I am not usually a big fan of technology in the classroom. To quote a former colleague on the subject, it’s often just “window dressing.” Just because students are using computers or smart boards or document projectors doesn’t mean that they are learning 21st century skills. If all that they are doing is coloring in […]
Technology
Posted inAsk a Teacher
Top 5 Things Every Teacher Should Do Before School Starts
Have the teacher dreams started? Does your heart pound when you see the school supply section at Target? While you’re relaxing on the beach, have you defaulted to lesson planning over novels? To help calm your nerves, I’ve compiled notes about five top things every teacher should do before school starts – and guarantee you’ll […]
Posted inTechnology
Google Classroom Part 3: First Year Reflections
I surveyed 42 of my juniors for this article. The questionnaire asked them to comment on benefits and frustrations with Google Classroom and Google Apps. Every student agreed that they felt more connected to students and curriculum by using Google Classroom. Most students said they preferred to virtually collaborate because of convenience, connection to teacher, […]
Posted inTechnology
Google Classroom Part 2: How to Set It Up
Alright, you’ve decided to give Google Classroom a try…now what? Here is a basic guide to begin using Google Classroom. Step 1: Create a Classroom Page Sign into your google account and go to www.classroom.google.com. Click the plus-sign (+) next to your email address (top right-hand corner). Select “create a class” and title it. You […]
Posted inTechnology
Google Classroom Series Part 1: Why I Use It
I love the feel of paper in my hands. My husband has desperately been trying to convert me to the Kindle, but I keep buying more printed books. Yes, we’re running out of bookshelf space (but isn’t it every English teacher’s dream to own an in-home library?), and yes, digital copies are cheaper, but I […]
Posted inFormative Assessments, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Social Studies, Technology
Breaking out of the Norm with Breakout Edu
It has been a long time since I started my high school class with this opening, “Today I’m going to tell you a story… and only you have the power to save the world…” My gaming team of devoted educators advised me to take a plunge into an all-out game experience with Breakout EDU. While […]
Posted inClassroom Management, Common Core, Elementary School, English Language Learners, ESOL, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Kindergarten, Literacy, Special Education, Technology
5 Ways to Use Emojis in the Classroom
I realized almost immediately that I wasn’t getting through to my Kindergartners… again. I asked a class full of 5-year-olds to identify feeling words, and I got the same generic responses – happy, sad, mad. Year after year, I struggle with how to teach my primary students, especially my English Language Learners, to use precise […]
Posted inEducational Apps, Technology
Using Web 2.0 Tools to Increase Student Engagement
“I couldn’t come up with an idea.” “I didn’t have a chance to talk to my group!” “What was the homework?” “I was confused…” “I’m not sure if my students understood the lesson today.” “Where can my students best showcase their work?” These are all questions and excuses I’ve heard from students and teachers, and […]