Welcome to the Post-it&reg; Teachers&rsquo; Activity Center

Estimated Time: 0-10 minutes

Description: I like to use this activity year-round. It works for any grade level and any subject. For younger grades, an actual mailbox in the classroom works well. For older grades (like me - I teach high school), I find using an easel works well. Whichever idea you use, I have the title "Parking Lot" on the easel (or on/near the mailbox). I have a stash of Post-it® Notes and pens/markers readily avasilable. I also make sure the area I set aside for the "Parking Lot" is both student accessible and out of the way a bit, guaranteeing student privacy (the mailbox is great for student privacy!). Students are free to write their thoughts, comments, questions, or concerns on the post-its (anonymously OR not). I check the parking lot daily and am able to reflect on their comments. This definitely opens the lines of communication between myself and my students, especially for those quieter students who otherwise would not say anything! Of course, as the teacher, you want to make sure you do sincerely reflect on any burning issues/questions and address any necessary changes in the classroom and/or your instruction plans. By keeping the lines of communication continuously open between yourself and your students, it provides them with a "voice" they know will be heard! I also tell my students that they never need to put their name on it, however, if they are looking for individualized feedback, I will need to know who they are so I can effectively respond them.

Post-it® Note another way

Submitted by: Lynn

July 1st, 2010

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Estimated Time: 30-40 minutes

Description: Re-write beginning, middle, and endings to familiar stories then use what the children write to create new and interesting stories

Quick Formative Assessment

Submitted by: Elizabeth

July 1st, 2010

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Estimated Time: 0-10 minutes

Description: Daily formative assessment is an intragel part of education to see what the student has and hasn't learned. Using Post-it® Notes provides a quick and easy snap-shot to assess individual students without any major hassle. At the end of class, students answer a question that ties into the standards based daliy learning object by writing their response on the Post-it. As they leave class, students place Post-its with their name on it on laminated chart paper which is designated as the parking lot. I can quickly scan the notes to see who has or hasn't understtod the lesson. I will take the Post-its and place those who need additional help on my lesson plan. This will allow me to work one-on-one or in small groups the next day. Post-its allow me to easily monitor student progress. This assessment can easily be used and adapted for any grade level with any content area.

Ellis Island Survivor Game

Submitted by: Angela

June 28th, 2010

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Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes

Description: This is a unit long activity that simulates the inspections that immigrants experienced traveling to and arriving at Ellis Island. The activities take 20-30 minutes for each session. The fun, current twist is that the unit is modeled after the popular T.V. show Survivor.

Tree Mapping

Submitted by: Shenita

June 24th, 2010

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Categories: 1st Grade | 2nd Grade | 3rd Grade | History

Estimated Time: 60+ minutes

Description: After discussing family structures and reading the book, The Pain and the Great one, students are to use Post-it® notes outlining the development of their family tree. This allows them to see the paths that were taken in their family developments.