Personalizing the Secondary Classroom

Personalize your secondary classroom with these excellent resources for back to school, as well as the rest of the school year. These articles, printables, and guides will aid you in making your classroom warm and inviting. Whether you are preparing for the first day of school, greeting new students, or resolving classroom conflicts, you'll find great ideas and activities below. These resources are appropriate for teachers of high school students.

First Day of School Thinking About the First Day of School Excellent tips on how to set your first day goals and find your most effective teaching stance. Preparing for the First Day of School Discover great ideas on how to introduce yourself to your new middle/secondary students and their parents. First Day at the Secondary Level Get ready for your first day teaching at the secondary level with these tips on everything from outlining the syllabus to starting a fun and hands-on project. Offering Students Choices from Day One Here are some suggestions on specific choices to give your students. Student Orientation Understand some general rules about what makes a great teacher. Getting to Know Your Students Learning Students' Names Quickly Learn your students' names quickly with these helpful ideas. Meeting and Greeting Students at the Beginning of Class The amount of effort a teacher puts into meeting students is a critical benchmark for most children. Getting to Know Each Other Getting to know your students at the beginning of the year is crucial in establishing a strong teacher-student rapport. More Getting to Know Your Students

Conflict Resolution Setting the Stage for Conflict Resolution Set the stage for good conflict resolution within your classroom with these quick lessons. Creating Opportunities When You Only Listen Taking the time to listen to your students is an extremely important part of your relationship with them. These tips are designed to help you to listen without responding. Exploring Cultural Points of View Increase communication between students of different cultures with this interview based activity. More Conflict Resolution Lessons Related Resources The Art of Teaching The toughest challenges become easier to handle when you start with advice from experienced teachers and specialists. New Teacher Resources Discover everything a beginning teacher will need for a successful school year, from tips for your first day, to classroom-management advice, to printables and lesson plans that will support your curriculum all year long. Back to School Teacher Resources Return to school this fall prepared to conquer any questions you or your students might have about the school year. Our resources range from teaching students the school's layout to assessment tips.

2008 Summer Olympics

Celebrate this summer's Olympic Games in Beijing, China, with our resources, activities, and lessons.

Teaching about Natural Disasters

The world has suffered two natural disasters this May — Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the earthquake in China. These tragedies may have your students wondering why such large catastrophes occur. We have resources to help you explain earthquakes and cyclones, and for dealing with the subjects of death and crisis with your class.

July Events

Find educational activities for every day in July. Take a look at our Summer Activities Slideshow for our favorite summer-themed activities, lessons, and printables.

Sign up for our Great Stuff for Teachers newsletter to keep up-to-date on all of our seasonal lessons and printables.

New Customizable Printables

Easily create personalized hall and office passes or teacher stationary with our customizable classroom passes and notes. Prepare for substitute teachers, field trips, parent-teacher conferences, and more with our customizable charts and forms.

Drama Resources

Explore our drama resources – from Shakespearean plays to The Miracle Worker to Readers Theater – to widen your curricular focus. Students will enjoy the change of pace that putting on a classroom play will bring!

ADD/ADHD Resources

From frequently asked questions to assessment accommodations, these articles and resources will help you to deal with the special nature of students with ADD/ADHD.