WELCOME to Living-LEARNERS!!

Flex Index Exchange: Depts. of Ed. Grow While Teachers are Laid Off

2011-07-30T06:38:00.000-04:00

Flex Index Exchange: Depts. of Ed. Grow While Teachers are Laid Off: "This is a call to all readers to share their stories about the matter. Since RTTT funds have been dispensed, the departments of education i..."

I think the reason this is and continues to happen is due to several reasons-

1- RTTT was not created by educators but by business leaders who think they know what is good for kids.

2- It was also created without listening to the very loud voices of educational researchers who continually state that the program's features are not educationally sound and that research has shown them to be ineffective (but what do business leaders care about research- to them education is a business and they want to see $$).

3- Our secretary of education does not even have a degree in education...how he got this position is beyond me. He has never taught in a classroom- and although you may see him state he has worked with afterschool programs... Afterschool programs are nothing like a school day packed with quality instruction.

4- They are bringing big business to testing and evaluation companies when we already test our students too much. I believe in formative assessment that drives instruction but all these standardized tests do not help instruction. They focus on one single thing- a score... not the students growth in all areas (emotional, social, etc.) and for most students...that doesn't work!

5- Well, I could go on and on but what's the point because 'they' continue to belittle what teachers have to say... this is a sad state of education and it will not work. I'm sure we will see more changes with a new president but then here we go again with creating more (new) programs without sticking to what works....

Come to my new site

2011-03-30T07:49:00.000-04:00

I've moved over to EDUBLOGS....come visit my new site at

http://educatorshelper.edublogs.org

Hope to see you there!! Lots of literacy resources, math links... lots of what you are looking for!!

FEA and CTA to host EDUCATORS Institute

2010-07-14T11:14:00.000-04:00

The Florida EducatorsAssociation (FEA) alongside School District of
Palm Beach county Classroom Teachers Association (CTA) is hosting it’s FIRST annual REGIONAL Summer Institute to be held in Palm Beach County!!!

This conference is FREE to ALL public school teachers but space is limited so if you are interested- SIGN UP FAST!!

The first 25 participants to sign up will receive a gift!! There will be prizes and gifts handed out all week long and the institute will host a hot breakfast and lunch on the first and last day of the institute! Each session will be worth a certain amount of Master Service Plan points- so check the FLYERS- if you are interested in attending and submit the paperwork ASAP!!! Not only will you learn the latest research in reading, behavior, math, family-school communications but you will also have loads of FUN!!

Click on the link below to access the documents!!
http://bit.ly/cs5QUp
http://bit.ly/cvvoh5
http://bit.ly/aTVah3

New Literacy Resources!!

2010-07-02T23:55:00.001-04:00

Check out my new recent posts on EducatorsHelper re: Student Literacy Centers. There are PDF's that you can download- Here is the link that will take you directly to the page with the information and post!!

http://educatorshelper.edublogs.org/literacy/

Using Music to Enhance Instruction!!

2010-06-25T05:58:00.001-04:00

For the entire lyrics = please visit the link given at the bottom of post- Lots more songs to download for FREE available...

Students- no matter what age group- learn concepts quickly, when music is integrated into lessons. I have often used music with Language arts, Math, and Science- and have found that my students LOVE to listen to the songs and quickly memorize lyrics, which seems to help them master the content faster. Plus- it's much more fun to teach when you get to sing...

Here's another idea- Let your students change the lyrics for other topics/concepts! For more songs and FREE songs to download each month- Go to www.songsforteaching.com- Make sure to sign up for their newsletter- and each time they post a FREE song for downloading- they'll send you an email, with a link... It's awesome!!!!

www.songsforteaching.com

one of the GREATEST Math and Tech sites...EVER!!!

2010-06-25T05:47:00.000-04:00

The link above will take you directly to Robert Fant's website!! Make sure to let us know what you think!!

Robert Fant has the GREATEST Math site and TECHNOLOGY integration site for teachers out there!! So- If you are a Middle or High School Math Teacher- This is the site you will want to list as a FAVE- and if you are into integrating technology into instruction- you're going to definitely want to list this as a FAVE and bookmark it under a few different lists... It has several tutorials and examples of student work- so if you are not sure how to use the example of tech that are listed... there are plenty of examples to show you how to use them in your classroom!!! Check it out today!!! You'll definitely want to use it for this upcoming school year...

Technology for the 21st Century Teacher! ISSUU- Self Publishing- too cool!!

2010-06-07T22:15:00.001-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More 21st century

A Resource for New Media in the Classroom | Edutopia

2010-05-26T18:50:00.001-04:00

A Resource for New Media in the Classroom Edutopia

This is a great resource for educators. We now need to teach content and prepare students for 21st century businesses, which we don't even know what that will look like, but we know students must be able to use and adapt to technology. This resource, created by Edutopia, is a great tool! Download it and check out other fabulous resources, including "Schools that Work" and sign up for the online community to develop new relationships with educators around the globe!

**Don't forget to click on the link above to download the PDF-

10 top tips for teaching with New Media- from Edutopia.

Webquests!!

2010-05-23T19:26:00.001-04:00

Webquests are FUN and might be a great tool for the end of the year!

Are some of you packing your classroom to move? I know it's difficult to transition to a new school and yet have to teach at the same time but sometimes we all have been placed in these situations where we need to do this! We need to pack an entire classroom and get it ready to move by the end of the last day (yes this is true... sadly) and yet we have to continue to teach our students too. Do we get paid additionally to stay above and beyond those paid hours to continue working to pack up that entire classroom, that could consist of 20 years of teaching?? NO- we don't get paid extra and I don't know about other educators but I know that Florida educators with over a decade of experience make about $43,000... which isn't much when you have a family of four to feed.

So the question remains... how do you attempt to resolve this situation? How do you pack an entire classroom and continue to teach at the same time? I think a WEBQUEST for the class, could be a great solution for the time being... You can present the information, integrate it with some summer reading choices, and then allow students to choose partners for the activity. Then have them take turns using the computers to access the WEBQUESTS. If you don't have enough computers, pull some books from the media center to allow students, who are not on computers , to find information until they have a chance to access the computers. Rotate the groups every 15-20 minutes so that students have enough time to research their topics.

Here is a link to assist you in finding some wonderful WEBQUEST topics:
http://www.bydewey.com/webquests.html

As far as the topic of Teacher pay: Check back tomorrow to Read the upcoming post re: Diane Ravitch's letter to Legislature and watch her video.... then pass it to every educator you know.

If we are proactive and united... a change will begin to emerge.

Do you DEWEY?

2010-05-18T06:05:00.000-04:00

Are you a librarian looking for Dewey materials for this coming school year??

I've been helping out in our school's media center to organize some books and I must admit...it's been a long way since I "deweyed." I had forgotten all about the Dewey system, how it works, the beautiful art of organization and systematic placement of books into departments based upon topic. It's really amazing to think about this amazing feat when you look at tens of thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) of books- yet every year- librarians across the world do it daily!

Here are some resources you can use to help orient your students to the Dewey system. (btw... I have never taught this skill to my students- but plan to in the future... I do see it as useful and I wish I had memorized the numbers myself!)

Here are some links to help you plan for future instruction:

http://languagearts.pppst.com/deweydecimals.html (powerpoints on the system itself- kid friendly)

http://www.scottpublib.org/dragon/Dewey.html

http://www.breitlinks.com/dewey_for_kids.htm

http://www.cf.k12.wi.us/library/deweydecimal.htm

http://www.shambles.net/pages/school/libskills/

http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/Dewey+Decimal+System (great link to Dewey bingo- Dewey poster- and other items for your media center, library, classroom library, or homeschool library!!)

http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/pages/listthedeweli.html (a list of more resources)

http://www.mikids.com/Deweygroups.htm (resources broken up by grade level)

http://www.oclc.org/dewey/resources/public.htm (powerpoint presentations on the Dewey decimal system)
http://www.lisd.org/library/Bramlette/Rohner%20_Dewey%20Decimal%20System.htm
(even more resources than you could ever imagine- there is a GREAT ThinkQuest activity which would be great to use- however you need to sign up for an account first- which you will need an administrators permission)

The above resources will keep you busy for a good while... If you need more- Let me know and I will post more resources for you on this website but for now... have fun!

A GeekyMomma's Blog: Wiffiti: Interactive Personal Billboard

2010-05-03T12:49:00.005-04:00

A GeekyMomma's Blog: Wiffiti: Interactive Personal Billboard
http://macmomma.blogspot.com/2010/05/wiffiti-interactive-personal-billboard.html#links

You must check out this post from GeekyMomma's blog (by the way- she is a mom (I'm pretty sure of that) and I am- 100% sure- she is not a geek-but if knowing your stuff about integrating technology into education is being 'geeky' then maybe we'll let her get away with it ...
;-)

go to my new blog....

2010-04-10T12:29:00.000-04:00

I've moved my blog to ......

Educatorshelper.edublogs.org

Please bookmark my new page as I won't be updating this blog any longer. I am not able to access it other than to add posts- I can no longer see the blog itself...(virus takeover!!!)

Thanks for being a continued follower of LivingLeaners!!

VIRUS take OVER!!

2010-03-19T13:27:00.001-04:00

This has been the first time in almost a month that I have actually been able to get to my blog!! I couldn't access it because it had been infected with some kind of virus... Everytime I would click the link to it...I was redirected to some crazy ad- (which of course- I did NOT put there!!!)... So where was google in all of this- trying to help me??? I don't even know!!

Well- here's the deal- I've now had to create a new blog (as I thought this one was caput- no more-finito- adios!) so I'm giving you the link to it... It's much prettier on the eyes anyway thanks to http://www.sourapplestudio.com/ If you ever need someone to design a site for you... better check her out first!!

Like I said...here's the link to my new blog- and website to match- Educator's Helper!
http://educatorshelper.blogspot.com/

Read Across America- March 2nd

2010-03-02T01:10:00.003-05:00

Will you be reading 'across' America? Did you also know it's Dr. Seuss's birthday too???!! (It really is Theodore S. Giesel's birthday on March 2nd)... Is it just a coincindence??? Nope... Read Across America was purposely planned on Dr. Seuss's birthday because of his books and their ability to inspire children to read.

Schools across the country

celebrate this special day

by reading their favorite books

and dressing up in a funny way-

some will wear a crazy hat,

some wear their pajamas to school,

some dress up as Thing 1 and Thing 2...

so tell me... what special thing did you do??

The 4 silliest entries will receive a Lorax book and character- FREE- for their classroom!!!

(only one entry per classroom please!!!- remember to send your school address teachers!)

Last school year we celebrated a "Read In Day" where I had all the students where their pajamas to school, bring in their favorite Seuss books, a blanket or sleeping bag, some even painted their hair red and white... it was great!! We had such a blast... I think we had almost every single Seuss book represented that day... and it was one of the most special days of my career!

ENVIRONMENTAL Education- High School Challenge

2010-01-25T14:02:00.003-05:00

Announcing the 2010 Classroom Earth

National High School Challenge

(I received this in my INBOX today and thought ... I MUST pass it along... an opportunity to receive up to $4,000!!!)

Announcing the 2010 Classroom Earth National High School Challenge

Apply now for the 2010 National High School Challenge, a program encouraging teachers to incorporate environmental education into all subject areas through innovative teaching strategies. Teachers from around the nation can receive up to $4,000 to make their ideas become reality.

Teachers from all subject areas should apply.

Deadline is Monday February 22, 2010.

Classroom Earth’s mission is to increase the ability of high school teachers to integrate environmental education into curricula so that students are prepared to be a part of environmental solutions.

For details and to apply go to: http://classroomearth.org/challenge/2010

___________________________________________________

Jessica Culverhouse

Program Manager

National Environmental Education Week

jculverhouse@neefusa.org

National Environmental Education Foundation

4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 160

Washington, DC 20008

www.neefusa.org

V (202) 261-6484

F (202) 261-6464

Knowledge to live by

Become a "Follower/Member" of this site and stay updated!!

2010-01-25T06:39:00.000-05:00

If you're like me- you probably check out lots of blogs looking for materials that will help you in your classroom or even for your studies. I want all visitors to know that I continually update the site, so if you want to stay updated, please make sure to quickly add yourself as a FOLLOWER! This way- anytime I add links or a post, or need to tell you about an amazing new tool out there that could save you tons of time, you won't miss out on any of that. If you are a NSTA member- make sure you add yourself as a member as I will be adding LOADS of Science information on how to use foldables inside Science Journals, how to integrate children's and young teen literature into your science lesson plans, and much more exciting SCIENCE information! (YEAH for Science~!!)

I hope this information will help you on your search for information in the vast universe of the www and the http... it's such an endless place of information, let me help you do the searching!!

Science in the Classroom

2010-01-21T16:06:00.002-05:00

When I was a student, science wasn't my favorite topic. Actually I HATED it!! It was boring, complicated, and I thought it was something I wasn't really good at!! Mostly, it was a subject that was lectured by my teachers and then, guess what?? We got a worksheet to fill out!! I retained nothing of what I learned in elementary science. In elementary school I have absolutely NO memories of a teacher conducting hands-on experiments in any of my classes. That is something that disturbs me on many levels... the first being that perhaps I'm developing dementia.

Could it truly be possible that I do not remember anything from elementary school? That can't be it!! I have other memories of my years in grades K-5th...like playing the recorder and the clarinet, dancing on stage (and getting ALL the steps wrong!!), reading books, writing, playing on the playground, and I can even remember where every classroom was located, the layout of the cafeteria, the clinic, and the courtyard! Which brings me to my second disturbing revelation... I could have been a doctor!! I thought I was never smart enough in science but that wasn't it at all; it was due to a lack of exposure.

I hadn't had the experiences that drew me in and sparked my curiosity (which later developed into a passion) by my teachers lecture style format to deliver the information. Had I experienced the process of INQUIRY and the use of hands-on ACTIVITIES, my life would be completely different today.

After I became a more "seasoned" classroom teacher, I made sure that I incorporated as many inquiry-based activities as possible. I don't want to rob children of any experiences that will develop them into the future scientists and mathematicians that they may possibly be. I had written numerous grants to allow for the purchase of materials, I asked local businesses for donations, parents purchased lab coats and eye protection. Students would put on their lab coats and they truly felt like scientists- it is such a wonderful feeling to know you are changing the ways in which students see topics such as science and to have girls fascinated by insects, and looking through microscopes at the wing of a fly and not screaming "GROSS!" It's pure joy and love!!

I know that I may not make tons of money and I never did become a doctor but the world does work out the way it should- because I'm fulfilled in my work and making a difference everyday! So even though I might have been cheated out of a great science education- at least it lead to a greater good in the end.... (a lesson learned!!)

I will be posting some books that you can actually download and look at that have AWESOME Science activities, as well as links to sites that provide standards-based lessons!

ONE MORE THING: If you are not a member of NSTA- National Science Teachers Association- I highly recommend that you become a member and support all your fellow colleagues. Joining NSTA was one of the best decisions I made as a teacher and I've been a member for many years!!
NSTA

DreamBox Learning

2010-01-11T19:47:00.002-05:00

I shared this with some other educators today... I'm often searching for resources (more often than blogging- unfortunately) that will help students/children and their teachers. When I come across something that I think is amazing- I will always share it with anyone who will listen!! Well, if you have a child struggling with math (grades k-5) then you must try the following website...

http://www.dreambox.com/

Dreambox learning (after doing my research) was developed by technology specialists alongside elementary educators. It's not just another site with 'games' to play. These games are actually individualized and tailored per student/child... and all the lessons that have been developed are based on NCTM's (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) standards. As a parent and/or teacher (I decided to get both subscriptions) you receive updates about each child's progress, unlike other programs where you have to log-in to check the status and progress... Dreambox will send you each student's status!!

Here's another aspect that I LOVE about this website... It will alert you as to how long it has been since a student or your child has logged on. (For example, my daughter hadn't logged in for a few days and I received an email letting me know... in a nice way... )

OK... I know I already said I LOVED the site but here's another great thing you need to know about Dreambox... the BLOG... a m a z i n g !!! This is one of the rare newsletters that I actually wait anxiously for in my "INBOX"... Why?? Their Newsletter includes links to other sites, book recommendations, ebooks, links to free activities, lessons to use in the classroom, activities to use at home to support learning, resources for monthly themes, kid-friendly events occurring online at amazing sites like NASA, NCTM, and loads more...

One more thing... a math calendar of events will keep you busy all month long. Leave it on your fridge or print it twice so you can post one on your bulletin board too- Here's the link to January's calendar... (anyone have a kazoo???)
http://www.dreambox.com/blog/new-january-kids-calendar-to-ring-in-2010

I hope you check it out and find it useful as well. Let me know what you think... I believe in their product, as have others such as the Association for Education Publishing- they awarded Dreambox the Golden Lamp for Technology Innovation!

Learn why Dreambox is quickly becoming THE interactive math-technology tool to help support students!!
http://www.dreambox.com/

Using Comics in the classroom and Have your portrait drawn too!!

2010-01-11T18:22:00.001-05:00

If you read the previous post about "Boy/Challenging Writers" then you will be up to date on why I am providing the following link to Ryan Alexander-Tanner's website. He is an artist who specializes in comics and I found him, luckily, through AERA! I had asked him if I could use his comics in the classroom to help my writers develop ideas, creativity, and even some dialogue...

I think comics are a GREAT way to engage writers. You will find that every single student, unless they've worked in groups, has generated an original idea for the same picture. Please make sure you ask for permission if you use an artist's work in your own classroom and follow copyright rules.

If you click on Ryan's "obligatory blog" you will find a link to have your portrait done... I was brave and had mine drawn... It's amazingly similar to my picture!!!

Wow- he's really good!!! Make sure to look at his comics and drawings... I wish I had that kind of talent!!!!

http://www.ohyesverynice.com/

Do you have BOYS who don't like reading???

2009-12-19T00:00:00.002-05:00

As a classroom teacher, one of my main concerns was 'How can I get my reluctant readers interested in reading?'... I'd ask other teachers, attend professional development seminars, read books, and search the internet to find whatever available about the topic. What I read and researched seemed to connect to what was happening in my classroom... most often, it was my male students, (not all) but mostly, which would openly state that they disliked reading. They did not read for pleasure at home and being an avid reader and knowing how important literacy skills are for success in most occupations- I needed to change they way these students viewed reading. Not only for their success as students but for their futures and perhaps (this was always my secret wish) I could lead them to a new path, one that leads them to loving literacy. Whether my reluctant readers found a love and passion for comics, mysteries, reading blogs, or a love of technical or how-to books! So long as it changed their view of reading; I was elated!

Students aren't born with a hate/distaste for reading. This is developed over time, sometimes it is developed along with difficulties and obstacles along with a lack of strategies to overcome them. Educators know the importance of reading at home, as well as the importance for "read alouds" to take place at home but the reality is that it will not occur in every home. It did not for me as a child and yet I grew to love reading and was a very successful student. As I thought about this topic, I came across an article that focused on using comics and graphic novels to stimulate interest- I thought- HECK- I'll try anything! I bought a variety of books from the Scholastic Arrow, Lucky, and other sources that were financially feasible for me and brought them into class. As time went on, I introduced my students (all of them- not just the reluctant readers) to the various types of literature available to them and made it available, always, in our classroom library.

I found that my reluctant readers would pick up books that were typically nonfiction in nature: books about cars, motorcycles, bugs, athletes, biographies of athletes, magazines, and even articles from the local paper that I would laminate and keep over time if I found the topic something appropriate for the classroom.

A few years ago (about 3 years)- I came upon a resource called "Guys Read." It came with a video which I played and found that "Guys Read" is a not for profit literacy project developed by one of my favorite authors, Jon Scieszka. (pronounced Sheska) He is the author of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Frog Prince Continued, The Stinky Cheese Men and Fairly Other Stupid Tales, Math Curse, Science Verse, the Time Warp Trio series, and many more amazing books. (find them HERE)

Here is a summary of what Jon Scieszka's research has found out about boys and reading...

After polling boys throughout the country about the activities they enjoy, the findings were similar in every city from Manhattan, NewYork to Manhattan, Kansas-

Here are the top 4 activities boys prefer and in this order:
1. Video Games
2. Sports
3. Eating
4. Reading

Disturbing, TRUE data: 8th grade boys are 50% more likely to be held back than girls!

What do WE (researchers, educators, administrators, reading specialists, parents, anyone working with kids!) need to do to make a change?!!

1. Acknowledge that boys are different.... because they are!!
* Boys across the nation have already voiced their interest in nonfiction literature. They enjoy reading action- adventure books, books about sports, memoirs from their sports favorites... We need to give them the freedom to read the above-

My belief is that once we have allowed them the opportunity to read about their interests, these reluctant readers will begin to enjoy reading- once you (the teacher) feel you have 'hooked' them into reading, then is the time to introduce other genres. If you push too soon- you will get resistance... this is me, speaking from experience, I've had it happen each way. Let them develop a love for books, then you've made a life long reader- KUDOS!

Guys read suggests:
2. Expand the scope of texts/materials available; include a wider variety of reading!

Texts other than literary fiction should be provided: Magazines, newspapers (sports section), comic books, graphic novels, Magic Tree house books, start a Boys Only Book Club, boys are attached to the plot of a book versus the characters- tailor lessons to discussing plot development! Allow boys to run their books clubs
3. Recommend titles other boys have enjoyed!

Have boys share books and make recommendations regarding specific titles they have enjoyed. "Book Hooks" where children share a portion of a favorite book with the class to entice others to want to read the book and then have a sign-up list available for the book for interested students. "Book Hooks" are sometimes called 'book blessings' or 'authors chair' but any program in a similar format will do the job!

4. Find and Have Male Role models to share books and connect with your boy readers, especially your most reluctant ones.

SHOW that other MALES read too...Once boys see that other boys/men read, reading for pleasure will no longer be thought of as a 'girls-only' activity. Develop reading buddies with older boys from upper-grades in your school or surrounding schools.

Look into community leaders and your school's community/business partnerships, most likely you will have many males willingly wanting to come in to share a favorite book!

go to the Guys Read website- for more suggestions! http://www.guysread.com/

5. EMPOWER BOYS! Put boys in charge of their own reading!

*Develop reading lists that they may choose from that contain "guy-friendly" titles.

*Consult with your colleagues, your media specialist, and local librarians- you would be amazed at the perspectives others may offer....

Remember to also check the Guys Read website for more recommendations!

http://www.guysread.com/

(information adapted from Guys Read video available from Scholastic and/or Guys Read website.)

Ralph Fletcher also has wonderful information regarding what boys need as writers... check back for future postings on his book- Boy Writers: Reclaiming Their Voices
His website has an abundance of wonderful resources- check them out at
http://www.ralphfletcher.com/index.html

Numeracy Helper- a Math Teacher's DREAM!! K-8

2009-12-02T11:12:00.000-05:00

A while ago I came upon a newly beginning website called "Numeracy Helper." I subscribed to the newsletter as I am always willing to try something new and as each newsletter came in, I became decidely more and more aware of how hard the developer of this site works to create these resources for teachers. Not only does he work hard, but the resources are absolutely fabulous- they are exactly what teachers are looking for. The activities align perfectly with state and national (NCTM) standards. They can be used as whole group lessons, teachers can model them and then students can go to computer stations to finish as independent work. Another wonderful component is that there is a built in differentiation piece as most activities are input and output directed- therefore students must use what they know to work with the various modules! I have highly recommended this site to all the educators I work with in my district and now I'm letting everyone now that as of right now... Numeracy Helper is offering a free site license (and unfortunately- I didn't get this but hopefully you can!!) to all new newsletter subscribers- so don't hesitate... visit the site today...

http://www.numeracyhelper.com/

Google Image Swirl

2009-11-28T17:58:00.000-05:00

Google Image Swirl: a Fun Toy!

I think to be able to keep up with all the cool gadgets and programs that have become available out there, you really need to stop working or decide not to sleep!! Well, I found this really neat tool today toiling around when I really should be working on the 10 papers that I have due NEXT week!!! But had I not found it, then I could not have shared it with you!! It's called "Google Image Swirl" and you can either choose from the images that they have provide or type in a subject of your own. I typed in french bulldogs because although my mother in law thinks they are ugly, I think their ugliness makes them oh so lovable!!!

My Google Image Swirl creation... a masterpiece... (not quite so...)
http://image-swirl.googlelabs.com/html?query=bulldog%20francais#91

IDEAS FOR THE CLASSROOM/ How can this be used in a classroom?

I could see this tool as being an engaging opening for a lesson on Social Studies, History, or Science. Teachers could model how to use Google Image Swirl and then children can work in groups or pairs and create projects. Students then write a sentence or paragraph (depending on their ability) to describe what their "swirl" represents. This tool is great for visual learners.

Here is the link to the site..
http://image-swirl.googlelabs.com/

How you teach READING poll?

2009-11-27T11:18:00.000-05:00

I'm currently working on a research project on the preference of teacher's and reading instruction. If you are and elementary school teacher and you teach reading during part of the day- PLEASE answer the poll question and leave a comment regarding which style of reading instruction you think is best for students and which you prefer to teach. If you have examples you would like to share from your classroom, please do so but do not use the actual names of your students. You can, however, use the actual name of the program you are using!!!

launching my own website soon!!

2009-11-21T15:40:00.004-05:00

www.TeachYourHeartOut.com

Within the next few days, I will be launching my own website that will give you access to lesson plans, materials, and resources on a variety of topics such as ...Reading (Guided Reading, Reader's Workshop, Differentiated Instruction, what to do with the other groups while working with small groups, Reading notebooks, Read Alouds, Shared Reading and much more), Writing (Writer's Workshop, Language Arts, Spelling Games, Spelling Lists, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, How to integrate Language Arts and all the elements of it into the Writing Block, how to get kids to write fluently, how to get boys to write creatively, Children's Literature and Mentor Texts, Writer's Notebooks, Strategies for successful writer's, and much more), Math (problem solving skills, how to increase fluency with math skills, number sense, algebra in grades k-6, measurement, children's literature in the math block, using math notebooks in the math classroom, using reading strategies in the math block, and much much more! Science, Social Studies, Assessment, Classroom Management, and Behavior -- Everything you need to be successful in the classroom- YOU'LL FIND it at www.teachyourheartout.com Check back soon for a live link!!

TASHE program

2009-08-06T13:55:00.003-04:00

I'm currently working as a mentor in a fabulous program with Palm Beach Community College.They provide a teaching certification program for second career seekers (mostly of hispanic descent- but not necessarily) called TASHE: Transitioning and Supporting Hispanic Educators. As mentors, we provide the support that the mentees need, whether it is information needed for coursework, or assistance in the classroom with curriculum, classroom management, and/or behavioral challenges with challenging students. The mentors are such a supportive group; we are constantly in touch with one another making sure we are up to date with what the mentees are in need of, we have held our first mini-conference where we discussed ESOL strategies, reading strategies, CRISS strategies, Reading and Writing workshop, and setting up a classroom, and we are planning on holding our next conference within the next four weeks. We are now working on implementing VoiceThread within the website, and updating our current website with resources for our mentees and other students who are enrolled in the teaching program at PBCC. We (those of us who want to see all educators- preservice and currently employed- succeed) want to make sure anyone and everyone has access to these resources that we believe are helpful to all educators!

Check out our links and some of our mentors websites!!!
http://www.palmbeachschooltalk.com/mcdonaldl/Literary_Lady/Welcome.html
http://www.pbcc.edu/TASHE.xml
http://www.projectcriss.com/