September 17, 2012 · 1:57 AM

Some Great Science Sites just Discovered to Utilize in the Classroom or at Home

Science News for Kids

http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/

Explore: Atoms and Forces, Earth and Sky, Humans and Health, Life, Tech and Math

On this site, they also provide great problem-solving tips too under the “extra” button.

Science for Kids

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/

Science topics: Animals, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Space and Weather

This site also lists many fun science experiment ideas.

ACS Chemistry for Life

Science for Kids…Explore student activity books and science teaching guides for grades K–8

USDA Agricultural Research Service~SCI4Kids

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/

Offers news about plants, animals, and other life science issues. Also includes pop quizzes, and pictures. Site is available in Spanish.

 

As teachers, administrators, students and parents are all working on finding the 2012-13 school year groove, we would love to hear about some great sites you have discovered.

When we all come together for the common good, amazing things can happen!

May we all continue to seek knowledge in all things~

Denise

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July 22, 2012 · 11:37 AM

100 Positive Comments to Utilize when Referencing Student Behavior

100 Positive Student Comments to Utilize with Parents

http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev148.shtml  (Jan. 23, 2012)

Recommended by Jen J., a third grade teacher in Michigan.

Attitude

The student:

  • is an enthusiastic learner who seems to enjoy school
  • exhibits a positive outlook and attitude in the classroom
  • appears well rested and ready for each day’s activities
  • shows enthusiasm for classroom activities
  • shows initiative and looks for new ways to get involved
  • uses instincts to deal with matters independently and in a positive way
  • strives to reach his (or her) full potential
  • is committed to doing his (or her) best
  • seeks new challenges
  • takes responsibility for his (or her) learning

Behavior

The student:

  • cooperates consistently with the teacher and other students
  • transitions easily between classroom activities without distraction
  • is courteous and shows good manners in the classroom
  • follows classroom rules
  • conducts himself (or herself) with maturity
  • responds appropriately when corrected
  • remains focused on the activity at hand
  • resists the urge to be distracted by other students
  • is kind and helpful to everyone in the classroom
  • sets an example of excellence in behavior and cooperation

Character

The student:

  • shows respect for teachers and peers
  • treats school property and the belongings of others with care and respect
  • is honest and trustworthy in dealings with others
  • displays good citizenship by assisting other students
  • joins in school community projects
  • is concerned about the feelings of peers
  • faithfully performs classroom tasks
  • can be depended on to do what he (or she) is asked to do
  • seeks responsibilities and follows through
  • is thoughtful in interactions with others

Communication Skills

The student:

  • has a well-developed vocabulary
  • chooses words with care
  • expresses ideas clearly, both verbally and through writing
  • has a vibrant imagination and excels in creative writing
  • has found his (or her) voice through poetry writing
  • uses vivid language in writing
  • writes clearly and with purpose
  • writes with depth and insight
  • can make a logical and persuasive argument
  • listens to the comments and ideas of others without interrupting

Group Work

The student:

  • offers constructive suggestions to peers to enhance their work
  • accepts the recommendations of peers and acts on them when appropriate
  • is sensitive to the thoughts and opinions of others in the group
  • takes on various roles in the work group as needed or assigned
  • welcomes leadership roles in groups
  • shows fairness in distributing group tasks
  • plans and carries out group activities carefully
  • works democratically with peers
  • encourages other members of the group
  • helps to keep the work group focused and on task

Interests and Talents

The student:

  • has a well-developed sense of humor
  • holds many varied interests
  • has a keen interest that has been shared with the class
  • displays and talks about personal items from home when they relate to topics of study
  • provides background knowledge about topics of particular interest to him (or her)
  • has an impressive understanding and depth of  knowledge about his (or her) interests
  • seeks additional information independently about classroom topics that pique interest
  • reads extensively for enjoyment
  • frequently discusses concepts about which he (or she) has read
  • is a gifted performer
  • is a talented artist
  • has a flair for dramatic reading and acting
  • enjoys sharing his (or her) musical talent with the class

Participation

The student:

  • listens attentively to the responses of others
  • follows directions
  • takes an active role in discussions
  • enhances group discussion through insightful comments
  • shares personal experiences and opinions with peers
  • responds to what has been read or discussed in class and as homework
  • asks for clarification when needed
  • regularly volunteers to assist in classroom activities
  • remains an active learner throughout the school day

Social Skills

The student:

  • makes friends quickly in the classroom
  • is well-liked by classmates
  • handles disagreements with peers appropriately
  • treats other students with fairness and  understanding
  • is a valued member of the class
  • has compassion for peers and others
  • seems comfortable in new situations
  • enjoys conversation with friends during free periods
  • chooses to spend free time with friends

Time Management

The student:

  • tackles classroom assignments, tasks, and group work in an organized manner
  • uses class time wisely
  • arrives on time for school (and/or class) every day
  • is well-prepared for class each day
  • works at an appropriate pace, neither too quickly or slowly
  • completes assignments in the time allotted
  • paces work on long-term assignments
  • sets achievable goals with respect to time
  • completes make-up work in a timely fashion

Work Habits

The student:

  • is a conscientious, hard-working student
  • works independently
  • is a self-motivated student
  • consistently completes homework assignments
  • puts his (or her) best effort into homework assignments
  • exceeds expectations with the quality of his (or her) work
  • readily grasps new concepts and ideas
  • generates neat and careful work
  • checks work thoroughly before submitting it
  • stays on task with little supervision
  • displays self-discipline
  • avoids careless errors through attention to detail
  • uses free minutes of class time constructively
  • creates impressive home projects

Positive words go a long way in educating a child and building relationships. When we create positive school and classroom environments, the learning experience is enhanced.

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,

Denise

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July 21, 2012 · 9:05 PM

Summer is a Time for Learning through Play-Carpe Diem

During the school year, we reflect on summers past and the next one to come and we remember treasured times of relaxation.  However, sometimes we get so caught up in our scheduling and planning of events, that we forget to just pause, relax and allow our children…and ourselves to play.

If you find upon reflection that you and your family fit into the latter category this summer, I want to encourage you to pause, choose two good books to read and “schedule” some time into you weeks ahead to just “be”…to allow your children to play with some containers and a water hose in the yard, to research finger foods online and allow your children to make dinner for the adults in the house one night…they will have so much fun and you will be amazed at how much they have grown. 🙂

Our team has collected some helpful tips to ensure that summer is indeed a time of relaxing and learning, for you and the child(ren) in your life.

Moms who Think

Moms who Think, is a great site for recipes, diet and nutrition, holiday and celebration ideas and so much more.

Kid Recipes

Easy and Kid-Friendly Recipes from Kraft Foods

Kid-Friendly Recipes

Rachel Ray Everyday …a great family website!

Rachel Ray’s Kid-Friendly Recipes

Martha Stewart and Summer Activities for Kids~We like the summer housekeeping and garden in a jar 🙂

60 Activities for Kids this Summer

Great Schools, Involved Parents, Successful Kids is an amazing website!

Ten Ways to Keep your Child Learning this Summer

Given that we like to promote the good in education, we would like to share the Department of Education’s Office of Educational Research and Improvement‘s recommendation for parent/child involvement this summer:

Every Day…

  • Give your child a hug and say “I love you.” Do not forget to look them in the eye, to ensure that you make that special connection with them.
  • Praise your child. We all like to hear that we are doing a good job…it is o.k. and encouraged to tell your child(ren) often.
  • Talk with your child. I encourage you to not only talk with your child, but read the same book they are reading independently, specifically if your child is 7-18.  This will always give you something to talk about with them…a common ground.
  • Read and write with your child for at least 30 minutes every day. My children keep journals and we write and share about what we are passionate about. (When children are little, pictures in journals versus words are just as good…let your child explain their pictures to you.)
  • With your child, make a dictionary of new words and add to it every day. Studies have shown that the more words we learn, the higher our IQ…make it a family activity to choose a word or few words a week and have some fun at the dinner table using these words.
  • Count with your child. Math is everywhere, in the grocery store on labels, on the road as we drive…make it a fun exercise to play Eye Spy math or numbers with your child.  The more that children can be exposed to numbers in their world and what they are utilized for, the more understanding they will have for math.
  • Listen to music with your child. There are many positive studies on why this is important. Studies have shown, that memory retention and learning is enhanced while studying and listening to classical music.

May your summer, or what is left of it, be a time of renewal and rejuvenation for both you and the child in your life. Learning can indeed be fun and relaxing, it just might take a bit of planning.  We encourage everyone to live in the moment and choose to be the difference in the life of your child.

Please share your tips and favorite websites with us and we will post it here for all of our readers.  Together we can make a difference!

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things~

Denise

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July 10, 2012 · 11:23 PM

Suggested Summer Reading for Teachers and those who Play a Role in the Life of a Child

Having written my thesis on phonics, I found this book a good and reflective read. I am still a believer in the importance of phonics in the classroom and at home but I am and feel we as educators must be, open to others views and opinions. I learned a lot from this book and highly recommend it for your summer “must read” list.

“The Great Reading Disaster: Reclaiming Our Educational Birthright” by Mona McNee and Alice Coleman

Amazon’s Book Description:

 

“By the late 1980s half the nation’s children were receiving eleven years of progressivism schooling that failed to give them even the elementary basis of education that was completed by the age of seven in earlier days. This great reading disaster was caused by the ?look?say? method of teaching, which presented whole words not individual letters. This book explains the causes and provides the solution to this problem. In 2006, the Secretary of State for Education and Skills has ordered schools to use the phonic method but there seems little evidence that its implications are properly understood or that any serious re-training program for teachers is being put in place. The authors believe their explanations and recommendations in this book are thus needed just as much as ever.”

 

 

The next book is an excellent read and has sat in my office on my book shelve for a couple of years now. I have lent it out many times now in hopes that it might inspire those who read it to refuse to give into the easy path and CHOOSE to be the difference in the life of our children…our future! Our Unlock the Teacher team has talked on this before on how we feel ALL children are capable of learning. I know many have heard me tell the story of when I taught in the city and I was told that my students could not or would never understand Shakespeare, so I should not waste my time. Well, not only did my 8th grade English/Literature students learn all about Shakespeare, The Tempest became one of their favorite reads that year. Much of how our students respond in our classrooms or buildings depends most on how we choose to approach our environment and communicate learning expectations. I highly recommend this book for all educational staff and parents too!

 

 

“Dumbing Down Our Kids: Why American Children Feel Good About Themselves but Can’t Read, Write, or Add”

 

Amazon’s Book Description:

 

Dumbing Down Our Kids is a searing indictment of America’s secondary schools one that every parent and teacher should read.
Dumbing Down Our Kids offers a full-scale investigation of the new educational fad, sometimes called “Outcome Based Education” the latest in a long series of “reforms” that has eroded our schools.
-Why our kids rank to, or at the bottom of international tests in math and science

-Why “self-esteem” has supplanted grades and genuine achievements

-How the educational establishment lowers standards and quality in our schools-while continuing to raise their budgets and our school taxes

-The dumbing down of the curriculum so everyone can pass-but no one excel

-How parents, students, and teachers can evaluate schools and restore quality learning.

 

If you have a good book to recommend or your staff has chosen a book to read as a team, please share and together we can learn from each other. It is in the collaborative process that we will make a difference for our children of today and the future of tomorrow.

 

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,

 

Denise

 

 

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July 4, 2012 · 12:02 PM

Happy 4th of July

I want to wish everyone a blessed and safe 4th of July!

Time with those we love and hold dear are like quick passing moments…we must cherish each one!

May we continue to seek the good~

Denise

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June 13, 2012 · 7:19 AM

A Glance Back at A Successful School Year

As many of schools are winding down for the school year, student energy is high, teacher energy low, it is important to look back, reflect and make notes on what worked and what did not, while your mind is still in “school” mode.

As an administrator, I find this is a helpful tool not only in regards to the building standard operating procedures, but in what worked in motivating my team or not. It is just important for an administrator to reflect as it is for a teacher, because it is in the exercise of being a reflective practitioner, do we  continue to grow and challenge ourselves to higher standards.

When I was in the classroom, I would spend the last week of school with my students and the last week after they were gone, to spend a few minutes each day writing in a journal.  I would reflect upon lessons taught, the differentiated tools utilized and next to each reflection, I would put IDEAS on how I could change it up for the following year to ensure more students’ needs were met.

I would spend time thinking about how I felt I impacted my building as a whole…did I contribute to the greater good, was I encouraging to those around me, did I spend most my time picking up versus putting down…This excercise helped me grow as a teacher and an individual.

Although it is easy to get caught up in trying to close down a building and get home to rejuvenate before it all begins again…in a matter of weeks…I encourage you all to pause, reflect and take a good look at how you made a difference this year in the life of a child.

To all the parents, children, teacher and administrators out there, our Unlock the Teacher team would like to say to you…”Job well done!”

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things~

Denise

Recommended summer reading:

“Reeasing the Imagination” by Maxine Greene

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May 25, 2012 · 1:14 AM

Educational Online Resources Recommended byTeachers

Summer Resource Guide

Provided by the St. Regis School and Academy Faculty


 Critical Thinking and all Core Subjects

www.iknowthat.com  Critical thinking and activities in all core subjects

funbrain.com   all sorts of educational fun

www.nick.com/  Nickelodeon/kid games

http://www.learninggamesforkids

http://students.discoveryeducation.com/ Digital media content aligned to state standards and common

Brain Builder Links

Grade 3 http://www.puzzles.com/projects/LogicProblemsArchive.html Logic Puzzles to Play Online or Print Out! http://www.neok12.com/ Educational Videos, Lessons, and Games: Covering all Subject Areas: Grades K-12 http://www.kidskonnect.com/ Kids Konnect: A Safe Internet Gateway for Kids http://www.sikids.com/ Sports Illustrated for Kids http://www.funbrain.com/kidscenter.html Cool Games for Kids: Searchable by Grade K-8 http://www.playkidsgames.com/ Games covering a Wide Variety of Subject Areas

Improve Study Skills

http://www.how-to-study.com/study-skills/en/index.asp  Includes links to numerous articles about study skills

http://www.infoplease.com/homework/studyskills1.html

Includes helpful tips for effective note taking, test prep, writing essays, reading comprehension, and more

http://www.ucc.vt.edu/stdysk/stdyhlp.html  Provides self-help information for improving one’s study skills

Grammar

Grades 6-8

www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/6_8/grammar/ www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games_vocab.htm www.ask.com/English+Grammar+Games www.funenglishgames.com/grammargames.html www.english-online.org.uk/games/gamezone2.htm – 21k www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/grammar_park.ht

Language Arts

Grade 1 http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities.html

Grade 3 www.abcya.com  Grade level lessons in math and language arts. starfall.com   a phonics practice website http://www.k12reader.com/why-read-20-minutes-a-day/  Read 20 minutes a day (at least)

Grades 6-8

www.sadlier-oxford.com For previews of the vocabulary units we use “Vocabulary Workshop – Level C” www.literacyworks.org/learningresources For activities in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and sequencing using real news stories, www.learn4good.com/kids/index.htmlanguage arts skill practice, be sure to click on the first tab –“Languages” http://languagearts.ppst.com power point presentations and practice games on grammar and literary terms.

Math

Grade 1

http://www.mathplayground.com/

Grade 3

www.fun4thebrain.com  Math practice for grades k – 8.

www.gamequarium.com  Practice more than 1,000 different math topics in grades

www.abcya.com  Grade level lessons in math and language arts.

Grade 4

www.mathcafe.com  Basic math practice and worksheets www.softschools.com  Worksheets and practice of basic math facts www.math.umass.edu/diehl/mysteries.html  Math mysteries www.brainquest.com  Brain teasers www.onlinemathlearning.com  Math learning http://edheads.org/  Logic puzzles www.aplusmath.com/games/index.html  Math games K – 9

Grade 5

https://www.xtramath.org/  assess and track student’s basic math skills by grade level

www.ixl.com  assess and track student’s basic math skills by grade level

http://www.mathplayground.com/  fun math games, puzzles, and videos

http://www.helpingwithmath.com  math skills and worksheets based on Common Core Standards for Mathematics

http://www.mathsisfun.com  math skill explanations, dictionary, worksheets, and puzzles

Grade 1-8

http://www.math-play.com/

http://www.aplusmath.com/

http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/Mathmagician/CATHYMATH.html

http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=12

http://www.aaamath.com/fra.html

http://www.visualfractions.com/

Religion

Grade 7

http://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer.htm   For a daily 3 minute retreat http://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/   3433 Catholic Prayers for all needs http://www.usccb.org/   daily mass readings and many other resources from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops

Science

Grade 1 http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities.html

Grade 3

EARTH SCIENCE

http://www.scholastic.com/kids/weather/  Interactive Weather Maker

http://www.quia.com/custom/29main.html  Earth’s Physical Features Games

http://earthguide.ucsd.edu/earthguide/diagrams/watercycle/  Water Cycle Animation

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/flash/flash_watercycle.html  EPA: Water Cycle Interactive Learning Experience

http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/watertreatmentplant/flash/index.html  EPA: Tour a Drinking Water Treatment Plant

LIFE SCIENCE

http://kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/htbw_main_page.html  Kid’s Health: How the Body Works Videos and More!

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

http://www.edheads.org/activities/simple-machines/   Ed Heads: Simple Machine Interactive Learning Experience

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/states_of_matter/ States of Matter Activity

SPACE / TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE

http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/Weblessons/AsTheEarthTurns/default.htm

As the Earth Turns: Causes of Day and Night: Interactive Learning Experience

http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.eiu.seasonsgame/

Earth in Motion: Causes of Seasons: Interactive Learning Experience

http://esminfo.prenhall.com/science/geoanimations/animations/01_EarthSun_E2.html

Earth’s Revolution Around the Sun and Seasons Interactive Animation

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html NASA Kids’ Club

http://moon.nightskyobserver.com/  Night Sky Observer: Moon Page

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/moon_phases/  Moon Phases Interactive Learning Experience

http://www.astrocentral.co.uk/starting.html  Star Hopping Guide with Animations: Finding Constellations

http://www.kidsastronomy.com/solar_system.htm  Kid Astronomy: Facts about Planets, Moons, and other Objects in Space

http://stardate.org/  Current News and Information on Viewing the Night Sky

Grade 4

www.sciencekids.com/gamesactivities.html  Science activities for Elementary levels

Grade 5

http://www.education.com/activity/fifth-grade/science/   hands-on activities that explore 5th grade science topics – plus other subjects as well http://www.chem4kids.com/   basic chemistry information and activities http://www.kidsgeo.com/   geology topics and games and other science topics Star Walk app for iPad – awesome interactive, astronomy guide

http://www.brainpop.com  animated educational site – all subjects also – subscription required

http://science.discovery.com/interactives/literacy/newton/media/newtonfinal415.swf  fun presentation on Newton’s laws of motion

Grade 7

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/ http://scienceclub.org/scifair.html http://www.sciencebob.com/sciencefair/ideas.php http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities.html

Grade 8

http://www.learner.org/interactives/parkphysics/carousel.html Amusement Park Physics

http://zonalandeducation.com/contents/contents.html Zona Land Education

http://www.neok12.com/ Educational Videos, lessons, and games

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?id=L639 Make your own cool Tetrahedral Kite

http://www.khanacademy.org/ Khan Academy is your friend!

Social Studies

Grade 1 www.Kids.nationalgeographic.com/ Kid’s games, animals, pictures, stories

www.bensguide.gpo.gov/ U. S.  Government web sites for kids

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/  US government websites for kids

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/  Kids games, animals, pictures, and stories

Grade 3

http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/michigan/  Information on Michigan’s Native American Tribes

http://www.historyglobe.com/jamestown/  Jamestown Interactive Online Adventure

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/games/interactiveadventures/john-smith/

National Geographic for Kids: On the Trail of Captain John Smith Online Adventure

http://www.americancivilwar.com/civil.html  Information on the Civil War

http://www.civilwar.com/component/option,com_battlemap/  Interactive Civil War Battle Map

http://www.coolmath-games.com/lemonade/  Economics: Lemonade Stand Game

http://www.coolmath-games.com/0-coffee-shop/index.html  Economics: Coffee Shop Game

Grade 5

http://www.educationalrap.com  core subject area topics presented in rap songs – Redcoats vs. Rebels is great!

http://www.kids.gov/k_5/k_5_social.shtml

view the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights; excellent resource for 5th grade S.S. topics

Grade 6

http://games.pppst.com/socialstudies.html

http://www.softschools.com/social_studies/

Grade 8

Colonial Williamsburg

http://www.history.org/almanack/tourTheTown/index.cfm http://www.history.org/history/fife&drum/about.cfm http://www.history.org/history/fife&drum/redregimentals.cfm http://www.history.org/Almanack/life/index.cfm http://www.history.org/Almanack/places/index.cfm

Revolutionary War

http://www.ushistory.org/march/phila/background.htm

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/therevolutionarywar/q.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/10966/index.html

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel03.html

War of 1812

http://miwar1812.weebly.com/games–activities.html

http://www.asailorslifeforme.org/

http://www.aacps.org/aacps/boe/INSTR/CURR/comed/es/webquest/1812/indexjh.html

http://www.usd281.com/warof1812/index.html

http://www.ehow.com/info_8033481_civil-war-camps-kids.html

http://www.ehow.com/video_4874464_civil-war-costumes.html

Civil War

http://www.ehow.com/way_5261035_civil-war-activities-middle-school.html

http://www.shermansmarch.org/index.html

http://www.neok12.com/quiz/CIVWAR04

http://www.kidskonnect.com/subject-index/16-history/264-civil-war.html

Spanish

Grades JK-5

http://www.homeeducationresources.com/FREEspanish.htm

This website has many basic topic worksheets.  Great for all students.  Parents can help younger students with worksheets.

http://www.quia.com/shared/spanish/

This website is a search engine for games made by teachers around the country. One can search for any topics covered in Spanish. Great for all students. Parents would need to help their younger children navigate the site.

http://www.123teachme.com/learn_spanish/spanish_for_children  Games on many topics http://sracaldwell.wikis.birmingham.k12.mi.us/file/view/The-10-Best-Spanish-Websites-for-Kids-12.pdf

This is a pdf file that has active links to many other sites broken down by level.

http://www.kidsspeakspanish.org/esp_Songs.shtml  This website has fun songs that students can sing along with.  Great for JK – 3rd grade.

http://www.spanishtown.ca/spanishforkids/spanishforkids.htm  Great for 1st – 4th grade students.  Covers basic concepts. http://www.abcteach.com/directory/languages/spanish/  Great for 1st – 5th grade students. Parents may need to help younger students navigate site. Many different topics covered by worksheets

http://www.studyspanish.com/

This website has a plethora of topics. One can choose Pronunciation, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Verb drills. Pronunciation would be great for middle school students.  Grammar would be great for 4th – 8th grade students.  Vocabulary would be great for 4th -8th grade students to review and expand their word knowledge. Verb drills would be great for 4th -8th grade students to review and expand their verb knowledge. http://www.spanish.bz/learn-spanish.htm

The topics are found at the bottom of the page. There are many topics. Great for middle school students and grades 4 and 5. They are presented in a lesson format: instruction – worksheet – quiz.

Grades 6-8

www.classzone.com (click on our Avancemos book) www.spanishspanish.com

http://www.uni.edu/becker/Spanish3.html http://www.digitaldialects.com/Spanish.htm http://www.literacycenter.net/lessonview_es.php# http://www.quia.com/shared/spanish/

From the Media Center

Local Libraries Bloomfield Township Public Library hosts summer reading programs for all age levels. Print titles are available through the children and youth departments and eBooks are available through their web portal.

Bloomfield Township Public Library: http://www.btpl.org/

Getting Started with eBooks: http://www.btpl.org/node/5312

Baldwin Public Library hosts summer reading programs for all age levels. Print titles are available through their children and youth departments and eBooks and eAudio books can be accessed online.

Baldwin Public Library: http://www.baldwinlib.org/

Baldwin Virtual Services:  http://www.baldwinlib.org/eBooks/

Religious Books and Media Christian books are available through this site and are grouped according to age.

For kids: http://www.christianbook.com/kids

For tweens: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_sp?sp=102367

Caldecott Medal and Honor Books Awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecotthonors/caldecottmedal

Newberry Medal and Honor Books Awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal

Reading/Writing Websites for Kids Great Websites for Kids is sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children and provides engaging links to a variety of subjects for all grade levels: http://gws.ala.org/

Book Adventure from Sylvan Learning: http://www.bookadventure.com/Home.aspx

Interactive Writing Games: http://www.funenglishgames.com/writinggames.html

Educational Apps

Reading and literacy come in a variety of platforms, and educational apps are on the rise. Parental discretion is advised when choosing an appropriate educational app for your child. Here are a few links to get you started.

Best Kids Apps (select age):http://www.bestkidsapps.com/category/ages-5-8/

Scholastic Apps: http://www.scholastic.com/apps/

Apple in Education: http://www.apple.com/education/apps/

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things~

Denise

Please note, we would love to share your favorite educational app or website. Just send us an email or leave on our “comments” here and we will be happy to share it with our readers.  When we all share the good in education, we all win!

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May 3, 2012 · 12:53 AM

Science, Social Studies and Brain Building Sites to Enhance Classroom Instruction

The sites below were given by a 3rd grade teacher at St. Regis Catholic School, when asked what were some sites she utilized in the classroom to enhance instruction.  These sites are user-friendly, age appropriate for a variety of ages and can be used at home too!  Please enjoy and if you have a favorite site that you use within your classroom or at home, please share…together we can make a difference!
Science Links
EARTH SCIENCE
Interactive Weather Maker
Earth’s Physical Features Games
Water Cycle Animation
EPA: Water Cycle Interactive Learning Experience
EPA: Tour a Drinking Water Treatment Plant
LIFE SCIENCE
Kid’s Health: How the Body Works Videos and More!
Ed Heads: Simple Machine Interactive Learning Experience
SPACE / TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE
As the Earth Turns: Causes of Day and Night: Interactive Learning Experience
Earth in Motion: Causes of Seasons: Interactive Learning Experience
Earth’s Revolution Around the Sun and Seasons Interactive Animation
NASA Kids’ Club
Night Sky Observer: Moon Page
Moon Phases Interactive Learning Experience
Star Hopping Guide with Animations: Finding Constellations
Kid Astronomy: Facts about Planets, Moons, and other Objects in Space
Current News and Information on Viewing the Night Sky
Social Studies Links
Information on Michigan’s Native American Tribes
Jamestown Interactive Online Adventure
National Geographic for Kids: On the Trail of Captain John Smith Online Adventure
Information on the Civil War
Interactive Civil War Battle Map
Economics: Lemonade Stand Game
Economics: Coffee Shop Game
Brain Builder Links
Logic Puzzles to Play Online or Print Out!
Educational Videos, Lessons, and Games: Covering all Subject Areas: Grades K-12
Kids Konnect: A Safe Internet Gateway for Kids
Sports Illustrated for Kids
Cool Games for Kids: Searchable by Grade K-8
Games covering a Wide Variety of Subject Areas
May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,
Denise

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April 11, 2012 · 1:57 AM

“Little Fish in a Big Pond” Written by an 8th Grader and an Inspiration to us All

I am thrilled that a parent of a former student and an 8th grader who is now a published author of many poems, has sent us one of the latest published works for us to display here on our blog.  Congratulation J’Laina on your recent success and we think you are an inspiration to students and adults alike!

May we ALL continue to seek knowledge in all things,

Denise

Little Fish in a Big Pond

Written by: J’Laina Brown

(c) 2012

As I prepare to leave what once was familiar and safe,

I now find myself in a big unfamiliar place.

The security I once knew,

has become something that I must bid a final adieu.

I feel so small in such a big school;

however, I know I’m equipped with the most important tool.

I was once a big fish,

now it seems as if I fit in a Petri dish.

To me it seems so surreal,

but I know that I have no choice but to deal.

I have to assimilate to my new pond,

By saying good-bye and breaking a familiar bond.

How quickly I’ll have to swim and learn,

the new place and the trust of new friends I hope to earn.

I’m both sad and curious, but

becoming a big fish is serious.

I’m a little fish in a big pond.

Making waves and exiting with leaps for the great beyond.

I hope that my little friends miss me like I will them,

we can always get together and sing our old school hymn.

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February 29, 2012 · 10:22 PM

Educational Websites to Utilize in the Classroom for Grades 4-12

At a recent principal’s meeting, the Web 2.0 presenter showcased some fabulous online resources that any 21st century educator could utilize to enhance classroom instruction.

www.qwiki.com

This site includes multimedia components and visual displays for presentations.  *Very user-friendly.

www.lessonstream.org

Present information to students integrating a multimedia format.

www.vocabahead.com

Identify real-life connections between words and their use.  *This is a great tool…words with videos!

www.khanacademy.org

This is a site where students can retell stories to demonstrate an understanding of concepts.

www.bitstrips.com

This is an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G site for teachers to utilize really grades 2 on up.  Students can create animated cartoon strips by utilizing a combination of drawing, dictating and writing to narrate a single event or several loosely linked events. This site also has a homework component…great vocabulary builder and speaks to the visual learner.

www.60secondrecap.com

Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings or events in a story or drama. *neat site

www.visuwords.com

Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

www.owl.emglish.purdue.edu

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

www.froguts.com

Great virtual dissects to utilize in class with students.

www.jeapardylabs.com

Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.

www.storybird.com

Add drawings to displays and stories.

This is just a few of the many resources available online. 

 

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,

Denise

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