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Profile: WoodChick
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User Name: WoodChick
Forum Rank: Newbie
Real Name:
Location Westfield, NJ
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Interests: The Outdoors!
Gender: None Specified
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Joined: Monday, March 20, 2006
Last Visit: Monday, April 19, 2010 10:01:49 PM
Number of Posts: 0
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Last 10 Posts
Topic: Safety Contract
Posted: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 11:25:40 PM
I have my students (and their parents) sign a behavior contract on DAY 1, from the start. I put about 10 items on there which establish what type of classroom we are in and what expectations I have each day. It is direct, it is respectful, and it is very clear. If a student violates part of it, I refer back to the contract and they know the consequences. I have their signature, I have their promise.

Speaking of consequences...maybe it's just because I teach middle school kids, but I rarely have discipline problems. The kids want to work, heck they run into the classroom. I make SURE they always have something to do - when they don't, that's when they can cause problems. If a problem arises, I handle it immediately in class. If a kid did something extremely dangerous, then I'll involve administration. But if I can't handle most problems, then I'll look back at the structure of my class and find where I'm weak. Usually, I can make an adjustment.

In my opinion, yelling is for rollercoasters and cheerleaders, not teachers. Kids hate yelling and nagging. Like the last 2 posts said, if you talk to them like adults, they appreciate it more than they'll show. IFFFFFF an extreme situation turns up where you do yell - it will not only make an impression on the kid, but on the entire class (in a good way - "Wow, he got angry. That must have been REALLY wrong.")

Finally, I believe in intrinsic motivators. Give the kids a reason to care and they will.
Topic: Last semester's Advanced Projects
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:31:58 PM
Fantastic work! Thanks for sharing!
Topic: Computer technology in the wood shop
Posted: Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:20:38 PM
Hey Dan,
As long as you're using PowerPoint for a supplement, it can be very effective and helpful for the visual learners. After teaching 10 years in a wood shop, I believe there is still no substitute for a hands-on demonstration.

I visited Sequoia NP and Redwood NP this summer, so I showed my kids a PPP with some of my photos at the beginning of the marking period when we talk about trees. (Talking about a tree 35 feet in diameter and seeing me stand in front of one are two very different experiences!) I also show them slides of the tree-to-lumber process so that they can visualize the steps it takes to getting a workable piece of lumber.

I have one (very old and dusty) computer in my classroom, and I have my students use it all the time when they are looking for design ideas. Most 7th graders aren't exactly sure what is involved in making a (fill in the blank), or what some creative design ideas are. It's great to have them do an image search for "wooden picture frame" and get an inspiration. They are really good about modifying what they see to fit their needs rather than just copying it.

Hope this helps. It's good to see more Jersey folk here!
Topic: Any suggestions?
Posted: Saturday, July 18, 2009 12:43:15 PM
Work at a camp, that's one of the best ways to get a feel for kids. No, it is not like it is in the classroom. However, to be a teacher, you must love kids. Look for the joy they get in having fun, in accomplishing a challenging task, and have fun yourself. Teaching shouldn't always be serious, and kids are the best audience for that.

In terms of knowledge, I felt like I started my 1st year teaching knowing very little. So regardless of how much "experience" you have, you will still learn all you need to know when you start teaching. So the only thing you can really do is feel comfortable being around all ages of kids.

I never substitute taught, and I NEVER regret that!!! I do not recommend it. At all.
Topic: New woodworking teacher-looking for direction from experienced teachers
Posted: Saturday, July 18, 2009 12:36:18 PM
It might be helpful to do a search in this forum - I feel like this topic comes up every summer, and you might find some good advice from previous years.

My advice: find an excellent, solid resource for some ideas, whether it is a textbook, a website, or a master teacher. You don't have to reinvent the wheel (which I FELT like I had to do starting out with very little).

Keep things simple at first. If the projects you choose are too easy for the kids, then you can always add complexity or have them do more. But starting off complicated can be exhausting and ineffective in the classroom. Kids can and will put a lot of time and effort into their work, so don't rush things.

Also, you may want to be more specific in what plans you are looking for - how long are your class periods? how big are your classes? how long do classes run (1 marking period, 1 year)? what topics do you need - safety quizzes? lab maintenance? project ideas? classroom management?

Keep asking questions, people are very helpful here!
Lots of luck to you.
Topic: Almost to late. A plea from california for teachers.
Posted: Saturday, July 18, 2009 12:24:01 PM
What's required in order to teach in CA? Praxis test? Any others? I know each state is different.
I am considering making the move for next year, and I'm wondering what's involved in terms of preparation.
Thanks!
Topic: help! need quick project!
Posted: Monday, May 19, 2008 6:42:53 PM
It's a lot of prep for you but...what about a manufacturing run? You could keep it simple (one-piece picture frame with opening and outer edges run through the router), or more complex (toy trucks).

If you just got indigestion reading the words "manufacturing run", you can always have them make simple games, and when they finish they can play with them. (Nok Hockey, tic-tac-toe, chess/checkers, table football with goalposts, catapult games, tower of Hanoi, I'm running out...)
Topic: Goggle Wipes, anti-bacterial
Posted: Wednesday, May 7, 2008 11:03:52 PM
I have the sanitizing cabinet with the UV light, and it's great. (I had to put a latch on it, as the key mechanism broke.) Yes, it was around $500. See if your school has some floating money (ha ha, you say, but you'd be surprised...), if there is an Ed. Fund in your town, or if the PTO would be willing to foot the bill. If all else fails, have your kids make some toys and sell them as a fund raiser.
Topic: Finishes - Mess reduction ideas
Posted: Wednesday, May 7, 2008 10:56:48 PM
My kids wear denim aprons and disposable plastic gloves (bag of 100 = $1.25 at dollar store). A layer of newspaper is on the table in the finishing room, and at the end of each period the students who clean the room throw out the old and replace it with new. This happens 4 times a day. Not so eco-friendly, but it works well.

I keep lacquer in jelly jars with chip brushes inside. Stain is in 1 quart containers, and kids use old t-shirt rags or paper towels to apply it. These are cleaned up at the end of the period as well. It gets messy, but then gets cleaned up.

I'm thorough about telling the kids that stain STAINS. (Yes, your new Uggs will get ruined if stain gets on them.) Use as little as possible - you can always reapply.

Paint is forbidden in my classroom. Every time I allow it, it ends up being a mess. Kids don't clean up brushes properly, it gets on other kids' projects, and always finds its way on my clothes.

mikeb - ever consider mineral oil? There's no odor, and kids can put it on with paper towels.
Topic: Has anyone worked with ipe?
Posted: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 12:31:49 AM
I was wondering if any of you have worked with ipe? I'll be building with it in two weeks. I'm currently researching it (dulls blades, needs pre-drilling, seal it quickly), but any personal experience would be helpful. Thanks!

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