The quick and easy timer--just google it!

I don't know about you, but there are lots of times that I just want a quick visual timer to set for different activities in the classroom.  Google has solved this problem in a their usual brilliant way.  Just google the words "google timer" and a timer just pops up.  You can set the time and it does a great countdown.  You can also make the timer full screen.  So easy.  So google.

Another freebie for you!

Hi all!
I decided that I needed to learn how to create an iTunes U course using the free iTunes U Course Manager. I wanted to understand what went into the creation of a course, and I also wanted something my students can use year after year. As with most 5th grades across the country, I teach colonialism and the American Revolution. One research project I have students complete is about the various battles of the Revolution. So, I created an iTunes U course for the students to use as research materials and project pieces. I also have included the instructions for doing the research in teams of four, graphic organizers, and the instructions for creating a stop motion movie that shares the main points of the battle. So, now I am sharing it with you. Please feel free to use it for yourself and your students. Click on this link and it will take you to the course.

Our Haiku Deck New Years Resolution

So, here is our final project.  It was a ton of fun!


Created with Haiku Deck, the free presentation app

Haiku Deck--What it is and why you should be using it!

Haiku Deck is such an interesting application.  It is a slideshow presentation app that looks completely different from any other.  It will not allow the slides to be filled with text, so unlike powerpoint, it is almost impossible to make a presentation that is boring.  The app designers had three foci: 1. Keep it simple. 2. Make it beautiful 3. Have fun.  Haiku Deck succeeds at all three.  The thing that I appreciate the most is that it allows for image searching within the application and only pulls images that are appropriate and will not break copyright.  A great thing for teachers is that it also has an online education presence.  There are a lot of haiku deck presentations created by other educators that can be used in your classroom.  There are also lots of ideas for your students.  The possibilities are endless with Haiku Deck.  Here is the link to Haiku Deck's Ideas for Education.  I am also including the link to the Haiku Deck's Education Pinterest page.

Oh and did I mention...it is FREE!!!  Have fun creating presentations to share with your students--and having them create their own.  My first whole class haiku deck is going to be our New Years Resolutions.  I will be sure to share here when we are finished.  


Created with Haiku Deck, the free presentation app for iPad