Why I Teach Wednesdays- For the Love of Reading

So, today was a rare occasion in which I told my students that they could color after they finished their work (they had a packet about Arkansas symbols that they had been coloring all week for social studies).  I had a student come up to my desk and ask, "Can we read from our familiar reading tubs instead?"  My reply, on the outside, was, "Yes, darlin'!  You can always choose to read in your spare time."  But on the inside, I was going, "WOOO HOOOOOO!!! CHOOSING TO REEEEEAD!!"  Yippee!  It's always good to hear a student make that choice, but this particular student happened to be a pretty reluctant reader when she first came to my class!  It's little things like this that can make a teacher's day and keep us pushing on (especially when spring break is in t minus 2 days...AAAHHHHH!!)

I hope you all are having a wonderful 'hump day'...the weekend is creeping up on us! Happy teaching!

Teacher Tricks Tuesday- Push Lights

Ok, I found this great management idea via Pinterest, which is originally from The Lesson Plan Diva. 

This picture is from The Lesson Plan Diva's blog.

You get one of those cheap push-lights from Wal-Mart, the dollar store, etc.  When the light is on, students are not allowed to come up and ask you questions. This way you can devote your time to the kiddos you're with and not have to be interrupted during that precious, minimal time you have in the small group setting.  As soon as I saw this idea on Pinterest, I bought a light and used it the very next day. I love it!

Then that got me thinking...I have a classroom that has bathrooms in the room- one for boys and one for girls.  It's a one-toilet closet-style restroom.  I can't tell you how many times I've had quiet work time interrupted by someone yelling "I'M IN HERE, CLOSE THE DOOR!!" (which is kind of funny, to be honest, but very disruptive!)  So I recently thought about purchasing two more push-lights to hang on the wall, one by each door, to use as an "occupied" sign.  When they go into the restroom, they push the light to turn it on.  When they leave, they turn it off!  It's a quiet, easy signal that shows when a restroom is available or not.  I can't wait to try it! 

I'm starting to see lots of other great uses for these cheap little push lights.  What are some other brilliant ways you have seen them used?