I have written a few times about using object stories in the classroom. Most recently in this blog post for ASCD Inservice. One of my favorite apps to do this with is Voicethread. There are plenty of apps (Chatterpix and Explain Everything), but I like Voicethread because it allows people to comment on the object … Continue reading Museum Monday: Object Stories – #BLOG365 Day 60
Month: October 2016
Risk Taking – It’s Time to Be Scared – #BLOG365 Day 59
I was at a social studies conference this weekend and I picked up a vendor giveaway with this quote on it. It's one of those quotes I have seen frequently and always forget about. Lately, I have been thinking about risk taking as it pertains to our practice as educators. Each day we ask our … Continue reading Risk Taking – It’s Time to Be Scared – #BLOG365 Day 59
The Beauty of #civicparticipation – #BLOG365 Day 58
I couldn't help but tear up a bit when I voted yesterday. It's the history buff in me. The result of perspective and understanding of the moments that have lead me and every other voter to this moment. I felt the rush of all those moments. The signing of the Declaration of Independence. Seneca Falls. … Continue reading The Beauty of #civicparticipation – #BLOG365 Day 58
Power of Connections – #BLOG365 Day 57
I just finished a virtual meetup with one of my professional learning networks and I'm reflecting on the power of connections and the impact they have had on my practice. Through these connections I am spurned to action. I am positively accountable. Our collective knowledge and experiences make us better educators and better people. And, … Continue reading Power of Connections – #BLOG365 Day 57
Lead Like a Lollipop! – #BLOG365 Day 56
https://www.ted.com/talks/drew_dudley_everyday_leadership?language=en Candy and leadership chats. What could be more fun right before Halloween? I love this TED Talk on leadership and unleashing the inner leader in all of us. Today we are hosting a Teacher Academy meeting at our school and the theme is leadership. More often than not, when I think of leadership I … Continue reading Lead Like a Lollipop! – #BLOG365 Day 56
Boo! Grades! -#BLOG365 Day 55
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h4GD2feZ8Q&app=desktop The scariest thing this October isn't the spooky Halloween costumes or frightful decorations. It's not haunted houses or zombies. It's our grading culture. The Wicked Witch of Education! Look, there's been a lot of research on grading and grading systems. Despite the fact that these studies show grades actually demotivate students, we continue … Continue reading Boo! Grades! -#BLOG365 Day 55
Assessment for Learning – #BLOG365 Day 54
I read this post from Meghan Everette a few days ago on class size that made me think of a study by Sir Paul Black and Professor Dylan Wiliam. They found that assessment for learning had a bigger impact than class size on student achievement. Assessment for learning relies heavily on pre-assessments, clear communication … Continue reading Assessment for Learning – #BLOG365 Day 54
Museum Monday: Quick Tips for Using Objects in the Classroom – #BLOG365 Day 53
Last week I did a blog post for ASCD Inservice. I love this info graphic created from my writing. Check out my post, Unleash the Power of Objects in Your Classroom, here.
I Don’t Want to Forget – #BLOG365 Day 52
The day we got you. With our last $150 in cash. We were broke and newly married. Our luck turned around after you adopted us. Daddy taking you into the shower with him for baths. How much you loved to walk. Tugging and pulling and sniffing everything. Having to buy a real mailbox because you … Continue reading I Don’t Want to Forget – #BLOG365 Day 52
I Think I’ll Just Wait – #BLOG365 Day 51
As I grow older I find myself more and more in tune with who I am as a person. I wish I had this insight as a young adult. Oh well! One thing I have come to terms with over the years is the fact that I am a bit of a procrastinator. I might take … Continue reading I Think I’ll Just Wait – #BLOG365 Day 51