School Furniture Guide.com

White House Website Gives Teachers and Students an Inside Look at the Oval Office

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:39:06 -0400

Ever wondered what kind of furniture you can find in the White House? With the presidential election only a few days away, it's only natural to ask what's really inside the iconic structure that either Barack Obama or John McCain will inhabit in the near future. Enquiring minds can get a taste of the indoor décor at the White House's official website, which features video tours and 360° panoramic views of the different offices and rooms. The images are a little low-res, but clear enough to see almost every desk, chair, table, or other furnishing in the home and office of our Commander-in-Chief.

In an interesting side note, Scholastic News polled over 30,000 students ranging from first to eighth grade back in February and asked them if they'd want to be President. 55% said no and 45% said yes, which was actually a significant improvement from 2006, when a whopping 81% said no. Living in the White House and kicking back at the most famous desk in America probably play a role in the appeal of the position, but I'm guessing that the enthusiasm increases during an election year with the prospect of new leadership. In any case, expect campaign overload on TV and other media over the next few days as the candidates make their final push, culminating in appearances on Monday Night Football. Enjoy the excitement, and don't forget to cast your vote on Tuesday.

(Photo via Morguefile)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-31 14:39:06

Fantasy Sports Can Teach Students About Math, Statistics, and Life

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:22:34 -0400

Classroom math lessons usually consist of a teacher lecturing in front of a whiteboard as students turn the pages in their textbooks with an uninterested rustle. But in one Colorado middle school, math class has morphed into Fantasy Football 101, with students drafting real NFL players, tracking their stats, and calculating performance-based point totals from week to week as they compete for prizes. It's a game usually reserved for grown men playing against their friends online as wives and girlfriends lament the loss of their loved ones, but playing fantasy football with your students can work out a lot better than you might think. They probably already have a basic knowledge of the game, the league, and its players, so you can focus on teaching them the basic arithmetic and statistical skills they need to calculate how many points their players have scored from week to week.

While it may be a little late to start an NFL league, teachers have another chance to jump on the fantasy bandwagon with the beginning of the pro basketball season. Have your students draft their own teams and compete head-to-head or against the whole class. You can create your own scoring system where teams can gain or lose points based on the previous day's box scores - the more advanced the grade level, the more complex you can make the scoring. Playing fantasy basketball offers a couple other notable benefits:

Unlike the NFL, the NBA plays almost every day, which means students have more scores to follow. This can give them the extra repetition they need to learn math, and it keeps them engaged on a more consistent basis.
Students often complain that math lessons don't apply to the real world. Despite the name, "fantasy basketball" can show students firsthand that math plays a vital role in everything they follow and enjoy.

So what do you need to play? Not a whole lot. Use your whiteboard, interactive whiteboard, chalkboard, or bulletin board liberally to post results or illustrate some of the finer points you need to make. Other than that, just try to stay on-topic and avoid useless debates about who's winning the NBA title this year (because we all know the Celtics will repeat). You can also try tying your lessons to other real-life, non-sports events, such as the stock market or the presidential elections. Have fun and if you have ideas or feedback from your own in-class fantasy sports experiences, leave us a comment.

(Photo via Morguefile)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-29 16:22:34

EU Helps South Africa Build 27 New Schools

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:50:29 -0400

Some schools worry about which classroom furniture they'll use for a new academic year and how they'll arrange it. But too many others wonder whether they'll even have any in the first place. Fortunately for students in South Africa, the European Union has donated R100 million (about $9.4 million US) to build 27 new schools in 3 different provinces, according to the Sowetan. All of the schools "boast new buildings, furniture, water, sanitation, electricity and palisade fencing." The new institutions should provide welcome relief and better educational conditions for many students who previously may have studied "under trees... [or] in mud or shack classrooms."

As with many other one-time measures, the new school buildings represent a positive first step in addressing South Africa's growing need for functional facilities. But according to official Aaron Motsoaledi, Limpopo province alone has nearly 120 "dilapidated" school buildings, while only 9 new ones are presently under construction. The country can only hope that benefactors and the government will follow the EU's lead and invest in education, but sweeping change will likely take place at a slower pace than educators would like. It all goes to show that students, parents, teachers and administrators in the US and other more fortunate countries around the globe should never take their school desks, chairs, tables and other classroom furniture for granted.

(Photo via Morguefile)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-21 13:50:29

Play It Safe - Back Up and Store Your School Data

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:10:18 -0400

Protecting your precious school data and helping your friend move a big sofa have one important thing in common - they both require a lot of backing up. If a natural disaster strikes or your server crashes, it's important to save your student records, financial records, and other key information on tape drives, external drives, special software, or through online storage services if you're a smaller school with minimal IT staff. Educator Robert Kennedy writes an interesting article on About.com that gives you a schedule for backing up your school data. He recommends doing it at the end of every day, every week, every month, and every fiscal year. According to the article, you should store your tapes in a bank safe deposit box, or in some other secure off-site area. If you do store your data off-site, you may want to get a lockable fire- and heat-resistant file cabinet or an insulated and fire-resistant safe. It also makes sense to clean your tape drives from time to time and delete any unneeded files to preserve the integrity of what you store.

Perhaps most importantly, Kennedy recommends periodically practicing data recovery with your equipment and taking notes to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible should the unforeseen actually occur. Think of it as a fire drill - take it seriously and see where you can improve your procedures and assess which software and hardware you need to upgrade or replace. In any event, backup drives and secure storage units may be the most important school furniture and school equipment you buy all year. Wikipedia has a lengthy intro to backup methods, terminology, and available media, so start there and look around online once you have a better idea of what you need.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-15 14:10:18

School Lockers Can Keep Students' Possessions Safe and Secure

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:07:38 -0400

Educators and parents may feel that school should be a place where you can safely learn to live in the real world without getting burned by it. Unfortunately, students, teachers and staff deal with property theft on a regular basis. And as iPods, cell phones, and other valuable gadgets get even more advanced, thieves may have an even bigger incentive to steal in school. That's why school lockers can make a valuable addition to your school hallways and classrooms. The kind you buy will often depend on who uses them.

For younger students, you may want to try open cubby-style lockers. First off, children may have trouble manipulating a combination lock to get to their own belongings. Secondly, younger students will likely need protection from themselves more than from their classmates because they don't know what it means to double-check on their possessions. In elementary school, I remember losing books, clothes and other items from time to time simply because I hadn't learned to stay organized yet. Student cubbies provide a visible, easy-to-access area where kids can put away their belongings and keep them separate from what their classmates bring to school. And besides clothes, a light backpack, and maybe a book or two, younger students probably won't bring enough to fill up or even warrant a bigger, more advanced storage unit at this point.

For middle school and high school students, steel lockers make more sense. Teens can handle combination locks and they have more to store, including heavy textbooks and binders. They're also carrying cell phones and other electronics that require extra protection from a sturdy steel frame and lock. Call it a broad generalization if you want, but students simply aren't as innocent as they were back in preschool and elementary school, and they understand more about the face value of personal possessions. Steel lockers provide a certain level of protection for students against their peers, as well as outside parties looking for a free handout.

We're already a month or so into the school year, but it's never too late to look into ways to keep students and their belongings safe and secure. Look for more entries in the weeks and months to come on ways to protect possessions in a school setting.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-09 17:07:38

School Desk with Interactive Whiteboard Touchpad Combines the Best of Both Worlds

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:46:14 -0400

Imagine if your classroom had a school desk that doubled as an interactive whiteboard with a touchscreen. In the UK, this vision is well on its way to becoming reality with the development of a high tech desk with room for multiple students. The designers from Durham University have patterned it after the iPhone and the screen recognizes fingers and pens via infrared light so several students can work at the same time. All the interactive whiteboard school desks in the classroom connect to a central console where the teacher can monitor the students' progress.

Personally, I think the best part of this technology comes from its ability to bring the hands-on functionality of the interactive whiteboard directly to each student to make every lesson an even more engaging experience. Not surprisingly, the board-desk needs more testing and it currently carries a hefty price tag of £8,000 (about $14,200 US). But it definitely holds a lot of promise, so hopefully it'll make its way to our shores sooner rather than later.

(Photo via Morguefile)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-03 14:46:14

Home Schools Can Benefit From Free Reversible Boards

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:52:36 -0400

We wrote about buying classroom furniture for a home school a couple weeks ago and emphasized the importance of saving space. So at first glance, a Free-Standing Reversible Board doesn't seem like the ideal whiteboard to buy. But when you think about it, Free-Standing Reversible Boards make a lot of sense based on some of their key features:

Two sides: Just like teachers in regular schools, home school educators want to minimize pauses during lessons. Having two sides to write on enables you to keep using your Free-Standing Reversible Board without taking a break to erase and potentially break the flow of your presentation.
Size: Some might say a smaller whiteboard makes more sense in your home to ensure that school life doesn't interfere with your regular life. At the same time, a Free-Standing Reversible Board can do double duty with its size and two sides. You could use one side or section for school lessons, and the other side or sections for to-do lists and important family announcements. Whatever you choose to do, more space means more flexibility in writing out what needs to get done at home and at school.
Stability: Whether your students sit up close or at a distance, you don't want your whiteboard falling on anyone at any time. Free-Standing Reversible Boards often feature wide, reinforced frames that keep them stable and upright in almost any situation.
Mobility: If you do choose to stow away your whiteboard after school or feel like changing locations on occasion, many Free-Standing Reversible Boards have rolling casters to help you navigate your carpet or floor. Along with the stable frame, the board's overall design provides for a relatively safe, fast, and fuss-free move.

These are just a few reasons that Free-Standing Reversible Boards can make a great fit in your home school. They're not exactly portable in a traditional sense, but their mobility, stability, and spacious dimensions can more than make up for it.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-09-29 18:52:36

Interactive Whiteboards May Be Inefficient

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:03:08 -0400

Believe it or not, not all students love interactive whiteboards. Case in point - a high school student in the UK blogs about how the new technology has actually slowed down classes because it takes time to set up and run correctly. She longs for the simple functionality of traditional whiteboards, where all you have to do is write and erase. A few of the comments on the post agree with what she says, and one commenter brings up the interesting point that interactive whiteboards can actually be inefficient when they use outdated software and when teachers don't know how to use them.

We actually covered this back in July in our post on quick tips for using interactive whiteboards in class, and it makes a lot of sense. As soon as they learn that they're getting one, teachers should set aside some time to gain proficiency in using their interactive whiteboard so as not to waste time in class. Of course, some teachers may simply procrastinate, or decide that they can fall back on regular whiteboards if the digital one doesn't work out. But schools that get an interactive whiteboard either through a grant or a sizable chunk of the budget may disapprove of an educator wasting a high-tech resource. So here's my humble advice: if you're competent enough to be entrusted to educate the youth of America or anyplace else, you can learn to use a powerful tool specifically made to make your job a lot easier. Make the best of what you have and teach yourself about interactive whiteboards before you teach your students.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-09-26 17:03:08

Buying Classroom Furniture for a Home School

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:44:02 -0400

If you homeschool your child, classroom furniture may not seem like a top priority, especially when you have plenty of furniture at home. But it's also important to delineate the difference between home and school, especially when the two are one and the same. For example, buying a nice desk and a plush leather office chair for your home office keeps you comfortable and helps you focus on your work in a household full of potential distractions, making it a sanctuary of sorts. A home school classroom should create a similar kind of environment where students can learn without getting distracted by their toys, electronics, and other personal possessions lying in close proximity at all times. Realistically, you're probably not teaching your students as they nod off on the couch, or as they sit stiffly in a kitchen chair over a cold bowl of oatmeal. Certain kinds of desks, chairs and tables are used as classroom furniture because educators appreciate their durable designs specially tailored to keep students comfortable, yet attentive and organized in a school environment.

That said, keep a few points in mind as you start the shopping process:

Save Money and Save Space: Not exactly revolutionary advice, but it pays to know what kinds of school chairs, school desks, and other classroom furniture fit your space and your budget. Just as home shouldn't distract students from school, school shouldn't conflict with home life once the "bell" rings. For example, folding chairs and a student desk with optional rolling casters may provide a practical solution that makes moving and storage a lot easier. A chair desk can save you even more space, and some manufacturers offer folding chair desks for optimal efficiency and ease of storage.
Get Input from Your Small Student Body: Unlike a larger educational institution, you're fortunate enough to live with your student(s) every day, so it's easier to get accurate feedback on how to furnish your home school classroom. Do your students find regular school chairs too uncomfortable? Maybe you can buy some upholstered chairs or even cushioned folding chairs for a better classroom experience. Whatever you decide on, a smaller student body makes it much easier to shop because you can tailor each piece of classroom furniture to the individual's needs.
Get Up Close and Personal with Students: Another advantage of home schooling is that you don't have to lecture 30 or more students from a white board that may as well lie in a parallel dimension at times. That means buying classroom furniture tailored for a low student to teacher ratio. For example, if you have younger students who learn visually and need to build their vocabulary, try a teacher easel. We've already mentioned how much of an influence they can have in an earlier post, and the wide board and frame in many models provides more than enough room and storage space for everything you need to make engaging presentations, including magnetic letters, markers, storybooks, props, and more.

Hopefully these general points give you some ideas on what to buy as you embark on a unique and very important educational journey with your child. Good luck and if you have any advice or insight to share, feel free to leave a comment.

(Photo by Paul Anderson via Morguefile)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-09-16 16:44:02

Teacher Easels in the Classroom Can Inspire Students of All Ages

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:19:59 -0400

Ever feel skeptical that classroom furniture can have a big impact on how your students learn? While it's not exactly a scientific study, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette has an insightful interview with the director of the new animated Star Wars movie, Dave Filoni. Among other things, he remembers and appreciates how his first grade teacher had an easel ready for him to draw on when he finished his in-class assignments. It was his first memory of feeling support for his artistic instincts and helped serve as an inspiration for his career.

It just goes to show that any easel, whether it's an artist's easel or a teacher easel, can provide a strong incentive for kids to learn by promoting creativity. The unique designs often combine the best elements of white boards and bulletin boards and can make a teacher easel an ideal place to teach students to read, write and draw. Many of today's models have paper hooks that can turn your teacher easel into a big flipchart for drawing, writing, and penmanship lessons, while others feature chalkboard and white board surfaces for more traditional applications where teachers and students can show what they know. There are even mobile teacher easels with rolling casters and storage compartments for props, supplies and other items teachers need to keep their lessons going and their students engaged. Overall, the flexible format of a teacher easel can often enable educators to mix their own writing with storybooks, pictures, postings and graphics for a truly multi-faceted learning experience that has students using every part of their brain.

Educational easels have certainly come a long way since the days when a young Dave Filoni doodled in his first grade classroom. And at the rate technology has grown in the past couple decades, could a teacher easel with an interactive whiteboard be too far away? Until then, today's teacher easels can do more than enough to inspire a new generation of artists and leaders.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-09-04 19:19:59

Right-Handed School Desks May Be Bad For Your Classroom

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:39:58 -0400

So I recently found an interesting article on school desks entitled What's Wrong with This Desk from an organization called the Handedness Research Institute (HRI). It's kind of long, so I'll break it down for you into a quick synopsis - right-handed school desks are bad because they discriminate against lefthanders. The author explains that lefties can hurt themselves contorting into uncomfortable positions, so schools should buy regular school desks that aren't oriented either way.

My favorite part of the article is the picture of the right-handed school desk and the words �Is this desk... an instrument of torture?� Once you see that, you kind of get an idea about the author's agenda. While I don't doubt that in many ways, it's a right-hander's world, I'd like to see more evidence of how you can potentially compare the �forced� imposition of righty school desks to human rights violations and �Institutionalized Discrimination.� As far as I can see, the author doesn't support his/her thesis with much more than a few isolated comments submitted to his/her website from disgruntled lefties mixed in with some one-sided personal commentary.

Anyway, I'm not saying I totally disagree with the article. But I do think the author could try to learn more about the benefits of right-handed school desks, especially for right-handed students, just to make the argument seem a little more balanced. Theories and isolated comments are fine, but I don't think they're enough to warrant parents confronting school administrators and demanding that they purchase non-discriminatory school desks. It is a potentially interesting question though, so hopefully someone can look at the effects of using left- or right-handed school desks and come to a conclusion about potential hazards and benefits. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any opinions on this issue.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-08-26 13:39:58

How Your Student Group Can Make the Most of its Table at the School Activity Fair

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:18:29 -0400

As the new school year approaches, it's time for extracurricular groups to figure out how to recruit new members. It all starts with the extracurricular fair your school or university has at the beginning of each semester. Whether you're a faculty advisor or a student officer, this is your chance to catch prospective members at their most enthusiastic and energetic point in the year. Every fair features rows of school tables populated by organizations like yours competing to occupy students' time. Here's some advice on how to make your table stand out from the crowd:

Offer Free Stuff - Whether it's candy, pens, a custom advertising magnet for the mini-fridge, or super bounce balls, people are more likely to pick out your table from all the other groups' school tables if there's an immediate incentive to visit. If you have some extra money in your budget, try getting your group name emblazoned on your free gifts to help students remember you.
Sign-up Sheets - Collect student names and email addresses so you can keep in touch and generate continued interest in your group's ongoing activities. Also, having information on-hand can help you get familiar with potential new members, so you can say hi next time you see them in the hallway or around campus. The personal touch counts, so give yourself a chance to make members feel welcome and engaged.
Brochures, Literature and Branding - Give students something personal to take home with them besides a toy. Maybe write up some bios of group members, or make a colorful informational brochure telling visitors about activities you've done in the past and what you plan to do this year. Also, display your group name on a mini markerboard or homemade sign so people know and remember who you are.
Be cool - Sure, it sounds obvious, but think of the extracurricular fair as an interview. Students will be going around to all the different school tables, looking for groups to tell them why they should join. Be friendly, engaging, and informative, because at the end of the day, a group is only as appealing as the people in it. If you make a good impression, visitors are more likely to get excited about associating with you.

Anyway, those are just a few ways to take advantage of your captive, yet mobile audience. Get excited, get prepared, and get ready for a banner year as your group cements its legacy at your school.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-08-19 17:18:29

3 Tips to Get Ready for the New School Year

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 02:01:44 -0400

Going back to school usually refers to what students do around this time of year, but it also applies to teachers. Sure, you won't be buying a new backpack or lunchbox, but there are some important things you can do to prepare for your upcoming educational odyssey. Teacher Tamara S. Andrew Birch has a new list of tips to help you get set for September. The number of bullet points comes out to a baker's dozen, so I'll narrow it down to my personal top 3:

Figure out your classroom furniture arrangement. You can organize your student desks in traditional rows or arrange them in a circular or U-shaped formation for face-to-face student communication. The key is keeping it flexible depending on the kind of activity or lesson you have planned; don't be afraid to change from day-to-day depending on your syllabus. Also, maintain an open path between student desks and your teacher desk so students can reach you quickly and easily when they have questions or issues to discuss.
If you own a bulletin board, think about what you'll post on it. Like Birch, I think it makes sense to designate certain areas of your board for messages, graphics and posters that you like, while using other areas to showcase student work on a rotating basis.
Update and acclimate yourself to your technology. Whether you have an interactive whiteboard or a laptop computer in your classroom or lab, learn how to use it and keep it as up-to-date as your budget allows, whether it means buying new software or utilizing a web application. Students can't learn in a vacuum, so it's important to familiarize them with the most recent technology possible as they strive to keep up with the rest of the world.

And that's just the beginning of what you can do to get ready for the new school year. Good luck and if you have any ideas or tips of your own to share, feel free to leave a comment.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-08-12 02:01:44

Icebreakers Can Get Your School Year off to a Hot Start

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:36:22 -0400

Every new school year brings a new group of teachers and students together. And as an educator, that means it's almost time for you to figure out how to break the ice in the classroom and turn a group of individuals into a unit. Education World has some interesting ideas to help teachers and younger students get acquainted. Here are a few that I like:

Instead of just telling students what you expect from them, try asking them what they expect from you. Doing this helps initiate a dialog that simply can't happen if you're talking at them instead of with them. Also, students' answers can help you learn how they think. Try writing and recording all their suggestions on your markerboard or chalkboard for future reference.
Make a time capsule. Have everyone write down their favorite music, food, sports and activities on their own index cards, and have each student share what they've written. Collect the cards, stick them in a drawer for the year, and bring them back out so the students can see how they've grown and changed. It helps students talk and find some common ground, and it also provides a nice way for everyone to reflect on how far they've come as a class at the end of the year.
Give each member of the class a paper plate and have them write down their name, then draw something that's important to them, whether it's a person, a place, a possession, or an activity. When everyone's finished, go around the room and have everyone share and explain they've drawn. Collect all the plates and post them on a bulletin board. Now students can walk by the board every day and feel a sense of pride and ownership over their classroom.

Whatever you choose to do, it's important to keep students engaged and in sync with the rest of the class. A group that learns together is often the group that learns best, and breaking the ice enables everyone to get off to a good start.

(Photo via FreePhotosBank)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-08-01 14:36:22

Moving Equipment Helps Schools Get in Gear for Next Year

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:12:25 -0400

Students and teachers may be off on summer vacation, but schools are working hard to re-arrange classroom furniture and clean up in anticipation of a new academic year. Kernersville (NC) Elementary School provides a perfect example of what's going on behind the scenes at schools across the nation this summer. In Kernersville, custodians work around the clock to rearrange and remove school furniture and other furnishings, clean up classrooms from floor to ceiling, and basically refurbish the entire school building as needed. If you're going through the same process and feel like moving your furniture's like moving a mountain, here's some equipment you should think about utilizing:

Dollies and Trucks: Unless you just hired Hercules or Houdini, those file cabinets, teacher desks, student desks, book cases and other heavy furniture aren't moving themselves. Dollies and trucks provide a sturdy platform, wheels to roll your inventory from place to place, and a handle or rail by which to push or pull your furniture to your desired location.
Book Carts: You can carry one book under your arm, but you can move a whole collection a whole lot more easily with a spacious and sturdy book cart. It has wheels and the shelves make it easy to keep your books in order as you move from space to space.
Ladders and Step Stools: When you're cleaning or reaching for a hard-to-access area, a ladder or step stool can provide a safe, stable platform that helps you extend your reach and ultimately finish what you set out to do. Many products feature rails for you to hold so you can steady yourself, and others feature locking mechanisms that keep you upright and steady in potentially precarious situations. Figure out the feature set and size you need and get the ladder or step stool that's right for you.
Stacking Chairs: It's more like school furniture than school equipment, but the fact that it stacks saves you space and time as you move. So instead of carrying out regular chairs one-by-one, you can stack a set of stacking chairs and carry them all out at one time, or put them on a dolly or truck and roll them all out together.

If you're making moves at school this summer, good luck and don't forget to plan ahead and equip yourself to make next year as good as it can be.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-23 13:12:25

Some Quick Tips on Using Interactive Whiteboards In Class

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:55:49 -0400

Ever feel like you're not getting the most from your interactive whiteboard? You're not alone. It's a relatively new technology and unless you're as computer or Internet-savvy as your students, you may need some time to adjust. But once you do, rest assured that you have a whole new educational arsenal of graphics, software and other learning tools at your disposal. Scholastic.com asks several teachers about their secrets to success with interactive whiteboards, and they share some common-sense tips when it comes to classroom whiteboard implementation:

Don't live in the past: If you don't own a chalkboard anymore, don't act like you do. interactive whiteboards enable you to download videos off the web, play interactive games, access innovative software programs and much more. In other words, you have a lot more to work with than a piece of chalk and a chalkboard eraser, so don't be afraid to experiment, even if you make mistakes along the way.
When in doubt, ask your students: If you grew up in a world of dry erase whiteboards, blackboards and chalkboards, your students will probably feel more comfortable with digital technology than you do. Ask them to help you out if you have any issues with your interactive whiteboard and they may offer some insight that solves your problem. Also, get their input on how they like your lesson plans. After all, they're the ones who listen and watch you teach all day, and their opinions and suggestions can give you ideas you probably never would've considered on your own.
Prepare beforehand: If you're planning to show videos on your interactive whiteboard, download them beforehand to save valuable class time. If you want to show some websites, bookmark the URLs for quick and easy access. It seems obvious, but keeping your media and lesson plan in order can help you keep you and your students on the same page.

Those are just a few simple ways you can make optimal use of your interactive whiteboard. Whatever you do, learn as much as you can about the digital technology in your classroom so you can take full advantage of what you have.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-16 23:55:49

Non Erasable Chalk Makes a Lasting Impression for Classroom Lessons

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:46:45 -0400

Non-erasable chalk sounds like a counter-intuitive product, but it makes sense for certain classroom activities. The Teacher's Desk, a site dedicated to tips for fifth and sixth grade teachers, describes a grammar and spelling lesson where students proofread passages written on a chalkboard. The teacher takes the class through each line and marks up the words as needed. But if you teach several periods of English and you erase the marks you made at the end of each class, you end up erasing the passages too, which means you have to re-write the passages for each period you teach. Non-erasable chalk can come in handy for writing out those passages and protecting them from your eraser. Here's how you make it and maintain it:

Mix a solution of sugar and water.
Soak some regular chalk in the solution, take it out, and let it dry. Now it's non-erasable.
Don't worry; non-erasable chalk mark isn't permanent. You can still wipe it off with a sponge and water.
To make sure your chalk stays non-erasable, put it in a sealed jar after you're done using it. If that doesn't do the trick, simply re-soak your chalk in sugar water.

So does it really work? I haven't tried it myself, although other sources seem to agree that sugar water can help make your chalk smudge-resistant. If you're feeling adventurous, try this "recipe" out for yourself and leave a comment to let us know how it turns out.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-09 18:46:45

School Furniture and Equipment Can Make Every Class a Hands-On Learning Experience

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 23:10:32 -0400

In case you missed it, Bill Gates recently stepped down as head of Microsoft and plans to spend more time on his charitable work with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates has told pretty much anyone within earshot that the American educational system needs a makeover, especially in the areas of science and math. Some people may raise their eyebrows about getting a lecture on education from someone who didn't finish college, but I'm inclined to trust someone who knows something about the skill set that professionals need to be successful.

Educators agree that students learn science and math best when they do it for themselves through hands-on activities, and it all starts in the classroom with the furniture you purchase. Here are three kinds of school furniture that can help promote hands-on learning:

Computer Workstations: Whether it's educational software, web tutorials or programming and web design applications, computers give students a wide range of ways to hone the skills they can eventually use to make a living. In fact, I'm 100% sure that the people who designed this fine online school furniture guide wouldn't have acquired their skills without sitting in front of a computer and practicing their craft. Computer Workstations give students a sturdy, comfortable place where they can concentrate on learning by doing.
Science Furniture: Sure, students could experiment with volatile chemicals at their desks, but why potentially permanently stain or even burn a hole through conventional classroom furniture when you can buy Science Furniture specifically built for the purpose? For example, you can get a science table with a chemical resistant top or a water faucet where you can wash off the residue from your latest experiment. Whatever you choose, Science Furniture gives students free license to learn by doing without damaging the classroom.
Interactive Electronic Whiteboards: These products take the hands-on, wide-format writability of a traditional dry erase whiteboard and transform what you write into digital information you can share with countless others through your computer and over the Internet. Now you and your students can write and sketch out math problems and science equations, then save and study them as often as you want.

Of course, there's a lot more to education than advanced equipment, but using your budget to purchase state-of-the-art educational school furniture and products can certainly aid students in learning math and science. So if you have the funds, rest assured that Bill Gates would probably approve of your expenditures if you use them on the aforementioned items.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-03 23:10:32

Encouraging Quieter Students to Talk in Class Can Be A Balancing Act

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:11:04 -0400

Your typical classroom environment provides an excellent illustration of the old adage that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. More specifically, we often find that louder, more outgoing students get more attention while more quiet students can get lost in the shuffle. Toni Weingarten writes an interesting article called When Quiet Kids Get Forgotten in Class about how outgoing children demand attention in the classroom and generally get it. However, quieter students can contribute a lot of insight and perspective to the classroom if educators take the time to engage them.

Weingarten notes that the American culture rewards more aggressive, outgoing personalities. However, despite the perception that a more introverted character indicates a slow mind or a weak personality, the article suggests that quieter children may come from cultures that promote a more pensive demeanor. In addition, sometimes being reserved is simply a matter of personality as opposed to aptitude or fortitude. In any case, what can you do as a teacher to make sure every student gets the most out of the classroom experience? Weingarten's article makes two general suggestions:

Set up cooperative activities: Mix extroverted and introverted students and assign them to groups where they work together toward a common goal, whether it's a presentation, an art project, or research. By making quieter students talk and exposing extroverted students to fresh perspectives they never would've heard in a traditional raise-your-hand-first format, children can learn from each other. Make sure you put your activity tables, conference tables, or science tables to good use so students can face each other and communicate more easily. If you don't have large tables, arranging your desks and other available classroom furniture can help groups connect more quickly.
Ask more open-ended questions in class: If you ask a question with a one word answer, students with a quicker trigger can raise their hand right away and beat more reflective students to the punch. But this is a classroom, not a game show. More complex questions force everyone to think more carefully and they give quieter children the chance to make an audible impact in class. For example, instead of asking students to recite a line from a poem, you could ask them what the line means to them.

In any event, the article implies that every student has something unique to offer to the class if you give them the right opportunity. So take those extra few minutes as you put together your lesson plan and figure out how to get everyone involved in the learning process.

(Photo courtesy of FreePhotosBank)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-27 16:11:04

Comfort Comes First For Students When It Comes to School Furniture

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:18:56 -0400

A month ago, I wrote about how UK nonprofit FIRA wants to implement standards for more comfortable and ergonomic school furniture. While it doesn't look like the US will implement comfort-based furniture standards anytime soon, a recent article in the Hamilton (OH) Journal-News shows that one way to learn about what students need is to ask the students themselves. In this case, fifth-graders at a local elementary school got the chance to design their own classroom furniture. Many of the students wanted more comfortable seating and it showed in their work, with one student even drawing up a desk with an integrated pillow.

Of course, it's just a school project with no real implications for the future. On the other hand, it re-affirms that adding a little extra comfort to the classroom certainly wouldn't hurt and may even make it easier for students to focus and learn. Staying under budget represents a top priority for educators and if the traditional chairs that your students currently use remain in good shape without causing students discomfort, it makes sense to maintain the status quo. But if you're looking to make your computer room or activity area into a more inviting place to sit, padded stacking chairs and mobile padded chairs can keep students comfortable, engaged and focused on what they're doing.

In any case, feedback from students can play a major role in improving your classroom dynamics. Look for the issue of ergonomic comfort to make its way into the dialogue between schools and parents as they all look to do what's best for students without breaking the bank.

(Photo courtesy of FreePhotosBank)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-16 11:18:56

Dorm Room Furniture Can Make College Feel Like Home

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:08:47 -0400

People say college is the best 7 years of your life, and it was certainly the best 11 of mine. But when you're about to spend all that time in one place, you need to prepare so you can start off on the right foot. Many graduating high school seniors across the country already know where they're going in the fall, and the UAB Kaleidoscope recently published an article about how it's not too early to think about what to pack. As the article notes, a lot of incoming freshmen think their dorm rooms include all the essential furniture and items, only to get an unwelcome wakeup call upon arrival.

Besides smaller items like lamps, utensils and first aid items, here's some useful dorm room furniture and items you may want to bring:

Computer Furniture: A Deskside mini workstation or laptop stand provides a sturdy place to store and use your computer while saving room on your desk for textbooks and notes when you study. Wrist Supports can make typing more comfortable and reduce the risk of wrist injuries like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Cushions: College is a grind, and your dorm room or apartment should provide a nice respite from a hectic schedule. Backrests, footrests and seat cushions provide great ways to relax, whether you're reading or watching TV.
Bulletin Boards, Whiteboards and Markerboards: While boards may seem like a better fit in the classroom, Bulletin Boards and Markerboards provide a central spot to write or post reminders and communicate with roommates. The bigger the better, but it really depends on your available dimensions.

You may want to write up a list and call the school to find out room dimensions and what's included in your room once you find out your dorm assignment. That being said, don't stress too much because everything will take care of itself. So sit back, relax and enjoy the summer.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-03 17:08:47

Greensburg Tornado Victims Start Over with Greener School Buildings

Fri, 30 May 2008 13:58:57 -0400

On May 4, 2007, a major tornado hit Greensburg, Kansas, reaching speeds of up to 205 mph and destroying nearly 95% of the town. One year later, Greensburg is rebuilding its high school as a green, LEED-certified structure. Treehugger.com recently interviewed the principal and a student about the motivation behind going green and what it means to literally start from scratch.

Principal Randy Fulton says that the motivation for building a greener school comes from a collective resolution made by the governor and other state leaders to go green. Fulton tells Treehugger that the new green school is still in the planning stages and that he envisions an innovative building that educates and motivates with features such as a "mechanical room where all the benefits from green could be seen."

Student Taylor Schmidt feels that the devastation made him and fellow residents intent on making Greensburg "better than it was and more sustainable and green than it was" in an effort to "keep our town from dying again." He feels that "Kids have been the driving force for rebuilding," lending further credence to the idea that the future of the green movement rests in good hands.

While Greensburg can afford to start green from the ground up, it doesn't mean that your school can't find ways to integrate green practices into its existing infrastructure. One way to go greener is to replace your older furniture with green school furniture that can help you achieve the same LEED-certification that Greensburg seeks. Other ways include simply conserving the water you use every day or saving energy by closing your window shades and blinds at the right times. As Taylor Schmidt notes, "green is so simple; it's not a radical concept. It's just a simple switch to make a huge difference."

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-05-30 13:58:57

Play Furniture Educates and Entertains Preschoolers and Younger Students

Thu, 22 May 2008 11:17:40 -0400

When it comes to preschoolers and younger students, parents and teachers alike have a hard time drawing the line between creative play and straight aggression. PreschoolEducation.com has an interesting article entitled POWER PLAY: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly that advises adults on how to keep kids from getting too aggressive when they take sides and play out the age old conflict between good and evil. Most of the suggestions involve setting up rules where children take turns being the good and bad guy, and personally supervising play to keep it safe. In the end, children will naturally play what they want to play, but you can influence their activities through the play furniture you buy.

Ironing and cooking in a kitchen help kids learn about interaction in everyday situations, but they may seem a little mundane for those who like action or fantasy-based games. Here are some suggestions for play furniture that younger children and students can use for creative, non-violent activities that everyone can enjoy:

Art Centers: Give children a comfortable, spacious spot with easy access to all their art supplies and let them explore their imaginations through drawing and painting.
Puppet Theatres: If children want to fight, let them do it through handheld alter-egos.
Rocking Boats: Give kids a sturdy, comfortable place to simulate a wavy journey on the high seas. Flip it over so kids can sit and plan their next adventure.

Not to say that wrestling and imaginary gunfights don't have redeeming value, but younger children and students could use some balance in what they play. Choosing different kinds of play furniture can give kids more alternatives and ultimately make their formative years enriching and well-rounded.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-05-22 11:17:40

Classroom Furniture Arrangement Can Make or Break the Learning Experience

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:12:31 -0400

Arranging your classroom furniture is kind of like going to your doctor for a diagnosis: it's good to get a first, second and third opinion. We already discussed how to arrange Clean Room Mats in your school, and setting up your classroom isn't much different. Just use common sense and observe how your students interact with their learning environment.

Scholastic.com's article entitled Classroom Organization: The Physical Environment emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and adapting to students' needs. Here are a few points to consider:

Be flexible with desk arrangement: Set up desks in U-shaped or circular arrangements to encourage face-to-face interaction and discussion. For small group projects, arrange desks in small clusters. Don't hesitate to change based on the activity.
Keep it comfortable: Students learn better when they feel comfortable in the classroom. Whether it means adjusting the amount of sunlight coming in or adding some padding to your chairs, students can concentrate better on your lessons when they're not preoccupied with the environment.
Access is everything: If students frequently visit the quiet reading area or walk up to your desk to ask questions, make it easy for them to get there by keeping nearby pathways and areas free and unencumbered. As anyone who's driven on a congested highway can tell you, a smooth commute improves the mood and saves time.

In his article How to Arrange Classroom Furniture, Kurt Schwengel agrees with many of the aforementioned points and advocates using graph paper to help you plan beforehand. You may even want to get a graphic markerboard for an easy-to-view solution that saves paper. Schwengel also advocates decorating a bulletin board or two with displays and student work to stimulate visual learning and give students a sense of ownership over their learning space.

If you like case studies, Sydney Brown's article Arranging for independence emphasizes the importance of pre-planning your classroom furniture arrangement based on factors such as number of students, their individual learning needs, and size and shape of the classroom. Brown examines a kindergarten class up-close and notes how organization helps the teacher maintain control and stay on schedule. For example, color-coding and labeling supplies and different areas in the classroom enable students to independently figure out where to go and what to do. In addition, something as simple as putting your markers and supplies next to your desk or board can save you a senior moment and help you start lessons on-time.

Arranging your classroom furniture can often make or break your efforts as an educator, so plan beforehand, observe what works and what doesn't, and don't be afraid to change based on the needs of your students.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-05-16 12:12:31

FIRA Aims to Implement New Ergonomic School Furniture Standards

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:28:50 -0400

In some interesting school furniture news from across the pond, the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), a British non-profit, has announced plans to introduce standards for making classroom furniture more ergonomic and comfortable. We've known for awhile that kids in the U.S. are getting bigger and apparently kids in the UK have a similar issue. As a result, older school furniture doesn't quite fit like it used to, leading to potential discomfort, pain and health hazards for the modern student. The advent of video games and expanding electronic entertainment options makes it tougher to follow a diet and exercise program, so it makes sense for the furniture to make a change for the better.

What does this mean for educators in this country? As far as I know, the U.S. doesn't have many school furniture standards besides eco-oriented certifications such as GREENGUARD for Children and Schools�. Ergonomic standards certainly make sense, although American educators might see them as conceding defeat in the face of expanding waistlines. For now, based on recent domestic responses to the issue, I'm guessing we'll keep trying to get kids outside or make them play DDR in gym class. Only time will tell where we pin the responsibility and how we respond to a problem that's not going away anytime soon.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-05-13 10:28:50

Take A Scientific Approach to Buying a Science Table

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:02:05 -0400

If you've ever taken or taught a science class in school, you know how messy and destructive your experiments can get, from playing with Bunson burners and setting off chemical reactions to dissecting frogs and fetal pigs. But educators can't afford to let their concerns over classroom furniture durability undermine the enrichment of their students. That's why buying a high-quality science table makes a lot of sense.

So what should you look for in your ideal science table? Here are some important features to consider:

Chemical-resistant finish to protect against damage from spills
Convenient storage space for equipment and supplies
Strong, stable legs and frame to support books, supplies and equipment
Availability in different sizes to fit your classroom
Casters for full mobility around the lab or classroom

For durability, stability and different sizes, consider buying a Plain Apron Table. This stationary table features sturdy red oak legs with a chemical resistant finish and comes in a variety of depths and widths to fit in almost any classroom. Choose from resin tabletops, laminate tops, and tops that protect against harmful chemicals. In addition, rubber boots protect your table legs from scuffing and other damage.

If you need durability, storage space, and mobility, consider getting a Mobile Microscope Storage Cabinet. Think of it as an all-in-one storage and experimentation station that can go pretty much anywhere. As the name suggests, this cabinet features storage space with wire dividers to hold and organize microscopes and other equipment, as well as casters to roll it around anywhere you want. In addition, this mobile cabinet has a black laminate top where you can conduct your experiments.

Need to save some space and enhance your Science Table? Pick up some Parts and Accessories. Add a markerboard, mirror, laptop holder, pump, faucet or other accessory to transform your Science Table into its own full-featured mini lab where you can run experiments, record data, wash off, then analyze your findings, all in one place. You can also add casters to mobilize your table for extra flexibility around the classroom. The possibilities are plentiful, so shop around and customize your table based on your unique needs.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-04-30 12:02:05

Buying versus Renting a Facility Floor Mat

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:40:52 -0400

Does your school hire full-time teachers, or does it go exclusively with substitute teachers? Unless you're debuting a novel educational model, you hire a full-time staff of qualified teachers to establish continuity and give your students the best education possible. The same reasoning should apply to deciding whether to buy or rent a facility floor mat for your school. In many cases, the floor mats that keep your hallways clean and your students safe can become just as much a part of your building as the people who live, learn and work there.

When you rent a mat, you never know what you're getting from week to week or month to month. Browse the Facility Floor Mat section on ClassroomPlus.com and you can choose from a number of features that keep your indoor and outdoor areas clean and safe for students and staff for years to come:

Slip-resistant backing that grips the floor and stays stable in the wettest conditions
Innovative surfaces that remove dirt and moisture to keep students and staff safe
Wide selection of mats with recycled content and low-emissions materials that keep the air clean
100% Unconditional Guarantee - If you're not satisfied with your floor mat for any reason, you get your money back
Affordable one-time investment instead of periodic rental payments that add up over time

In other words, you get the gift that keeps on giving backed by a 100% Money-Back Guarantee. It doesn't get any better than that, so browse our Facility Floor Mats and find the mat that fits your school's unique needs.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-04-08 13:40:52

Clean-Room Mats Keep Dirt and Dust Under Wraps

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:28:45 -0400

Our all-new Clean-Room Mats provide the perfect solution for the dirt and debris your students and employees bring in from outside and unwittingly deposit in hallways, classrooms and gym floors. As an educator, you have two responsibilities to your students: keep the premises clean and keep them safe to navigate. Clean-Room Mats help you kill two birds with one stone.

So how does a Clean-Room Mat work? Think of it as a king-size lint remover. When pedestrians step on it, the adhesive gently collects the dirt and dust particles that accumulate on the bottom of their footwear. And when the adhesive surface collects its quota, you can peel it off and throw it away to reveal a fresh surface. But just like mousetraps, Clean-Room Mats need to go in the right places to capture the optimal level of unwanted imports.

Dust and dirt congregate at entrance areas where pedestrians bring in the particles that reside outside. So try putting your Clean-Room Mats at indoor entryways near these locations:

Doors where students re-enter the building or locker room from the playground or playing field
Exits leading out from locker rooms back into a school lobby
Exits leading out from Woodworking or Art classrooms, where wood and paper shavings can accumulate

And those are only a few of the places where Clean-Room Mats can peel and pick out dirt and dust. Experience is the best teacher, so move your mats around and find the locations that work best for you. Choose from our Clean Stride Mats, combo Clean Stride Mats and Carpets, as well as replacement Clean Stride Inserts. No matter what you buy, our Clean-Room Mats will keep your school clean and safe to navigate for guests, students, administrators and employees.

Stay tuned for more tips and information on our all-new line of Facility Floor Mats.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-03-27 12:28:45

Get Some Northern Exposure with our Canada Political Maps

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 17:12:01 -0500

How many Americans can point out and name all the Canadian provinces on a map? I haven't done any research, but I'm guessing not many. And I'll guess even fewer know anything about the people who live there. Of course, we all know Canadians like hockey, bacon, ice-fishing, and saying "eh." But what makes them really tick? They say the best way to learn about someone is to learn about where they live. So get started with a Canada Political Map.

This map makes a prominent yet unobtrusive addition to any classroom - just roll it down for reference and roll it back up when you're done. The design emblazons Canadian geography into your students' memories with vivid colors for each province as well as clear text that denotes cities, capitals, mountains, lakes and other noteworthy landmarks. In addition, the map won't tear and you can mark it up with your own notes to enhance learning. So buy a Canada Political Map today and teach your students the basics about our Neighbors to the North.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-03-04 17:12:01