Screencast

Every year my 8th graders create a memory book of themselves telling a story of their last year at the school along with their past years as well. My screencast that I created is how to create the cover page of their memory book. With this screencast my students who are absent or need to view it at a slower pace will be able to view the screencast. Also, I can create multiple screencasts for my students who want to work ahead on this assignment.

Google Maps

During the first week back in school it is always fun to hear what the students did during their summer vacation and the places they visited. Below is an overview of how I can turn a simple share in class story to a  Google Map and writing assignment.
The students would be required to first think about all the things they did this summer. Next, I would want them to recall their favorite trip they took this summer whether it was one day, a few days, or even a week long. Then they will need to list every place they visited in sequential order. Once everyone has their list we will then visit Google Maps. For this task, each student will make a map and plot out their list of locations they visited on the map. With each place they visit, they will also need to make sure to write a brief description of what they did there, why it was their favorite place, or what they found interesting. After everyone is finished with their map, they will then need to write a one page paper providing more details about the map they created. Once everyone is finished with their paper, students will then be able to share their maps with the class.

To view a sampling of what the students map will look like please click the link Google Maps.

Podcasts - Grammar Girl

This week while searching for an educational podcast that would suit my needs I came across Grammar Girl-Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing. Since I am a language arts teachers I thought that this might be an excellent podcast to try out, and I am very pleased to say it was the right choice. Grammar Girl provides a nice quick and to the point explanation about areas in grammar that many people struggle with. For instance, her most recent topic was about alright vs all right. She explained when to use it, why to use, and how to put them to use. I was very impressed with her explanations and know that this is a site I would want to view more of her podcasts. Grammar Girls site is: http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ I hope you find it as interesting as I did, and as useful as well!

Embedding Media in Blogs - Google Maps

View Larger Map

For a real kick, click the View Larger Map to see how you are going to travel across the Pacific Ocean.

Embedding Media in Blogs - YouTube Video

I didn't know which video to put so I choose 2 for this project. I know this is a Christmas video but my cousin wrote this song, created the video, and stars in it as well. How many can say their cousin created a Christmas song? Anyways, here is "Hot Christmas Cookies" by Henry Koperski (my cousin). Have fun watching it!

Embedding Media in Blogs - Youtube Video

Blaise and I love to watch this video together of Fiest singing 1,2,3,4. She does a great job reinforcing the number 4 and I have to say my 3-year-old really knows his number 4. 

Embedding Media in a Blog - Static Image

Here is my adorable son Blaise  at Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes in June. He decided to start doing some fun poses for me as he was tired of always saying "cheese" for the camera. 

Photo Sharing

I have posted 8 photo of our trip to the Columbus Zoo in June. My Flickr website is http://www.flickr.com/photos/cgavinator/. I hope you enjoy the pictures of the animals I have posted!

Social Bookmarking

Social Bookmarking has brought me back in time to a little over 5 years ago when my then soon to be husband had recommended us using the site delicious to plan our honeymoon. We knew where we wanted to go, but just not where to stay and what to do. With this great site he and I were able to plan a great trip to Door County, WI. Unfortunately, I kind of forgot about it and how useful it was to view the sites from different computers. I had been a bookmark junkie and was, for a brief time turned to the social bookmarking. Now that I have been reintroduced to it, I think my days of bookmarking are over and social bookmarking will be here to stay. Okay, maybe I am getting a little too into this. So here is my link, can't say I have a lot on it yet, but give me time and it will be loaded with many great sites, www.delicious.com/cgavin2023

RSS Reader Links

This week has been a busy week reading some very interesting articles. Two of my favorite websites are abcteach and pbs for teachers. Both of these sites provide great information and ideas that I often use within my own classroom.

Happy 4th of July!

I hope everyone has been staying nice and cool this week. We have been doing a lot of swimming, and I am very excited to state that my little 3yr old has turned into a  fish this week! He has been swimming all by himself in his brand new, hand-me-down, life-jacket from his older cousin. He has gone from hating this water last year to I can't get out of it this year. Okay, I am now done with my proud momma moment.

Here is the link to my new wiki page.