Solving Problems for Teachers: Freebies, Contests, and More!

There’s no better feeling than the one you get when you’ve just solved a problem. Whether it’s a classroom management challenge, a curriculum issue, or just a daily aggravation, the moment that you find your solution is a happy moment indeed! I was thinking about that as I looked at this week’s array of products and freebies for teachers. Each one solves a different classroom problem in a creative way. Read on!

Submit a comment to our blog to let us know which of these resources you like. One lucky reader will win my copy of The Big Idea Science Book from DK Publishing. This colorful resource explains the big ideas behind 24 scientific principles. You can also go online for interactive learning tools that go with the book. Submit your comment by midnight on Monday, November 22, 2010, to be included in our random drawing. Good luck! (Update: Congratulations to Bette, who is our lucky winner!)

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Looking for a better way to track students’ reading time? Then here’s a problem-solver you’ll appreciate: the Mark-My-Time Digital Bookmark. Winner of a Learning magazine Teachers’ Choice Award, this electronic bookmark can be set to track the amount of time students spend reading. Use it in the classroom or check out the Mark-My-Time fundraiser designed for schools. Click here now! (Hint: Enter to WIN one of 20 Mark-My-Time bookmarks. Click here to visit Learning magazine. Hurry, the contest ends November 16. Don’t miss out!)

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The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge involves students of all ages in solving environmental problems—and, as the contest name suggests, maybe even changing the world! Registration is now open. Winners receive a grant, a school assembly, pocket video cameras, and more. Visit http://siemens.discoveryeducation.com/ to learn more.

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Ever have trouble making sure every student can hear the audio from a computer or audio file that you’re playing for the class? Here’s a new solution from Califone. These three-piece desktop computer speakers are designed for fast setup and plug-and-play use. They work with any existing audio device. Click here now to learn more!

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Get students involved in solving real-world problems with ThinkQuest! Sponsored by Oracle, this annual competition challenges students of all ages to apply critical thinking, communication, and technology skills. Prizes include laptops, grants, a trip to ThinkQuest Live, and more. Visit www.thinkquest.org to get the details.

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Be sure to submit a comment to our blog for a chance to win that great book from DK Publishing!

Karen

PS: Looking for classroom crafts to do at Thanksgiving or for the holidays? Now’s the time to stock up with craft kits and supplies from Oriental Trading. Use code NOV2010 for free shipping on orders of $49 or more. Click here now!


10 thoughts on “Solving Problems for Teachers: Freebies, Contests, and More!

  1. Hi Kimberly,
    Right now we don’t offer an early childhood freebies blog, but it’s something we might consider doing. In the meantime, be sure to enter the contests at LearningMagazine.com. There are several early childhood products that we’re giving away and those contests end this week!

    Thanks,
    Karen

  2. I love engaging teaching ideas to explain science in child-friendly fashion, science, and DK! What’s there not to like?

  3. I love the mark my time timers for reading. Even in prek you can use it with timing the kids at book time. Great idea.
    ‘Love the Dk books too. I have several and use them all the time. Can’t wait to look at their science ideas.

  4. Hi Kimberly
    I teach PreK too. I frequently use the wonderful resources Karen finds by just brining them down a notch.
    Darlene

  5. Teachers can use any resource available for science. Science is very important because it involves reading,math,art,social studies,the five senses,and everyday life skills. It is great to see the resources offered in this blog. If I do not win, I will check out the Big Idea Science Book from DK on Amazon.com. The Mark My Time Digital Bookmarks are cool too!
    Thank You,
    LaShaina
    SHCS Preschool Teacher

  6. I’m not a fan of Science and anything that I can use to make it more interesting for me will make it more interesting for me to teach. I Think this may help all around@

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