Nowa Techie

Why I Love My Partner Teacher

February 20, 2015AdminLeave a comment

In the beginning of the 2013-14 school year, a new 5th grade teacher was brought in. I’ll admit I was excited yet skeptical. I’ve worked with lots of teachers at my grade level and generally have gotten along with them, but never truly ‘clicked’ with another teacher. Until Mrs. Pursley came along.

And here is why I love (working with) her – in no particular order:

I can talk her into doing almost anything in a classroom, no matter how crazy it is. Within 2 months she was doing Genius Hour with me.
We both have a student-centered classroom.
I get random texts from her saying things like, “You complete me <3”
When asked if we do A.R. (Accelerated Reader) we both respond no (in a disgusted tone) and she adds ‘Cuz AR sucks’.
She calls me a Dork, when I’m being one.
I get to call her a Dork when she’s being one.
She will text me at random moments just to say something smarmy.
We share random 80’s aerobics videos back and forth – and we both secretly love them!
We generally have the same mentality (age) – that of a 12 year old.
We constantly laugh, mainly cuz of the mentality issue.

Seriously though, she’s awesome and just felt like sharing her awesomeness with the world.

Oh, and she’s one hell of a great teacher!

Beginning Bloggers

February 11, 2015February 11, 2015Admin2 Comments

Today I had the pleasure of assisting a few teachers with Class Blogs. And truth be told, we took a side trip down ‘GMail Lane’. I was so pleased to see that some of those ‘non-techies’ (self proclaimed) were willing to jump in and give it a try. Since it was a small group, we were able to do it #CUERockStar Style. The teachers each set up a Class Blog on Kidblogs. We also had enough time for them to post their own blog post, with an image (yup, they were responsible digital citizens and used ‘Free to Use Images‘)! These ladies ROCKED! I can’t wait to read what their students write.

Learning Is…

February 5, 2015February 6, 2015AdminLeave a comment

Define “learning” in 100 words or less.

This prompt made me think; 100 words or 1000 words ,I’m not sure I could ever articulate learning. But, here it goes.

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Learning is…

messy
fun
ever-changing
diverse
hands-on
cerebral
loud
focused
collaborative
filled with tangents
revolutionary
intrinsic
playful
innovative
exploration
social
creative
in a classroom
thinking
trying new things
outdoors
everywhere
different for everyone

Learning is what you make it. I hope you’re making the most of your experiences. (Check me out, I’ve got words to spare!)

Supporting the Beginner

February 3, 2015AdminLeave a comment

A few weeks ago I got together with a first grade teacher at my site. We decided to video tape her students holding high frequency words. The idea was to create a fun way her students could practice their words, at school and home. Needless to say, it has been a big success. The students love it, and the parents love seeing it on our school’s FaceBook Page.

So today when I stopped by to see if she needed another taping session, I was sad to find that she was a little down about the project. She had been so excited about this idea and how well it went, that she shared it with others – in hopes that they would find it as inspiring as she had. This is where she became disappointed. Unfortunately, some that she shared this with, immediately disregarded the idea saying that it would never work [for them].

And this is when I realized that those ‘new’ to technology in the classroom can be fragile. Fragile in the sense that this great new ‘thing’ that they are excited about and finding success with, which is then quickly disregarded by others, can easily break one’s spirit. She was truly disappointed that others had not wanted to try this. However, I quickly reminded her that 2 other teachers were inspired by her and had also taped their students.

It is stories like this, that encourage me to be the cheerleader for those who are willing to try. It is because of this teacher, who is now thinking of other ways to incorporate tech into her classroom, I will do what I can to support all those who dare to try something new. It’s not easy being the ‘Lone Nut’ [Jon Corippo & CUERockStar reference] in your grade level, on your campus, or in your district. But when a bunch of ‘Lone Nuts’ get together, amazing things begin to happen! And for this reason, I am looking forward to working with her with all the crazy ideas we can dream up!

Oh, and did I mention that she is a self proclaimed ‘non-techie’? Yeah, she’s THAT crazy – willing to dive into tech even when it’s outside her comfort zone. Mrs. Bolger, you inspire me!

Check out her kiddos:

The Best Thing I Do

January 31, 2015AdminLeave a comment

What is the best thing you do in your classroom/school/district/job?

I push the envelope and take risks. I often have an idea of some crazy ‘out there’ project. I know where I am, and where I want to go. I rarely have an idea of HOW I’m going to get to the end, and I’m okay with that. Furthermore, the ideas generally come in the middle of a lesson. I have dubbed them ‘Brain Storms’. I get a ‘look’ on my face, that my students quickly recognize. I then stop the lesson, and begin talking (quite rapidly) about my idea; and when I’m really excited, I get ‘flappy hands’. This leads to a tumbling of ideas. Many times, the students will interject their ideas. In the end, the idea becomes a reality and is a combination of my original vision and my students’ ideas.

creative commons licensed ( BY-SA ) flickr photo shared by anarchosyn

I’m currently in the middle of one of my crazy ideas. I gamified a Social Studies unit. We are currently studying the reasons for the American Revolution. Somehow I got it into my head that it should be turned into a game ‘Road to the Revolution‘. In short, it’s a series of questions and tasks. The information the students need is located on a Hyperdoc (found in Google Classroom). [Please note: it is still a work in progress]

So yeah, the best thing I do is take risks. I have crazy ideas, follow my gut, try new things, listen to others’ ideas, and just go for it!

My Favorite Teacher

January 25, 2015AdminLeave a comment

So this week’s question for #youredustory was:

How are you, or is your approach, different than your favorite teacher?

I struggled with this question all week. I came to the conclusion that I took the good qualities from her, and must have forgotten the not so great stuff.

Ms. Cotnoir came from New York City. We were a bunch of lily white, catholic school kids – 8th graders – in the middle of suburbia (just outside of Detroit). I was in awe of her. She posed questions to us that made me think (about abortion no less). She related to us on a human level. She wanted to get to know us. Those are the things that I remember about her. I don’t remember her being an especially inspiring to me in math or religion class (this is what I remember her teaching).

I recall one night a few friends went to the mall with her. I don’t remember exactly what we did, but I remember that we weren’t looked down upon. We were treated fairly. And she hated the local music stations. We argued that our favorite station played the top 10 ‘Pop Hits’ every hour. Looking back, I can see how she was less than impressed with our musical choices. She was more of a punk rock listening kind of teacher.

The memories and the stories could go on, but I won’t bore you all. So rather than discuss all the ways in which I differ from Ms. Cotnoir, I’d like thank her for: making me think, broadening my horizons, treating us like people, listening to us, taking a real interest in our lives, and being really cool! I’d like to think I am a bit like this with my students; because of her.

Insert Video – Google Slides

January 14, 2015January 14, 2015AdminLeave a comment

Inserting a video into a Google Slide is simple. Open the Slide you’d like to add a video to. Choose ‘Insert’ from the top menu, then ‘Video’.

Once you choose ‘Video’ a pop-out window appears. You then have the option to search for a YouTube video by either URL or Search by keywords. When you find your desired video choose the blue ‘Select’ button on the bottom left.

It will then appear on your slide.

Inspired

January 14, 2015AdminLeave a comment

Today was a GREAT day! I began my day by videotaping a 1st grade classroom. They each wrote a word on their white boards, stood in a single file line, and showed their word. They did all this without saying the words. Why? A fun way for this teacher to help her students practice their high frequency words.

It began yesterday at lunch when another 1st grade teacher made the comment that her students practiced their words on the computer (using a game). That got me thinking about what the students can do to be producers instead of consumers. My initial idea wasn’t great. It involved making a Google Slide then using TechSmith’s Snagit Chrome Extension (you also need the App), have the students read and record the words. Well, it was the best I had at the time, and sent an email to the Kinder and 1st grade teachers. I offered to help (my schedule gives me a bit of time to help on Wednesdays).

I was so pleased that one of the 1st grade teachers like the idea and wanted to take me up on it. So after school we met up and began brainstorming. This is where we came up with the idea of taping the students.

So this morning I walked into the classroom and the students were ready to go! We ended up taking 2 different videos, and will do more next week. The idea was to switch around the words so a different student held the word ‘horse’. Another teacher was inspired and approached me today. She would like to do this in her Kinder room; only she will write out the words for the students so that they are legible.

The beauty of this is that the students can have fun practicing words. We posted this on our Facebook Page and School Website. This way, parents can access the videos at home and practice the words with their child.

The best part? The two teachers who want to do this, are self-proclaimed non-techies. Neither of them are too comfortable with using technology in the classroom. This was a great way to get the ball rolling for them! I’m so excited about this, and for the teachers and their students.

Make The World a Better Place

January 12, 2015Admin1 Comment

This week’s writing prompt for #youredustory: Inspired by MLK: How will you make the world a better place? Suggestion by Nancy Minicozzi

creative commons licensed ( BY-SA ) flickr photo shared by dougbelshaw

As I sat and reflected upon this, I thought, “What DO I do to make this world a better place?” I then began thinking about the people who inspire ME to be a better person; which in turn makes the world a better place.

I began thinking of people who help others, quietly. I thought of my friend Bryan who stands in front of malls offering ‘Free Hugs’ near the holidays. He is a person that is there for his friends and will do what he can for others. He teaches me what true kindness, and generosity is.

Then there is Jen. Years ago I went to a conference with her. She witnessed a man digging through the hotel’s trash. We were on our way out when she made me stop the car. She jumped out of the car, ran over to the man and gave him some cash. I was raised NOT to do such things, so I asked her why she did it. She explained that a person must really be in a really bad place to have to resort to such actions. From that moment on, I have given to others. I learned empathy from Jen.

Finally, there are those that participate in the ‘Pay It Forward’ movement. I immediately thought of Liz and Lisa who have often done this. Who knows how many lunches, coffees, and drinks they have given to others anonymously. They most often have done this good deed in the drive through lane. I have learned generosity, giving, and selflessness from both of them.

So back to the question at hand, what will I do to make the world a better place? I will use the lessons that I learned from those mentioned, and many who were not. I will continue to show generosity, empathy, and kindness to others in the hopes that I can affect others the way my friends have affected me.