Task 5

I've spent a huge amount of time this morning reading blogs and looking at sites. I skimmed Alltop and found two sites I really like: http://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/ and
http://teachingwithcontests.com/.

I read several posts about classroom management and surprisingly agreed with the ideas. I feel like sending the writer a fan letter. (maybe this afternoon) I also scanned Alltop and did not find teaching blogs I want to read. Then I saw "teaching with contests." I signed up for the LEGO contest for teachers that starts in August. That should be a challenge since I'm not a great builder.

I also am entering the iwrite contest that ends today. The writer who eventually wins gets $30,000 in prize money. iwrite publishes ebooks. I had a first line for a book hidden away, so I pulled that out and have been writing for an hour. In fact, that's what I need to do now. My essay is about what I've learned about death. I've had several sad times in the past few years, losing sisters and friends. I've gotten better at living through these experiences, and I have a few ideas to share. So that's what I'm writing.

Task 4

Today I learned how to use google reader to capture feeds from various sources. I was not able to really find what I wanted on the NYTimes RSS. However, I already get NYTimes sent to my email, so I don't really need that.

Instead I skimmed the PBS podcast list, which is daunting. I found one podcast on gardening from "The Dean of Green." I listened to that and heard cheery messages about how to start seeds inside, how to plant spring vegetables and how to enjoy the summer in your garden. The podcasts are about 8 minutes long and have clear information. Since I will be gardening with my class for the first time this fall, I'm eager to learn more and also to find sources for the class to use. Here's the URL: http://www.google.com/reader/view/?tab=oy#stream/feed%2Fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.wglt.

I also found a site from the NSA, Crypto Kids, with brainteasers and games using codes and ciphers. I think this site could be fun to use as puzzle of the week. Having the puzzle online would be a new twist for the class and a way to use the netbooks more. However, the puzzles were really hard. I did better with the games. Maybe our kids can use the site with a partner at first. I found this through ilearn Technology. I enjoyed starring a few sites to return to later.
The site is http://www.nsa.gov/kids/home.shtml

Task 3

I read lots of blogs today from the suggested list in the 2.0 syllabus. One I enjoyed was the duck one, in which young children draw about the duck's nest on their playground.
http://duckdiaries.edublogs.org/

I like this one because I think our class could blog about our organic garden next fall. Maybe they can blog about our role playing game in the spring. I would enjoy reading their posts. It's important not to over-comment about their posts. Also their parents can have insight into what kids think and how they express themselves. http://thepithypython.blogspot.com/

I also read Natalie's blog from the library. I enjoyed the movie insert about how important and deep early reading really is. I loved her story about the class with the 6th grade guys remembering their early books and exclaiming over favorites. Those times with a class are precious.

I also enjoyed reading the "just for fun" blog about zen habits for simplifying life. That is always a goal even though my life is really simple now: I'm a teacher and this is summer; I have grown children; I get to choose how to spend my days. I am very lucky. I have never respected people who brag about their long hours at work, and this blog tells the truth about what a sad life that is. Of course, there are people who are suffering and who have to work long hours just to make ends meet. http://zenhabits.net/

Sailing photo

George and I went sailing in the BVI last week. We learned so much and had a lot of fun. We spent 7 nights on the boat, and I raised and lowered sails, secured our boat to mooring balls, and saw many beautiful settings. We were lucky with the weather, and we snorkeled every day.

Task 1

“a day in the life of web 2.0” by David Warlick.

I am interested in collaboration on wikis and blogs. We have not used this before with our class. I like the idea of tossing out a question and having kids write a reaction to it. I appreciate the point that kids can learn to make positive and negative comments about a topic without that being seen as the kid’s own belief. Being able to argue a point with some distance is a good skill. This encourages higher level thinking and discussion. Maybe we could assign some reading from Junior Scholastic and then have the kids react to the story and to each others’ comments.

“web-logged” by Will Richardson

Just read a few posts by WR. I like the advice on hiring: Look for people who ask “Why?” not “How?” Also he points out that we waste teachers’ time by having workdays that teach how to do tasks. Let people figure it out on their own. I find that the tech people at Paideia are really helpful to me when I come with a questions + I remember what they teach because it matters to me right then. I use the info, and I remember it. Also read his blog about loving to read on his ipad and sent that to Harper, my son who works for Apple.