Home › Archive ›

February 2010

Read Across America

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2010-02-27 10:00


March 2, 2010 marks the 12th year of Read Across America, the innovative reading awareness program created by the National Education Association. Schools, libraries, community centers, and other organizations celebrate the day by hosting events that promote children’s reading. March 2 was chosen as the annual date as a way to honor beloved children’s author Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. At our local schools, students (and many teachers) dress up, don striped Cat in the Hat head gear, listen to visiting authors, hold readers’ theaters, and otherwise fete the sheer joy of reading.

Resources mentioned in this post: 
Read Across America Resources
Family Literacy Bag: Where the Wild Things Are
Beginning Readers: Look! I Can Read This!

Teacher Tools

Submitted by Joann on Sun, 2010-02-21 10:00


Teachers are very aware that education in the 21st century demands time-honored practices coupled with the innovative use of technology. The Internet and the abundance of digital tools available can help facilitate learning in a way that was unimaginable to earlier generations. This week’s picks focus on digital tools sites created by educators who are passionate about using new forms of technology creatively in the classroom. So, tap into your (virtual) inner MacGyver with the arsenal of tech tools offered through these sites, and enjoy the ride.

WSD’s eToolBox: Choosing the Right Tools
http://www.thegateway.org/browse/dcrecord.2010-02-04.5092649244/
Subjects: Teaching, Technology

Resources mentioned in this post: 
WSD's eToolBox: Choosing the Right Tools
Web 2.0: Cool Tools for School
A–Z Internet Resources for Education

The Not-So-Geek Squad

Submitted by Joann on Sat, 2010-02-13 10:00


With 3 kids of various ages, it’s pretty difficult to find a TV show that’s both age-appropriate and entertaining for them all. Terrific, then, that one day we happened to stumble upon Design Squad, a Peabody Award-winning reality competition series on PBS where teen contestants tackle engineering challenges for an actual client. My kids were all immediately engrossed in the show: the squabbling stopped, quiet ensued, and I avoided a date with some Extra-Strength Tylenol. Bliss! Design Squad’s mission is to attract kids to engineering and inventing, and to this end has created a host of science activities, teacher’s guides, and other resources to help students flex their design process skills while learning science and engineering concepts.

Resources mentioned in this post: 
Watercraft
Kicking Machine
Feel the Heat

A Call to (Math) Arms

Submitted by Joann on Sun, 2010-02-07 10:00


We recently heard from teacher MCN who asked for math lessons using iPods or cell phones. This turned out to be a tall order: while there are companies popping up all over offering fee-based math games for cells and iPods, there aren’t currently a lot of good freely available resources. So, hear ye, hear ye, I’m issuing an official call – I’d like to know about free math lessons/apps you’ve created for iPods or cells; links appreciated. In the meantime, some offerings:

The Tangent Function
http://www.thegateway.org/browse/dcrecord.2010-01-24.4953102213
Subjects: Math, Trigonometry
Grade: 10-12

Resources mentioned in this post: 
Linear & Exponential Growth Poetry

Internet Research Skills

Submitted by Joann on Mon, 2010-02-01 10:00


“Basic research is what I am doing when I don’t know what I am doing”
– Wernher von Braun

Recently, we received a request to cover research skills in the classroom. While many lessons offer a research component, there appear to be very few K-12 schools requiring research skills as a core competency. In the 21st century, shouldn’t we require students to be fluent in research methods upon graduation, instead of waiting until college where many students have to scramble to learn these skills (or not) on the fly? Feel free to discuss on our Facebook and Twitter pages. In the meantime, here are some resources for the classroom.

Internet Research Assistant

Resources mentioned in this post: 
Internet Research Assistant
Wading Through the Web: Teaching Internet Research Strategies