We can do so much with blogger that I didn't realize! I wanted to share with you a blog I really enjoy reading. I recieved an article of this blog in Dr. Kress's Faith Integration class and since then I have been reading it. . . the blog is really good and he utilizes all the different things you can do with blogger!
Take a look and enjoy!
http://bittersweetblue.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
American's Today
Jay Leno wrote this and I found it very interesting. . . enjoy!
The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just isn't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler or intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by' justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about 'how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way'...Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day or at least be thankful and appreciative. 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
Jay Leno
2007
The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just isn't happy and want a change.
So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What are we so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler or intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by' justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about 'how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way'...Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.
We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day or at least be thankful and appreciative. 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
Jay Leno
2007
Lesson Plan for Writing
Instructional Plan for: Writing with an Idea in mind
Subject: Writing Date: December 11, 2007
Grade Level: 1 Teacher: Amanda Wilson
GLEs/ EALRs:
Writing:
1. 1. The student understands and uses a writing process.
• 1.1 Pre writes to generate Ideas and plan writing.
• 1.6 Adjust to the writing process as necessary.
3. The student writes clearly and effectively
• 3.1 Develops ideas and organizes writing
• 3.3 Knows and applies writing conventions appropriate for the grade level
Lesson Objectives:
Give direct instruction and guided practice for understanding of how to write with an idea in mind. The teacher will write an example story on the board, the story will be about a class experience. Students, as a class, will participate in formulating illustrations ideas for the story written. Students independently will think of an idea and then write about and illustrate their idea during quiet writing time.
Plan for Remediation:
Teacher will be available during quiet writing time to help those students who may be struggling or have further questions. A visual example will be posted on the board for reference.
Assessment:
• Formative: Students will be called upon during direct teaching to help add illustrations to the story (participation is expected). Teacher will listen and watch for non verbal queues that students understand the writing process. Students will also write their own story with detailed illustrations.
• Summative: Each student will complete a story with detailed illustrations that will be turned in for evaluation. They will be evaluated on how well they grasp the “writing with an idea in mind” concept as well as how well they followed directions.
• Student self- reflective: Students will journal about how they felt about the writing exercise. Was it a good method for them or did they struggle? They will then share their journal response with a family member.
Accommodations’ for learning styles:
Visual: many visuals will be used throughout the lesson:
• Teacher will write her/ his story on the board so students can see it.
• Teacher will illustrate story on the board.
Auditory: verbal instruction, directions and example given aloud.
Kinesthetic: students will move to the carpet for instruction and learning.
Classroom Characteristics:
Classroom set up: tables set up in rows, 4 large tables on each side of the room.
Materials: writing worksheets for students, crayons and pencils for students, white board and dry erase markers for teacher. For this particular lesson since it is not in normal classroom teacher will also need behavior management materials, red, yellow and green rockets, marbles and marble jar.
Behavior Management:
0-1 warning= Green rocket
If students remain on green all week they receive a “green all week” certificate to take home on Fridays.
2 warnings= yellow rocket
Students will owe 5 minutes of their recess to discuss their choices, and a note will be sent home for their parent to sign.
3 warnings= red rocket
Students will owe their entire recess to discuss their choices, and a note will be sent home for their parent to sign.
Group rewards: For good group work, which includes following directions and working together, a group marbles to go in the marble jar, the marble jar is a jar that the class keeps, when the jar is filled to a certain line the class can earn prizes and parties.
Family interaction: Students will share their journal response about the lesson with a family member.
Anticipatory Set/ Introduction and review/ tie into past learning: 3 min
• Students will move to the carpet
• Tell students what they will be learning about today, how to write with an idea in mind.
• Read story “David goes to school” so students can see how to illustrate their ideas.
• Remind the students about some of the ways they have written before- ask them questions about different ways they have written and how they formulate their ideas.
Check for understanding: this will be included in teaching steps.
Teaching steps: 8-10 min
• Read: Read story aloud, “David goes to school.”
• Ask/ Check for understanding: Ask students questions about how the pictures go with what the author is writing- ask while reading the story.
• Explain: Tell students that you will teach them the approach to writing with an idea in mind.
• Demonstrate: Teacher will demonstrate how to write with an idea in mind. First, teacher will think of an idea by closing his/her eyes. Once the teacher has her/his idea they will say, “I got it.” Then the teacher will write a short story, story should be something the class has experienced together. The teacher will tell the class they are going to draw pictures to go along with each part of their story. Draw the first couple pictures. Then ask the class to help you.
• Ask/ Check for understanding: Ask students to give you ideas of what else you could draw to illustrate your story. Once your story is fully illustrated ask the students, “Do you see how I’m putting the whole story into my pictures?”
Closure: 3 min
• Check for understanding: Make sure the students understand what you have demonstrated.
• Give direction: Tell students that they will be writing their own stories using the “writing with an idea in mind method.”
• Tell students to go back to their seats.
• Once they are at their seats pass out writing worksheet, crayons and pencils.
• Tell them to start off by closing their eyes and thinking of an idea. Once they have their idea in mind then they can start writing!
Independent Practice: 9 min
Helpful idea: play relaxing music quietly while students are writing.
• Quiet writing time: students will get time to practice the writing process they learned. Teacher will walk around and check their progress. The teacher will also be available for questions and further explanation.
Closure: 1-2 min
• Reward class if they had good behavior during writing time!
• Tell students to put away their worksheets. If they are done they can turn them into you, if not they can continue tomorrow!!
Subject: Writing Date: December 11, 2007
Grade Level: 1 Teacher: Amanda Wilson
GLEs/ EALRs:
Writing:
1. 1. The student understands and uses a writing process.
• 1.1 Pre writes to generate Ideas and plan writing.
• 1.6 Adjust to the writing process as necessary.
3. The student writes clearly and effectively
• 3.1 Develops ideas and organizes writing
• 3.3 Knows and applies writing conventions appropriate for the grade level
Lesson Objectives:
Give direct instruction and guided practice for understanding of how to write with an idea in mind. The teacher will write an example story on the board, the story will be about a class experience. Students, as a class, will participate in formulating illustrations ideas for the story written. Students independently will think of an idea and then write about and illustrate their idea during quiet writing time.
Plan for Remediation:
Teacher will be available during quiet writing time to help those students who may be struggling or have further questions. A visual example will be posted on the board for reference.
Assessment:
• Formative: Students will be called upon during direct teaching to help add illustrations to the story (participation is expected). Teacher will listen and watch for non verbal queues that students understand the writing process. Students will also write their own story with detailed illustrations.
• Summative: Each student will complete a story with detailed illustrations that will be turned in for evaluation. They will be evaluated on how well they grasp the “writing with an idea in mind” concept as well as how well they followed directions.
• Student self- reflective: Students will journal about how they felt about the writing exercise. Was it a good method for them or did they struggle? They will then share their journal response with a family member.
Accommodations’ for learning styles:
Visual: many visuals will be used throughout the lesson:
• Teacher will write her/ his story on the board so students can see it.
• Teacher will illustrate story on the board.
Auditory: verbal instruction, directions and example given aloud.
Kinesthetic: students will move to the carpet for instruction and learning.
Classroom Characteristics:
Classroom set up: tables set up in rows, 4 large tables on each side of the room.
Materials: writing worksheets for students, crayons and pencils for students, white board and dry erase markers for teacher. For this particular lesson since it is not in normal classroom teacher will also need behavior management materials, red, yellow and green rockets, marbles and marble jar.
Behavior Management:
0-1 warning= Green rocket
If students remain on green all week they receive a “green all week” certificate to take home on Fridays.
2 warnings= yellow rocket
Students will owe 5 minutes of their recess to discuss their choices, and a note will be sent home for their parent to sign.
3 warnings= red rocket
Students will owe their entire recess to discuss their choices, and a note will be sent home for their parent to sign.
Group rewards: For good group work, which includes following directions and working together, a group marbles to go in the marble jar, the marble jar is a jar that the class keeps, when the jar is filled to a certain line the class can earn prizes and parties.
Family interaction: Students will share their journal response about the lesson with a family member.
Anticipatory Set/ Introduction and review/ tie into past learning: 3 min
• Students will move to the carpet
• Tell students what they will be learning about today, how to write with an idea in mind.
• Read story “David goes to school” so students can see how to illustrate their ideas.
• Remind the students about some of the ways they have written before- ask them questions about different ways they have written and how they formulate their ideas.
Check for understanding: this will be included in teaching steps.
Teaching steps: 8-10 min
• Read: Read story aloud, “David goes to school.”
• Ask/ Check for understanding: Ask students questions about how the pictures go with what the author is writing- ask while reading the story.
• Explain: Tell students that you will teach them the approach to writing with an idea in mind.
• Demonstrate: Teacher will demonstrate how to write with an idea in mind. First, teacher will think of an idea by closing his/her eyes. Once the teacher has her/his idea they will say, “I got it.” Then the teacher will write a short story, story should be something the class has experienced together. The teacher will tell the class they are going to draw pictures to go along with each part of their story. Draw the first couple pictures. Then ask the class to help you.
• Ask/ Check for understanding: Ask students to give you ideas of what else you could draw to illustrate your story. Once your story is fully illustrated ask the students, “Do you see how I’m putting the whole story into my pictures?”
Closure: 3 min
• Check for understanding: Make sure the students understand what you have demonstrated.
• Give direction: Tell students that they will be writing their own stories using the “writing with an idea in mind method.”
• Tell students to go back to their seats.
• Once they are at their seats pass out writing worksheet, crayons and pencils.
• Tell them to start off by closing their eyes and thinking of an idea. Once they have their idea in mind then they can start writing!
Independent Practice: 9 min
Helpful idea: play relaxing music quietly while students are writing.
• Quiet writing time: students will get time to practice the writing process they learned. Teacher will walk around and check their progress. The teacher will also be available for questions and further explanation.
Closure: 1-2 min
• Reward class if they had good behavior during writing time!
• Tell students to put away their worksheets. If they are done they can turn them into you, if not they can continue tomorrow!!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
What do you think your classroom will look like in 5 years?
In 5 years I am sure things will change. Things have changed so much already, I am not quite sure what they will come up with next. I heard they have hand held smart boards for students which can communicate with the main board. Hopefully in 5 years those boards will be more accessible for schools and students. That would be great!! I would love to be able to have more opportunities to post things online for younger kids. I am hoping in 5 years that younger students will be able to access things online with more safely, that would be really useful for me as a teacher and for students. I am exited to see what they come up with and hope that all the new technology so far will only be better and easier to use!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Mrs. Wilson's Class Website- Assignment #5
Class Website
While creating this web page I did not run into too many obstacles. It was interesting learning how to link separate pages I had created to my web page. The most challenging was creating the charts and calendars. I used word to create most of them. I am still working on creating a volunteer calendar on Google Calendar. Google Page creator makes it pretty easy for you to figure out how to create a page, you don't have to know any html codes or anything challenging like that. I really enjoyed making this website, I am hopefully going to attach some more pictures as well. I got most of my ideas from other teacher websites, as well as knowing what would be most useful for my students. I also created a wiki the Parent's in my class to use to sign up for volunteer dates. The wiki is attached to my Volunteer Calendar page. After creating the Volunteer Calendar I realized I have to stay logged on for the parents to be able to read what is going on. I am not sure google calendars is made for public view, you have to be a member to view a public calendar. It works well for what I need right now, but in the future I am going to try to find a more effective calendar!
I feel I have become alot more knowledgeable of technology lately. By utilizing all the tools available in technology I am no longer nervous to use it. I was a little skeptical of using technology in the classroom, but I can see all the major advantages. I am now sure I can add Google Page Creator to my expert list as well as blogger. I am still learning about wikispaces and Google Calendar but I feel I will be an expert soon. This project helped me learn alot because I got hands on experience in utilizing these resources. I am no longer scared to try new things in technology, I am interested in learning more about it!
While creating this web page I did not run into too many obstacles. It was interesting learning how to link separate pages I had created to my web page. The most challenging was creating the charts and calendars. I used word to create most of them. I am still working on creating a volunteer calendar on Google Calendar. Google Page creator makes it pretty easy for you to figure out how to create a page, you don't have to know any html codes or anything challenging like that. I really enjoyed making this website, I am hopefully going to attach some more pictures as well. I got most of my ideas from other teacher websites, as well as knowing what would be most useful for my students. I also created a wiki the Parent's in my class to use to sign up for volunteer dates. The wiki is attached to my Volunteer Calendar page. After creating the Volunteer Calendar I realized I have to stay logged on for the parents to be able to read what is going on. I am not sure google calendars is made for public view, you have to be a member to view a public calendar. It works well for what I need right now, but in the future I am going to try to find a more effective calendar!
I feel I have become alot more knowledgeable of technology lately. By utilizing all the tools available in technology I am no longer nervous to use it. I was a little skeptical of using technology in the classroom, but I can see all the major advantages. I am now sure I can add Google Page Creator to my expert list as well as blogger. I am still learning about wikispaces and Google Calendar but I feel I will be an expert soon. This project helped me learn alot because I got hands on experience in utilizing these resources. I am no longer scared to try new things in technology, I am interested in learning more about it!
A story from the classroom
A little girl decided she was a hairstylist in class. During an art lesson she took her child size scissors and cut her hair. She was mortified that she had ruined her hair. That is probably the funniest thing that has happened this year! I am looking forward to experiencing more with these students!
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