Place Value - A Perfect Math Lesson

Place value is one of those important concepts in mathematics. Teachers (and when you are relief teaching) simply can't afford to get this math skill wrong.

Place value is essential to success in mathematics. 

Quotation Marks

Punctuation Marks - Quotation Marks

When I was a kid (oh good grief - did I just say that?), punctuation was a regular feature of my day.

Teaching Strategies using Cool Math Games

3 Key Relief Teaching Strategies

Teaching Strategies that Keep Kids Focused

When relief teaching it is very important, even essential to use teaching strategies that focus on

• Setting the Learning Agenda 

• Focus Kids on Outcomes 

• Promote Success

Relief Teaching and Word Games

Relief Teaching pay is good. But you can't go and purchase hundreds of resources for your job.

I am very selective about where I spend my money. Some would call my a tight-wad (or worse).

Fishing gear - YES.
Relief teaching resources - NO.

Reading Comprehension.

There is nothing like a well designed reading comprehension passage to create active engagement. When I am relief teaching active engagement is my single most important goal.

PLUS putting together a good exercise take heaps of YOUR time - you want kids to spend 10x the effort you put into the activity.

How many ways can you teach number facts?

Anyone who teaches will know how important number facts are to success in mathematics. Gosh, all I can remember about my own primary school years is reciting my "tables" - and you know what? I think I am a pretty good mathematician as a result.

Like all things relief teaching - if you love it - they will

I was doing a relief teaching stint working with a year 7 class yesterday and my timing must have been a bit out because I had about 15 minutes left before the morning tea break.

DRATS!

Teaching Tips - 10 Ways to use a Newspaper in the Classroom

Can you get any cheaper teaching resources than newspapers? OK - shopping catalogues might be cheaper.

Most schools have newspapers piled up somewhere, and they are great classroom resources.

Try these free teaching activities but remember that most of these activities will be extremely messy and generate a lot of waste.

HOT TIP - PRODUCT REVIEW

I ran into this fabulous free resource by accident. It is developed by the Dairy Industry of Australia and has 3 modules - all with free video, graphic and printable resources. Even a free dairy DVD for teachers. Cool!

Relief Daze 1

A complete 
ONE DAY program 

for a Relief Teacher. 

Top 5 Powerpoint Lessons

1. Number Races. 
2. Using Quotation Marks
3. Drawing Australian Borders
4. Chunking
5. Place Value

Parts of ME

       I have used this style of sheet in several year levels with great results. The kids are challenged and are often forced to work in pairs to get the answers.

Australian Borders

     This is a short 30 minutes teacher directed lesson on how to draw the state borders of Australia. 

Drawing Art

     Drawing Art can be used by students of all year levels and explores linear art.

10 Quick Ideas for Shopping Catalogues.

Shopping catalogues are a great resource for Relief Teachers and are freely available. Keep at least 50 or so similar catalogues in your bag of tricks. 


Catalogues are a source of inspiration for all types of math activities which will keep students actively engage in productive learning.

How to teach with a shopping catalogue?

Answer: Anything.