2021 finally coming to an end!

 We made it - and survived!  Well, I think we did anyway?  

It has been a tough year in SO many ways - and I'd like to thank everyone who has been there and helped to make it all work.  I truly appreciate the support. 

Time for you all to spend the next few weeks relaxing and getting ready for whatever 2022 brings us.  (To be honest, I think that maybe we need to view the Terms and Conditions before we accept it!)  

Remember to take the time to READ!  It is relaxing AND research shows that it lowers the blood pressure.  Besides - the Dinosaurs didn't read, and look what happened to them!  Why take the chance?? 

For those of you moving on from here, I wish you all the best wherever you go and for those of you staying on, I'll see you all back here next year to do it all again.  

Merry Christmas and the best of everything to you all!  

More Edutopia Weblinks

Check out the weblinks below - they are from the Edutopia website (which is American based - but may have something you could use). 

Not being a teacher, I am just guessing as to what may be helpful - so I'm hoping that this may be of some use - otherwise check out the Edutopia site for yourself. 

https://www.edutopia.org/article/framework-boosting-high-school-students-math-confidence

https://www.edutopia.org/article/3-math-games-you-can-use-class-today

https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-simple-outdoor-science-lessons-inspire-students

https://www.edutopia.org/article/engaging-students-community-based-projects

Referencing and Bibliography Websites

This is probably running a bit late in the school year - but it will be there for next year.  The first site is actually a game to teach skills needed - and the other two will help put together bibliographies for assignments - which is a skill that is needed for anyone with aspirations of going to Uni at some point. These sites will help cut a couple of corners and also cover a variety of referencing methods. 

https://refquest.westernsydney.edu.au/

https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/how-do-i-cite-electronic-sources

https://www.citethisforme.com/

International Day of People with Disability

 Tomorrow, Friday 3rd December, is the International Day of People with Disability.  Check out the link below for more information.  

International Day of People with Disability (idpwd.com.au)

Two weeks to go to the end of the school year ... but who's counting?? 

ABC and Education

I came across these links while chasing something else.  I'm sharing them with you in the hopes that they may be of some use.  The source checker one is actually a game (like Factitious) which might get the kids on board for checking out some 'fake news' material.  Who knows? 

There are also a couple of weblinks regarding mini lessons and secondary programs. 

https://www.abc.net.au/education/media-literacy/

https://games.abc.net.au/res/media-literacy/source-checker/index.html

https://www.abc.net.au/tveducation/programs/mini-lessons/13417954

https://www.abc.net.au/tveducation/programs/secondary/

Anyway, take a few moments and have a look.  They may be of some use to you and give you some ideas. 

QR codes again

Well, it has been a while since I extolled the amazing uses of QR Codes - but I came across this site the other day (as you do!) which allows you to input a series of questions and the system will generate QR Codes that can be used in a type of scavenger style hunt.

I have made one up to try out for Girl Guides - so we'll see how that goes.  It can literally be used for anything as far as I can see - any subject, any style of questions or quizzes.  Even for reflection questions in class. 

I am a huge fan of QR Codes, as you will see if you go back through some of my posts.  I have used them for Library Orientation activities, in teaching classification in Science to year 7s and often used them in Wide games and activities in Guides.  

I have also put together a review quiz on Multiplication tables for Ms. Squires, used them in a Library Display for Picture Book Month and in a class about advertising methods. 

Anyway, enough of my soapbox!  

Check out this website and let me know what you think.  (Oh, and the QR Code I have added has a message in it!  😀) 

 https://www.classtools.net/QR/

World Science Day for Peace and Development

Today is World Science Day for Peace and Development - which always happens on the 10th November each year. 

Check out the couple of links below. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Science_Day_for_Peace_and_Development

https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/worldscienceday

Game about Fake News

Something that may be of use in your class - 

Factitious is a game that is designed to help students practice identifying real and fake news stories. The 2020 version of the game features stories about COVID-19.

To play Factitious simply go to the site and select start. You'll then see an article appear on the screen. Read through the article, click the source listed at the bottom, and then select either the green check mark or red X to indicate whether or not you think the article is a real news story. After you make your selection you'll get instant feedback and an explanation of how you can tell if the article was a real or fake news story.

Points are awarded in Factitious based on accuracy, speed, and whether or not you viewed the source link before making a guess at the legitimacy of the story. The 2020 version of Factitious contains three rounds with five stories in each round.

http://factitious-pandemic.augamestudio.com/#/

I have posted this one before - but it appears that this is the updated link.  

Happy World Teachers Day

 

Carry on being AWESOME!!  

A thought to ponder..

Here's an image that may give us all something to think about .. we forget that there are always eyes upon us seeing how we behave in life - and that will then become their rationale for behaviour! 

Global Media & Information Literacy Week

According to the Australian School Library Association - this week is 'Global Media & Information Literacy' week, which will be running from 24th October to 31st October.  I have included a link below with ideas on how to celebrate this week.  

As well - the 8th to 12th November, will be 'Scams Awareness Week' which runs each year with input from the ACCC.  There is also a link for this one for further information.  

https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/globalmilweek/2021/howtocelebrate

https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/about-scamwatch/scams-awareness-week

 As scams are big business - and big trouble for a lot of people, these links could be handy to share. 

End of Term 3

Here we are - end of term 3.  That has come around quickly.  

Wishing everyone a relaxing and enjoyable break - lots of recharging so you will be all ready to come back and dive into term 4!  

See you then - and carry on being your awesome selves!!

Digital Citizenship Week - Lessons & Ideas

Digital Citizenship Week is coming up in October - and although this is primarily an idea from US - a lot of the ideas and lessons can be aligned with our classes here in Australia.  

In today's world, ruled by Social Media - these are probably good skills for our young ones to have.

Below are a couple of weblinks - two from the US, and one from NSW Education with some hints, tips and ideas.  

https://nearpod.com/blog/digital-citizenship-week-free-lessons

https://www.digitalcitizenship.nsw.edu.au/

https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship-week