Language Arts and the Smartboard

If you use a Smartboard, Cana has shared a great resource.

http://www.smartboardlounge.com/languagearts/default.htm

Thanks Cana

My "Me Manifesto"

Hello all

I came across the #30Goals challenge while scrolling through Twitter. After
reading about it, seeing the results of others already this year and in the past
two years I have decided to participate. This is a great way to tangibly
document my learning and sharing in the new year.

If you would like to join me in this challenge the first one was this week, so you are not behind. Here is
the link to the information.

The 30 Goals Challenge 2012

You can also follow others on Twitter who are doing this simply by using #30Goals to search.

This is my completed Goal #1. I used Animoto, but you can certainly express yourself using any tool you choose.

My "Me Manifesto"

Have a great weekend.
Julie

Interesting article

http://m.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/12/what-americans-keep-ignoring-about-finlands-school-success/250564/

Opportunity for 2012

At the beginning of a new year there is a certain feeling of a fresh start. For educators, this opportunity occurs in the middle of the academic year. This often gives us a boost to finish the second half of the year with the same enthusiasm we with which we started the school year.

Below are two links to some recents posts by Dan Rockwell a.k.a. Leadership Freak. Both provide simple and straight forward encouragement for leaders of all kinds.

Enjoy!

http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2011/12/30/creating-a-life-of-opportunity/

http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/10-sure-fire-ways-to-find-your-greatness/

Free Literacy Resource!

Attention K-6 teachers!  Have you been looking for some lesson ideas for teaching main idea, sequencing, plot, cause and effect, or anything else?  If so readworks.org is a great site for you!  Once you register (it's free) you can save lesson plans to your binder.  The lessons are aligned to state and common core standards.

http://www.readworks.org/

Common Core Livebinder

Livebinder for an introduction to common core

The End of Cursive Writing????

Interesting article about teaching cursive writing...or the lack of teaching.