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!