Viewing: curriculum design
My New Interactive Whiteboard…an update
OK, you know when you get a new puppy and you love it and you couldn’t live without it and then you find out it has hip dysplasia? That’s a little of what my relationship is like with my
Metacognitive Poetry: Writing About Thinking While Writing Lesson
Here’s a great metacognitive lesson that integrates poetry. Or is it a poetry lesson that is metacognitive? (Shrug) I believe that good writing and great structure can be taught through mimicking great authors. Using this philosophy as my guide, my
Recalling your own Metacognition
I’ve been working on metacognitive lessons with my middle schoolers in an attempt to teach reflection and the act of thinking about thinking. Anyway, one of the most important elements in teaching about thinking is in your own remembering of
The Excitement Graph: Plot and Word Choice
Every year, I do this activity when teaching Narrative Plot. I’ve used it from 3rd grade to 12th grade. I learned a version of it first in 1993 at a UCLA Extension class on “Teaching Reading to Secondary Students” and
Find the Fib…First Day Activity (UPDATED)
I learned a version of this activity from Erick Gordon this summer at the UCI institute. Basically, it’s a get-to-know activity where the students get to learn a little about me and then learn a little about each other. It
Oh, the Wells Fargo Wagon is a’comin…
So, in a move reminiscent of a 12-year old girl caught up in the riot mentality of rumors, I believed the whisper I heard about not getting my Whiteboard for 2 months. But I tell you now: it was false,
Hurry up & Wait – My New Interactive Whiteboard: Part II
So, I had my online training. I met the Whiteboard sales guy in my classroom to discuss where the board is to be mounted. I talked with my principal to develop an interactive whiteboard presentation during our first staff development
My new Interactive Whiteboard: Part I
Is the tale of the recent surge of Interactive Whiteboards a grade-B horror flick or a Cinderella story? Are they the villain or the belle of the ball? They’ve begun creeping into trendsetting classrooms, taking over precious wall space and
Collaboration…Blocked by a Firewall Near You
I just saw Doug Fisher's presentation on ELL students in the Language Arts classroom. I got me reflective on tech's role in collaboration in the classroom.
How To Get a Job in Education That You Love
Don't just take the first job handed to you. Here's a step-by-step guide in finding a job in education on your terms.
How to Drop the Gas Prices Using Math
Using the power of exponents, we just might be able to drop the gas prices. According to the chain email I received anyway.
Writing Dialogue: or, How to Use Quotes Without Hurting Anyone
Here is my Powerpoint on How to Write Dialogue and How to Use Quotation Marks in dialogue.
Book Review: Skulduggery Pleasant
Skulduggery Pleasant is a fantastic character. Picture Errol Flynn sans skin.
Top Ten #9: Don’t Work for Free
This article expands on my Tip #9: Don't Work for Free. It explores our own responsibility as teachers in how we're not compensated for our true work hours.
Education X-Prize
Education needs to reach beyond those within education for ideas on how to solve its problems. Maybe the X Prize Foundation can figure it out.
Fundraising Stinks
With the passing of the nutrition laws in education, fundraising education now falls on the shoulders of the teachers. Maybe districts need to figure out how to fund their programs instead.
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Asking for Student Opinions Isn’t Risky, It’s Rewarding
By heather on January 24, 2009
I was reading this great article from Slate Magazine about the cheese that is Billy Joel. And I thought back to many a car trip singing his “Themes from an Italian Restaurant.” I also remembered just how many times I’d