Below are a few weblinks taken from the Edutopia site. I have a selected a few which cover a variety of things (compost to equity and more). I'm trying to cover most of the learning areas that I can think of. This is once again an American site - but there may still be a few nuggets of ideas buried within it that could be of some help.
Take a quick squiz if you get a few free moments. Not being a teacher, I can only make a guess at what may be helpful. Hopefully, I'm somewhere in the right ballpark?
https://www.edutopia.org/article/why-are-some-kids-thriving-during-remote-learning
https://www.edutopia.org/article/formative-assessment-distance-learning
https://www.edutopia.org/article/making-most-compost
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/equity-vs-equality-shane-safir
Also, if there is something that has happened in your class that you would like me to put up on here, or a link or idea that you would like to share - please send it through to me.
Friday, 8 May 2020
Monday, 27 April 2020
Weblinks on various topics
If you get a moment, maybe use it to check out the weblinks below. They are all from the 'Getting Smart' website - American based but there may be something useful you could use.
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/04/out-with-the-test-in-with-pbl-how-project-based-learning-is-transforming-remote-learning
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/03/how-hands-on-robotics-brings-science-lessons-to-life/
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/02/getting-started-with-coding-18-tools-for-early-learners/
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/02/no-excuse-not-to-teach-climate-crisis-mitigation-and-adaptation/
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/04/out-with-the-test-in-with-pbl-how-project-based-learning-is-transforming-remote-learning
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/03/how-hands-on-robotics-brings-science-lessons-to-life/
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/02/getting-started-with-coding-18-tools-for-early-learners/
https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/02/no-excuse-not-to-teach-climate-crisis-mitigation-and-adaptation/
Wednesday, 1 April 2020
History, Coronavirus and Us
At this particular point in time, it appears that
we are all part of an event that will quite likely change our lives and our society
forever.
Few things in our lives will rival this event. It’s going
to leave a deep impression on a multitude of people, especially our kids. But,
however we may panic or stress, we have to acknowledge something quite
remarkable — we are, right now, part of a history-making moment.
The impacts on our culture are already happening, from the many cancelled events - entertainment, sports or even simply family activities. The
issues with the world's economy and so much more. All lessons to be
learned that probably should have been learned long before. A good look
at us as a society - and it isn't always a pretty picture, is it?
But this is only the beginning. This is much too big an
event not to fire the imagination or creativity of the human
mind. Like most other historic events, there will be a “before” and an “after” COVID-19. It’s hard to take it all in stride, but we should pay
close attention to the “during” because we’re living in this moment, the now — the big and the small of it all.
So maybe we should stay focused on what is actually happening? Pay
attention because we’re all living in this moment. Be in the moment. We’ll be
telling our kids and grandkids about this — and when we do, maybe it’ll be
because they’ll be asking us, “Was it just like it was in that movie? Or in
that book? Or in that song?”
And - we’ll know, because we were there!
Wednesday, 18 March 2020
World Storytelling Day
Once upon a time, a long time ago (well, actually back in 1991 in Sweden), a Storytelling Day was held. The idea behind this event caught on around the globe, and now we celebrate WORLD STORYTELLING DAY on an international level.
The aim of World Storytelling day is to celebrate the art of oral storytelling, with as many people as possible around the world telling and listening to stories in their own languages on the same day.
People who are taking part can link up with others around the globe who are also contributing - making it a truly international festival that has the potential to create new friends and helps to promote positive understanding of cultures around the world.
So come on - sit down with your friends,family and loved ones - and join the United Nations of storytellers on this day of celebrating cultural folklore and the art of oral storytelling! Why not spin a yarn, and pass your stories down to the next generation?
This year World Storytelling Day starts on Friday 20th March and goes through to Friday 27th March - and the theme for 2020 is Voyages.
Check out the link below for more information:
Monday, 2 March 2020
World Read Aloud Day
World Read Aloud day is in place to motivate, children, teens and adults to celebrate the POWER OF WORDS.
This global literacy movement is about taking action to show the world that the right to read and write belongs to ALL PEOPLE! And no-one has the power to take it away from you!
World Read Aloud day asks everyone to celebrate the day by grabbing a book, finding an audience, a buddy, or even your furry friend, and reading out loud. (To be honest, my furry friends prefer me to be reading a can of cat food - but they are good enough to sit still for a while and listen.)
Why is reading aloud important? A 2015 study found that children are exposed to a larger vocabulary from picture books read aloud, than from conversations with adults. This appears to be because we tend to speak with the same 5000 most popular words; while books - even picture books - are more likely to use words outside of that popular 5000. (This also demonstrates my point about how important picture books are, no matter your age) The other point that came through clearly in the study was that children who are read to, are far more likely to become lifelong readers.
Although World Read Aloud Day has previously been celebrated on March the 5th - this year it was moved to February 5th. However, don't let that stop you ... we can celebrate it on March 5th or any other day that appeals.
This global literacy movement is about taking action to show the world that the right to read and write belongs to ALL PEOPLE! And no-one has the power to take it away from you!
World Read Aloud day asks everyone to celebrate the day by grabbing a book, finding an audience, a buddy, or even your furry friend, and reading out loud. (To be honest, my furry friends prefer me to be reading a can of cat food - but they are good enough to sit still for a while and listen.)
Why is reading aloud important? A 2015 study found that children are exposed to a larger vocabulary from picture books read aloud, than from conversations with adults. This appears to be because we tend to speak with the same 5000 most popular words; while books - even picture books - are more likely to use words outside of that popular 5000. (This also demonstrates my point about how important picture books are, no matter your age) The other point that came through clearly in the study was that children who are read to, are far more likely to become lifelong readers.
Although World Read Aloud Day has previously been celebrated on March the 5th - this year it was moved to February 5th. However, don't let that stop you ... we can celebrate it on March 5th or any other day that appeals.
Thursday, 27 February 2020
Resource websites that may be of use
Below are a few weblinks that cover a range of subjects and ideas and may be of use somewhere along the line. Check them out and see what you think.
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/55327/how-hands-on-projects-can-deepen-math-learning-for-teens
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/55393/five-apps-students-can-use-to-make-podcasts
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/ca/books/bkf3/imaps/ (interactive History maps)
https://education.abc.net.au/home#!/home
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1538
http://www.eslgamesplus.com/fun-games/ (Printable board games)
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/55327/how-hands-on-projects-can-deepen-math-learning-for-teens
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/55393/five-apps-students-can-use-to-make-podcasts
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/ca/books/bkf3/imaps/ (interactive History maps)
https://education.abc.net.au/home#!/home
http://freerice.com/#/english-vocabulary/1538
http://www.eslgamesplus.com/fun-games/ (Printable board games)
Friday, 21 February 2020
RAKs bring smiles!
I think that maybe the highlight for this week was the small, yummy RAK gift in our pigeonholes when we all came into work Monday morning. What a lovely thought - and thank you to whoever came up with the idea.
I have sent through an update of all staff to TV4ED (AKA Functional Solutions) so you should be getting a welcome email with information re logging on and using the system. They are also hoping to organise an all curriculum Webinar to help you to use it to your best advantage - so if you would be interested in doing this, please let me know.
However, I can still download requests and put it onto the system for you if this is easier.
Ms Squires is updating the Student reward system - with lots of ideas, comments and input from the students so we'll keep you updated with any changes to that.
So - carry on being AWESOME - and enjoy your weekend!! Obviously with lots of reading involved.
I have sent through an update of all staff to TV4ED (AKA Functional Solutions) so you should be getting a welcome email with information re logging on and using the system. They are also hoping to organise an all curriculum Webinar to help you to use it to your best advantage - so if you would be interested in doing this, please let me know.
However, I can still download requests and put it onto the system for you if this is easier.
Ms Squires is updating the Student reward system - with lots of ideas, comments and input from the students so we'll keep you updated with any changes to that.
So - carry on being AWESOME - and enjoy your weekend!! Obviously with lots of reading involved.
Monday, 10 February 2020
Mindshift Weblinks
Below are a few weblinks that may be of interest to you. There is a huge range of articles on the MindShift site covering a multitude of subjects and/or ideas. It is an American site, but there could be something to spark ideas for your class.
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/53553/five-best-practices-teachers-can-learn-from-dungeon-masters
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54872/how-dyslexia-is-a-different-brain-not-a-disease
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/50874/what-happens-to-student-behavior-when-schools-prioritize-art
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/55169/what-happens-in-your-brain-when-you-make-art
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54504/three-simple-tech-tools-to-make-math-thinking-visible
Enjoy!
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/53553/five-best-practices-teachers-can-learn-from-dungeon-masters
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54872/how-dyslexia-is-a-different-brain-not-a-disease
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/50874/what-happens-to-student-behavior-when-schools-prioritize-art
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/55169/what-happens-in-your-brain-when-you-make-art
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54504/three-simple-tech-tools-to-make-math-thinking-visible
Enjoy!
Friday, 31 January 2020
International Day of Maths and other links
First week done and dusted and we survived. Just 10 more to go! Enjoy your weekend and remember - READING lowers the blood pressure!
Below are a few Weblinks for you to check out.
https://www.bustle.com/p/7-reasons-libraries-are-essential-now-more-than-ever-43901
Just a quick promotion of Libraries and the benefits they offer. It is talking mainly about Public Libraries, but a lot of the reasons are just as valid, if not more so, in a school library.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/safer-internet-day
This is celebrated in almost 150 countries around the world and encourages people to think about their safety and their presence online.
https://www.idm314.org/
March 14 is already celebrated in many countries as Pi Day because that date is written as 3/14 in some countries and the mathematical constant Pi is approximately 3.14.
The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is a worldwide celebration. Each year on March 14 all countries will be invited to participate through activities for both students and the general public in schools, museums, libraries and other spaces.
Below are a few Weblinks for you to check out.
https://www.bustle.com/p/7-reasons-libraries-are-essential-now-more-than-ever-43901
Just a quick promotion of Libraries and the benefits they offer. It is talking mainly about Public Libraries, but a lot of the reasons are just as valid, if not more so, in a school library.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/safer-internet-day
This is celebrated in almost 150 countries around the world and encourages people to think about their safety and their presence online.
https://www.idm314.org/
March 14 is already celebrated in many countries as Pi Day because that date is written as 3/14 in some countries and the mathematical constant Pi is approximately 3.14.
The International Day of Mathematics (IDM) is a worldwide celebration. Each year on March 14 all countries will be invited to participate through activities for both students and the general public in schools, museums, libraries and other spaces.
Tuesday, 28 January 2020
Welcome to 2020
Well, here we go - the start of 2020 and a whole new year of opportunities for books, and reading. How awesome is that? In truth, it's a whole new decade!!
I thought I would start this post off with a quick reminder of some of the services we offer and maybe you could let your students know as well - or better yet, introduce them to this blog so they can find out for themselves. Maybe you could get them to write a Twitter book review on a book they have enjoyed, or write a report about their class activities .... after all the written word ROCKS, however it is used..
Yes - we do loan books out. We LOVE to loan books out. Loaning books out is our whole rationale. (And not just books, either) Of course, we do want them to come home at some point and can get a little upset if they don't.
One of my goals for this year is to attempt to make the library more relevant to the needs of the school. Hard call really, when I'm going up against the ingrained idea that Google can give you EVERYTHING!! But I'm going to give it a shot anyway!
So, now... some homework for you all. Could you email or comment and give me some ideas on what you see as the purpose of the school library and my role in it? I'd love to be able to make this a one-stop shop type of deal for everyone.
Below are a few quotes that I think sum up, to some degree anyway, my philosophy about libraries. Enjoy!
"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers - a librarian can bring you back the RIGHT answer". (Neil Gaiman)
"Libraries are full of ideas - which are perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of weapons". (from the 'Throne of Glass')
and being a fan of Albert Einstein, how could I pass up this one?
"The only thing you absolutely HAVE to know, is the location of the Library"
(Albert Einstein)
Wishing you all a fantastic school year with lots of READING involved. Now carry on being awesome.
I thought I would start this post off with a quick reminder of some of the services we offer and maybe you could let your students know as well - or better yet, introduce them to this blog so they can find out for themselves. Maybe you could get them to write a Twitter book review on a book they have enjoyed, or write a report about their class activities .... after all the written word ROCKS, however it is used..
Yes - we do loan books out. We LOVE to loan books out. Loaning books out is our whole rationale. (And not just books, either) Of course, we do want them to come home at some point and can get a little upset if they don't.
- Looking for a particular book? Come and talk to us. We can organise an Inter-library-Loan or help you find where to purchase it.
- Resources: Books, Magazines, iPad sets, Digital Cameras, Video Recorders, Computer Mice sets, Boxes of Headphones, Data Projectors, Teacher Reference, Web Cams........
- IWB area, and a bank of computers and laptops that are available to be booked for classes. The laptop trolley in B3/B4 is only to be used in the Library area, however.
- Help with research, proofreading of assignments, suggestions for books to read - we are your people.
- Library Skills Activities/Boolean searching
- A place to display your amazing class work.
- Collation of websites for subjects/classes
- Anything else? If there is something that you think we can help with, just come and have a chat. We have learned to be fairly good at pulling rabbits out of hats and we also like a challenge, most times anyway. There are some days .....
One of my goals for this year is to attempt to make the library more relevant to the needs of the school. Hard call really, when I'm going up against the ingrained idea that Google can give you EVERYTHING!! But I'm going to give it a shot anyway!
So, now... some homework for you all. Could you email or comment and give me some ideas on what you see as the purpose of the school library and my role in it? I'd love to be able to make this a one-stop shop type of deal for everyone.
Below are a few quotes that I think sum up, to some degree anyway, my philosophy about libraries. Enjoy!
"Google can bring you back 100,000 answers - a librarian can bring you back the RIGHT answer". (Neil Gaiman)
"Libraries are full of ideas - which are perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of weapons". (from the 'Throne of Glass')
and being a fan of Albert Einstein, how could I pass up this one?
"The only thing you absolutely HAVE to know, is the location of the Library"
(Albert Einstein)
Wishing you all a fantastic school year with lots of READING involved. Now carry on being awesome.
Friday, 15 November 2019
More ideas on Picture Books
A few further thoughts on Picture Books from authors and readers:
Here are 12 reasons why picture books are important.
Here are 12 reasons why picture books are important.
Little kids love them
Big kids love them
Adults love them
They make us laugh
They make us cry
They make us think
They help us understand the world
They help us understand each other
They stay with us
They are fun to talk about
They are fun to give as gifts
They smell good
Big kids love them
Adults love them
They make us laugh
They make us cry
They make us think
They help us understand the world
They help us understand each other
They stay with us
They are fun to talk about
They are fun to give as gifts
They smell good
https://www.writersdigest.com/guest-columns/picture-books-are-not-just-for-children-10-reasons-why
What are your reasons for loving them?
What are your reasons for loving them?
Picture Book Month Display
November is my favourite Library month of the year!! It's Picture Book Month! For me, picture books are just magical. So many stories, with all the beautiful illustrations that make the whole thing come to life - and all the layers within the stories and pictures. Picture Books are never truly just for kids - they are SO much more than that.
There is a display up in the Library with book covers from some of our staff and students favourite Picture Books - and I have made and attached a QR Code to all the ones I could -which should take you to a YouTube clip of the story being read. Give it a try - it's a good way to get into the magic of QR Codes - another one of my passions! They can be used for SO much amazing stuff.
Never underestimate the power of Picture Books - they are personal as well as universal. And they are very, very important - no matter how grown up you may think you are. You should never get so old that you don't read Picture books - that would just be too sad!
Have a wonderful weekend and take time to read! And .. if anyone was counting, which I'm sure you're not .. 4 weeks to the end of term!
Life is only travelled once - today's moment becomes tomorrow's memory.
Enjoy every moment!
Thursday, 24 October 2019
Mindshift Blog Articles
Check out these articles when you get a moment - it is interesting to note in the first one concerning reading, that the data shows that American students are having as many problems with reading as ours are, along with the same concerns being made by their teachers. I guess the highlight from that is: We are NOT alone and it ISN'T just us! Poor comfort maybe, but possibly a comfort anyway!
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54452/why-deeply-diving-into-content-could-be-the-key-to-reading-comprehension
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54514/how-tech-tools-can-reduce-anxiety-and-strengthen-relationships-with-students
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54389/3-ways-to-shape-math-into-a-positive-experience
Enjoy your weekend - 7 weeks to go to the end of Term! (If anyone is counting)
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54452/why-deeply-diving-into-content-could-be-the-key-to-reading-comprehension
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54514/how-tech-tools-can-reduce-anxiety-and-strengthen-relationships-with-students
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/54389/3-ways-to-shape-math-into-a-positive-experience
Enjoy your weekend - 7 weeks to go to the end of Term! (If anyone is counting)
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