Yesterday we were talking about the next unit in Social Studies. I told the kids that we were going to study WWI and WWII. One of my sweet sixth grade boys asked me, "Can we do WWII first?"
Don't you just love middle schoolers?
Rachael's trip
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Middle School Conference
I finally got to go to a Middle School Conference. I must say, now I understand why people get fight to get to go. I totally enjoyed myself and learned so much that I am energized and ready to finish the year.
I attended mostly technology sessions. I learned some editing tricks in audacity which totally helped our podcasting ability. I learned about videoconferencing in North Carolina and the opportunities there. I was educated on using cell phones in class. I saw how AVID can work effectively to motivate students and learned how to use the newspaper ma ore effectively with my kids.
Wow, that's a great deal of info in just a couple of days and definitely not everything! I enjoyed our keynote speaker who really has me thinking about my teaching practice. I guess I have taken too many shortcuts during my stint in graduate school which I promise NOT to do after I graduate this spring. Thank goodness my middle schoolers are a forgiving bunch!
I attended mostly technology sessions. I learned some editing tricks in audacity which totally helped our podcasting ability. I learned about videoconferencing in North Carolina and the opportunities there. I was educated on using cell phones in class. I saw how AVID can work effectively to motivate students and learned how to use the newspaper ma ore effectively with my kids.
Wow, that's a great deal of info in just a couple of days and definitely not everything! I enjoyed our keynote speaker who really has me thinking about my teaching practice. I guess I have taken too many shortcuts during my stint in graduate school which I promise NOT to do after I graduate this spring. Thank goodness my middle schoolers are a forgiving bunch!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Early morning snow day pics.
These are from a quick video I took with my flip cam. Isn't it just beautiful out there?
SNOW DAY!!
WOW! A snow day! What should I do with myself? I am not totally sure. I just love these unexpected days off. I like the possibility of a whole day to just catch up on the little things that have been neglected or to just hang out watching the fire in the fireplace.
I can't wait to get outside and take a few pictures. The neighborhood just looks beautiful. I know that Rachael will be excited about sledding. So, I am sure that hot chocolate is probably on the menu today.
Rande has gone out for his morning walk. He will bring home the "road report" I am sure.
I will write more after I get some pics! 'Til then.....TTFN!
I can't wait to get outside and take a few pictures. The neighborhood just looks beautiful. I know that Rachael will be excited about sledding. So, I am sure that hot chocolate is probably on the menu today.
Rande has gone out for his morning walk. He will bring home the "road report" I am sure.
I will write more after I get some pics! 'Til then.....TTFN!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Obama's Education Plan
This event looks as though it might be interesting.I think we should all log in and take a look. As teachers, it is time to have a voice.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/events/chats/index.html#upcoming
http://www.edweek.org/ew/events/chats/index.html#upcoming
North Carolina Social Studies Conference
I went to the Social Studies Conference this week and was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I had working with the new and preservice teachers. What energy they bring with them! I remember how that felt and I must say, that just being around them gave me a pleasant boost for my own reserves.
I hope that they were able to take some of my information and use it for their own practice. As a 25 year veteran, I don't always feel like I am all that special. I just get in the classroom and survive. Maybe we teachers have be brow beaten so much by lawmakers, newsmakers and administrators that we believe them. I don't know. But, it was sure nice to get a postive shot in the arm from these young people.
One thing that I learned from this conference is that I love Social Studies. I figured out that is why kids like my class. They get that I am sharing something that I truly love with them. Kids respect that in their teachers.
If you haven't been to a conference in awhile, it is time that you do. Maybe you will get the shot in the arm that you are looking for. The NC Middle School conference is next month. I am really looking forward to that one now.
I hope that they were able to take some of my information and use it for their own practice. As a 25 year veteran, I don't always feel like I am all that special. I just get in the classroom and survive. Maybe we teachers have be brow beaten so much by lawmakers, newsmakers and administrators that we believe them. I don't know. But, it was sure nice to get a postive shot in the arm from these young people.
One thing that I learned from this conference is that I love Social Studies. I figured out that is why kids like my class. They get that I am sharing something that I truly love with them. Kids respect that in their teachers.
If you haven't been to a conference in awhile, it is time that you do. Maybe you will get the shot in the arm that you are looking for. The NC Middle School conference is next month. I am really looking forward to that one now.
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