.google.com.

Also, do not forget that the teachers in your building are an extremely valuable source of ideas. More than likely, the teachers you work with are willing to share their ideas. Talk with your fellow teachers and get to know them. Find out who has taught your grade and who might be willing to help. When planning for a unit, I always search out advice from other teachers.

Another excellent resource is your professional organization, ACEI, which has first-rate books, position papers, and journals. I hope that you are successful in finding what you need to be successful in the classroom.

In closing, remember that I am your voice on the Executive Board, so please never hesitate to get in touch with me. I hope that you will enjoy your summer and get a chance to rest and relax. I will be visiting England and Scotland during the summer, where I will visit two schools. I am very excited at the prospect of visiting with the teachers and children. I will be sure to share any relevant stories with the membership in future columns.

ACEI is only as strong and active as its members. You are the reason ACEI is entering its 111th year. To further recognize your contributions, this column will periodically present member's stories. If you have a story to share or a leader to recognize, please forward your information to me at [e-mail].

--Marilyn B. Gardner, Director of Membership

--Aaron Parsons, Student Representative
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