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Monday, December 8, 2014

Google Summit Conference

This past weekend I attended the Google Summit Conference in Montreal with 20 other teachers and adminstrators from Heuvelton Central School. What a fantastic experience! I learned how to build my own website, how to use QR codes in the classroom, how to hyperlink a Google doc and so much more! I highly recommend attending these conferences if you have the opportunity. I know that I will take what I've learned and use it with my students.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Core Grouping

This year I decided to use core groups in my classroom to help differentiate instruction for students and to assist students in learning 21st Century work skills.  There have been some bumps along the way.  I stepped back and assessed what the problems were and once I had defined them came up with possible solutions.  At this point in the year I feel that the groups are working quite well with little guidance from me.  This past week I decided to use core grouping to help students write better essays.  The first essays these students wrote were lacking thesis statements.  Students also found it difficult to analyze the documents.  Through core grouping students were able to write the introduction together.  I noticed as I circulated that groups discussed how to start the essay (question or a quote), then worked together well to figure out what the thesis should be.  I could tell immediately that the end product was much better.  I definitely would use this strategy to write essays again.

Monday, October 27, 2014

The Case for the Use of Choice Boards

When I last posted I discussed the use of choice boards in class to allow students to show what they've learned in a variety of ways.  This is an example of a gifted student who chose to write a poem about the Civil Rights Movement.

Mallory's Poem

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Choice Boards

Many years ago I began using choice boards, which I call tic tac toe boards to differentiate instruction for students. Students choose squares from the board that are vertically, horizontally or diagonally in a row. I allow students to do as many squares as they want, but require only three. Choice boards encourage students to read, write, and be creative in a way that suits their learning styles. Assignments range from designing PowerPoint presentations to writing poetry. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ugl_EcuhMdr18O9p3NxgAYpx-V4pCcF_kgywnrxOfjQ/edit?usp=sharing

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Remind101

Since last year I've been using Remind101.com in my classes. It's a free one way texting service that allows me to safely text parents and students class announcements, homework and upcoming test dates. Parents and students really liked it last year, so I decided to continue it this year.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Padlet.com Again...

Padlet.com has been a great tool for admit tickets and exit tickets! Students have really enjoyed posting and seeing others' posts. Each week I ask students to access the news, find the top news stories and give details (evidence) for each story. I thought Padlet would be the perfect way for students to share what they learned. It worked great, so I think I'll continue to use it. It will also be a good way to practice using correct grammar, spelling, and capitalization, as well as practice proper digital etiquette while posting online.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Padlet.com

Going to workshops and conferences is great, but I find that when I return to the classroom I forget to sometimes follow up on all the information that has been presented.  Last year I attended a fantastic workshop on using technology in Social Studies.  I created a Google doc of all the websites and have been slowly working my way through these resources to see which would work in my classroom.  (No random binders or loose papers to keep track of!).  This year our school district purchased 29 Chrome books for our team to use with students, so I wanted to incorporate more technology in my lessons.  One website that I really like is Padlet.com.  I'm using it for admit tickets, tickets to leave, and current events. 

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Opening Activities

I have tried many activities over the years to establish rapport with my students.  After attending the Constructivist Conference in Canton, NY and a Differentiation Conference by Kathleen Kryza I decided to take more time to get to know my students.  I typically do icebreakers such as People Bingo with classes, which I continued to do this year.  After participating in Kathleen Kryza's workshop I decided to try using Core Groups. I trained students in what expectations I had by asking to choose an Adrinka Symbol that best represented them. Groups then brainstormed a list of class rules.  Students then completed a gallery walk where they chose the rules that they thought best suited them. I also requested that students complete a learning style survey. Finally, I asked students to fill out index cards with their name, hobbies/interests, and learning styles. I felt that these activities really helped to establish the ground rules and rapport with students.



Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Welcome Back!

As this school year begins I was reminded by our principal and superintendent to stay positive.  Our principal showed us this video, which really exemplifies this message.  I hope your year is great and that you remember the little things.



Friday, August 22, 2014

Differentiated Instruction

I went to a fantastic workshop presented by Kathleen Kryza regarding differentiated instruction this past week.  All I can say is Wow!  If you haven't had the opportunity to attend her professional development, make it a priority.  Luckily our group was very small, so the workshop was quite interactive.  I am planning to implement a number of the strategies she taught us in my classroom this Fall.  I'm especially excited about core grouping.  For more information about Kathleen and free resources go to http://www.kathleenkryza.com/.


Friday, March 28, 2014

Thinglink

I just found out about Thinklink, which is a website that allows the user to create online posters. You can embed text, videos, photos, and links to create a multimedia experience. This is an example of what I created in a very short amount of time.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Online News for Kids

I was recently sent this link to use with current events. It's a free website (I love free!) and allows teachers to adjust the reading levels of the articles for their students. The articles come with quizzes as well.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Online Social Studies Resources

I went to a fantastic workshop today at St. Lawrence Lewis BOCES by Emily Derouchie-McMahon and Markie Hooper regarding online resources to use in my social studies classroom. Since my students love anything that has to do with technology I knew I'd picked a winner even before we started...I thought I was pretty tech savvy, but realized that there were MANY resources I'd never heard of. I particularly liked a web based program called Text Compactor. I've already used it to create several deep reading activities with primary sources. Check out these sites for yourself: Online Resources for Social Studies Presentation: http://www.sllmsworkshops.blogspot.com/ nikon.com--This Day perfectstorms.history.ca padlet.com 100 Years of Rock-- http://www.concerthotels.com/100-years-of-rock http://timeline.americanrevolutioncenter.org/ Make timelines-- http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/timeline_2/ Meograph.com-- http://www.meograph.com/ PBS Current Event contest using Meograph: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/2013/12/my-zeitgeist-2013/ Fresh Prep-- raps, games http://www.myfreshprep.org/ Newspaper map: newspapers from around the world http://newspapermap.com/ Text compactor-- http://textcompactor.com/

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Search Your Roots at SLCHA 2nd Saturday

These are great programs and are FREE!!!!! Search Your Roots at SLCHA 2nd Saturday Canton- Open Grandma Moody’s trunk, find a family tree, and learn how to Search Your Roots at 11 AM on Saturday, March 8th, 2014, at the Second Saturday Children’s Program at the St. Lawrence County Historical Association at the Silas Wright House. The SLCHA is located at 3 E. Main St. in Canton. This is another in the SLCHA’s series of fun and free monthly educational programs for kids ages 4-10. Kids will learn what a family tree is and then have an opportunity to begin creating their own family tree on March 8th. We’ll talk about Grandma Moody’s family tree and then take a tour of the Historical Association’s Research Room. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to stay and assist the children fill in their own family history charts. The 2014 Second Saturday Children’s Programs feature the Treasures from the Attic series, which begins each session with a mysterious old trunk that belonged to “Grandma Moody” (Clarissa Wright’s ancestor) and had been forgotten in the Silas Wright House attic. Each time the trunk is opened the magic begins, as a new object or objects is “discovered” in the trunk. The Treasures from the Attic series is generously sponsored by the Thompson-Weatherup Family Charitable Foundation. This series is a collaborative effort between the SLCHA and the Fort La Presentation Association. Parents, grandparents, other caregivers and their kids are welcome to attend this free program. Parking is available in the back of the SLCHA, next to the museum’s main entrance. The St. Lawrence County Historical Association at the Silas Wright House is open Tuesday through Saturday noon to 4 PM, Friday noon to 8 PM. Admission to the museum is free; admission to the archives is free for members and children, $2.50 for college students, and $5 for the general public. The St. Lawrence County Historical Association is located at 3 E. Main St., Canton. Parking is available in the back of the SLCHA, next to the museum’s main entrance. The St. Lawrence County Historical Association is a membership organization open to anyone interested in St. Lawrence County history. For more information, or to become a member, call the SLCHA at 315-386-8133 or e-mail info@slcha.org. Second Saturday programs are made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Visit the SLCHA’s website, www.slcha.org, for more information on St. Lawrence County history.

Friday, January 31, 2014

War of 1812 Heritage Talks

Sixth Annual War of 1812 Heritage Talks April 25-26, 2014 The Fort La Présentation Association offers a varied fare those with broad interests in the War of 1812. Friday evening there is a concert of period music planned. This is a community event free to all. The seven Saturday seminars will look at the militias of New York and Upper Canada, the USN on the St. Lawrence River, a Connecticut officer on the Northern Frontier, the Canadian Voltigeurs, US Army uniforms of the period, and the 1814 British campaign on the Cheseapeake. Exhibits: Battle of Crysler's Farm; Sackets Harbor; re-enactment photographs; and more. We are forgoing the closing banquet and dinner speaker to allow the participants time to networking and more opportunity to take in the displays from local museums and heritage organizations. We have all the facilities of Ogdensburg’s Freight House Restaurant, from the side rooms to the banquet hall to the bar. Friday evening, there will be the concert, along with the customary meet and greet. Saturday, a continental breakfast and buffet lunch, and the Freight House will offer a special menu for those who stay for dinner. For information contact us at 1-315-394-1749 or email fort1749@yahoo.com. Speakers Horst Dresler (The Canadian Voltigeurs and the Battle of Chateauguay) a Canadian living in Woodstock, VT has been an active re-enactor for three decades and event organizer for more than 10 years. Horst is a founder of the Quebec Historical Corps a bilingual, nonprofit organization promoting a better understanding of our past through learning how our ancestors lived and the events they experienced. He is the author of "Farmers and Honest Men” (American Revolution) and most recently “Defenders of Lower Canada, the Canadian Voltigeurs” (War of 1812). Horst is the owner of Anything Printed; the name says it all. The business covers production jobs from concept to final production. David Murray (The American Infantry Uniform from 1811 to 1815), Morristown, NY, has researched and recreated American military uniforms for more than twenty years, concentrating on the War of 1812. As a longtime member of an 1812 military re-enactment group, he enjoys experimental archaeology by creating and wearing the period clothing. Putting his recreated military tunics, small clothes, and associated military accouterments through actual service conditions have been invaluable in corroborating the authenticity of the construction techniques he uses. David is an elected official in Morristown, NY and is a former teacher. Bryan Thompson (Lt. Col. Thomas B. Benedict, the Accidental Commander of the St Lawrence County Militia) is the municipal historian for the town of De Kalb, NY. Bryan was the recipient of a 2007 Hackman research fellowship at the NYS archives to study the career of Lt Col. Benedict. In 2009 he was the recipient of the Bruce W Dearstyne award from the NYS Board of Regents for excellence in the educational use of local government records. He has authored more than 30 articles. Gregory Kloten (Captain George Howard United States Army: The Chronicles of a Connecticut Yankee on the Northern Frontier of the War of 1812) from Wethersfield, CT, teaches American and World history at Capital Community College in Hartford. The George Howard manuscript illuminates the lives of young men who came of age in the early Republic and provides an intimate look at the US Army in the War of 1812 from the perspective of a junior officer. Childhood visits to historical sites on the Niagara frontier sparked a life long interest in the War of 1812. Richard David Feltoe (The Upper Canada Militia in Peace and War, 1808-1816) from Brampton, Ontario is the Curator and Corporate Archivist for Redpath Sugar Ltd., Canada’s oldest sugar company. Since 1978, Richard has been a Living History re-enactor, recreating the life of a Canadian militia soldier from the North American War of 1812-1815. He has authored seven books on the War of 1812, published by Dundurn Press. Having “served” in the ranks, as a senior NCO and as Commanding Officer within the recreated Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada, Richard has “fought” upon many 1812 heritage sites and battlefields in the United States and Canada. Ralph Eshelman Ph.D. (The British Campaign in the Chesapeake) lives in Maryland and is the co-author with Burton K. Kummerow of In Full Glory Reflected: Discovering the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake. Specific to the War of 1812, conducted a holistic inventory of War of 1812 sites in Maryland for the National Park Service’s National Battlefield Protection Program. This resulted in two reports: “Maryland... War of 1812: Battlefields, Selected Skirmishes, Encampments, Earthworks, and Related Sites” (2000; co-authored with Christopher George); and “Maryland Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefields/Skirmishes and Associated Historical Properties Survey" (2002; co-authored with Susan Langley and Ben Ford). Eshelman was co-director of the Patuxent River Cultural Resource Survey which discovered and partially excavated an American War of 1812 military vessel from the U.S. Chesapeake Flotilla. Dennis McCarthy (The US Navy support of the Wilkinson Campaign and the Battle of French Creek), from Cape Vincent, NY has co-authored several Divers Guide Books to the Thousand Islands and the book Shipwrecks of the Thousand Islands. He is amateur archaeologist and historian and for more than 40 years a certified scuba diver. Dennis is the co-founder of the St Lawrence River Historical Foundation and project manager of its Iroquoise Project, the 1990's underwater archaeology survey of the 1759-1761 French Iroquoise, wrecked on Niagara Shoal. He is the web master for www.forthaldimand.com, dedicated to the memory of Fort Haldimand and the Revolutionary War military post on Carleton Island. COST $60…Regular Fee - includes continental breakfast and buffet lunch $50…Members (Fort Association, Canadian Friends, Forsyth’s Rifles), Educators, NYS Town Historians - includes continental breakfast and buffet lunch $30…Students- includes continental breakfast and buffet lunch $20…Exhibitors- includes continental breakfast and buffet lunch

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

A Treasure Chest of Toys at SLCHA 2nd Saturday

A Treasure Chest of Toys at SLCHA 2nd Saturday Canton- Open Grandma Moody’s trunk and find a Treasure Chest of Toys to play with at 11 AM on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at the Second Saturday Children’s Program at the St. Lawrence County Historical Association at the Silas Wright House. The SLCHA is located at 3 E. Main St. in Canton. This is another in the SLCHA’s series of fun and free monthly educational programs for kids ages 4-10. See what children in colonial times played with, when Fort La Presentation Association president, Barb O’Keefe, along with some Fort volunteers, shows you how to make your own colonial period toys, such as a button buzz saw. The kids will learn what children in colonial times may have played with, make a button buzz saw and have the opportunity to play with the other toys. The 2014 Second Saturday Children’s Programs feature the Treasures from the Attic series, which begins each session with a mysterious old trunk that belonged to “Grandma Moody” (Clarissa Wright’s ancestor) and had been forgotten in the Silas Wright House attic. Each time the trunk is opened the magic begins, as a new object or objects is “discovered” in the trunk. The Treasures from the Attic series is generously sponsored by the Thompson-Weatherup Family Charitable Foundation. This series is a collaborative effort between the SLCHA and the Fort La Presentation Association. Parents, grandparents, other caregivers and their kids are welcome to attend this free program. Parking is available in the back of the SLCHA, next to the museum’s main entrance. The SLCHA Gift Shop has books like The American Boys Handy Book, The American Girls Handy Book, and The Field and Forest Handy Book, as well as old timey games, such as jacks, marbles, and wooden tops. Visit the Gift Shop and find fun things to do without a Wi-Fi connection! SLCHA members receive a 10% discount on most items in the Gift Shop. The St. Lawrence County Historical Association at the Silas Wright House is open Tuesday through Saturday noon to 4 PM, Friday noon to 8 PM. Admission to the museum is free; admission to the archives is free for members and children, $2.50 for college students, and $5 for the general public. The St. Lawrence County Historical Association is located at 3 E. Main St., Canton. Parking is available in the back of the SLCHA, next to the museum’s main entrance. The St. Lawrence County Historical Association is a membership organization open to anyone interested in St. Lawrence County history. For more information, or to become a member, call the SLCHA at 315-386-8133 or e-mail info@slcha.org. Second Saturday programs are made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Visit the SLCHA’s website, www.slcha.org, for more information on St. Lawrence County history.

New York History