An Alphabetic Listing of Blog Entries
Please use the “Search” function on the home page to find specific entries
A Celebration – The First 10,000 Hits (Do’s and Don’t’s for New Teachers)
A screen picture showing exactly 10,000 hits PLUS 5 Do’s and 5 Don’t’s for New Teachers – my Top 10 Words of Advice.
Posted by: jockmackenzie March 1, 2010
Audience (or class) Involvement #1
Video clip from a presentation I made in St. Paul doing an old Victor Borge exercise giving sounds to punctuation as a story is read aloud.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 8, 2009
Autographing Yearbooks
Pictures from my father’s Autograph book (circa 1934), examples and suggestions for today’s Yearbook signing.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 9, 2009
Book Shares – Part 1
Suggestions regarding book shares plus a list of possibilities.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 13, 2009
Book Shares - Part 2
The rest of the first page about “Book Shares” – what to include, schedule
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 15, 2009
Book Shares – Part 3
A picture of a 3D collage and the Marking Sheet used to evaluate book shares.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 17, 2009
Christmas – Name the Carols
8 Christmas cartoons depicting well-known carols – answers are provided.
Posted by: jockmackenzie December 14, 2009
Christmas – Cartoon Sequence
Explanation regarding using Saturday comics as mixed up sequences PLUS a Christmas cartoon 6 panel sequence activity.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on December 8, 2009
Christmas – Cartoon Sequence – Answer Key
The 6 panels in the suggested order PLUS explanatory captions.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on December 9, 2009
Classroom Design 1 – Your Classroom (Home Away From Home)
Thoughts (and two pics) on how to use the ceiling in your room – decorative and educational.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 3, 2009
Classroom Design 2 – Classroom Takes Shape
How I decorated a small room where I taught a pull-out group of grade sixes
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 1, 2009
Classroom Design 3 – Class Set of Phone Books
Ideas about using old phone books to teach research skills.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 9, 2009
Classroom Design 4 – A Student’s View
Suggestion to use the front of the room for displaying student work and instructive displays.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 23, 2009
Classroom Discipline 1 – Mackenzie Baseball
How a “3 Strikes and You’re In” system works – along with its variations.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 29, 2009
Classroom Discipline 2 – Smile
How a smile and the mindset behind the smile can make discipline much more effective.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 9, 2009
Classroom Discipline 3 – Inconsistencies (The Speeder Story)
A short story used to assure students that teachers are as consistent as possible when dealing with discipline problems.
Posted by: jockmackenzie February22, 2010
Classroom Management – A Quiz
A 20-question quiz gleaned from interviews with middle school teachers about effective classroom management techniques and practices. Answers – Yes, No, Sometimes.
Posted by: jockmackenzie February 1, 2010
Classroom Management – Creating an Identity
Giving each class a name to replace 8A, 8B, etc. with The Wizards of Roz, Sterling’s Storm, etc.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 1, 2009
Classroom Management – more than entertainment
Proactive strategies like the sequences shown here as anticipatory sets are what I call “management.” The reactive strategies are “discipline.”
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 27, 2009
Classroom Management – Learning Students’ Name #1
An explanation of the “Names, Places, and Faces” game best employed on the first day of school.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on August 20, 2009
Classroom Management – Learning Students’ Name #2
An explanation of a second game for learning names – Billy Bang
Posted by: jockmackenzie on August 22, 2009
Classroom Management – Learning Students’ Name #3
An explanation of a third game for learning names – The Melting Magician
Posted by: jockmackenzie on August 24, 2009
Classroom Management – Knowledge of Results (Code Names)
One of my best ideas – using student created code names so marks can be shared publicly.
Posted by: jockmackenzie February 25, 2010
Classroom Routines – Getting Everyone’s Attention
A new method to interrupt a class at work to deliver a necessary message.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 1, 2009
Classroom Rules – Idea #1
Two posters of classroom rules – rights and responsibilities.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 7, 2009
Classroom Rules – Idea #2
Two more examples of rules used by middle school teachers (and pics of the posters to display the rules).
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 20, 2009
Context Clues #1
Notes on 5 context clues, a mnemonic PLUS a context clue exercise.
Posted by Jock Mackenzie April 22, 2010
Context Clues #2
How to remember the term PLUS another exercise
Posted by Jock Mackenzie April 26, 2010
Court – Role Playing with Bloom’s
Explanation of comprehension/role playing game of Court. Also a 2-page handout to assist students in preparing questions.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 14, 2009
Court – More Role Playing with Bloom’s
A complete step-by-step explanation of how to play Court, plus a suggested script.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 16, 2009
Creativity – Thinking Inside and Outside the Box
Describes the origin of the saying “Think Outside the Box” and encourages creativity.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 5, 2009
Creativity – Quotes, Thoughts, Pictures
Four quotes about creativity, some thoughts on the importance of encouraging students to be creative, and two creative examples (pictures taken on a trip home from Lethbridge, Alberta)
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 22, 2009
End of Class Activity – Charades
An explanation and a video clip of the life skill, language skills known as Charades.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 7, 2009
End of Class Activity – Silent Ball
Explanation of how to play the end of class game called Silent Ball.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 21, 2009
Essay Writing – Part 1
The picture of an essay followed by an explanation of how to build an essay with bodies PLUS a suggestion to see the video clip called “Acting the Essay.”
Posted by: jockmackenzie February 15, 2010
Extrinsic Rewards – all you have to do is look
Suggestion that conferences are an excellent source for gathering class prizes.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 1, 2009
Final Exams – Time at the End?
Ideas for the time after the final exam when students sit idly waiting to be released.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 22, 2009
The First Week of School – Part 1
The poem “Ladies and Gentlemen” and how I get each class to memorize it on the first day of school.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on August 26, 2009
The First Week of School – Part 2
A video of the poem “Ladies and Gentlemen” and an explanation of how I use it as the first homework assignment of the year.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on August 28, 2009
Foreshadowing – Part 1
Six hand shadow images, suggestions on how to incorporate hand shadows into an activity to understand “foreshadowing” PLUS a YouTube video by Raymond Crowe.
Posted by Jock Mackenzie April 15, 2010
Foreshadowing – Part 2
Suggestions about “fore” and “shadow” so students can understand the term PLUS suggested stories.
Posted by Jock Mackenzie April 19, 2010
Getting Organized (and trying to stay there)
Sample of a S.S. class Table of Contents on chart paper – helping kids with organization
Posted by: jockmackenzie on April 30, 2009
Give ‘em Candy – extrinsic rewards?
Satiric look at using candy as a classroom reward
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 1, 2009
Hink Pink Swink Think Contest (with prizes)
Contest rules, the prizes (with pictures), sample entries (9 of them) PLUS the winners.
Posted by: jockmackenzie December 18, 2009
The Importance of Reading, What Makes Good Writing
Video clip from a presentation I made in St. Paul about Avi’s (and Donald C. Hall’s) comments on reading.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 10, 2009
I.P.P.’s – a challenge for all (but there’s hope)
Brief explanation of the sample folder in the cum file cabinet – used to decipher the mysterious cum file.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 1, 2009
Journal Writing – Introduction
The 5W’s and H of journal writing in a Language Arts classroom.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 15, 2009
Journal Writing Ideas #1
Ideas for the first 6 weeks of school.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 19, 2009
Journal Writing Ideas #2
Six more weeks of ideas for journal writing.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 11, 2009
Journal Writing Ideas #3
Journal prompts for Weeks #13 – #18.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 22, 2009
Journal Writing Ideas #4
Ideas for Weeks 19 – 24
Posted by: jockmackenzie January 7, 2010
Journal Writing Ideas #5
Ideas for Weeks 25 – 30
Posted by: jockmackenzie March 29, 2010
Kites #1 – a listening exercise and more
Brief video PLUS an introduction to a great listening exercise – sled kite building.
Posted by: jockmackenzie April 5, 2010
Kites #2 (Making a Sled Kite)
Pictures and a written explanation for an 8 1/2 X 14″ paper sled kite and it flies! PLUS a 2 minute video.
Posted by: jockmackenzie April 8, 2010
Kites #3 – String Climbers, A List of Do’s
Step-by-step photos showing how to make a kite string climber (messenger) PLUS 6 suggestions for making your kite day successful.
Posted by: jockmackenzie April 12, 2010
Learning to Remember – Highlights from High Level
A 5 minute video of a session I gave at the Fort Vermilion PD Day about “hooks” we use in life and at school so we can hang our memories.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 26, 2009
Listening & Viewing – Origami
Listening and Viewing to make a paper cup
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 17, 2009
Middle School Alphabet
Shows 3 sample letters and briefly explains benefits of having an alphabet displayed.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on April 30, 2009
Middle School – First Impressions
Two exterior photos of West Park Middle school, importance of first impressions
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 5, 2009
A Middle School Language Arts Classroom
Pictures and an explanation of how to make banners for the 6 strands of Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Viewing, Representing)
Posted by: jockmackenzie on August 30, 2009
Opening Activity – The Pot of Gold
How to play a game where students look for a hidden coin – then watch as others search.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 1, 2009
Persuasive Writing – Part 1
Explanation and examples of the F & R of FREQOES – Facts and Statistics, Reasons. FREQOES is a mnemonic for various methods of developing/elaborating.
Posted by: jockmackenzie January 14, 2010
Persuasive Writing – Part 2
Explanation and examples of the E & Q of FREQOES – Examples and Quotes. FREQOES is a mnemonic for various methods of developing/elaborating.
Posted by: jockmackenzie January 18, 2010
Persuasive Writing – Part 3
Explanation and examples of the O of FREQOES – Opinions. FREQOES is a mnemonic for various methods of developing/elaborating.
Posted by: jockmackenzie January 21, 2010
Persuasive Writing – Part 4
Explanation and examples of the E of FREQOES – Experiences. FREQOES is a mnemonic for various methods of developing/elaborating.
Posted by: jockmackenzie January 25, 2010
Persuasive Writing – Part 5
A review of F, R, E, Q, O, and E and then an explanation and examples of the S of FREQOES – Senses. FREQOES is a mnemonic for various methods of developing/elaborating.
Posted by: jockmackenzie January 28, 2010
“Poetry and Song” – ENTRY 1 – Song Writing
Brief excerpt about re-writing old lyrics e.g. I’ve Been Working on the Railroad
Posted by: jockmackenzie on April 30, 2009
“Poetry and Song” – ENTRY 2 – Rhyming Definitions
Brief excerpt about Hink Pinks and Hinky Pinkies
Posted by: jockmackenzie on April 30, 2009
“Poetry and Song” – ENTRY 3 – The Limerick
Brief explanation of the Annual Limerick Contest, several past winners
Posted by: jockmackenzie on April 30, 2009
“Poetry & Song” – ENTRY 4 – Figure of Speech Exercise
Sample of a Figure of Speech exercise from my teacher reference book “Poetry and Song.”
Posted by: jockmackenzie on April 30, 2009
“Poetry and Song” – ENTRY 5 – Figures of Speech
Brief sample from my upcoming book (I hope) called “Poetry and Song” about how to remember figures of speech. Uses the example of ‘personification.’
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 15, 2009
“Poetry and Song” – ENTRY 6 – The Cliche
An excerpt from my teacher reference book. Explains how students see clichés as new, gives an exercise encouraging creative ideas.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on July 5, 2009
“Poetry and Song” – ENTRY 7 – Form and Formula Poems
A Muhammad Ali opening poem, thoughts about getting boys interested in writing poetry, and a “Jock written” Ali prediction as a starting exercise.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on July 9, 2009
“Poetry and Song” – ENTRY 8 – Acting Out a Poem
The beginning of a chapter titled “Quatrains and Other Short Poems.” It includes a description of how students can stand before their classmates and “act out” the form of a poem
Posted by: jockmackenzie on July 15, 2009
“Poetry & Song” – Entry 9 – A List Poem
Brief example of a “list” poem from the chapter on Form and Formula Poems.
Posted by: jockmackenzie July 17, 2009
“Poetry & Song” – Entry 10 – The Limerick #2
How to begin teaching “The Limerick” with several examples PLUS how to deal with off-color limericks.
Posted by: jockmackenzie March 11, 2010
“Poetry & Song” – Entry 11 – The Limerick #3
The picture of a “perfect” limerick – including stressed and unstressed syllables, number of syllables per line, and rhyme scheme PLUS several examples.
Posted by: jockmackenzie March 15, 2010
“Poetry & Song” – Entry 12 – The Limerick #4
Ideas about rhythm PLUS an exercise for writing 2nd and 4th lines.
Posted by: jockmackenzie March 18, 2010
“Poetry & Song” – Entry 13 – The Limerick #5
Cloze exercises. Original words are included.
Posted by: jockmackenzie March 22, 2010
“Poetry & Song” – Entry 14 – The Limerick #6
Seven of my favorite limericks.
Posted by: jockmackenzie March 25, 2010
“Poetry & Song” – a video
Video clip (approx. 8 minutes) of a session in High Level, Alberta based on Jock’s upcoming teacher reference book titled “Poetry and Song.”
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 29, 2009
Publications – Rhyme Time in “Canadian Teacher”
Refers the reader to my article describing a rhyming game called “Hink Pinks” and introduces my invention of Hink Pink Swinks (3-word rhymes) and Hink Pink Swink Thinks ( 4-word rhymes).
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 25, 2009
Publications – Reader’s Digest
My joke about a chocolate factory worker was published in January’s Reader’s Digest.
Posted by: jockmackenzie January 4, 2010
Publications – TEACHERS’ Plates Are Full! – in “Canadian Teacher”
My article (approx. 2800 words) about solutions to our ongoing dilemma PLUS the pictures not included in the magazine.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 24, 2009
Reading Games
Video clip from a presentation I made in St.Paul about two reading games – Reading Tag and Popcorn
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 12, 2009
Representing – The Page of Many Lines
An “old school” way to help students “represent” their work
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 10, 2009
Rewards 1
A video clip with several “claps” and the “high school hey” to underscore the idea that “The most sincere compliment we can pay is attention.”
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 3, 2009
Rewards 2
Finding rewards for students means thinking ahead – in this case taking golf balls to a national championship.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 5, 2009
The Secret Handshake (Well, you can’t hug ‘em)
Verbal explanation of an important method to show appreciation.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 1, 2009
The Seminal Literature – Everything But Language Arts (Middle School/Junior High)
A work in progress suggesting the best resources for all other subject areas.
Posted by: jockmackenzie March 8, 2010
The Seminal Literature – Language Arts (Middle School/Junior High)
The best sources for LA teachers as recommended by me – and by people I trust.
Posted by: jockmackenzie March 4, 2010
Sentences Starters and Enhancers 1
6 techniques to start sentences and 6 techniques to enhance sentences as described in the INLETS program.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 3, 2009
Short Story – The Gift of the Magi, Plot & Court
Important pictures, the Magi text, possible Court questions, and a plot outline.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 18, 2009
Short Story – Leiningen versus the Ants (Intro – Plot)
An HTML table showing the plot structure of Leiningen. This Plot Planner can be used during or after the reading of any short story.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 4, 2009
Short Story – Leiningen versus the Ants (Story, Part 1)
The text of the story (Part 1 of 3 parts) plus a list of difficult vocabulary from this section. (highlighted in red). Scenes descriptions are noted in orange. Vocab lists appear in chronological lists at the end of the entry.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 6, 2009
Short Story – Leiningen versus the Ants (Story, Part 2)
The text of the story (Part 2 of 3 parts) plus a list of difficult vocabulary from this section. (highlighted in red). Scenes descriptions are noted in orange. Vocab lists appear in chronological lists at the end of the entry.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 8, 2009
Short Story – Leiningen versus the Ants (Story, Part 3)
The text of the story (Part 3 of 3 parts) plus a list of difficult vocabulary from this section. (highlighted in red). Scenes descriptions are noted in orange. Vocab lists appear in chronological lists at the end of the entry.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 10, 2009
Short Story – Leiningen versus the Ants (Vocabulary, Setting)
1. Suggestions regarding the use of context clues (including a mnemonic)
2. Detailed explanation regarding “Setting” in any short story as well as in Leiningen
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 12, 2009
Short Story – The Monkey’s Paw
Text of W.W. Jacobs The Monkey’s Paw. A link to a YouTube video is suggested. Links to dictionary.com are available throughout the story for difficult vocabulary.
Posted by: jockmackenzie January 11, 2010
Short Story – The Monkey’s Paw (as a play)
Text of Louis N. Parker adaptation PLUS a picture of the stage setting as well as a link to audio tapes.
Posted by: jockmackenzie December 18, 2009
Short Story – The Sniper
Text, with vocabulary terms bolded, and a plot outline of Liam O’Flaherty’s “The Sniper.”
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 26, 2009
Short Story – The Sniper (Vocabulary)
A “helping” vocabulary exercise using 15 words from “The Sniper” PLUS the Answer Key.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 28, 2009
Short Story – The Street That Got Mislaid (Part 1)
A “Plot Planner” hand-out I created is used to summarize the story’s plot structure.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 31, 2009
Short Story – Thank You, Ma’am by Langdon Hughes
Text of the story PLUS a plot outline.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on December 6, 2009
Short Story Plot- The “Picture” of a Short Story
Explanation and diagrams of developments to the “standard plot diagram.”
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 30, 2009
Speaking – Joke Telling #1
3 “student friendly” jokes – the first in a series. An explanation will follow to show how to use joke telling as a subtle way to get students speaking in front of their classmates.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on July 21, 2009
Speaking – Joke Telling #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15
Two jokes per entry plus a brief explanation of the procedure.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on July 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 and August 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 2009
Joke Telling #1
- The Chocolate Factory
- Golfer and the Cop
- Jokes in Prison
Joke Telling #2
- Florist Friars
- Golfer and Funeral Procession
Joke Telling #3
- Haimish in the River
- Tarzan Hunts for Lunch
Joke Telling #4
- Texan Goes to Israel
- Motorcycle Gang and the Circle
Joke Telling #5
- Fisherman and the Biker Gang
- Farmer With Two Horses
Joke Telling #6
- Passenger in the Four-engine Plane
- A Real Pirate
Joke Telling #7
- Pearly Gates Meets A Brave Man
- Eagle Eyes Freddie
Joke Telling #8
- Puppy Drinks Gasoline
- Farmer and the Penquins
Joke Telling #9
- The Firing Squad
- Lady in Pain
Joke Telling #10
- Male Deer Survey
- Almond Daiquiris
Joke Telling #11
- Straw in the Wheelbarrows
- Russian and the Blanket
Joke Telling #12
- The Secret of Telling Jokes (audio)
- The 747 and the Small Town Runway
- The Priest and the Paint
Joke Telling #13
- Compliments in the Bar
- Daschund on Safari
Joke Telling #14
- Old Golf Ball on the Par 3
- Buckets of Fish
Joke Telling #15
- The Inexpensive Barber
- Lucky Number 7
Speaking – String Games
Brief explanation of how string games can get students up in front of the class – to make a presentation without seeing it as ‘public speaking.’ Also the benefits of string games.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 1, 2009
Speaking – Magic 1
Comment on how getting a student to do a magic trick in front of the class is a subtle way to do public speaking without realizing it. Explanation of the trick “Black Magic.”
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 29, 2009
Speaking – Magic 2
Detailed explanation of how to do the “Speed Reader” magic trick.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 29, 2009
Story Writing – using “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”
Text of the fairy tale PLUS a plot outline.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on December 4, 2009
Story Writing – using “Little Red Riding Hood”
Suggestion to modernize fairy tales, the text of Little Red Riding Hood PLUS a plot outline.
Story Writing – using “The Three Little Pigs”
Text of the story PLUS a “less is more” writing suggestion.
Posted by: jockmackenzie December 16, 2009
Story Writing – using “Rapunzel”
Text of the fairy tale PLUS the suggestion to use G.R.A.F.T. instead of RAFTS.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on December 12, 2009
Student Engagement – Part 1
A list of 11 strategies PLUS an explanation of the first one: take and share pictures of engaged students
Posted by: jockmackenzie February 11, 2010
Student Writing – G.R.A.F.T. not R.A.F.T.S – Introduction
An improved (I think) way of describing a classic method that offers students tremendous variety in writing assignments.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 19, 2009
Student Writing – GRAFT (an alternative to RAFTS)
Two alternatives for getting students to generate ideas for GRAFT (Goal, Role, Audience, Format, Topic)
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 21, 2009
Student Writing – Methods of Elaboration
How to use FREQOES (Facts & Statistics, Reasons, Examples, Quotes, Opinions, Experiences, Senses) to development ideas with a paragraph.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 1, 2009
Superheroes – Part 1
A list of superheroes, an overview of a superhero project, and a planning grid for gathering information about a variety of superheroes.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 19, 2009
Superheroes – Part 2
A hand-out titled “Create Your Own Superhero” which asks kids to explain and draw a new hero.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 21, 2009
Superheroes – Part 3
The superhero drawings made by my students, how high school art students added their artistic versions, and a conversation example between superhero, sidekick and villain.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 2, 2009
Teachers and Retirement
Picture of our stained glass front door and a suggestion to take time to enjoy a few pastimes
Posted by: jockmackenzie on July 13, 2009
Teacher Evaluations – How am I doing?
Session evaluations from Lethbridge Middle Years Conference plus a few thoughts.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on April 30, 2009
Teacher Man, Teacher Ma’am – a concept, a t-shirt, a song – Part 1
Pictures of the front and back (Teacher Man and Teacher Ms.) t-shirts with an explanation about the history and the concept. Lyrics are given – sung to the tune of the Spiderman theme.
Posted by: jockmackenzie February 4, 2010
Teacher Man, Teacher Ma’am – a concept, a t-shirt, a song – Part 2
An audio clip of Jock singing (?) the Teacher Man song. Lyrics provided.
Posted by: jockmackenzie February 8, 2010
Teacher Reading – Bricks and Bridges: Bridging the Gap to At-Risk Youth
A brief book review (and high recommendation)
Posted by Jock Mackenzie April 29, 2010
Teacher Reading “Less is More” by Kimberly Hill Campbell
A book review (9/10) for a resource recommended for any language arts classroom.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on July 7, 2009
Teacher Reading – the Literature textbook
A summer reading idea with suggestions about what to note in your classroom literature text.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 21, 2009
Teachers Who Write – A Crazy Kid from Canmore
A poem about kids who go to a mountain town – and stay for years
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 15, 2009
Teachers Who Write – Ol’ Green, My Cuttin’ Horse
A poem about an acreage owner who spends 24/7 on his riding tractor.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 23, 2009
Teachers Who Write – Golf Partners
A poem I wrote about the interesting pairings my wife and I have experienced on the golf course.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on April 1, 2010
Teachers Who Write – Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
A story titled “All I Got For Christmas . . .” PLUS a Christmas wish and a video clip.
Posted by: jockmackenzie December 19, 2009
Teachers Who Write – “Performin’”
A poem inspired by watching students perform at the Kiwanis Music Festival.
Posted by Jock Mackenzie May 6, 2010
Teachers Who Write – Teacher Expectations – A Story
Is it a disconnect when we simplify our last names?
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 20, 2009
Teachers Who Write – What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
A “teacher poem” suggesting the many careers all rolled into the job description of the classroom teacher.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on July 15, 2009
Teacher Writing – What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Jock’s poem, meant for teachers, about his career choice.
Posted by: jockmackenzie February 18, 2010
The Thesaurus
A caution about ‘thesaurusitis” followed by an explanation of several strategies and exercises to improve the use of different types of thesauri.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 7, 2009
Time Capsule – Mini-book of Favorites
Step-by-step method (with photos) of how to create an 8-page miniature book using one piece of 81/2 x 11 piece of paper.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 6, 2009
Twitter – And He Told Two Friends And They . . .
Announcing my Twitter account – Jockomack
Posted by: jockmackenzie on March 23, 2010
Writing – The Paragraph
Pictures of a paragraph and why it’s important for students to visualize various concepts.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 25, 2009
Writing the Paragraph (Scattergrams)
A visual method to gather ideas and organize them so students can plan their work prior to writing.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 5, 2009
Writing – The Topic Sentence (Part 1)
Introducing a formula for writing topic sentences. (T.S. = T + M.I. !)
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 27, 2009
Writing – Topic Sentences (Part 2)
Teacher’s Notes and Student (Cloze) Notes on Topic Sentences PLUS examples of topic sentences as first, second, and last in a paragraph.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on November 20, 2009
Writing – Topic Sentences (with OOMPH!)
8 methods with examples for adding interest and pizazz to topic sentences.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on December 10, 2009
Year End Activity #1 – Time Capsule
Explanation of how to create a small time capsule using a snap-top, plastic container (an old Nescafe Special Coffee container) for grade sixes to open at the end of their time in middle school.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 19, 2009
Year End Activity #2 – Class Dictionary/Yearbook
Explanation of how to create a classroom yearbook using the form of a dictionary – emphasizes pronunciation, syllabication, synonyms, etc.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on May 26, 2009
Year End Activity #4 – Studying for Finals
An explanation of the game “Court” – a courtroom and Bloom’s Taxonomy
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 18, 2009
Year End Activity #5 – Locker Clean-up
Ideas to make this activity easier and more worthwhile
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 19, 2009
Year Plan – the big picture
Brief thoughts about an overall plan
Posted by: jockmackenzie on June 11, 2009
Year Plan – Language Arts, Grade 7
My ex-student teacher (now seasoned classroom teacher) offers her LA year plan.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on October 23, 2009
Year Plan – Language Arts, Grade 8 (Part 1)
An actual year plan I used for my LA grade 8 class in my last year of teaching.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 11, 2009
Year Plan – Language Arts, Grade 8 (Part 2)
The month-by-month outline of activities plus an overview of the Department of Education’s expectations.
Posted by: jockmackenzie on September 13, 2009
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