Staff Development Series Title Listing Home Hot Tips for Teachers
A motivational, staff development program that offer helpful suggestions for teachers, from preparing for an unexpected absence to encouraging students to participate in everyday activities. Segments include: Preparing for Your Absence, Effective Learning Tools, Display Techniques, Building Success With Parents and Guardians. 08DR CA 15 min.

The Best of "Wavelength" (Teacher Training), 3 Parts
"Wavelength" is a popular non-profit professional theater organization which travels across America presenting humorous, and very motivating, live presentations to educators and administrators on important educational issues. Produced by Wavelength, Inc. 08DR/CL CA Box-Set Savings: 3 DVDs in a Box Set! Also available on 3 DVDs, Videos or Digital Files.
Part 1
The Faculty Lounge, a satirical look at what goes on in a typical staff room; Teacher Evaluation, evaluating a teacher's improvisational artistry; Learning Styles, how people react to finding out about their own personal learning style. 30 min.
Part 2
Teacher Jeopardy, a game show where "even a teacher learns something new"; Teacher, society's perception of teachers; Boot Camp, students learn best when teachers facilitate the learning process. 30 min.
Part 3
Alien, delicately addresses our individual prejudices; Raging Reader, asks: what student skills does testing really assess?; Extra-Curricular Activities, shows how extra-curricular activities enhance relationships with students. 30 min.


Discovery: Learning to Read by Singing
Designed to help teachers of beginning reading use a method of instruction that encourages children to learn to use music and the lyrics of favorite songs to become better and more enthusiastic readers. Produced by Michigan State University. 08DR/CL CA 30 min.

Finding New Roads: Poetry in the Classroom
National Prize for Poetry winner, Kenneth Koch, discusses his work on teaching and writing poetry; also we see his highly inspirational approach at work with a group of elementary students. Produced by Hancock Productions. 07DR CA 30 min.
Associated Programs Teaching Children to Write Poetry and Kids Poetry

Left-Handed Children
What do Tom Cruise, Robert DeNiro, Nicole Kidman and James Woods all have in common, besides being actors? They're all left-handed. An estimated 10% of the world's population is left-handed, and of those, there are twice as many males who are lefties. In a right-hand dominated world, being left-handed can have its disadvantages. Writing is certainly one difficulty for most left-handers; however, this kind of problem is easily overcome with some sensible guidance. This unique instructional program provides step-by-step details of how to help left-handed children with handwriting and other skill areas. Produced by The Left-Hander's Club. 08DR CA 30 min.

Teaching Children to Write Poetry
Honorable Mention -Columbus IFV Award
Michael Rutherford has been writing poetry and teaching children how to write, and enjoy, poetry for over twenty years. In this classic program, which takes place in one urban and one rural elementary school, Michael masterfully demonstrates how poetry can be taught, and how children can me encouraged to write poetry. Here, he skillfully engages the pupils the teachers in the writing process. He succeeds in getting the children to lower their defenses and express themselves in unique and creative ways. The children not only have fun, but also emerge from the experience with increased self-esteem and a sincere love and respect for the written as well as the spoken word. Produced by Edwards Films, Inc. 07DR IJSCA 30 min.
Associated Programs Finding New Roads: Poetry in the Classroom and Kids Poetry

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