Tool #6

Today I created a Wiki for my classroom. While at first I was pulling my hair out, I'm glad now that I set it up. I am anticipating that it will be easier from now on.
The Wiki page can be used to post current assignments, tests and the newsletter. I can also link the parents to more resources they can use at home with their children.

Tool #5

I had a little trouble understanding all of the information at first, but I basically see the purpose of the sites. I added two new links under my link list. I typed in elementary math for my tags. The students can use these sites for research papers. I can have two students set up a page with the bookmarks. That way the other students have something to work from.

Tool #4

We can use Google Docs to share our documents-especially the newsletter. No longer do we have to email it back and forth to each other. It's a great way to connect with my team quickly and to avoid all the paper piles.
The Google reader is a good way to keep up with the blogs I am following. Once school starts, we can put blogs on there for the kids and that way they can quickly see new updates.

Tool #3

The images on the blog can be used to show various science experiments done in the science lab, images of the students, and really anything the students would like to blog. Wordle can be used to display our vocabulary words, the students' names, and the different concepts we are learnng for that week. It is a good way to reinforce what we are learning. I know the kids will also like using ImageChef. We can come up with a fun saying for the science taks to help keep them motivated. :) Bookr would be great to use for review. Different images could be put in and for each image, the students would describe how it relates to what we are learning. For example, we could create a book of the different moon phases. The students would then work together to create descriptions of each phase on chart paper. Then we would post the descriptions and take a gallery walk to compare. I'm getting excited!!

Tool #1 & #2 Summer Mornings

Summer mornings are my favorite part of the day, mainly because it is quiet. I also am excited about all of the things I can get done! So this morning I had a lot of fun adding buttons to my blog. I also rearranged the layout to make it easier to read.
Today my nephews are coming over to go for a swim. They are growing up so fast.
I am enjoying creating my blog. It does take some time but overall it is rather easy. I know my students will be able to catch on quickly. My plan is to create a blog for my class in the fall. I would like to make it an interactive sight where parents can come together and feel like they are a part of their child's education. I would like for students to post daily what they completed in class, or maybe weekly. I will also put all of the other "teachery" things on there.
I appreciate Cool Cat Teacher's comment about how we need to make sure we explain our comments. We shouldn't just write "great" or "wow." We need to explain why and what our thoughts are. This way you make more of a connection with the blogger.

Sizzle

Could it be any hotter outside?

Monday, Tuesday and today I went to a Love and Logic presentation. While it was hard to get up in the morning, the presentation was very informative. I look forward to using the techniques this year.

This afternoon we will probably go for a swim. Jack and Maddie are loving the pool.