Internet4Classrooms Newsletter: October 2010

Dyslexia is a neurological learning disorder that effects roughly 15-20% of the U.S. population. A common misconception is that it is always associated with reading letters and numbers backwards. Although that can be part of it, the biggest factor in students with Dyslexia is their lack of ability to recognize the phonics in letters and words. Internet4Classrooms provides information specifically geared towards Dyslexia. We have a Teacher Resources page offering methods of learning how to identify Dyslexia and methods of teaching students with Dyslexia. There is a Classroom Resources page containing worksheets, math games, and phonics help, as well as tools on accomodating students with Dyslexia. Parents can find tools for identifying and supporting children with Dyslexia on our Parent Resources page. Please take a look through the Dyslexia web pages on our site. Online audio phonics help, Dyslexia testing information, and audio textbooks are in the Other Resources section.

Fire Prevention Week OCT 3- 9
Teaching our kids fire safety is so important. Every year the National Fire Protection Association focuses on a different aspect of fire safety. This year is "Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With!" Find lesson plans for K-6 on how to teach fire safety in your classroom. You can also find safety tips and a free template letter to parents reiterating fire prevention tips. In addition to the lesson plans, go here to find print outs of family escape plans and safety sheets.

National Character Counts Week OCT 17- 23
Ethical education is just as important as any other subject in the classroom and at home. National Character Counts Week reminds us of the responsibility we have in raising children with values and morals. For information and resources on anger management, rules for fighting fair, and print outs on how to fight anger visit our site. Find teacher resources for implementing the Six Pillars of Character into your classroom. Go here for resources on teaching good character values, responsibility, respect, conflict resolution, problem solving, and so much more.

National Chemistry Week OCT 17- 23
This year's theme is "Behind the Scenes with Chemistry," focusing on the differences between what's real and what's science behind the special effects we see on television and in movies. Chemistry can explain everything from hair and make up to the fire explosions in action shots. Explain the origin of fireworks and the chemistry of fireworks using this link. Find resources, instructions, and tools on periodic tables, chemistry tutorials, molecules, and simulations. There is also is a link for high school chemistry students, offering practice skills needed for end of course chemistry exams.

Freedom from Bullies Week OCT 18-24
Bullying continues to be a growing trend in our schools, especially with the current technology of social networking and cell phone use. We have resources and lesson plans on cyber bullying, building a classroom bully-free-zone, how to help children who are being bullied, defining tattling vs. bullying, and how to report bullying. There are also handouts on having a kindness day.

Halloween OCT 31
Trick or treat!! Who doesn't love a good ghost story, song, party idea, or learning the history of Halloween.