One More Shot....

Welp folks, I failed miserably last year at blogging, but I refuse to give up.  

Perseverance

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I am here to say that I am trying something new this year in the hopes that my busy life will allow me time to post more often.   I ask that if you have visited my blog in the past that you will continue to support me and my efforts to share wonderful tools, best practice and ideas.  It is my goal that the things I share will spark interest and creativity and assist you in transforming your classroom into a place that fosters independent thinkers, student-driven projects and technology-infused curriculum.

Thanks for sticking with me and remember please feel free to leave me comments on how I can improve as

Informational Text Resources

As one of the primary sources of EdTech/Instructional Tech at my school, I have been trying to connect my Tech Talks each month to the teacher's curriculum as well as continue to focus of technology as a tool to enhance teaching and learning.   I don't want them walking away from a 45 minute gathering thinking it was a total waste of time.  I want what I am sharing to be useful to my staff.

We have been focusing on the Common Core, as most everyone has, and we all know the emphasis it places on informational text.  This focus coupled with an article I read on ASCD led me to create a simple compilation of news sites or sites with a strong non-fiction focus for my teachers.  All of the websites I compiled are created for a younger audience.

Students are still overwhelmingly selecting fiction text; maybe due to the fantasy elements, the characters or the storyline/plot, but information text can be just as exciting.  We need to figure out a way to make the real world intriguing to kids and I think we can if we allow them to read about what interests them.

I have created two resources that can be used in the classroom, via iPad or computer.  Both include the same set of resources.

The first tool I used to house the sites was Thinglink.



Here I tried to note the appropriate age group each site was geared toward. All sites can be visited by students and content can be read; however, you can create accounts for students on a few and they will then be allowed to comment on articles.

The second tool I used to house the sites was FlipBoard. (you will need to install the app on your device(s))

This is a fantastic tool that allows you to curate your own magazine.  How cool would it be to allow  your students to curate their own magazine filled with information that interests them!

I hope that you find these sites useful and begin to integrate the real world/current events into your classroom.

Enjoy!

Busy Skyping!

We've been busy video conferencing with other classes and experts around the Globe.  Check out our map below.  We will be adding to it in the coming months.  :)



View Our Skype Journey! in a larger map

Winter Olympic Connections

The Sochi Winter Olympics are fast approaching and what better a way to collaborate globally with others!!  We know the games are watched by millions, if not, billions of people of all ages, worldwide. SO, why not connect, share and collaborate with each other during the events.

I have a 4th grade class that is very interested in making some connections and participating in activities with other classes around the world.  We would love to make a connection with an english speaking class in Russia, especially in or around Sochi!  To be honest, we have not thought about the process or activities quite yet, but if you are at all interested in collaborating with us through Edmodo, Skype or any other tool(s) please add your name to this Google Doc or contact me through the Skype link below.

Name that Book! Mystery Book Skyping

  

All of this Mystery Skyping has got me thinking! We all want our kids to read more, right? And comprehend it, remember details, be able to retell...what if we participated in a Mystery Book Skype, "Name that Book".
Two classes partner up and select 5-10 books to read over a period of time - could be picture books or Jr. Novels - then each class chooses a book that they want as their mystery book. During the Skype each class asks questions about the books and try to figure out the "mystery book". I think this would be a fun way to reflect on all of the books and remember the details.During the process the classes could be creating story maps (or other tools) to organize the details and then use them during the Skype. I also thought it would be fun to have a discussion board created where the kids can share their reactions and thoughts about the stories with one another.If anyone might be interested in this activity please fill out the Google Doc I provided or click on the link to Skype below.