G.Whiz!

Woogie Review

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Mon, 16 May 2011 02:17:00 +0000

What is a Woogie?
Woogie is 50% stuffed animal (for your kids) and 50% protective case (for your iPhone or iPod touch), and 100% fun! A protective pocket velcroes shut to hold your iPhone or iPod touch secure, while a touch-through screen protector lets you choose movies, apps, or music for your child. Woogie's built-in speaker is powered by 2 (included) AAA batteries, or you can plug in headphones.

We put two Woogie to use in two places that we thought could put it to the test.
The first place was in a first grade classroom. The overall make-up of the classroom is 19 first grade students ranging from children with special needs to academically gifted students. We were interested in finding out if the Woogie had an appeal to a certain style learner or personality.

The Woogie was used on an iPod Touch and the Touch was utilized during centers just as it is each week - the only difference being it was a lot cuddlier. The students were told what the product was and that they would be given a chance to use it.

Immediately, students showed interest and wanted to use the iPods so that they could get their hands on the Woogie. The first reaction was to cuddle it. It is incredibly soft and eye catching. Once students got past the novelty of the product, they seemed to really settle into their work which was to watch a teacher made podcast and answer the questions at the end of the viewing. Both partners could be found stretched out across the cushions with the Woogie held close.

Amazingly (if possible) students seemed even more engaged in the learning process and much calmer than usual during an already exciting activity. We found no difference in the amount of appeal between different types of students. The Woogie was no less appealing to boys than girls and no more engaging to struggling learners than high achievers. Students were equally enthusiastic about using the product. The one thing that stood out above all else was that the Woogie did seem to successfully satisfy the needs of tactile learners.

Next up we placed a Woogie in a household with children aged 6 months, 3 years and 13 years old.
We were interested to see how a Woogie would hold up while children played with an iPhone 4. The Woogie was given to the 6 month old who immediately cuddled it and laid his head on it. He was allowed to play his favorite xylophone app and had no trouble accessing the screen through the plastic barrier of the Woogie. The Woogie was able to withstand being banged up and down and drooled on without a hitch.

The Woogie was given to the three year old who also first snuggled with it and found more use using it as a stuffed animal rather than a tool. Once he was shown that it housed the iPhone he showed more interest and began to use it as he would have if it had it's regular protective case. The Woogie survived an accidental trip down the stairs as well as cookie crumbs. The crumbs were easily brushed off and the iPhone remained unscathed.

There weren't any real expectations or plans to give the 13 year old the Woogie to use but wouldn't you know that one day it magically appeared on her bed connected to her iPod. Let's just say we had a hard time getting it back from her.

All in all the Woogie is a great little idea. We like the weight of it, it seems to have some substance which makes it good for carrying around and the shape is fun. We found that the screen was fairly accessible even through the thick plastic barrier and a screen protector on the device. We found the battery pack a little cumbersome to pull out but with some after thought figured it was best that way seeing as we would like to be able to think that it's somewhat child proof.

We did find ourselves wishing the speaker plug that goes into the headphone jack was just a tad bit longer - it just didn't feel quite right while trying to slide a device in the sleeve....it seemed like we had a tug a little more than we wanted to.

The Woogie also comes with a free download of Woogie Sesame Street Sampler. We downloaded this app from iTunes and found it to be a terrific little app. Our favorite part was being able to record your voice while reading the story. This is a great way for students to practice fluency and parents to provide a special read-aloud experience for their children.

Overall the Woogie is a great purchase and well worth the reasonable price tag of $19.99.
For more information on Woogie please visit them here.

G.Whiz was provided this product for free from Griffin Tech in exchange for an honest review.
Griffin Tech reviewer policy found here: http://bit.ly/griffinreview

This Week's Featured DonorsChoose Project!

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 01:05:00 +0000

We are Still Flipping Over C2i Technology!

Classroom project requested by Mrs. F. on Apr 10, 2011

My Students: Do you remember the first time that you had to write a book report and you had no idea what to write about? Our C2i project will make it exciting for the children to learn literacy skills through technology.
I teach second grade at a public school in an impoverished and high crime area in urban Pennsylvania. I have a class of students who love to read. They are very sweet and everyone who meets them falls in love with them. They are constantly requesting to play computer games.

G.Whiz! says: "Please consider donating to this wonderful project - every penny counts."

Woogie Review

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:02:00 +0000

So, this week the Woogie has been placed in an elementary classroom. We thought the best place would be in a classroom of children with diverse needs.
We'll be seeing how this product holds up to the educational and well...snuggling needs of these kiddos. We'll see how the gifted, average, and special needs child responds to this cuddly tool used to keep precious technology safe.

Griffin Tech has been more than gracious to not only offer a product for review in a classroom but also a home. Stay tuned for a review as well as a giveaway to be announced at a later date (post-review).

DonorsChoose Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 01:28:00 +0000

Be sure to check out this week's DonorsChoose spotlight. All it takes is a dollar to give to a worthy project - trust me...it's well appreciated.

CHECK IT OUT!

DonorsChoose Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:45:00 +0000

Check out this week's Spotlight:

No Room in the Band Closet!

Classroom project requested by Mr. H. on Jan 3, 2011

Diipo - Collaborative Classroom in Beta Form

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:54:00 +0000

Interested in connecting your class digitally? Check out diipo in it's beta version and see what you think.

This site provides a free service for collaborative blogging and networking between teachers and their students. A teacher can set up class sites, post announcements and assignments with links and attachments for students.
When students register, they show up in a roster on the site and can then upload files for sharing, post entries to a class blog, contribute to other group projects, and search archived conversations and posts from past projects. There is also an educator lounge which allows teachers to communicate with each other.

Kohl's Cares Scholarship

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:44:00 +0000

Every year, Kohl's recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) across the country for their amazing contributions to their communities. This year we are recognizing more than 2,100 kids with more than $415,000 in scholarships and prizes.

Nominations accepted
February 1 - March 15, 2011

Need more information?

FREE 1-year Subscription to Mightybook Jr.

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 03:27:00 +0000

Take advantage of a free one year subscription to Mightybook Jr. with promo code: leanrtoread
We have no idea how long this great deal with last so act now!

Top 10 Tech Toys - NY Toy Fair 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 01:41:00 +0000

Clearly we love technology here at G.Whiz! I mean that's no secret. I would have loved to have attended the 2011 New York Toy Fair. It's certainly on my list of things to do before I kick the bucket....you know...My Bucket List. I would tell you what else was on my bucket list but you may find me a little weird lol.

We thought we'd share with you some of the top tech toys of the fair:

Monopoly Live

Cheating again? This time, your board game knows. This fall Hasbro will release Monopoly Live, a digitally guided spin on the classic game. A tower sits at the center of the board, presiding over game play with Sauron-like omniscience. And that's not all that's changed. In this latest version, there are no dice, no iconic paper currency. Instead, players hold their hand over their game piece while the game “rolls” for you and announces your next move.

Price $49.99

Fijit Friends

The newest robotic pal from Mattel, Fijits are soft plastic aliens with a passion for dancing. Using beat detection technology, the dolls perform different movements for different tempos and come with four songs of their own. Haven't danced with your doll in a while? It'll remind you that it's bored. Set to hit store shelves this fall, Fijits are essentially a plastic desk toy with Flubber's personality.

Price: $49.99

Angry Birds Knock On Wood board game

Oh my! Who doesn't love Angry Birds? You can find this app on the Android market as well as iTunes.

Your favorite app come to life, Angry Birds: Knock On Wood is your chance to actually sling cross little birds across the room. The table-top game comes with blocked structures, the catapult-like launcher and of course, the little birds and pigs locked in epic battle. To play, one player must draw a construction card and build the structure shown while the opponent loads a bird into the launcher to demolish the newly built pig habitat. It'll be in stores in May.

Price: $14.99

Kid-Tough See Yourself Camera

The second generation of kid-friendly cameras from Fisher-Price takes easy picture taking to an advanced level. The extremely durable (read: drop proof) rubberized casing avoids breaks and easy-to-use double viewfinder make beginning photography simple, but with the See Yourself kids can opt for the advanced course as well. The rotating lens allows kids to easily take self-portraits or shoot HD video. Available in July, the camera also includes fun stamps and effects that are applied on the small LCD screen for fun printable images.

Price: $69.99

Barbie Hairtastic Printables

Hmmm...we're still trying to figure out how this one works??

Forget dye. This year, Mattel is bringing the world printable hair extensions. The new Barbie Hairtastic Printables software allows kids to design their own hair extensions from a collection of patterns and colors, or import art or photos from their own computer. Sheets of paper with the hair extension attached are then run through a standard inkjet printer and then, volia, instant (removable!) crazy hair. Extensions are available in human and Barbie size and will be in stores for fall, 2011.

Price: $29.99

Hot Wheels Video Racer

Is there a future James Cameron in your house? This fall, Hot Wheels is getting into the movie business. With Video Racer, kids can shoot, edit and screen their own high-speed action film. A tiny camera embedded inside a standard-sized Hot Wheels car can shoot up to 12 minutes of high-quality footage as the tiny car speeds down the race track. The video can be exported onto a computer and edited with Mattel's own easy-to-use video software. They've even got ready-to-go music, scene transition clips and special effects to give these video shorts a little something extra.

Price: $59.99

Let's Rock Elmo

For the first time, Hasbro has licensed a line of Sesame Street toys, and its new Let's Rock Elmo is an impressive inaugural effort. The robotic doll sings and plays instruments with its preschool-aged companions, but instead of complicated settings, Elmo recognizes his next task based on what he's holding. Hand him his microphone and he's ready to sing. Hand him a guitar and he's ready to strum. He'll be ready to rock and in stores by fall, 2011.

Price: $69.99

Mindflex Duels

The next from Mattel's remarkable Mindflex series is Mindflex Duels, a game that pits player against player in a battle of the brain waves. Two players battle while “controlling” the foam ball with their mind-eye power through the game's obstacle course, attempting to get through to the other player's side of the table. Whether the science is mind control at its most basic or just junk science, it's a great time. Coming in August, 2011.

Price: $99.99

Tonka Ricochet Stunt Pro RC

Ever try to duplicate a favorite stunt with your remote-controlled car? Performing it in an actual car can seem easier. This fall, Hasbro will serve up a solution. The new Tonka Ricochet Stunt Pro RC comes standard with a Replay Trigger that allows you to record up to three different series of stunts to be replayed whenever you need to impress on the spot. Just hit the record button on the controller and perform your craziest trick to store the move in your car's memory.

Price: $79.99

Laugh & Learn Baby iCan Play Case

This one reminds us a bit of the Woogie.

Breathe a little easier the next time you hand your toddler your iPhone. Coming to stores in July, Fisher-Price's iCan case is an easy-to-grip case for your iPhone or iPod touch made of durable rubber, complete with a clear film to cover the screen. It's great for preschool-aged motion sensor games or other kid-centric apps, and even keeps baby away from the army of germs that haunt our mobile devices.

Price: $14.99

Pictures and Information provided by TechLand

Kids and Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:46:00 +0000

I'm not sure how many of you have children that are "old" enough to have a Facebook account. I have a child that has been begging for an account since Elementary school. I in no way disapprove of parents allowing their children to have Facebook accounts as parenting is a personal choice and would never want anyone to judge me and my parenting decisions.

I'm just a little leary of Facebook for my child - HECK! I'm a little leary of Facebook for myself. It's gotten plenty of people in trouble from posting pictures to status messages to comments on friends' or fan pages.

On the flip side we all know that Facebook can also be a wonderful tool.

We ran across this article on How to Uncover Your Kids' Facebook Secrets and thought it would be a nice quick read for you.

President's Day 2011

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:54:00 +0000

If you're still looking for some activities to do with the kids - here are a few links that may lend you some ideas.

Kaboose

Family Education

NEA

GPSchools

Pre & K

Handling Situations with Less Stress

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:27:00 +0000

Here are a few great tips we found from Lynn Taylor - author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant.

Be Honest. -
Admit that you need a question repeated or that you don't feel fully prepared for a spur of the moment conference call. It's better than risking a cover-up that doomed to fail.

Use your parenting skills. -
Just as you do with your kids, keep calm, try to anticipate difficult situations that might arise and have a sense of humor.

Act as a team. -
Point out that the department would benefit from a "pre-meeting" to collaborate on a presentation or call, as opposed to you preparing alone.

Science Week on Sesame Street

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 04:33:00 +0000

Seriously. Who doesn't love Sesame Street? Tune in February 21st-25th as Super Grover and friends participate in a science filled week!

We're super excited to see Sesame Street focus on Science! That's a subject that schools are starting to stress more as they are becoming more accountable.

"Snow Where to Go?"

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 04:18:00 +0000

I think we can all agree that Mother Nature has unleashed her frigid fury across the nation this Winter season. Places who never see snow have seen more than their share and places who see snow regularly have been blasted with frgid temps and a bounty of snow to last a lifetime.

Maybe you're still stuck or expecting to experience this again. We've discovered a great little book that may just help you enjoy your snow day with "snow where to go"!

"Snow Play is filled with projects and games for any age, ability, and number of people. Each entry includes complete step-by-step text instructions, plus line drawings. The full-color photographs show how each project is finished in all its frozen glory." ~Amazon

Woogie Who?

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 04:03:00 +0000

I don't know about you - but it seems like kids are going crazy over smartphones at younger and younger ages. Most parents don't mind their children playing around with their phones -especially their iPhones within reason.

There's a new gadget out that is supposed to allow children to explore your phone while keeping it protected yet cuddly...hmmm?

That would be the Woogie. Not quite sure what we think about that just yet. But check it out for yourself and decide if it's worth $19.99 from Griffin Technology.

Black History Month Projects & Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 03:05:00 +0000

Idea #1 Put together a bulletin board with the children compiling a list of 100 African-Americans that have made a difference. Black History Month usually will coincide with the 100th Day of School--this board could celebrate both occasions!!!

Tip: Pictures can easily be found and down-loaded with Internet Searches...

Idea #2 Celebrate Black History by introducing the purpose of it and some key leaders. Make class room displays of pictures and information surrounding this occasion.

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WRITE A LETTER

Ask children to choose a friend or relative to write a letter to about Black History. Have them include a purpose for the special occasion, contributions of two or more leaders and the most interesting piece of information learned about Black History. Post the children's letters. At the end of the month, the children can send their letters to their chosen recipients.

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BLACK HISTORY QUILT

Have children choose one or more biographies to read, then encourage them to draw a picture based on one scene from the life of each person about whom they have read. Mount each picture on a larger sheet of colored paper, and attach pages to wall to form a quilt of famous African-Americans. Purchase, or down-load age-appropriate biographies of influential African-Americans---The following list can get you started!

•Benjamin Banneker
•Elijah McCoy
•Harriet Tubman
•Frederick Douglass
•George Washington Carver
•Booker T. Washington
•Samuel Morris
•Dred Scott
•Matthew Henson
•Garrett A. Morgan
•James Weldon Johnson
•Colin Powell
•Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

•Barack Obama

•Mary Mcleod Bethune
•Marian Anderson
•Mahalia Jackson
•Marian Anderson: singer
•Maya Angelou: singer, actress, activist, writer, poet
•Lil Hardin Armstrong: jazz musician
•Pearl Bailey: singer, performer, stage, film, special ambassador
•Marian Anderson: singer
•Regina Anderson: librarian, playwright
•Josephine Baker: entertainer
•Willie B. Barrow: minister, civil rights activist
•Daisy Bates: journalist, civil rights activist
•Mary McLeod Bethune: educator, racial justice activist, New Deal government official
•Gwendolyn Brooks: poet, winner of a Pulitzer Prize in 1950, poet laureate of Illinois
•Marita Bonner: writer, educator
•Shirley Chisholm: politician
•Ruby Dee: actress, activist
•Mae Jemison: astronaut, physician
•Barbara Jordan: politician

___________________________

BLACK AND WHITE COLLAGE

Each person will need one sheet of black construction paper, one sheet of white, one brightly colored sheet, and glue.

Tear black and white sheets into small pieces (>1/2" square).
Paste the black and white pieces on the brightly colored sheet to create a unique collage.
Some people may choose to create identifiable objects. Others may create geometric designs or a patterned "quilt."

After all pieces are completed, allow children to show their pictures and briefly describe them.
Note that neither the black nor the white alone would have created an interesting picture, yet the two could be combined into many interesting patterns. In short, they were more productive working as a team. Discuss the need for teamwork, whether it is in the home, the classroom, the workplace or the community at large. What are some tasks that require group effort?

You might also pay special attention to the differences between the pieces. Point out that just as no two pieces are art are alike, no two people are alike. Each person has a unique purpose in life, and the home, church, community, and society as a whole are benefited when each person finds and fulfills his purpose in life instead of seeking to be "just like" another individual.

Consider the lives of Harriet Tubman, George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Colin Powell. Each has significantly influenced not only the African-American community, but all of American society. What would have happened, however, if any of these individuals had tried to be "just like" one of their predecessors?

_____________________

AFRICAN FOOD for Black History Month or ANYTIME.

Many groups observe Black History Month with public lectures and exhibits, and perhaps include African foods. African dishes that are related to African-American favorites are especially appropriate for these occasions. Of course it would be difficult to provide an entire meal from the menu below---but you COULD do something with the fruit at the bottom of this post!

An African meal example:

•WKoki- an appetizer made from black-eyed peas
•Peanut Soup -a pan-African and African-American favorite
•Rice
•Yams or their American relation, sweet potatoes
•Fruit Salad OR Coconut Pie for dessert
•Beverages: Green Tea with Mint, (iced, if you like)
•Ginger

FRUIT SALAD

A wide variety of tropical fruits, both native and non-native, are cultivated in Africa. It is more likely that any of the fruits listed in this recipe would be eaten as a snack than made into an elaborate fruit salad.

In Western Africa, the closest thing to a dessert course is the "after-chop" and a popular "after-chop" is fruit salad.

In Eastern Africa, Swahili people make a 'Saladi ya Matunda' for dessert. One interesting thing about the African fruit salad is the use of the avocado. A fruit salad can be made from just three or four of the ingredients listed below.
.
Any of the following (fresh or canned): avocado, banana, grapefruit, guava, mango, melon, orange, papaya, peach, pear, pineapple, tangerine, juice of one lemon -- or -- chopped, crushed mint leaves, grated coconut, or chopped roasted peanuts, sugar, (optional) -- honey can also be used...

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ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE INVENTORS AND THEIR INVENTIONS!

UNIQUE PROGRAM/CLASSROOM INVENTIONS!

1. Open up your recycled area and provide materials such as- pieces of wood, used CD's, milk containers, straws, tape, pipe cleaners, paper clips paper, glue, poster paint, markers, crayons, elastic, fabric scraps, construction paper, pom-poms, rubber bands and safety pins.

2. Children can work individually or in small groups; Give them plenty of time to brainstorm ideas.

3. Challenge children to come up with unique, creative, and useful items.

4. The kids may need more than one day to complete their projects; however, when complete- share the inventions with the group.

• What is it?
• What does it do?
• What materials are used to make it?

5. SHARE IT...This is an activity that takes time and thought. Honor the children's work by inviting parents and visitors to view the display. A written description of each "invention" would also be a good idea.

THREE EXAMPLES OF DISPLAY WALLS

______________________

GARRETT MORGAN INVENTED THE TRAFFIC LIGHT...

Idea #1: MAKE A TRAFFIC LIGHT SNACK Ingredients:
Graham crackers
Peanut butter or chocolate frosting (Sample is frosting)
Red, yellow and green m&ms--craft sticks
• Spread peanut butter or frosing on a one quarter piece of graham cracker. Place this on the top of a craft sitck. Place the m&m's in the pattern of a traffic Light. Snacks can also be made without the craft sticks.

__________________

#2 PLAY THE GAME RED-LIGHT-GREEN LIGHT

Select one child, or perhaps yourself, to start the game and be the “stoplight”.
All the children line up on the other side of gym or field.
The designated stoplight yells “Green light!” and the children lined up start running.
The first one to make it to the stoplight wins and is now the stoplight.
It gets tricky when the stoplight changes, though.
The stoplight should yell “Red light!” to get children to stop.

Any movement by a child means she is sent back to the beginning.
The stoplight can also call out “yellow light” which means the children can only walk very slowly. Variations to this game include yelling “red light” two times in a row, or adding body movements.
Say “green light” with your arms up one time and then say “red light,” but throw your arms up again to confuse runners into thinking your body language says “green light.”

___________________________________

#3 TRAFFIC LIGHT DRAMA GAME for Young Kids...

To prepare for the game...cut out a red circle, a green circle and a yellow circle on colored construction paper or cardstock. You can also color it in on white paper.

To Play: With music playing in the background, have children start "driving" around the room. They should make beeping and engine noises while doing so. They can pretend to be buses, cars, trucks or bikes - whatever they like.

Every couple minutes, hold up a colored circle and call out either...
"Stop - the lights are Red!"” or "Slow down - the lights are Yellow!" or "Go, go, go - the lights are Green!" If the lights are red, the children must stand absolutely still. If they are yellow they must slow down. On green they move around normally. When ending the game ask all the "vehicles" to neatly park.

___________

#4 DRAW, COLOR, and PAINT a TRAFFIC LIGHT

______________________

GRANVILLLE T. WOODS -- Who He was...
Granville T. Woods (1856-1910) of Cincinnati invented Air Brakes, Steam Boilers and the Telegram System (1885) for sending messages while trains were still in motion. His inventions were sold to General Electric, American Telephone and the Westinghouse Air Brake Company. During his lifetime he held U.S. patents to over 50 inventions.

__________

Granville T. Woods RAP SONG... RAP can be Fun! It stands for "Rhythm & Poetry. A fun way to get Literacy into the program! Can you group come up with any other RAP songs?!

Granville T. Woods was an inventor you see,
He made lots of things very positively.
Mr. Woods invented the telegraph,
Which let trains know what was in their path.
Granville invented one incubator,
Which saved lots of chicken 2 months later.
Granville T. Woods was a very smart man.
His inventions are used throughout the land.

__________________

(1864-1943)
The Peanut Man

George Washington Carver...George's life is an amazing story and life lesson to explore with the children in your class/program. Be sure to do an internet search or obtain a book to learn about this great man.

Briefly,
George was an agricultural scientist, who devoted his life to research projects connected primarily with southern United States agriculture. He derived many products from the peanut and soybean, but never patented any of his discoveries.

Among the products created by Carver from various foods are the following:
Adhesives, Axle Grease, Bleach, Buttermilk, Chili Sauce, Cream, Instant Coffee, Linoleum, Mayonnaise, Meat Tenderizer, Metal Polish, Paper, Peanut Butter, Rubbing Oils, Shampoo, Shaving Cream, Shoe Polish, Sugar

_______________

Before starting this project, check allergy records children and send a note to parents, informing them of the project.

Materials:
4 Cups of shelled Peanuts
1/3 cup Canola Oil
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 cup Sugar
Measuring spoon
Measuring cup
Food Processor
Knife
Crackers
Paper Plates

Instructions:1. Have kids help you shell the peanuts and place them into the food processor.
2. Measure and pour the vegetable oil into the food processor.
3. Have another student volunteer add three pinches of salt.
4. Turn the food processor on and blend ingredients. You may need to stop every now and then and scrape the sides. If the peanut butter looks too hard, then add a little oil at a time until it becomes smooth.
5. Have children come to the bowl to spread peanut butter onto a cracker.

Ask kids if they like the peanut butter.
Extension Idea: Compare store bought peanut butter to the homemade peanut butter and chart the differences.
If you want to try this other ways-you can also--
Add some honey for the oil
Add pecans, sunflower seeds, and other nuts or some chocolate or butterscotch chips

________________

GROW A PEANUT IN A BAGGIE

Materials:
Raw peanuts from the health food store
Plastic baggies,
Paper towels
Water
Plant a peanut in a baggie by having each child put one or two raw peanuts in the baggie along with a damp paper towel.
Seal the baggie. Keep paper towel damp-but briefly open every couple days as not to mold. Observe how peanuts grow.

_________________________ __________________________

TWO FRIENSHIP SNACKS FOR MLK DAY...
#1.....Have each child bring in a half cup of their FAVORITE SNACK (You can offer parents suggestion at this point: cereal, raisins, crackers, etc) when you get all of the snacks--- mix them all in a huge bowl and serve them for snack. Talk about how DIFFERENT THINGS GO TOGETHER to make something very good. This helps get the ideas of diversity, sharing, cooperation, and trying new things across.
#2....Do the same as above, however, USE FRUIT instead of snack mixes. Have each child bring in one can... or piece of fruit...and then talk about how different things go together, to make something very good. This helps get the ideas of diversity, sharing, cooperation, and trying new things across.
Donate any left-over cans to a shelter!
________________________________
Consider celebrating MLK Day with a 'SERVICE PROJECT'!
As Coretta Scott King said "The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrated the holiday by performing individual acts of kindness through service to others." ______________________

DIVERSITY LESSON WITH APPLES AND EGGS..APPLES: Different colors and all the same inside! Set a red, a yellow, and a green apple on the table. Ask children to name the colors. Cut the apples open and talk about how they have different colors on the outside... but are the same on the inside, just like people. Enjoy the snack!
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EGGS...For young children... This is similar to the "Apples" above...
Take a carton of white eggs and a carton of brown eggs. The children will see that the eggs are of different shades and colors. Ask them what they think the insides of the brown eggs look like and what the insides of the white eggs look like. Discuss how people are all different by their appearance on the outside. Then, have a child break open a white egg into a bowl---and another child bread a brown egg in to a separate bowl. The concept is that the eggs may all look different on the outside, but the insides are the same, just like us. Make something with the eggs ...enjoy!!!

___________________
A SONG SUNG TO THE TUNE OF "Bingo"

There was a man who had a dream His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King
Mar-tin Lu-ther King.... Mar-tin Lu-ther King... Mar-tin Lu-ther King...
His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King

Doctor King, he had a dream He wanted peace for everyone
P-E-A-C-E... P-E-A-C-E.... P-E-A-C-E
His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King

____________________________CITIZENSHIP-ROLE PLAYING for OLDER YOUTH AND TEENS
This common activity is used in classrooms everywhere -- but it should ONLY be repeated from TIME TO TIME! The activity helps students understand the concept of "discrimination."
For this activity, divide the class into two or more groups. Some teachers divide students by eye or hair color; some invite students to select and wear badges of different colors (purple, green, and other colors that are not related to skin color); and others isolate students whose first names begin with the letter "b," (or whichever letter is the most common first letter of students' names in the class).
For a class period or for an entire school day, one group of students (for example, the kids who have blond hair, those wearing orange badges, or the ones whose names start with "b") are favored above all others. Those students receive special treats or special privileges, and they are complimented often. Students who aren't in the "favored" group, on the other hand, are ignored, left out of discussions, and otherwise discriminated against.
IMPORTANT!!! At the end of the period, students discuss their feelings. How did it feel to be treated unfairly, to be discriminated against? Invite students to talk about times when they felt they were judged or treated unfairly. How does this "experiment" relate to the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.?
(Source: Kidsphere listserv education-world.com
_ DISCRIMINATION
This is A SIMPLIFIED VERSION OF THE ABOVE. While the above is for older youth--THIS WILL WORK FOR PRE-K AND ALL THE WAY UP!
Materials: Signs with rules that will be enforced in various room areas/centers.
FIRST--DISCUSS discrimination: WHAT IT IS--HOW IT FEELS--HOW HURTFUL IT IS---The IMPORTANCE OF KINDNESS and treating others as we want to be treated...
Tell the children that "JUST TO SEE WHAT IT FEELS LIKE" you're going to "role play" so they can experience what it is like for people who are discriminated against.
When the couple hours are over--BE SURE TO HAVE A DE-BRIEFING, where the children meet in small groups to share their feelings and thoughts. THE PREPARATION AND DEBRIEFING IS IMPORTANT!!!!
Using rebuses (for children who can't yet read) Hang or post signs in centers with a picture; put a circle around it with a slash over the entire picture and circle.
An example: A picture of a child with "blue eyes" with a circle around it and a slash through it. This means that for the next hour, no one with blue eyes may play in that center. Rotate and change signs.

Prepare signs for: Blue eyes, brown hair, long hair, gym shoes, etc.
_______________________________

THE BEAUTY OF DIVERSITY

EXPLORE DIVERSITY of the world's population in general.

• Talk to kids about the wonderful contributions that people from many different backgrounds make will go a long way to creating caring and compassionate adults who accept people for who they are....

Also...
• Discuss cultural awareness issues with kids and explore traditions and activities from African and Caribbean countries. Try some of these ideas as a starting point to explore many cultures all year long.

• Take on a Program or Club Research Project
Learn about a different country in Africa or the Caribbean. Every member of the program group or a "special club" could research one aspect of the country such as the population, languages spokenmap. Younger children could draw a picture or write a story about what one day in a child's life would be like in that country.

• Find out how to speak three phrases in the primary language of the country as part of the group project.

• Research an influential person, such as a politician or inventor, in the movement of black rights in North America.

• Go to the produce aisle and try a fruit or vegetable from the Caribbean or Africa that your children have not tried before such as plantains, figs or guava.

_____________________________

GIVE PEACE A HAND
This wonderful display is from the kindergarten class of Renee Glassow.

Surround the center photographs/images/posters with handprints and promises the children make. On individual sheets of paper, put each child's painted or traced handprint. Below the handprint write the child's pledge. Examples from display: I will use kind words, I will be friends with everyone, I will give hugs and kisses, I will listen and clean up, etc.

RE-ENACT A STORY BOOK SCENE...
Invite the children to read one of more of the stories such as one about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. (Checking Amazon.com-the book is 99 cents)
After reading the book, children can write a skit...practice...and perform!

ANOTHER BOOK IDEA...
Read a book and then have children draw/color/paint pictures based on something they found profound or interesting in the story.
Using the children's creative efforts--- make a Display Wall.

After the wall is taken down, the art can then be compiled into a program/classroom booklet.

The following is list of books to share with children about Black History Month and Martin Luther King, Jr. These can be suggested reading as a group, individually or in a children's book club. Books are suggested reading for children ages 4 through 12+.

BOOKS
• A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Picture Book Biography)
by David A. Adler ( For Ages 4-8)

• A Picture Book of Rosa Parks (Picture Book Biography)
by David A. Adler, Robert Casilla (Ages 4-8)

• Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

• Black is Brown is Tan by Arnold Adoff

• If a Bus Could Talk - The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold (Illustrator)

• Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport

• My Dream of Martin Luther King by Faith Ringgold (Illustrator) • No Mirrors in My Nana's House
by Ysaye M. Barnwell

• Shades Of Black by Sandra L. Pinkney

• The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, George Ford (Illustrator)

• What is Martin Luther King Day? by Margaret Friskey

• Harriet Tubman and Black History Month-by Polly Carter (age 5-8)

• I Have a Dream- by Martin Luther King, Jr. & Kathleen A. Wilson (age 4-8)

• Portraits of African American Hereos by Tonya Bolden (age 7-9)

• Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman by Dorothy Sterling (age 8-12)

• If You Lived at the Time of Martin Luther King Jr. by Ellen Levin (age 7-10)

• A Lesson for Martin Luther King, Jr. by Denise Lewis Patrick (age 5-7)

• Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr. by Jean Marzollo (age 5-8)

• A Voice of her Own: The Story of Phillis Wheatly,

Slave Poet by: Kathryn Lasky (age 8-12)

• If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold (age 5-9)

• George Washington Carver: The Peanut Wizard by Laura Driscoll (age 5-8)

• Freedom Summer by Debbie Wiles (age 5-8)

• Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles (age 5-9)

• Rosa Parks: My Story by Rosa Parks with Jim Haskins (age 12+)

• Thank You, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Eleanora E. Tate (age 9-12) In the United States, Martin Luther King Day is always observed on the third Monday of January; MLK Day in 2011 is on Monday, the 17th of January.

Make it a Day On... Not a Day Off!

________________________

Children's Activities for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
During the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals.
Initiated by Congress in 1994, King Day of Service builds on that that legacy by transforming the federal holiday honoring Dr. King into a national day of community service grounded in his teachings of nonviolence and social justice. The aim is to make the holiday a day ON, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the “Beloved Community” that Dr. King envisioned.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MLK DAY

Before you begin any activities with the children in celebration of MLK Day... Discuss with children the significance of Martin Luther King Day. YOU CAN SAY SOMETHING such as: Dr. King was treated unfairly when he was a young boy because he was an African American. Back in those days, there were even laws that said that if you were African American, and you had brown skin, you couldn't sit at the same restaurants as white people and you couldn't drink from the same water fountains, or anything! We call this kind of attitude prejudice, and it's NOT OK!

When Dr. King grew up, he worked hard to change people's ideas about race. He wanted people to understand that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of what they looked like. Dr. King wrote one of the most famous speeches in history, called "I Have a Dream."It talked about his dream that one day in the near future, all people would respect and care for one another. He believed that children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by January we celebrate Martin Luther King's Birthday to remember his dream.

____________________________
ACTIVITIES
WE HAVE A DREAM POSTER
First...
Talk to children about Martin Luther King's dream and the fact that one man managed to help change a whole country. Ask children what they think is unfair, and what they think they can do to change it. If they could change big things in the world, what would they be?
Next-
Have children trace the outline of their hands on a variety of construction paper in different rainbow colors. Have them cut out each hand shape and then glue them onto the poster board.
Now brainstorm things that the children believe need change in the world--and ways that they and your program can help. Few individuals will get the chance to speak before thousands of people at the Lincoln Memorial like Martin Luther King, Jr., but there are things your program can do to make a difference!
Perhaps it's collecting cans for a local food bank to help the hungry, or running a car wash to raise money for the homeless.
Maybe it's bringing entertainment to cancer patients at a local hospital or sending care packages to soldiers abroad.
On each hand, write one thing that each child dreams of changing, such as Hunger or Homelessnes; next write a few sentences about what they can do to help.
Not only will this project children thinking about Martin Luther King, Jr., but it will encourage them to explore what they can do to make the world a better place. It's never too young to start making a difference.
KEEP THE POSTER UP ALL YEAR AND MAKE IT A PERMANENT PART OF YOUR PROGRAM!

_________________________

PEACEFUL WORLD
Have children draw a picture of what they think the world will be like-- if their was no fighting or war...

____________________

BEAD PIN CRAFT
Children will enjoy creating this craft which demonstrates that people of all colors are part of one family. Even more fun than making your pin is wearing it on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
You'll need:
Three 5/8-inch wooden beads in three different finishes
Black, brown and yellow yarn
Six small wiggle eyes
Three tiny pom-poms, two black and one white
Toothpick
Red permanent marker
Pin-back
White craft glue
Scissors
1. Cut six one-inch pieces of yarn from each of the three colors of yarn.

2. Use one end of the toothpick to rub glue inside the hole in each of the three beads.

3. Use the other end of the toothpick to push the ends of one of the colors of yarn into the hole of each bead for hair.

4. Glue two wiggle eyes to the side of each bead, below the yarn hair.
5. Glue a pom-pom to the side of each bead below the eyes for the nose.

6. Use the red marker to draw a mouth on each bead below the nose.

7. Glue the three beads together.

8.Glue the pin-back to the back of the beads.
Tips:
If you do this project on a Styrofoam plate or tray you will not have trouble with glue or paint sticking to the surface as it dries. If you are helping a younger child make this pin you might want to use slightly larger beads to make it easier to work on.

_____________________

Write on a chart some of the "dreams" that Martin Luther King expressed in his speech.
Ask youth to think about the things they dream for themselves, their families, their country, and the world, and to express those dreams in their own "I have a dream" scroll, essays, journals, or artwork.

__________________________

I HAVE A DREAM QUILT

Materials:
Paper and Construction paper
Pencils and markers, and crayons and yarn

1. Martin Luther had a dream. What are the children's dreams? Explore this by having them draw a picture of themselves representing what they want to be/do as adults!

2. Put the individual squares together and tie them with yarn.

3. Put a plain colored border around the quilt and as a fill in where needed.

4. Put a title above the Quilt: I Have a Dream or When I Grow Up...The title will depend on the age of the group of children.

__________________________

DECORATE WITH MANY COLORS
What's a birthday party without decorations? Here's a great Martin Luther King Day activity to do with younger children:
Make the classic paper chains using black, white, red, yellow, and brown construction paper to represent the various skin tones found across our nation.
Show kids the symbolism behind the craft: "Each link represents a hand, and our chain reminds us that Dr. King joined hands with people of all colors when he marched for freedom."
A variation on this theme: Children can trace their own hands, then color them in using different skin-tone shaded crayons. _______________________

You Need: Paper Plates, Streamers, Glitter, Paint and Markers
Have children draw peace signs on the paper plates... decorate them with with paint and glitter. Tape or glue steamers from the peace signs. Hang about room!
________________________________
I HAVE A DREAM MOBILE
You will need:
Cardstock or construction paper
Paper punch
Crayons or markers
Yarn
Stickers, glitter or other decorations for your mobile

1. Cut a large cloud shape out of a piece of card stock. If you are using construction paper cut two of the same shape and size and glue them together so they are strong enough to hold your mobile. Your cloud needs to be long enough to hand three or four smaller clouds from it.

2. Cut out three or four smaller cloud shapes. These can be different colors and even different shapes. You don't have to use clouds - they can be circles, squares, hands or whatever you like.
3. On the large cloud write the words "I have a dream" on both sides. Decorate however you like. You can use stickers, glitter or draw a picture or a rainbow on your cloud. Decorate both sides. Now punch two holes evenly spaced across the top. Cut a piece of yarn about a foot long and tie an end in each hole. This is how you will hang your mobile.

4. On the smaller clouds, write what your dreams are. Do you want to be a doctor? Would you like everyone to be happy? Do you want to own a puppy? Your dreams can be big ones or small ones - they are yours and that is what makes them special. Again, decorate each cloud however you would like it to look.

5. Now punch a hole for each cloud along the bottom of the larger cloud - spacing them out evenly. Then punch a hole in the top of each little cloud. Cut a piece of string to go with each cloud, making them different lengths. Tie one end of the string in the bottom of the large cloud and the other end in the top of a small cloud. Repeat until you have all your shapes hanging from the larger cloud. Hang your "I have a dream" mobile where you can share your dreams with others.
_____________________
CLOUD DREAM
Give each child a piece of paper and cut a cloud shape from it. Have them paint the cloud and then ask them their dreams... Write them on the cloud.
Cassie's suggestions in "Have a Dream Mobile are:
   • Do you want to be a doctor?
   • Would you like everyone to be happy?
   • Do you want to own a puppy?
   • Your dreams can be big ones or small ones - they are yours and that is what makes them special. Sarah/Oakbrook
___________________
HANDS OF FRIENDSHIP

1. Have children trace their hands on construction paper using black, white, red, yellow and brown paper to represent various skin tones found across our nation.

2. Cut them out. Attach all the hands together using a method that depends on where you are going to put them.
Example:
You can glue or staple hands together in a long chain or swag.
As you are working on the project, you can talk about each hand representing the diversity in our country/world--or if it is for MLK Day--how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. joined hands with people of all colors when he marched for freedom.

_________________
HAND IN HAND
1. Carefully trace around the right hands of several children---then photocopy handprints onto tag board or heavy paper. Each child should receive six handprints.
2. Provide children with multi-cultural crayons and ask them to color each handprint a different skin tone. After handprints are colored, students may cut them out, cutting carefully between each finger and thumb.
3. Print the phrase "I will love others as myself." for children, then ask children to define love. Ask children to list ways in which we show love for ourselves. (We sleep when we are tired. We eat when we are hungry. We go to the doctor when we get sick. We study hard so that we can get a good job later. We avoid injury whenever possible, etc.)
4. Next, ask students to list ways in which we may love others "as we love ourselves." (We give food to people who are hungry. We give a warm blanket or a coat to a homeless person on a cold night. We offer to take people who are sick to the doctor when they cannot drive. We watch a younger brother or sister so Mom can rest when she is tired. We are careful when we play so that we do not hurt others, etc.)
5. Direct youth to copy the phrase onto the handprints, neatly printing one word on each hand. Students may then put the words in order by linking the thumb of one hand between the fingers of the next. You might ask each child to tell one way he or she can love someone else as himself/herself while children are assembling the handprint chains.  ____________________

A simple project can demonstrate the beauty of diversity!
Martin Luther King's dream was to see people of all countries, races, and religions living together in harmony. Gather seeds of different kinds and invite each student to plant a variety of seeds in an egg carton.

The seeds of different shapes, sizes, and colors will sprout side by side. Once the plants are large enough, transplant them into a large pot in the classroom or in a small garden outside. If you do this project with some of the school classes, each class in the school might do the project on its own, culminating in the creation of a beautiful, colorful, and diverse schoolwide garden!

Is Google Getting Grazed Over?

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:32:00 +0000

Are you wondering where all of the hype is coming from about Apple and it's iPhone and iPad?
Sometimes I wonder too. I think they're great products and I've owned every iPod there is known to man. I'm secretly obsessed with the iPhone but haven't taken the leap yet - and I still think the iPad is too rich for my blood.

I have test driven an Android phone and I will tell you that I think there still isn't enough awareness out there about them. We all seem to know the numerous things Apple products can do in the classroom but what about an Android powered device? There are some things out there --many undiscovered --and many more to come I'm sure. Android has the possibility of monopolizing on Apple's closed minded attitude on many platforms. I for one am more interested in investing in something for my classroom that can utilize other brands and markets out there.

Take a look at a few apps the apps that we found:

Grade Book for Professors (with Google Docs Sync)

Edit your grade book directly from your phone!

No need to sync two separate grade books! Use one primary grade that is stored in the cloud on Google Spreadsheets.
Email a student their grades with the click of a button!
Pin-number to protect your grade books in case your phone is lost.

Attendance (with Google Docs Sync)

A simple and efficient way to take attendance with your Android device! All attendance results are saved to a Google Spreadsheet.

No need to enter student names into phone. Just get the student names into a Google Spreadsheet and the app handles the rest.

Grade Ticker

Simple tool to help professors and teachers make grade tallying more efficient

Integrates with Gradebook for Professors for easy grade entry

Grade Rubric

Simple tool grading tool for professors and teachers who use a grading rubric for assignments. Option to auto-generate an email with detailed grade report for student.

Custom rubric labels.
Choose letter rubrics and numbers rubrics
Integrates with Gradebook for Professors for easy grade entry

Bringing Something New to iPad

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:04:00 +0000

New Platform Designed To Bring Collaborative Learning to iPad

By Scott Aronowitz

Software developer Media-X has begun to demonstrate its new collaborative learning platform for mobile devices, eStudent, ahead of the product's formal June release date. The company previewed the platform at the FETC 2011 show in Orlando, FL and at the TCEA show in Austin, TX in early February and will also give an advance look to attendees at the NCCE show being held in March in Portland, OR.
eStudent is a content creation and sharing platform specially designed for use with the Apple iPad mobile computing device. It allows a teacher to create content for lessons and then "push out" the content to their students' iPads, as well as for students to create and share content with one another and in groups. The features eStudent offers to boost mobile collaboration include:

Group or private chats monitored by the instructor;
Media distribution, including print, video, audio, Web links, map coordinates, etc.;
Real-time and offline lessons and quizzes;
Learning journals;
Homework notes; and
Calendars and reminders.

Richard Young, a teacher and instructional intelligence trainer for the Western Quebec School Board in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, said eStudent facilitates collaborative and accountable group work by students. "eStudent running on the iPad is a unique opportunity for using technology to facilitate higher level instructional strategies that are very collaborative in nature--a challenging task in today's classroom," explained Young. "That's a real advantage to teachers, as it takes many years to become successful at implementing group work that works."
A spokesperson for Media-X explained that, with a history of developing mobile applications for teachers and administrators, it made sense for the company to extend its product line to encompass the student learning environment as well. And, he noted, "The iPad offers so many convenient, effective, and engaging possibilities in the classroom."

FREE iphone - ipod Apps for Kids

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:31:00 +0000

Want to add some apps to your iPhone or iPod? Here are some of our favorites.

Doodle Buddy

FREE – This is a simple and free App. You can paint, chalk, glitter, or smudge to create drawings. You can change your background with the small library included or use a photo from your camera roll. Stamps are the real hit for preschooler users. Each stamp is colorful and fun and plays a cute noise every time its stamped. This app is used almost every day and best of all its FREE!

Preschool Memory Match

FREE – There are a lot of free matching games available but this is one of my favorites. There are 3 levels; Easy(3×4), Medium(5×4), and Hard(6×5). The icons are cute and easy to identify. The cards stay facing up until the next turn starts giving any toddler as much time as they want to remember the cards.

Toddler Teasers Shapes

FREE – Toddler Teasers make this shape quizzing app. The front screen is easy for toddlers to use. One large play button to start the game. If you want to go to the menu you have to triple tap the screen. There are no ads trying to trick Thing 1 into purchasing their other apps. The menu has some personalization options. You can choose how many right answers earns a sticker as well as how many will move them on to higher levels. If a given answer is wrong the game announces what shape you did push and then disappears. Once the correct answer is chosen there are cheers. Thing 1 loves the sticker page. After four correct answers Thing 1 gets to choose a sticker and place it on his sticker page. If you like Toddler Teasers Shapes then you may want to check out their paid apps too. They make an app for Letters, Colors and more.

iWriteWords Lite

FREE – This is a lite version of the iWriteWords app. This App has the best tracing interface I have seen. I have tried numerous tracing apps and even I get frustrated with how impossible they seem and I have been able to draw capital letters for over 20 years! The downside to the lite version is that you can only do letters A to C in both capital and lower case letters. The app also provides numbers 1 through 9. However unlike simpler tracing apps they also provide a few 3 letter words such as cat, cup and owl. The paid app is a bit pricey at $2.99 so I would wait until your toddler has mastered the provided free letters before upgrading.

AlphaBaby Free

FREE – This app will please even the youngest of users. In the menu you have options to show letters, numbers, shapes, pictures, and colors. The menu also lets you determine how many objects can be shown at once from 1 to 20. AlphaBaby also allows you to record your own voice announcing the letters, numbers and shapes. The game has no rules and no objectives. If you tap the screen a letter, number or shape appears. You can zoom, twist, or flick the objects. Shake to erase or tap to add or replace. Its easy and fun to manipulate.

Want a library of paid apps that cost you nothing? The price of an app can fluctuate. Some apps are FREE when they first come out. Others are dropped to FREE for a day, week, or month to get some exposure. During these times is when you can really score some nice apps for both you and your kids.

DonorsChoose Spotlight

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 02:57:00 +0000

Please stop and take a look at this week's DonorsChoose Spotlight!

Consider donating to this worthy project - any donation is helpful to the cause.

Let's Examine Science!

E-Readers on the Rise

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:22:00 +0000

Interesting Article...I know we have two in our house. I'm a firm believer in keeping traditional paper books but you can't deny this innovative tool!
E-Readers Catch Younger Eyes and Go in Backpacks

What Could be Done with $25K?

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Are you a teacher...know a teacher?

NEC wants to see how badly your school classroom needs a technology upgrade! Just fill out the registration form and submit a video of your classroom in need! NEC will choose 5 classrooms, and then the voting is up to you! Public voting will begin in March 2011 at http://www.necdisplay.com/.

**Participant must be enrolled in www.necstarstudent.com.**

New App - May Prove Useful

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:19:00 +0000

Safari Brings VOD App to iOS Devices

By David Nagel

Safari Montage has launched an iPhone and iPad app for its K-12 video-on-demand system. The app is free and is designed to work in conjunction with a Safari Montage server.
Safari Montage is a WAN-based VOD and digital media management system designed specifically for schools. It includes four-, eight- and 10-bay server configurations, a core content package with pre-loaded titles from educational video producers (National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Disney Education, and others), tools for creating and adding content, and a WAN manager for districts delivering content to schools.
The new app is designed as a companion to the full Safari Montage server. It supports Apple iOS-based devices like the iPhone and iPod touch and allows users to access digital media from the system, use their handhelds as input devices for assessments, and perform other tasks. It also lets users access Safari Montage's new Digital Curriculum Presenter module, announced this week at the FETC 2011 conference in Orlando, FL.
"Teachers and administrators can also access room device controls from anywhere in the classroom, providing great flexibility and management of resources," according to information released by the company. "Additionally, mobile integration in Safari Montage offers a cost-effective student response solution for formative assessment."
Safari Montage for iOS is available now. It requires a device running iOS 3.1 or later, as well as a configured Safari Montage server. Further information can be found here.

Great Freeware for Kids and Classrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:13:00 +0000

Free for All: Great Freeware for the Classroom

Former middle school teacher Luke Allen offers his recommendations for the best free software for teachers, from social Web browsers to image and video editing and manipulation tools.

By Chris Riedel

In his session at the FETC 2011 conference in Orlando Wednesday, Luke Allen opened with surprising revelation: "I am not an expert," he said. "I just have more time than you do to find all this free stuff!"
Allen, a retired middle school teacher from the Chicago area, admitted to using only a fraction of the free software he finds but insisted that it isn't just about finding what solves a specific problem; it's about finding powerful, free tools that enhance the educational experience and then sharing that knowledge with everyone around you. "I might not have a use for all of these tools," he continued, "but I suspect many of you will."
Launching into a comprehensive list of recommended tools and applications, Allen started with the familiar--but not without offering a little twist.
Web Browsers
We're all familiar with Web browsers, Allen said; and most of these will come as no surprise--except, perhaps, for the obvious omission of Internet Explorer. But there are a few, he continued, that offer some interesting possibilities. On Allen's Short list: Firefox, Flock, RockMelt, Chrome, Safari, and Opera.
Flock and RockMelt, he pointed out, cater specifically to social media, with a dashboard interface that covers sites from YouTube to Twitter to Facebook and more. Still, Allen's favorite, he said, is Firefox--for its customizability and the availability of thousands of extensions that allow users to take control of their own browsing experience.
E-Mail Clients
All e-mail clients are, according to Allen, similar in their core functionality. Pointing to Mozilla's Thunderbird, Eudora, and Pegasus Mail, Allen commented, "They get mail, they send mail ... you know: the basics." Still, he said, "I tend to lean toward Mozilla's Thunderbird product for its ease of use and integrated tools", such as calendaring, automatic spam filtering, and it's ability to learn user preferences and behaviors. Another plus, he added, is the ability to pull mail directly from Web-based POP accounts like Gmail and Yahoo.
Word Processing and Productivity Suites
When it comes to productivity, Allen said he doesn't think you should be saddled to the major software providers, like Microsoft. Citing Oracles's OpenOffice.org and OOo4kids (OpenOffice.org for Kids), he insisted that many free options "offer a full suite of tools very similar to Microsoft Office. In fact," he continued, "open source tools often provide a more appropriate feature set," whether you need the full set of features found in some commercial offerings or just a limited set. OOo4kids is a prime example of the latter, he said, offering only the most basic tools for young learners, leaving all the bells and whistles behind.
Imaging Software
According to Allen, you don't need to be a graphics or digital media instructor to see the value in powerful imaging tools. From painting programs to image editing software to slideshow and presentation platforms, Allen provided a comprehensive list of options, including GIMP, jAlbum, Paint.net, FxFoto, TuxPaint, xnView, and irfanView.
Video Converters
Video is quickly becoming a ubiquitous resource in the classroom; according to Allen, that's creating a new set of challenges for managing, editing, and converting files for use on various devices. His picks for media conversion include Quick Media Converter and Freemake Video Converter, along with the VLC Media Player for viewing a range of video file types.
"You can definitely save money in the long rung," Allen said, "by dramatically reducing your licensing costs."
Of course there are other considerations, like support--both software and technical support--as well as district download and installation policies. Allen said his best advice "is to check with your IT folks before you make decisions on how to integrate these tools in your classroom." They may be free, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do your homework.

Early Spring?

noreply@blogger.com (The G.Whiz'ard) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:38:00 +0000

Did the groundhog see his shadow? Find out here!

G.Whiz!

Woogie Review

This Week's Featured DonorsChoose Project!

Woogie Review

DonorsChoose Spotlight

DonorsChoose Spotlight

Check out this week's Spotlight:

Diipo - Collaborative Classroom in Beta Form

Kohl's Cares Scholarship

Nominations accepted February 1 - March 15, 2011

FREE 1-year Subscription to Mightybook Jr.

Top 10 Tech Toys - NY Toy Fair 2011

Kids and Facebook

President's Day 2011

Handling Situations with Less Stress

Science Week on Sesame Street

"Snow Where to Go?"

Woogie Who?

Black History Month Projects & Ideas

___________________ A SONG SUNG TO THE TUNE OF "Bingo"

There was a man who had a dream His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King Mar-tin Lu-ther King.... Mar-tin Lu-ther King... Mar-tin Lu-ther King... His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King

Doctor King, he had a dream He wanted peace for everyone P-E-A-C-E... P-E-A-C-E.... P-E-A-C-E His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King

EXPLORE DIVERSITY of the world's population in general.

• Find out how to speak three phrases in the primary language of the country as part of the group project.

• Research an influential person, such as a politician or inventor, in the movement of black rights in North America.

• Go to the produce aisle and try a fruit or vegetable from the Caribbean or Africa that your children have not tried before such as plantains, figs or guava.

_____________________________

GIVE PEACE A HAND This wonderful display is from the kindergarten class of Renee Glassow.

The following is list of books to share with children about Black History Month and Martin Luther King, Jr. These can be suggested reading as a group, individually or in a children's book club. Books are suggested reading for children ages 4 through 12+.

BOOKS • A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Picture Book Biography) by David A. Adler ( For Ages 4-8)

• A Picture Book of Rosa Parks (Picture Book Biography) by David A. Adler, Robert Casilla (Ages 4-8)

• Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

• Black is Brown is Tan by Arnold Adoff

• If a Bus Could Talk - The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold (Illustrator)

• Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport

• My Dream of Martin Luther King by Faith Ringgold (Illustrator) • No Mirrors in My Nana's House by Ysaye M. Barnwell

• Shades Of Black by Sandra L. Pinkney

• The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, George Ford (Illustrator)

• What is Martin Luther King Day? by Margaret Friskey

• Harriet Tubman and Black History Month-by Polly Carter (age 5-8)

• I Have a Dream- by Martin Luther King, Jr. & Kathleen A. Wilson (age 4-8)

• Portraits of African American Hereos by Tonya Bolden (age 7-9)

• Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman by Dorothy Sterling (age 8-12)

• If You Lived at the Time of Martin Luther King Jr. by Ellen Levin (age 7-10)

• A Lesson for Martin Luther King, Jr. by Denise Lewis Patrick (age 5-7)

• Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King, Jr. by Jean Marzollo (age 5-8)

• A Voice of her Own: The Story of Phillis Wheatly,

Slave Poet by: Kathryn Lasky (age 8-12)

• If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold (age 5-9)

• George Washington Carver: The Peanut Wizard by Laura Driscoll (age 5-8)

• Freedom Summer by Debbie Wiles (age 5-8)

• Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles (age 5-9)

• Rosa Parks: My Story by Rosa Parks with Jim Haskins (age 12+)

• Thank You, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Eleanora E. Tate (age 9-12) In the United States, Martin Luther King Day is always observed on the third Monday of January; MLK Day in 2011 is on Monday, the 17th of January.

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February 1 - March 15, 2011

___________________
A SONG SUNG TO THE TUNE OF "Bingo"

There was a man who had a dream His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King
Mar-tin Lu-ther King.... Mar-tin Lu-ther King... Mar-tin Lu-ther King...
His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King

Doctor King, he had a dream He wanted peace for everyone
P-E-A-C-E... P-E-A-C-E.... P-E-A-C-E
His name was Mar-tin Lu-ther King

GIVE PEACE A HAND
This wonderful display is from the kindergarten class of Renee Glassow.

BOOKS
• A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Picture Book Biography)
by David A. Adler ( For Ages 4-8)

• A Picture Book of Rosa Parks (Picture Book Biography)
by David A. Adler, Robert Casilla (Ages 4-8)

• My Dream of Martin Luther King by Faith Ringgold (Illustrator) • No Mirrors in My Nana's House
by Ysaye M. Barnwell