Merit Week 5

I am shocked, where did the five weeks go? Good news! I was awarded two i-mac's for my classroom for the District Office. I don't know when I will receive them but it is very good news. I now am up to 13 students in my math class and would like the computer so I don't have to use the whole lab for only 13 students.

Kids Blog is going along but not the quality that I would like. I am doing a example using the book we are reading in class. I have had two students ask if they could blog about that book. I guess I am doing a good example. But I said no, you need to read another book.

I am taping my students while they are reading the books they choose to read to the K/1 class next week. We examine the footage. I said the swinging on the chair was a bit distracting for me but my students said it was not for them.

I am using a powerpoint with pictures of each vocabulary word and they are doing amazing on their vocabulary tests. I feel I need to use technology to help with a few students spelling but don't have ideas for that yet.

One student who has trouble writing is now using my laptop for all assignments. Her spelling is still very inventive so I need to discuss the left click button and spelling options with her. But at least I have something written from her. I also have my digital recorder available if that will help production.

My goal for next week is to make podcasts for the K/1 teacher. Again this is just a goal.

I am teaching my math students how to use excel. They are trying to cheat by just writing in the answer instead of using formulas. I have to show them how I can check this. It was a bit overwelming when I took them to the computer lab. One student said, "Google Earth just opened up by itself." I moved him up near me. Many of the students stay on task and did wonderful. Any advice? I loved to hear some.

I did not make another Track Star this week for social studies. I wish I had taken the time but... I did show a few clips from U Tube on Ancient Civilizations. They were good. It was cool looking at the ziggurat in Ur that the US soldiers were walking up. It showed how large it really was. The students thought that was cool.

I am still trying to find the time to add my lesson plan of "Date Night" onto Lessonopoly. Maybe this weekend I will find the time. I have to test two more students and then I have 3 IEP's in two weeks. My one prep four days a week is looking very crowded.

By the way, I am also on a curriculum group at the Santa Clara County of Education and looking at the new Common Core and how to break it down to meet the new objectives in the classroom. Never a dull moment in education.