What's the best gift for a teacher?

It is that time of year again when the students start to ask, "what is your favorite store" and "where do you like to eat".  I work in a very fortunate school where almost all students present me with a present and a generous one at that.  The giftcards are always plentiful.  Now, having had worked in schools that were not as fortunate as the one I am in now, I realize that family struggle and can not afford a present for their teacher. 

Whenever a student asks me what I want, I always respond - "make me a card".  I give them paper and tell them that, that means more to me and that I can always hold on to it and remember them.  No one feels left out because they can or can not afford a gift for me.  At the end of the day, I dont want presents from my students.  It is always nice to get a gift unexpectedly but it should not be expected.  Some teachers I know get nothing and some get more than they need.  It just goes to show you that there is economic divisions between schools and families. 

Keeping Track of What You Read

I found this to be useful information posted on Google Reader.  I believe it would be helpful to students to know what they have looked at and to help them remember their sources.  Vice versa, it would be beneficial for a teacher to see what sites students have viewed and utilized. 

Middle school students and up should know how to bookmark a page as their work entails more research and papers.  This would be just be teaching them another way to be proficient while using the computer.  I have found bookmarking a page to be beneficial for me during this course as I have to go back and weekly research different blogs being posted.  Once it is bookmarked, I can easily go back to where I left off.  It saves time too, which is always a positive!

No Surprise to iPhone Users, as Consumer Reports Calls AT&T Worst Carrier

I have to admit, as much as I love the iPhone, it literally has the worst service I have ever experienced.  I do not own the iPhone but I have used others to see the applications and understand what it offers.  I think it is amazing and I would totally get the phone for myself but the coverage is horrible.  Whenever I call family members who own the phone, I can almost guarantee that I will have a hard time talking to them because of the coverage. 

The last I heard, Verizon Wireless was suppose to pick up the phone and offer them their service.  Now, I have Verizon and I love my service.  I am nervous that if iPhone comes to Verizon their coverage will to be suffer when so many people switch over.  The phone itself is amazing but how good is a phone if you cant actually talk on the phone, its real purpose.

This article was great to read and I would suggest it to those who are interested in getting the iPhone. 

Project-Based Learning: A Case for Not Giving Up

I think project based learning is a cooperative attempt for students to work together for the better of a cause.  When I think of project-based learning, I think of oppotunities for students to work to help a community or another individual out.  This time of year is a great opportunity for students to adopt another student or family and help them financially by providing gifts or food. 

My school does a food drive for Thanksgiving and continue it into Christmas.  We have a program in which individual can adopt a family and provide items that they can not afford.  I think this is a great thing for students to do and it allows them to help others out.  I promote the schools program and encourage my students to participate and volunteer there time anyway that they can.

The Power of Literature Circles in the Classroom

There really is power in literature circles.  I have always liked the idea and the possibilities that one can do while having literature circles.  I have found that students too love getting into their groups and working with one another.  I have always valued cooperative learning and literature circles definitely promote learning.  This gets students out of the traditional learning mood too, which is always needed.  Students need to move around and interact with one another.  I have found that students who sit in their desk too long can not focus and are easily distracted with things around them. 

This article suggests a book about literature circles that I would like to look into and read more about.  Again, promoting the idea and supporting the idea of students working cooperatively in groups to discuss a book, article, or even paragraph that they may read.  This creates great conversation between peers and requires a higher learning/comprehension level.  I use literature circles because I want to promote and create that higher level of learning atmosphere with my students.

Should laptops replace textbooks?

The census is in and yes, many believe that laptops should replace textbooks.  I thought the debate would be more divided but it was in favor of laptops.  I am not sure if I totally agree with the article and the opinions being posted on the page.

I am in favor of students using laptops but not all ages and grade levels.  I believe each grade should be introduced to a computer lab and know the basic functions of using a computer.  However, I do not think that laptops should be the sole form of learning in school, especially in the elementary level or middle school. In high school and college, I can justify students using laptops only as their form of learning.

The students in my school are required to purchase a mac laptop at the beginning of the year in high school and high school only.  I teach elementary so I still teach from a textbook and I have to admit that I see no problem in this.  I think my 5th grade students need a textbook. I believe that one day, textbooks will be a thing of the past however.  I can see the laptop movement has started and it will continue to grow- even at a 5th grade level.

Ten Simple Strategies for Re-engaging Students

This was a good read as often times I will need to re-direct or re-engage students in my class.  I sometimes forget that they can not sit very long and listen tentatively.  There have been many studies done on the brain and research proves that students can only pay attention in incidents of seven minutes.  Therefore, if I am teaching a class and am trying to get a point across - some of those students may be tuned out and some may be tuned in.

I have to remind myself of this because I will teach from bell to bell and yet get frustrated when a student is not paying attention or does not understand the concept.  They may understand the idea but its just too much for them at one time.  This makes sense and the ten strategies presents easy and logical solutions to re-directing or re-engaging, when it is needed.

Holiday driving tips to help hit the road

I love this time of year!  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday....my class was shocked when I announced that today but I think that it really is :) I love Christmas and the season of preparing for it! Thanksgiving to me gets everyone together and in the mood for the next holiday, which is Christmas.  I love the feeling of waking up on Thanksgiving knowing that everyone will be coming over to my house to enjoy the meal. My house is all decorated and I can not wait to start the cooking and baking.  The smells in the house are the best! I am blessed with a large family too, so there really is nothing better than when we all come together to enjoy one another’s company.  I just love Thanksgiving!

I will have family members coming in from out of town so this article was a good read because it talked about some tips for traveling.  I will be traveling the day after Thanksgiving for some good ol' shopping in Chicago so I will too be amongst the travelers.  I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

Online Learning: The Next Great Debate?

I do believe that on-line learning is a great debate.  I think the opportunities that it provides, along with the flexibility of the schedule, and the useful information that can be learned; will out weight the debate against an on-line education.  Of course, I would take a bias stand since I am in the process of learning and completing a program on-line.  I have nothing but positive things to say about on-line learning and would gladly debate in favor of on-line learning.

I think the debate becomes more intense, when considering who is learning on-line.  I would not suggest young students to learn on-line by themselves.  The basic system of a computer needs to be understood and students in the elementary level may not be able to apply themselves as well as a college student may.

I think that all students can learn on-line by visiting different websites and researching information.  It should be more teacher guided with the teacher in the room teaching, whereas middle school, high school, or even college level - students should be able to follow an assignment with just the directions and a computer.  It teaches independence and responsibility, both important characteristics for students to learn and follow.

Around the World in Five Days: Lessons from the Global Education Conference

What a great idea!  I have created virtual field trips before but this reinforces just how easy it is to learn about another culture using the computer.  What I love about the "Around the World in Five Days" concept is that is that it is free and already set up for you.  With over 400 options of what to choose, a teacher can definitely find a lesson plan to teach their educational goal.

Some of the best ideas we have, we get from one another.  I know that I need utilize the plethora of information and resources out there.  Students can only benefit from what teachers find.  I really like to read through these blogs because it gives me a lot of ideas and suggestions.  I never knew that such blogs existed to get ideas from one another but now I do.

How Classroom Environment Can Ignite Learning and Cultivate Caring

Classroom management is such a large part of teaching.  It impacts the students more than we think.  The way a classroom is ran and structured has a direct impact on a students ability to learn.  At a young age students need to be given and taught the structure of school - what is acceptable and what is not acceptable.  Teachers need to reinforce what is taught each year.  As we do so, it is important to remember that each teacher does it in a different way. 

I will forever remember taking "classroom management" in college.  The class was beneficial and taught me a lot.  Reading articles like the one I did today reinforces just how important classroom management is. A well structured class is going to ignitate leaning and cultivate caring.  Students are our sponges and we need to mold them for the future. 

Should students be allowed to use technology to access information during tests?

As soon as I read the title, I was anxious to read the article.  I was not surprised to find out the results of the article that, no, students are not allowed to use any form of technology while taking an exam.  I would have  been surprised to find out that yes, students are using forms of technology.  I am sure that students try to use their forms of technology - cell phones and ipods, while taking a test.  As a teacher, one has to be aware of the ways students can cheat.

The technology devices that students have are different from when I was growing up.  I wouldn't know how students used these devices for help, but I know that they have it all figured out.  As a teacher, we not only need to be aware of all forms of technology but we also need to know how students are using these forms to their advantage.   

Ripped from the Headlines: How to Turn Current Events into Real-World Projects

I agree that world news does make it into the classroom and students want to discuss what they know and what they hear.  I think the majority of students’ don’t really know the true facts and come to school to have their teacher explain it to them at their level. 

While I was reading this article I started to think that maybe I should have discussed the rescue of the 33 Chilean minors.  But I didn't.  Students talked about it a little but not a whole lot, nothing close to having a class discussion about it.  Maybe I should have brought it up and continued to the discussion to explain the dangerous living conditions that 33 had to endure.  It would have been a good topic and I am sure students would have contributed with their thought.

After reading the article, I will definitely keep an open ear and try to promote classroom discussion.  It could lead to a project which could better themselves.  I am glad that I read this article, it gave me some good ideas and made me think about how I can incorporate world news into my classroom.

Inside the Classroom and Mind of an Extraordinary Teacher

Before I started to read this article I questioned myself with what makes a good teacher a good teacher?  For starters, is the data looking at test results, a student’s achievement on a project, classroom management, or a teachers own personal achievement?  I think all these should be contributing to the definition of an "extraordinary teacher".  There should not be one key factor that determines a teacher’s success.  It is the whole picture.  And who to better judge our self - is our self.  We need to set goals that we want to reach and through that we can determine if we are extraordinary.

Each of us has strengths and weaknesses. What we do with that depends on how efficient and productive we choose to be.  We can all be extraordinary....

Inside the Classroom and Mind of an Extraordinary Teacher

Before I started to read this article I questioned myself with what makes a good teacher a good teacher?  For starters, is the data looking at test results, a student’s achievement on a project, classroom management, or a teachers own personal achievement?  I think all these should be contributing to the definition of an "extraordinary teacher".  There should not be one key factor that determines a teacher’s success.  It is the whole picture.  And who to better judge our self - is our self.  We need to set goals that we want to reach and through that we can determine if we are extraordinary.

Each of us has strengths and weaknesses. What we do with that depends on how efficient and productive we choose to be.  We can all be extraordinary....

Are new teachers more effective than veteran teachers?

According to a new study, yes new teachers are more effective.  However, this is not a comment that I would make in staff meeting.  I anticipated the article to be split with a debate from both sides, but it wasn't really. In my opinion, it goes both ways.  I know new teachers who are fabulous and some who are not.  The same goes with veteran teachers.  I know some who are fabulous and some who are not.  I am kinda surprised that a study could be done to test this theory and yet prove one way over the other.

My first thought was that I am relatively new to the teaching field, only four years in, and I would not come close to comparison to the veteran teachers in my family.  I have not accomplished the years of teaching yet, nor received any awards or honors.  My mom who I would definitely consider a veteran, taught for  forty-three years before retiring.  I would admit that I am not half as "good" as she was.  At the same time, it is my goal to be the kind of teacher she was.

I read a great article the other day and I do believe that "teaching is calling" and "you either have it in you or you do not". So at the end of the day - a teacher is a teacher, no matter new or veteran.  Those who have chosen to follow dreams are doing so.  Some may be greater than others but we are all doing what we are called to do.

How to Stay Caught Up with the Curriculum

This article posted on Edutopia really is a same conversation that took place in the teachers lounge earlier this week.  Many agreed that they feel behind and are not where they want to be at this point in the year.  I too feel this way, especially after looking at my lesson plans from last year.  I feel like I am falling behind in a couple of subjects and need more time in the day.  This article was the identical conversation that took place amongst my staff.

This is a feeling that many have and I love the advice from the article itself, "breath and teach".  I sometimes need a reminder that what I am doing in my classroom is what I am suppose to be doing.  I compare myself and my class with the other classes that I have had in the past.  This probably isn't fair and I do need to just relax.  It is already November - the time is flying by, I need to be happy with where I am at in my classroom.  I know the students are mastering the material that I am presenting them with and that is my ultimate goal for my students.

Fish oil ingredient doesn't slow Alzheimer's

I found this article on CNN quiet useful.  I always find myself reading health reports because I feel they change quiet frequently.  This article on fish oil surprised me because I though Fish Oil was GREAT for the brain and it was essential to use on a daily basis.  The article does state that is it good for the brain but basically it is not as GREAT as they once proclaimed it to be. 

We just have the be the advocate of our body and do what we think is helpful and beneficial to us on a person to person basis.  I don't use vitamins on a daily basis and I know that I probably should.  I just met with my physician yesterday and he suggested that I take Vitamin D on a daily basis.  I will try it because it is doctor recommended but I was also told once that I needed to take fish oil too.  Not because I have Alzheimer's, but simply for the benefits that one can get from it.

Again, everyone has different views and when it comes to vitamins, that is just another topic that can be easily debated.  

Academies: School Within a School

This article written by Kathy Baron caught my attention because I teach in a Academy.  I found many differences with this Academy and the one that I teach in however.  For one, the Academies being talked about were at a high school level - both in California. I teach in an elementary so there was not much I could compare about the two.  I do teach all subjects just like these students are subjected to, but with the schools in California, all subjects are integrated.  Secondly, the Academies are literally a school within a school.  Not all students who attend this high school will attend the Academy.  It is more or less the "advanced classes" a student may opt into taking. Again, at a 5th grade level, I can not offer these type of options to my students.

It was interesting to see the statistics of the Academies while comparing them to the high school.  For one, there was a higher attendance and graduation rate.  The drop out rate was much lower in the academy.  The GPA was pretty comparable however. 

Again, great read, but nothing like the Academy that I teach in. 

The Writing Workshop: A Valuable Tool for Differentiation and Formative Assessment

I am constantly looking for ways to get students excited about writing.  I follow a program that the school wants the teachers to use on a weekly basis.  I like the program and I can see growth in their writing abilities, although I would like to add some additional ideas on how to get my class excited about writing.

It just might be this class, this year, but they complain every time I assign their weekly paragraph.  I do not think that the assignment is challenging, it is simply requiring the students to write.  That right there is a task in itself.  So I love when I get good article to read and pull ideas from.  I would suggest it to others, it is a good read and may help your students like reading a little more.

Pennsylvania woman charged in deaths of infants

Of all the news-feeds that I have read through so far, this was greatly disturbing.  As soon as I started to read the article I started to shake my head in disbelief that someone would be capable of harming an infant - let alone 5!  I have to admit, I didn't finish reading it as it was ultimately depressing and saddening to read such an event took place.  Although nothing can be done to bring those children back into this world, it is my hope that the mother receives the mental care she needs and serves time in jail.

Annual SAAC Holiday Food Drive to be Held October 24

I was reading through the CMU newsfeed and this article caught my eye.  The holidays are not far away and with that comes the season of giving.  I try to donate items to the less fortunate throughout the year, but especially during the holidays.  When I see the signs for food drives I can not help but want to help and participate.  I think this is a great way to give back to the community and to remember how blessed and fortunate I am.

The Fish May Be Biting but the Ice is Thinning

I was reading through my new feeds today and an article on Pure Michigan Travel caught my eye.  One I didn't think there was ice on the water and two, winter is coming!  I love fall weather I wish it would stay :) There are so many things I like about fall and the idea of winter is not appealing to me.  But that is one of the beautiful things about Michigan, the wonder four seasons.  Although I do not ice fish, I would image those that do are counting the days until the "ice is not thinning".

What can schools do to increase interest in science, technology, engineering, and math?

When I was reading through EDUTOPIA today, I was immediately drawn to the following title, "What can schools do to increase interest in science, technology, engineering, and math?"  I think if this was a question that had one specific answer, a lot of time and questions would be eliminated in education.  My first initial thought is - conquer one subject at a time.  As if this questions has not been evaluated before one should look at just one subject to start.  If a teacher is trying to increase interest in science, see what works and does not work.  From that, one an approach the next subject such as technology. 

I think the bottom line is that schools are trying to improve their curriculum and gaining the interest of students in general.  Each year a teacher learns - each year a student learns - each year the school learns.  After the end of a year or lesson, one should evaluate the strong points and continue to strive for the best. 

This question can not be answered from one point of view.   It takes time and expertise. 

Netflix Streaming Accounts for 20% of Peak Internet Traffic

While I was reading through my RSS feeds tonight, the following caught my attention.  I was amazed to see and read that "Netflix Streaming Accounts for 20% of Peak Internet Traffic". I never would have assumed that the following would be true.  At first the number seemed large to me but the more I thought about it, the number is small.  I do not have a Netflix account but I am aware of how it works.  It is my understanding that those who have it, love it and are constantly ordering more movies.  Once a movie is finished, I am sure that another movie is wanted and thus searched for on the internet.  The article was interesting and for all those Netflix subscribers, it is a good read.


Enjoy, 
Amanda Kosin 

EDU 653

Hi everyone,

I am posting my first blog tonight.  Although I have used this before, I am trying to process all the other new tasks that lie ahead for us this semester.  Aside from this, there are many new programs that I have not used yet.  I look forward to working with everyone this semester and helping one another out.

Tomorrow is Friday and that is my favorite day of the week!!

Amanda Kosin