Recycling Things Found Around Your Home to Make Altered Art

Altered art is all about using things found around your home to make art. Many people spend a lot of money on expensive art supplies, and they simply overlook all the treasures they have right around their house. Here are some of the things I enjoying using that I have around my home. One if my favorite sayings is “Waste not, want not.”

You know how a lot of products you buy from the store have that clear plastic cellophane around them; this is a great tool when creating art. Big pieces can be used to cover pictures, and a mat board frame can be placed on top of the cellophane to protect and enhance your art. Cellophane can be painted, crumpled, or shredded and added to art to create depth or a see - through dimension.

Another useful and overlooked art supply is newspapers, cardboard, junk mail and books. These items can come in handy in many ways; they can be used as interesting backgrounds for scenes. These paper goods can also be used to cut words, letters, and quotes to make new poems, stories, or focal points for your art. These items also have fun and interesting pictures that can be used in collage, decoupage, and a variety of projects. The pages can be shaped and molded into multiple different items using a bit of glue and some scissors.

Wire is a big helper when creating altered art because it can be used to create flowers, fairy wands, trees, and anything else you can shape it into. Wire is also helpful because it can be attached to art so that your art can be hung on the wall. Wire can also make a stand for your art, or it can help you tie parts of your art together. Wire is often used as the base for creating clay sculptures and poseable dolls. You can also make unique jewelry by wire wrapping found objects like rocks, shells, and marbles.

Twist ties from bread and other packaged good are another fun art tool. Some come in pretty metallic colors, and some come in plain colors, but they can all help hold things together. These twist ties can also be tied into bows or used as flower stems.

I also enjoy using empty bottles in many projects. A soda bottle cut about a third of the way down, decorated with beads and painted gold makes a gorgeous display stand for sculptures. Plastic bottles can be made into flowers and vases. Bottle caps make unique jewelry and can be used as a circle stamp.

Sticks, pine cones, dried flowers, and leaves are also helpful items when creating altered art. Sticks can be used to make frames, or sticks can be used to simulate trees in landscape scenes. Pinecones can be used as miniature trees, and they can be painted depending on what season is being simulated. Dried flowers and leaves can be used as wings or clothes for little flower fairies. They can also be used to create texture and depth to a work of art.

Altered art is my favorite art because iit gets your hands dirty, and because you can use all sorts of everyday junk to produce it. I hope you find these items as useful and inspiring as I have, and remember have fun!

Tips on Creating Art Card Editions and Originals and Artist Trading Cards

Art card, editions and originals are an easy and inexpensive way to make gifts for people, express yourself, and have a good time. I love making art cards and find it very relaxing. There is only one simple rule to these fun little cards; artist trading cards must measure 2 and a half inches by 3 and a half inches. This size is actually a convenient size because it is the same measurements as the average playing card. ACEOs and ATCs can be composed of whatever materials you enjoy working with, and here are some tips that I find useful when making ATCs and ACEOs.

I like to use a lot of collage work when making ACEOs so I usually do random image searches on the computer to find images that strike some inspiration for me. Once I find a good image I print it out and cut it out. If you do not have a printer you can use magazines or books to find images; you may also feel free to draw your own images.

Once I have a good image I place it on the cards I have precut from cardstock or cardboard, and I glue it down. I like to alter my pictures by adding some oil pastels. Oil pastels are fun because they smudge, and can be wiped away if you only want to add a hint of color to the original image. Acrylic paint is another interesting art tool to use because it can be watered down and used to create blurry effects. I also use paint pens, markers, and pens on occasion to add details that the paint and pastels can not create.

Another fun part of making ATCs is picking a theme. Since these little cards can be used as gifts it is fun to make holiday themed cards, and a handmade card is always more thoughtful than a store bought card. ATCs can be made for Easter by using bunny rabbit cut outs and fake grass. Beads can be used in place of eggs. Christmas themed ATCs are also nice gifts because you can use tinfoil to make angel wings and pine needles to add accents.

A major part of making ACEOs and ATCs is personalizing them. It is important that your art cards have your own personal touch, so make sure to let your artist freedom run wild. Feel free to use things found around your home that do not naturally seem artistic to add your own personal touch. Just remember to have fun when making these cards, and your ATCs will come out better than expected.

The Benefits of Diversity in the Classroom on the Teaching Environment

Many teachers do not take the atmosphere of a classroom into consideration when they conduct their classes, but the atmosphere is an essential part of learning in a classroom. The environment a class is taught in helps determines the success of the lessons and the students. All students are different, and it is important for all students to respect each other in order for the productivity of a classroom to optimized. As a teacher it is important that I am able to create an atmosphere of tolerance, acceptance, and caring in the classroom in order to provide for the diversified needs of my students.

I live in Pine Bush which is located in New York. Pine Bush is located about two hours upstate from New York City, and it is a rural town. The population in Pine Bush is of Caucasian, Hispanic, Latino, African American, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and people of mixed ethnicity. In Pine Bush there are many churches, and many people of different religious beliefs. Presbyterian and Baptists churches are located very close to the center of town in Pine Bush, and there is a Buddhist monastery located in town as well. There are people of high, low, and middle class economic status, but many people in Pine Bush are of the middle working class. Pine Bush may seem like a quiet country town, but it is also diverse in many ways.

In all classrooms all over the world it is extremely important to have an atmosphere that is tolerant, accepting, and caring in the classroom; this atmosphere is beneficial to the students, the teachers, and the entire world. Practicing tolerance and acceptance in school provides students with the ability to be comfortable with themselves; it also helps students let go of preconceived biases and teaches students to learn more about what is inside of a person instead of judging them by their outsides. The use of tolerance, acceptance, and caring in the classroom provides a nice atmosphere that can be productive to learning. These practices will promote teamwork, confidence, and respect, and these are all key factors in a successful classroom. Teachers will also benefit from the use of tolerance, acceptance, and caring because they will be able to fairly grade and support students. If teachers are accepting of student's differences they will be able to look at students for their potential instead of with a bias mind, and this will help them teach more successfully. These ideas will also allow the students and teachers to earn respect for each other which will make the classroom a pleasant and productive environment. The world will benefit as a whole because of these practices because the all people should be taught tolerance, acceptance, and caring, and if more people were taught these things people would treat each other better on a bigger level. Tolerance, acceptance, and caring are beliefs that the future generations should be ingrained with, and teaching students today is what will make this possible.

In order to create a tolerant, accepting and caring classroom atmosphere there are many things one can do as a teacher. As a teacher in Pine Bush, New York I would make sure to discuss diversity, and why it is a positive thing in the classroom. I would create lesson plans that discuss the cultures of my students and the cultures of my community. I would discuss the different religious beliefs of the community as well. I believe it is also necessary to speak to the students about disabilities and at risk students; I think that it is important to discuss these issues in order to help students realize that these differences do not make someone less than them. I would also speak about socioeconomic issues and how they affect students, and the differences in gender. I think teaching about gender issues is also very important because many gender stereotypes influence how both male and females learn, and I feel that it is important for both boys and girls to be given equal opportunities in the classroom. I would discuss these issues in order to help show the students that all people have needs, and I would emphasize that it is important for students to accept and help each other in order to benefit themselves and the world around them. I would make sure the students are aware that differences in people make the world interesting, and I would create lesson plans that would help show students how their own unique differences help the classroom function properly. These lessons will help the students identify and overcome their biases, and I will also learn about my own biases from them. During these lessons I would also make sure to tell the students what I have learned about my own biases to help them understand that they can learn about themselves and improve on themselves. I feel that it is also important for students to be aware of the inequalities that exist so that they can receive the education they deserve, and they can fulfill their educational goals.

In my classroom I would have a multicultural bulletin board, and this bulletin board will contain many fun facts for students to learn from. This bulletin board will change every month, and it will contain all of the holidays that can be celebrated each month. This bulletin board will also contain different images that are associated with these different holidays, and stories and poems that describe these holidays will also be featured on this bulletin board. I would also like to include the different awareness months because there are many that are important and many that are fun and interesting such as national mentoring month, national hot tea month, heart disease awareness month, national hamburger month, and watershed awareness month. I would keep a list on the side of my bulletin board of all the different awarenesses of the month, and students would be free to discuss and research these ideas. In the beginning of each month I would allow the students to add their own thoughts to the bulletin board. I would ask them to fill in any holidays that they practice or are aware of; this would give them the ability to represent themselves and their cultures. I would also make sure to include all of their birthdays to remind them that they are all special. Each day I would have a different student give a short speech about a holiday that fell on that day, and if there was no holiday they could pick one of the month's awareness topics. This exercise will help students learn about cultures and the world, and it will help students celebrate diversity everyday.

As a teacher it is important to make sure the classroom atmosphere is comfortable in order to ensure productivity. Teaching students that differences are a good thing and those differences can be learned from and valued is a way to help ensure a positive classroom environment. As a teacher I will help my students understand biases, and I will help them be able to accept differences and treat people fairly by educating them about the differences of the people around them. I believe there are many ways a teacher can incorporate diversity lessons into the classroom, and a bulletin board is a fun, hands-on way for students to be able to learn to respect and enjoy their differences. Overall I believe that teaching students to respect each other despite their differences will benefit the students, the teachers, and the rest of the world.

How to Implement a Student At-Risk Program

As a teacher one must be able to cater to the needs of all the students in the classroom; one must also take into consideration the problems that students may face. Not all students are the same, and some students are considered at-risk because of their behavior and the situations in which they live. These at risk students do not always receive the attention they need in order to learn and become mature responsible adults. In order to meet the needs of at-risk students, alternative programs must be designed and implemented that can identify students that need help, fulfill the needs of these students, optimize the resources of the community, and take into consideration the impact on the community, district, and students.

This program will serve students of the ages of 10 through 19 who are "high risk" case, and have violent or suicidal problems (Chinn & Gollnick, 2006, p. 320). Violence in schools is a very serious issue that needs to be handled in order for the learning environment to be fully optimized. The media is constantly covering issues of student violence, and this should make this problem blatantly obvious to everyone as an issue of much concern. In the United States every year an estimated "2 million adolescents in the United States attempt suicide", and "2000 young people commit suicide"; this is a very alarming statistic that proves that a need for attention to this situation is in order (Chinn & Gollnick, 2006, p. 324). It is important that this program encompass the ages 10 through 19 because this age group has the highest tendencies for suicide and violence. Violent and suicidal students are a risk to them selves and others, and they need to be given the help they need in order to improve themselves and their situations.

In order to identify violent and suicidal students many things must be taken into consideration, but the behavior of the student is a very important factor. In order to determine if a student is violent there are some "early warning signs" that can be acknowledged; a candidate for this program may exhibit "uncontrolled anger", "expression of violence in writings and drawings", "social withdrawal", and "excessive feelings of isolation and being alone" (Nash, 2001, p.7). Violent students may also show a lack of interest in school and poor grades, but it is important to note that a student who shows only one of these signs is not necessarily violent. Other signals that may help determine which students are violent are "serious threats of violence", "patterns of impulsive and chronic hitting, intimidating, and bullying behavior", "history of discipline problems", "past history of violent and aggressive behavior", "intolerance for differences and prejudicial attitudes", and affiliation with gangs" (Nash, 2001, p.8). There are many signs that may help determine students that are suicidal, and these signs are "suddenly deteriorating academic performance", "self-mutilation", "unhealthy peer relationships", "volatile mood swings", "dangerous or uncharacteristic risk-taking", and "depression" (Teaher's guide to recognizing suicide, 2006, pp. 3). It is very important to be aware of these signs in order to determine what students are in need of this program.

This program will address the needs of the students in many ways that will help lead these students on a productive path of education. This program will not only focus on academics, but it will also focus on helping to improve the self-esteem of students. This program will include community service options and the ability to earn college credits through work study programs. It will also offer hands on art and science programs where students can exhibit their natural talents. Counseling services and discussion classes can also be offered so that students can learn that they are not the only one feeling the way they feel, and they can learn to get past their problems. With these programs students will have something positive to focus their energy on, and they will learn how rewarding their efforts can be. Violence and suicide occur because of the lack of self-esteem that a student has, and this program will make sure to help the students realize their full potential.

Many additional resources of the community can be utilized for this program. Students can do volunteer work in local parks and recreational areas where they can earn community service. Local libraries can also be a helpful resource to this program by providing students with a place to help research and explore the different art and science programs they choose to become involved in, students can also do volunteer work at the library, and hold discussion groups. Students can also hold fundraisers to help proved funds for their activities, and the local community can help support these activities. The community can also provide the praise these students need when they hold art exhibits or plays that they have constructed. The community is a very important part of the program because the community must realize that these students need help, and the community can be a positive influence in the lives of these students as well as this program.

This program holds many potential positive impacts on the district, students, and community. The district can use this program as a starting point for implementing other programs in the area, and it can learn from the positive affects of this program. All of the students will benefit from this program; the non-violent students will not have to worry about violence in their schools, and violent and suicidal students will be given opportunities that will help them become less violent and suicidal. The community will benefit as a whole because the students who are being treated will grow up to be better people. The community violence will decrease, and students who are in need of help in these areas will have a place to go. The community will also be given the opportunity to applaud the students who have improved because of this program through the art and science projects the students put on and the community services they provide. This program is beneficial to everyone in many ways.

In order to implement this program there are many steps that must be taken. A location must be chosen, and an estimated number of students in attendance must be determined. Classes can be chosen to be provided at a private location or during after school hours at a local school. Teachers participating in this program should trained "to use active listening skills and provide empathy, to utilize assertive and non-judgmental communication techniques that allow clear limits to be set, to acquire the skills to be able to intervene safely with violent acting out students", and "be able to debrief and problem-solve in the aftermath of a violent episode" (Sova, 2003, pp.2). Art and science program specifications should be determined as well as means of funding these programs. A network of community service programs should be established in order to implement this program, and parents should be spoken to in consideration of these projects. There are multiple tasks that must be completed in order to realize this program, but the positive impact it can have on the students, the community, and all people completely outweigh the efforts needed to bring these ideas to fruition.

Violence and suicide is a huge problem in schools, and programs need to be created that help serve these students and solve these problems. Students must be properly identified by behavior patterns, and their needs must be identified and met through self-esteem building practices and positive reinforcement. The district, students, and community will all benefit from this programs, and they can all work together to make this programs work. If this program is implemented the future generations will be better people as a whole, and their children will have also learned from this program from the student's own positive experience.

Reference:

Chinn, P. & Gollnick, D. (2006). Multicultural education in a pluralistic society

(N/A, 2006, May). Teacher's guide to recognizing suicide. Retrieved February 13, 2008, from Recognizing and Responding to the Warning Signs of Suicide: http://www.promoteprevent.org/Publications/center-briefs/Teacher_Guide_recognizing_suicide.pdf

Sova, G. (2003). New directions in discipline: violent students. Retrieved February 17, 2008, from New Directions: http://www.newdirectionsindiscipline.com/violent.htm

Nash, J. (2001, August). Warning signs of potentially violent students. Retrieved February 17, 2008, from Potentially Violent Students: http://www.madison.k12.al.us/pupilservices/PotentiallyViolentStudents.PDF

Bilingual Education and the Laws and Conflicts that Affect It

Bilingual education is a matter of controversy, but there are still students that need assistance in language development in order to successfully learn. It is hard to teach children with language development issues, but schools and the government have to figure out ways to meet these needs. One conflict confronting English Language Learners is funding of bilingual education; this conflict is contradicted by the lack of funding for English immersion programs. It appears that many people feel that English immersion is a more effective way of teaching English Language Learners than bilingual education. These people believe that bilingual education has a detrimental effect on English Language Learners, and "students in bilingual education programs consistently score lower on standard achievement tests" (Sorenson, 2007). These people believe that teaching ELL students English should be the first priority, but many schools still use bilingual education. It appears that although English immersion may be a better program many schools continue to use bilingual education because it guarantees that they will receive higher funding. Federal funding is mainly aimed at bilingual education programs, and schools fear that they will lose funding. (Sorenson) It is hard to teach students effectively if there are not enough resources.

Another interesting conflict that affects the education of English Language Learners is Proposition227. This law was created in California, and it is meant to end bilingual education. While ending bilingual education it will in turn promote English immersion programs, but many schools are opposing it. In fact many schools are finding ways around this law. (Crawford, 1999) It is argued that bilingual education programs are the best way for teaching English Language Learners, but many believe that it is not as effective as giving students intense English learning classes. Many parents and teachers believe that the use of bilingual education is very important to their children's education. They believe this so strongly that they have sought waivers in order for their children to continue to be taught in their native language. Some people criticize "districts for granting too many parental waivers and for using too little English", and may file suit against schools for not strictly enforcing this proposition (Crawford, 1999). Those that believe in using bilingual education have also filed suit; they claimed that this law is "unconstitutional", but they were denied because "no "irreparable harm" to students had yet been shown" (Crawford, 1999). In order to meet the educational needs of English Language Learners schools have to either go along with the laws or find ways around them.

Reference:
Crawford, J. (1999). What now for bilingual education?. Retrieved February 9, 2008, from Rethinking Schools Online Web site: http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/13_02/bimain.shtml

Sorenson, L. (2007). Teach our children English. Retrieved February 9, 2008, from ProEnglish Web site: http://www.proenglish.org/issues/education/beindex.html

The Impact of the First Amendment on Education

The Constitution is an amazing document that has helped create the society we live in today. The First Amendment has a huge impact on all of our everyday lives, but what some may not realize is that it also directly affects education.

A key educational issue that is related to the First Amendment is the separation of church and state because the first amendment states that no laws endorsing a religion shall be passed. This issue impacts education because the pledge of allegiance is said in many schools, and God is referenced in this pledge. It is argued that public schools are funded by the government and the use of God in public schools is illegal according to the First Amendment.

Another educational issue posed by the First Amendment is the issue of prayers before sports events. This issue impacts the classroom because some students might find it relevant to have a prayer before a sports event, and the first amendment states that the government may not prohibit the free exercise of religion. It is also arguable that the prayer, as is the pledge of allegiance, is tradition. Schools may argue that the ceremony before a sports event is solely up to the students, and the choice of action is the student's prerogative which makes it not the power of the school. The school may argue that they are not endorsing religion and the act is not unconstitutional. This issue is also controversial because the first amendment guarantees people the right to practice their religion.

Like the last educational issue posed by the First Amendment there is also an issue with prayer during graduation ceremonies. This issue impacts education because endorsement of religion by a school violates the First Amendment. This action also raises an issue about religious discrimination because the First Amendment states that freedom of speech is a right of all people and freedom of religion as well. This argument impacts education because it is a contradictory subject, but allowing students to choose whether or not they will say prayers during graduation is constitutional, where as, requiring that they pray would violate the constitution.

Another key element in the First Amendment that impacts education is the ability of people to petition the government when they feel laws are unjustly passed. In many cases this First Amendment right has led education to change. For instance the ability for students to choose whether they say the pledge of allegiance and for some schools to have the pledge of allegiance removed from school curriculum.

The right to assemble is another First Amendment right that has impact on education; due to this right many people have had the ability to form groups that fight against issues in education. This right has helped in the battle against having the pledge of allegiance removed from school curriculum because parents have assembled and taken the issue to court. The right to assemble is also an important issue in education because it allows parent teacher associations to exist and it allows parents and teachers to have an impact on their children's education.

The First Amendment plays many roles in education, but it also causes many controversies in education. Although the First Amendment causes some issues in education to be hard to judge; it also provides people with the ability to challenge these ideas and improve on education overall.

Cases and Laws that Have Affected the Education of Students with Disabilities

Equal inclusion of students with disabilities is an important and serious issue in American education. There are many cases and laws that have had an impact on this issue. Here is a list of such cases and laws:

Brown vs. Board of Education is the first case to set a positive example for educators in relation to the rights of the students. This case acknowledges the fact that an African American student should be able to attend school in an equal educational environment to white students (Chinn and Gollnick, 2006). This case was so exemplary because it was the first case to set a standard of integration instead of segregation. Brown vs. Board of Education is such a famous case because it not only gave African American students a right to a better education; it also paved the way for disable students to receive an equal education as well (Chinn and Gollnick, 2006).

PARC vs. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is another important case that affects the equal inclusion of students with disabilities. This case caused all students, from the ages of 6 through 21, with disabilities to be provided free public education (Chinn and Gollnick, 2006).
Mills vs. Board of Education required that the District of Columbia provide a free public education to students with disabilities. This case also required that educators provide "due process procedural safeguards"; as a result of Mills vs. Board of Education laws that "clearly outlined due process procedures for labeling, placement, and exclusion" were created, and "Procedural safeguards to include right to appeal, right to access records, and written notice of all stages of the process" were also required (Chinn and Gollnick, 2006).

In 1975 a very important law was signed. "Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act" was a law that "provided individuals, ages 3 to 21, with a free and appropriate education for all children with disabilities, procedural safeguards to protect the rights of students and their parents, and education in the least restrictive environment, individualized educational programs, parental involvement in educational decisions related to their children with disabilities, fair, accurate, and nonbiased evaluations" (Chinn and Gollnick, 2006).

In 1994 amendments to the previous act were passed by congress, and this law is called "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (Chinn and Gollnick, 2006). This law required that students with traumatic brain injury and autism be a "separate class entitled to services", and this law also required students with disabilities to be given a "transition plan" that assess the needs of the student and sets a plan for transition into adulthood (Chinn and Gollnick, 2006).

In 1997 another IDEA law that amended Public Law 94-142 was passed. This law was called "Public Law 105-17", and it included strengthening the "role of the parents" in order to ensure educational success and meditational methods of encouraging "parents and educators to resolve their differences" (Chinn and Gollnick, 2006). This law also allowed school officials to discipline students in a manner that changed the safeguards previously set and set formulas for funding.

Another case that has played a role in the educational standards of students with disabilities is Hendrick Hudson School District v. Rowley, and this case is the first case to challenge the idea of "appropriate education" (Chinn and Gollnick, 2006). This case is a touchy subject because it questions the ability to provide education to students with disabilities and the funding needed for such education. This case ruled that students with disabilities were meant to be provided with a free public education that was fair and provides satisfactory results, but not necessarily the best possible education (Chinn and Gollnick, 2006).

There have been many cases and laws that have directly impacted the education of special education students. Standards of education have increased for students with disabilities, and many special education students have been provided with excellent educational environments, but funding has caused a satisfactory education to be satisfactory instead of excellent.

Reference:

Chinn, P. & Gollnick, D. (2006). Multicultural education in a pluralistic society.

Tips on How to Monitor and Provide Resources for Science Experiments in the Classroom

In order for a student to understand scientific concepts, it is important for a student to observe and participate in experiments. Experiments give students the hands on experience they need in order to remember and understand scientific ideas. Being involved in the lessons are fun and exciting for students and should be incorporated into the classroom.

It is not always easy for a teacher to incorporate experiments into the class because not all schools receive enough funding for many resources to be provided for experiments, but there are many ways that a teacher can work around this obstacle. First off some experiments can be directly shown through the teacher. If a teacher is demonstrating there is only the need for the one set of experiments for the supplies. This can help students experience the scientific concepts indirectly through the teacher.

If a teacher wants to do an experiment where the student participates, but there are not many resources the teacher can ask for donations from parents; she can also ask the businesses that provide the supplies needed for donations. The teacher can also hold fund raising if there are things needed or a science trip she wants to take the students on. There are also many experiments that can be done with things found in nature or around the home. Although there is not always enough funding there are many alternative resources that teacher's can take advantage of in order to provide experiments for their students.

It is important to ensure student safety in the classroom; an important part of this is by explaining each experiment thoroughly before hand, demonstrating each experiment, answering all questions, and concerns before an experiment is started. It is also important to make sure that there are already set rules that are stood by in the classroom. Providing all supplies that are necessary for protection is also important; paying close attention to the students and thinking through all possible outcomes of an experiment is also important to provide safety in a classroom. Experiments are essential to a lesson's effectiveness in the classroom, but safety should be the first priority.

In order to ensure student involvement in the classroom it is important to have the students participate and watch experiments. If a student has to be actively involved in a lesson they will be more willing to participate because it will be more fun for them. Experiments are the perfect way to keep students enthusiastic and involved in the classroom.

Tips on How to Monitor and Provide Resources for Science Experiments in the Classroom

In order for a student to understand scientific concepts, it is important for a student to observe and participate in experiments. Experiments give students the hands on experience they need in order to remember and understand scientific ideas. Being involved in the lessons are fun and exciting for students and should be incorporated into the classroom.

It is not always easy for a teacher to incorporate experiments into the class because not all schools receive enough funding for many resources to be provided for experiments, but there are many ways that a teacher can work around this obstacle. First off some experiments can be directly shown through the teacher. If a teacher is demonstrating there is only the need for the one set of experiments for the supplies. This can help students experience the scientific concepts indirectly through the teacher.

If a teacher wants to do an experiment where the student participates, but there are not many resources the teacher can ask for donations from parents; she can also ask the businesses that provide the supplies needed for donations. The teacher can also hold fund raising if there are things needed or a science trip she wants to take the students on. There are also many experiments that can be done with things found in nature or around the home. Although there is not always enough funding there are many alternative resources that teacher's can take advantage of in order to provide experiments for their students.

It is important to ensure student safety in the classroom; an important part of this is by explaining each experiment thoroughly before hand, demonstrating each experiment, answering all questions, and concerns before an experiment is started. It is also important to make sure that there are already set rules that are stood by in the classroom. Providing all supplies that are necessary for protection is also important; paying close attention to the students and thinking through all possible outcomes of an experiment is also important to provide safety in a classroom. Experiments are essential to a lesson's effectiveness in the classroom, but safety should be the first priority.

In order to ensure student involvement in the classroom it is important to have the students participate and watch experiments. If a student has to be actively involved in a lesson they will be more willing to participate because it will be more fun for them. Experiments are the perfect way to keep students enthusiastic and involved in the classroom.

How to Monitor and Create an Interdisciplinary Learning Center in the Classroom

A classroom is made up of many different students, and their learning needs are diverse. In order to accommodate the many different learning styles of students, it is key to have interdisciplinary learning centers as a staple structure in the classroom. Learning centers are a great way to help teach students, and it is important to make sure that students' needs are met in these learning environments. Here is an example of how I would set up a learning center in order to fulfill both the needs of the teachers and the students.

In order to design an interdisciplinary learning center for elementary students I would concentrate on motivating, reinforcing, and supporting students' needs, while also allowing teachers to meet the different learning styles and ability levels of the students. My learning center will include many different subjects, and I will set up interactive displays for the subjects of math, science, English, and history.

The learning center will have tables for each subject set in the corners of the room, and there will be posters that apply to each subject up on the wall by the tables they correspond with. The math section will have flash chards for different mathematic equations and different games that help improve math skills. The science section will have many resources for experiments, toys that illustrate scientific theories, and many plants, minerals, fossils, and crystals. The English table will contain many different books of poetry and literature. I would also like to have a board with magnetic poetry pieces on it so the children can create their own writing easily. The history table will include many different pictures and writing about historical events. If possible I would also like to include some artifacts or replicas of artifacts to show the children. Arrowheads and tools that wear used in the past would be nice too. All of these items are key to helping the children interactive and see what these subjects are really about.

In the middle of the room there will also be a table, which will have computers that have interactive teaching programs that are based around these subjects, and there will be tape players and headphones so children can listen to books and lessons on tape. This table will also provide a place for quiet work for students who want to study separately.

This set-up is an effective room arrangement because it will allow the teacher to walk around the room easily; this is also important because it will be necessary to monitor the students efficiently. A teacher can monitor the classroom well by walking around, asking the students questions, examining there work or what they are looking at, and answering any questions the students have. In order to anticipate and handle problems the teacher must effectively monitor the classroom and make sure that each student has something they are working on. If a problem does occur despite the teacher's efforts a student can be asked to stay with the teacher as she monitors the class, or the student can be given an individual assignment and separated from the class. It is important to be able to handle any situation that arises in the learning environment and this classroom plan will help the teacher be aware of all of the students.

An interdisciplinary learning center can be a fun and effective way of learning. If all of the subjects of interest are elaborated on in interesting ways the students will be able to involve themselves in a way that is much more memorable than just sitting in the classroom or doing homework. Learning environments are also a good way of monitoring the classroom while also giving the students a sense of independent learning. A learning environment is a good way to teaching students that should be interactive, effective, and easily monitored, and all effective classrooms should have one!