Edmodo

I had a really hard time deciding what to do my showcase project, but after attending a confenrece in December I decided to start using edmodo in my classroom.  We have just begun using it this week, but my students have been really excited about it.  Their posts are really thoughtful.  I hope their excitement continues as we move from exploration to using it for projects.

Nothing Professional

I enjoyed a night out with friends tonight.  We had a wonderful time at PF Chang before going to see Les Miserable.  I haven't seen it since I was a freshman in high school.  It was a completely different experience.  Great night, but I know I'll be a tired teacher tomorrow.

Frustrated... A little less

Yesterday I wrote about my frustration over my students scores on their latest reading unit test.  Today I have talked with other teachers on my grade level and all of their scores are around the same as mine.  So I feel a little better about it.  BUT...I want my students to be successful.  So I won't settle for my scrores being on par with the others, rather I will analyze my data, revamp my small groups, and give mini-lessons to hopefully fill in thos gaps. 

Frustrated

Today we took our unit 3 Scott Foresmann reading assessment.  I spent Thursday, Friday, and some time today reviewing for the test.  I met with each child and helped them set a goal.  We talked about what they could do during the test to make sure they reached their goal.  And... the class average dropped 8 points!  I guess my next step is to have them all move in with me.

Welcome 2013

In December I attended the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence conference in Orlando.  While there, I attended many wonderful sessions, but my favorite was a site visit.  Ocoee Middle School has completly embraced technolgy in the classroom.  Students were engaged and excited about what they were learning.  I know that I am far from being where I'd like to be with technology in the classroom; too often I use it as a delivery method and not as a hands-on tool for my students to use.  Returning from the conference and a much needed break I have several ideas that I plan to try to give my students more opportunities to use technology as a learning tool.  Wish me luck!

Thanksgiving

I see many people are using FB as a venue for sharing what they are thanful for throughout this month.  I didn't jump on that band wagon, so I'll share some of what I'm thankful for here...

I am thankful for parents that taught me that hard work is the way to get what you want. 
I am thankful for sisters that are always there, even when others aren't.
I'm thankful for friends, that no matter the miles between us or the time between chats, we can pick up where we left off.
I'm thankful for a job where I can make a diffrence in the future of a child.
I am thankful that I am an independent, self-sufficient, and productive citizen.
And I am thankful that God will always be there to guide me, even when I forget that.

The Election from the Third Grader's Point of View

Over the past two weeks we have been learning about voting and the election process in our classroom.  I have really impressed with how well my students are "getting" the information.  During bus duty this morning a student was telling his friend, "Yeah, my mom didn't understand it so I had to explain it to her."  I hope this has been a unit they will always remember.