Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 9/6/13

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

Nova Labs - “NOVA Labs is a new digital platform where "citizen scientists" can actively participate in the scientific process. From predicting solar storms and designing renewable energy systems to tracking cloud movements and learning cybersecurity strategies, NOVA Labs participants can take part in real-world investigations by visualizing, analyzing, and sharing the same data that scientists use.” (L: M,H; SA:S)

MapStory - “MapStory empowers a global community to organize knowledge about the world spatially and temporally. With MapStory, people of all kinds turn into Storytellers who can create, share, and collaborate on MapStories and ultimately improve our understanding of global dynamics, worldwide, over the course of history.” (L:G; SA:SS)

The Whiz Times - “News, Enrichment and Entertainment with tons of interactivity and engagement –especially produced for tweens!” (L:M, H; SA:G)

Elephant Voices - “Identifying elephants isn't difficult, but it requires using powers of observation and it takes a bit of practice. There are many different characteristics that you can use to identify an elephant: sex; body size; shape; length and configuration of the tusks; size and shape of the ears; ear venation patterns; notches, tears, holes in the ears. ElephantVoices has developed eight educational modules explaining how to recognize these characteristics, which have been used in the Mara Elephants Who's Who database.” (L:M,H; SA:S)

Submrge - Search or browse for Games or Activities, and learn how games are or could be included in classroom activities.

Each game page includes important information for teachers, like benefits of play, educational issues for discussion, easily accessible game information, and activities related to the game on Submrge. (L:T; SA:A)

Original Image: Tools by Pat Hensley

What is Normal?

What is normal? Who gets to decide?

I’ve heard this saying on a few podcasts lately and I don’t know who the creator was, but here it is:
"Normal is just a setting a washing machine."

That saying has been going around and around in my head and I’m loving it!

As a teacher of students with special needs, I have seen a lot of children feel as if they were not normal because they were different. They see normal as fitting in, being like everyone else, and not standing out as different. These students want to be “normal.”

Some teachers see a lot of students as normal in the same way. They want all of their students to fit in with what they expect. They want all students to take the same tests and succeed in the same way. They want all of their students to behave in the same cookie cutter fashion and if they don’t, then they see these students as not being normal.

I think I would do a major disservice to my students if I expect them to be “normal” and just like everyone else. I want to honor their uniqueness and help them be proud of their differences.

If they don’t learn like everyone else, I want them to feel that is okay as long as we figure out a way for them to learn that fits them. I have to help them find the learning style that works for them and encourage them to use this so they can get the most out of learning. Instead of trying to fit them in a mold, I need to give them tools to use because they don’t fit in a mold.

If they don’t show how they understand and can apply their learning the way others do, that is okay too. As long as they are able in some way to show me that they understand and can apply what they have learned. I need to give them opportunities to show me how they do this.

I need to stop trying to make all of my students normal and respect them for who they are.
I need to remember that normal is just a setting on a washing machine.

How do you help your students feel comfortable in their uniqueness? Please share.

Image: 'There's Always One'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7762644@N04/2205118143
Found on flickrcc.net

Field Experience

This semester I’m sending 22 undergraduates out to a setting serving school-age students with special needs. For some of these students, this may be their first exposure to school-age students with special needs. Of course I have an official letter that goes to the classroom teaching thanking them for allowing my students in the classroom. I also suggest some activities but these are not required such as:

• Assist with varied classroom activities (e.g. read stories, assist at centers, assist individuals),
• Assist classroom teacher with instructional activities,
• Prepare materials for instruction under the direction of the teacher,
• Review and reinforce lessons introduced by the teacher with individual students and small groups,
• Attend a field trip with the class,
• Assist with physical needs of students,
• Escort students to and from classroom,
• Assist students at lunch
• Assist with cleanup activities,
• Learn and follow all classroom/behavior management programs as set by the teacher,
• Any other related activities that will assist the teacher with the instructional program and give the student practical experience

But in my mind and heart, I want to say things such as:

• Show what a joy it is to be a teacher.
• Show how a teacher can make a difference by the little things that are done.
• Show how important it is to be organized in the classroom.
• Show how having a classroom management plan can make your life easier.
• Show how vital it is to be prepared.
• Show how much collaboration with colleagues make teaching more effective.
• Show how a teacher needs to make every student feel valued.
• Show why teaching can be the greatest profession in the world!

Maybe I will share these with the students and have them look for these things while they are in the classroom. I think some of them are a little scared and nervous but if they go in with a positive outlook, it might help them make this a better experience.

I’m hoping that some of them will be glad they are in our education program. I’m hoping that some of them will eventually become great teachers. I’m hoping that some of them will make a difference in some child’s life. I hope that this experience will be worthwhile and inspiring!


Image: 'Tutoring Center'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28035080@N04/3349979270
Found on flickrcc.net

Monthly Review of Goals from August

Boy, did August fly by! It is hard to believe that it is September already. It is time to review my goals and see how I did last month. All of my goals can be found here. The ones that are in bold are ones that I have already accomplished.

For the year:

1. I want to spin the alpaca fiber that I processed with some wool. ( I accomplished this!)

2. I want to knit a sweater. (I have knit a couple already and I’m getting ready to start on the Gnarled Oak cardigan from the Coastal Knits Book.)

3. I want to dye yarn. (Still haven’t done this yet but I’m getting closer to being in the mood!)

4. I want to spruce up my gardens this year. (I have been going out and doing some weeding when it hasn’t been raining.)

5. I won’t commit to more to more than I can handle. (I realize that my life has been a lot less stressful since I’ve been sticking to this goal.)

6. I will find something good in each day. (This is really helping me have a good attitude when I go to bed and I think it helps me sleep better.)

7. I will learn archery. (I found another groupon coupon for archery lessons for two and hopefully will make an appointment in September.)

8. I will nurture old friendships. (I had a mini reunion with my niece and her family at Myrtle Beach. I haven’t seen them in person in about 5 years.)

9. I will lose at least 20 lbs. this year. (I have lost 20 pounds since January! I’m so excited! Now everything I lose is like icing on the cake!)

Daily:

1. I will eat healthy. (This healthy eating has helped me lose weight! I am also down to size 8 from a size 10 in my clothes.)

2. I will exercise. (I have been walking on the treadmill and walking in the park regularly. I have been getting 10,000 steps almost every day and now I’ve bumped it up to 15,000 steps.)

3. I will stretch. (I stretch and do strength exercises for 20 minutes each day.)

4. I will read my bible. (I’ve been doing this but need to do it more regularly.)

5. I will do something that I have been avoiding. (This goal has helped me get a lot of things done around the house.)

6. I will contact a friend and let them know I am thinking of them. (Every day I try to send an email or message through Facebook.)

7. I will be happy. (Consciously thinking this helps me start each day with a smile.)

I am very pleased with my progress this year. This monthly accountability has really made a difference and I will plan on doing this again next year.

Have you reviewed your goals or resolutions you made at the beginning of the year? How are you doing? If you haven’t achieved something yet, don’t give up. Just begin now.

Image: 'La Jolla Goal Wall'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30011527@N05/3876577832
Found on flickrcc.net

Happy Labor Day!

Today is the Labor Day holiday here in the United States.

According to The Department of Labor:

“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City. The first Monday in September was chosen as the official holiday in 1884. 23 states adopted the holiday by 1894. On June 28, 1894, Congress passed an act making it a legal holiday in District of Columbia and the territories.

Image: 'Beauty Balloons'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/91123790@N00/2815231166
Found on flickrcc.net