Monday Professional Development

Today, I presented at our building professional development. I am so privelged to work with amazing, talented coworkers. I presented about some conferences that I've been to as well as the technology that I've been using to enhance my professional career. I am getting better at Twitter (see side bar) and am hoping to continue working on this site more. Thanks for hanging with me while I took a break. I'd love your comments, opinions, and sharing of what you are doing as an educator. Here is the link to my presentation today. I've been so fortunate to attend the conferences and learn with an open mind. The presenters were great.

Here is the link to the CPSI conference summaries.

Break

I'll return. . . . I promise! Right now, I am trying to focus on my masters degree program and finish it up. Hang in there. Email me if you want/need resources! schance@hotmail.com

Website Wednesday- WordSift

WordSift is a new wonder for me. I came across it after a recommendation by a friend. I like how it helps to visualize text and also helps to break it down. I am thinking that some of what I posted in it could have been organized better, but its still pretty interesting to use. Why don't you go try it? :)

Monday Must-Read: Harry Potter

I don't think I even needed to post that this book is a MUST READ, especially for reluctant readers. If they listen to it via audiobook, it might get them hooked on reading. I read these books when they first came out, several years ago and since then, my husband (who proclaims to not be a reader) has read them several times. Soon, my sons will read them too. Do I watch the movies???? Nope! I prefer the mind-movie that comes when I read the book. So, if you haven't read this book or the series, I would highly recommend it!

Website Wednesday- Mensa for Kids

Somehow this post did not publish last Wednesday when I had it scheduled. :( With how busy I've been with classes and work, I have tried to maintain posting on the weekend but schedule them throughout the week.

As I find an increasing need to challenge my son, I also have been enjoying doing this fun activities and games with him. I'll have to admit that he does beat me sometimes. I don't think that means anything really. :)

 

http://www.mensaforkids.org/

Monday Must Read: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

I will just say upfront- I have not read these books. . . yet! They seem to always be unavailable when I get a spare second to read "for fun." However, I have noticed how motivating they are for readers since they have humor, graphics, and "kid-talk." My son loves them and actually wanted to have a diary too. However, I don't know if you have searched lately for a diary for a 2nd grade boy, but there really isn't much on the market. (Hint, hint, Scholastic!!!)

Let me know if you've read these books or how you might use them in your classroom! :) I am hoping that once I'm done with my masters program I will have a tad more time to add some classroom activities or links to use with these "must-reads." Until then, just enjoy some great kid literature.

Tuesday Teacher Text- Reading Essentials

Since I did a review of each chapter for Regie Routman's book- "Writing Essentials," I thought I should also recommend her book- "Reading Essentials." It is an excellent book about how to put fun back into teaching and how to make reading a more motivating subject for the students AND teacher. I am going to try to post review on Tuesdays of Teacher Professional Literature that I have read and would definitely recommend if you're a book-nerd like I am! :)