Here is part two of my online explorations and reading. Here are a few of the interesting topics, sites, and blogs I found this week.
1. Can An Educator’s Clothes Affect How He/She Teaches?- Here is an interesting blog post from Larry Ferlazzo. Some thoughts on what you wear in the classroom. Make sure you click on the links within the post. They are interesting also.
2. 12 Things Kids Want from Their Teachers– Great post from the kids’ point of view. Things to remember. Students rely more on us more than we realize.
3. 8 Great Sites for Reluctant Writers– Story starters, writing tools, and sites that make writing fun. Great sites for students to explore and create.
4. Iditarod- Here are some ideas to incorporate the Iditarod. There are videos, activities, and even a quiz. Enjoy!
5. Engaging Parents in school– Here is a blog post on The best resources on Parent/Teacher Conferences for 2011.
6. Bonus: Wolfram Alpha– this is a search engine for uncommon information. I saw this at a conference and couldn’t really think of anything to use it for until I came across this link on Plurk. Have fun with it. We need more fun in our lives.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Showing posts with label Cardon's Clicks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cardon's Clicks. Show all posts
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
This and That Part 1
Through my online explorations and reading I have not focused on any one topic. Here are a few of the interesting topics, sites, and blogs I found this week.
1. Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy– Here is a link from a wikispaces link. It is a PDF of printable posters created by Andrew Churches. It puts programs and activities in terms of Blooms Taxonomy.
2. Free worksheets from Learning Workroom– These “worksheets” should have been called practice sheets. It is more an opportunity for students to practice what they should have learned in class. There are many word searches which will help with spelling. You can extend it to give them as math vocabulary words.
3. The Periodic Table of Videos– Here is a great way to teach all the elements. We have our Element of the week for science, perhaps you could show one of the videos each week so the students can see a little about the elements.
4. Webcam Toy– This is a really fun way to take webcam pictures. There are many effects for you to play with. Have fun! I did! Also over on the left hand side there are more activities for you to play with.
5. A Teacher’s Life for Me- This is a really great blog post from a 5th grade teacher about developing good writers. All good advice.
6. Bonus: 50 New tech tools you should know about– Challenge: If you have some time, try to find something new that you can use in the classroom and then post what you found and how you are going to use it on the blog.
I hope you can find something you can use. If you do, please make a comment.
1. Bloom’s Digital Taxonomy– Here is a link from a wikispaces link. It is a PDF of printable posters created by Andrew Churches. It puts programs and activities in terms of Blooms Taxonomy.
2. Free worksheets from Learning Workroom– These “worksheets” should have been called practice sheets. It is more an opportunity for students to practice what they should have learned in class. There are many word searches which will help with spelling. You can extend it to give them as math vocabulary words.
3. The Periodic Table of Videos– Here is a great way to teach all the elements. We have our Element of the week for science, perhaps you could show one of the videos each week so the students can see a little about the elements.
4. Webcam Toy– This is a really fun way to take webcam pictures. There are many effects for you to play with. Have fun! I did! Also over on the left hand side there are more activities for you to play with.
5. A Teacher’s Life for Me- This is a really great blog post from a 5th grade teacher about developing good writers. All good advice.
6. Bonus: 50 New tech tools you should know about– Challenge: If you have some time, try to find something new that you can use in the classroom and then post what you found and how you are going to use it on the blog.
I hope you can find something you can use. If you do, please make a comment.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
TCEA Clicks
I was at TCEA from Tuesday through Thursday. I learned a lot and learned about many new websites to explore. I wanted to share with you some of the best of what I learned and hope you can use it in your classroom. I hope you enjoy this issue and find something you can use.
1. Brainpop.com/games is a new member to the Brain Pop family. There are games for math, science, social studies, and health. There are student made games so I’m thinking that students, and teachers, could create their own games. The games are able to be shown on a white board and you could use the Turning point clickers. I don’t know about the Mimeo votes but I bet they work too!
2. BrainPop– Did you know you could put a BrainPop widget on your website or blog? There is lots to do in the educator part of BrainPop. If you haven’t checked out this free resource then you are missing the boat. Quizzes from BrainPop are compatible with the Turning Point clickers that we have on campus. Try the new Mimeo votes too to see if they work with BrainPop.
3. Twitter-While I did not get into the Twitter session, I did get a chance to see the livebinder from the session. There is a lot of good information and how tos. It takes you step by step on how to get an account and how to work your way around. If you aren’t on Twitter yet and want to check it out here is a great way to do it. The images are accurate. My handle is MrsCardon. I’m also a member of Plurk if you want to check that out. It’s more interactive with friends than Twitter.
4. Pearltrees and Squidoo are two online places where you can store your links. If you are not yet using bookmarking sites like Delicious, Diigo, or Symbalooedu try out Pearltrees or Squidoo. This Squidoo links to a Valentines Day list of cool activities.
5. AnMish-This is a fun site. Students, or teachers, can create their own videos using animated characters. If you really want the kids attention or give them a special treat this is the site for you!
6. Bonus: Join.me– This site requires no sign in or account. It will join your computer with another computer. Not quite sure how it works. This is one for me to explore. I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
1. Brainpop.com/games is a new member to the Brain Pop family. There are games for math, science, social studies, and health. There are student made games so I’m thinking that students, and teachers, could create their own games. The games are able to be shown on a white board and you could use the Turning point clickers. I don’t know about the Mimeo votes but I bet they work too!
2. BrainPop– Did you know you could put a BrainPop widget on your website or blog? There is lots to do in the educator part of BrainPop. If you haven’t checked out this free resource then you are missing the boat. Quizzes from BrainPop are compatible with the Turning Point clickers that we have on campus. Try the new Mimeo votes too to see if they work with BrainPop.
3. Twitter-While I did not get into the Twitter session, I did get a chance to see the livebinder from the session. There is a lot of good information and how tos. It takes you step by step on how to get an account and how to work your way around. If you aren’t on Twitter yet and want to check it out here is a great way to do it. The images are accurate. My handle is MrsCardon. I’m also a member of Plurk if you want to check that out. It’s more interactive with friends than Twitter.
4. Pearltrees and Squidoo are two online places where you can store your links. If you are not yet using bookmarking sites like Delicious, Diigo, or Symbalooedu try out Pearltrees or Squidoo. This Squidoo links to a Valentines Day list of cool activities.
5. AnMish-This is a fun site. Students, or teachers, can create their own videos using animated characters. If you really want the kids attention or give them a special treat this is the site for you!
6. Bonus: Join.me– This site requires no sign in or account. It will join your computer with another computer. Not quite sure how it works. This is one for me to explore. I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Valentine's Day
This week the focus is on Valentine’s Day and I wanted to make sure I found something for everyone. Make sure you check out Mightybook.com. It’s my favorite of all of them. I hope you enjoy this issue and find something you can use in your classroom.
1. Math-Flower Power– Here is an info graphic that you could use in class. Have students “read” the graphics. Create questions for students to solve or have them create the math questions using the info graphic. There is another info graphic one here from Cleveland.com.
2. Reading -Mightybook.com– This “book” is made up of old Valentines that are very punny. They are the Valentines I remember sending out to my classmates in school. The book reads it to you and there are sound effects. For those students who need reading practice, you might want to mute it and let them read it for themselves. After the “book” there are puzzles (6, 12, and 24 pieces) and a match game.
3. Language Arts- Lanternfish– This site has “worksheets” with a Valentines Day focus. They include things like a crossword, word search, rhymes, and cards. Maybe great for your Valentines Day Party afternoon.
4. Social Studies– History.com has a great article about the history of St. Valentine. Also on the side there are links for Valentines Day facts and quotes and many more topics.
5. For the little ones - Starfall.com-They can make a Valentine with the little candy hearts. The site reads the hearts to them and students choose one from each page. At the end they can print out their creation.
6. Bonus-Marks-English-school.com– There are some games on this page but I found them hard to use. What I did like was the printable cards. You can customize or create one and print a bunch.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
1. Math-Flower Power– Here is an info graphic that you could use in class. Have students “read” the graphics. Create questions for students to solve or have them create the math questions using the info graphic. There is another info graphic one here from Cleveland.com.
2. Reading -Mightybook.com– This “book” is made up of old Valentines that are very punny. They are the Valentines I remember sending out to my classmates in school. The book reads it to you and there are sound effects. For those students who need reading practice, you might want to mute it and let them read it for themselves. After the “book” there are puzzles (6, 12, and 24 pieces) and a match game.
3. Language Arts- Lanternfish– This site has “worksheets” with a Valentines Day focus. They include things like a crossword, word search, rhymes, and cards. Maybe great for your Valentines Day Party afternoon.
4. Social Studies– History.com has a great article about the history of St. Valentine. Also on the side there are links for Valentines Day facts and quotes and many more topics.
5. For the little ones - Starfall.com-They can make a Valentine with the little candy hearts. The site reads the hearts to them and students choose one from each page. At the end they can print out their creation.
6. Bonus-Marks-English-school.com– There are some games on this page but I found them hard to use. What I did like was the printable cards. You can customize or create one and print a bunch.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Digital Literacy Day
Digital Literacy Day is February 1 so I thought this week we would focus on what I call mega links. These are links that will take you many different places or have many choices of things to do. Like a portal into cyberspace. These links will literally take you hours if you click on everything. You could get lost in cyberspace! Have fun! Lose yourself!
1. A Different Place-This is a different kind of site. It is for students, teachers and parents. It is a place to find differentiated instruction ideas. Have fun searching!
2. Ideas to Inspire-Think of this as a portal to what you need. This will help you drill down to what you want. This site has lots of ideas that you can use and adapt to your classroom.
3. 15+Pintrest boards Teachers should be following-If you aren’t a fan of pintrest yet, you may want to check this out to see what all the hoopla is about. Here are several Pintrest boards that many teachers follow. It’s a great way to get inspired or to share or steal ideas.
4. High Tech Book Reports-This is a wiki from a workshop I attended. There are many, many ways to have students prove they read a book then just a summary. Have them choose one of these. Choose Alternatives link and you will find the reports are separated into topics like plot, setting, and character analysis.
5. Interactive Math Sites– This link will transport you in to Mathland. Do you have a student who you can’t keep challenged? Give them this link and set them exploring.
Have them show you what they found and how you can use it in your class.
6. Bonus– Here is a link from a blog with Groundhog Day activities. I am told the blog owner has just updated the list from last year. Lots of stuff.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
1. A Different Place-This is a different kind of site. It is for students, teachers and parents. It is a place to find differentiated instruction ideas. Have fun searching!
2. Ideas to Inspire-Think of this as a portal to what you need. This will help you drill down to what you want. This site has lots of ideas that you can use and adapt to your classroom.
3. 15+Pintrest boards Teachers should be following-If you aren’t a fan of pintrest yet, you may want to check this out to see what all the hoopla is about. Here are several Pintrest boards that many teachers follow. It’s a great way to get inspired or to share or steal ideas.
4. High Tech Book Reports-This is a wiki from a workshop I attended. There are many, many ways to have students prove they read a book then just a summary. Have them choose one of these. Choose Alternatives link and you will find the reports are separated into topics like plot, setting, and character analysis.
5. Interactive Math Sites– This link will transport you in to Mathland. Do you have a student who you can’t keep challenged? Give them this link and set them exploring.
Have them show you what they found and how you can use it in your class.
6. Bonus– Here is a link from a blog with Groundhog Day activities. I am told the blog owner has just updated the list from last year. Lots of stuff.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Math
All these links have something to do with Math. I hope you can find something that will enhance your teaching.
1. Yummy Math– Here is a great blog that give you math activities that are real word type problems. Roman Numerals is the most recent since the Super Bowl is soon.
2. Virtual Dice– Here’s a tool for use to use on your Mimeo or Smartboard. You can customize your dice. Type in math problems, sight words, or vocabulary words! It has a limitation of 5 places.
3. Math Charts– Printable math charts for all occasions and skills. There is also a math dictionary from this site as well.
4. Illuminations: Lessons– Need another way to reach students in specific skills? Here is a place where you can search for and find an activity for a specific grade level, topic or, skill. It comes to us from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
5. Tangrams– Here is a site called Mathwire.com. This link will link you to all types of activities for teaching about tangrams.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a
comment.
1. Yummy Math– Here is a great blog that give you math activities that are real word type problems. Roman Numerals is the most recent since the Super Bowl is soon.
2. Virtual Dice– Here’s a tool for use to use on your Mimeo or Smartboard. You can customize your dice. Type in math problems, sight words, or vocabulary words! It has a limitation of 5 places.
3. Math Charts– Printable math charts for all occasions and skills. There is also a math dictionary from this site as well.
4. Illuminations: Lessons– Need another way to reach students in specific skills? Here is a place where you can search for and find an activity for a specific grade level, topic or, skill. It comes to us from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
5. Tangrams– Here is a site called Mathwire.com. This link will link you to all types of activities for teaching about tangrams.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a
comment.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Teacher Tools Part II
I found so much in my search for teacher tools that this week’s links
are also about tools. These links are to make your life as an educator
a little easier and not spend so much time on school activities and
spend more time with your family. I hope you can find something that will enhance your teaching.
1. Classdojo.com-Site says it is a way to keep track of student behavior, print or email reports. I haven’t checked it out but it was highly recommended to me. Free and log in is required.
2. Google Reader-If you don’t use this resources yet to keep up with reading educational blogs, here is a great resource to explain Google reader to you in simple language.
3. Google Tools in Education-This guide will get you started in using and getting familiar with all the Google tools available to use in your classroom.
4. Google Apps for Education-This is a live binder for Google Apps. If you haven’t used live binders they are a neat way to organize online material.
5. 8 Free tools for teachers from Microsoft– Some of these I have used or told you
about before. Good place to start if you haven’t yet.
6. Bonus:SomeSchoolGames.com-This looks like a great site for online Smarboard
games. Try them out with the Mimeo to enhance your teaching or for students to use
when they are finished with their work. They can also be played online.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
are also about tools. These links are to make your life as an educator
a little easier and not spend so much time on school activities and
spend more time with your family. I hope you can find something that will enhance your teaching.
1. Classdojo.com-Site says it is a way to keep track of student behavior, print or email reports. I haven’t checked it out but it was highly recommended to me. Free and log in is required.
2. Google Reader-If you don’t use this resources yet to keep up with reading educational blogs, here is a great resource to explain Google reader to you in simple language.
3. Google Tools in Education-This guide will get you started in using and getting familiar with all the Google tools available to use in your classroom.
4. Google Apps for Education-This is a live binder for Google Apps. If you haven’t used live binders they are a neat way to organize online material.
5. 8 Free tools for teachers from Microsoft– Some of these I have used or told you
about before. Good place to start if you haven’t yet.
6. Bonus:SomeSchoolGames.com-This looks like a great site for online Smarboard
games. Try them out with the Mimeo to enhance your teaching or for students to use
when they are finished with their work. They can also be played online.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Teacher Tools Part I
Welcome back after our wonderful break. This week’s links are about
tools and links to make your life as an educator a little easier and not
spend so much time on school activities and spend more time with
your family. I hope you can find something that will enhance your teaching.
1. Collaborative teaching tools. This is a blog post that has many links that will link you to the online tool. Some of these you will be able to use on the Mimeo.
2. Top 10 sites for educational apps. While we don’t have pads on our campus, many teachers have their own devices at home so I included this link for those who do have their own pads.
3. Symbaloo If you don’t keep track of your links yet or put them all on your website,
here is yet another way to keep track of the links you like. There is a post here of a
kindergarten teacher who explains how he manages 2 accounts. One for the master
account and one for the students.
4. Print Friendly &PDF-Have you ever wanted a copy of a website and the website
wouldn’t let you print it or save it? Well, this site will let you do that. Just put in the
URL and then it magically is able to print, put in PDF format or email it to yourself.
5. Apps for Professional Development– Here is a link that will take you to a blog that
has many links to explore. Some of the links I have put in previous clicks. I have a
friend who says if you see it two or three times it’s a sign you need to use it.
6. Bonus: Online stickers-Just another way to keep track of information.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
tools and links to make your life as an educator a little easier and not
spend so much time on school activities and spend more time with
your family. I hope you can find something that will enhance your teaching.
1. Collaborative teaching tools. This is a blog post that has many links that will link you to the online tool. Some of these you will be able to use on the Mimeo.
2. Top 10 sites for educational apps. While we don’t have pads on our campus, many teachers have their own devices at home so I included this link for those who do have their own pads.
3. Symbaloo If you don’t keep track of your links yet or put them all on your website,
here is yet another way to keep track of the links you like. There is a post here of a
kindergarten teacher who explains how he manages 2 accounts. One for the master
account and one for the students.
4. Print Friendly &PDF-Have you ever wanted a copy of a website and the website
wouldn’t let you print it or save it? Well, this site will let you do that. Just put in the
URL and then it magically is able to print, put in PDF format or email it to yourself.
5. Apps for Professional Development– Here is a link that will take you to a blog that
has many links to explore. Some of the links I have put in previous clicks. I have a
friend who says if you see it two or three times it’s a sign you need to use it.
6. Bonus: Online stickers-Just another way to keep track of information.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Best of 2011
Here is the best teacher links of 2011 suggested through
many blogs. There is a lot to explore so take your time. I
hope you can find something that will enhance your teaching.
1. 2011 Told through Twitter feeds.
2. The best digital books of 2011– This links will take you to a blog where
the author gives their opinion of the best digital books of 2011.
3. Edutopia- Best of 2011 Educational Resources and articles. Lots of reading
here.
4. Top 12 video writing prompts of 2011-From Teach Hub.com. This is a
great resource for out of the ordinary writing prompts. Inspire your students.
5. TeachHub.com also posted the Top 10 Educational videos of 2011.
6. Bonus: Project 365-Some people have a blog where they blog a picture
everyday. Some pictures are of the blog author, some of the same topic,
and some are of what ever they find interesting. My favorite is the Everything
burger blog.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do,
please make a comment.
many blogs. There is a lot to explore so take your time. I
hope you can find something that will enhance your teaching.
1. 2011 Told through Twitter feeds.
2. The best digital books of 2011– This links will take you to a blog where
the author gives their opinion of the best digital books of 2011.
3. Edutopia- Best of 2011 Educational Resources and articles. Lots of reading
here.
4. Top 12 video writing prompts of 2011-From Teach Hub.com. This is a
great resource for out of the ordinary writing prompts. Inspire your students.
5. TeachHub.com also posted the Top 10 Educational videos of 2011.
6. Bonus: Project 365-Some people have a blog where they blog a picture
everyday. Some pictures are of the blog author, some of the same topic,
and some are of what ever they find interesting. My favorite is the Everything
burger blog.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do,
please make a comment.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Christmas Links Part Two
Christmas is once again the focus of our clicks. These links not only are for you to use with your class but with your children, or grandchildren, during the holidays. Have fun exploring.
2. Santafilbricks for kids– This is a matching game. You must match the bricks before the row gets ot the bottom. Once it gets to the bottom the game is over.
3. 12ways to e learning-This is a livebinder with many professional development opportunities that you can do online at any time. I might wait until spring break of summer vacation.
4. SantaTracker– Here’s something we didn’t have when I was a kid. Not only does it track Santa but there is a new game each day.
5. UniqueGingerbreadcookies-Tired of the regular gingerbread cookies. Here are some unique ideas from a blog called “Cute food for Kids.”
6. Bonus: Interactive Advent Calendar-Here is an advent calendar with many, many activities to explore.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Christmas Links Part One
With Christmas fast approaching I thought it would be nice to have some Christmas links not only to do with your class but with your children during the holidays. Have fun exploring.
1. How stuff works from TLC has some Christmas Carols games.
2. TeachHub has the top 10 Holiday Activities.
3. Kirigami for kids-Origami is folding paper but Kirigami is cutting paper. Hoe fun making snowflakes and many other things.
4. Digital snowflakes This site has music you can play while creating. It may be good for smart board or mimeo. It would go well with the biography Snowflake Bentley and we have a copy in the library.
5. 12 Days of Christmas– There are only 5 links for the 12 days of Christmas. The 5th is the Ultimate Winter Resources for teachers. I believe they have redeemed themselves with this one.
6.Bonus: Northpole.com– Many, many activities here to include writing personalized stories. May be fun for your class party on Friday.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Electronic Book Reports-Setting the stage
We will continue this week with our electronic book reports with a focus on setting this time.
1. Museum Box – Students can build a collection of things that represent a character, a setting, and/or plot. Very fun and interactive. You can use the things that are on the site already or upload your photos. It does require a user name and password.
2. Magazine Cover: Big huge labs has several great digital projects for students. This link will take you to the page to create a magazine cover. Students should have a template before going to this site as you cannot save to the site. Upload a picture and then add in the text. Font size and color can be change. These can be printed out but not saved.
3. Photo Time Lines – There are three photo timelines that you could use for history projects or projects for a book report. Photos can be uploaded and put into a time line. It reminds me of Animoto but it is linear. Those three sites are: VuVox, Tiki-Toki, and Capzules. Use the one that is most useful to you. All three sites do require you to create a user name and password since you will be uploading pictures to their site.
4. The Newspaper Generator: The link will take you to a site that will help you create a newspaper article. There is a caution to not use real newspaper titles. The image can be downloaded and then put on a website or printed out.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
1. Museum Box – Students can build a collection of things that represent a character, a setting, and/or plot. Very fun and interactive. You can use the things that are on the site already or upload your photos. It does require a user name and password.
2. Magazine Cover: Big huge labs has several great digital projects for students. This link will take you to the page to create a magazine cover. Students should have a template before going to this site as you cannot save to the site. Upload a picture and then add in the text. Font size and color can be change. These can be printed out but not saved.
3. Photo Time Lines – There are three photo timelines that you could use for history projects or projects for a book report. Photos can be uploaded and put into a time line. It reminds me of Animoto but it is linear. Those three sites are: VuVox, Tiki-Toki, and Capzules. Use the one that is most useful to you. All three sites do require you to create a user name and password since you will be uploading pictures to their site.
4. The Newspaper Generator: The link will take you to a site that will help you create a newspaper article. There is a caution to not use real newspaper titles. The image can be downloaded and then put on a website or printed out.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Electronic Book Reports-Meet the Cast
Late in October I went to a workshop at Region 12 with a focus on electronic book reports. These next few Clicks will be from that workshop. These are clicks that I found more useful and more fun for kids.
1. Scholastic ’ s Character Scrapbook – This great part of Scholastic ’ s site will allow students to create an avatar of the character and tell you a lot about the character. It can be printed out but can not be saved so a template should be created for the student to use as a prewriting tool.
2. Bio-Cube – This is from Read-Write-Think and comes with a planning sheet. It is designed for a biography type project and can be printed out. It can be hard to change sides of the cube. Check it out before assigning to your students.
3. My Fake Wall – Here is a site that you can create a fake Facebook page. There is a page already made and you must make the changes. Here is a link for a template for this activity.
4. Fake Tweet Builder- This site is where students can create a conversation between characters or interview a character from a book or from history.
5. Talking Characters: There are several sites where students can create an avatar or use a picture and record a voice to make the picture or avatar talk. Those sites are:
Voki – create an avatar and then record your voice.
Blabberize- Use photos to create a talking photo.
Fotobabble – Use photos to create a talking photo.
6. Bonus: Voicethread- Students can create a voice thread and others can comment on it. Good for biography reports or report on a book. Can be put on line or viewed digitally. Can also be used for digital storytelling.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
1. Scholastic ’ s Character Scrapbook – This great part of Scholastic ’ s site will allow students to create an avatar of the character and tell you a lot about the character. It can be printed out but can not be saved so a template should be created for the student to use as a prewriting tool.
2. Bio-Cube – This is from Read-Write-Think and comes with a planning sheet. It is designed for a biography type project and can be printed out. It can be hard to change sides of the cube. Check it out before assigning to your students.
3. My Fake Wall – Here is a site that you can create a fake Facebook page. There is a page already made and you must make the changes. Here is a link for a template for this activity.
4. Fake Tweet Builder- This site is where students can create a conversation between characters or interview a character from a book or from history.
5. Talking Characters: There are several sites where students can create an avatar or use a picture and record a voice to make the picture or avatar talk. Those sites are:
Voki – create an avatar and then record your voice.
Blabberize- Use photos to create a talking photo.
Fotobabble – Use photos to create a talking photo.
6. Bonus: Voicethread- Students can create a voice thread and others can comment on it. Good for biography reports or report on a book. Can be put on line or viewed digitally. Can also be used for digital storytelling.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Language Arts-Writing
This week ’ s click are focused around language arts. The clicks I have looked at this week an be used as writing tools. They go from teaching the skills to actually using and creating things. I hope you and your students have fun with these things. If you or your students create something make sure you share it on your website or through email.
1. LittleBirdTales- Students can create a story using this online activity. You need to create a free account and there is an option to create a school account. Students can upload pictures for their pages and then type and/or narrate the story. This could be used as a writing activity or for a narrated report. You can save contacts so you can email the finished project to a grandparent or parent.
2. Fake iPhone Text – Students can type in conversations between two characters in a novel, two people in history, or could do an interview of a character in a book or history. You type in a conversation between two people and then you click create it takes out who the people are. You could create a conversation between two characters in a novel you are reading and based on the conversation the students could infer who are the speakers. You can use it from the link or download on to your computer.
3. Skillswise-English- This site, from the BBC, is designed for adults to work on basic language skills, but could be useful in an elementary classroom or if you know of an adult who needs to and wants to work on their language skills. There are simple games and short videos that will bring home the point in minimal of time. Topics include Reading, Writing, Spelling ( caution here the English spell things differently at times ) Word and sentence grammar, and speaking and listening. The videos could be useful as an anticipatory set or in providing purpose as to why we teach these skills. The videos are of adults using the skills in real life.
4. Toondoo- This is a cartoon developer. Students can write and illustrate their own cartoons. Could be used in may different subject areas. This could be used as a Rockin Reader project. You do need a user name and password to create, but access is instant. Have fun!
5. ZooBurst – First you need to create a login. Once logged in you can create a profile. While the basic account is free, if you want more features there is a monthly fee. You must write something on the page before the pictures will move to the page. Colors can be changed and pictures can be uploaded.
I hope you can find something you can use. If you do, please make a comment.
1. LittleBirdTales- Students can create a story using this online activity. You need to create a free account and there is an option to create a school account. Students can upload pictures for their pages and then type and/or narrate the story. This could be used as a writing activity or for a narrated report. You can save contacts so you can email the finished project to a grandparent or parent.
2. Fake iPhone Text – Students can type in conversations between two characters in a novel, two people in history, or could do an interview of a character in a book or history. You type in a conversation between two people and then you click create it takes out who the people are. You could create a conversation between two characters in a novel you are reading and based on the conversation the students could infer who are the speakers. You can use it from the link or download on to your computer.
3. Skillswise-English- This site, from the BBC, is designed for adults to work on basic language skills, but could be useful in an elementary classroom or if you know of an adult who needs to and wants to work on their language skills. There are simple games and short videos that will bring home the point in minimal of time. Topics include Reading, Writing, Spelling ( caution here the English spell things differently at times ) Word and sentence grammar, and speaking and listening. The videos could be useful as an anticipatory set or in providing purpose as to why we teach these skills. The videos are of adults using the skills in real life.
4. Toondoo- This is a cartoon developer. Students can write and illustrate their own cartoons. Could be used in may different subject areas. This could be used as a Rockin Reader project. You do need a user name and password to create, but access is instant. Have fun!
5. ZooBurst – First you need to create a login. Once logged in you can create a profile. While the basic account is free, if you want more features there is a monthly fee. You must write something on the page before the pictures will move to the page. Colors can be changed and pictures can be uploaded.
I hope you can find something you can use. If you do, please make a comment.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Math-Facts and Problem Solving Two
This week ’ s clicks, once again, are all about Math. I found too much good stuff in my search to hit you all at once. These can be used for instruction with the mimeo, an independent activity or put on your web site. If you find something in your search for sources, please let me know so that the resource can be shared with others. I hope you are able to find something in here you can use in your classrooms.
1. Fuelthebrain.com – Here is a great game to challenge students. There are One Hundred Boxes numbering from 1 to 100. Addition and Subtraction problems are given one at a time with one of the boxes as the answer. The home page for Fuel the Brain.com has some downloadable games and printables such as Pumpkin Concentration with versions that cover number dots, multiplication facts for 2s and 3s or addition.
2. IXLLearning – Search for activities by grade level and/or state standard.
3. Mathopolis- This site has a Question of the Day and Math Quizzes. It starts at Year 3 and goes to Years 9-12 which indicated this site is from Canada or England as they use Year instead of Grade. This site is sponsored by Math is Fun.
4. MathChimp – This site is free but you need to create a login. They have games organized by grade level and common core standards. Might be good for a center or to put on you web site.
5. Brainbashers.com – Here is a site that is great for a rainy Saturday or a holiday when you have nothing to do. There is a potpourri of wonderful activities and interesting stuff. This might be a good site to have to give those kids who are done with everything and tell them to “ E xplore this site and let me know what you found. ”
1. Fuelthebrain.com – Here is a great game to challenge students. There are One Hundred Boxes numbering from 1 to 100. Addition and Subtraction problems are given one at a time with one of the boxes as the answer. The home page for Fuel the Brain.com has some downloadable games and printables such as Pumpkin Concentration with versions that cover number dots, multiplication facts for 2s and 3s or addition.
2. IXLLearning – Search for activities by grade level and/or state standard.
3. Mathopolis- This site has a Question of the Day and Math Quizzes. It starts at Year 3 and goes to Years 9-12 which indicated this site is from Canada or England as they use Year instead of Grade. This site is sponsored by Math is Fun.
4. MathChimp – This site is free but you need to create a login. They have games organized by grade level and common core standards. Might be good for a center or to put on you web site.
5. Brainbashers.com – Here is a site that is great for a rainy Saturday or a holiday when you have nothing to do. There is a potpourri of wonderful activities and interesting stuff. This might be a good site to have to give those kids who are done with everything and tell them to “ E xplore this site and let me know what you found. ”
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Math-Facts and Problem Solving
This week ’ s clicks are all about Math. If you find something in your search for resources, please let me know so that the resource can be shared with others. I hope you are able to find something in here you can use in your classrooms.
1. NOYCE Foundation – This site focuses on Math and Science. The link will take you to a long list of activities at many different levels. The main focus is Problem Solving. Some are simple questions that could be used as warm-ups and others could be used as questions to provide more practice for students. You might also want to make some of these a “ Problem of the Week ” and award a prize for all those students who get it correct.
2. Arcademicskillbuilders.com – Here is a great site to practice basic math facts and have fun.
3. Crickweb.co.uk – This site has many different Math activities with topics like money, geometry, and basic facts. It also is organized by grade levels.
4. E-Learningforkids.org – This site is good for Smartboard or mimeo activities and is divided into subjects and grade levels. The link will take you to the math portion of the site but many other subjects are available.
5. Thinking Blocks.com – This site has instructional videos and independent practice that can be tracked. Certificates can also be printed for levels that have been completed. It was designed for homeschooling or classroom use. The main topics it covers is addition, multiplication, fractions, and ratios. There is a modeling tool that students can use to model problems from their homework.
6. BONUS: Mathplayground.com– Here is a site that is great for a rainy Saturday or a holiday when you need something to do. There is a potpourri of wonderful activities and interesting stuff but the link takes you to the problem solving page. This might be a good site to have to give those kids who are done with everything and tell them to “ Explore this site and let me know what you found.”
I hope you can find something you can use. If you do, please make a comment.
1. NOYCE Foundation – This site focuses on Math and Science. The link will take you to a long list of activities at many different levels. The main focus is Problem Solving. Some are simple questions that could be used as warm-ups and others could be used as questions to provide more practice for students. You might also want to make some of these a “ Problem of the Week ” and award a prize for all those students who get it correct.
2. Arcademicskillbuilders.com – Here is a great site to practice basic math facts and have fun.
3. Crickweb.co.uk – This site has many different Math activities with topics like money, geometry, and basic facts. It also is organized by grade levels.
4. E-Learningforkids.org – This site is good for Smartboard or mimeo activities and is divided into subjects and grade levels. The link will take you to the math portion of the site but many other subjects are available.
5. Thinking Blocks.com – This site has instructional videos and independent practice that can be tracked. Certificates can also be printed for levels that have been completed. It was designed for homeschooling or classroom use. The main topics it covers is addition, multiplication, fractions, and ratios. There is a modeling tool that students can use to model problems from their homework.
6. BONUS: Mathplayground.com– Here is a site that is great for a rainy Saturday or a holiday when you need something to do. There is a potpourri of wonderful activities and interesting stuff but the link takes you to the problem solving page. This might be a good site to have to give those kids who are done with everything and tell them to “ Explore this site and let me know what you found.”
I hope you can find something you can use. If you do, please make a comment.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Science
This week’s clicks are all about Science. I hope you are able to find something in here you can use in your classrooms.
1. Webelements– Here is an entire website devoted to the periodic table of elements. If you need a chart of the elements, there is one here along with other periodic table items that you can purchase. You can click on each of the elements on the table and it connects you to a page all about the element.
2. Mr. Wylie’s Educational Game Site– This site is divided into the four different types of science to sort the activities. Students can spend hours here learning and having fun at the same time.
3. Nobelprize.org– Educational games centered around science.
4. Science Kids– This site claims to bring science and technology together. There are experiments, games, facts, quizzes and projects as well as lessons, videos, and images.
5. NASA’s Space place– Neat site with a focus on Space.
6. Bonus– How to smile.org– Create a user account (free) and subscribe to this site. Its like a Facebook type site where you can contribute to resources or comment on activities posted. It is searchable and is supported financially by the National Science Foundation. Enjoy!
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Reading, Writing and ebooks
This week ’ s clicks are all about Reading, Writing, and ebooks. I hope you are able to find something in here you can use in your classrooms.
1. Storybird is a site where students can read books written or write their own stories. This link takes you to a tour of Storybird that only takes a few minutes and tells you everything you need to know to get started. It was brought to my attention by a student last year so you know it has to be good if she took the time to tell an adult.
2. Children ’ s Books Forever is where you can find ebooks for your students to read.
3. Lulu is a site where you can create and publish your own books. They can be ebooks, poetry, cookbooks, calendars etc. If you are wanting to read the ebooks I believe there maybe a charge. You could create your own ebook and then set up a price and charge for it.
4. DigitalStorytelling. No newsletter about reading and writing would be complete without a link to some digital storytelling sites. Here is a link from Richard Byrne who has a great blog titled Free Technology For Teachers. He is a great source as I get great stuff from him quite frequently. The Digital Storytelling link is from a presentation he did at the Washington Library Media Association convention. It may be a little overwhelming. Just explore one link at a time.
5. Readworks.org- Here is a link that has reading skills and lesson plans on teaching the skills. Great resource.
6. Bonus: The Tell Tale Heart – Here is a Halloween story by Edgar Allen Poe. It ’ s one of my favorites. You might want to preview it before showing it to students.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
1. Storybird is a site where students can read books written or write their own stories. This link takes you to a tour of Storybird that only takes a few minutes and tells you everything you need to know to get started. It was brought to my attention by a student last year so you know it has to be good if she took the time to tell an adult.
2. Children ’ s Books Forever is where you can find ebooks for your students to read.
3. Lulu is a site where you can create and publish your own books. They can be ebooks, poetry, cookbooks, calendars etc. If you are wanting to read the ebooks I believe there maybe a charge. You could create your own ebook and then set up a price and charge for it.
4. DigitalStorytelling. No newsletter about reading and writing would be complete without a link to some digital storytelling sites. Here is a link from Richard Byrne who has a great blog titled Free Technology For Teachers. He is a great source as I get great stuff from him quite frequently. The Digital Storytelling link is from a presentation he did at the Washington Library Media Association convention. It may be a little overwhelming. Just explore one link at a time.
5. Readworks.org- Here is a link that has reading skills and lesson plans on teaching the skills. Great resource.
6. Bonus: The Tell Tale Heart – Here is a Halloween story by Edgar Allen Poe. It ’ s one of my favorites. You might want to preview it before showing it to students.
I hope you can find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Columbus Day- a Week of Exploration
This week’s clicks are all about Christopher Columbus. If you have a subscription to BrainPop. There is a video there and some activities like a quiz, a page that would be good for note taking during the video and a vocabulary page.I hope you area able to find something in here you can use in your classrooms.
1. Teacher Planet has some coloring pages, a song, and some arts and crafts activities. More coloring pages here from another source.
2. The Mariners Museum in Newport News Va., has an Age of Exploration free curriculum guide with lesson plans, videos, and activities. (They also have a great distance learning program for $125 that would be like a field trip. They also send activities and lessons to do with your students before and after the program. There are many programs.)
3. West with Columbus :Here is a board game. There are two pages. Students will learn north, south, east and west.
4. The Holiday Zone has a reading comprehension passage, vocabulary sheet and may more activities.
5. Powerpoints from Phillip Martin
6. Bonus Link from Kids Connect. There are many additional links for your exploration. Some are better than others. All are free so watch out for those pesky adds.
I hope you find something useful. If you do please make a comment.
1. Teacher Planet has some coloring pages, a song, and some arts and crafts activities. More coloring pages here from another source.
2. The Mariners Museum in Newport News Va., has an Age of Exploration free curriculum guide with lesson plans, videos, and activities. (They also have a great distance learning program for $125 that would be like a field trip. They also send activities and lessons to do with your students before and after the program. There are many programs.)
3. West with Columbus :Here is a board game. There are two pages. Students will learn north, south, east and west.
4. The Holiday Zone has a reading comprehension passage, vocabulary sheet and may more activities.
5. Powerpoints from Phillip Martin
6. Bonus Link from Kids Connect. There are many additional links for your exploration. Some are better than others. All are free so watch out for those pesky adds.
I hope you find something useful. If you do please make a comment.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Math-Place Value
This week’s clicks are all about place value. The focus of my searches will be to find activities that you can do with your students on the mimeo or set up as a learning center that will reinforce the low SEs of not only the district but of our campus as well. I hope you area able to find something in here you can use in your classrooms.
1. Place value from Toon University. Students need to change words to numbers and visa-versa. Three different levels. Very challenging and entertaining.
2. Here is another game from Funbrain where students click on the place value. There are several levels that go from easy to super brain which includes decimals. Find the level that is right for your students.
3. Here is a fun one from LearningBox where students build the number using place value rods. If you don’t have place value rods you can use this activity.
4. This website, called Base 10 block, will replace the base 10 blocks you check out of the library. You can give students the problems and they can create it. Great for the mimeo or Smartboard.
5. Math Play.com has several different place value games for various skills. Choose the one that is right for your students.
6. Bonus Click: Hardcourt School Publishers has interactive games that go with their textbooks. Here is the link for Math.
I hope you find something you can use in this newsletter. If you do, please make a comment.
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