Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 6/30/2023

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my PLN. As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

Sounds of the West - “An audio tour of Montana’s four major ecosystems (L:G; SA:S, LA, FA)

Optical Sound Effects Library - “The Gold and Red Libraries (Gold effects start with “G”, Red with “R”)) consist of high-quality, first generation copies of original nitrate optical sound effects from the 1930s & ’40s created for Hollywood studios. They were collected by a prominent sound editor who worked in the industry for 44 years. The fragile optical elements were donated to USC, and transferred to tape by USC Cinema students in the early 1970s. The Sunset Editorial (SSE) Library was also donated to USC around 1990. It includes classic effects from the 1930s into the ’80s. These effects are from 35mm magnetic film. They were often several generations removed from the originals, and not as clean, so some careful restoration was done to make them more useful. SSE effects start with “S”” (L:G; SA:S, LA, FA)

1001 Novels: A Library of America - “For five years I’ve read classic novels of American life, and stories deeply embedded in the many regional places of the United States, with the intent of placing them—literally—on a map.” (L:H; SA: LA)

Museum of New Zealand - “Collections Online has information on almost 800,000 artworks, objects and specimens from Te Papa’s collections; from dinosaur teeth to contemporary art, buzzy bee to Xena. Collection areas cover Taonga Māori, Pacific Cultures, History, Photography, Art, Botany and Zoology. These items are complemented by over 190,000 images, with over 60,000 available for high resolution download. There’s also a wealth of information on related people, places, topics, species and research from Te Papa.” (L:H; SA: FA)

How to Design a Mars Rover! - from SciShow Kids; “Today, the crew at The Fort learn about engineers and how they design different ways to solve problems like they did for the rovers exploring Mars!” (L:E; SA: S)

Original photo by Pat Hensley

Asking for Help

(Now that summer is here, it is time for me to discuss different educational topics alphabetically. Please join in the conversation and tell me what you think!)

Asking for help is really hard for my students. They see needing help as a sign of weakness. It is important that we teach students the importance of asking for help when it is needed. This is different than asking for help when we are too lazy to try and we need to teach students the difference.

Asking for help is important for a number of reasons. It can:

• Help you to achieve your goals. When you're struggling to achieve a goal, asking for help from someone who is more experienced or knowledgeable can give you the support and guidance you need to succeed.
• Reduce stress and anxiety. Carrying the burden of trying to do everything on your own can be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Asking for help can lighten your load and give you peace of mind knowing that you're not alone.
• Build stronger relationships. When you ask for help, you're essentially showing someone that you trust and value their opinion. This can help to build stronger relationships with the people around you.
• Help you to learn and grow. When you're forced to step outside of your comfort zone and ask for help, you're opening yourself up to new experiences and learning opportunities. This can help you to grow as a person and become more confident in your abilities.

Of course, asking for help can be difficult. It can be scary to admit that you need help, and you may worry about being judged or rejected. However, the benefits of asking for help far outweigh the risks. If you're struggling with something, don't be afraid to reach out for help. You'll be glad you did.

Here are some tips for asking for help:

• Be specific about what you need help with.
• Be clear about your expectations.
• Be grateful for the help you receive.
• Be willing to offer help in return.

Remember, asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of strength and maturity. So don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You'll be glad you did. This will help you be more successful in the classroom and in life. 

Grouping

(Now that summer is here, it is time for me to discuss different educational topics alphabetically. Please join in the conversation and tell me what you think!)

Grouping in education is the practice of dividing students into smaller groups for the purpose of instruction. There are many different types of grouping, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of grouping include:

• Ability grouping: Students are grouped together based on their academic ability. This type of grouping can be helpful for students who are struggling or who are gifted. However, it can also lead to social isolation and can be unfair to students who are just below or above the cutoff for a particular group.
• Interest grouping: Students are grouped together based on their interests. This type of grouping can be helpful for students who are motivated by their interests and who enjoy working with others who share their interests. However, it can also be difficult to find enough students with similar interests to form a group.
• Random grouping: Students are grouped together randomly. This type of grouping can be helpful for preventing social isolation and for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to work with different people. However, it can also be less effective for instruction, as students may not be able to work as effectively with people they don't know well.
• Mixed-ability grouping: Students are grouped together with a variety of academic abilities. This type of grouping can be helpful for students who learn best from each other. However, it can also be challenging for teachers to differentiate instruction for students with different needs.

The best type of grouping for a particular classroom will depend on the needs of the students and the goals of the teacher. However, all types of grouping can be effective if they are used thoughtfully and intentionally.

Here are some of the benefits of grouping in education:

• It can help students learn at their own pace. When students are grouped with others who are at a similar level, they can receive instruction that is tailored to their needs. This can help them to learn more effectively and efficiently.
• It can help students develop social skills. Working in groups requires students to collaborate, communicate, and resolve conflicts. These are all important social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
• It can help students develop a sense of belonging. When students feel like they belong to a group, they are more likely to be engaged in learning and to feel supported.

Here are some of the challenges of grouping in education:

• It can be difficult to create well-balanced groups. It is important to ensure that the groups are heterogeneous so that all students have the opportunity to learn from each other. However, this can be challenging, especially in large classrooms.
• It can be difficult to manage groups. Teachers need to be able to provide effective instruction to all students in a group, even if they have different needs. This can be challenging, especially if the groups are large or if the students have a wide range of abilities.
• It can be difficult to assess student progress. When students are grouped together, it can be difficult to assess their individual progress. This is because students may be working on different tasks or at different levels.

Overall, grouping in education can be a valuable tool for teachers. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges and to use grouping strategically in order to maximize its benefits. This is important if you want the students to be successful in the classroom.

Always Isn't Forever - Book Review

I recently read Always Isn't Forever by J. C. Cervantes. I read a review copy compliments of Netgalley and I am not being paid to give this review.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have second chances to live our lives? This was a very interesting take on death and I couldn’t put the book down. It deals with a boyfriend and girlfriend who lose each other due to a tragic death but they get a second chance with extenuating circumstances. It also shows how the living can get a second chance also. I thought one thing that stood out is that we really don’t know what someone is going through until we stand in their shoes.

I would recommend this book for high school students to read. I think it would be an excellent book for the class to read because it lends itself to such great discussions. Topics would include death, second chances, angels, friendships, empathy, memories, souls, instincts, pets, and relationships with parents. If you get a chance to read it, let me know what you think.

41 Years and Still Going Strong

Today my husband and I celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary. He is the love of my life, my best friend, my soul mate! Every year gets better and better because we enjoy being together. I look forward to sharing many more years of wonderful adventures together.

I always think about the Winnie the Pooh quote to say what I feel:

"If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.” - AA Milne

Happy Anniversary my love!

Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 6/23/2023

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my PLN. As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

How Brass Instruments Work - “What gives the trumpet its clarion ring and the tuba its gut shaking oompah-pah? And what makes the trombone so jazzy? Al Cannon shows how these answers lie not in the brass the instruments are made of, but in the journey that air takes from the musician’s lungs to the instrument’s bell.” (L:G; SA:FA)

Would You Rather - “The Auto Classmate ‘Would You Rather’ Question Generator is designed to add a high-energy activity to any warm-up or lesson plan for any grade level or content area. By simply selecting your grade level and topic/content, our AI-powered generator will produce 10 unique and custom-crafted ‘Would You Rather’ style questions. These types of questions are wonderful for student interactions between peers and educators in any classroom setting,”(L:T; SA:A)

Thinking Routine Toolbox - “This toolbox highlights thinking routines developed across a number of research projects at PZ. A thinking routine is a set of questions or a brief sequence of steps used to scaffold and support student thinking. PZ researchers designed thinking routines to deepen students’ thinking and to help make that thinking “visible.” Thinking routines help to reveal students’ thinking to the teacher and also help students themselves to notice and name particular “thinking moves,” making those moves more available and useful to them in other contexts.” (L:T; SA:A)

Countries Within Countries - Learn more about some countries surrounded by other countries. (L:G; SA:SS)

Goods and Services - “In this economics activity, you will learn about goods and services via drag and drop classification.” (L:H; SA:SS)

Original photo by Pat Hensley

Flexibility

(Now that summer is here, it is time for me to discuss different educational topics alphabetically. Please join in the conversation and tell me what you think!)

Flexibility is important in learning because it allows students to adapt to different learning styles, needs, and interests. It also allows students to take breaks in between learning to recharge, which can often contribute to higher retention of knowledge. Additionally, flexibility helps students prepare for an unpredictable future.

Here are some of the benefits of flexibility in learning:

• Adapts to different learning styles: Not all students learn in the same way. Some students learn best by listening, while others learn best by doing. Flexibility in learning allows students to choose the methods that work best for them.
• Meets different needs: Students have different needs, both academic and personal. Flexibility in learning allows students to take breaks, get help when they need it, and work at their own pace.
• Encourages exploration: When students are given the freedom to explore their interests, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning. Flexibility in learning allows students to choose the topics they want to learn about.
• Prepares for an unpredictable future: The world is constantly changing, and so is the job market. Flexibility in learning helps students develop the skills they need to succeed in any career.

There are many ways to promote flexibility in learning. Some examples include:

• Using a variety of teaching methods: This could include lectures, group work, hands-on activities, and independent projects.
• Allowing students to choose their own learning goals: This could be done by giving students a list of options or by letting them set their own goals.
• Providing students with opportunities to reflect on their learning: This could be done through journaling, discussions, or presentations.
• Creating a supportive learning environment: This could include providing students with encouragement, feedback, and help when they need it.

Flexibility is an important skill for students to develop. It can help them succeed in school and in life. By promoting flexibility in learning, we can help students reach their full potential and be more successful in the classroom as well as out of the classroom.

Exercise and Learning

(Now that summer is here, it is time for me to discuss different educational topics alphabetically. Please join in the conversation and tell me what you think!)

There is a growing body of research that suggests that exercise can have a number of benefits for learning. By incorporating physical activity into the learning process, educators can help students to improve their cognitive function, reduce stress, and create a more positive learning environment.

Here are a few examples of ways to incorporate exercise in the classroom. :

• Incorporate physical activity into the learning process. It may involve taking breaks from sitting to move around, getting up and walking around the classroom, or even incorporating physical activity into the curriculum. For example, students could learn about the human body by doing exercises that target different muscle groups.
• Use physical activity to improve cognitive function. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making. This is because exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which helps to nourish and protect brain cells.
• Create a positive learning environment. Exercise can help to create a positive learning environment by reducing stress and anxiety. When students are feeling stressed or anxious, it can be difficult for them to focus and learn. Exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can make it easier for students to focus on their studies.

Here are some additional benefits of combining exercise and learning:

• Increased motivation. Students who are physically active are more likely to be motivated to learn. This is because exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
• Improved self-esteem. Students who are physically active are more likely to have positive self-esteem. This is because exercise can help students to feel better about their bodies and their abilities.
• Reduced absenteeism. Students who are physically active are less likely to miss school. This is because exercise can help to improve students' overall health and well-being.

If you are looking for ways to improve your students’ learning, consider incorporating physical activity into the classroom routine. Exercise can help students to learn better, faster, and more effectively. This will help them be more successful in the classroom and even in their personal lives.

Diversity in Education

(Now that summer is here, it is time for me to discuss different educational topics alphabetically. Please join in the conversation and tell me what you think!)

Diversity in education refers to the presence of students, teachers, and administrators from a variety of backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, learning styles, disability, and religion. A diverse classroom can provide a number of benefits for students, including:

• A more accurate and complete understanding of the world around them
• Increased empathy and understanding for people from different backgrounds
• Improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Greater appreciation for diversity and tolerance
• A more positive and productive learning environment

Diversity in education is important because it prepares students for the real world. In the 21st century, people from all walks of life will need to be able to work and collaborate with others from different backgrounds. A diverse education can help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a global society.

Here are some examples of how diversity can be taught in the classroom:

• Incorporate multicultural literature into the curriculum. This can help students learn about different cultures and perspectives.
• Have students complete projects that involve research on different cultures. This can help students develop critical thinking skills and learn about different ways of life.
• Create a classroom environment where students feel comfortable sharing their own cultures and experiences. This can help students feel more connected to their classmates and to the learning process.
• Encourage students to participate in activities that promote diversity, such as student government, clubs, and sports teams. This can help students develop leadership skills and learn about different cultures.

Diversity is a complex issue, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching it in the classroom. However, by incorporating diversity into the curriculum and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, schools can help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a global society.

Comprehension

(Now that summer is here, it is time for me to discuss different educational topics alphabetically. Please join in the conversation and tell me what you think!)

C is for Comprehension.

Comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret what is read. It is a complex skill that requires a number of different abilities, including:

• Decoding: The ability to read individual words accurately.
• Vocabulary: The ability to understand the meaning of words.
• Background knowledge: The ability to draw on prior knowledge to understand what is being read.
• Inference: The ability to make logical inferences from what is explicitly stated in the text.
• Critical thinking: The ability to evaluate the text and think about its implications.

Comprehension is not a fixed ability. It can be improved with practice. There are a number of things that parents and teachers can do to help children develop their comprehension skills, such as:

• Read to children every day. This exposes them to a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures and helps them develop a love of reading.
• Ask questions about what they have read. This helps children to think about the text and to make connections between what they have read and their own experiences.
• Provide opportunities for children to discuss what they have read with others. This helps them to articulate their understanding of the text and to learn from others.
• Help children to develop their vocabulary. This can be done by providing them with word lists, flashcards, and other resources.
• Encourage children to read independently. This gives them the opportunity to practice their comprehension skills and develop their own love of reading.

Here are some additional tips for improving comprehension:

• Preview the text: Before you start reading, take a few minutes to look at the title, headings, pictures, and other features. This will give you a general idea of what the text is about.
• Set a purpose for reading: Ask yourself why you are reading the text. Are you reading to learn something new, to be entertained, or to complete a task?
• Read actively: Don't just read the words on the page. Think about what the author is saying and how it relates to your own knowledge and experience.
• Take notes: This will help you to remember the important information in the text.
• Reread difficult passages: If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to reread it.
• Summarize the text: This will help you to check your understanding of the main points.
• Ask questions: If you have any questions about the text, don't hesitate to ask your teacher or another adult for help.

Comprehension is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Comprehension is an essential skill for success in school and in life. By providing children with the support they need to develop their comprehension skills, we can help them to become lifelong learners. 

Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 6/16/2023

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my PLN. As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

See a Salamander Grow - “Witness the ‘making of’ a salamander from fertilization to hatching in this six minute time-lapse.” (L:G; SA:S)

The Money Multiplier and the Gigantic $100,000 Bill - “The money multiplier is the mathematical relationship between the monetary base and money supply of an economy. It explains the increase in the amount of circulated money that is created when a bank makes loans using funds previously deposited by customers.” (L:H; SA:SS, M)

Taxes Tic Tac Toe - “In this game, students can play tic tac toe while answering questions about progressive, regressive, and proportional taxes.” (L:H; SA:SS, M)

The True Size of… - “It is hard to represent our spherical world on flat piece of paper. Cartographers use something called a "projection" to morph the globe into 2D map. The most popular of these is the Mercator projection. Every map projection introduces distortion, and each has its own set of problems. One of the most common criticisms of the Mercator map is that it exaggerates the size of countries nearer the poles (US, Russia, Europe), while downplaying the size of those near the equator (the African Continent). On the Mercator projection Greenland appears to be roughly the same size as Africa. In reality, Greenland is 0.8 million sq. miles and Africa is 11.6 million sq. miles, nearly 14 and a half times larger. This app was created by James Talmage and Damon Maneice. It was inspired by an episode of The West Wing and an infographic by Kai Krause entitled "The True Size of Africa". We hope teachers will use it to show their students just how big the world actually is.”(L:G; SA:SS)

How Do Honeybees Get Their Job? - “Every honeybee has a job to do. Some are nurses who take care of the brood; some are janitors who clean the hive; others are foragers who gather pollen to make honey. Collectively, honeybees are able to achieve an incredible level of sophistication, especially considering their brains are only the size of sesame seeds. But how are these jobs divvied up, and where do bees learn the skills to execute them?” (L:G; SA:SS)

Original photo by Pat Hensley

Bandwidth

(Now that summer is here, it is time for me to discuss different educational topics alphabetically. Please join in the conversation and tell me what you think!)

B is for Bandwidth.

In the context of learning, bandwidth refers to the amount of information that the brain can process at one time. It is a limited resource, and when it is overloaded, it can lead to problems with learning and memory.

There are a number of factors that can affect bandwidth, including:

• Attention: When we are paying attention, we are able to focus our cognitive resources on the task at hand. This frees up bandwidth for processing information.
• Prior knowledge: The more we know about a topic, the easier it is for us to learn new information about that topic. This is because we can use our existing knowledge to make sense of the new information.
• Sleep: Sleep is essential for consolidating memories and for improving cognitive function. When we are well-rested, we have more bandwidth available for learning.
• Stress: Stress can impair cognitive function and reduce bandwidth. When we are stressed, our brains are flooded with hormones that can interfere with learning.

There are a number of things that we can do to improve our bandwidth and make it easier for us to learn. These include:

• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
• Take breaks: When you are feeling overwhelmed, take a short break to clear your head.
• Practice active learning: Active learning involves doing something with the information you are learning, such as solving problems, writing essays, or creating projects.
• Get help when you need it: If you are struggling with a particular subject, don't be afraid to ask for help from a teacher, tutor, or friend.

Here are some additional tips for improving bandwidth in learning:

• Chunk information: When you are learning new information, try to chunk it into smaller, more manageable pieces. This will make it easier for your brain to process the information.
• Use mnemonic devices: Mnemonic devices are memory aids that can help you to remember information. Some common mnemonic devices include acronyms, rhymes, and visualization.
• Practice retrieval: Once you have learned new information, it is important to practice retrieving it. This will help to solidify the information in your memory.
• Get feedback: When you are learning, it is helpful to get feedback on your progress. This feedback can help you to identify areas where you need to improve.

By following these tips, you can improve your bandwidth and make it easier for you to learn.

Assessment

(Now that summer is here, it is time for me to discuss different educational topics alphabetically. Please join in the conversation and tell me what you think!)

A is for Assessment.

Appropriate classroom assessment is the process of gathering information about student learning to make decisions about instruction. Teachers need to use a variety of assessment methods to get a complete picture of student learning. Some common assessment methods include:

• Quizzes and tests: These are traditional forms of assessment that can be used to measure student knowledge and understanding of specific content.
• Projects and presentations: These types of assessments allow students to demonstrate their learning in a more creative and hands-on way.
• Portfolios: Portfolios are collections of student work that can be used to track student progress over time.
• Classroom observations: Teachers can use classroom observations to gather information about student participation, engagement, and understanding.

When choosing assessment methods, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The purpose of the assessment: What do you hope to learn from the assessment?
• The content being assessed: What are the specific learning goals that you are assessing?
• The level of the students: What is the appropriate level of difficulty for the assessment?
• The time available: How much time do you have to administer the assessment?

Once you have chosen the appropriate assessment methods, it is important to use the results to make decisions about instruction. This could include providing additional instruction for students who are struggling, providing enrichment activities for students who are ahead, or modifying the curriculum to better meet the needs of all students.

Appropriate classroom assessment is an essential part of effective teaching. By using a variety of assessment methods and using the results to make decisions about instruction, teachers can help all students reach their full potential.

Here are some additional tips for using appropriate classroom assessment:

• Be clear about the learning goals. Before you assess student learning, it is important to be clear about what you want them to learn. This will help you to choose the right assessment methods and to interpret the results.
• Use a variety of assessment methods. No single assessment method is perfect. By using a variety of methods, you can get a more complete picture of student learning.
• Use the results to inform instruction. The purpose of assessment is to improve student learning. Use the results of your assessments to make decisions about instruction, such as providing additional support for struggling students, enriching the learning experiences of advanced students, or modifying the curriculum.
• Involve students in the assessment process. Students can be valuable partners in the assessment process. They can help to identify their own learning goals, collect evidence of their learning, and reflect on their progress.

By following these tips, you can use appropriate classroom assessment to improve student learning.

What We Don’t See

“The NVIV (Next Vista Inspiring Video) series of posts are written by Rushton Hurley and designed to provide students and teachers with fascinating discussion prompts.”

In What We Don’t See, Rushton features Joseph, a boy who lives in an orphanage and really wants a yellow Umbrella.

Rushton gives the following prompts to accompany this video:

“Can you imagine what happened that may have led the father to bring the boy to the house in the story? Is the father’s story another one that people may not see when they look at him?”

What a heartbreaking and heartwarming story! I think a lot of students would be able to relate to this story. I also think it would open up a lot of great discussions for those who may have felt the same way or want to share their own story. These students might not treasure a yellow umbrella but might want to share about something else that has a special meaning to them. 

Please check out the video and think of other prompts you might come up with. Please share.

Absolutely, Positively Natty - A Book Review

I recently read Absolutely, Positively Natty by Lisa Greenwald. I read a review copy compliments of Netgalley and I am not being paid to give this review.

This book is a good book for middle school students to read because I think they would be able to relate a lot to the characters in the book. There are several characters with very different personalities so I think students would be able to find one to relate to. This would be a great book to have in the classroom and the school library. It would also be great to read as a class novel and then have interesting discussions either as a class or in groups. Topics could include: being a new student at a new school, making friends, having positive attitudes, growing apart from friends, divorce, depression, school spirit, sincerity, and supporting others. 

I recommend this book to teachers, parents, and students (middle grades and up). If you read it, please let me know what you think.

Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 6/9/2023

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my PLN. As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

Is It Normal to Talk to Yourself - a TED-ed talk; “Being caught talking to yourself can feel embarrassing, and some people even stigmatize this behavior as a sign of mental instability. But decades of research show that talking to yourself is completely normal; most if not all of us engage in some form of self-talk every day. So why do we talk to ourselves? And does what we say matter? Dig into the psychological benefits of positive self-talk.” (L:H; SA:S)

Music Explorers Digital - “To get started, simply pick a program, use the online development resources and lesson plans, and teach your students about new musical genres and cultural traditions. Each program includes six lessons built around two songs by three unique artists. All programs culminate in an interactive concert experience, during which your students will celebrate what they've learned, singing and dancing along with their favorite new artists.” (L:G; SA:FA)

Breaking News Generator - Make your own headlines (L:G; SA:A)

How to Use Google Takeout 2023 - “Through Google Takeout you can download the data and files that you have in your Google account. This information can include things in your Google Drive, Google Keep, Google Earth, and all of the other Google services you may have used with a school-issued Google account.” (L:T; SA:A)

NASA Infographics Gallery - great selection of science infographics (L:T; SA:S)

Original photo by Pat Hensley

May 2023 Photo A Day Project

I’m still enjoying my Photo a Day project on Flickr. I find it helpful to look at other people’s photos and see what I like about them, what makes them stand out to me, and the composition of the photo. I believe these will help me take better photos. 

Here are my photos from May:

1. 5/1/2023 chair carving, 2. 5/2/2023 Frappuccino samples, 3. 5/03/2023 Chili's restaurant, 4. 5/4/2023 Empty Waiting Room, 5. 5/5/2022 Day after surgery, 6. 5/6/2023 Crowning of a King, 7. 5/7/2023 Sheldon the Seahorse, 8. 5/8/2023 Roses, 9. 5/9/2023 Riding lawnmowers, 10. 5/10/2023 Quiche, 11. 5/11/2023 Fruits and Vegetables, 12. 5/12/2023 Thank you gnomes, 13. 5/13/2023 New Riding Lawnmower, 14. 5/14/2023 Flamingo plant, 15. 5/15/2023 Daylily, 16. 5/16/2023 Rainbow, 17. 5/17/2023 Purple Heart plant, 18. 5/18/2023 Daylily with water droplets, 19. 5/19/2023 Postcard, 20. 5/20/2023 Saturday market, 21. 5/21/2023 Petunias, 22. 5/22/2023 Dentist at work., 23. 5/23/2023 Shasta daisy, 24. 5/24/2023 up on a ladder, 25. 5/25/2023 Sweet soap sacks, 26. 5/26/2023 Yardwork, 27. 5/27/2023 The mountains, 28. 5/28/2023 We like books, 29. 5/29/2023 Looking for fruit, 30. 5/30/2023 Just hanging out, 31. 5/31/2023 Spring Forth Shawl

Scrapbook Pages from May 2023

Digital scrapbooking is a great activity to use in the classroom. It can be used to capture memories, share important information, or focus on a specific event. This would be a great alternate activity for book reports and even group projects. Here are some examples that I made in May. I use the website Gingerscraps for ideas and even free digital kits.

Love and Sacrifice

“The NVIV (Next Vista Inspiring Video) series of posts are written by Rushton Hurley and designed to provide students and teachers with fascinating discussion prompts.”

In Love and Sacrifice, Rushton features a man saving cats abandoned in Fukushima nuclear zone.

Rushton gives the following prompts to accompany this video:

“If you were a family member of Mr Kato, what would you say to him to try and get him to leave for safety? Could you say something unexpected that might persuade him?"

I found this interesting because it was hard for me to imagine myself doing this. I don’t think I would do this and I’m not sure I could convince someone else to leave. I also would be very worried if this man was my family member. I know when my parents chose to stay in their home when a hurricane would pass through, I was very worried about them but couldn’t convince them to leave. I would imagine this man’s family feels the same way.

Please check out the video and think of other prompts you might come up with. Please share.

Summer for Teachers

Summer is approaching and now is the time to think about what you plan to do. Sometimes I’m so overwhelmed by the possibilities that I feel paralyzed from taking any action. I thought it would help to decide if I listed the possibilities.

Here are some things teachers can do over the summer:

Relax and recharge:

• Go on vacation.
• Spend time with family and friends.
• Read.
• Go for walks in nature.
• Take a yoga class.
• Get a massage.

Plan for the upcoming school year:

• Create lesson plans.
• Order supplies.
• Get organized.
• Meet with your colleagues to discuss curriculum and lesson plans.
• Attend professional development workshops.

Take professional development courses:

• There are many online and in-person professional development courses available.
• Some courses are free, while others require a fee.
• Choose courses that are relevant to your teaching interests and needs.

Volunteer:

• Many organizations need volunteers.
• You could volunteer at a local school, library, or community center.
• You could also volunteer to tutor students or mentor young people.

Travel:

• There are many great places to travel.
• Choose a destination that interests you and that you think you'll enjoy.
• Do some research to find the best deals on flights and accommodations.

Learn a new skill:

• There are many online and in-person classes available.
• Some classes are free, while others require a fee.
• Choose a skill that you're interested in learning and that you think will be useful.

Start a side hustle:

• There are many different side hustles that you could start.
• Some popular side hustles include tutoring, selling handmade goods, and dog walking.
• Do some research to find a side hustle that you're interested in and that you think you'll be good at.

Do nothing:

• Sometimes the best thing to do is simply nothing.
• Take some time to relax and enjoy the summer.
• Read a book.
• Go for a walk.
• Spend time with family and friends.

No matter what you choose to do over the summer, make sure you take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. After a long school year, you deserve it!

Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 6/2/2023

Here are some interesting sites that I’ve found this week, thanks to my PLN. As a teacher, I feel we have to keep up to date concerning research in our field and current issues in the education system. I hope some of these inspire you, inform you, and even have you asking questions. Thank you for coming by and visiting!

Note: Each resource is labeled with a level and subject area to make it easier to use.

Levels: E: Elementary; M: Middle; H: High; G: General, all levels; SN: Special Needs; T: Teachers

Subject Areas: LA: Language Arts, English, Reading, Writing; M: Math; S: Science; Health; SS: Social Studies, Current Events; FA: Fine Arts; Music, Art, Drama; FL: Foreign Language; PE: Physical Ed; C: Career; A: All

Teach Rock - “TeachRock improves students' lives by bringing the sound, stories, and science of music to all classrooms.From The Beatles to Beyoncé, from kindergarten to AP History, in the classroom or remotely, TeachRock offers meaningful lesson plans all at no cost to teachers, students, and families, inspiring deeper learning and understanding through the power of music.” (L:T; SA:A)

The psychology behind irrational decisions - “Often people make decisions that are not “rational” from a purely economical point of view — meaning that they don’t necessarily lead to the best result. Why is that? Are we just bad at dealing with numbers and odds? Or is there a psychological mechanism behind it? Sara Garofalo explains heuristics, problem-solving approaches based on previous experience and intuition rather than analysis.” (L:H; SA:S)

Squeak Grows a Garden - “​​Squeaks and Mister Brown really want to plant a garden this spring, but they don't know where to start! Lucky for them, their friend Juniper the Earthworm is a gardening expert! Join in as they learn the when and where to plant their garden so they can enjoy home-grown veggies all summer. Plus, they'll watch seeds sprout into baby plants, and even learn how to grow plants without soil!” (L:E; SA:S)

Indoor Farm - “Family turns small-town Sask. school into indoor farm ​— and runs a drive-thru for veggies” (L:T; SA:A)

Mental Health Chart - “Teacher’s Mental Health Chart for Students Inspires Educators Across the Globe to Follow Suit” (L:T; SA:A)

Original photo by Pat Hensley

2023 Goals Review for May

May was a hectic month! Don had hand surgery and a tooth pulled which wasn’t much fun for him. I went to the doctor for a checkup and had lab work done. I found out my cholesterol and triglycerides were high. We bought a zero-turn riding lawn mower which was interesting. It takes Don about 45 minutes to mow the yard when it used to take him 3 days (a little each day). 

1. Learn something new. - I learned Tunisian crochet to make a couple of dishcloths. I’m still practicing my watercolor painting and my ukulele.

2. Knit at least 1 sweater - I finished with my sweater. (Collins Tee)

3. Yarn - more out than in (use more yardage than I buy) – I bought 3 skeins of sock yarn. I finished knitting Sheldon the Seahorse, 3 thank-you gnomes, and a pair of socks. 

●  Yarn used - 5096 yds.

●  -Yarn bought - 1324

3. Complete a shawl - I finished my Shawlography shawl

4. Try 4 new recipes. - I didn’t try anything new in May

5. Stretch regularly (at least 20 days out of the month) - We are walking and exercising regularly 

6. Create at least 2 scrapbook pages each month. - Made 10 pages for May (Total - 50)

7. Participate in the Photo a Day challenge – Completed through May.

8. Read the Bible every day. - yes

9. Read 100 books - Read 14 in January, 2 in February, 6 in March, 5 in April. 4 in April (Total: 31)

10. Read 12 nonfiction books. – (total: 6).

-   Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today by Valerie Bertinelli

-   Prince William: The Man Who Will Be King by Penny Junor

-   I Still Believe: A Memoir by Jeremy Camp

-   Call the Midwife by Jennifer Worth

-  I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

-  Nowhere for Very Long by Brianna Madia

What are your goals for this year? Please share.