Must see video for all!

Foster Gratitude

I swear, I think this woman has met my children. It is a quick video to just start some conversations about how to get kids to be more appreciative of all they have.

Face It- Math Can Be Fun!

There are 3 books that I use on days when I need to break things up or I just feel like coloring!  The books are FACEing Math by Kristin Dewitt at www.FACEingmath.com.  I love using these books because you can reinforce skills students have learned in such a fun way.  For example, in Lesson 1, students must solve the problem X+5=7.  If they get the answer X=2, then they draw this cute polka dot clown hat on their faceless head template.  If they get X=12, then they draw a top hat with stripes.  The ability to check for understanding is ridiculously easy for the teacher.  Students show their work, solve the problems, and get to color their "face" based on their answers.  Not only do my students love this, but they do nice work and they look forward to the activities.  Furthermore, one of my classes begged to design their own worksheets for their peers to use.  This reinforced their learning because they had to be able to determine how a student might make a mistake and the resulting answer.

I am fortunate to work with a wonderful teacher who was a student of Mrs. Dewitt and that is how I stumbled upon this genius innovation.

Keep creating:)

What Advice Would Graduating Seniors Give 8th Graders

Courtesy http://bit.ly/11lXVkG

RIMS AVID Podcast 

This podcast features an interview of a panel of eight graduating AVID seniors.  These seniors are from Lakeside High School in Lake Elsinore, California.  They come from a variety of backgrounds, have been in AVID for different lengths of time, and are headed to many different universities. 

Daniel (UC Riverside), Tyler (CSU Long Beach), Ricardo (CSU Fullerton), Delilah (UCLA), Jocelyn (UCLA), Perla (UCSD), Ed (CSU Chico), T.J. (CSU San Marcos)

Part 1- Introductions and Question 1: "What were your aspirations before AVID?  Did you know much about college?"

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10328230/IntroductionsAndQuestion1.mp3

Part 2- "What is it about AVID that has made the biggest difference for you?"

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10328230/Question2.mp3

Part 3- "How are your plans to attend college influencing your family and friends?"

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10328230/Question3.mp3

Part 4- "What has been your biggest hurdle in your quest to attend college?"

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10328230/Question4.mp3

Part 5- "If there was an 8th grader standing here with us who had not figured out what the future holds, what advice would you give?"

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10328230/Question5.mp3

So many reasons to celebrate!

I am thrilled because my blog has finally received its 4000+ view. I started this for my students as a homework help site. However, I find that Edmodo and my requires school site are sufficient. So recently, as a result of my peers seeking information on technology and classroom support materials, I changed my focus. The result...I received about 15 times the views. This tells me that the way I can be most useful in cyberspace with my blog is to keep information directed at peer information and utilize my Edmodo and school site for my students. If anyone has thoughts on this, I would love suggestions.  For now, thank you for all 4000 views!!!

Near pod!

Article featured in Eudemic

Creative Equations

Today we are using a lesson from Digitallesson.com called Creative Equations.  The focus is on the use of operators and the order of operations.  Students will have to pick 4 numbers and we will work to create an equation that equates 1, 2, 3, on up to 100.  For example, if I chose 2, 0, 1, 3 for my numbers and it has to equal 1.  Then my equation would be (3-2) + 1x0 = 1

Cyber Responsibility

With all the cases of teens being held accountable for committing crimes in cyberspace, we need to take charge and educate our kids about appropriate internet usage.  I used to hear that and think I understood but obviously we do not because there are alarming numbers of these cases popping up on the news.  Teens need to understand that they cannot send nude photos to their friends or forward a message containing nudity because that is distributing child pornography. Recently, in a city close to ours a young girl sent her friend an inappropriate photo. Her friend sent the message to several other students. Consequently, all students involved had charges filed against them including the young lady who took her own photo.  I doubt that she ever anticipated or thought about such consequences or intended such humiliation. Teens do not think about the magnitude of the Internet.  In addition, being on the internet means you have an online reputation that follows you. Privacy really does not exist if you put yourself out there. Hearing students talk about their own experiences with photos being passed around over the Internet makes me conclude that it occurs more often than we realize. Furthermore, as a parent I am increasingly aware of how easy it is for predators to get information and contact our kids. Trust me, they don't have to try to hard because our kids put way too much information out there and do not anticipate malicious intent on the part of those they encounter while surfing the net.

Take home message, education is our best offense. "For program leaders and for parents, teaching responsible online behavior is a gradual process involving supervision and communication. Leading the way can be challenging, because youth are so quick to pick up new skills online, and may not be open with their elders about their online activities" (Cyfernet). We need to begin this process now and keep our circle of communication open.  For a plethora (as my father-in-law often says) of valuable information visit the following to sites: http://m.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/internet-safety-tips-high-school-kids and http://m.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/internet-safety-tips-high-school-kids

EDcanvas with Edmodo

Edcanvas is an amazing app offered through Edmodo that I just shared with my students today.  We are doing a project and this is providing them with a presentation format that is easy to create.  The students are able to upload or import videos, images, websites, and documents right into the template.  They can choose from a variety of templates and a couple color themes.  Rearranging the frames is very easy - just drag and drop.  Finally, when they are finished they can just play it and the program runs through each frame.  I also appreciate the option of writing a description right on the frame and being able to write comments on the side  for further detail.  I can't believe how intuitive this app is and that it is free!  They really enjoyed working with Edcanvas today.  Edmodo is just taking off with these apps.  I am very excited to see where they go next.  Here are 2 videos that demonstrate how useful and easy Edcanvas is to utilize.

I created a monster!

I remember thinking that I would never teach to a test, that I would always look for multiple ways to asses my students, and that I believed students master content at different times so always let them retake assessments as long as eventually they understand. However, my colleagues and I must have forgotten some of those pledges to ourselves (I could not have done this alone right?).  The reason I state this is because since the Star test ended my students do not see the need to continue learning. They have blatantly said, "But the Star test is over. So what is the point?" Love 8th graders...they don't hold back.

Teachers are even transitioning into vacation mode sooner. I don't mean playing movies-they are working.  But, they are tired and struggling with the question, "Are the kids misbehaving or am I so tired that it just seems that way?"  It is the chicken and the egg thing. I honestly think the answer is-both. We work hard all year and the emphasis on this test is a top down stressor. We feel it and the kids do too.

I am going to try in the future to avoid placing such high importance on this test so my students will see the value of education not just the value of learning something to pass a test.  I remember my own daughter used to love reading. She was an amazing reader. But, when she had to take a test at the end of every book, she began to despise reading. She loved the enjoyment if reading. When it became associated with points and leveling, she withdrew and would do only the minimum. She did not like them telling her she could not read what she wanted to sometimes and she hated that they constantly raised her limit.  I do not want my kids to think of school in that manner and unfortunately most do already. So, I don't have the secret formula yet but I am going to make a conscious effort to work on teaching my kids to love learning and to learn just to learn.  Any and all suggestions welcome!

Geometry Vocabulary

http://quizlet.com/23092290/geometry-ch-1-flash-cards/

We are venturing into Geometry.  In order to learn the vocabulary that accompanies Geometry, we need to practice daily so we can keep up. Quizlet has the Scatter game  and a couple others to help you learn the vocabulary in a fun manner.

Mathematician Report

To supplement our 1st geometry lesson, we will be researching mathematicians and constructing a cereal box display depicting the information learned during the research. Students will present biographical information, areas of travel and education by their person of interest, as well as extensive detail regarding the mathematicians contributions to the math world. This should be made to be interesting and fun. Finally, students may choose to present their findings via a power point presentation, a Prezi, video, or other creative means of demonstrating their learning. All videos (other presentation modes) should be posted on Edmodo for peer review and critique.  I look forward to learning from your work and presentations.

What now Mrs. T?

The state test had barely left their fingertips when the question began formulating in their precious minds...what are we going to do after CSTs? "Are we just going to watch movies?" NO! "Are we going to just hang out?" NEVER! But, I have to admit that this time of year, I certainly struggle with where to take them this last month of school. Should I go over the content they did not grasp as strongly as others?  Should I cover the end of the book which is not a state standard but could be connected to real life experiences? Or, should we dive into some amazing projects I have always wanted to do with them but never had the time? 

I believe all teachers encounter this dilemma. My little group of collaborating teachers is mindful of the 6th and 7th grade teachers and the projects they do to enrich their classes. We try to design projects that do not repeat the content taught by other teachers. We lyook through many resources and weed through all the projects we find intriguing. Finally, the end result? A series of projects that touch on a collection of standards previously taught but hopefully will heighten student comprehension and challenge students to learn content in a manner that is meaningful and  individualized. In addition, this is a time in which we can try new technology, instructional strategies, and materials we may not have branched out and dared to attempt during the normal pacing guide time frame. This is not to say that we do not try new methods of instruction throughout the year because every year most teachers grow and alter their lessons to increase student achievement. But, I recall learning about Edmodo and keeping it on my to do list until the end of the year when I felt I could really give the educational vehicle the time and efforts to assist student learning. Now, I begin the school year familiarizing my students with Edmodo. 

So, when my students ask "What now?" I am excited to tell them all about the list of content, technologies, and projects of which we will be wrapping up our school year. While they may sigh, roll their middle school eyes, and wish for a month of movies, secretly they are going to be more entertained and pleased to work with and learn from their peers and algebra teacher...or so I will tell myself each and everyday as I drive to school.