In response to:
http://www.edutopia.org/learning-foreign-languages-importance
In this blog post by Owen Edwards, he discusses the need for English speaking Americans to learn another language. Edwards made a statement that when you "Learn a language, you learn a people. Learn a people, and you learn about yourself." I really like this statement because making personal connections is really important for students. Students need to learn about themselves and to know themselves so that they can make good decisions and care about themselves and others. Edwards also talks about how learning foreign languages in school has become more of a focus in some states, but still does not hold the high importance of classes like math and reading. Learning another language can open many doors for careers opportunities when students finish up their college degree. Studies say that learning a foreign language is easiest for students at a young age, so it would be neat to see more schools incorporate foreign language into their curriculum.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Importance of After School Programs
This post in response to:
http://www.edutopia.org/after-school-programs-matter
After school programs such as "Liahona Youth Empowerment" are very important for our youth today because kids need a place to go after school. Not only do kids need a place to go, but they also need a place to release energy in a positive way. More and more I have been finding that students at the elementary level are not getting recess and are expected to focus their attention on lessons all day at school without any energy release. I feel that after school programs are a good way to release their energy. Also, after school programs such as health, computer, performing arts, dance, and music are all very important fields that students need more practice in. Often times, school programs focus only on math, reading, science, and social studies. Fun and interactive activities will make it so that students want to attend these helpful after school activities.
http://www.edutopia.org/after-school-programs-matter
After school programs such as "Liahona Youth Empowerment" are very important for our youth today because kids need a place to go after school. Not only do kids need a place to go, but they also need a place to release energy in a positive way. More and more I have been finding that students at the elementary level are not getting recess and are expected to focus their attention on lessons all day at school without any energy release. I feel that after school programs are a good way to release their energy. Also, after school programs such as health, computer, performing arts, dance, and music are all very important fields that students need more practice in. Often times, school programs focus only on math, reading, science, and social studies. Fun and interactive activities will make it so that students want to attend these helpful after school activities.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
NASA's New Flight System
This post in response to:
http://scienceblog.com/47029/nasa-selects-seven-firms-to-provide-near-space-flight-services/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+scienceblogrssfeed+%28Science+Blog%29
Because I live in the Clear Lake area of Houston, TX, any positive news about NASA's flight program is a good thing. Much of the area in which I live is employed by NASA in one way or another and I hate hearing about all of the good people that are being let go because the flight program is no longer being funded by the U.S. government. I can't say that I support U.S. funding of the flight program, but I am happy that NASA is being able to outsource their future flights through companies located in the U.S. It will be very interesting to see what happens in the coming years when it comes to U.S. led flights into space!
http://scienceblog.com/47029/nasa-selects-seven-firms-to-provide-near-space-flight-services/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+scienceblogrssfeed+%28Science+Blog%29
Because I live in the Clear Lake area of Houston, TX, any positive news about NASA's flight program is a good thing. Much of the area in which I live is employed by NASA in one way or another and I hate hearing about all of the good people that are being let go because the flight program is no longer being funded by the U.S. government. I can't say that I support U.S. funding of the flight program, but I am happy that NASA is being able to outsource their future flights through companies located in the U.S. It will be very interesting to see what happens in the coming years when it comes to U.S. led flights into space!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Beginning of School Year Lessons
In response to: "Starting the School Year Lessons."
http://www.edutopia.org/groups/social-studies/64210
In this short blog post, Brian Thomas offers four lessons to begin the school year with. Thomas has linked each one of the lesson plans which will take you to the lesson itself with directions/instructions. First lesson is a getting to know each other activity. Second is an introduction to interactive notebooks. Third is a discussion on learning styles and working with others. Lastly, Thomas gives an automated classroom procedures list to save on instructional time. All four of his short lessons are going to need to be tailored to the needs of your individual classroom. Thomas also includes a link at the bottom of this linked site to his own blog page which he adds monthly free lesson plans to. Great ideas for the first week of school.
http://www.edutopia.org/groups/social-studies/64210
In this short blog post, Brian Thomas offers four lessons to begin the school year with. Thomas has linked each one of the lesson plans which will take you to the lesson itself with directions/instructions. First lesson is a getting to know each other activity. Second is an introduction to interactive notebooks. Third is a discussion on learning styles and working with others. Lastly, Thomas gives an automated classroom procedures list to save on instructional time. All four of his short lessons are going to need to be tailored to the needs of your individual classroom. Thomas also includes a link at the bottom of this linked site to his own blog page which he adds monthly free lesson plans to. Great ideas for the first week of school.
Science of Learning
In response to: "Big Thinkers: Judy Willis on the Science of Learning."
http://www.edutopia.org/big-thinkers-judy-willis-neuroscience-learning-short-video
This short video by Judy Willis talks about her life as a neurologist and how she was increasingly being sent kids who were suspected of having learning disabilities. As part of what she did to test the students, she visited their classrooms to observe their learning. When in the classroom, Judy noticed that the students did not have learning disabilities, but their brains were either stressed or bored because of the way the teachers were teaching the lessons. Judy decided to take her knowledge of the brain and return to college to get a degree in education. From there, Judy taught second grade and was sure to teach students in a more hands on, collaborative style instead of the lecture style that she observed going on in lower elementary classrooms. Her students were successful and learned a great deal from her style of teaching.
http://www.edutopia.org/big-thinkers-judy-willis-neuroscience-learning-short-video
This short video by Judy Willis talks about her life as a neurologist and how she was increasingly being sent kids who were suspected of having learning disabilities. As part of what she did to test the students, she visited their classrooms to observe their learning. When in the classroom, Judy noticed that the students did not have learning disabilities, but their brains were either stressed or bored because of the way the teachers were teaching the lessons. Judy decided to take her knowledge of the brain and return to college to get a degree in education. From there, Judy taught second grade and was sure to teach students in a more hands on, collaborative style instead of the lecture style that she observed going on in lower elementary classrooms. Her students were successful and learned a great deal from her style of teaching.
What Makes an Effective Teacher?
In response to: "Measuring a Teacher's Effectiveness Goes Beyond Test Scores."
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-effectiveness-measuring-test-scores-elena-aguilar
In this blog post by Elena Aguilar I was happy to read that parents do care more than just test scores when it comes to evaluating what makes an effective classroom teacher. To a classroom teacher today, it seems that all that matters to administrators are the test scores of students. If the test scores in a classroom were not to the standards set by the school, then the teacher must not be doing their job. I agree with Aguilar that part of a teacher's yearly evaluation should be based on student feedback. The life lessons that teachers share with students on a daily basis are so important for kids, but are overlooked by administration and much of society because the focus is solely on test scores. Good to see that some parents care more about their child's education that just test scores.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-effectiveness-measuring-test-scores-elena-aguilar
In this blog post by Elena Aguilar I was happy to read that parents do care more than just test scores when it comes to evaluating what makes an effective classroom teacher. To a classroom teacher today, it seems that all that matters to administrators are the test scores of students. If the test scores in a classroom were not to the standards set by the school, then the teacher must not be doing their job. I agree with Aguilar that part of a teacher's yearly evaluation should be based on student feedback. The life lessons that teachers share with students on a daily basis are so important for kids, but are overlooked by administration and much of society because the focus is solely on test scores. Good to see that some parents care more about their child's education that just test scores.
What Motivates Us?
In response to: "RSA Animate - Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc
In this YouTube video that was uploaded by theRSAorg., a different, new kind of motivation is described in detail. The video talks about a test that has been done on elementary students that is designed to motivate them using money as an incentive. Students were given a set of jobs to complete and depending on how well they did those jobs, they would receive a given amount of money. The better they did, the more money they would get. The video states that this type of incentive for students only works with jobs pertaining to mechanical skills such as physical labor jobs. When it came to jobs requiring cognitive thinking or creative thinking, the amount of incentive offered led to poorer performance. When the test was repeated for workers in a poor rural area in India where $50 was worth a months worth of work, the test results came out the same. The video states clearly that without PURPOSE, kids are not often willing to give their best effort even with an incentive being offered. Teachers need to do their best to ensure that there is a purpose to all of the assignments and activities that we expect students to do each day. This video was very interesting!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc
In this YouTube video that was uploaded by theRSAorg., a different, new kind of motivation is described in detail. The video talks about a test that has been done on elementary students that is designed to motivate them using money as an incentive. Students were given a set of jobs to complete and depending on how well they did those jobs, they would receive a given amount of money. The better they did, the more money they would get. The video states that this type of incentive for students only works with jobs pertaining to mechanical skills such as physical labor jobs. When it came to jobs requiring cognitive thinking or creative thinking, the amount of incentive offered led to poorer performance. When the test was repeated for workers in a poor rural area in India where $50 was worth a months worth of work, the test results came out the same. The video states clearly that without PURPOSE, kids are not often willing to give their best effort even with an incentive being offered. Teachers need to do their best to ensure that there is a purpose to all of the assignments and activities that we expect students to do each day. This video was very interesting!
Use Fictional Writing with Elementary Authors
In response to: "Fantastical Enlightenment for Elementary Students."
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/elementary-student-writing-fantasy-gaetan-pappalardo
In this blog post by Gaetan Pappalardo, he emphasizes the importance of introducing young writers to the genre of fiction. In his post, Pappalardo refers to the fact that many states do not even add fictional writing to their standards/benchmarks and that kids are being cheated. Children are exposed to fictional material on a daily while on the internet and watching television. The majority of the books that children read are fictional stories. When it comes to writing, many young students struggle more than they did when beginning to read. If students were encouraged to use their imagination in their fictional writing, they would enjoy writing much more. Pappalardo talks about how teachers do tell students to write about what they know, but often times do not give students the freedom to really write about what they want to write about. Instead, teachers often times tell students to write about anything that true and non-fictional. I agree with Pappalardo that if a teacher takes the time to model fictional writing and discuss fictional writing ideas with a classroom of upper elementary students that kids would really enjoy writing much more. As teachers, we need to find time to squeeze in fictional writing as much as possible!
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/elementary-student-writing-fantasy-gaetan-pappalardo
In this blog post by Gaetan Pappalardo, he emphasizes the importance of introducing young writers to the genre of fiction. In his post, Pappalardo refers to the fact that many states do not even add fictional writing to their standards/benchmarks and that kids are being cheated. Children are exposed to fictional material on a daily while on the internet and watching television. The majority of the books that children read are fictional stories. When it comes to writing, many young students struggle more than they did when beginning to read. If students were encouraged to use their imagination in their fictional writing, they would enjoy writing much more. Pappalardo talks about how teachers do tell students to write about what they know, but often times do not give students the freedom to really write about what they want to write about. Instead, teachers often times tell students to write about anything that true and non-fictional. I agree with Pappalardo that if a teacher takes the time to model fictional writing and discuss fictional writing ideas with a classroom of upper elementary students that kids would really enjoy writing much more. As teachers, we need to find time to squeeze in fictional writing as much as possible!
Using Technology to Study Landscapes Outdoors
In response to: "Learning Landscape: Kids Monitor Terrain with Technology."
http://www.edutopia.org/wetland-ecology-technology-video
This link connects you to a five minute video that describes a program that upper elementary school students in Minnesota are involved in for Science. Students have been working outdoors in a open area of land that has many different types of plant and animal life. Students are put into groups and are given a number of plants and animals that they need to research and monitor. Each group becomes specialists/experts in their area of study and is expected to report to the class about their findings. The area of land that they have to work with is large and most schools do not have programs set up like this for their students, but it is something that teachers could strive for in the future. The elementary school in this post has gotten grants to buy new technology for their students to use in the field and the kids really respond well to the atmosphere of learning. Using the technology allows students to collaborate and become life-long self-learners inside and outside of the classroom.
http://www.edutopia.org/wetland-ecology-technology-video
This link connects you to a five minute video that describes a program that upper elementary school students in Minnesota are involved in for Science. Students have been working outdoors in a open area of land that has many different types of plant and animal life. Students are put into groups and are given a number of plants and animals that they need to research and monitor. Each group becomes specialists/experts in their area of study and is expected to report to the class about their findings. The area of land that they have to work with is large and most schools do not have programs set up like this for their students, but it is something that teachers could strive for in the future. The elementary school in this post has gotten grants to buy new technology for their students to use in the field and the kids really respond well to the atmosphere of learning. Using the technology allows students to collaborate and become life-long self-learners inside and outside of the classroom.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Responsibility for Learning on Teachers or Students?
This blog post is in response to:
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-commitment-depends-on-teachers-ben-johnson
In the blog that is linked above, Ben Johnson raises the question of who is responsible for learning in the classroom? Does the responsibility to ensure that learning is taking place that of the teachers or of the students? When Ben posed this question at a faculty meeting his teaching staff had mixed feelings. In this blog Ben discusses the need for teachers to have the mentality that "all students will learn in my classroom." On the other hand, students need to have to want to learn something as well to have the perfect atmosphere for learning to take place. As a teacher, I know that all students will and do learn in my classroom and I need to set the bar high and help students to reach positive goals throughout the year.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-commitment-depends-on-teachers-ben-johnson
In the blog that is linked above, Ben Johnson raises the question of who is responsible for learning in the classroom? Does the responsibility to ensure that learning is taking place that of the teachers or of the students? When Ben posed this question at a faculty meeting his teaching staff had mixed feelings. In this blog Ben discusses the need for teachers to have the mentality that "all students will learn in my classroom." On the other hand, students need to have to want to learn something as well to have the perfect atmosphere for learning to take place. As a teacher, I know that all students will and do learn in my classroom and I need to set the bar high and help students to reach positive goals throughout the year.
Involve Students When Creating Classroom Rules
This post is in response to:
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/bill-student-rights-classroom-rules-nicholas-provenzano
In his posting on Edutopia Nicholas Provenzano described the setting of his classroom while his students worked in groups to create a set of classroom rules that they would use for the school year. By reading his post it is clear that he did not send his students on their way blindly. They studied and discussed both the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights before beginning their class sessions dedicated to the creation of classroom rules. I really like how Provenzano uses both Social Studies and Language Arts as a lesson plan/unit for creating classroom rules that were created by his students.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/bill-student-rights-classroom-rules-nicholas-provenzano
In his posting on Edutopia Nicholas Provenzano described the setting of his classroom while his students worked in groups to create a set of classroom rules that they would use for the school year. By reading his post it is clear that he did not send his students on their way blindly. They studied and discussed both the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights before beginning their class sessions dedicated to the creation of classroom rules. I really like how Provenzano uses both Social Studies and Language Arts as a lesson plan/unit for creating classroom rules that were created by his students.
Teaching in the U.S.A. vs Other Countries Around the World
This blog post is in response to: http://www.edutopia.org/groups/elementary-school/63840
Hector, the person who wrote the blog post above, is not happy with the American school system and how it compares to the school systems of other countries around the world. Hector claimed that Finland has one of the highest ranking school systems in the world. He gave credit to the country for only allowing the top tier of their college education graduates the opportunity to apply for teaching positions. Those who do not make the cut are simply not allowed to apply for teaching jobs. Hector claims that unlike in the U.S.A., the country of Finland places a very high value on their education system and is willing to pay their teachers high wages to educate their youth. By paying their teachers competitive wages, top tier college graduates strive to become a teacher just as people in the U.S.A. strive to become engineers, doctors, accountants, and lawyers. If teachers in the U.S.A. were paid better, the quality of education might go up? I have mixed feelings on this rationale. What do you think?
Hector, the person who wrote the blog post above, is not happy with the American school system and how it compares to the school systems of other countries around the world. Hector claimed that Finland has one of the highest ranking school systems in the world. He gave credit to the country for only allowing the top tier of their college education graduates the opportunity to apply for teaching positions. Those who do not make the cut are simply not allowed to apply for teaching jobs. Hector claims that unlike in the U.S.A., the country of Finland places a very high value on their education system and is willing to pay their teachers high wages to educate their youth. By paying their teachers competitive wages, top tier college graduates strive to become a teacher just as people in the U.S.A. strive to become engineers, doctors, accountants, and lawyers. If teachers in the U.S.A. were paid better, the quality of education might go up? I have mixed feelings on this rationale. What do you think?
Friday, July 15, 2011
Student Data Folders
In response to: "Create Student Data Folders for Parents"
http://www.teachhub.com/news/article/cat/14/item/778
In this blog post Charity Preston discusses the need for "student data" folders to be sent home bi-weekly throughout the school year. By sending home student data folders, parents are more involved in the education of their child. Grades and comments will be sent home by the teacher and parents will be required to sign and return the folder on an assigned day of the week. Preston said that she also creates room on the data page where the students are required to write a self reflection about the past couple of weeks and how they think things are going and what they can do to improve. This is a way of having students track their own progress and so that they always know where they stand when it comes to their grades. Students are encouraged to take ownership in their work by sending home grades more often. Preston claims that even with the 24 hour a day grading system that is available on the school website that parents still claim they had no idea their child was not performing well in the classroom. This is a way to avoid that and to encourage more parental involvement. Preston offers a detailed example of how to make the folders and what to put in them to get you started in your own routine of sending home student data folders in the link above. I have used a system very similar to this and it works great. It really does cut down on the number of upset parents when report cards are sent home...
http://www.teachhub.com/news/article/cat/14/item/778
In this blog post Charity Preston discusses the need for "student data" folders to be sent home bi-weekly throughout the school year. By sending home student data folders, parents are more involved in the education of their child. Grades and comments will be sent home by the teacher and parents will be required to sign and return the folder on an assigned day of the week. Preston said that she also creates room on the data page where the students are required to write a self reflection about the past couple of weeks and how they think things are going and what they can do to improve. This is a way of having students track their own progress and so that they always know where they stand when it comes to their grades. Students are encouraged to take ownership in their work by sending home grades more often. Preston claims that even with the 24 hour a day grading system that is available on the school website that parents still claim they had no idea their child was not performing well in the classroom. This is a way to avoid that and to encourage more parental involvement. Preston offers a detailed example of how to make the folders and what to put in them to get you started in your own routine of sending home student data folders in the link above. I have used a system very similar to this and it works great. It really does cut down on the number of upset parents when report cards are sent home...
How to Have a Successful School Year
In response to: "Two Simple Secrets to a Successful School Year"
http://www.teachhub.com/news/article/cat/14/item/736
In Kim Oliver's blog post on how to have a successful school year she discusses two key necessities that every successful classroom needs. First, Oliver shares that building a relationship with your students is the most important thing a teacher can do to create the setting for a successful school year. Students want to do their best work for the teachers that they like and respect. Secondly, Oliver says that teachers need to set the bar high when it comes to expectations. In order for students to reach high to meet those expectations a teacher needs to ensure that their classroom is a safe place for the students to be. Teachers need to focus on being themselves because students are good at seeing right through a teacher who is trying to be someone that they are not. Kids love it when teachers are themselves and happy in the classroom!
http://www.teachhub.com/news/article/cat/14/item/736
In Kim Oliver's blog post on how to have a successful school year she discusses two key necessities that every successful classroom needs. First, Oliver shares that building a relationship with your students is the most important thing a teacher can do to create the setting for a successful school year. Students want to do their best work for the teachers that they like and respect. Secondly, Oliver says that teachers need to set the bar high when it comes to expectations. In order for students to reach high to meet those expectations a teacher needs to ensure that their classroom is a safe place for the students to be. Teachers need to focus on being themselves because students are good at seeing right through a teacher who is trying to be someone that they are not. Kids love it when teachers are themselves and happy in the classroom!
How to Land a Teaching Job
In response to: "3 Proven Ways to Land a Teaching Job"
http://www.teachhub.com/news/article/cat/14/item/811
In this blog post by Donzo Morton there are three ways in which the author discussed how to have better chances of landing a teaching position in today's tough teaching market. Number one was to be aggressive! There is no shame in being a little bit pushy in today's job market. Even if you are consistent and maybe even a little pushy, it is better than being passive and not fighting for it a little. Second way was to use your telephone. The internet is widely used nowadays and there is very little voice communication. I agree with Morton that there is a special bond that can be made through a telephone call and actually speaking with a principal or secretary. Lastly, upgrade your information that you are giving to the schools. Principals are looking for teachers who know and want to use technology. Morton suggests adding your website to your resume as well as your email and phone number. A website shows principals that you use technology and teacher websites can be created for free!
http://www.teachhub.com/news/article/cat/14/item/811
In this blog post by Donzo Morton there are three ways in which the author discussed how to have better chances of landing a teaching position in today's tough teaching market. Number one was to be aggressive! There is no shame in being a little bit pushy in today's job market. Even if you are consistent and maybe even a little pushy, it is better than being passive and not fighting for it a little. Second way was to use your telephone. The internet is widely used nowadays and there is very little voice communication. I agree with Morton that there is a special bond that can be made through a telephone call and actually speaking with a principal or secretary. Lastly, upgrade your information that you are giving to the schools. Principals are looking for teachers who know and want to use technology. Morton suggests adding your website to your resume as well as your email and phone number. A website shows principals that you use technology and teacher websites can be created for free!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Teachers Training for Technology
"Train Yourself; A Guide to Online Technology Tutorials"
http://www.edutopia.org/online-technology-computer-tutorials
In this blog by Alexandria R. Moses she discusses the importance of teachers using technology in the classroom on a daily basis. In the past it has been very common for students to use the computer lab for one hour, one day per week. Students today are being exposed to more technology in the classroom but it is important for teachers to know how to integrate as much technology into the classroom as possible. When our students graduate and head out to look for jobs or go to college, they are going to be expected to know how to use many different types of technology and computing tools. It is our job as teachers to prepare them for the real world which does require knowledge of technology tools.
This blog suggests that teachers research many different websites to learn how to use new technology and how to incorporate more new technology into their classrooms. Teachers can find tutorials on how to use many forms of technology on websites listed in this blog. The author suggests that teachers visit SchoolTube and TeacherTube to search for lessons and activities that involve the use of technology.
http://www.edutopia.org/online-technology-computer-tutorials
In this blog by Alexandria R. Moses she discusses the importance of teachers using technology in the classroom on a daily basis. In the past it has been very common for students to use the computer lab for one hour, one day per week. Students today are being exposed to more technology in the classroom but it is important for teachers to know how to integrate as much technology into the classroom as possible. When our students graduate and head out to look for jobs or go to college, they are going to be expected to know how to use many different types of technology and computing tools. It is our job as teachers to prepare them for the real world which does require knowledge of technology tools.
This blog suggests that teachers research many different websites to learn how to use new technology and how to incorporate more new technology into their classrooms. Teachers can find tutorials on how to use many forms of technology on websites listed in this blog. The author suggests that teachers visit SchoolTube and TeacherTube to search for lessons and activities that involve the use of technology.
In-Class Formative Assessments
"Why Formative Assessments Matter"
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/formative-assessments-importance-of-rebecca-alber
This blog post by Rebecca Alber discusses the importance of Formative Assessments in the classroom. Formative Assessments are informal assessments used to check for student understanding. A few examples of Formative Assessments that Rebecca gave are Exit Slips, Three Minute Paper, Once-Sentence Summary, and Teacher Observations. I am very familiar with exit slips and observation, but I really liked her idea about giving the students a small amount of time to either write a summary of what they learned so far on the topic being taught/learned. I plan on using this with my class next year. Not only is it a way to see what the students have learned, but it also will be a way to have them use and share their writing skills!
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/formative-assessments-importance-of-rebecca-alber
This blog post by Rebecca Alber discusses the importance of Formative Assessments in the classroom. Formative Assessments are informal assessments used to check for student understanding. A few examples of Formative Assessments that Rebecca gave are Exit Slips, Three Minute Paper, Once-Sentence Summary, and Teacher Observations. I am very familiar with exit slips and observation, but I really liked her idea about giving the students a small amount of time to either write a summary of what they learned so far on the topic being taught/learned. I plan on using this with my class next year. Not only is it a way to see what the students have learned, but it also will be a way to have them use and share their writing skills!
LEGO in Education
Robots for Everyone: Getting Kids Interested in Programming with Legos
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/robots_for_everyone_getting_kids_interested_in_pro.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+readwriteweb+%28ReadWriteWeb%29
Audrey Watters posted a very interesting blog dealing with the LEGO company and how LEGO is attempting to get kids of all ages more interested in creating useful and helpful robots instead of fighting or battling robots. Audrey talked about how LEGO is striving to inspire kids to be more Science and technologically savvy in the areas of engineering and math. One major focus of the LEGO company is to make sure that their LEGO sets appeal to both males and females.
To encourage our youth to begin creating useful robots, LEGO has come out with sets that include gears, cams, axles, motors and even a USB port so that kids can program the necessary movements of their robots. Creating "Earth Green" robots using LEGO sets could one day lead to great breakthroughs on how to keep our earth clean.
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/robots_for_everyone_getting_kids_interested_in_pro.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+readwriteweb+%28ReadWriteWeb%29
Audrey Watters posted a very interesting blog dealing with the LEGO company and how LEGO is attempting to get kids of all ages more interested in creating useful and helpful robots instead of fighting or battling robots. Audrey talked about how LEGO is striving to inspire kids to be more Science and technologically savvy in the areas of engineering and math. One major focus of the LEGO company is to make sure that their LEGO sets appeal to both males and females.
To encourage our youth to begin creating useful robots, LEGO has come out with sets that include gears, cams, axles, motors and even a USB port so that kids can program the necessary movements of their robots. Creating "Earth Green" robots using LEGO sets could one day lead to great breakthroughs on how to keep our earth clean.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Common Myths in the Classroom
In response to "Debunking those Pesky Classroom Myths"
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/debunking-classroom-myths-ben-johnson
This was a very interesting blog post that was filled with truths. Not smiling or being happy in the classroom is not enjoyable for the teacher or the students. I have experienced this first hand. When I act happy and smile at school, the positive environment of my classroom is heightened. Trust between teacher and students is very important in having a successful and enjoyable school year. Teachers need to be able to turn their backs from the students and trust that they are not going to lose your trust. Motivating students is becoming more and more crucial in any classroom. Lack of parent involvement has a lot to do with students lack of interest in schooling, but teachers need to do as much as possible to get the most out of their students. By teaching fun, quality lessons each day, students are more likely to respond in a positive manner.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/debunking-classroom-myths-ben-johnson
This was a very interesting blog post that was filled with truths. Not smiling or being happy in the classroom is not enjoyable for the teacher or the students. I have experienced this first hand. When I act happy and smile at school, the positive environment of my classroom is heightened. Trust between teacher and students is very important in having a successful and enjoyable school year. Teachers need to be able to turn their backs from the students and trust that they are not going to lose your trust. Motivating students is becoming more and more crucial in any classroom. Lack of parent involvement has a lot to do with students lack of interest in schooling, but teachers need to do as much as possible to get the most out of their students. By teaching fun, quality lessons each day, students are more likely to respond in a positive manner.
Preventing Burn-Out
In response to "Teachers Helping Teachers: Eight Ways to Prevent Burnout"
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/preventing-teacher-burnout-katy-farber
I enjoyed reading this blog post about different ways that teachers can help each other to not get burned-out from the daily grinds that teaching offers. I am going on my third year of teaching and I have been told that getting through your first few years of teaching is the toughest times in terms of burn-out.
#2 on the list of eight ways to prevent burn-out is Exercise. I try to exercise every day and I feel that this is a great way to not get burnt-out from teaching. I can notice a huge different in my overall attitude and feeling when I get in a good run, workout at the gym, or bike ride.
#6 on the list is to change grade level, school, or subject. I think this would be a great idea for someone who is looking for a change in their every day routine. If you are bored doing what you are doing and dread going to work each day then explore your options and find a new position where you might be more inspired. I am not sure if I will want to teach elementary school for my whole career, so when the times comes to where I am not happy teaching youngsters anymore, then I will look to change.
When teachers support one and other at work and try to create a positive climate, there will be a lot less burn-out. I hear my colleagues doing a lot of complaining and bad-talking one and other on a daily basis and I see my fellow teachers getting pulled down by this. Work hard to stay positive and give lots of smiles!
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/preventing-teacher-burnout-katy-farber
I enjoyed reading this blog post about different ways that teachers can help each other to not get burned-out from the daily grinds that teaching offers. I am going on my third year of teaching and I have been told that getting through your first few years of teaching is the toughest times in terms of burn-out.
#2 on the list of eight ways to prevent burn-out is Exercise. I try to exercise every day and I feel that this is a great way to not get burnt-out from teaching. I can notice a huge different in my overall attitude and feeling when I get in a good run, workout at the gym, or bike ride.
#6 on the list is to change grade level, school, or subject. I think this would be a great idea for someone who is looking for a change in their every day routine. If you are bored doing what you are doing and dread going to work each day then explore your options and find a new position where you might be more inspired. I am not sure if I will want to teach elementary school for my whole career, so when the times comes to where I am not happy teaching youngsters anymore, then I will look to change.
When teachers support one and other at work and try to create a positive climate, there will be a lot less burn-out. I hear my colleagues doing a lot of complaining and bad-talking one and other on a daily basis and I see my fellow teachers getting pulled down by this. Work hard to stay positive and give lots of smiles!
Electronics Hurting Kids' Health
In response to "The Key to Fighting Childhood Obesity - A Media Diet?"
http://www.edutopia.org/groups/parents/60874
Being an elementary school teacher, I see the toll that sitting indoors playing electronic games put on our youth. Often times when my students come back from the weekend I will ask kids to share with the class some of the fun things they did. Most of the responses that I get have to do with students playing a new video game or electronic toy.
When I was in elementary school I had all of the newest video and computer games that any kid could ask for, but I hardly ever touched them unless it was storming outside and my friends were all at my house. Video games were a last resort for my friends and I because we would have much rather been playing any sort of sport or game outside somewhere in the neighborhood. Today many kids play video games and watch TV for countless hours per day and get hardly any exercise. Wii Fit is not a good excuse for exercise...
With the demands of high stakes testing students are also getting a lack of recess at school each day. My 4th graders got to go outside for one hour every three weeks for recess. With the lack of recess and outdoor time at school and video games and TV at home each night, I do feel that electronics are hurting the health of our youth.
http://www.edutopia.org/groups/parents/60874
Being an elementary school teacher, I see the toll that sitting indoors playing electronic games put on our youth. Often times when my students come back from the weekend I will ask kids to share with the class some of the fun things they did. Most of the responses that I get have to do with students playing a new video game or electronic toy.
When I was in elementary school I had all of the newest video and computer games that any kid could ask for, but I hardly ever touched them unless it was storming outside and my friends were all at my house. Video games were a last resort for my friends and I because we would have much rather been playing any sort of sport or game outside somewhere in the neighborhood. Today many kids play video games and watch TV for countless hours per day and get hardly any exercise. Wii Fit is not a good excuse for exercise...
With the demands of high stakes testing students are also getting a lack of recess at school each day. My 4th graders got to go outside for one hour every three weeks for recess. With the lack of recess and outdoor time at school and video games and TV at home each night, I do feel that electronics are hurting the health of our youth.
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