In this section you’ll find information that will assist you in your role as an Occasional Teacher. It isn’t subject specific but is related to Ontario’s Schools. This is where you’ll find information about classroom management, character education, and safe schools to name but three topics.
Classroom supports
4Teachers.org
4Teachers.org works to help you integrate technology into your classroom by offering online tools and resources. This site helps teachers locate and create ready-to-use Web lessons, quizzes, rubrics and classroom calendars. There are also tools for student use. Discover valuable professional development resources addressing issues such as equity, ELL, technology planning, and at-risk or special-needs students.
Three-Step Interview
In the three-step interview students work in groups of three with each student assuming a different role: interviewer, interviewee, and reporter. This document explains how to use this strategy effectively in the classroom.
Four Corners
In the Four Corners strategy students to make a decision about whether they strongly agree, agree, disagree or strongly disagree in response to a statement, issue or question. Students with similar responses are grouped in order to discuss their ideas. Each group then presents to the class.
Graffiti
This one-page document explains how to use the Graffiti strategy. In this strategy groups of students brainstorm ideas around a central topic and record their ideas on sheets of chart paper.
Inside Outside Circle
In this learning strategy students are arranged in two circles, an inner circle and an outer circle. The students on the inside face outward while the students on the outside face inward. After being given a short amount of time to think about a question that has been put on the board the students discuss their answer with the person they are facing. When the teacher gives a signal the outside circle moves in one direction and each student has a new partner with whom to share. The web link provides steps and tips for using this strategy in the classroom.
Jigsaw Activities
This document explains how to develop a lesson plan using the jigsaw activity. The example used is for a grade four oral communication and visual arts lesson.
Listening and Learning From Peers T-Chart
This T-Chart lists the actions and words associated with listening to and learning from peers.
Group Work T-Chart
This chart is designed to get students thinking and talking about what makes groups successful.
Place Mat
This cooperative learning strategy allows students to think about, record, and share their ideas in groups. The document provides an overview of how to use the place mat in class as well as hints and management ideas. It also explains the benefits of using this learning technique.
Student Attitude Survey
This one-page reproducible survey provides insight into students’ attitudes toward oral communication, reading, writing, and group work.