connections

I can envision my tech-savvy students using these characters to have an animated Fact/ Opinion discussion.


GoAnimate.com: connections by kaiasuki

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Bon Iver

The Colbert Report
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Bon Iver

Andrew Tauber posted a video from the Colbert Report of Bon Iver performing the song Skinny Love.

I commented:
Thank you kindly for posting this video; I enjoyed listening to this song. Bon Iver with the Rosebuds is scheduled to play at Raleigh Amphitheater on July 29th. Tickets are available, but a bit pricey. Have you been to a show at that venue?

Check out the video.

Diane Ravitch

The local news articles which outline the current trends in public education seem almost surreal to me.  I often turn to the website NOT waiting for SUPERMAN for perspective.  I am always invigorated to do all that I can as a PUBLIC school teacher when I read Diane Ravitch’s intelligent comments.  I just read her clearly articulated reasons for participating in the SOS March in DC on July 30.  

“I am marching because I want every child to attend a school where they can learn not only basic skills, but history, geography, civics, the sciences, and world languages, and have ample opportunity to engage in the arts.

I am marching to support the dignity of the education profession and to express my thanks to the millions of teachers, principals, and other educators who are in the schools every day, doing their best to educate our nation's children.

I hope the march will revive the morale of our nation's educators. I hope it will remind the American people that the future of our nation depends on our willingness to protect and improve our public schools, the schools attended by nearly 90 percent of our nation's children.”

You can read more of her blog on the edweek.org website.   

For me, I read her thoughts and words of wisdom because she reminds me of the true value of public education.  I feel very proud to be a school teacher in a public school in Durham, North Carolina.

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/Bridging-Differences/2011/06/why_i_am_marching_on_july_30.html

Cool First Grade Blog

Over the past 2 decades, I have taught second, third, fourth, science, AIG, art and ESL. Since this was my first year teaching first grade I used teacher blogs to help me create engaging, investigative centers appropriate for first graders.  Heidi Samuelson’s Swamp Frog First Graders provides inspiration and practical advice.  She consistently allows teachers to download her centers and games.  Even if you don’t teach first grade, I suggest you check out her blog.

http://swampfrogfirstgraders.blogspot.com/

DPS Technology Challenge

Elizabeth Husketh, our media specialist, has shared projects from Web 2.0 and ideas with the staff and students.  Each time I have reviewed the Web 2.0 tools, it is evident that am not taking advantage of the myriad of technology opportunities that are available. 

Obviously the technology revolution is burgeoning and I owe it to my kids to effectively use all tools available.  So, here is hoping with the help of this group of educators, I will navigate my way through this challenge and become a better teacher.