Messy Eating of Mango compares to Teaching!!

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/learning-fun-messy-mangoes-ben-johnson?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29

As I read this article I found myself living in the moment of eating a piece of fruit and reflecting on my own teaching in my classroom. I like the comparison in this article of the sweet stickiness of the mango to the classroom. We put so much emphasis on the standardized tests that the learning and teaching seems to be very test directed instead of just teaching the content. If the students are engaged and involved in their learning then the amazing teaching happens naturally. I have to remember to stay one step ahead of my students so they do not get the best of me. I like the last comment about standardized testing:

"Never let the standardized testing movement steal the joy and the mess of learning with your students. Take a minute to share with us your fruity experiences of teaching." 


Who would have thought that teaching could have been compared to eating fruit!!

WOW...social media in different light!!

http://fourth-grade-teachers.ning.com/

I just became a member of this website and I am actually kind of excited about it!! It brings social media  to a new level. It reminds me of facebook but rather facebook with a network of all teachers. To top it off a group of teachers all teaching the same grade level. What a great way to share strategies, resources, success stories and challenges. There are many great tools and links to pages for other resources as well. The best part is the collaboration and blog discussions posted by teachers.

I cannot even imagine...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/inside-colorado-theater-witness-told-himself-stay-calm-stay-calm/2012/07/21/gJQADpsg0W_story.html?wprss=rss_homepage

My heart goes out to the families of this tragedy in Aurora Colorado. It is very hard to believe just how cruel people can be in this case one person to take the lives of innocent people attending the movie opener. I cannot even imagine what I would have done or how I would have reacted if I was in that situation. This article is only one account of what happened and how things in your life can change so quickly and most times without warning.
I guess as I listen to the news, read many articles, and hear the stories of the survivors I am reminded that life is to short to be worried about things you have no control over. This incident makes me think about my family and how much I value the time we spend together.

Teachers in July!!

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/educators-summer-months-terry-heick?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29


As I read this article I had to chuckle just a little. We go go go all year do the job we love as teachers and working for our students and then bang summer vacation. Some think that teachers really do take the two months off but little do they know most are preparing for the next year. We do not finish until almost the end of July and then back in the middle of August so that leaves July for all the summer things teachers do. I like this article and the ideas of ways to start planning for the upcoming year as it helps teacher gain perspective of what the year will bring. For myself July has been spent teaching summer school, taking a class, and getting ready to transition to a new classroom and grade level for the  next year. Trying to be step ahead and think positive allows me to survive this summer.
I think everyone needs to realize that teachers really do not have vacation like our students because we are working to better ourselves and prepare for the next adventure. Yes we also need to take time to RELAX and take things in stride...that is what I will be doing the first two weeks in August!!

Great Resource for Kids!!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost

This is the kids version of the Washington Post and it is a very cool resource. Every week it has different posts about kids and things around the DC metro area. The Sunday edition is loaded with resources, activities, interviews and book lists for kids of all ages. This week it features several stories about kids and summer vacation. The homework helper links teach kids about all kinds of subject areas.

Great Teachers vs. Technology...What is your choice??

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/nothing-can-replace-a-good-teacher/2012/07/15/gJQApIKxmW_story.html

WOW!! That's what I have to say! As I was reading this article my heart goes out to the student who is ultimately the one who is left out to dry. Technology is not and should not be used in place of teachers. I use technology in my classroom as reinforcement of the skills and content being taught. The Reading 180 program if used properly is a great intervention source for struggling readers. It does involve teacher directed lessons and reinforcement on the computer with comprehension, vocabulary quizzes.
Children these days are so into the technology aspect of learning but without the proper instruction and resources learning does not take place. In my opinion, teachers need to engage students in the learning process and use technology to supplement the instruction NOT replace it!!

Teachers Learn Too!!

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/summer-PD-3-tips-lisa-dabbs?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29

Summer Vacation is all about relaxation but you cannot forget about your own learning and professional development to better yourself and your passion. I really like this article and it makes me think as teacher of how we always tell our students that the learning should not stop over the summer but we often forget that goes for us as well. I know there have been summers where all I wanted to do was hang out at the lake, on the boat and eating ice cream every night but have a professional goal in mind as well. I think all teachers have this expectation and that's why I do not like when people tell me you are a teacher so you have summers off. Little do they know that we attend classes, professional conferences and even teach all summer. I like the three suggestions given here and plan to take sometime to think about how they can help me professionally. Summer vacation is just that a vacation from students and the classroom but not necessarily a vacation from learning!! Summer school, classes and life in general makes me exhausted just thinking about it!! 

Brightwood Poetry Slam Performance!!

http://dcscores.blogspot.com/2012/06/highlighting-our-youth-poets-brightwood_27.html

This video clip is the performance at the Poetry Slam in which all 27 schools perform their original poetry in front of a huge crowd. I am very proud of the kids and overcoming the fear of performing on stage. Sharing their writing, playing soccer and service learning are all components of this program. It is  amazing to see students perform both on stage and on the soccer field. Once again just a shout out to Brightwood on a job well done. Poetry Slam participant and Girls City Cup Runner Up...love it!!

Great Video...with Great Resources!!

http://www.edutopia.org/tech-to-learn-differentiated-instruction-interactive-games-video?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29

This video was very interesting to see how second graders can use technology and be independent. The  use of direct teacher instruction is evident and then reinforced by technology. He uses great resource websites and the students were actively engaged.
As I think about the upcoming school year I am both nervous and excited to think of the possibilities of using technology in my classroom. Differentiated Instruction strategies allows me as a teacher to adapt my instruction to meet the needs of students. Watching this video helps put in perspective just how beneficial these strategies can be.

Amazing Experience with DC SCORES

http://dcscores.blogspot.com/2012/05/dc-scores-students-visit-to-white-house.html

Check out the DC SCORES blog spot to see many cool posts about a program I am very passionate about. The above post is actually about an experience we had with DC SCORES. Yes a trip to the White House and pictures with the first lady. We had the amazing opportunity to attend the awards presentation with LA Galaxy and President Obama. We then were suppose to be on the lawn with a clinic but due to weather we sat in the West Room and listened to the players answer questions from the  students. I even asked a question that made the video at the end. Michelle Obama took pictures with the kids and gave a quick speech. What an AMAZING experience to have been a part of.

48 Ultra-Cool Summer Sites for Kids and Teachers | Edutopia

48 Ultra-Cool Summer Sites for Kids and Teachers | Edutopia


This is a GREAT list for students. My students have used some sites and agree they are pretty cool.
I like this list because of the descriptions which makes searching easy. There are many great resources to be used by teachers and students. Just think of the possibilities for students now a days that are so technology inspired. We spend an hour each day during summer school in the computer lab utilizing math and reading programs. The students are SO engaged in their learning and actually look forward to the time there. I plan to look at all these sites and make a list for reinforcement. THANKS for sharing.
Students can play games on the computer and be learning content or practicing skills at the same time!!

Summer in Northern Michigan!

http://www.petoskeynews.com/news/featured/pnr-fourth-of-july-kicks-of-summer-tourism-20120706,0,2412025.story

I cannot wait until the first week in August!! I will be making that 12 hour drive or 3 hour flight HOME! Yes I said home. Petoskey is my home and I am proud to say how much I love the area. I currently live and work in DC but love the time I spend in the mitten, specifically up north.
With technology I am able to feel like I am there. The facebook pages, Petoskey News on line, and of course family still in the area keep me updated daily.
I will be one of the tourist next month even though I do not consider myself a "fudgie."

Writing Apps!!

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/rww-recommends-the-best-writing-app-for-mobile-tablet.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+readwriteweb+%28ReadWriteWeb%29

As I was reading this article about writing apps I am reminded of just how far we as a society have come in terms of technology. From cell phones to smart phones and computers to laptops the apps are endless. We just received from our school district, IPADS and most teachers already have IMAC
laptops. The IPAD is still new to me as it reminds me of my IPOD touch. The keyboard allows for touch screen which of course is different from the computer. It is simply amazing how much technology is available now for EVERYONE!

Teachers: Are You Taking Time Off This Summer? | Edutopia

As I read this post I am reminded of how we spend summers. Right now I am teaching summer school, taking a grad class, and preparing for the next school year. I often wonder sometimes if I really do get a break. We had one week before regular school and summer school, in which I did go on vacation out of the country. We then have two weeks after summer school and the start of the next year. It just makes you think about what people say about teachers and how we have our summers off. I know this is not true for myself as I am always "working" and preparing for my next move. I spend a lot of time reflecting over the summer thinking about things that went well and things I can improve on. Teachers in my building now are also working on professional development opportunities such as Common Core workshops, National Board Certification and grad level work. So yes we are off in the summer by choice BUT keep in mind teachers are learning as well regardless the time of year!