Thursday, June 14, 2012

Exciting? No. Practical? A Resounding Yes!

This little post is for those of you who enjoy purging your classroom of unwanted items.  Oddly enough, it's also for those of you who have closets full of stuff you can't seem to part with.  The next time a set of headphones decides to quit working, you could throw them away or even push them to the back of a closet.  Instead, cut off the chord and put them to use with your kids who enjoy a little less noise.  (Some kids like to wear them simply for the sake of wearing them.  Works for me!)  My kids love to put them on throughout the day, especially during Daily 5.  They read with them.  They write with them.  They make words with them.  I wish I had pictures of the kids to prove it, but you'll have to take my word for it.  This is all I've got. 


I've got about 10.  They hang like this for easy access.



Are you imagining where all those broken headphones are stashed?  It's time to get them out.  Or if you don't have any, grab your neighbor's before they toss them.  Now they can serve a much-needed purpose!


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29 comments:

  1. Great idea! I always have students who like for it to be a little quieter when they read and not hear their neighbors. Never thought to have something like that when they are writing too!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, thanks! Certain writers did enjoy using these headphones. Your support always means a lot to me.

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  2. Tammy, that's a great idea for those who are distracted by noise. It's the simple things that make all of the difference!! I never thought of that. Thanks for sharing this tip!
    Lisa
    Learning Is Something to Treasure

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    2. Lisa, thank you for leaving comments on my blog. I hope your kids enjoy some recycled headphones.

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  3. What a great idea! I've actually caught my students using the computer with the headsets on their heads but without them being plugged in. When I question why they are doing it, they tell me they enjoy wearing them! Go figure!

    Ѽ Lori
    Teaching With Love and Laughter
    luvyorkies@gmail.com

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    1. Lori, kids do enjoy wearing them just to wear them. Suit yourself. Works for me. :)

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  4. I LOVE this idea! Going to start looking for some broken ones. Thanks for sharing!
    Petersons-Pad

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    1. Sheree, I'm glad this idea will be useful. Good luck finding some broken ones.

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  5. My pal Jen at Hello Mrs. Sykes taught me this. She advised me to use them with a kid who would NOT stop making noises. Her theory was that if he couldn't hear himself he wouldn't want to make the noises. Well he could still hear himself but he HATED wearing the headphones so he stopped saying "I like Pie" every 2 1/2 seconds. Mission accomplished.

    Awesome post.

    Casey
    Second Grade Math Maniac

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    1. Casey, I'd never thought to use them with noise-makers. That's an interesting intervention for the "I like pie" kids. :)

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  6. Great idea, Tammy! I have several old headphones stored away because I felt too guilty throwing them away. Now I can put them to good use.
    Connie:)
    welcome to first grade room 5

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    1. Connie, glad those old headphones will find themselves a good purpose now. You must have known you were keeping them for some really good reason - just didn't know what it was quite yet.

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  7. Love this! Thanks for sharing!!!

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    1. Kristin, you're very welcome. Thanks for the comment.

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  8. I have a set of headphones for this exact reasons. Some of my kids like to wear them just because but for others it really does make a huge difference in their ability to focus and get work done. Great tip to share!!

    ❤- Stephanie
    Falling Into First

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    1. Thanks Stephanie. I'm obviously not the only one who figured out that little trick. I'm glad it works for your kids too.

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    1. Crystal, you're very welcome. I hope it's an idea that comes in handy for you.

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  10. This is a great idea. Would also work to remind kids when it is a no talking time. We have no talking during "write the room". It would be a visual not to talk to your classmate because their "ears are closed". Wish I had about 17 of these!!!!!

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    1. Lisa, that's a great tip as well. I love your "ears are closed" phrase. Sounds perfect for first grade. Better start scrounging for headphones!

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  11. Hi Tammy!
    Neat idea. No position yet. Hope one pops up soon!
    Sandi

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    1. Sandi, I'm sorry to hear that. I'll be looking forward to hearing about the right position landing in your lap.

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  12. What a great idea! I'm sure they LOVE wearing them...filing this idea away! Thanks for sharing.

    Amanda
    Teaching Maddeness

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    1. Thanks Amanda. I'm glad the idea will come in handy for you too.

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    1. Thanks Barbara. I'm glad you think so too!

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  14. Awww I love this idea! Now if only I can find some broken ones when school starts up! Totally wish I had asked before school was out. Following you and can't wait for more of your awesome ideas! :)

    Amanda
    Reaching for the TOP!

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    1. Amanda, someone suggested finding them at Thrift stores and then sanitizing them. I thought that was a clever idea. Thank you for coming by!

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