We had a variety of ideas on our things-to-do list during Kola’s visit to Arizona. One of those items on the list happened to be the Surprise Your Eyes Pop-Up Art Experience located in Scottsdale. I thought this would be a unique experience from the moment I saw it appear on my Facebook timeline months earlier. Kola’s visit was the perfect excuse to go check it out.
Our Experience
The Location
Surprise Your Eyes is located in Scottsdale at the Arizona Boardwalk. This location is actually chock-full of fun-filled family activities. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this venue. It’s definitely a good place to visit if you are travelling with a family to the Phoenix area.
Surprise Your Eyes is a 3D selfie attraction which allows you to take pictures within a 3D optical illusion backdrop. The website describes it as an “Instagrammer’s Paradise” which I wholeheartedly agree with. As soon as we walked in, we saw with our own eyes all of the photographic possibilities.
Anyway, we visited Surprise Your Eyes on a Tuesday in the early afternoon. Apparently, this was the perfect day and time to go because we had the place to ourselves the entire time we were there. We checked-in with the staff member at entrance. Then, we were off to see what all of the hype was about.
Let the Fun Begin
Our experience began with the mining cave backdrop. It took a moment for me to figure out the right angle, but I finally got the shot. Fortunately, they have decals on the floor showing you where to stand for the perfect shot. They also have sample photos posted on the walls in order to give you an idea of how to pose in order to get the picture right.
Once we got into the swing of things, we moved from one art backdrop to the next. We had a blast trying to achieve the 3D effect depicted in the sample photos. Kola appears in most of the pictures since I’m a bit camera shy, but I did take a few pics in order to prove I was there.
By the time we were done roaming the venue, we had a ton of photos to post online and add to our scrapbooks. I even took my nieces back a few months later so they could experience it as well. They seemed to enjoy the experience too (see the photos below).
Final Thoughts
Kola and I had a wonderful time taking photos during this activity. Even though I had read mixed reviews about this activity, I thought it was nice way to spend an afternoon. I just think you need to have realistic expectations of the place. It’s a fun photo opportunity and nothing more. Don’t expect it to be a thrilling amusement park ride. It’s not that type of place.
Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit.
Tips
Purchase your tickets in advance. The website allows your to purchase your tickets online. They offer discounts at various times of the year. Additionally, I believe the tickets are open-ended. You can go any day and time.
Wear comfortable clothes. You will be sitting on the floor and sometimes climbing the walls in order to get the best shot. Therefore, comfy clothes will be helpful when you are taking your pictures.
It’s a safe place to visit. According to the website, they are following all of the CDC regulations in order to provide a safe place to explore. They advise that you wear masks and social distance. Additionally, they sanitize “high touch areas” to ensure everyone’s safety.
My mother and I enjoy hosting a festive gathering from time to time. It’s always fun to eat good food, listen to music, and chat with family and friends. Even though we always have a good time the day of the event, the days leading up to the party can be a little stressful. The planning and set up phases can sometimes feel like a chore. That’s why I have come up with these 11 easy party planning tips and tricks to help plan your next event.
Take a look at the tips below for some great party planning ideas.
Tip 1: Plan
Planning is a crucial part of having a successful party. Taking the time to sit down and plan every aspect of your party in advance is key to executing a great party and will help eliminate stress. In your plan, you need to include information about budget, supplies, menu, guests, theme, date, time, etc…
You can write your ideas down on paper, type them into a Word document, or use an app. The point is to write your thoughts down and use them as a reference while you are preparing for your party. As you continue to prepare for your event, you can check items off of your list as you go.
I’m personally a fan of checklists. I like being able to check things off of my list as I go. It gives me a since of accomplishment and I feel like I’m achieving my goals.
Tip 2: Create a Guest List
Getting your guest list together can be tricky, but it’s crucial to having a successful party. There are a lot of factors you must take into consideration when you are creating a guest list.
First, you must consider the size of your space. That helps to determine the number of people you should invite that can fit comfortably in the space.
Second, you need to consider the type of party you are having. Some parties need to be a particular size depending on the theme for the night.
Third, you need to consider your budget when generating a guest list because it takes money to accommodate your guests.
Once you have created your guest list, STICK TO IT. Be sure that you clearly state in the invite how many people are invited to the party and if they are allowed to bring another guest. Letting them know this up front will eliminate a lot of headaches in the end. You don’t want more people at your party than you can handle.
Tip 3 : Send Out Invitations
Once you have created your guest list, you need to send out invitations to your guests. The general rule is that you should send out your invitations at least three weeks in advance for casual gatherings . That way, your guests have time to respond. For more formal events, you should send out invitations further in advance (six to eight weeks).
Invitations can be sent in a variety of ways.
Send paper invitations through the mail
Email invitations using sites such as Evites or Paperless Post
When you are planning your event you must consider whether you want to have it in your home or at another location. Costs, time, space, & the number of guests will help determine whether or not you should have it at home or away. If you have the budget to have the party at another venue, then I say go for it. I find that it makes life a little easier if you have it elsewhere. It eliminates the need for you to cook, clean or prepare. The only thing you really have to do is plan and coordinate with the venue, then let them handle the rest. That way, all that you need to do is show up the day of the party and enjoy the fun. Just be sure you have chosen a venue that has a good reputation and is willing to work with you.
Tip 5: Check Your Supplies
Once you have created your plan and have listed all of the materials needed for the party, be sure to check your kitchen, pantry & closets for everything on your list. You may have most, if not all, of the materials needed for your party. Check off items on your list as you go along in order to ensure you only buy or borrow materials that are absolutely necessary and you don’t own.
Tip 6: Gather Your Materials
Once you have checked your home or storage for supplies, it’s time to gather the materials that you do not have for your party. You can either purchase them yourself, if you want to keep them for future events or borrow them. However, BE CAREFUL when you borrow materials from a friend or supplier. Make sure they are in good condition IN ADVANCE. By checking the materials in advance, you can be sure they function properly or if they don’t, find replacement materials that are in better condition before the party.
When to Buy: If you know you will have more gatherings and the supplies will be used more than once or if the item can’t be borrowed.
When to Borrow or Rent: If you know that you will only use the supplies only one time.
Tip 7: Purchase Your Party Supplies
The following establishments are just suggestions. You may purchase these items wherever you desire based on your budget and location. Try to stick to your budget and list when making purchases.
Party City
Amazon
AC Moore
Michaels
JoAnns
Crate And Barrel
Thrift Stores
Prop Stores
Target
Walmart
Bed Bath & Beyond
Dollar Stores
Any store that may sale party supplies, dishes, table linen, etc…
Any arts and crafts stores
Tip 8: Plan the Menu
The menu should be based on the type of party you are planning and the guests you plan to invite. You want all of your guests to be able to eat and drink while they are enjoying the festivities. Therefore, you will also need to take the dietary needs of your guests into consideration. Having both alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks available is a wise choice. You should also have a variety appetizers, main dishes, & desserts that will accommodate a variety of tastes. Keep in mind that you might have guests who are vegetarian, don’t eat certain types of meat, or have food allergies.
Another decision you may have to make when planning a menu is if you plan on cooking the food yourself or having it catered. Cooking the food yourself might be more cost effective, but it also can be more time consuming. You definitely need to make time in your schedule to prepare the food for the party in advance in order to have everything ready for the party on time. If you decide to have it catered, you have to make room in your budget to order the food. You will also have to make time to pick up the food or be sure it can be delivered in time for the party.
Finally, some people like to ask guests to bring food or drink to the party. Like a potluck of sorts. There are pros and cons to this idea. Two major pros for this idea are that it’s cost effective and it cuts down on your time in the kitchen. However, the con to this idea is that some people may have good intentions, but don’t really follow through. If they don’t follow through, then you may not have enough food or drink for all of your guests. So be careful with the potluck concept. You want to be sure that the people you ask to bring something to the party are reliable and will follow through.
Tip 9: Start Cleaning and Setting Up a Week in Advance
Getting your home reading for a party can be a daunting task. If you work full or part time, it can really be difficult to properly prepare for a party. I have found that it makes life easier if I start cleaning, preparing, & decorating my home for guests at least a week in advance so that I’m not overwhelmed the day before or the day of the party. I like to clean or complete one task each day leading up to the party. That way, when the big day arrives, most (if not all) of the work is done and I can relax and enjoy the party. I also like to take off the day before a party so I can tie up any loose ends and do last minute preparations without having to worry about getting things ready after a long, hard day at work.
Tip 10: Get Crafty With D.I.Y. Projects
D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself) projects can be a great way to decorate for your party. If you are a crafty person, there are a lot of ways to create wonderful decorations, centerpieces, and tablescapes to embellish your party space. In order to successfully complete your D.I.Y. project, be sure to plan and gather your materials well in advance. You want to make sure you have everything you need to implement the project in addition to getting it done in time to decorate for the party. There are many resources and ideas online and at your local bookstore that will help you decorate like a pro. However, if you are not a crafty person and don’t have many crafty friends, there is no shame in buying pre-made decorations. Everybody can’t be Martha Stewart.
Tip 11: Engage Your Guests With Fun Activities and Games
Activities & games are a fun way to engage your guests and get the party started. I have read on some websites that party activities are juvenile, corny, annoying and shouldn’t be done. However, I personally think it depends on the theme of the party and the type of people you invite. If you take those factors into consideration, you should be able to determine if games or activities are appropriate for your party or not. You can find a lot of ideas for party activities online or in the bookstore. Especially, if the party has a fun theme. Play away and enjoy.
Tip 12: Decide on the Type of Music You Want to Play
Music helps set the mood or tone for a party. The choice of music depends on the theme of the party, the activities you have planned, and the mood you want to create. You can either create your own music list, play a streaming station like Pandora or Spotify, hire a DJ, or have no music at all. The choice is yours. Just be sure to plan your music ahead of time so it’s ready at the start of the party.
I absolutely love giving gifts. There is no better feeling than knowing that you have purchased the best gift for your friend or loved one. That moment when you see the look of sheer joy on their face when they first look upon their gift is PRICELESS. That’s why I get a rush from coming up with the best gift ideas.
I want everyone to have that feeling when giving gifts. Therefore, in this post, I have listed some great tips and tricks for coming up with the best gift ideas for the special people in your life. These tips should help anyone who gets stumped when it comes to gift-giving.
So, let’s get started.
GIVE FROM THE HEART
Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay
This is the first tip because it’s the most important. You never want to give a gift grudgingly or out of obligation. You should want to give it freely. Otherwise, what’s the point.
The recipient should feel like you WANTED to make their day. Therefore, if you give from the heart, you can never go wrong.
IT’S TRULY THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS
As children, we are often told that people will love any gift we give because “it’s the thought that counts.” For the most part, that’s true. However, many people misinterpret and abuse this rationale to justify giving a lazy or crappy gift. The idea is that the recipient should be grateful that the person giving them the gift thought enough about them to buy a gift in the first place.
Unfortunately, this way of thinking will only lead to disappointment for both parties. The result will be a gift that is re-gifted or tossed in the trash, and nobody wants that to happen.
Image by House Of Legacy from Pixabay
So, let’s reclaim this saying for its true meaning, which is that we put some real thought behind what we want to give to the recipient. That we make a real concerted effort to think about the person’s likes, wants, and desires to come up with a gift that is just right for them. We need to say NO to lazy gift giving from now on. I cannot emphasize the importance of this tip enough because trust me when I say that a person can always tell if you put some thought into buying their gift or not.
LISTEN UP AND PAY ATTENTION
If the gift recipient is a friend or loved one, chances are they have said things or dropped hints in the casual conversations you have had throughout the year. Many times, they are not aware that they have said anything at all. However, if you are a good active listener, you can pick up on these messages and gleam the best gift idea for when the time comes. You’d be surprised by how a person’s wants and needs come up in conversation, which can be easily be turned into a great gift idea.
Also, pay attention to what’s going on in the person’s life. Events might be happening at work or home that may give you some great ideas. For these reasons, you should listen up and listen well. You will be able to come up with an idea with ease if you just pay attention.
MAKE A LIST
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
I have to be honest; I love making lists. However, when it comes to giving gifts, I think creating a running list is a great way to keep up with your ideas throughout the year. You can also generate lists for different occasions (birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions).
Your list can be written on paper, typed in your phone, or saved on your computer. The point is that a list is a good way to keep track of your ideas. You can check gifts off as you go. Plus, having a list means you rarely run out of gift ideas.
COLLECT STUFF YEAR ROUND
There is no hard-fast rule stating that you can only purchase a gift when the time comes or when the occasion arises. You can buy gifts at any time of the year if it’s in your budget. For example, you may see something that would make a good gift during your travels or while browsing online that you may never see again. If you pass it by, you may miss your opportunity to purchase the item. If that’s the case, it’s okay to buy a gift when you see it and save it for later. That way, you will be ready when it’s time to give the gift.
Additionally, I know people who like to buy gifts and keep them on hand all year just in case a special occasion pops up or they have an unexpected visitor. There is absolutely nothing wrong with stockpiling gifts and saving them for later. It’s actually a brilliant idea.
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
Plus, purchasing gifts ahead of time will allow you to miss the crowds and the holiday rush. I mean, who wants to be out there in that mess when you can sit back and relax while everyone else is out there participating in the madness.
SEARCH THE INTERNET
Did you know that there are websites whose sole purpose is to make gift suggestions? When I discovered these sites many years ago, I was on cloud nine. They took the guesswork out of finding the perfect gift. There is no shame in using any of these websites. Whether you are stumped or already have a list of ideas, these websites are a great resource.
All you need to do is conduct an online search for gift ideas (you can also be more specific and type in gifts for her or him), and a ton of results will pop up. Some results will be articles listing the best gift ideas for the current year. Other results may be gift websites (like www.gifts.com) that are dedicated to suggesting gift ideas exclusively. You can even purchase the items directly from the website.
Finally, you can search through Pinterest, one of my favorite places on the internet, for some great gift ideas. I can’t begin to tell you how Pinterest is one of the best resources for a wide range of gift ideas. Pinterest can be used as a search engine to find almost anything under the sun. So, check out the Pinterest app for a plethora of gift ideas. I promise you won’t regret it.
GIVE THE GIFT OF AN EXPERIENCE
A gift isn’t always about physically handing someone a box with an item inside. Sometimes, the gift can be an experience. For example, I purchased two tickets for my mother and aunt to participate in a necklace making class at a local bead shop. Not only did they learn how to make a beaded necklace, but they were also able to spend time with one another. It was money well spent.
Experience gifts such as classes, concerts, a museum tour, race car driving, or a hot air balloon ride are all wonderful ideas to give as gifts. So, consider giving the gift of an experience they won’t forget as your next gift idea.
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE PRICE
Image by Harry Strauss from Pixabay
We all need to keep in mind that the most expensive gift isn’t necessarily the best gift. It’s not always about the price of the gift, but the thought behind the gift. However, I think we sometimes forget the best gifts may be cheap or free.
Therefore, we all need to take a beat to think about why we are giving a gift. Are we giving the gift because of our ego? Are we giving the gift because the price tag will impress the recipient? Is the recipient the kind of person that cares about the price of a gift? These are all factors we need to take into consideration when we buy a gift. So, take the time to decide if purchasing a pricey or showy gift is the best option for your friend or loved one. There is no need to break the bank if you don’t have to.
Remember, the gift of time is always free.
PRACTICAL GIFTS ARE GREAT TOO (JUST BE CAREFUL)
Gifts that you know someone may need in their daily life can be good presents if you know they will appreciate them and not be disappointed. For example, I was a teacher for many years, and during that time, I received a lot of gifts. One year, a parent presented me with a crate of eggs. Okay, I know the average person may be shocked to receive such a gift. I have to admit that it was unique. I had never been given anything like it as a present. However, those eggs turned out to be quite useful, and I loved them. Especially since it was the holiday season, and I had a lot of baking to do. Those eggs came in handy. The next year, the same parent gave me a bottle of olive oil and Tide laundry pods. I was thrilled to receive them as gifts too because they were extremely useful and wouldn’t go to waste.
Now, I’m not saying that eggs or laundry detergent are ideal gifts for everyone. Still, sometimes practical gifts can really go a long way if you have put some thought into it and your heart is in the right place. However, I strongly advise that you proceed with caution. You don’t want to give someone a practical gift when they are expecting something more unique and personalized.
PURCHASE PERSONAL GIFTS WITH EXTREME CARE
Image by Kerstin Riemer from Pixabay
Personal gifts, such as clothing or perfume, can be tricky. These gifts work best if you know the recipient’s unique style or scent. Using your scent or style won’t work because everyone has different tastes. Unless you know the person extremely well or they have told you specifically what to buy, I would steer clear of buying these items as presents. Things such as scarves, gloves, hats, and candles are fine, but an entire outfit or an expensive bottle of fragrance may be too much of a risk if you don’t know what they like.
10 TIPS FOR GIFT GIVING RECAP:
Give from the heart.
It’s truly the thought that counts.
Listen up and pay attention.
Make a list.
Collect stuff year-round.
Search the internet.
Give the gift of an experience.
It’s not all about the price.
Practical gifts are great too.
Just be careful. Purchase personal gifts with extreme care.
Hosting a Galentine’s Day party is a great way to celebrate the women in your life. Originally, created by the character Leslie Knope on the show Parks and Recreation back in 2010, it was a fictional holiday that actually caught on in in the real world. Since then, women around the world have been gathering for Galentine’s Day parties to honor the women in their lives.
Galentine’s Day is normally observed on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day. During this fun celebration, NO BOYS ARE ALLOWED. It’s a GIRLS ONLY gathering. It is also a fun and creative way to celebrate your sister-friends.
Whether you celebrate with one friend or a large group of gal pals, you can celebrate Galentine’s Day in style with these fun ideas. Check out the remainder of this post for great Galentine’s Day party tips for a festive celebration every one can enjoy.
SPECIAL NOTE: Many of these ideas can be done at home or at a public venue. Of course this all depends on if we are out of quarantine and it’s safe to gather in a group publicly again.
1. Come Up With a Great Party Theme
Photo by Carolyn Christine on Unsplash
A good theme sets the tone of a party. Here are some cool party themes for an adult Galentine’s Day party your guests won’t forget.
Cookies and Cocktails
Spa Day
Pancakes and Pajamas (slumber party)
Luau
Masks and Mimosas (pampering/facials)
Paris
Tea Party
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Glamping
Celebrate a specific decade (a 70’s or 80’s themed party)
Brunch
Chic Picnic
2. Select Your Food and Drinks
Photo By Kelsey Chance on Unsplash
The type of food and drinks you have depend on your theme, budget, and time. However, no matter what your situation may be, it’s always nice have something good for your guests to nibble on while they party the night away.
Order party trays from a local grocery store – This idea is great if you have the money and don’t have time to cook for the event ahead of time.
Create a signature drink that fits the party theme.
Design a Galentine’s Day charcuterie tray with snacks and sweet treats that fit your theme.
Have a pot luck. Ask your friends to bring their favorite dish to the event.
Fix a bunch of appetizers and display them on party trays.
If you are real fancy and can afford it, have it catered.
3. Decorate
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
Put up party decorations based on your theme. Decorations can come in the form of streamers, balloons, wall decorations, decorative plates and cute cups. For my Galentine’s Day party back in 2016, I went with the standard red and pink hearts and flowers for my decor.
Party decorations can be found everywhere. Places like Target, Michaels, Walmart, and Party City all have wonderful decorations to fit a multitude of themes year round.
4. Plan Fun Activities for the Party
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
You should have a fun activity or two planned for your guests to participate in while they attend your event.
Here are a few suggestions to get the party started right.
Sip and paint
Arts and crafts
Do each other’s makeup
Secret Cupid gift exchange
Watch romantic comedy movies
Decorate cookies
Play games
Manicures/Pedicures
Wine tasting
Bake and take
Iron Chef Challenge
Create a variety of cocktail recipes
Make handmade Galentine’s cards for each other
5. Make Gift Bags for Your Guests
Create gift bags for your guests to take home with them when the party is over. Party gifts can range from cheap to expensive based on your budget. I put things like lip gloss and fingernail polish in my gift boxes as parting gifts for my guests.
6. Take Plenty of Pictures
Photo by Joseph Kellner on Unsplash
Be sure to take plenty of pictures of the event. Share them with your guests via text, email, or social media.
You could also create a photo collage or slideshow of the evening’s festivities to send to your friends so they will always have a copy of the good times you all shared.
Photo by Nino Kojo on Unsplash
BONUS TIP!
Throw a Virtual Party
Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us are unable to gather in a group setting. Therefore, we have to be creative if we want to celebrate with loved ones.
Thanks to technology, we can gather virtually with our family and friends. Take a moment to view the tips below if you choose to celebrate with your girlfriends virtually for Galentine’s Day.
Do a virtual class together online.
Have a virtual sip and paint. Order pre-printed canvases online and paint them together online via your favorite virtual app.
Host a virtual party via Zoom.
Send each other Galentine’s Day cards virtually or via regular snail mail.
Have a virtual meal together and chat the night away.
Make PowerPoints about random topics (hot guys, favorite movies, favorite foods, etc..) or create slideshows about each other.
Put on a virtual variety or talent show.
These tips and tricks should help any hostess create a fun Galentine’s Day event that her guests won’t forget.
Have you hosted a Galentine’s Day Party? Do you have any tips? Let me know in the comments below.
Cooking with kids is a great bonding activity. First, it is a valuable hands-on learning experience that develops basic skills like following directions, reading, and measuring. Second, it’s a great opportunity to teach them how to make healthy food choices. Finally, it’s a lifelong skill that prepares them for adulthood.
However, cooking with kids can also be stressful if you fail to prepare and plan. Listed below are a few tips and tricks for working with kids in the kitchen to make it an enjoyable activity for the entire family.
1. Allow them to choose the recipe or make suggestions.
When you allow them to pick the recipe, they have a more vested interest in participating in the activity. They will take more pride in the outcome as well.
Kahlil making Christmas cookies with his daughters
2. Teach them basic kitchen safety.
Using oven mitts.
Teach them what to do in case of a fire. They should know the location of the fire extinguisher.
How to handle sharp objects.
3. Teach kids basic cooking skills.
How to use certain utensils.
How to measure ingredients.
The name and use of various pieces of cooking equipment.
4. Explain to children that parental permission and supervision is required to cook in the kitchen. Especially, if the recipe requires the use of a stove or sharp objects.
Make sure they understand that this rule is for their safety and well-being. Once they reach a certain age and/or skill level, they will be allowed more freedom in the kitchen.
My nieces preparing breakfast with their grandmother.
5. Have children read the list of ingredients and directions before they get started. Read them out loud for children that are unable to read.
Make sure they understand that reading the recipe before they start is an important step. It allows them to understand the recipe better and know what to expect before they start.
6. Gather and pre-measure the ingredients if you are working with small children.
This step will make it easier for them to help when it’s time to mix and pour the ingredients.
Pre-measured ingredients for our edible cookie dough recipe.
7. Allow older children to gather and measure ingredients.
This will give them practice following directions and using their math skills.
8. Allow younger children to pour and stir ingredients.
This makes them feel like they are making a contribution, even if it is a small one.
Noelle taste testing the ingredients.
9. Work the oven and do the cutting yourself until they are ready.
If you are working with small children or don’t feel a child is ready to do the task independently, do it yourself—model how to do these tasks until they are capable of doing it by themselves.
10. Teach them recipes that don’t require an oven or sharp tools.
All children should know recipes that are safe to do without adult supervision. It’s just a basic cooking skill that all children should have.
Ayla and Noelle mixing the ingredients for the edible cookie dough.
11. Teach them to keep a neat working area and clean as they go.
They will have less mess to clean at the end.
12. Make cooking a regular activity.
The more they cook, the better they will be in the kitchen. Practice makes permanent.
Noelle buttering the pancakes for breakfast.
13. Have them prep the dinner table and clean up afterward.
Preparing the dinner table will teach them basic table setting skills.
Cleaning up will teach them that they are responsible for cooking the meal, putting the food away, and making sure the kitchen is clean and ready for later use.
14. HAVE FUN!!
Cooking shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should feel like a fun family activity. So, create memories and enjoy the meal at the end.
What are your thoughts? Do you cook with your kids? If so, what are some of your favorite recipes to make with your kids?
BONUS: For more educational tips and tricks for teachers and parents, check out my other website The Modern Schoolmarm.
Science is a unique subject to teach. It incorporates all aspects of teaching, plus the special challenge of juggling group work while using materials and equipment that may be fragile, messy, and sometimes harmful. As a science teacher, you have to figure out how to teach science concepts, monitor students, design a classroom layout conducive to teaching science, find equipment and supplies, and incorporate hands-on activities to match the lesson.
All of these factors can be stressful for a new science teacher to manage. However, good classroom management, planning, and organization will help any science teacher, old or new, rise to the challenge and successfully manage a science classroom.
So, let’s take a look at the tips below.
TEACHING TIPS
Design a classroom layout that is conducive to doing labs and group work.
A good classroom design will allow students to gather materials and perform activities easily. Both you and the students should be able to move around with ease. Of course, the size of your room and the type of desks/tables available will directly impact your design.
Label your groups and individual seats.
Labeling is helpful when you need to assign tasks to individual group members. Group names or numbers make it easier to call on groups as a whole. You can use names, colors, numbers, or letters as labels in your classroom.
Decide how you will teach the topic or concept.
Figure out what type of group work or labs are required.
Determine if you need to do a lecture to teach the lesson.
Find videos that will explain the concept well.
Gather all the necessary materials.
Estimate how much time it will take for students to master the concept.
Determine how students will be graded on each task.
As a group
Individually
Rubric, points, or percent correct out of a total
Don’t be afraid to incorporate technology into your lessons.
Cameras, tablets, computers, and projectors are all useful tools to use during your lessons, labs, and demos.
Science videos are a great way to explain concepts visually.
Science videos are a great resource for teaching content. They offer visuals for concepts that may be hard to teach. Plus, there are times where students would rather watch a video than listen to the teacher. It breaks the monotony.
Teach students the rules, procedures, and expectations for group work.
Teach them at the beginning of the year before they participate in any labs or group activities.
Restate the rules before they begin an activity as a reminder.
Be consistent and reinforce the rules each time.
Give roles to each group member.
Monitor progress, time, and noise levels.
Teach students proper lab techniques.
They should be taught how to properly handle and use the equipment before they perform a lab. This prevents mistakes and accidents. Don’t assume they already know how to use the equipment. Teach basic lab equipment at the beginning of the year. Give them a reference sheet with pictures to place in their notebooks or journals.
Teach lab safety.
This is a crucial step. Teaching lab safety prevents accidents and makes them aware of proper lab procedures. It helps labs run smoothly. Therefore, spend a few days at the beginning of the year teaching lab safety. Be sure to practice and reinforce lab safety rules and procedures throughout the year.
Use visuals to teach concepts.
Pictures, posters, or models are all useful when teaching various science concepts.
Teach or review the steps of the scientific method (scientific inquiry).
Teach this at the beginning of the school year. Have them use the scientific method during lab activities. This gives them practice using the process properly.
Teach students how to write a lab report, gather data, create charts, and write a conclusion.
This step involves teaching the scientific method before they do any lab reports.
LAB TIPS
Gather supplies in advance.
This is a critical step for any science teacher to follow because there is nothing worse than planning a lab activity and not having all of the materials required to complete the lab. Therefore, check to see if enough materials are available. Also, make sure they work if the lab requires it. This should be done at least two days in advance to give yourself time to set up the lab or make alternate plans if there aren’t enough materials available.
Set up supplies for activities in advance.
Early set up makes it easier for students to gather materials and get straight to work. Less time is wasted because students don’t have to search for supplies. So, set up each lab station or group basket in advance to save time and be more efficient.
Organize your supplies.
This is a useful tip because organizing your supplies makes it a lot easier to find what you need in the future. You can organize supplies by placing them on shelves, in bins, or cabinets. Group supplies together based on topic, activity, or grade level for easy access in the future.
Practice the lab before you present it to students.
There is nothing worse than planning an experiment, and it doesn’t work the way you intended. That’s why you need to do the lab to make sure it works the way it is supposed to. In addition to knowing if the experiment works or not, doing the lab ahead of time helps you work out any issues before the students make their attempt. Finally, if any problems arise while students perform the lab, you can assist them because you have already done the lab yourself and know what to expect.
Review lab instructions and check for understanding before they begin the activity.
This will provide clarity for students. It also enables them to complete the activity more efficiently. Don’t assume they will read and comprehend the lab on their own.
Designate roles for group members.
When roles are designated, every group member is clear about what they are expected to contribute to the activity. Additionally, the group, as a whole, can complete the assignment more efficiently. Some roles are materials manager, recorder, reporter, and group leader.
Monitor students during group activities.
Set a timer.
Walk the room during the activity to make sure students are on task.
Make sure they are following directions.
Make sure they are following proper lab safety procedures and rules.
Make sure they are handling materials properly.
Listen for accountable talk.
Do lab demos when necessary.
Do a demo if you don’t have enough materials, but you still want students to see the concept in action.
If you feel the lab isn’t safe for the students to perform by themselves, do a demo instead.
Review the results of the activity before they submit their work.
This is a good way to check for understanding. It also allows students to compare results with other groups and draw the correct conclusion.
Make sure students and parents understand that every science concept will not have a lab component.
Explain that some scientific info is theoretical. Therefore, it may just require paper, pencil, and problem-solving. Everything will not result in an explosion.
Running a science classroom can be challenging at times, but with a little planning, organization, and patience, your science class can be a fun place to learn and explore. Using the tips outlined in this post will definitely make it a whole lot easier.
Which tips do you find useful? Tell me in the comments below.
BONUS: For more educational tips and tricks for teachers and parents, check out my other website The Modern Schoolmarm.
As teachers, we dream of having a classroom where all students are engaged, well behaved, and follow all of the rules. You never have to write students up, call home, raise your voice, send students to the office, or issue consequences. An administrator could walk in at any time and see your classroom running like a well-oiled machine. In this fantasy, you are a master classroom manager without a care in the world. Everything is coming up roses.
However, this is not always the case. While some people are natural classroom managers and their classrooms look like the fantasy mentioned above, others have to work a little harder and gain experience in order for this dream to become a reality.
The fact of the matter is, in order to achieve harmony in your classroom, it will take a bit of forethought, planning, and good classroom management techniques to make it happen. Essentially, classroom management is the most important skill for you to master as a teacher. Without it, you cannot effectively teach your students or have a productive day as a teacher.
In this post, we are going to explore the top twelve classroom management tips any teacher will need in order to effectively manage a classroom and have a successful school year.
Determine Your Teacher Personality Type
This tip is all about knowing yourself. It’s difficult to teach or develop a classroom management plan if you don’t know a bit about yourself. Your personality will dictate and mold your management style and philosophy. Take a look at the different personality types below in order to figure out your teacher personality type. Keep in mind that you may be a combination of personality types. Use these personality types to start you thinking about yourself.
Type A(Go-Getter) – High achiever, competitive, ambitious, organized, aware of time and uses it wisely, proactive, loves to set goals
Type B(Relaxed and Social) – Consistent, relaxed, steady, enjoys work, has a calming influence on people, grounded, peaceful, less competitive
Type C(Rule Abiding Perfectionist) – Detail-oriented, a perfectionist, rarely breaks the rules, reliable, avoids conflict, introverted
Type D(Distressed and Sensitive to Others) – Friendly, empathetic, work stresses them out, resilient, loners, lacks confidence in their abilities to teach
Determine Your Teaching Style (How You Teach Your Students)
Your teaching style is based on your educational philosophy, classroom demographic, subject area, and the school’s mission statement. Consider the styles listed below in order to determine your ideal teaching style.
Teacher-Centered – Students put their attention on the teacher, work alone, and collaboration is prevented. Students are in theory quiet and paying full attention to the teacher while being able to make individual decisions. This authority model is a teacher-centered model and entails lectures and one-way presentations. Students are expected to absorb information and take notes.
Student-Centered – Teachers and students share the focus and interact equally while the teacher maintains authority. Group work is encouraged. Communication and collaboration are used and encouraged.
Blended Style (Hybrid) – An integrated approach to teaching blends the teacher’s personality and interests with students’ needs and the curriculum appropriate methods.
Figure Out Your Ideal Management Style
Your management style will determine how you will run your classroom and develop your classroom management plan. Take a look at the theories listed below in order to figure out what philosophy works for you. You may like to use a combination of styles when it comes to managing your classroom.
Behaviorist – This management style uses conditioning, rewards, and consequences in order to manage student behavior.
Assertive Discipline – This style uses an obedience-based approach. It involves a high level of teacher control in the classroom. The teacher has a firm, but positive manner.
Positive Discipline – Students learn and adapt their behaviors to meet classroom expectations. It teaches them to make better choices.
Instructional Management – This style is teacher-centered and prevention-based. It focuses on teacher behavior, movement management, and group focus. Teachers manage students by keeping students productively busy.
Create A List of Class Rules
Rules are necessary because they provide structure and clearly defined boundaries. They help eliminate stress. In order to teach and inspire your students, they all must follow the rules established in the classroom. Make sure you teach them the first week of school. Post them in a spot where they are visible to every student. Refer to them regularly.
Establish A Set of Classroom Procedures
Procedures are important because they establish an official way of doing something. They help maintain an orderly classroom. Students are more productive and learn more when procedures are in place.
Make learning the procedures a concrete, hands-on activity during the first week of school. Plan on spending a lot of time teaching, practicing, and reinforcing procedures at the beginning of the school year.
Choose A Seating Arrangement and Layout That Works with Your Manage Style and Subject Area
Seating arrangements can make or break your classroom management plan. It will determine how you and your students will flow around the room. Your layout should be based on how you want your students to move through the room, the subject you teach, and your management plan.
Decide If You Want to Implement A Reward System
Issuing rewards or not to your students will be determined by your classroom management philosophy.
Devise Consequences for When Students Break the Rules
Consequences are a powerful way of responding to misbehavior and helps them take responsibility for their actions. Remember, consequences should be relevant to the situation.
Reduce Noise and Distractions
Noise can come from inside or outside the classroom. Noise can make it hard for students to learn. A few ways to reduce noise is by using rugs, closing the door to the room, turning off noisy equipment, and placing soft tips on the bottoms of tables and chairs.
Build Relationships
Earning your students’ trust is crucial to classroom management. It helps to foster a positive learning environment and academic success. Listed below are a few tips on how to build relationships with your students.
Provide structure
Be enthusiastic and have a positive attitude
Use humor
Make learning fun
Treat them with respect
Get to know them
Learn names quickly
Post student work
Praise in public. Correct in private.
Be Confident
This can be hard to do at times, but here are a few tips for building your confidence as a teacher.
Walk tall and confident
Set ground rules
Project Your voice
Be prepared
Have a backup plan for your lessons
Manage your emotions
Know your subject matter
Remain professional
Steer clear of negative people
Look for evidence that you are awesome
Be Consistent!!!
Consistency in rules and procedures provides safety and security for students and creates an engaging learning environment. So be sure to consistently practice rules and procedures. Students will follow them when the teacher effectively models and instructs expectations daily.
In closing, classroom management is one of the cornerstones of effective teaching. Knowing yourself and developing a plan will help you efficiently manage your classroom and create a safe learning environment for your students.
What tips did you find most helpful in this post? Tell me in the comments below.
BONUS: For more educational tips and tricks for teachers and parents, check out my other website The Modern Schoolmarm.
