tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038384018788895432024-03-05T12:54:31.557-05:00Mrs. TeachnologyMrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-56052839332350980342015-02-27T19:12:00.003-05:002015-02-27T19:13:54.567-05:00The Bright Way to Organize<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://www.brightloopteacher.com/uploads/4/0/5/1/40518367/271069.png" /></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">Do you need a way to organize all of your Reading and
Writing Workshop information? Are you tired of messy binders or unorganized
data on your computer? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;">I have teachers ask me to help them organize their Reading and Writing Workshop records all the time. I have some teachers that use binders to keep information for each student, while others use digital copies of documentation. Some do both! It gets a bit crazy trying to keep up with individual data for each student and track their progress through the year. I love organizing, so I am always willing to help. While sitting in a meeting with our district ELA specialist, she shared the website, Brightloop, with me and a group of teachers. The room almost burst into applause. In all my geekiness, I had no idea this site existed, and it is FREE!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><a href="http://www.brightloopteacher.com/" target="_blank">Brightloop</a> gives you space to keep all of your conferring notes in one place. You can set and track learning objectives, identify groups, use collected data, and document conferences. It doesn't get any better than that. Did I mention that it is super easy to use too? Check out the video below and the website to see how teachers are using this site to organize and differentiate instruction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: RowdyWriting; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/TKNOBrnOvTk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TKNOBrnOvTk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/216/1ED9CB62A8F7553402516F7472DAB2F4.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-34849321292956919952013-02-10T11:40:00.000-05:002013-02-10T11:40:33.615-05:00Help! It's the Common Core!My district is currently implementing the Common Core math standards in grades K-2. This year, we are working on second grade implementation. Boy...has this been a fun one! Even though it has been tough thinking about a new way of teaching math to our students, our 2nd grade teachers have risen to the occasion and are seeing the benefits of teaching students how to really think about and apply math learning. I am so proud of all of our teachers for embracing the thought processes behind the Common Core. I personally think these standards are going to do wonders in our schools, if we really take the time to look at our teaching and make some much needed changes. I think we are going to see students really learning what they are doing in math instead of memorizing a process. Yay for connection to the real world! Anyway...step down off soapbox...one of my teachers shared a website with me that I think everyone can benefit from. The website, <a href="http://insidemathematics.org/">insidemathematics.org</a>, offers some great resources to help teachers implement the CCSS. My favorite part of the site is the classroom video visits. These videos show real teachers, in real classrooms, teaching lessons that are aligned to the CCSS. Love it!<br />
<br />
Here is an example of a 2nd grade lesson about working word problems:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMyPUMB-CH39C1_mm7jnB47WYrz4kI9t0CqjGXx8Pqcvo1DjZqe681zduVNT6qdsrAaN9ybDdL7g8U8hM47WDEpJWC9bH4KCzCI7VGE5wYldeqhcDV-Yx850Ur9wTqRRtUt1APba2a9P0/s320/2013-02-10_1134.png" width="320" /><a href="http://www.insidemathematics.org/index.php/classroom-video-visits/public-lessons-word-problem-clues/434-word-problem-clues-lesson-1?" target="_blank">http://www.insidemathematics.org/index.php/classroom-video-visits/public-lessons-word-problem-clues/434-word-problem-clues-lesson-1?</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are videos for all grade levels!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are also tons of tools for educators at: <a href="http://www.insidemathematics.org/index.php/tools-for-teachers">http://www.insidemathematics.org/index.php/tools-for-teachers</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take some time and check this site out! You will really be glad you did. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/216/1ED9CB62A8F7553402516F7472DAB2F4.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-88444092163015188632012-12-29T20:05:00.001-05:002012-12-29T20:05:51.975-05:00Are You A Google Driver?If you aren't using <a href="http://drive.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Drive</a> in your classroom...today is the day to start! Drive offers so many wonderful collaboration tools to use easily in the classroom with students of all ages.<br />
<br />
Watch the video below to see how one teacher is using Drive to have her students collaborate while writing. With Common Core Standards students are expected to collaborate with peers to complete a piece of writing. This teacher is using Drive to do just that!
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<script src="https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/fostering-student-collaboration/embed?format=js" type="text/javascript"></script>
I know these are high school students, but elementary students can do this too! The possibilities for using Google Drive in the classroom are endless.<br />
<br />
What are some ways you can use Drive in your classroom?<br />
<br />
*Create documents for students to collaborate with other classmates or the teacher.<br />
*Create graphic organizers for students to fill in as a group<br />
*Create forms to poll students (lunch choices, graphing activities, surveys, etc.)<br />
*Create quizzes and tests using a Google Form (makes grading easy)<br />
*Collaborate with fellow teachers<br />
*<a href="http://catlintucker.com/2012/05/making-the-most-of-google-docs-drive/">Click Here</a> to read more wonderful ideas!<br />
<br />
I hope you give Google Drive a try if you aren't already using it! If you are, share a way you find it handy in your classroom by leaving a comment.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/216/1ED9CB62A8F7553402516F7472DAB2F4.png" style="border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-82831503309200596862012-11-17T18:58:00.000-05:002012-11-17T18:58:00.624-05:00Mirror, Mirror On My BoardRecently, the teachers at our school received iPads to use in their classrooms. They are currently working with one iPad in the classroom, so we are getting pretty creative so the kiddos can get as much use out of the iPads as possible. So...something had to be done so our teachers could display the iPad screen on their Promethean Boards. Our Art Teacher was the first teacher to ask if there was a way he could draw on his iPad while the students watched on the board. The gears started to turn! Yes, a VGA adapter could be used to plug the iPad directly into the computer, but he did not want to be limited to sitting in one spot while showing his screen on the board. As a team, we found a solution...<a href="http://www.airserverapp.com/" target="_blank">AirServer!</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQo54ufdIEweg-KOJO7lI6zy6UXd7MMVMascfftoLluUiK-Co1ShaVJJpbsf1662E2AUveVGITZBklrR2q1XphDX0ACQ8LJ7sEIXjroxEFEn1tXBYDAwLbJGxBJ5qpcl98LHQOSJN0T5qF/s200/airserver.png" width="195" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Airserver is a program that you download to your computer. It is a standard app on Mac, but you can download it to a PC also. The program allows you to mirror your iPad2 or New iPad on your computer screen. It is a piece of cake to use too! Airserver is a great solution for the one iPad classroom because the iPad can be passed around, and the whole class can interact because the screen is being projected on the board. The mobility this app gives in the classroom is wonderful! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/216/1ED9CB62A8F7553402516F7472DAB2F4.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-72170577662295469242012-10-14T17:28:00.001-04:002012-10-14T17:28:22.960-04:00Menus for Multiple IntelligencesI am currently working on a Masters, and the class I just finished was about teaching reading strategies across content areas. I wanted to share one of the most popular strategies I shared with my classmates, and almost all of them included it in their final presentations.<br />
<br />
The idea is simple. We all have diverse classrooms when it comes to how students learn. Everyone learns differently...right? Well, a few years ago, I took a graduate class offered by my school district that taught me how to integrate technology while thinking about the different ways students learn. I am now teaching this class, I loved it so much! I learned from one of the best Technology Facilitators in my district, Mrs. Fran Mauney! Please check out her blog <a href="http://www.franmauney.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. She has wonderful ideas for teaching in the 21st Century Classroom.<br />
<br />
So...what is this splendid strategy you ask? Menus...Multiple Intelligence Menus<br />
<br />
These menus are created for a unit of study and give students a variety of choices to be assessed on their learning. That's right friends, CHOICE! Let me just say that the first time I used a menu with my kiddos...I was a bit terrified. I was going to cut them loose, give them choices on how to present information they had learned , and they were going to do all of this independently in class. Wow! That was a lot to take in, but it was wonderful! My students were engaged, I was "teaching", and they retained so much.<br />
<br />
How exactly do the multiple intelligences come into play here? Simple. You create a menu with activities for your kiddos to choose from that include all the intelligences. There is a project for everyone, no matter their learning style. Also, technology tools are a must. Integrating technology into a menu is easy, and your students will create some amazing products.You just model for them how to use different technology tools throughout the year, and then add them to your menus. Believe me, they will be able to complete projects with minimal help from you if you make sure to model for them before hand.<br />
<br />
Here is an example (this is one I created for geometry):<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/109999717/Geometry-Menu-Leah?secret_password=2deqqn67v01ia19v4afb" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Geometry-Menu Leah on Scribd">Geometry-Menu Leah</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_43514" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/109999717/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-1a47izol5utub62jtrce" width="100%"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<br />
You can find many more that were created by teachers in our district <a href="http://www.franmauney.com/Page_4.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
<br />
I really hope you will implement a menu this year! You will be so surprised at how easy and rewarding it is.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/216/1ED9CB62A8F7553402516F7472DAB2F4.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-42646601996077019022012-08-19T11:29:00.003-04:002012-08-19T11:29:43.512-04:00Web 2.0 For EveryoneOver the summer, I have trained teachers to use a variety of Web 2.0 tools in the classroom. I wanted to share some of my favorites. I have blogged about a lot of them, but you really should check out some of the sites to use in your classroom this year. Some of them will help you organize both your classroom and home life, while some of them are special sites for the kiddos to use. Over the course of this year, I will share how these can be used in the classroom in more depth, but I wanted to go ahead and share the list so you could do some exploring!<br />
<br />
Organization Tools<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://fav7.com/">http://fav7.com</a> (bookmark 7 websites for your students to use easily)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/">www.symbaloo.com</a> (organize your home page)</li>
<li><a href="http://classroombooksource.com/">http://classroombooksource.com</a> (organize and track your classroom library)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.classdojo.com/">www.classdojo.com</a> (manage classroom behavior digitally)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Bookmarking Tools</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.livebinders.com/">www.livebinders.com</a> (create online binders)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.delicious.com/">www.delicious.com</a> (bookmark favorite sites and access from anywhere)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">www.pinterest.com</a> (need I say more?)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Creation Tools</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.slideshare.com/">www.slideshare.com</a> (create videos using digital photos)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.animoto.com/">www.animoto.com</a> (animate digital photos to create a movie with music)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/">www.tagxedo.com</a> (create word clouds)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.prezi.com/">www.prezi.com</a> (make presentations more engaging)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.blabberize.com/">www.blabberize.com</a> (make pictures talk)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.comicmaster.org/">www.comicmaster.org</a> (create comic books)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.kerpoof.com/">www.kerpoof.com</a> (digital storytelling for elementary students)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.photopeach.com/">www.photopeach.com</a> (create videos)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.stixy.com/">www.stixy.com</a> (post information to a virtual bulletin board)</li>
<li><a href="http://edu.glogster.com/">edu.glogster.com</a> (create posters online)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.timeglider.com/">www.timeglider.com</a> (interactive timelines)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/">www.readwritethink.org</a> (many lesson plans and interactive tools for students)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Planning Tools</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.thinkfinity.org/">www.thinkfinity.org</a> (lesson plans)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.neok12.com/">www.neok12.com</a> (find videos, lesson plans, interactive games, and more)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.khanacademy.org/">www.khanacademy.org</a> (videos to flip the classroom or tutor students)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Collaboration/Sharing Tools</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.edmodo.com/">www.edmodo.com</a> (Facebook for the classroom)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.voicethread.com/">www.voicethread.com</a> (upload videos or pictures to share and receive comments)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.twitter.com/">www.twitter.com</a> (tweet classroom information)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.dropbox.com/">www.dropbox.com</a> (share documents, pictures, videos, etc. with colleagues)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/">www.wallwisher.com</a> (create an online bulletin board for students to answer questions)</li>
<li><a href="http://docs.google.com/">docs.google.com</a> (share everything)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
All of these tools are awesome and FREE! Some of them you don't even have to create an account to use. This makes them simple to implement in the classroom. I hope you can find at least one to use this year! Make sure to check out <a href="http://www.neok12.com/">www.neok12.com</a>. This is definitely one of my favorites!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/216/1ED9CB62A8F7553402516F7472DAB2F4.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-40869419431007231782012-08-14T20:11:00.000-04:002012-08-14T20:11:29.748-04:00Let's Go On A Virtual Field TripOK...let me first say Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I am overwhelmed at the blog traffic and number of followers this little ol' blog has accumulated this summer. I am so honored to have every single one of you reading my blog. I started this blog last summer as a way to share technology ideas and to remember them for myself. I love, love, love everything that has to do with integrating technology into the classroom, and I am so blessed to be able to share some of my ideas here. Again, thanks so much for your kind comments and emails. I am delighted to work with teachers all over the globe! Hopefully, this coming school year I will be posting a lot more often. Since I am transitioning into a new job, I plan to make Sunday my blogging day since it used to be my lesson plan getting ready day!<br />
<br />
So without further ado...I thought I would share a little idea I had while creating a differentiated menu this summer (more on that to come).<br />
<br />
How about if you are teaching your students about a specific region or place around the world? You can have them create virtual field trips for their classmates! Some of us take our students on virtual field trips using Google Earth or just the plain old Internet, but what if you had them create the field trip themselves. It could even be a virtual field trip from around the school building. All your students need to have is some pictures and a program such as Windows Live Movie Maker, <a href="http://animoto.com/education/" target="_blank">Animoto</a>, or Microsoft Photostory. All the students have to do is upload their pictures to one of the programs, annotate the pictures, and present.<br />
<br />
Here is one I made as a sample to take a field trip to the Coastal Zone of South Carolina.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz3ybR5aq4FgR0e96NUXLcPEkusa4e3YlcBDVonjD8Lzc9ChEZTDxe6GNWZAt72m0O8TgjPITi3N65uPYuf' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think this would be great to assign as a group project and have students present the information. It could also be done as an individual project. Why not let this be the test/quiz on a region's landforms, tourist attractions, animals, government, etc.?</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/216/1ED9CB62A8F7553402516F7472DAB2F4.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a><br />
<br />Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-373953243794362722012-07-22T17:34:00.001-04:002012-07-22T17:34:13.489-04:00Digital Read AloudHave you ever thought of using digital read alouds in a reading center? The other night I was lost in You Tube land and started searching for some of my favorite books I use while teaching. I was pleasantly surprised at all the videos that have been created of books being read aloud. Some of them have even been animated! Love it! You could use them easily on an interactive board or an iPad to read to your students or have them use a mobile device or computer in a reading center to read or reread books. You could even take it a little farther with older kiddos and have them video themselves reading a book aloud. Create a classroom You Tube account and you will have an audio book library to call your own. Older students could also animate picture books using Movie Maker or Photo Story.<br />
<br />
Here are a few of my favorites that I ran across:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/feX2RVJybJY" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Who doesn't love the pigeon? I use these books to teach persuasive writing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rWEekO4ufwM" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I use this one to teach point of view.</div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zn_LjA-pg2Y" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another great website for digital books is <a href="http://www.wegivebooks.org/" target="_blank">www.wegivebooks.org </a>There are tons of both fiction and nonfiction books on this site and they are FREE! The books are not read aloud, but I have projected them on the board or had students read them at our classroom computers. There are a lot of nonfiction books about animals that could be used for research projects. You could also project the nonfiction ones on the board to discuss text features. One more idea...you could use a screen recorder to record yourself reading one of the books from the website. Then, students could listen and read along. If you have Promethean ActivInspire, just use the video recorder to do this (see a tutorial on how to do this <a href="http://www.mrsteachnology.blogspot.com/2011/11/hello-friends-i-am-so-thrilled-to-have.html" target="_blank">here</a>). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So...the next time you want to spice up your read aloud, check <a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">You Tube</a> or <a href="http://www.wegivebooks.org/" target="_blank">WeGiveBooks</a> to see if a video has been made. Or...make your own to share with your kiddos. OR...have your kiddos make one to share!</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/216/1ED9CB62A8F7553402516F7472DAB2F4.png" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
<br />Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-84803876879984181532012-07-17T18:39:00.000-04:002012-07-17T18:39:48.682-04:00Tagxedo Roster Tutorial<br />
Hello friends! Over the last couple of days, I have received multiple email messages about creating the classroom roster using <a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank">Tagxedo </a>that I blogged about <a href="http://www.mrsteachnology.blogspot.com/2011/07/tagxedo-youre-it.html" target="_blank">here</a>. So...I thought I would do a step by step tutorial for creating a roster like mine if you would like to try it for yourself.<br />
<br />
Here is the one I created:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgsrgogGJvFR3CCMQjSw6g0AC7zgNN0nhNG0Uf00cS42QSxMSK_YnFLGivmRvaKf5aItpxTIQCrdgNw513-KuF54P1fffLrTCKBadW4cZ7hLRYQ2gc1ndsnkqtOg8-aR1Otc95twVVWeS/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgsrgogGJvFR3CCMQjSw6g0AC7zgNN0nhNG0Uf00cS42QSxMSK_YnFLGivmRvaKf5aItpxTIQCrdgNw513-KuF54P1fffLrTCKBadW4cZ7hLRYQ2gc1ndsnkqtOg8-aR1Otc95twVVWeS/s400/Capture.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have listed some common problems and the fixes below so everyone can easily replicate what I have done here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>How do I get my name to be bigger than my students' names?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Type your name in multiple times. The more times you type in a word, the bigger it appears in the word cloud.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>How do I keep my name from separating into two words?</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do not space between Mrs. and your last name. Tagxedo does not read spaces. You will also need to go to click word/layout options (see below) and change punctuation to yes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPNynMIgoZGWM6VqFLly7PgrJdAZ5IdPJwsztPCSehQgHjSNxCFqYRfe0Ty6HjW6lFT9mzL2phtOk327DUQZTvK7J-3RKjj0-e1RMJ1B0aMv160CeJ63Rvn9zpQyZ9H2X8IPu9fApL-26/s1600/tagxedo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPNynMIgoZGWM6VqFLly7PgrJdAZ5IdPJwsztPCSehQgHjSNxCFqYRfe0Ty6HjW6lFT9mzL2phtOk327DUQZTvK7J-3RKjj0-e1RMJ1B0aMv160CeJ63Rvn9zpQyZ9H2X8IPu9fApL-26/s640/tagxedo.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b>How do I get my name to be horizontal and the students' names to be vertical?</b><br />
Click on Shape and then choose Classic Cloud (V) at the bottom of the screen. To get it to look the way you want, you may need to change the font, layout, and orientation. This part takes a bit of playing around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuZwXPjpVzeKgwYSINP8-9TdgrlQz00eOgtY0WqfDFNgMvisQhbZyOv84LRUUoaYUiJEhoXTRk8Oh-k00S5wmo8zR6-1nWD61ZHpZTdISGlHuU0TEWPUUZvwhCgd-jBYF3MfR1DAwcwLv/s1600/tagxedo2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuZwXPjpVzeKgwYSINP8-9TdgrlQz00eOgtY0WqfDFNgMvisQhbZyOv84LRUUoaYUiJEhoXTRk8Oh-k00S5wmo8zR6-1nWD61ZHpZTdISGlHuU0TEWPUUZvwhCgd-jBYF3MfR1DAwcwLv/s640/tagxedo2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>How do I get every word to post only once?</b><br />
Click on word/layout options. Then, click layout and make sure "Allow Replication" is on "No". This will allow your students' names to only show once.<br />
<br />
These were the most common questions that I have received. If you still have trouble getting it to work the way you want, just email me or leave a comment and I will be more than happy to help!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/216/1ED9CB62A8F7553402516F7472DAB2F4.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-82635984265185938622012-07-14T14:59:00.001-04:002012-07-14T15:00:12.695-04:00Classroom Library Organizer<blockquote> <p>If you have a smartphone or an iPad, I have a great app for you! Have you ever wanted to know exactly what books you have in your classroom library? Do you want to check books out to your students and know who has them and for how long? Well, now you can do just that with <a href="http://classroom.booksource.com/" target="_blank">Classroom Organizer</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://classroom.booksource.com/" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V6OxBGai9C8/UAHBeGeQfUI/AAAAAAAAAns/WoLDj8J3oUI/image%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="367" height="246" /></a></p> <p>You can sign up for a free membership and start organizing your classroom library. There is an app for iPhone and iPad you can use to scan the books right into the program. Students can check out books and check books back in just like a regular library! Can you say, “Awesomesauce”? I sure can. </p> <p>Even though I won’t have a classroom of kiddos this year, I am going to organize my professional library to check out books to teachers in my school. I can’t wait to use this tool. I hope you can find some use for it as well.</p></blockquote> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-80224460494370095382012-02-18T21:39:00.001-05:002012-02-18T21:50:48.023-05:00“Mrs. ______, I Can’t Find the Website!”<p>How many times have you given your students a URL to type in and they just can’t seem to get to the website you intended? As an elementary school teacher, I have encountered this problem many times. Even though my students are more tech savvy than I was at their age, they sometimes struggle with typing in a URL correctly. I have found even writing it down for them and having them copy it directly into the address bar is challenging for some. It also takes a while for an untrained keyboarder to type a long URL quickly as well. </p> <p>I am here to tell you that there is a wonderful website that will completely eradicate this problem. In my current grad class, I am learning about all kinds of Web 2.0 tools that can be easily used to help our little ones along. </p> <p>So, without further ado… I introduce to you <a href="http://www.fav7.com" target="_blank">Fav7</a>! By visiting this website, you can create a page of up to 7 websites that you would like your kiddos to have easy access to. All they have to type in is <a href="http://www.fav7.com">www.fav7.com</a> and a code that is given when you set up a site. This is absolutely free, and you can create as many as you like.</p> <p>Here is an example of what one would look like:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lYvIMJURCZc/T0BjgSK3hxI/AAAAAAAAAmo/aCl-Mx8aqY0/s1600-h/image%25255B9%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S4sa0COjqj4/T0BjhMWBE4I/AAAAAAAAAmw/6jiiAttMwag/image_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="581" height="386" /></a></p> <p>You simply type in or copy/paste the websites into Fav7 and voila! You have a nice page made for you just like this that the kids can visit and click on each site. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l5kzMVLIrV4/T0BjhZ-J39I/AAAAAAAAAm4/rUa8hahKSfM/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hz9qfLRKPsg/T0BjhjEnWwI/AAAAAAAAAnA/n0-5084dLuA/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-20903185447289332342012-02-05T15:41:00.001-05:002012-02-05T15:41:59.961-05:00Symbaloo…Who?<p>If you haven’t heard of <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com">Symbaloo</a>, I am here to tell you that you MUST check it out. I have fallen in love with this site after learning about it from my professor, this semester of grad school. Symbaloo is a site that let’s you create Webmixes for your home screen. If you are an organization freak like me, you will LOVE it. It works a lot like <a href="http://www.google.com/ig">iGoogle</a>, but with a nicer format that allows you to arrange websites you visit often into a tiled screen. You can create as many different Webmixes as you choose. You can even create mixes of RSS feeds so you can just click on one screen and keep up with your favorite blogs or other sites with a feed. </p> <p>Here is a quick peek into my <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com">Symbaloo</a> home screen!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UeEuOdyf2N4/Ty7pjkRS6aI/AAAAAAAAAlI/rm8Y-Y9QZug/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oWKx_D4MZIk/Ty7pkiVwThI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/t9Pt_r7itWU/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="531" height="305" /></a></p> <p>I have arranged it so that I have school sites on top, personal on bottom, Web2.0 tools on the left, and social sites on the right. There is a little shopping down there at the bottom too! </p> <p>The large tile in the middle can serve as a Google search, but it will also show Facebook and Twitter feeds when widgets are used. </p> <p>You can also do this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_BCK1VCFSVY/Ty7pkzXifqI/AAAAAAAAAlY/90eBa4vWL2c/s1600-h/image%25255B13%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eOnVy1kmJlU/Ty7plaQ3JgI/AAAAAAAAAlg/d8yg6jmazSU/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="561" height="357" /></a></p> <p>That my friends is RSS feeds from some of my favorite technology blogs. I don’t have to visit Google Reader to see them anymore!</p> <p>Did I mention that you can share Webmixes also? Yes, that is right. You could create one to share with fellow teachers. I plan on creating some for units of study to share with my grade level team. You could even share them with your students. A login is not required for others to use the mix you create if you share it. You can share it via email, Facebook, Twitter, or even embed it into your class website. My gears are spinning right now! I think I am off to create a mix for my students to use for our upcoming unit on the Civil War. I will make sure to share it with all you wonderful blog friends when I am finished. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C_dM-8Mfz3I/Ty7plvo_usI/AAAAAAAAAlo/dK2mCLadKQU/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N-27MtXJdzg/Ty7pl9R8hrI/AAAAAAAAAlw/6RnxNgGXnSI/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-8654109014563837032012-01-20T19:56:00.001-05:002012-01-21T23:00:48.848-05:00Where Have I Been?I have unfortunately neglected two of my favorite things, my blog and my bloggy friends. I apologize. Holy moly, life is chaotic. On top of all the teacher responsibilities, I have been training fellow teachers on Promethean ActivInspire across my district, and grad school has reared its ugly head. I really love to blog and share things with all of my wonderful teacher blog friends, but I haven’t been able to find the time to sit down and share over the past couple of months. I have been too busy reading about educational philosophies, which might I add, is NOT one of my favorite things to do. However, I have reflected on my teaching tremendously and I do believe I am ready to conquer the educational world. We shall see…<br />
Next up in the grad school hiatus is a technology class. YIPEEE!!! I am stoked. I can’t wait to get started, and I just know I am going to learn a lot of new things that I can share with Blogland. Stay tuned for updates on this little adventure that starts this coming Thursday.<br />
While away, I received the Liebster award from two awesome blog friends, Brittany over at <a href="http://www.day-in-first-grade.blogspot.com/">A Day In First Grade</a> and a new up and coming blog, <a href="http://www.thinkshareteach.blogspot.com/">Think Share Teach</a>. Head on over and check both of them out, you won’t be disappointed!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4-aIwpGljRA/TxoM6nsIMlI/AAAAAAAAAkk/RTk7k2twnrc/s1600-h/liebster%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="liebster" border="0" height="92" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yL_jlmLfzPY/TxoNKg070-I/AAAAAAAAAks/GSfcfZonuP8/liebster_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="liebster" width="224" /></a><br />
This award is given to spotlight up-and-coming blogs with less than 200 followers. The rules are: <br />1. Copy and paste the award on your blog. <br />2. Thank the giver and link back to them. <br />3. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog. <br />4. Hope that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers!!<br />
Here are the five blogs I chose for the Liebster Blog Award:<br />
<a href="http://www.traceeorman.com/" target="”_blank”"><img align="left" src="http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd461/HungerGamesLessons/MrsOrmanClassroom300x300-1-1-1.png" style="display: inline; float: left;" /></a> <a href="http://www.creativeclassroom123.blogspot.com/" title="Creative Classroom"><img alt="Creative Classroom" height="104" src="http://i1137.photobucket.com/albums/n518/CreativeClassroom/LargeBlogbutton.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" width="104" /></a> <a href="http://www.lutton519.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Lutton 519" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8afzMsBf8QZFZ2yIuf8PIiX34ZyddSYxKEuSH5JEB3KQqzqg74A4O3eYty0HL3SF-5k8juYqS-xHGFR9SkdYyAJS_UpJIbbdgF1M98nQVVRebKLkwA4hFLNjL1JTMjXsptMV9hujwrmw/s1600/Julie+-+Button+SMALL.jpg" width="103" /></a><br />
<a href="http://achocoholicteacher.blogspot.com/"><img align="left" border="0" height="86" src="http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww307/LeslieFLambert/Blog%20Items%20New/ginadbutton.png" style="display: inline; float: left;" target="blank" width="120" /></a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.crayonscalendarscaffeine.blogspot.com/">Crayons, Calendars, and Caffeine</a>Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-65977110407596983472011-11-20T14:11:00.001-05:002011-11-20T14:11:06.980-05:00Make Up Work Made Interactive<p>Hello friends! I am so thrilled to have found a moment to blog. Life is chaotic, geez!!! </p> <p>I wanted to share a little ActivInspire tip for all you Promethean users/lovers out there. Do you know about the video tool? This tool can be used to conveniently record lessons while you teach. It will record your voice and everything you are writing/manipulating on the board as you teach. Basically, it is a screen recorder built right into the ActivInspire software. </p> <p>Have you ever had a student absent? Ummmm….Yeah! How fun is it to catch students up when you have twenty plus other ones needing your attention. You taught a very important math lesson on the day Johnny was absent and he really needs to see it in action. Fret no more my friends! Record your teaching using the ActivInspire video recorder, and little Johnny can watch and hear the whole lesson when he comes back to school.  </p> <p>I have used this tool a lot in my classroom, and it really helps my students who have been absent. You can even send the videos via email if you have a child who is absent for a long period of time. Did I mention that I love it? I love it!!!</p> <p>So here is how it works:</p> <p>1. Open ActivInspire</p> <p>2. Go to Tools---More Tools---Screen Recorder----Fullscreen Recorder</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2OvoJrIuBJg/TslQw3C2UkI/AAAAAAAAAio/kuld7bWeXqI/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kTeimd25jEw/TslQxAetcTI/AAAAAAAAAiw/DcxP7ZYpyTs/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="558" height="427" /></a></p> <p>3. Click the read button to start recording. Name your video what you want to save it as.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1OWhOrVZjwA/TslQxuQFX0I/AAAAAAAAAi4/Mb8NvgsXYpo/s1600-h/image%25255B13%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xCF8TNtagaY/TslQxyanYuI/AAAAAAAAAjA/eYAMHASgUzk/image_thumb%25255B15%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="497" height="281" /></a></p> <p>4. Click the stop button to stop recording! </p> <p>5. Open your video by going to where you saved it and VOILA!!!!</p> <p>Here is a sample one I made for some ActivInspire training I am doing in my district. </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:bdc39f29-e38e-495a-a054-595369b91a82" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="9f676629-8e82-47ab-b76f-0e700aedb8f0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExhHX2M-jhs" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XCuruvOEHN8/TslQyN6kNgI/AAAAAAAAAjI/K39yb0m2wi8/videoc0e06e6227d0%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('9f676629-8e82-47ab-b76f-0e700aedb8f0'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ExhHX2M-jhs?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/ExhHX2M-jhs?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"277\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>Maybe this little tool will come in handy for some of you out there. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy the break!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TeJFcqvk_dY/TslQyTZo1sI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/k51rz6_2G5k/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t292hmu9Sw8/TslQyl1nkyI/AAAAAAAAAjY/cjMOSGZFNw4/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-43055035304532197612011-10-12T20:30:00.001-04:002011-10-12T20:50:58.343-04:00I Heart Blogs!<p>I would like to give a huge thank you to Mrs. Zrihen over at <a href="http://www.ateacherstreasure.com" target="_blank">A Teacher’s Treasure</a> for bestowing the “I Heart Your Blog Award” upon my blog. I am so thankful for her kind words about my blog. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cHtG36LEDII/TpYvTIlKz4I/AAAAAAAAAhw/Cp54UGUvNIk/s1600-h/Iheartyourblog%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Iheartyourblog" border="0" alt="Iheartyourblog" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UE9xF6lPQ0o/TpYvy5AQAQI/AAAAAAAAAh4/7k78RFshRlM/Iheartyourblog_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="212" height="215" /></a></p> <p>There are many blogs that I heart! Here are ten that you should really check out:</p> <p> </p> <center><a href="http://day-in-first-grade.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g360/scteach01/Blogbutton2.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center><center> </center><a href="http://theteacherslane.blogspot.com/"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m585/kimaar1/theteacherslaneheadercopy-1.jpg" width="140" height="112" /></a> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://CFclassroom.com" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" alt="Clutter-Free Classroom" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYxpRE5MWMNMjv2WsSkejF0en8QdcQr8rWjODsm_jjMoOW-riQriVC3fJN5rshMflgYADdvvmoeY9dLuFgL4zApV0hh0jNJJroQ0SYLaZfytoD2fg8sakbKmg038_8nojhTZY_qtpL6XU/s1600/create_a_CFC_button.jpg" /></a></p> <p> </p> <center><a href="http://www.castlesandcrayons.blogspot.com"><img border="0" alt="Castles and Crayons" src="http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i366/dreamlikemagic/button-196.png" width="150" height="150" /></a></center><center> </center><center> </center><center><a href="http://ladybugsteacherfiles.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/ladybugsteacherfilesbutton.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center><center> </center><center><a href="http://randalllearninglibrary.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z343/ladybugteacher/mrsrandallbutton.png" /></a></center><center> </center><center> </center><center><a href="http://pennypinchingteacher.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/DmdV5.jpg" /></a></center><center>   </center> <p><a href="http://mrslambsclass.blogspot.com/" target="target"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hrIpjgwg9Bc/TkVAsXaRZsI/AAAAAAAAAO4/aa9b0MzRk6E/s512/blog-button-small2.png" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.teachinghappilyeverafter.blogspot.com"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa390/ashly2499/th_TeachingHappilyEverAfterblogbadge.jpg" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://thesilverlininginteaching.blogspot.com/"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Capture" border="0" alt="Capture" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DTqOIntrgTE/TpYwIfYrtWI/AAAAAAAAAiY/dg99O3YEtiA/Capture%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="112" /></a></p> <p>Rules:</p> <p>1. Give the "I Heart Your Blog "Award to your favrite Top 10 Blogs that have touched your heart and inspired your teaching by listing them on your blog. <br />2. Contact that person and let them know of their heartfelt award. <br />3. When you receive the award, <br />copy and paste the graphic onto your <br />blog and give a shout out to the person who nominated you. <br />4. Spread the LOVE by passing the "Heart Your Blog" Award on your Top 10.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9xYvrCa-g-g/TpYwdb8resI/AAAAAAAAAiI/fFQS35wZZAA/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Whj4WSxaD8A/TpYw9MvPa8I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/pNu-OlC2E44/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-13536913572185860212011-10-11T19:45:00.001-04:002011-10-11T19:45:02.701-04:00Snip It!!<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w1Fw8of-GRM/TpTTgWOBUdI/AAAAAAAAAhE/tFouMPmtlyQ/s1600-h/Iheartsnip%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Iheartsnip" border="0" alt="Iheartsnip" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9CEi1VNIeYY/TpTUAMD9c5I/AAAAAAAAAhM/NbUeOZK4J0A/Iheartsnip_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="382" height="184" /></a></p> <p>If you are using Windows 7, I hope you have discovered the Snipping Tool. I really have no idea how I ever lived without it. This tool allows you to easily take a snapshot of anything that is on your computer screen. You can save the snip as a picture to your computer or copy it to your clipboard. You can even add annotations to your snip. Check out how to use it it <a href="http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Use-Snipping-Tool-to-capture-screen-shots" target="_blank">here</a> on the Windows site.</p> <p>How do I use it in the classroom?</p> <p>1. Screen captures to use in interactive flipcharts. I just snip, copy, and paste right into my flipcharts.</p> <p>2. Snip parts of websites I want to share with my students and save as a picture.</p> <p>3. Piece tests together on one page using snips of questions.</p> <p>4. Create screen shot tutorials for my class or staff at my school.</p> <p>5. Create picture collages for writing activities. </p> <p>The possibilities are endless with this little tool!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m9gm_teDyS4/TpTUVdPduOI/AAAAAAAAAhU/VPaTUdn5RW0/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TCw7LeKhwd4/TpTU1H9nh8I/AAAAAAAAAhc/PvcmgKO7oWE/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-14543547521886283222011-10-06T18:04:00.001-04:002011-10-06T18:04:59.292-04:00My First Award!!!<p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-loJ0OO7srng/To4kjCB99xI/AAAAAAAAAgo/TMjYsxf2mBI/s1600-h/image5.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_J_ZfOT0sFI/To4lDPOSs6I/AAAAAAAAAgs/CwtE0ErwpwU/image_thumb3.png?imgmax=800" width="221" height="220" /></a></p> <p>A huge thank you to Brittany over at <a href="http://day-in-first-grade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Day In First Grade</a> for giving me a Versatile Blogger Award! You should definitely check out her cute blog. I am so honored to have been recognized in this bloggy-blog-world by such an awesome teacher. I have really enjoyed sharing ideas and reading all the wonderful blogs out there since I started this little ol’ blog this summer. </p> <p>Along with accepting this award, there are a few rules to follow. Yay! I love me some rules. Here they are:</p> <p>*Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post. <br />Thank you tons Brittany!</p> <p>*Share 7 things about yourself.</p> <p>1. I am starting graduate school in two weeks, and I am quite nervous and excited at the same time. I will be getting a Masters of Education in Classroom Leadership. It sounds so fancy!</p> <p>2. I love to decorate! Spray paint is my absolute bestie. </p> <p>3. I am addicted to Tervis Tumblers. I think my husband might intervene soon.</p> <p>4. I absolutely love teaching the history of the great state of South Carolina, and I love seeing my students enjoying learning about our state.</p> <p>5. Football season is my favorite time of the year. Although my husband and I pull for rival teams, we still make it work. “We interrupt this marriage to bring you football season!”</p> <p>6. Dinner conversation at my house usually consists of talk about some sort of technology gadget. I am blessed to have a husband who shares my love for technology. We have decided that instead of stick figures on the back of our car windows, we should put two iPads (mom and dad) and two iPod touch (2 boys) look-alike stickers to represent our family. We are pretty geeky around here!!!</p> <p>7. Zebra print is my favorite pattern. It just keeps creeping into my house. I have been on the lookout for a zebra print chair to go in my living room since last Christmas when I saw one at Ross and didn’t buy it. Ugh…</p> <p>*Pass this award along to 15 recently discovered blogs.</p> <p><a href="http://jackofalltrades-leslie.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Jack of All Trades</a></p> <p><a href="http://3rdgradesahoot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">3rd Grade’s A Hoot</a></p> <p><a href="http://4thgradefrolics.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Fourth Grade Frolics</a></p> <p><a href="http://michellesmathinthemiddle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Michelle’s Math In The Middle</a></p> <p><a href="http://lessonplansos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lesson Plan S.O.S.</a></p> <p><a href="http://thirdgraderockstar.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Third Grade Rock Star</a></p> <p><a href="http://itsnotallflowersandsausages.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It’s Not All Flowers and Sausages</a></p> <p><a href="http://technologyrocksseriously.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Technology Rocks, Seriously</a></p> <p><a href="http://ericashep.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shepherd’s Shining Stars</a></p> <p><a href="http://yearn4learning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Yearn To Learn</a></p> <p><a href="http://iheartteachingelementary.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">I Heart Teaching Elementary</a></p> <p><a href="http://theteachingthief.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Teaching Thief</a></p> <p><a href="http://mrsrojasteaches.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Create Teach Share</a></p> <p><a href="http://cardigansandcurriculum.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cardigans and Curriculum</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.dots-n-spots.com/?p=80" target="_blank">Dots N Spots</a></p> <p>Check these blogs out. I promise you won’t be let down!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-usmJo4uZ2ZQ/To4lYbwdOaI/AAAAAAAAAgw/IBu6V-hPFUk/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U7Jf3TDBWrg/To4l4AxA5gI/AAAAAAAAAg0/jPw0y7kohXI/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-17179272121135322232011-09-17T20:48:00.001-04:002011-09-17T20:48:10.279-04:00Mr. Morton is the subject of this post!<p>As I was stalking <a href="www.pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> in the spare time that I don’t have, I ran across some really awesome grammar videos. At the time, I was teaching subject and predicate, and this video I repinned is so cute. My kiddos loved it, and they actually ask to see it on a daily basis. The best thing is, they actually learned how to identify subject and predicate without me pulling my hair out. I showed the video and paired it with a Promethean flipchart that one of my coworkers found on <a href="http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en-us/Resources/Item/34155/subject-and-predicate" target="_blank">Promethean Planet</a>.</p> <center><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I7S_B9GcRI0" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></center> <p>Here is another one I repinned for reviewing nouns. I can’t wait to use it throughout the year!</p> <center><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tc-ukN1Rvb8" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></center> <p>To see more of the videos I found, just visit my board <a href="http://pinterest.com/mrssully09/writing/" target="_blank">here</a>. </p> <p>I truly heart Pinterest, and I am so thankful for all the wonderful teachers out there that pin and share great teaching ideas through their boards! If you need an invite, just email me and I will send you one.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5ULEKfpwXU8/TnU_x3TmveI/AAAAAAAAAgM/f66fJr3v8u0/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZxjEvAWJt-Y/TnU_ybNgVJI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/YwWoHH9SmO8/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-13034089387037639772011-09-02T21:36:00.001-04:002011-09-02T21:36:34.313-04:00Rapping and Rounding<p>Wow! That’s all I can say. Wow! (Do you know what awesome children’s book that line is from?)</p> <p>This week has been FULL, and I have had absolutely no time to bloggy blog. I really hope things will slow down soon (who am I kidding), and I will be able to blog more often. </p> <p>Anywho…I started teaching my kiddos how to round today. We will be learning how to round to the nearest ten, hundred, and thousand in the coming week. To introduce rounding, I put my students in groups and gave each group a post-it with a number written on it and a sentence strip. I asked the kids to envision that the sentence strip was a number line, and they needed to place the number they were given on the number line and decide which two tens the number is in-between. They were then instructed to put their number on the ten it was closest to. This got them thinking about what rounding is.</p> <p>After this group introduction activity, I showed this CUTE video:</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:e972f066-d5f8-468d-a5b7-97a6698e055e" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="5464e1d9-ac07-4c65-9ecb-abf1740c904b" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2M6hnltbIU" target="_new"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gFZrHa9NF4Q/TmGDo9sVOiI/AAAAAAAAAgA/uoGdDhvxdqg/video57f847246eee%25255B31%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('5464e1d9-ac07-4c65-9ecb-abf1740c904b'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/o2M6hnltbIU?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/o2M6hnltbIU?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div></div> <p>My kiddos LOVED this video!!! It was a big hit with the entire third grade today!</p> <p>After watching the video, we started learning how to round numbers. A few years ago, I found this great idea to introduce rounding using “bully” and “wimp” numbers. I teach my kiddos that 0,1,2,3, and 4 are wimps and 5,6,7,8, and 9 are bullies. We sing a rap to help remember the steps for rounding a number.</p> <p>Here is a sheet I created for my students to keep in their binders:</p> <a style="margin: 12px auto 6px; display: block; font: 14px helvetica,arial,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none" title="View Rounding Rules on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/63846656/Rounding-Rules">Rounding Rules</a> <p> <object id="doc_12706" name="doc_12706" height="600" width="100%" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" style="outline:none;" > <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=63846656&access_key=key-10iteg3npw0hybad1sii&page=1&viewMode=list"> <embed id="doc_12706" name="doc_12706" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=63846656&access_key=key-10iteg3npw0hybad1sii&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed> </object></p> <p>*The Bully and Wimp idea is not my original idea. I saw it on a teacher created worksheet once. I have adapted it to fit my needs. <br />*I found the Rounding Rap <a href="http://teachers.net/lessons/posts/2689.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but I changed some of the lyrics to work with my teaching strategy.</p> <p>These strategies have really worked well for my kiddos the past few years. I hear them singing the rap all year, and it brings a big smile to my face! Do you have any fun ways to teach rounding?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3QCwsv1ewD0/TmGD-OBoR7I/AAAAAAAAAgE/wen_mXzmbgM/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2SbPw6TgZeo/TmGEdzzXSKI/AAAAAAAAAgI/MTjeIKWuQ3A/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-18744271475640200352011-08-27T14:34:00.001-04:002011-08-27T14:34:27.482-04:00I’m Finished…Now What?<p>If you are a teacher you have heard these words, “I am finished, what do I do now?” It is essential to have something ready for those students who always finish before everyone else. After watching a video at <a href="http://www.teachertipster.com" target="_blank">Teacher Tipster</a>, I decided I would make some chart folders for my kiddos to use when they finish their work early. I wrote about this awesome idea in a <a href="http://mrsteachnology.blogspot.com/2011/08/do-you-need-teacher-tip.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, and I promised I would share some of the pages I would include in my chart folders. </p> <p>The start of school has been EXTREMELY busy, but I did manage to get these made! I plan to house the sheets in binders. Each page will be placed in a sheet protector, and the students will use dry-erase markers to write on them. </p> <p>I will be adding more throughout the year, but here is what I am going to start with. Feel free to download them for FREE  in my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Chart-Folder-Printables" target="_blank">Teachers Pay Teachers</a> store. *I used <a href="http://www.math-drills.com">www.math-drills.com</a> to create the addition and subtraction practice. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PvZtuW-ao7E/Tlk4r9UAKdI/AAAAAAAAAfs/VHu0gXSmq8k/s1600-h/Desktop-1%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Desktop-1" border="0" alt="Desktop-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NW146hX-4UM/Tlk4scboLkI/AAAAAAAAAfw/lSmkRgzbLAw/Desktop-1_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="587" height="418" /></a></p> <p>Have an awesome weekend!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0_-9anGN5rE/Tlk4sl3MvaI/AAAAAAAAAf0/A0PJSstF3VE/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CWJIrHGSEf4/Tlk4s3OcbYI/AAAAAAAAAf4/u-sd4PD5hKY/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-7743860403630861112011-08-21T11:23:00.001-04:002011-08-21T11:23:47.503-04:00Do You Need A Teacher Tip?<p>As I was browsing around <a href="http://www.youtube.com" target="_blank">You Tube</a> this morning trying to find a video about writing numbers in different forms, I ran across a great website! I love when I find things I am not looking for that are useful. Let’s just disregard that I was totally sidetracked, and I still haven’t found a video about writing numbers in different forms. If there is one out there that you know about, please share it through a comment or email me.</p> <p>So anyway, I found <a href="http://www.teachertipster.com" target="_blank">Teacher Tipster</a>!!!! This site was created by a teacher who shares some wonderful ideas for keeping your kiddos engaged throughout the day. He is so CREATIVE!!! I literally smiled the whole time I was watching his videos. I want to be a first grader in his class. I really got excited about trying some of his ideas in my own classroom. </p> <p>One of my favorite management ideas that he shared was Chart Folders. Here is the video about that:</p> <iframe height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rfvnkFO8MIY" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p>I am definitely going to get this going for my third graders. I will just have to adapt a few things. After creating my pages, I will be sharing them here.</p> <p>I also love this idea for celebrating student achievement:</p> <iframe height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Bj8f2R-dTAs" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p>I am so excited about teaching my kids these!!!</p> <p>I could go on and on about the great ideas Mr. Smith has to share, but head on over to <a href="http://www.teachertipster.com">www.teachertipster.com</a> to check it out. </p> <p>Have a blessed Sunday!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sKO47W235IY/TlEjAd_g8tI/AAAAAAAAAfk/7cc0w7sSftM/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cuEedVAPLY0/TlEjAjsAFoI/AAAAAAAAAfo/_Wtjx_9qmAQ/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-76469076683989235862011-08-20T19:39:00.001-04:002011-08-20T19:39:47.064-04:00Are Your Binders Live?<p>I don’t know about you, but I am obsessed with binders. I have so many different binders in my classroom, I am beginning to think I just might be a binder hoarder. Oh no! There is just something about arranging items in a binder and having it look so neat and organized. What if you could house some of that “stuff” online? Did you know you actually can? </p> <p><a href="http://www.livebinders.com" target="_blank">Live Binders</a> are online binders where you can house information you find on the web. You can create binders for anyone to view and use. The binders can be embedded in websites, blogs, and you can even create shortcuts on your desktop that link straight to particular binders for your students. The idea of a Live Binder is much the same as pinning on Pinterest. You know how I love some <a href="http://www.pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>! There is even a pinning tool for your toolbar for easy saving. I am sure this is going to be one of my new favorites.</p> <p>This is going to be great for keeping everything I want to show my kiddos on the Promethean Board. I don’t have to search my flash drive or anything. I just sign into the site, find the binder I want to use, and I am ready to do some teaching. </p> <p>Here is one I am working on for teaching the six regions of South Carolina.</p> <div style="background-image: url(http://www.livebinders.com/images/binder_icon.gif); border-right-width: 0px; margin-top: 4px; width: 75px; background-repeat: no-repeat; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 78px; border-left-width: 0px"><a href="http://livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=163778"><img style="padding-bottom: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 11px 0px 0px 13px; padding-left: 0px; width: 60px; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; height: 60px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" src="http://open.thumbshots.org/image.pxf?url=http://www.cas.sc.edu/cege/resources/atlas/Atlas%20CD/Lessons/At%20a%20Glance.pdf" /> </a></div> <div><a href="http://livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=163778">South Carolina Regions</a> <br /></div> <p>There are tons of binders that have already been created by teachers that are ready to use! So, give up trying to remember where you found that cool website or those neat pictures. Put it in your Live Binder!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QJtTiNYthwY/TlBFwr3cmKI/AAAAAAAAAfc/hRxPxXZmtzk/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6qoB839QTXg/TlBFwnF2ZBI/AAAAAAAAAfg/89Pwb1PZEUI/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-9263932078810223492011-08-16T19:55:00.001-04:002011-08-16T19:55:02.650-04:00Handy Scanner App<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uOqPFnXKmww/TksDUwPNVSI/AAAAAAAAAfM/_iser6dt71M/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X1d9czWCy6U/TksDVHTYYZI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/7NVDmQBFMho/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="61" height="63" /></a>Once upon a time I had a scanner in my classroom that was the best thing coming. No more trips to the copier! I loved my scanner, and it is still used in my classroom, but mostly by my students. Why is that you ask? I discovered <a href="http://www.intsig.com/" target="_blank">Cam Scanner</a> in the Android market. </p> <p>With Cam Scanner, I can scan documents and pictures and automatically convert them to PDF files right from my phone. At first, I was a bit skeptical about the quality of the document I would get from using my phone to scan, but it works just as good, if not better than an old school scanner! </p> <p>After scanning a document, you can email it, send it to Dropbox, and share it via IM. I send most of my scans to Dropbox, open them on my computer and print. Love it, love it, love it! I can also add them to my Good Reader on my iPad since they are PDF files. You can read about how I use Dropbox and Good Reader <a href="http://mrsteachnology.blogspot.com/2011/08/apps-i-cant-live-without.html" target="_blank">here</a>. This handy app is also available for the iPhone and iTouch. </p> <p>How do I use it?</p> <p>*To scan pictures my students have brought in to make slideshow. <br />*To scan documents I want to copy. <br />*To scan a page of a textbook that I want to display on my Promethean board. <br />*To scan written paperwork that I have to turn in to administration and keep a copy for myself. <br /> <br />Try it out! Cam Scanner has saved me loads of time and has freed up some desk space!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K9aSOxXO474/TksDVYLXEfI/AAAAAAAAAfU/LH2074xioa8/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lykSjJQ1JWM/TksDVhol0jI/AAAAAAAAAfY/cbOOtMeDdKc/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-10226845155130993982011-08-13T16:20:00.001-04:002011-08-13T16:20:49.363-04:00Apps I Can’t Live Without<p>I’m back!!! The real world has crept back into my life this past week with the start-up of school. Teachers went back this Wednesday and the new lovelies join us this coming Wednesday. I enjoyed meeting most of my students on Friday night during Meet The Teacher. I have to say, I am quite excited to get this new year started!</p> <p>I thought I would share some apps I use on a daily basis for personal organization in and outside of the classroom. I would be L.O.S.T. without them!</p> <p><img src="http://blog.karachicorner.com/blog-images/07/dropbox-iphone-app.jpg" width="80" height="60" /><a href="www.dropbox.com" target="_blank">Dropbox</a> is my all-time favorite. I have it on my PC, iPad, and Android phone. Dropbox allows you to upload files to a web-based folder (cloud), and then access that folder anywhere there is internet access. Did I mention this app is FREE!!! </p> <p>How do I use it?</p> <ul> <li>My grade level team plans, so we have a lesson plan template that we all share via Dropbox. </li> <li>I store pictures to share with my kiddos in class.</li> <li>Pretty much everything I want to bring from home to school, or vice versa, I drop it in the box!</li> </ul> <p><img src="http://joliprint.com/wp-content/uploads//2010/09/Good-Reader.jpg" width="59" height="59" /><a href="http://www.goodiware.com/goodreader.html" target="_blank">Good Reader</a> is an app for the iPad that I use to view PDF files when I don’t have internet access. Dropbox can be synced right to Good Reader. You download the files you want to have handy anytime, and voila!</p> <p>How do I use it?</p> <ul> <li>I always download my weekly lesson plans in PDF format to Good Reader from my Dropbox. No printing lesson plans required! </li> </ul> <p><img src="http://www.mobiletechworld.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Pocket-Informant.jpg" width="62" height="62" /><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocket-informant-calendar/id302503702?mt=8" target="_blank">Pocket Informant</a> is my BFF!!! This handy app is a daily planner that syncs with most web-based calendars. The possibilities for planning your time are endless with this one app.</p> <p>How do I use it?</p> <ul> <li>I have all my Google Calendars synced with my Pocket Informant. I have a school calendar, grade level planning calendar, family calendar, and personal calendar all synced in one spot! </li> <li>I also use it to make Task Lists.</li> </ul> <p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8eaCmkLka3XlihLcd2QItkPFw04xbNr1CAxDd0-fyYuLj6C9JdnZWz6S2fswIK423PdiISo1UY8t1ZTeoM5SUEbZn7pwSADGtPjwPi2N3NUssWaOE8xWNDd1LBKl52-MCNUAQsVDTfc/s1600/Unknown-6.jpeg" width="65" height="65" /><a href="http://www.teacherpal.net/" target="_blank">Teacher Pal</a> is a great friend to have! This little app allows you to organize classroom contacts, attendance, and grades. You can also enter notes about behavior. This app syncs with Dropbox to backup information as well! Yay Dropbox!!! <br />This will be my first year using it, so I will have to let you know how I use it effectively. </p> <p>I hope you check some of these out if you haven’t already!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DIWW1pRf_6Q/Tkbcn2EV6KI/AAAAAAAAAfE/P3HDGRUugxw/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cq_1Mi89UTU/TkbcoICD21I/AAAAAAAAAfI/5yO65eAaYzk/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603838401878889543.post-8387704931079766622011-08-07T12:44:00.001-04:002011-08-07T12:44:24.160-04:00A Worthwhile Classroom Website<p>I am fortunate enough to work in a district that provides a teacher website for every teacher. Even though the website editor may sometimes leave a bit to be desired, I am very glad to have a FREE place where I can connect with my students and their families on the big ol’ WWW.</p> <p>If your district doesn’t provide you with a website, or you are not satisfied with your district site, there are other places where you can create a site of your own for free. You can use a blog, or Google Sites, or a wiki site. All can be done for FREE.</p> <p>The most important thing to remember is to make your site worthwhile! Don’t just create a site where the same information stays dormant all year long. Make your site a place where parents can depend on you to keep them informed. You should also make the site user friendly for your students, and a place where they can go for classroom extension. Also, use the classroom website IN THE CLASSROOM! Create pages that you can use while teaching. This is a great way to get students to revisit classroom teaching at home. </p> <p>So how do you make your website worthwhile? Here are a few things that I do on my site to really make it a place my students and their families want to visit.</p> <p>1. Post the most important information on your homepage. I update my homepage weekly with vocabulary words, spelling words, and an explanation of what we will be learning in the classroom every week. I also post important reminders, and a link to view and print the weekly newsletter. My contact information is given on the homepage as well. Click on the picture below to check out the homepage.</p> <p><a href="http://teachers.greenville.k12.sc.us/sites/tlsulliv" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OI0Zdhybe_U/Tj7A4DcDEpI/AAAAAAAAAeg/o4QEfbsLMq4/image%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="586" height="273" /></a></p> <p>2. Create a classroom calendar! Events happening in the classroom are not listed on a district wide or school wide calendar. Keep your parents informed. I use a simple list calendar that I update weekly. You can also use <a href="www.google.com/calendar" target="_blank">Google Calendar</a> or <a href="http://www.localendar.com/elsie" target="_blank">Local Calendar</a> if embedding is possible. </p> <p><a href="http://teachers.greenville.k12.sc.us/sites/tlsulliv/Pages/Class%20Calendar.aspx" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HlqLU0K6NAE/Tj7A47eWqZI/AAAAAAAAAek/YbZOcZ75GG4/image%25255B12%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="609" height="284" /></a></p> <p>3. Create pages especially for <a href="http://teachers.greenville.k12.sc.us/sites/tlsulliv/Pages/Parents.aspx" target="_blank">parents</a>. List important information regarding how they can help their child be successful in your classroom. Also include a link to your syllabus!</p> <p>4. Create pages especially for your <a href="http://teachers.greenville.k12.sc.us/sites/tlsulliv/Pages/Students.aspx" target="_blank">students</a>. I have many pages dedicated to my students. These pages include: </p> <p>AR Stars: A little place on the web to celebrate AR points. Students names (first only) are listed on the AR Stars page throughout the year. They love seeing their name online.</p> <p>Fun Links: A place for my students to safely browse the web with given links to great kid-friendly websites. I have also listed sites here that I use while teaching so my students can easily access them at home or in the computer lab.</p> <p>Homework: The week’s homework is posted here. My students actually copy their homework into their planners straight from the website everyday. This is great for absent students. Can you believe that students will actually visit the homework page and still have their homework completed when they return to school after being absent. It is AWESOME!!! </p> <p>Our <a href="www.wallwisher.com" target="_blank">Wallwishers</a>: A page dedicated to wallwishers I use in the classroom. Students can access them at home or the computer lab without having to remember a URL to get there. You can read about how to use Wallwishers in your classroom <a href="http://mrsteachnology.blogspot.com/2011/07/when-you-wish-upon-wall.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>I also add pages throughout the year that go along with our units of study. For example, when we are learning about the American Revolution, I have created a page that has links, pictures, and Power Points I use in class to teach the material. Once again, use the site IN THE CLASSROOM!!! As the school year goes on, I will be sharing the pages I create for this purpose on this little ol’ blog!</p> <p>5. A place to tell about yourself. Your parents and students want to know that you are human! Tell them a little about yourself outside of the classroom.</p> <p>6. A page for <a href="http://teachers.greenville.k12.sc.us/sites/tlsulliv/Pages/Class%20Photos.aspx" target="_blank">Class Photos</a>! This is a MUST. This is a great way to highlight what you are doing in the classroom. Make them fun to look at by using <a href="http://www.photobucket.com/" target="_blank">Photo Bucket</a> or <a href="www.picturetrail.com" target="_blank">Picture Trail</a> to create slideshows. You can embed them right into your page for a polished look. It is a lot better to use a slideshow than to put a bunch of pictures in a row on a page. I will be posting a tutorial on how to do this as soon as I have my new class next week! I do not currently have any pictures on my personal site because I don’t have any students, but you can check out how I use slideshows on our school website. Click on the image below to visit the site. The slideshow on the homepage was created using <a href="http://www.photobucket.com/" target="_blank">Photo Bucket</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/ellenw/calendar/yearcalendar.asp"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8fd9LW9bAMc/Tj7A5QBZaII/AAAAAAAAAeo/CUXsVXzp2mo/image%25255B18%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="615" height="290" /></a></p> <p>7. Make your website appealing to your visitors. Here are a few tips:</p> <ul> <ul> <li>Nothing too flashy! You want your visitors to focus on the important information you are giving them, not the flashing school bus in the middle of your page. </li> <li>Use your “real estate” wisely. Your homepage is prime real estate. Say what is most important there, but not with a picture that takes up the whole screen so people have to scroll to get to the stuff you really want them to see.</li> <li>Highlight your students! They love seeing themselves on the site and so do their parents. </li> <li>Use fonts and colors that are easy to read. </li> <li>Don’t make them go searching. Include links to other pages on your site if you want them to visit another page. Don’t just say, “On the Parent’s Page”, actually link to that page.</li> </ul> </ul> <p>If you make a website worthwhile, your students and parents will visit and will thank you for providing them with a tool they can use at home to stay informed and engaged. </p> <p>I hope these tips have been useful. So sorry for the long post! Some people scrapbook, I create websites! Please feel free to browse around my school and class site to get ideas, but keep in mind that school hasn’t started here yet, so my class site is bare bones right now. If you have any questions, please comment or email me.</p> <p>Have a blessed Sunday!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qfeVhbAO5vM/Tj7A5tdd03I/AAAAAAAAAes/gkDP1dpqfdE/s1600-h/Signature%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Signature" border="0" alt="Signature" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pUeaYL1b8qw/Tj7A58t0NZI/AAAAAAAAAew/lA-mJyYJp_w/Signature_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="220" height="53" /></a></p> Mrs. Teachnologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368276563498789024noreply@blogger.com0