Winding Down

As we wind down the school year, it is such a bittersweet time. I'm thrilled to get to spend some catch-up time with my family. I also have started to realize how short summer-time is with how full it is getting with sports, swimming, and conferences/work. What types of activities do you do in the summer with your kids to keep them active and learning?

Here is a neat LiveBinder that has a Virtual Summer Camp. I have REALLY enjoyed Twitter and the resources shared on there. Please make sure to check out the links I've posted there also. I try to post there more often than here. Soon, though I'll get caught up on this blog. Happy end of the year! :)

New Website- First Grade

http://anotherdayinfirstgrade.blogspot.com/

I came upon this website from some of my "friends" on Twitter. I have to say, it is very appealing, informative and useful. I hope she'll continue to update and share what she's doing in the classroom. It is a motivation and inspiration.

Website Wednesday- Twitter

I just started using Twitter more lately as a professional development tool. I have found some very thoughtful insights from other educators as well as some great links for teacher tools and resources. On the right hand side of this blog, you can follow me on Twitter, even if you don't join! I try to post things that I think would be most useful to myself and those around me that follow. If you haven't given Twitter a try, I would highly recommend it! Just in the week that I've tried using it more, I have loved it.  

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!