Help Students De-Stress for Success
I came across this article on Edutopia and found it very interesting. The article gives some great techniques for helping to de-stress your students. For my kiddos, we dance to Dr. Jean or if it's the afternoon, we have rest time with some quiet music to help us relax and clear our minds. I fully believe when students de-stress, they learn better. Every year I have noticed a change in my students when they come back from Christmas break. When they come back in January, it seems like everything we worked on from September-December, has finally sunk in.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Christmas Sites for Teachers
Twelve Days of Christmas Sites
I came across this article today listing 12 Christmas sites for teachers to use these last few days of school. The sites listed sound very interesting, fun, and informative for students. Some of the sites teach while others are more for fun. I checked out the Antarctica "Street" View site. On this site, students can explore different parts of Antarctica.
I came across this article today listing 12 Christmas sites for teachers to use these last few days of school. The sites listed sound very interesting, fun, and informative for students. Some of the sites teach while others are more for fun. I checked out the Antarctica "Street" View site. On this site, students can explore different parts of Antarctica.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Winter Reading: What's on Your Bedside Table?
Winter Reading: What's on Your Bedside Table?
Oh for the love of books! I am really looking forward to having the next few weeks off so I can just read books that have nothing to do with Educational Technology. I have many many books that I am looking forward to reading for the first time and others that I want to re-read. I always enjoy reading short, heartfelt Christmas stories. My re-reads....The Hunger Games. What's on your reading list?
Oh for the love of books! I am really looking forward to having the next few weeks off so I can just read books that have nothing to do with Educational Technology. I have many many books that I am looking forward to reading for the first time and others that I want to re-read. I always enjoy reading short, heartfelt Christmas stories. My re-reads....The Hunger Games. What's on your reading list?
Friday, December 7, 2012
Collaborative Learning
How Collaborative Learning Leads to Student Success
This article was about students reaching out to each other to share knowledge and help solve problems. Educators are finding that students are more successful in their collaboration skills and understanding. I should note, this article is discussing a college preparatory school for grades 9-12.
I feel collaborative learning should begin in elementary school. Positive collaborative learning promotes positive teamwork and student-led learning. Even it's just cleaning up after free choice, that's collaborative learning for my students. It's a great start for future activities because each person has a part they have to complete. I praise my students when they work well together and stop them when they just yell at each other and argue during group activities.
This article was about students reaching out to each other to share knowledge and help solve problems. Educators are finding that students are more successful in their collaboration skills and understanding. I should note, this article is discussing a college preparatory school for grades 9-12.
I feel collaborative learning should begin in elementary school. Positive collaborative learning promotes positive teamwork and student-led learning. Even it's just cleaning up after free choice, that's collaborative learning for my students. It's a great start for future activities because each person has a part they have to complete. I praise my students when they work well together and stop them when they just yell at each other and argue during group activities.
Building Social and Emotional Skills
Building Social and Emotional Skills in Elementary Students: Passion and Strengths
This blog is part of a nine-part series in building social and emotional skills in elementary students. Each blog features skills from the acronym HAPPINESS. The blog discusses helping your child or students in finding their inherent strengths, practicing that strength, and ideas to help your child realize their strengths and passions.
Bullying is such a prominent issue in our schools now and I feel this is a great skills to begin teaching our students at a young age. Currently, I am having an issue with tattling in my classroom. I always try and encourage my kids to stand up for themselves and speak up when they don't like what something said to them. For those moments when one student says something personal about another student, I am going to begin having them say something positive or a strength about themselves plus standing up to that other child.
This blog is part of a nine-part series in building social and emotional skills in elementary students. Each blog features skills from the acronym HAPPINESS. The blog discusses helping your child or students in finding their inherent strengths, practicing that strength, and ideas to help your child realize their strengths and passions.
Bullying is such a prominent issue in our schools now and I feel this is a great skills to begin teaching our students at a young age. Currently, I am having an issue with tattling in my classroom. I always try and encourage my kids to stand up for themselves and speak up when they don't like what something said to them. For those moments when one student says something personal about another student, I am going to begin having them say something positive or a strength about themselves plus standing up to that other child.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Creating Social-Emotional Moments
Parents: Make Bedtime a Social-Emotional Moment with Your Kids
I came across this article today on Edutopia and I thought it was great. The article is also connected to a blog that I began following with some great ideas for parents. I do not have children currently but have done a lot of babysitting over the past 15 years and always enjoy before bedtime reading; probably one of my favorite times. This time gives parents and children some quiet time to bond over a book or events of the day. These quiet moments are a calming time for children and may help them sleep better. The article also mentioned that people that think about things/people etc they are grateful for before they go to sleep, tend to sleep better. Good thoughts = good sleep :)
In January of this year I started writing every night one thing I was grateful for that day. Some days were more difficult than others but it really made me think back on my day and focus on the good part of my day rather than the frustrating moments. I made it to April before I stopped writing. My goal for 2013, try it again for the whole year.
I came across this article today on Edutopia and I thought it was great. The article is also connected to a blog that I began following with some great ideas for parents. I do not have children currently but have done a lot of babysitting over the past 15 years and always enjoy before bedtime reading; probably one of my favorite times. This time gives parents and children some quiet time to bond over a book or events of the day. These quiet moments are a calming time for children and may help them sleep better. The article also mentioned that people that think about things/people etc they are grateful for before they go to sleep, tend to sleep better. Good thoughts = good sleep :)
In January of this year I started writing every night one thing I was grateful for that day. Some days were more difficult than others but it really made me think back on my day and focus on the good part of my day rather than the frustrating moments. I made it to April before I stopped writing. My goal for 2013, try it again for the whole year.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Elf on the Shelf
I LOVE Elf on the Shelf and I don't even have one. I really want one for my classroom :) There is no link with this blog. This has been the topic among teachers and my little ones throughout this week beginning first thing Monday morning. I heard all about the names of their Elves and what mischief their elf got into that night.
If you are not familiar with this phenomenon....Elf on the Shelf comes in a box with a book. You are supposed to read the book and your child would name the Elf. Each night the Elf "flies" back to the North Pole to report to Santa and is there in the morning for when your child(ren). If your child touches the Elf, they lose their power. You can find all kinds of ideas online for your Elf to be doing or have done when your house awakens in the morning. It's just a fabulous idea :)
Kudos to the creator of this!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Things to write about....
This isn't a very exciting blog today. I've gone through my RSS feed subscriptions and nothing evokes a response.
So, here's some exciting news in my life... I finally moved out of my parents house a few weeks ago, woot woot :) I am still working at my school but I am excited for this new start and next chapter in my life. I don't feel any "older" or more responsible, maybe that will kick in someday? Here's to new beginnings :)
So, here's some exciting news in my life... I finally moved out of my parents house a few weeks ago, woot woot :) I am still working at my school but I am excited for this new start and next chapter in my life. I don't feel any "older" or more responsible, maybe that will kick in someday? Here's to new beginnings :)
Friday, November 23, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving (a day late) and Holidays
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Most of us have been together for almost a year (I can't believe it!). I'm also wishing you all an early Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays :) Enjoy your families this holiday and take time to relax before we start again in January!
No More Recess
Getting Rid of Recess?!
A teacher from Northern WI says that her school is getting rid of recess except for one at lunch. She is asking for other opinions from fellow educators. She fears that many of her kinders have long bus rides and with the dark and cold, won't get outside once home from school.
All of our students (K-6) have 2 recesses per day; about 30 min before lunch and 15 minutes later in the afternoon. For me personally, it is very obvious when my kiddos have not been able to be outside because of weather conditions. They are ever more energetic than usual! Those moments call for running time in the gym. This is the pressure that we seem to hear...serve healthier options at lunch but let's take away recess (possibly the only exercise some kids will get in their day). I don't get it.
Are anybody else's school moving to this? How many recesses are your kiddos getting?
A teacher from Northern WI says that her school is getting rid of recess except for one at lunch. She is asking for other opinions from fellow educators. She fears that many of her kinders have long bus rides and with the dark and cold, won't get outside once home from school.
All of our students (K-6) have 2 recesses per day; about 30 min before lunch and 15 minutes later in the afternoon. For me personally, it is very obvious when my kiddos have not been able to be outside because of weather conditions. They are ever more energetic than usual! Those moments call for running time in the gym. This is the pressure that we seem to hear...serve healthier options at lunch but let's take away recess (possibly the only exercise some kids will get in their day). I don't get it.
Are anybody else's school moving to this? How many recesses are your kiddos getting?
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Homework in Kindergarten
Homework in Kindergarten?
On Miss Bindergarten's blog, there is an article about homework in Kindergarten. A teacher is asking for advice on assigning hw for her kindergarteners because she had a complaint that they were given "way too much." It was interesting reading the comments from others and most are VERY against homework for kindergarteners.
At our school, all grades are given homework Monday-Thursday, no homework is given on Fridays. My students are encouraged to read each night and on Mondays I send home their reading packet that correlates to our book for the week. Some students turn it in Tuesdays and others turn it in Fridays. This year I have a student that is quite advanced and so she also has a spelling list for the week and takes home a Simple Solutions book each night to complete one page front and back.
I strongly stand by the fact that kids learn best through play but I also feel kindergarten is so much more than it used to be, everything is shifting grades. The skills they used to learn in kindergarten, they are now learning in pre-school. Part of my responsibility as their kindergarten teacher is to prepare them for first grade; not just skills but also the responsibility of having homework.
Those of you that have/had a kindergartner, what are your thoughts on this topic and did your child's school assign homework?
On Miss Bindergarten's blog, there is an article about homework in Kindergarten. A teacher is asking for advice on assigning hw for her kindergarteners because she had a complaint that they were given "way too much." It was interesting reading the comments from others and most are VERY against homework for kindergarteners.
At our school, all grades are given homework Monday-Thursday, no homework is given on Fridays. My students are encouraged to read each night and on Mondays I send home their reading packet that correlates to our book for the week. Some students turn it in Tuesdays and others turn it in Fridays. This year I have a student that is quite advanced and so she also has a spelling list for the week and takes home a Simple Solutions book each night to complete one page front and back.
I strongly stand by the fact that kids learn best through play but I also feel kindergarten is so much more than it used to be, everything is shifting grades. The skills they used to learn in kindergarten, they are now learning in pre-school. Part of my responsibility as their kindergarten teacher is to prepare them for first grade; not just skills but also the responsibility of having homework.
Those of you that have/had a kindergartner, what are your thoughts on this topic and did your child's school assign homework?
Friday, November 16, 2012
Moving day :)
Although it is 1:00 in the morning, it is officially moving day for me! I'm finally moving out of my parents; this is an exciting day for all :)
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Cut-off date for Kindergarteners
How Young is Too Young? Let's Talk Cut-Off Dates
In this article, a fellow K teacher is asking for advice on cut-off dates for her kindergarteners and advice on readiness assessments. In her district there is no cut-off date for incoming kindergarten students, it is left up to her. Our school still goes by the "5 by December 1st" for entering our kindergarten. Our school also uses Gesell Readiness Assessment for incoming students.
Not everyone will agree with me on this and that is okay but I feel very strongly about sending a child to school and having them turn 6 in kindergarten. Parents that struggle with the option to send their child to school or not, I tell them "when in doubt, keep out." You are never hurting that child by waiting a year, you are only helping them.
Two years ago I had a girl that was going to turn 5 the very first day of school. She was very shy and after her Gesell Assessment, I recommended a year of Developmental Kindergarten (Young 5's). Her parents were very torn because she was their oldest so they had no comparison and her pre-school teacher continued to tell them she was ready (although she clearly was not). Her 1st year with me she struggled all year; she lacked confidence in every area. It was finally decided that it would be best to give her another year of growth in my classroom. Her growth year was definitely her year, she just shined! She was confident in everything she did and went from "below average" to "above average" in all areas. To this day, her mom still says she doesn't regret giving her another year with me, she can't believe the change she saw in one year. In her classmates words, "her first year was her practice year." :)
What your thoughts about this subject?
In this article, a fellow K teacher is asking for advice on cut-off dates for her kindergarteners and advice on readiness assessments. In her district there is no cut-off date for incoming kindergarten students, it is left up to her. Our school still goes by the "5 by December 1st" for entering our kindergarten. Our school also uses Gesell Readiness Assessment for incoming students.
Not everyone will agree with me on this and that is okay but I feel very strongly about sending a child to school and having them turn 6 in kindergarten. Parents that struggle with the option to send their child to school or not, I tell them "when in doubt, keep out." You are never hurting that child by waiting a year, you are only helping them.
Two years ago I had a girl that was going to turn 5 the very first day of school. She was very shy and after her Gesell Assessment, I recommended a year of Developmental Kindergarten (Young 5's). Her parents were very torn because she was their oldest so they had no comparison and her pre-school teacher continued to tell them she was ready (although she clearly was not). Her 1st year with me she struggled all year; she lacked confidence in every area. It was finally decided that it would be best to give her another year of growth in my classroom. Her growth year was definitely her year, she just shined! She was confident in everything she did and went from "below average" to "above average" in all areas. To this day, her mom still says she doesn't regret giving her another year with me, she can't believe the change she saw in one year. In her classmates words, "her first year was her practice year." :)
What your thoughts about this subject?
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Black Friday --> Thursday? No Way!
Worker: Don't Start Black Friday on Thanksgiving
So, every morning I strive to watch at least 30-45 min of the Today show before I go to work, it doesn't always happen but it's a good start to the day when it happens. Today, Wednesday, I was able to watch a teeny bit and had the "pleasure" of catching this story.
Target is looking to move black Friday shopping to Thanksgiving and a Target worker doesn't like this idea. She had planned to spend Thanksgiving with her family and then was scheduled to work. She wrote an online petition to keep black Friday shopping on black Friday. Well, her petition went viral. At some point, this story ended in the arms of the Target 'big dogs.' They sent her a letter stating that she would receive no backlash and she could gladly have Thanksgiving off to spend with her family. She turned them down! Really?!
I don't get it. You went to all that trouble of writing the petition and getting THOUSANDS of signatures, they give you the day off and you tell them no? What was the point then?
So, every morning I strive to watch at least 30-45 min of the Today show before I go to work, it doesn't always happen but it's a good start to the day when it happens. Today, Wednesday, I was able to watch a teeny bit and had the "pleasure" of catching this story.
Target is looking to move black Friday shopping to Thanksgiving and a Target worker doesn't like this idea. She had planned to spend Thanksgiving with her family and then was scheduled to work. She wrote an online petition to keep black Friday shopping on black Friday. Well, her petition went viral. At some point, this story ended in the arms of the Target 'big dogs.' They sent her a letter stating that she would receive no backlash and she could gladly have Thanksgiving off to spend with her family. She turned them down! Really?!
I don't get it. You went to all that trouble of writing the petition and getting THOUSANDS of signatures, they give you the day off and you tell them no? What was the point then?
Monday, November 12, 2012
WOO HOO!!!
I was able to order 5 iPads today for my classroom! I am so excited :) Anybody have suggestions for apps either your students or own children (Kindergarten age) enjoy?
Friday, November 9, 2012
Online Universities: Why They Still Don't Measure Up
Online Universities: Why They Still Don't Measure Up
This article ticked me off; according to some people and companies, all the work we are doing for these classes is not respected and pretty much a joke. If a job comes down between two people, a company will hire the person that went to a university before someone with an online degree unless the online degree person has something else remarkable on their resume. (Ugh!) I feel I work just as hard in my grad classes than I worked in my undergrad. I'm learning more and most of it is pretty interesting. Do I wish some days I was in a classroom because it's easier than emailing back and forth when there is an issue, yes, but at the same time, I can not imagine sitting through a 2-4 hour class on a Friday evening after working all week. I was really nervous to take online courses because I knew they were going to be quicker and more difficult but I absolutely love it because it works for my schedule. For those people out there that haven't lived or worked with someone taking online classes, just talk to my parents and co-workers, the stress level to finish assignments is no different then someone physically going to class.
This article ticked me off; according to some people and companies, all the work we are doing for these classes is not respected and pretty much a joke. If a job comes down between two people, a company will hire the person that went to a university before someone with an online degree unless the online degree person has something else remarkable on their resume. (Ugh!) I feel I work just as hard in my grad classes than I worked in my undergrad. I'm learning more and most of it is pretty interesting. Do I wish some days I was in a classroom because it's easier than emailing back and forth when there is an issue, yes, but at the same time, I can not imagine sitting through a 2-4 hour class on a Friday evening after working all week. I was really nervous to take online courses because I knew they were going to be quicker and more difficult but I absolutely love it because it works for my schedule. For those people out there that haven't lived or worked with someone taking online classes, just talk to my parents and co-workers, the stress level to finish assignments is no different then someone physically going to class.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
"Can Girls Play Football?"
Girl, 9, crushes all-male pee-wee football league
I just came across this article on MSNBC and thought it fit perfectly with something one of my boys asked me last week; "Ms. N, can girls play football?" My response to him, "absolutely!" I've always tried to teach my students the motto "pink is not just for girls and blue is not just for boys." Every year, the conversation arises about a boy liking the color pink. I just tell my students the above quote. Would I put my baby boy in a pink sleeper or my baby girl in a blue sleeper, no, but eventually kids begin to come into their own and I feel they should grow up knowing nothing is impossible and they can wear whatever color they want. If you get a chance, check out this video, she is quick and a tough cookie!
I just came across this article on MSNBC and thought it fit perfectly with something one of my boys asked me last week; "Ms. N, can girls play football?" My response to him, "absolutely!" I've always tried to teach my students the motto "pink is not just for girls and blue is not just for boys." Every year, the conversation arises about a boy liking the color pink. I just tell my students the above quote. Would I put my baby boy in a pink sleeper or my baby girl in a blue sleeper, no, but eventually kids begin to come into their own and I feel they should grow up knowing nothing is impossible and they can wear whatever color they want. If you get a chance, check out this video, she is quick and a tough cookie!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
iLearn Technology
iLearn Technology
I found this site the other day and posted it to my delicious. It's an education blog for integrating technology in the classroom. There are a ton of technology based activities for all different grade levels. It also lists some great websites for each level of Bloom's Taxonomy. Check it out!
I found this site the other day and posted it to my delicious. It's an education blog for integrating technology in the classroom. There are a ton of technology based activities for all different grade levels. It also lists some great websites for each level of Bloom's Taxonomy. Check it out!
Monday, November 5, 2012
I'm Trying
Let's Not "Fall" Behind: 3 Tips to Help You Stay Organized
Ahhh organization, my arch-nemesis! Each year I am getting better and better at staying organized; this year being my best year yet. I always start off the year organized and then somewhere along the way we get separated and disorganization takes over. In the article, the author writes that by November, some teachers are feeling disorganized and unprepared. I'm there! I have less students this year and yet I feel as if I am falling behind everyday. One of the tips in the article, "Write it Down!" This is one of my only ways (some days) of attempting to keep up with life; if it's not written down, forget it! Maybe by the time I retire I will be organized?
Ahhh organization, my arch-nemesis! Each year I am getting better and better at staying organized; this year being my best year yet. I always start off the year organized and then somewhere along the way we get separated and disorganization takes over. In the article, the author writes that by November, some teachers are feeling disorganized and unprepared. I'm there! I have less students this year and yet I feel as if I am falling behind everyday. One of the tips in the article, "Write it Down!" This is one of my only ways (some days) of attempting to keep up with life; if it's not written down, forget it! Maybe by the time I retire I will be organized?
Thursday, November 1, 2012
iPads
Teacher Experience and Expectations for the 1:1 Elementary Classroom
I enjoyed this post from teachers' experience with iPads for each of their students. The teachers gave some great feedback about using iPads in their classrooms. Some offered up names of their favorite apps they use with their students. Some teachers discussed their expectations they go over with their students before use. Informative and helpful article
I enjoyed this post from teachers' experience with iPads for each of their students. The teachers gave some great feedback about using iPads in their classrooms. Some offered up names of their favorite apps they use with their students. Some teachers discussed their expectations they go over with their students before use. Informative and helpful article
Hurricane Sandy for younger students
Classroom Resources to Help Teach About Hurricane Sandy
I found this article the other day and was very interested in it to help teach my students about this recent hurricane. I have the privilege of working in a parochial school so our conversation began the other day by praying for those in the states affected by the hurricane and those helping them. My kinders were very interested in what a hurricane is and then the conversation switched to the difference between hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes. The Sesame Street video on the feed talked about weather leading up to the hurricane, things that should be done before the hurricane, and ways to try and stay safe. I liked this video because it was age appropriate and understandable for my students.
I found this article the other day and was very interested in it to help teach my students about this recent hurricane. I have the privilege of working in a parochial school so our conversation began the other day by praying for those in the states affected by the hurricane and those helping them. My kinders were very interested in what a hurricane is and then the conversation switched to the difference between hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes. The Sesame Street video on the feed talked about weather leading up to the hurricane, things that should be done before the hurricane, and ways to try and stay safe. I liked this video because it was age appropriate and understandable for my students.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
No Books?!
Can You Imagine A Library Without Books?
So much of what we do now is technology based and among that are reading books. I am that book lover that would have heart palpitations in a library without books. I love reading! Books take me to places I only dream of visiting and introduce me to people I strive to be like. I can't imagine a library without books, can you?
So much of what we do now is technology based and among that are reading books. I am that book lover that would have heart palpitations in a library without books. I love reading! Books take me to places I only dream of visiting and introduce me to people I strive to be like. I can't imagine a library without books, can you?
Can Kindness Be Taught?
This post is in response to Can Kindness Be Taught?
I truly believe that kindness can be taught although harder for some than others. I believe those that are unkind to others have a wall built around their heart because for whatever reason, they were never taught how to be kind. I think anyone can be taught kindness but depending on the environment they grew up in, it may take longer. What are your thoughts?
I truly believe that kindness can be taught although harder for some than others. I believe those that are unkind to others have a wall built around their heart because for whatever reason, they were never taught how to be kind. I think anyone can be taught kindness but depending on the environment they grew up in, it may take longer. What are your thoughts?
Monday, October 29, 2012
iPads? I Can't Wait!
This post is in response to a blog I found - Mobile Learning: 5 Apps and Web Tools for Elementary School Students
As some of you may remember because it's been discussed in previous classes, our school is new to SMARTboards the last few years. I am the last class in the school to receive one due to funds and we have been waiting to see if the company will come out with a product geared more for kindergarten level. As the year is progressing, I made a suggestion to my principal that I would prefer a small group set of iPads rather than a SMARTboard. Well, our carnival was last Friday and I am told that we raised enough money for me to get at least 3, WOO HOO! When I found this post about some great apps for elementary students I was excited to bookmark it. The post lists the following apps: Puppet Pals HD, i-Nigma, Nearpod, Martha Speaks Dog Party, and Motion Math. 2 of the 5 apps are above my students level but the other 3 look great and I can't wait to check them out. So I am now on the search for great apps to use with my students (any suggestions would be most helpful). :)
As some of you may remember because it's been discussed in previous classes, our school is new to SMARTboards the last few years. I am the last class in the school to receive one due to funds and we have been waiting to see if the company will come out with a product geared more for kindergarten level. As the year is progressing, I made a suggestion to my principal that I would prefer a small group set of iPads rather than a SMARTboard. Well, our carnival was last Friday and I am told that we raised enough money for me to get at least 3, WOO HOO! When I found this post about some great apps for elementary students I was excited to bookmark it. The post lists the following apps: Puppet Pals HD, i-Nigma, Nearpod, Martha Speaks Dog Party, and Motion Math. 2 of the 5 apps are above my students level but the other 3 look great and I can't wait to check them out. So I am now on the search for great apps to use with my students (any suggestions would be most helpful). :)
Sunday, October 28, 2012
EDU 653
I think I finally have this blog thing figured out. My name is Stephanie Normand and I am kindergarten teacher in Charlotte, MI. This blog is for my graduate class Read/Write Web.
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