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NEA Today, Sep 2003 by Hanif, Farzana, Bentley, Millie, Axworthy, Robin, Hubbell, Rebecca, Et al

CALLING ALL COSMETOLOGY TEACHERS

I teach cosmetology. This is my 30th year teaching and working in this field, and I would like to start a listserv on which cosmetology teachers could swap ideas and experiences. Anybody interested? Send me an e-mail message:

beautyprofessor@hotmail.com.-FARZANA HANIF

Dade City, Florida

Struggling Multipliers

I have several students who are really struggling with memorizing their multiplication facts. Can anyone suggest ways to help these students?

-REBECCA HUBBELL

Fourth- to sixth-grade teacher

Chico, California

FAMILY LITERACY CENTER

I am a new Title I teacher starting a Family Literacy Center, I will be using an empty classroom. I want it to be a place where parents can feel comfortable coming to check out games and books and learn how to help their children. I would appreciate hearing how other people have implemented this kind of program. I have some ideas, but I need more.

-JOY MALONE

Roseburg, Oregon

A Lift to Learning

OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS work very hard to teach the Arizona Standards of Instruction, but we need to motivate our kids to do better. Intrinsic motivation only goes so far. We welcome any ideas that have proven successful.

-MILLIE BENTLEY, Sunnyside, Arizona

ANSWER: LIKE THE OTHER TEACHERS IN my department I have the state language arts standards posted in my ninth-grade classroom. When we give students an assignment, we show them where it is in the standards. My grades are set up by standard. To pass, students have to meet the benchmark for that standard-very different than averaging their grades, as I used to do. Students realize they are working to acquire a specific skill, rather than to earn points. Learning and retention are up!-ROBIN AXWORTHY,

Paramount, California

Share your wisdom, ask your question!

What's the best holiday gift you've ever given or received at work?

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"Before giving my report, I want to say my dress is by Vivace, my shoes by Gelding and Strauss, my accessories by the Shantz Collection, and my hair and make-up is by J. Cuthright."

Teacher's Pets

I'm a new second-grade teacher and would like to ask if anyone has lessons on pets?

-AMY CROSTON

Howard County, Virginia

ANSWER: I got a whole unit on pets from my local animal shelter. I suggest that you contact yours. They also came out and taught lessons on various aspects of animals-pet care, area wild animal info, etc.

-KAY C. MAST

Third grade teacher

Harrison District,

Colorado Springs, Colorado