3/05/2018

Are You Looking for Non-fiction Material for Students to Read?

Posted by Unknown on 3/05/2018
1
Jazz up your lessons with some great non-fiction articles for your students to read! Check out the suggestions below to incorporate in your classroom:
  • DOGOnews - the leading source for current events, news and non-fictional content for ELA, Science, and Social Studies. Thousands of news articles and original content added daily for students, teachers, and schools. Other DOGO media includes DOGObooks, DOGOmovies, IDOGO, and DOGOteachers
  • Newsela - has an app or website to access nonfiction in any subject. Many articles are from sources like the Associated Press, Washington Post, and Scientific American. They have material in five reading levels to engage K-12 students in high-interest nonfiction, current events, primary sources, speeches, biographies, and historical news. I love how you can filter your search by choosing grade level and also by reading skills. There are 8 different reading skills that you can filter: 
       
              1) What the Text Says
              2) Central Idea
              3) People, Events & Ideas
              4) Word Meaning & Choice
              5) Text Structure
              6) Point of View/Purpose
              7) Multimedia
              8) Arguments & Claims
  • TweenTribune - News from Smithsonian for K-12 teachers. Locate news articles and assign stories with a single click through digital devices. They have a "Monday Morning Ready" newsletter as prep for the week ahead if you want to incorporate easy weekly lesson plans. TweenTribune also has Weekly Videos that answer questions from Smithsonian experts.
  • Kids Discover Online -  Award-winning library of science and social studies material on any device, at any time. Free sign-up to get started. Kids Discover has been around for over 25 years and now is online! Go to the Resources tab to read from their blog, or on infographics, or their Quick Reads section. Of course, there is also a Kids Discover app for devices!
  • KidsHealth - Most visited site on the Web for information about health, behavior, and development from before  birth through the teen years. Really 4 sites in one, having sections for parents, kids, teens, and educators. KidsHealth is more than just the facts about health. It provides families with perspective, advice, and comfort about a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral issues that affect children and teens.
  • NASA Stories- go here to get current articles about NASA events and the current missions or launches in progress.  Check out the archived stories and all the different tab categories. There is a whole section for students, as well as a NASA Kids' Club with games to play to learn more about NASA.

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2/16/2018

How Did I Miss This?

Posted by Unknown on 2/16/2018
0
Looks like this has been around for a while; but you really need to take a look at Bloomz! Teachers and schools can save time by having all the tools they need to communicate with parents in one easy-to-use (and FREE) app. Here is a list of Bloomz Full Feature. It is available at the Apple store, Google Play-Android, on Desktops (online), or for SMS (text). Here is a short 2 minute overview:



It is easy to work, easy to update, and extremely helpful for planning parties or conferences! Great for getting donations for your classroom in a timely manner. BLOOMZ is FREE, award-winning, time-saving to engage families, and keep busy parents in the loop. Check their SUPPORT Center to answer your questions. Bloomz has it own Behavior Management within the app. No longer do you have to go to another site. If you want to do some comparing with other applications, here is a Parent Communication App spreadsheet completed for you. Check Bloomz out today!

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2/12/2018

Do You LOVE Easy Peasy Fun?

Posted by Unknown on 2/12/2018
0

Gearing up for a Quick & Easy Valentine Activity for your Class?

Greetings teachers! Ran across this fun bracelet the kids can make in honor of Valentine's Day. Let their creativity flow! I have attached the template below. Here is the website that you can locate more "Easy Peasy " fun. I know a few overachiever students who will want to make one for every member of the family! Enjoy and have a Happy Valentine's Day!

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2/02/2018

Want a New Cool Classroom Tool?

Posted by Unknown on 2/02/2018
0

NEW COOL
Classroom TOOL

This is an exciting find and I think you will enjoy it! Look at all the different tools you can have at your fingertips as you project and teach. What I think will sell you on this tool is that it was created by a Netherlands teacher. He wanted his students to be able to focus on their work more. I love that he is open to taking your suggestions to improve the tool also. Go to Classroomscreen.com and check it out for yourself. You can find how it works by watching this video ClassroomScreen.com. I am not sure how long it has been out, but Julie Smith has a few videos on YouTube sharing it and helping you with the many features and widgets. I LOVE how you can open/close them in one instant click. Here is what it offers:

1. New Background each login (or you can change it at anytime)
2. Many Languages
3. Random Selector (Names, numbers) Roll Dice (1, 2, or 3) 
4. Sound Level
5. QR code (share any URL)
6. Exit Poll
7. Whiteboard (drawing w/option for multiple boards)
8. TEXT
9. Work Symbols (silent, whisper, ask neighbor, work together)
10. Traffic Light
11. Timers 
12. Clock

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12/07/2017

Do You Want to Be More Kind?

Posted by Unknown on 12/07/2017
0
Follow this link for a December calendar with MANY thoughtful ways to show kindness in this Christmas season. What a great idea for families to share together kindness to others! Enjoy and Merry Christmas!  Thanks to the Corinne's website where I found this calendar with Random Acts of Kindness Christmas Calendar. Share, share alike!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrPYlFy1xtN28_zvj0lPHaFWsxt97t3V/view?usp=sharing

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10/30/2017

Breakout EDU in October

Posted by Unknown on 10/30/2017
0

Halloween is upon us folks and I wanted to share the different Halloween Breakout EDUs that I have located for some fun tomorrow. Three choices are found on the Breakout EDU site. Here they are listed: 



  1. The Monster Mash
  2. The Witches of Breakout
  3. Monster Mash Jr.
I located a fourth one that is called the Haunted House Escape from a Ms. Yeh. Be sure and give your students an opportunity to use their thinking skills to breakout tomorrow for Halloween. And...remind them to be safe!

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8/09/2017

Are You Ready for Back to School?

Posted by Unknown on 8/09/2017
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Welcome Back the the 2017-2018 School Year
Tech Talk blog has a guest contributor, Tania Jackson. She is one of our 4th grade teachers on the Mauriceville Elementary campus. I appreciate her allowing me to share her wonderful discoveries this summer that she promises will make your class run a bit smoother this year. Check out her tips below:

I have 3 quickies to share regarding the OneDrive app that I've discovered/been using!

  1. There's a free app for OneDrive! Once installed, you can view, send, and manipulate everything in your folders that are synced from your computer (your Cloud).  Makes for quick access!

2. Sometimes I need to move pics of my class that I've taken on my cell to my computer, and it's time-consuming because I usually end up emailing them to myself and it won't let you bulk too many!
Having the OneDrive app on your phone/tablet makes it easy!  You just select the picture, or pictures all at once, then "Send to" (the same button you'd use if sending the pic via text or email) and it gives your OneDrive as an option!  They're just added to your folders and accessible from any device!

3.  Sometimes I need to scan a document to put it on the SmartBoard or print or whatever!  First, open the app.  On the main screen OneDrive has a built in "Scanner" that turns any document you snap into a PDF and instantly adds it to your Cloud! I really like this function!
Click the + sign at the top right hand corner and choose "Scan" 


Thanks for taking the time to go through my tips! 

Tania Jackson
4th Grade/ MVE ☺

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6/09/2017

Need Help to Stifle Kid Boredom?

Posted by Unknown on 6/09/2017
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PS. Taken from the RIF site: Reading Is Fundamental!

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6/05/2017

Which Step are You On?

Posted by Unknown on 6/05/2017
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This time of year finds most educators reflecting on their year and taking strides on improving before the new year rolls around. Your highly qualified teachers are those who never stop learning or improving themselves. As most of us claim, we are "Life-Long Learners" and strive to better ourselves. Today, I came across a visual that I want to share. It speaks boldly and can be applied to many different circumstances in life. Which step are you on? Where do you "get stuck" most of the time?


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5/10/2017

Thank a Teacher Today, Don't Delay!

Posted by Unknown on 5/10/2017
0
Teachers are amazing and have dedicated so much to teach our students. Many are mothers, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, etc. They have made many sacrifices throughout the year searching for lessons and new methods to engage today's students. Please take the time to thank a teacher today. Now is the time, don't delay. They need our encouragement and praise. We all would not be the person we are today without the teachers that have touched us in the past. I know I have had many who have influenced me and think of them often, even if some have gone on to meet our Lord. Bless you Teachers of today and the past. Oh, let's not forget about the Future teachers. They too, need our prayers.

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5/04/2017

Have You Heard of Apple Clips? Content Creation Tool

Posted by Unknown on 5/04/2017
0
CONTENT CREATION TOOL

This easy tool will become a FAVE for educators!

Just ran across this FREE new app called "Apple Clips" that I think will blow away teachers! It has a simple interface, no complicated madness, and allows you to create simple videos that create captions automatically (can be edited too). I think it is worth checking out. I watched this video podcast from TeacherCast by Jeffery Bradbuty that explains more details. Then I read more information in the Apple Store. By the way, the dictation feature will not work on older ipads or devices.
=======================================================

Special thanks to Teacher Cast for sharing great tools for educators!


https://youtu.be/zRfQnsqZPoc

 http://www.teachercast.net/2017/04/14/apple-clips-app-review/

Review: Apple Clips App for iOS - teachercast.net
www.teachercast.net
Apple Clips is a new video broadcasting experience that provides easy to use resources when editing video ... but is it the right tool for your classroom?

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4/11/2017

Interested in Learning Photoshop or Excel for FREE?

Posted by Unknown on 4/11/2017
0


Hey friends! It has surely been too long since I have posted anything to share. I have missed blogging and sharing with you. Hopefully things will settle down and I can resume my posting in a more timely manner. Today, I ran across this awesome chance for anyone to brush up on Excel skills or learn Photoshop free! Thanks goes to my Twitter friend, Lisa Monthie who I was so thrilled to meet in person this past February. She is full of information and tips.



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2/20/2017

Where is YOUR next step?

Posted by Unknown on 2/20/2017
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Love to find little treasures on Twitter. Ran across this one today and thought it worthy to post here today! Have a great President's Day! Remember not to focus on your past failures, but always pick yourself up and look for that step forward (or upward)!




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1/26/2017

Do You Want to Encourage Reading?

Posted by Unknown on 1/26/2017
0

Hello friends! Today I ran across a great online reading site to help encourage students to read more. It is called Epic! - Books for Kids and what is GREAT about it is that it is FREE for educators! All I did was fill out my school information online and was approved in no time. It did not take me 5 minutes and I was online listening to books being read aloud. Epic! recommends books for students (ages 1 - 12) and they offer have videos too. Teachers can set up different classrooms and earn points to get books and supplies for your classroom. Teachers may choose to add students and individualize their reading with assignments, quizzes, and activities. Epic! has a web version as well as apps from Apple or Google Play. Epic's goal has always been to empower children through reading and learning and they are in AWE of the many teachers that share this mission! Don't delay, check it out and you won't be disappointed. Look for the link LEARN MORE (small) to get to the Educator form. (See visual below)

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1/12/2017

Do You Teach Writing?

Posted by Unknown on 1/12/2017
0

Just ran across this wonderful site that was created by an English teacher called "Grammar Me" or GRMR.ME. It is designed to help students learn to write with immediate feedback and the ability to learn more on the spot while practicing writing. I think you will agree that this is worth your time and efforts to check out. As you grade student writing, you can give them the simple "code" or link as you discover an error. Here is a code for the ever so hard skill of subject-verb agreement: grmr.me/sva
All you would do is type that in your address bar and voila! You have a video lesson and students can even take a quiz to see if they have mastered the skill. Love this resource and I don't even teach writing. He is a quick guide to the different grammar codes. The best part of this resource is that it is FREE!

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11/08/2016

Are Your Students Blogging?

Posted by Unknown on 11/08/2016
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I have posted about blogging before, but cannot say enough about the impact it has on students. Today, I wanted to share some of my favorite resources to get you hooked on blogging with your students. PLEASE try it for six months and I know you will see how much it improves students' writing. I challenge you to try it NOW.
  1. Pernille Ripp on Student Blogging (great expert resource)
  2. Blogging 4 Kids by William Chamberlain
  3. Student Blogging Basics by David Theriault
  4. Easyblog.org
  5. Comments 4 Kids
  6. Blogging by Cybraryman  (lots of resources)
  7. Paper Blogging by Pernille Ripp (great for introducing blogs)
  8. QuadBlogging 
  9. Blogging without Text by Richard Byrne 
  10. Sample Student Blogs on Edublogs

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11/05/2016

Tech Links from Diigo (weekly)

Posted by Unknown on 11/05/2016
0

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

10/29/2016

Tech Links from Diigo (weekly)

Posted by Unknown on 10/29/2016
0

10/22/2016

Tech Links from Diigo (weekly)

Posted by Unknown on 10/22/2016
0

10/15/2016

Tech Links from Diigo (weekly)

Posted by Unknown on 10/15/2016
0

  • Resources » Britannica

    tags: Britannica resources logos

  • Britannica School » Britannica

    tags: Britannica PD professional development

  • Animal Kingdom

    tags: kingdom Britannica TexQuest animal compare group habitat

  • Compare Countries

    tags: compare countries Britannica TexQuest

  • World Atlas

    tags: world atlas Britannica TexQuest

  • Article Browse -- Britannica School

    tags: Britannica school article TexQuest

  • Kindergarten Math Fun Worksheets | Splash Math

    tags: math splash

  • 19 TAC Chapter 126, Subchapter C

    • Technology Applications, High School

    • (3)  Research and information fluency. The student   locates, analyzes, processes, and organizes data. The student is expected to:

       

      (A)  construct appropriate electronic search   strategies; and

       

      (B)  use a variety of resources, including other   subject areas, together with various productivity tools to gather authentic   data as a basis for individual and group programming projects.

  • 19 TAC Chapter 126, Subchapter B

    • (3)  Research and information fluency. The student   acquires, analyzes, and manages content from digital resources. The student   is expected to:

       

      (A)  create a research plan to guide inquiry;

       

      (B)  use and evaluate various search strategies,   including keyword(s) and Boolean operators;

       

      (C)  select and evaluate various types of digital   resources for accuracy and validity; and

       

      (D)  process data and communicate results.

    • (3)  Research and information fluency. The student   acquires, analyzes, and manages content from digital resources. The student   is expected to:

       

      (A)  create a research plan to guide inquiry;

       

      (B)  plan, use, and evaluate various search strategies,   including keyword(s) and Boolean operators;

       

      (C)  select and evaluate various types of digital   resources for accuracy and validity; and

       

      (D)  process data and communicate results.

    • (3)  Research and information fluency. The student   acquires, analyzes, and manages content from digital resources. The student   is expected to:

       

      (A)  create a research plan to guide inquiry;

       

      (B)  discuss and use various search strategies,   including keyword(s) and Boolean operators;

       

      (C)  select and evaluate various types of digital   resources for accuracy and validity; and

       

      (D)  process data and communicate results.

    • Grade 6
    • Technology Applications,   Grade 6,

    • (3)  Research and information fluency. The student   acquires, analyzes, and manages content from digital resources. The student   is expected to:

       

      (A)  create a research plan to guide inquiry;

       

      (B)  discuss and use various search strategies,   including keyword(s) and Boolean operators;

       

      (C)  select and evaluate various types of digital   resources for accuracy and validity; and

       

      (D)  process data and communicate results.

    • Grade 7,
    • Technology Applications,   Grade 7

    • (3)  Research and information fluency. The student   acquires, analyzes, and manages content from digital resources. The student   is expected to:

       

      (A)  create a research plan to guide inquiry;

       

      (B)  use and evaluate various search strategies,   including keyword(s) and Boolean operators;

       

      (C)  select and evaluate various types of digital   resources for accuracy and validity; and

       

      (D)  process data and communicate results.

    • Grade 8,
    • Technology Applications,   Grade 8

    • (3)  Research and information fluency. The student   acquires, analyzes, and manages content from digital resources. The student   is expected to:

       

      (A)  create a research plan to guide inquiry;

       

      (B)  plan, use, and evaluate various search strategies,   including keyword(s) and Boolean operators;

       

      (C)  select and evaluate various types of digital   resources for accuracy and validity; and

       

      (D)  process data and communicate results.

  • 19 TAC Chapter 126, Subchapter A

    tags: TEKS technology techApps texas Research Information Fluency

    • Kindergarten-Grade 2

    • (3)  Research and information fluency. The student   acquires and evaluates digital content. The student is expected to:

       

      (A)  use search strategies to access information   to guide inquiry;

       

      (B)  use research skills to build a knowledge   base regarding a topic, task, or assignment; and

       

      (C)  evaluate the usefulness of acquired digital   content.

    • Grades 3-5,

    • (3)  Research and information fluency. The student   acquires and evaluates digital content. The student is expected to:

       

      (A)  use various search strategies such as keyword(s);   the Boolean identifiers and, or, and not; and other strategies   appropriate to specific search engines;

       

      (B)  collect and organize information from a   variety of formats, including text, audio, video, and graphics;

       

      (C)  validate and evaluate the relevance and   appropriateness of information; and

       

      (D)  acquire information appropriate to specific   tasks.

  • Splash Math - Fun Math Practice for Kindergarten to Grade 5 | Splash Math

    tags: math interactive k-5 app elementary splash

  • Resources for School Librarians

    tags: library resources school_librarian reference education librarianship

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