Body Language in the Classroom

Want to present yourself as a leader in the classroom? Use the body language list below to show your students that you are worthy of their respect:

1. Stand tall. Keeping your shoulders back and holding yourself up to your full height will give you an air of confidence.
2. Take your hands out of your pockets. Putting your hands in your pockets is often seen as a sign that you have something to hide.
3. Stand with your arms crossed behind your back. This will help you adjust your posture, and it leaves your hands in a position that is open and not intimidating.
4. Make eye contact. Always look directly into the eyes of the people you are speaking with. This shows you’re interested and also gives you a sense of confidence.
5. Sit up straight. Even if you’re at an 8 a.m.meeting and feeling tired, it’s important to sit up straight in your chair. Slouching makes you look disinterested and can give off an unwanted air of laziness.
6. Face the person you’re talking to. This shows you are interested and engaged in the conversation.
7. Shake hands firmly. For many, a handshake is a reflection of the person you’re shaking hands with. You don’t want to come across as unsure or overbearing, so make sure yours is professional and confident.
8. Always smile. Smiles are contagious and will make others feel positive when you’re around.
9. Look your best. You don’t have to be model perfect every day, but you should dress appropriately and neatly. Clothes can have a big impact on the way you’re perceived.
10. Walk confidently. Keep your head up and take even strides.

9/11 Archive

If you ever plan to do a lesson on the 9/11 attacks, I would highly recommend the Television Archive, which not only includes tons of resources describing the event, but would also be a great lesson in journalism history.

Top 10 Money Drains

Ever wonder where all your money goes? Check out this list of the top 10 things that needlessly drain you of money. I think I’m guilty of at least 7 out of 10.

Sprout Online

Want to entertain your toddlers? Check out Sprout, a fun interractive website for kids with streaming 24-hour tv shows, printable coloring pages, refrigerator art, and other arts and crafts.

Netflix for Books!

If you’re an avid reader, you may want to check out Bookswim, a book-rental club that works exactly like Netflix. Of course, the local library is free, but this club boasts no late fees and free shipping to and from your home. Prices range from 3 books a month for $20 to 11 books a month for $36.

Bacn, Anyone?

Yet another buzzword was born this week. As if we needed another email term!

What is bacn, you ask?

“Bacn is email you receive that isn’t spam… and isn’t personal mail. It’s the middle class of email. It’s notifications of a new post to your Facebook wall or a new follower on Twitter. It’s the Google alert for your name and the newsletter from your favorite company.”

This may be the dawn of some new email technology– the, “I’ll read it eventually” box.

Is Time Travel Possible?

Although most scientists are skeptical, this article details possibilities for the future.

TV Links

Looking to watch TV shows, movies, documentaries, etc? Check out TV Links for TONS of free shows– they even have cartoons for kids!

The Key to Your Financial Future

I found a really cool article that makes a lot of sense. It’s called Pay Yourself First. The problem a lot of us share (especially people like us who are living on a tight budget) is paying all of our bills and not having anything left for savings. This article goes into the idea of the “10% rule.” Take 10% of your paycheck and treat it like a bill that has to be paid. Put it away in a savings or related financial fund, and forget about it. I think this could work great with something like an ING account that lets you automatically transfer your money online on a preset schedule. You can still access it in an emergency, but it’s tucked away in a separate place where you can’t easily blow it on things you don’t need. Check it out, a very smart idea!

This List Will Make Your Life Better

I’m serious! This is the most comprehensive list of things you can do to life a happier and healthier life. 147 tips to be exact. Check it out… you won’t be sorry. And click on the links as well, there are some real gems in there!