Teched Out Teacher

Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 15:33:00 +0000

Holiday Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:03:00 +0000

The CyberMonday Sales aren't only for holiday shopping. Teachers Pay Teachers is hosting their annual CyberMonday (+Bonus Tuesday) sale event. The entire site is participating and many teachers are marking everything 20% off which increases your discount to 28% off the original prices. Beat the rush and load up your cart tonight.

This is one of the items you can snatch up at a bargain when you visit my store. Don't forget to add your classroom wish list to your holiday shopping. Happy Holidays!!

DonorsChoose Link Up

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 16:23:00 +0000

If you're looking for a way to show your gratitude this holiday season, go check out this blog post. Teachers have linked up their DonorsChoose projects. I've chosen 6 projects to help out but there were 27 great projects linked up that could all use some support. Help spread the word. Donating to classrooms through DonorsChoose is a great way to get those last minute tax deductions before the end of the year.

While you're there you can also check out the other posts that are packed with freebies and ideas.
Some of the newest items are the Bowling Ball Basics unit with fun characters like Murray the Maintenance Man, 5 E posters, Lesson Plan Templates, and lots more.

Boot Camp with Steve Spangler

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 02:32:00 +0000

You may have seen a recent post about the $50 gift certificates I gave 4 beginning teachers for Steve Spangler materials. Surprising these teachers with the chance to start their teaching career with some great science resources was a highlight of my summer! As we head into the school year I have great news for you...

If you teach science in North Carolina or any neighboring state, you do NOT want to miss this! Steve Spangler is holding a Science Boot Camp in Greensboro, NC on October 3, 2012. If you don't know who he is, check out some of his videos on the Sick Science Youtube Channel. Steve is an outstanding teacher of teachers. He will definitely get you energized about teaching science.

In July 2011, I was fortunate to attend Steve's 3 day Science in the Rockies event.
If you want to know what you can expect from a day with Steve, read my blog posts.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

As soon as I found out Steve was coming to NC, I registered. What a deal! A day with Steve for $199. How about a better deal? That's right... let's all take $30 off the registration. Just use this code when you register: BC20135 Don't wait too long. Steve's workshops fill up quickly! Ready to find out more or register? Click here! If you're planning to go, I'd love to meet up with you there. Leave me a comment and we'll try to arrange a meet up the night before or something.

Back to School 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 01:52:00 +0000

It's that time of year!

Head over to my store and load up your shopping cart.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Techedoutteacher

Two brand new items discounted and on sale on top of that! Now is definitely the time to snatch them up! The Nameplate Super Pack and Word Wall Sampler Pack are great for starting the new year.

Going Buggy

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:33:00 +0000

I got this email today and thought there might be some of my followers who would want to know about it. If you teach insects, check into this. I know I plan on checking it out!

Hello,

I wanted to clue everyone in on an opportunity that I don't think many people know about. The Entomological Foundation is a non-profit that does insect education and outreach programs for K-12 students. Their website hosts some educational materials like lesson plans and activities for students. These "science projects" that teachers can do with their students are submitted by educators on an annual contest. Winners (there are always 5-10) each receive $100! I really feel that insect education is fascinating and holds great appeal to many students, but that many times insect biology gets shuffled to the back. I know many of you have great insect activities that could be shared! Also, the foundation website is a good resource even if you don't participate.

Details for the competition can be found at:

http://www.entfdn.org/projectcontest.php

Examples of winning projects can be found at:

http://www.entfdn.org/scienceprojects.php

Monday Mathematics: QR Code Measurement Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Who doesn't love a good mystery? QR Codes are a fun way to infuse technology into a lesson along with a little mystery. The code in and of itself provides the mystery. Here is one of my favorite QR Code projects from this past year.
Here is the step by step QR Code Poster Project.
First you need to download the file. It is only $3.00
Then print the section that is labeled for the poster project.
Cut out each code on the lines. Be careful not to cut the line that is for folding.

After you cut it out, it should look like this.

Next, fold on each line to create a thin flap for gluing.

Dab some glue on the flap.

Press the flap down onto the poster paper and hold for a few seconds.

You now have a flap that can be lifted up to reveal the mystery information.

Now it is time to reveal the mystery. Using the QR code reader, students scan the barcode.

Use the clue to determine the fact that should be written under the flap.

Repeat the process for all of the QR codes and then hang the poster on display.

If you decide to purchase this project and use it with your students, I would love to hear how it turned out. Please leave me a comment or send me some feedback on TeachersPayTeachers.com

Thanks!

Facebook Posting Party

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0000

A bunch of "Top Teachers" have gotten together to host a Facebook Posting Party. Chances are you are here as a result of that. Thanks for taking time to stop by. I know some of you have yet to begin your summer vacation and others have just barely begun but if you are like all the other "Top Teachers" out there, you are already "Gearing Up" for what the 2012-2013 school year is going to bring.

With that in mind, I decided to pull together a bunch of my favorite creations to give you for FREE! This 17 page PDF will give you a taste of the types of products I like to make. I'm always glad to create new sets and I may already have elaborated on some of the ideas you will see. I'd welcome your feedback in the comments section and would even consider doing some more custom design if you have a need. Most of my design work results in a theme set that runs between $3.00 and $6.00 depending on what you want in it.

Don't forget to go back to the facebook page and click on some of the other Top Teachers to see what kinds of information they share on their blogs and what FREE item they may have posted.

Web 2.0 Tools - Weekly Update (weekly)

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Weekly digest of Web 2.0 bookmarks.

Regular-Expressions.info - Regex Tutorial, Examples and Reference - Regexp Patterns

Tags: regex, programming, tutorial, software, excel, microsoft

about:blank

ok

Tags: Bookmarks
- - By Baneroom Kraw
Website Snapshot Service

Tags: tools, webdesign, screenshot, thumbnail, web2.0, web, screenshots, javascript
Tribal Wars

My game

Tags: Bookmarks, web, 2.0
- - By Baneroom Kraw
Formspring

Share your perspective on anything.

Tags: formspring, facebook, tools, web2.0, widget, networking, network, Collaboration, web, social
- - By Janos Haits
Embedly | Embed any URL through one powerful API

The Next Generation Social CDN
Embedly provides a powerful API to convert standard URLs into embedded videos, images, and rich article previews from 233 leading providers.

Tags: embed, embedding, API, widget, embedly, html, Design, web, tools, web2.0, social, media, collaboration, business, 2.0, webapps
- - By Janos Haits
Kiosked | Web Wide Shop

Tags: image, shopping, web2.0, business, 2.0, web, tools, social, Collaboration
MightyText - Send & Receive SMS Text Messages from Computer | Android Sync

Text from your computer. Sync'd with your Android phone.

Tags: mightytext, sms, text, chrome, google, mobile, web2.0, tools, social, android, media, webapps, Software, Collaboration
- - By Janos Haits
Integrate Your Apps | Zapier - Sync the Web

A zap is a combination of a trigger and an action. Our dashboard lets you pause, unpause and test your zaps.

Tags: sync, API, Zapier, ifttt, automation, trigger, Apps, webapps, web2.0, web, tools, Software, Collaboration, social
- - By Janos Haits
Ubokia - What do YOU want?

Tags: business, 2.0, web2.0, web, tools, social, shopping, search, webapps, collaboration
10 of the best apps for education | eSchool News

As iPhones, iPads, and iPod touches become included in curriculum, here are several education apps you might enjoy

Tags: iPad, apps
- - By Margaret Moore-Taylor
Lesson Plans and Student Activity Sheets

Tags: no_tag
Website Design Bangladesh. Branding, SEO, Hosting || Tarikz

Professional website design agency from Chittagong, Bangladesh providing affordable dynamic Web Design, Branding, Hosting and SEO services to customers worldwide.

Tags: no_tag
- - By johnrash
Top 10 Ways to Get Free Wi-Fi Anywhere You Go

Whether you're traveling or just trying to get out of the house a bit more, there's one thing that plagues us everywhere we go: Wi-Fi.

Tags: company, in, india, pune, SEO, worldwide, Transportation, provider, Experts, service, ERP, Software, for, Small, Business, Manufacturing, Peaksoft
- - By Alex K.
Mozilla Webmaker

Mozilla Webmaker wants to help you make something amazing with the web. We’ve got new tools for you to use, projects to help you get started, and a global community of creators — educators, filmmakers, journalists, developers, youth — all making and learning together.

Tags: mozilla, web 2.0, web, development, web apps
- - By Janos Haits
tarikz (tarikz2) on Twitter

Tags: no_tag
Tarikz-Web Design & SEO | Facebook

Tags: no_tag
Cue

Cue turns your email, contacts and calendar into an intelligent snapshot of your day. All you need to create a Cue account is an email address. Then you can begin linking your Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Google Calendar, Facebook and all the other accounts that you depend on every day. Cue pulls these accounts together and uses sophisticated algorithms to create a personalized overview of the events and activities of your day. Cue displays everything you need to stay one step ahead: phone numbers, addresses, contact details, confirmation numbers, files and more.

Tags: cue, web2.0, mobile, tools, software, collaboration, iphone, social, media, web
- - By Janos Haits
Beatsurfing | The Organic MIDI Controller Builder

Draw Your Own Controller
Work with the Controller you need, not the one you were given. Simply draw it on the screen with lines, polygons, circles and faders. Size, color, orientation and 3-Dimensional position are all yours to choose.

Tags: music, midi, controller, organic, builder, web2.0, webapps, Software, tools, media
- - By Janos Haits
Avocado — Some things work better in pairs.

Some things work better in pairs.
We understand couples. We understand the need for a super private, fast, reliable and fun way to stay connected to your partner when you’re out and about. Avocado is the best way to stay connected with your most important person. It’s like whispering sweet nothings in your partner’s ear — from miles away. It’s a private space just for the two of you to collect and share a life.

Tags: things, pairs, mobile, tools, web2.0, android, iphone, social, web, business, 2.0, webapps, Collaboration, Software
- - By Janos Haits
3 Simple Blogging Lessons We Can Learn From “The Writer”

Blogging and Writing are two different fields which seems like having two many similarities, So do you think that every Blogger who writes on their blog is a writer?

Tags: lessons, blogging, from, writer, simple, blog, tips
- - By Ehsan Ullah
Gabi

a very unique, superlative interface for browsing facebook

Tags: web2.0, web, tools, facebook, social, media, webapps, software
- - By Janos Haits
A Change For The Better

I have always stick it out with my reliable brand of topical anesthetics and I always patronized a certain manufacturer when it comes to my dental instruments. And advertising?

Tags: web, Medical, Template, dental, website
- - By ahxnamc ahxnamc
Rompehielo

Integrando TIC el primer día de clase con una actividad que rompa el hielo, lo que en inglés se denomina icebreaker.

Tags: Adultos, Bachillerato, EOI, ESO, Idiomas, Recursos, Redes
- - By M Jesús García San Martín

Posted from Diigo. The rest of Web 2.0 Tools group favorite links are here.

Every Day Engineering - The World's Quietest Pencil Sharpener

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 00:02:00 +0000

A couple of months ago, I came across a blog post from another teacher that was just raving about "The World's Quietest Pencil Sharpener". I gotta say, this caught my attention. If there is one thing that gets on my nerves, it is someone sharpening a pencil during my class. It didn't take me long to decide that I wanted to try one of these out for myself. I was pretty excited to have the chance to try it for free in exchange for a review of the sharpener on my blog.

Before I could even give it a whirl, I received an email asking me to hold off on my review because they were OUT OF STOCK! Wow, I figured these must be awesome! Then mine arrived and I got a chance to test it for myself. I've been dying to tell you about it ever since and today I finally got the go ahead that they are back in stock and I could share my review.

So... here it is.

This is a really great device. My favorite part is the engineering design that gives you a perfect point every time while holding the pencil for you. Yes, you read that right. You don't even have to hold the pencil while you are sharpening it. I've never seen anything like it and the students in my science classes hadn't either. They were really intrigued by that feature. For me, this was an added bonus. My 5th grade students study force and motion, simple machines, design and engineering basics. This is a perfect example of someone seeing a need and solving the problem by inventing a new design to improve on an existing tool.

The clamping device that secures the sharpener to a desk or table isn't very sturdy. We find that we get better results by just holding the pencil sharpener in place. It could be permanently fixed to a location with a screw but I like to be able to take it with me. I teach about 100 students and we use a "community pencil box". At least once a week, the sharpener goes home with me along with a big tub of dull pencils. I can watch t.v. or talk with my family and still get the pencils sharpened without being disturbed by the noise. This really is the quietest sharpener I've ever used.

In the past, I've had a difficult time keeping colored pencils sharp. The lead always wanted to break off in the sharpener. This sharpener doesn't improve that to 100% but 95% of the colored pencils I sharpened with it came out beautifully! In fact, only 2 colored pencils resulted in lead breaking off in the sharpener. Since the sharpener wasn't mounted, it was easy to remove the broken piece and continue sharpening pencils. This is a huge plus for me since we add color to our interactive notebooks on a regular basis.

My 7 year old daughter loves sharpening her pencils with this unique pencil sharpener.
She even made her own "commercial".

Now bounce over to Classroom Friendly Supplies to get your hands on one for yourself before they sell out again!

If you do have one or decide to get one, I'd love to hear your thoughts about the engineering in the comments section.

Web 2.0 Tools - Weekly Update (weekly)

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 13:31:00 +0000

Weekly digest of Web 2.0 bookmarks.

App directory News, Videos, Reviews and Gossip - Lifehacker

Lifehacker's App Directory is a constantly maintained and updated directory of the best applications and tools for computers (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and smartphones (Android and iPhone).

Tags: lifehacker, app, webapps, social, software, web2.0, tools, collaboration

- By Janos Haits

LalaTribe - מילים לשירים, סרטונים

Tags: מילים, שירים, אמנים, מוזיקה
- - By Yefet ab
For School Counselors, Technology Enhances the Human Touch -- THE Journal

Technology is a good fit for counselor and those in the human service field but few embrace the resource out their for them. This article addresses some of the issues faced, and advantages technology brings into the field of counseling. Social workers can benefit from the advice in the article.

Tags: school, technology, article, counseling, resources
- - By Margaret Moore-Taylor
Smarterer : un outil qui annonce la mort du CV ?

Smarterer : un outil qui annonce la mort du CV ?

Tags: service, outil, outils, applications, web, web 2.0, web2, web2.0, internautes, cv, internet, nouveau web
- - By cyril chanteperdrix
Apartment Locators

Tags: no_tag
SearchTeam. Moteur de recherche collaboratif. | Les Outils Collaboratifs

SearchTeam. Moteur de recherche collaboratif.

Tags: moteur, moteur de recherche, collaboratif, outils, service, internautes, internet, web, web 2.0, web2, web2.0, avenir informatique et internet
- - By cyril chanteperdrix
How To Choose a Perfect WordPress Theme

Selecting of a perfect Wordpress theme is a frustrating process for almost every Blogger specially for newbies who just started Blogging.

Tags: how, to, choose, a, wordpress, theme, perfect, select, best
- - By Ehsan Ullah
IE Flaw: Microsoft XML Vulnerability

The vulnerability is exposed when MSXML accessesan object in memory that has not been initiated,leading to memory corruption such that an attackercould execute arbitrary code in the context oflogged-in user.

Tags: microsoft, xml, vulnerability
- - By John Onwuegbu
AN OLD-TIMER TRIES SOMETHING NEW

Knowing my father, I didn’t try to do hard sell of having a dental website. Instead, I slowly introduced the concept to him, bit by bit. First, I had to seek out the best dental website designers to ensure that my father will be impressed with their superior work.

Tags: Medical, Website, Template, web, dental, websites
- - By ahxnamc ahxnamc
LONG TERM BENEFITS FOR NEWBIE DENTIST

Running a dental practice nowadays takes a lot of hard work. True, all dentists go through years and years of rigorous dental schooling and all of them showed perseverance and determination when they took the difficult series of licensure examinations......

Tags: Medical, Website, Template, web, dental, websites
- - By ahxnamc ahxnamc

Posted from Diigo. The rest of Web 2.0 Tools group favorite links are here.

Web 2.0 Tools - Weekly Update (weekly)

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Weekly digest of Web 2.0 bookmarks.

Flash cards, vocabulary memorization, and study games | Quizlet

Tags: flashcards, vocabulary, web2.0

Voki Home

Tags: avatar, web2.0, animation
Springnote - your online notebook based on wiki

Tags: collaboration, web2.0, notetaking
Now Trending | WhatTheTrend - popular twitter trends

Tags: twitter, trends, tools, hashtags, web2.0, trend, tracking
Watch Free Documentaries, Series and Episodes online

Tags: internet, documentary, streaming, history, video
- - By Ako Z°om
Socialphy - Collective Intelligence

Tags: collective, intelligence, web2.0, web, tools, social, media, collaboration
Filter The Flow | Undrip

Undrip was born out of frustration. We love consuming media, but this experience is tiring rather than inspiring. Our social networks are noisy, and only getting worse -- it's a constant leakage of great content. Undrip stops that leaky faucet. What google did for the web -- surface the best and most relevant content -- we're doing for the social web.

Tags: filter, flow, web2.0, web, tools, social, media, twitter
- - By Janos Haits
nine connections

News via nine connections travels faster and further to the right people at the right time. It is news that discovers you.

Tags: connections, web2.0, web, tools, social, media, collaboration, twitter, Social Media, business, news, webapps
- - By Janos Haits
Countly | Mobile Application Analytics

Tags: internet, mobile, analytics, application, software, freeware, opensource
dropcanvas - instant drag and drop sharing

the fastest way to share content this side of the galaxy.

Tags: filesharing, service, file, web2.0, web, tools, social, media, collaboration, file sharing, file share, webapps, software
- - By Janos Haits
10 Ways to Make Your Readers Love Your Blog

You should strive to build loyal readership for your blog not money because money comes automatically when you've targeted traffic and loyal readers.

Tags: make, it, lovely, blog, design, your, readers, love, how, to, get, loyal
- - By Ehsan Ullah
ERP Service Provider, Transportation ERP System, SEO Company in India, Logistic Solutions India, SEO Services in india, SEO Solution in india, GPS tracking system in pune, Transport Management System, Ecommerce solution in india, Online Shopping Software,

Tags: Transportation, Software, in, Pune, management, system, Customize, ERP, Service, Provider, worldwide, Solution, Ecommerce, India, Online, Shopping, CRM, GPS, Logistic, Services, BI, SEO
- - By peak soft
Hottest People on Instagram - Hotstagram

Who is hotter? Click your favorite to vote

Tags: hottest, people, web, tools, social, media, web2.0, instagram, webapps, software, collaboration
- - By Janos Haits
#tab/all-books

BiblioNasium is a free, protected social network for children ages 6-12 designed to engage, encourage and excite young people about reading

Tags: reading, education, books, recommendations, resources
- - By Margaret Moore-Taylor
Widbook. Ecrire un livre en mode collaboratif. | Les Outils Collaboratifs

Widbook. Ecrire un livre en mode collaboratif. | Les Outils Collaboratifs

Tags: livre, collaboratif, outils, web, web 2.0, web2, web2.0, service, internet, internautes, gratuit, gratuits, nouveau web
- - By cyril chanteperdrix
StartPins.com/

Startpins is your social home page. Find, organize and share the websites and images you like.

Tags: web2.0, web, tools, social, media, startpage, pinterest, webapps, collaboration
- - By Janos Haits
My reflections after Intel Teach Essentials Course Prague 2012 . Many GlogsterEDU features coming next school year

See also #prgessentials glog http://dumacornellucian.edu.glogster.com/prgessentials/ ; and presentation http://slide.ly/view/cedc01bae8087587172744b5913217cd

Tags: web, tools, my research, intel, intelTeach, glogsteredu
- - By LUCIAN DUMA
Step-by-Step Guides for Business | StartupPlays.com

Steroids for Startups where startups come to growStep-by-step guides & the only Global Accelerator Network

Tags: guides1, startups, startup, web2.0, web, tools, social, media, business, 2.0, guides, webapps, software
- - By Janos Haits
OnlineVNC Free Remote Desktop Sharing for Windows 7 and Windows Vista with Web Access

Tags: software, freeware, remote, desktop, windows, internet
5 Great Blogging Infographics To Enhance Your Knowledge of Blogging

I love Infographics (Information graphics) and I'm a big fan if it because they present complex information on everything quickly, easily and clearly.

Tags: infographics, blogging, info, graphics, great, cool
- - By Ehsan Ullah
Appstats.eu | Accurate, reliable game & application metrics for Facebook | AppStats.eu

The All-New AppStats™
Accurate, Comprehensive Game & Application Metrics for Facebook

Tags: application, metrics, facebook, game, web2.0, business, 2.0, web, tools, social, media, webapps, software
- - By Janos Haits
A Complete Affiliate Marketing Guide

I personally don't think that there's still any online entrepreneur or Blogger who still don't know about one of the best way to make money online which is affiliate marketing.

Tags: affiliate, marketing, guide, complete, tips, how, to, make, money, with
- - By Ehsan Ullah
JogNog | Top 100 World Dates

Tags: dates, JogNog, social, studies, world, elearning

Posted from Diigo. The rest of Web 2.0 Tools group favorite links are here.

Monday Mathematics - Learning with a Lemonade Stand

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:58:00 +0000

One of my all time favorite online simulations is the lemonade stand game. Just about everyone starts thinking about lemonade in the spring. This game lends itself to some easy integration of mathematics and technology. With a little planning, you can create an excel spreadsheet that students can use to track their progress through the game. If you want to know how to do this with your students and get a free copy of the directions for creating the spreadsheet, keep reading.
You can either give students the directions to create their own spreadsheet or give them access to a template you create in advance. The game provides a challenging simulation where students must take into account money spent on supplies, weather factors, and customer satisfaction as they determine exactly how much of each ingredient should be added to get the perfect pitcher of lemonade. To make it more fun, I usually offer free lemonade at lunch for the person who "makes the most money" by the end of the month in the game.

If you want the focus to be on the math, print this template and have students fill in the data by hand. They can either do the math with pencil and paper or use a calculator.

For the techie version of this activity, check back on Technology Thursday.

Teacher Appreciation Jackpot - May 6th

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sun, 06 May 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Oh Man! If you just found this post for the 1st time, you really missed out.

The teacher appreciation jackpot has ended.

This was a 1 day only event.

Fortunately, TpT is throwing a big Teacher Appreciation Sale too! You can still get a great deal as long as you make your purchases before midnight PST on May 8th. Don't forget to use the promo code TAD12 when you check out.

You may want to check out the participants and consider hopping to their blogs on too. Even though the jackpot is over, many of these bloggers have placed their store on sale until the 8th.

PK - Grade 2 - April McNair on A Modern Teacher

· Grades 3 - 6 - Laura Candler on Corkboard Connections

· Grades 7 - 12 - Adrianne Meldrum on The Tutor House

On May 6th, I gave away my

Even though it is no longer free, it is on sale. Everyone who got their copy has been raving about it. If this is a topic you teach, it is a great deal. Hurry and get it while it is on sale. While you're at it, take a look around and see if there is anything else you need from my store since everything is marked down a total of 28% until May 8th at midnight PST.

Thanks for all you do to ensure a bright future for the students of today!

Teachers - Thanks for All You Do!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Fri, 04 May 2012 23:22:00 +0000

Some of you may or may not know that I am one of the administrators of the Tchr2Tchr blog.
Our goal is to help share things that work in classrooms and highlight the teacher authors who publish materials on Teachers Pay Teachers.
In conjunction with the Teacher Appreciation Jackpot blog hop and Teacher Appreciation sale on TpT, we have created a link up for all the teacher authors who are offering deep discounts on their products from May 6th-8th.

In case you don't follow the Tchr2Tchr blog, I decided to post the link up here too so that you could get easy access to some of the best of the best.

I hope everyone feels the love and knows how much your contributions to education are appreciated!

Computers Can Be So Much More

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Guest post by Heidi Raki

Often I come across teachers who use their computers as video game systems and televisions. They only allow students on them to practice games and watch videos. While both of these are valid ways to use computers - computers are so much more!

1.) Computers are interactive. Use blogs and wikkis to allow for interaction on your computer. Post a daily question to your blog and allow students to answer it during their computer center. Use a sight like www.wallwisher.com to let students add questions they have about a topic during their computer center. There are so many ways to have interactive computer centers!

2.) Computers are creative. Students can create so much using a computer. Students can use computers to make: drawings, writings, graphs, interactive displays, brochures, posters, etc. There's no age level on when creation can begin either, I have taught students all the way down to Kindergarten to create Powerpoints.

3.) Computers hold amazing information. With the internet these days, you can find information on just about anything. Let your students use kid friendly search engines like www.askkids.com or bookmarked sites to find information on topics you are studying in science, social studies, or even math! Students can use this information to complete tables or answer questions - like in this FREE Internet Scavenger Hunt on Geographical Features of the USA - http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Internet-Scavenger-Hunt-Fourth-Grade-Geographical-Features-USA

4.) Computers allow us to connect. Using e-mail and skype, my class has connected with a class on another continent this year! Set up e-pals or partner classrooms and allow students to use the computer to see a whole new world!

I'd like to thank Heidi Raki for guest blogging on Technology Thursday. You can find more from Heidi by checking out these links.

www.rakisradresources.com

http://www.facebook.com/RakiRadResources

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Heidi-Raki

http://teachersnotebook.com/shop/RakiRadResources

If you'd like to be a guest blogger, just fill out this simple form.

ANNOUNCING the Teacher Appreciation Jackpot!

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:37:00 +0000

Teacher Appreciation Week is coming, and Sunday, May 6th is your lucky day! I'm excited to announce the very first Teacher Appreciation Jackpot, an amazing "blog hop" event involving over 130 bloggers!

We wanted to show our appreciation for you in a BIG way, so we've all agreed to give away one of our TeachersPayTeachers products for free on that day! Each free gift will be valued at between $3 and $8. That brings the total jackpot amount to more than $500! On Saturday, May 5th, we will share the "actual cash value."

Because this is such a huge event with so many bloggers, it is being divided into three grade level groups. Each of those smaller events is being coordinated by one blogger as shown below:

· PK - Grade 2 - April McNair on A Modern Teacher

· Grades 3 - 6 - Laura Candler on Corkboard Connections

· Grades 7 - 12 - Adrianne Meldrum on The Tutor House

I wish I could tell you more, but I can't share any more details just yet. Just be sure to check back each day this week to see the events unfold! Keep an eye out for more posts from your favorite bloggers, many of whom I'll bet have joined in to show how Teachers Appreciate Teachers!

While you're waiting, why not take a look at the items in my TeachersPayTeachers store and let me know which item you would like as your free gift? Keep in mind that the free item will be valued between $3 and $8. You can stop by my facebook page and vote for your favorite in my poll. I'm not making any promises, but I'd love to see what interests you!

Thanks so much for all you do! We appreciate your commitment to your students and your dedication as an educator!

Saturday Science - NC Science Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:41:00 +0000

In case you haven't heard, we are smack in the middle of the North Carolina Science Festival.

"The North Carolina Science Festival is a multi-day celebration showcasing science and technology. The Festival highlights the educational, cultural and financial impact of science in our state. Through hands-on activities, science talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits and performances, the Festival engages a wide range of public audiences while inspiring future generations."

There is still plenty of time left to join in all the great activities! Check out the calendar.

Monday Mathematics - Long Division Line-up

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:36:00 +0000

I don't know about you, but one of my primary recollections of 4th grade is a blackboard full of long division problems we were expected to copy and complete on a regular basis. Tedious indeed!
Not a lot of fun, either. But I definitely knew how to follow the steps to solve a long division problem by the time I went on to fifth grade.

As a teacher, I dread long division. I want my students to learn how to do it but I don't want them to find it tedious like I did. Is it possible for long division to be fun? Maybe. I went on a search and here are some of the things I found.

Snork's Long Division Game
"A step by step long division game that allows students to practice their long division skills in a supportive and fun environment. Your students teach a lovable monster named Snork how to do long division. As students complete each step of the long division math problems, Snork is visibly amazed by the intelligence of the students."

Math Video
This is a pretty good video but I don't completely agree with the way that they use the base tens blocks. I understand what they are doing with the base ten blocks but it seems like it would cause problems when you move beyond double digits. I would be interested to hear what others think about this one.

Long Division Mathematics
It's true what they say... "there's an app for that!" Right now it is priced at $3.99 and I haven't downloaded it but I'm tempted. There's something about putting a mobile device in a students' hand that ignites the learning even if it is the same drill based learning that used to be on a blackboard.

Draggable Division
I've been a fan of Mr. Nussbaum for a long time. This doesn't have the frills of the Snork Game but it is interactive and can be used online or you can grab the app. This is great for advanced practice.

Well, I don't know that I'm any more excited about teaching long division but at least I've found a few techie tools that may help me to engage the students and help them to endure the tedious process.

If you have a long division tip to share, I'd love for you to leave a comment.

By the way, my search of TeachersPayTeachers found 126 products. One of the freebies is a song. I'm definitely going to have to try that!

How About a Break at Tax Time?

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:17:00 +0000

Most people I know are either early birds or procrastinators when it comes to filing taxes. Personally, we tend to be early birds but for all those procrastinators out that (and everyone else too) I have decided to join in with some other teacher authors and offer a Tax Break Sale.

Everything in my store is 15% off for two days. Enjoy the break!

While you're at it, why not hop on over to Rockin' Teacher Materials and check out the Link Up going on. You'll find other teacher authors who are offering Tax Breaks too.

Hope this brightens up your day!

Science Saturday - Tie Dye with a Twist

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 04:07:00 +0000

Last summer, I was lucky enough to spend 3 days with a very gifted science educator... Steve Spangler.
If you don't know who he is, you don't know what you've been missing!
Anyway, while I was participating in Science in the Rockies 2011, I learned that you don't have to get messy to tie dye a t-shirt. Tie dying is one of those things that I think you really love to do or you avoid because you're afraid of it. In my case, I avoided it like the plague. That is until last summer. Not only did I learn you could do it without the mess and hassle of rubberbands and buckets of dye but you can control the designs to create beautiful works of art! That is if you're artistic.

Before I go any further, you may be thinking: "How is this science?" It is the science of color.

Here's what you need:
a t-shirt (pre-washed)
Sharpie ™ markers
rubbing alcohol
pipettes
rubberbands
plastic cups

Here's what you do:
Choose a place to begin your design on the t-shirt. Place a plastic cup under the cloth and use a rubberband to hold it in place. Using Sharpie ™ markers, make dots to create an outline of your design. (Keep in mind the fact that the colors will run.)
Next use a pipette to drop rubbing alcohol in the center of the design. This will cause the colors to run and blend. Give it a few minutes to dry out and then you can move the cup to a new location. It is possible to set up more than one design area at a time if you want to work more quickly.

When you're finished designing your t-shirt, throw it in the dryer to "set" the colors. Take a look at our first attempts.

By the way, Friday was the kick-off for the NC Science Festival. There will be some really cool and mostly Free things going on across North Carolina from now until April 29th. If you're in the area, check them out!

A Very Lovely Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:01:00 +0000

I don't usually think of my blog as being lovely. I just want it to serve a purpose and be a place for sharing some cool things I find and create. Even so, Kimberly Collingwood at Science, Etc. has identified this little blog as "A Very Lovely Blog".

What a "lovely" surprise that was!

Here are the rules for this award:
1. Link back to the person who gave it to you.
2. Follow the person that sent it to you.
3. Pass it along to 15 (ish) other lovely bloggers.

Here are some of my favorite blogs. Check them out!

Teaching and Learning Community

The Teacher Organizer

Plug-n-Plan

Teacher Gone Digital

The Best of Teachers Pay Teachers

Science Stuff

Clutter Free Classroom

Rockin' Teacher Materials

Mr. G's Creative Classroom Resources

Kindergarten Monkey Business

Me and My Gang

Classroom Freebies

Doodlebugs Teaching

Peace Love Learning

Teaching Happily Ever After

S.T.E.M.

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 03:35:00 +0000

So I was thinking that I should be more systematic about blogging. I figured that I've got some followers who probably wish they were hearing from me more often. I don't like to post for the sake of posting. I want to have something valuable to share, so I've been giving this a lot of thought. Here's what I came up with.
I have allowed myself to get boxed in by the name I chose. Just because I am "the Teched Out Teacher" doesn't mean that I can't share other things. For the next month, I am going to try posting

according to the acronym STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

You can look forward to Saturday Science, Technology Thursday, Everyday Engineering, and Monday Mathematics. While 3 of these subject areas have specific days of the week, engineering is special in that it will appear on random days.

If this goes well, I will continue the pattern. Since I teach in a STEM lab setting, I hope to have plenty of ideas to share. Even so, I know that collaborating with others is much more powerful. That is why I thought there might be others who would want to share their ideas too. In an effort to build a more collaborative blog, I will begin offering Team Up Tuesday. Every Tuesday, you will be able to join in the fun of sharing ideas and TpT products here on my blog. If we all Team Up, everyone can benefit.

Now you know what to look for. Make sure you stop by often to see what's new.

Spring Themed Stationary

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Spring has sprung!

If you're looking for some journal prompts, The Teachers Corner is a great place to start. Once you've got your prompts....

How about some cute new writing papers for your classroom? This set was so much fun to design. There are 9 different backgrounds and each one comes in both a lined and blank version.

Only $4.50

Gone Green

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Kaiser) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:13:00 +0000

Hop on over there to see my post and pick up my freebie. Then stick around to see what everyone else has been posting!