Great Apps for Classroom Management

Hello everyone!

The start of the school year is almost here!  I can't believe the summer zoomed by as quickly as it did.  So, I am thinking of ways to integrate the iPad into the classroom for a more seamless classroom management system.  In my search, I discovered this amazing slideshare.  Thank you, Monica Burns for your resources! Click here to visit the slideshare presentation.

This is a math/science website that makes me smile!

Hi all!

I have found another new and amazing resource.  This website:http://www.howtosmile.org/ is a collection of all the best science and math activities (tech and not) on the web.   There are three great thing about it.
1. You can create your own free account and set up lists to come back to at any time. 
2. You can also search by common core standards and connect to activities that hit that standard.  Wow!  
3. You can then visit lists created by other educators.  I spent far too much time on this website planning my next storyline that has a science focus.  To check out my first SMILE list, look for my username: mrsspeed.

Click here to visit SMILE

Amazing Practice Website for Reading Comprehension Strategies

Hi all!
So I have been bopping around online looking for additional practice resources for specific reading comprehension skills.  Since the common core requires a more rigorous understanding and application of these strategies, I need to be constantly adding to my arsenal of resources.  I came upon this site and it definitely is rigorous.  It is listed as a social studies skills tutoring website, but these skills are definitely cross-curricular.
I like this site for a few reasons First, I like that each strategy is clearly defined.  Next, I appreciate that there are varied levels of difficulty for each strategy.  You can also choose to have the directions and passages read to you.  That is great for kiddos who may not have the fluency, but still need to practice the skills.  Finally, I appreciate that there are three options for mastery: learn, practice, and apply.  I definitely plan to have my students access this site next year.  It should provide additional practice for comprehension and test taking skills alike.  Click here to visit the site.

TimeToast Timelines: Students Make and Share Them

There is a great new website for interactive timelines, called Timetoast.com.  It is a super easy place to make and share timelines.  I have used this site with my students.  They created timelines to show the major battles of the American Revolution.  It is amazing how much more they work when they know people out in the world will be viewing their work.  I believe this is a great website to use with your students. 

Digital Literacy--A necessary part of our job

Hello edtech friends!

So, we can talk all day about the cool things you can do with your students.  But, there is one topic that often gets left out until a student comes to us with a report/research that is a bit wonky.  Maybe the only cited website is wikipedia, or maybe the website is not a reputable one.  How can we teach our kids to use their inquisitive natures to question their resources?  Well, an article at teachbytes.com will help.  Here are 11 hoax websites that you can use with your students to evaluate websites.    I have created a website evaluation printable that your students can use as they learn to stop and think before they believe everything they read online.  Click here to download that form.  Have a great day!

Manga Math--A free math site that will knock your socks off!

My class is in love with this site...and so am I.  This is a "game" site that
works on all types of math skills.  I have been so impressed with the
growth my kiddos have made on their basic math skills.  Because a
little competition is built in, the kids are willing to work on their facts
outside of class time.  Even kids without internet access at home have
been going to our public library to participate.  The great thing
about this site is that is also allows connections between schools. Our class recently was challenged by a school in Ireland.  Talk about exciting.  Also, did I mention that is it free??  Check it out.  Here is
the link:
Manga High

Searching Google By Reading Level

Hi friends!
Sorry for the delay in postings.  Life got a little crazy.  While I have been delayed in posting, I have been gathering ideas that I can't wait to share.  This is the first one.

Google info searches scare me when dealing with kids, so I normally have my students use kid-friendly search engines.  But, kids do need to learn google!  I just learned the most amazing tip!  I will show you how to search google by reading level.

Step One: Search for a Topic
Step Two: On the left side of the
search screen. click on "Show
Search Results."

 
Step Three: Click on "Reading
Level."









Step Four: Click which level you are looking for.  It is that easy!