My class is studying matter, so it seemed like a good idea to look for a flipchart that would be both informative and fun.  This flipchart involved selecting matter and catagorizing it as either solid, liquid, or gas.  It also had a neat thermometer with which one could change temperature so as to reveal both the freezing and boiling points.  The class was very engaged and especially loved the interactive parts of the flipchart.  I'm anxious to find more flipcharts for instruction and review!

Pinterest

     I had some fun getting back into Pinterest today.  I'm glad I made a lot of folders in which to store ideas.  I liked the anchor charts of which teachers had taken pictures.  They make great teaching tools, and the pictures have inspired me to take more pictures of my own "great" ideas!

Sharing in PLC's

     Our third grade PLC is not needing anything in the way of information concerning Pinterest or Diigo.  They are already experts!  The good news, however, is that I have managed to bookmark several activities for the classroom this past week.  I used the interactive websites almost every day this past week in math centers, and the children are enjoying the activities!

Digital Writing

     Obviously digital writing is critical for those entering into college or the working world today.  I think it is also fun and important for third graders to experience digital writing as well.  Writing short works seems to be best for eight year olds - poems, opinions, book reviews, power points, short reports and such all work.  However, at this age, writing that reguires more than a paragraph seems overwhelming unless each child is equipped with his/her own iPad or computer.  The child who has these tools will better adapt to using the tools for the longer personal narratives that are written by many of the children.  With each year in school, students should become increasingly more capable using their digital devices for writing.  My hope is that they will not be using Wordle for too very long!  

The Unconference

     I enjoyed the Unconference because for once I had the time to sit down and play around on the computer.  In spite of my Pinterest class this summer, I had not taken the time to get back on to pin more boards.  The boards I pinned should be helpful in the classroom, but of course I must now go back to see what I pinned.  This is probably fun for most people, but how does everyone find the time to spend so much time on the computer???  Doesn't anyone have anything else to do?  Sorry that I am asking this politically incorrect question.  It's just that I wish I had more time!   

Technology Lesson

     I had the privilege of observing our librarian's research lesson which directed students to www.BigHugeLabs.com.  Students used this website to make a trading card after their research of a roo in  the White House.  It was so easy, I was even able to do it.  Imagine that!  Anyway, there are several other cool activities for students to toy around with using this website.  It is great for projects and something I would like to use in both science and social studies.  Let's hope I actually do! 

9/11/12 What Does It Mean To Be A 21st Century Student

The 21st century student?   It's hard to believe, but I am just that!  Yes, here I am in the Lindbergh technology classroom learning about 21st century technology.  To feel comfortable in the 21st century classroom, I need to know how to blog (obviously), use power point, video, pinterest, my phone camera,  facebook, and youtube (which I just learned how to spell correctly).  It is all very overwhelming to me, but I am trying to keep up with the times.  Thank goodness for Angie and Colin!