Includes index.

Are you teacher material? -- Do your homework -- The big three : preparation, preparation, preparation -- Make the first week of class a first-class week -- Discipline is not a dirty word -- Motivation and morale boosters -- The three R's : reading, reading, and reading -- Teachers talk : Q & A -- Yo! Miss J! -- Time and energy savers -- Twenty years from now.

From seating plans to Shakespeare, Teaching Outside the Box offers practical strategies that will help both new teachers and seasoned veterans create dynamic classroom environments where students enjoy learning and teachers enjoy teaching. This indispensable book is filled with no-nonsense advice, checklists, and handouts as well as: a step-by-step plan to make the first week of school a success; approaches for creating a positive discipline plan; methods for motivating students, especially reluctant readers; strategies for successful classroom management; and, suggestions for creating and grading student portfolios.