Here's the Scoop on my week...
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Sunday Scoop {6.28.15}
Here's the Scoop on my week...
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Tech Tips for #TPTVegas15 {Tech Thursday}
I know Tech Thursday is only monthly through the summer, but you guys know how I love to share tech tips, so... Here are a couple just for the TPT conference. If you're not going to the conference, we will miss you, but check back again on July 9 for another great tech tip!
1. Expensify
Just about everything you pay for in Vegas is a business expense, so be sure you're saving receipts! Last year, a lot of my receipts had faded by the time I got home, so I wanted to find a better way to save them for this year. Expensify is a free app (in the App Store or Google Play) that allows you to scan in your receipts and assign them to different categories or events.When you scan your receipt, it automatically reads the location, date, and amounts for you and enters them into your reports! Super easy to get your total amounts for tax purposes, and it keeps the scanned images in case you need to prove them later. Say goodbye to the big envelope of crumpled, faded receipts! I scan mine as soon as I get them, so I don't have to worry about losing them.
It does have options to link to your bank account and credit card, but I am not comfortable with that, so I haven't done it.
2. The Venetian/Palazzo App
The Venetian has an app. It will give you directions. 'Nuff said! No, but seriously, that place is H.U.G.E. so anything that can help me figure out where I'm going is good!! (App Store or Google Play)3. Notability
If you'd rather take notes on your iPad, I found a great app last year, called Notability (App Store). You can save your conference handouts to the app, and write directly on them with a stylus or type using your touchpad. There are more details in this post from last summer if you'd like to see screenshots , how-to, and all that good stuff. Notability is only for Apple devices, but for you Android users, Papyrus looks pretty similar (Google Play).4. Portable Charger for your Devices
There is some kind of cell-phone-killing, iPad-battery-draining life force inside the hotel! You will be using your device a lot (with free WiFi from TPT!) to make connections with people you meet. Don't be the one tied to an outlet trying to charge your phone in between sessions! There are lots of good, inexpensive pocket chargers out there. Here's the one I have, and have been pleased with:
5. Packing List Freebie
Ok, so this isn't a tech tip, but I thought I'd share that I made a Conference Packing List Freebie in case you're feeling as overwhelmed as I am about making sure you pack everything you need for the trip! Grab it in my TPT Store if you can use it!
Remember, our Tech Thursday Linky is new on the second Thursday of each month for the summer, but you can link up every Thursday, if you like! Check out some of the other great linkups for this month below!
An InLinkz Link-up
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Sunday Scoop: Father's Day 2015
Here's the Scoop on my week...
One of my favorite pictures of my daughter and my daddy!
My mamma and my daddy!
My daddy deserves honor because he is an honorable man: he means what he says and says what he means. He keeps his word and his vows before God. He isn't perfect, but he is as close as I have ever found. He is always there for me and my children. I thank God that he is mine.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Simple Art Project to Start the Year
At the beginning of the year, I like to start with some art projects that are easy for students. They help to reinforce listening skills, remind how to use markers/crayons/colored pencils and get the students socializing so that I get to know them a little bit. Plus, it gives me a quick idea of which students have artistic abilities and which students struggle with it. Here is one of my favorite art projects to do in the first few days of school. {Idea was seen on Pinterest.}
To complete this project, all you need is a sheet of white construction paper, pencil and whatever you want your students to color with. Simply have them trace their hands and their shoes so they somewhat overlap. Then have them draw in their bodies and add all the details to their shoes and clothing. Then they can color. As you can see, The details on the bottoms of their shoes can be a bit tricky but I tell them to do just do the best that they can! I love how they turn out and it gives me a quick snapshot of their artistic abilities.
Do you do any specific art projects at the beginning of the year? I would love to hear what you do!!
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Sunday Scoop {6-14-15}
Here's the scoop on the last day of my first summer trip of the year...
Link up your Scoop below!!
An InLinkz Link-up
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Tech Thursday: Literably.com
During the summer Tech Thursday will be a MONTHLY link up! The link will begin on the 2nd Thursday of the month and stay open until the next month!
Yes, I know the benefits of listening to my students read to me. But come on! Information that I didn't have to grade! Analysis of errors I didn't have to track! Class time I can spend on something besides assessing! I'm in!!!
Cost: There is a free account. You can assess target students instead of your whole classroom with this account. You receive 10 assessments per month with the free account. The Pro account is $19 with unlimited assessments.
There is a help box and I received a very prompt response to my questions.
It is very easy to add students and the site dashboard is simple to navigate.
Literably's class settings are easy to change.
It is also a cinch to change the reading level and passage a student will read and record.
Comprehension questions are aligned to Common Core Standards.
One of the best features is that you can share the students' running records with other teachers, administrators, and PARENTS!
Students will have no trouble signing in to the site and getting ready for testing.
After students record their reading, they have the opportunity to listen to their recording. They then read the rest of the story (if your class setting is set to record for 1 minute). Comprehension questions based on the passage are completed next. The comprehension questions can even be read audibly to the students. The last step for students is to record a retelling of the story.
For each reading recorded by students, Literably generates an audio recording, a running record, words correct per minute, percentage accuracy, and a leveling recommendation (up, down or stay). The site records substitutions according to error: meaning (M), visual (V), and structural (S). Students are leveled based on Fontas &Pinnell reading level norms (A-Z) but a handy reading level conversion chart is available on your dashboard if you are using a different system. The site will even color code your students' progress compared to reading fluency norms: green, yellow, and red.
I "literably" can't wait to try this with my class!
Link up below with your own Website or App recommendations, Tech Tips, Tutorials, or anything else tech-related! We can't wait to learn from you!
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Sunday Scoop {6.7.15}
Here is what I am up to this week! Link up below. :)
