What's happening with Google Docs

Google Docs has become the new "hook". Students love it and so do I. The collaboration and interactive abilities make it a big hit. My sixth grade regularly work in docs. They place notes, edit each others documents and much more. The best is when they are on after school hours and I can see what they are working on or answer their questions. I have also worked in spreadsheet and presentation. Students are next with these.

I Know

Here we are with most of February past and I am asking myself where has the time gone. There was so much I wanted to do this school year. I am feeling a little lost. I know we still have several months to go. I know after my brief spell of feeling down I will get back to work. I know I will look back at the accomplishments that have been made, even small ones. I know I will persevere and new learning will occur, but for now I am reflecting on what I wish I had done differently.

February Happenings in Social Studies

Sixth grade continues to study the Holocaust. Students are discovering how to relate historical events to their lives. Many are astounded at the horror of this time. I have had students cry, get mad, and display many other emotions. I am using various techniques so all students have a choice in how they learn and present that information. I have had students create anti-hate posters, time lines, and written word to record what they are learning. I will share their Capzules (time lines) later this week.

Letter to self as a new teacher

Dearest Self,

As you enter the world of touching children’s lives, I would like to offer a few words of advice. Some days are going to be harder than others. You will have students who struggle, parents who struggle, and colleagues who struggle. During these times remember to enjoy every second of a smile, a thank you, an I love you, and each time someone tells you that you are the best. For it is through these moments that you will persevere to be the best teacher you can be.

Sincerely.
Carolyn

Rewarding Day

The last time I left school refreshed and energized was during my elementary school teaching days. I headed a school wide Earth Day event for students in grades Pre-K to 5th. Every student was able to participant in hands-on science activities. We made water cycle braclets, ants on a log, learned water safety, and much more. The day concluded with solar car races. The cars had been made by students in the science club. While I was very tired, it was a tired from seeing students learn by doing. These activities did not involve technology it did show the need for more hands on activities and experiences. This stays in the forefront when I plan project=based learning assignments with students today.

Carolyn

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

Sixth grade students were instructed to make a presentation in Google docs. Requirements included  minimum of five slides, time period appropriate (Ancient Southern Europe), and all four team members must  participate and collaborate together. Students were allowed to create within these parameters. Presentation replaced a traditional paper pencil test on our study of Southern Europe. 

Sites to visit:

http://tinyurl.com/7etvfvh

http://tinyurl.com/86qy24y

http://tinyurl.com/cw8dheg

http://tinyurl.com/cyppx4d

Teaching Teachers

One of the most important aspects of presenting to teachers is to remember the subject matter must be relevant to their jobs. The time spent in PD's should be of high quality and directly related to what is being taught in their classrooms. When developing the presentation we must learn the attributes of the audience? As with students, adults have different backgrounds, experiences, years of experience, and different learning styles to consider. As a presenter I must also be aware of the room environment when planning my sessions. This is a daunting task, but one I welcome with excitement.