Wednesday, April 6, 2016
April... Favorite Things (Game Edition)
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Sunday Scoop {3/20/16}
Here's the Scoop on my week...
Sneezing! Coughing! Sniffling! Oh, My! Allergies and a sinus infection are kicking my tushy this week. Can't wait to get over this crud!
Even though I am not feeling fantastic, I love having my son home for Spring Break! Love seeing him and spending time with him!
What are you up to this week?
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Sunday Scoop {3/13/16}
Here's the Scoop on my week...
Link up with us and share what's going on in your world this week!
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Choosing a Platform for Flipped Lessons {Tech Thursday}
This week I am focusing on Flipped Lessons in your classroom! Over the last few weeks it became increasingly evident that I needed to switch up my math block. My students needed a change. We are at the point of the year that everything keeps building on what we learned weeks before and some students are struggling. On the other hand, there are students who are ready to move on to the next content. So, I introduced flipped lessons!
The set-up: Our district just rolled out 1:1 devices within the last few weeks. I decided to use Schoology as my platform for delivering and assessing my students. There are other options out there including Google Classroom. Both Schoology and Google Classroom are free for educational use. We have about 55 minutes of math each day. That's it... :(
Preparations: As I mentioned before, I decided to use Schoology to host all of my lessons and track my student assessments. I spent a few hours making videos that deliver my instruction in the same way that I would deliver it in the classroom. I used QuickTime Player to "make a new recording" of my instruction. I propped up my laptop on a table with the camera pointed towards the whiteboard in my classroom.
To compress your video simply go to "file" and then "export". I choose to export as 480p.... and that seemed to compress it plenty but still keep the video clear.
In your Schoology account you can have a variety of courses (perfect for you teachers who are not departmentalized... I cannot even imagine knowing that many kids).
You can see that on the bottom left corner there is a green box (halfway cut off). This is the access code your students will need to log-in to your class. When my students logged in for the first time on Monday, I projected this screen so they could simply type in the code (not case sensitive).
When you click into the actual folder you have a variety of options that you can use to add content to your course.
For now, I have all the due dates turned off and all of the items available to students. As we go along over the next few weeks that might change. You can also see up above that every lesson also has a quiz. These are basically just assessments for each lesson. Think about them like an exit ticket. It is my way to gauge how they are doing with a skill before they move on.
I also added in their interactive notebook page for lesson 2. I set up a file system at the front of my classroom for all math papers. Thinking about the fact that I could have students on lesson 2 or lesson 18, I had to have everything organized before I began. Students would go find the file folder for lesson 2, take out the interactive notebook page and glue it in their notebook. The lesson on Schoology then shows them pictures (and in one case a video) of how to complete the pages. I DO NOT give students the answers to their interactive notebook page. That is for them to figure out.
I know that is just a little taste of Schoology. But I don't want to overwhelm you! I am going to post for the next couple of weeks all about this adventure and you can stop by on Thursdays to read all about it.
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, March 6, 2016
Sunday Scoop {3.6.16}
Here's the Scoop on my week...
Have To Do:
-We are going to be painting our master bedroom, finally! So that means it is time to choose a paint color. Which really means it is time for me to redesign our decor. Which actually means I get to go shopping! See how it all comes full circle?
-I have entered the world of Flipped Lessons. Our classroom is now 1:1 with devices. My students do not take them home, but I have decided that I can alter my instruction a bit using Schoology and really differentiating to all of my learners. It is has been a process figuring out all of the details- but I will save that for a Tech Thursday post!
-The end of our 3rd quarter is coming very quickly (two weeks away). Which means this is the last week for grades for the quarter. Our report cards are due the same day the quarter ends (strange huh).
Hope To Do:
-We are a few episodes behind on TWD, that means it is a must to finally catch-up!
-After taking a online course all about Pinterest, I have been completely overwhelmed to tackle old blog posts and make them "Pinterest Optimized". But, now that Kristen completely redid my blog (click here to check it out) it is time that I get those posts updated!
Happy To Do:
-My class earned ten compliments (we keep track in our compliment can). They earn compliments from administration, paras, lunch ladies, custodians, other teachers, substitutes, etc. When we hit 10 compliments I surprise them the next week with something special. This time it is a 10 minute dance party! I will turn off all the lights, turn on a disco ball (on YouTube) and crank the jams! I know they are going to flip out! It is a fun way to reward them for working hard and being kind without spending any money.