New Year - New Role - No Updates

I apologize for the lack of updates here. I began a new position this year, and it has had me running every single day! I am looking forward to making updates to this blog during Spring Break.

While I miss my ELA classroom, I am greatly enjoying being the Data Specialist for my school. I analyze data, run PLCs, pull students to discuss scores and progress, and assist teachers with utilizing data information in the classroom. I also handle field trip paperwork and assist with event planning. It's been a huge change not having students in my classroom all day, but thankfully, I do have three electives spread through my day.

Check back soon for updates on field trip planning and data utilization!

Journalism: Newspaper & Yearbook

My Newspaper & Yearbook staffs are currently accepting applications for the 2016-2017 school year. Each staff created a commercial to share with the school asking student to apply. I absolutely love how they turned out so differently!

Your Vote Counts!

I love making my classroom as "hands-on" and "real-world" as possible. Learning should never be limited to the classroom, and students must be taught early in their lives that every aspect of life is a learning opportunity.

With the 2016 Presidential Election season in high gear, it is a key real-world event to bring into the classroom. While many current students cannot vote in this elections, they will be eligible to vote in the next election (2020). I teach eighth graders, so all of my students will be able to vote in the 2020 election. Now is the time to teach their generation the importance of voting and how to understand the issues America is facing. 

With the end of the year approaching, I created a unit centered around the 2016 presidential election where students can hone their debate and communication skills and continue practicing researching and writing. My students sunk their teeth in on day one, and they haven't let go! I have been pleasantly surprised at the number of students who have gone home to continue class discussions with their families and brought back more information and influences. It has sparked heated discussions between thirteen to fourteen year olds! 

We are gearing up for fishbowl debates on Education, Energy & Oil, Foreign Policy, Gun Control, Health Care, Immigration, Social Security, War & Peace, and Welfare & Poverty this week. The unit is for sale on Teachers Pay Teachers (check it out!). 

Cool Tool: Zaption

Do you show videos in your class? If so, you should be using Zaption! This is an effective online site/tool that allows you to make videos interactive.

Zaption allows teachers to add text, images, and questions to videos. These videos can come from online sources (such as YouTube) or be uploaded from your device. This transforms the video from a one-way informative lecture to an interactive learning activity. It engages students, checks for understanding, and provides you with a way to check student progress. Teachers can share the lesson for students to complete on their own or show the video in class to complete together.

There are millions of videos available online to capture student interest and share information. The problem is ensuring students are actively watching the videos and gaining knowledge. Zaption gives teachers a way to have student interact with the video and lesson in real time. Students can answer questions or submit answers to discussion questions as they are discussed in the video. The video pauses to give students time to respond. Students do not need to feel rushed while answer questions on a worksheet, and teachers have more useful information to gauge student understanding and input.

It is a great way to increase student engagement! Technology standards and objects are prevalent in today’s classrooms. Videos are a positive way to bring technology into the classroom and tap into the plethora of resources available on the web. Zaption helps turn these videos into interactive lessons and check for student participation and understanding in real time rather than at the end of class or the following day.

It is imperative for students to take ownership of their learning and their future. They are not observers to learning. Zaption puts students into the video/lesson as it is happening. It ensures students are understanding the information being presented and assists teachers in remediating students as needed. It is a strong tool for implementation to any 21st century classroom.

Do you use Zaption? Share a video in the comments!

Here is my most recent Zaption video lesson: Introduction to Presidential Election 2016

I use this video to do many things:

• Introduce the presidential candidates before we begin our research and debates
• Review Theme
• Review Ethos, Pathos, Logos
• Discuss Marketing Techniques
• Discusses Sources/Truth in Information

Let me know what you think!

Disney Youth Education Series

We went back to Disney!

This was my second time taking the Disney Youth Education Series field trip. Every trip is different. There is always something to learn (and always something stressful), but I never regret going! Our group size almost doubled from last year! 

We take a whirlwind of a three day trip staying at a Disney hotel for two nights, sleeping on a charter bus for two nights, running the day away in Disney parks for three days, and enjoying two Disney YES programs.

Now that we are back - it is time to start planning next year's trip.

One of my newspaper staff students wrote an article on our recent Disney field trip:

On February the 3rd, Ms. Reeves took a group of eighth graders to Disney World to get a hands-on experience with the science that occurs at Disney. They visited Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and Magic Kingdom. The students were taught about how motion, gravity, and acceleration help the roller coasters at Disney World work in a program at Magic Kingdom. This program walked students through real life examples of Newton’s Laws of Motion. They rode Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to see the laws in action!

They also learned how the people at Disney, and all over the world, work to create areas that people and animals can both live together. Disney’s Animal Kingdom provides habitats for a variety of animals from around the world. The Disney guides also instructed students on ways they can conserve resources at home in order to help keep habitats around the world from being destroyed. This program hit close to home for GSMS students as we also have many local efforts to keep our local habitat (the beach) safe, clean, and protected for our wildlife.

Kathleen Wilson, a student that went on the trip, exclaimed, “I enjoyed going to Disney World. It was fun to learn how the roller coasters work and get to ride them with friends.” Sara Coker, another student that went on the trip, explained, “I had a lots of fun in Disney World, but my favorite part was learning how science, math, and history are involved in the making of everything there, especially the roller coasters.” All students had a wonderful time!

Classroom Tools & AUPs

Blog post for CAT 531 - University of Alabama

The list of available technology tools for the classroom is growing daily. From classroom systems (I use Moodle) to interactive games (KaHoot! is the favorite among my students), we have a multitude of ways to reach our students both inside and outside the classroom. I teach in a 1:1 county. Each of my students is provided with a MacBook Air and a Google account. While the plethora of technology can definitely enhance our classroom experience, it is also important to keep the county's Acceptable Use Policy in mind as I select and use technology with my students.

If an instructor were to use TeacherTube in a classroom, they would need to consult the school's AUP because TeacherTube opens the door for students to access videos created by other people, students to comment and share information online, and students to create and post their own videos to share globally. Many safety concerns and irresponsible netiquette issues could arise from the use of TeacherTube if students are not monitored closely and taught the proper use of the technology.

Areas of our AUP that should be referenced when considering the use of TeacherTube include netiquette, personal safety, and cyber bullying. Students must follow proper netiquette and only post and/or comment on TeacherTube in a respectful manner. They must also verify their information before spreading false information. Cyber bullying must not be tolerated. This goes hand in hand with using the Internet in a respectful manner. It is okay to disagree, but it is not okay to be hateful. The teacher should instruct students on the importance of not sharing personal information online (birthday, address, full name, ETC). Teachers should review student videos before publishing to ensure student safety. 

While these areas of concern are serious and should be discussed directly with students, concerns are not a reason to avoid the use of technology in the classroom. Be aware. Prepare. It is vital in today’s society for students to understand the implications of improper use of the Internet. It is just as important for students to be taught the amazing opportunities available through technology.

Leadership & Sign Language

My Lead (Leadership) class does not have a set curriculum. We have a lot of wiggle room to do things that will prepare the students for the future and peak their interest. During the first semester, we have learning typing (I'm surprised how many students don't know how to truly type!), Genius Hour, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, video announcements, and now sign language!

Studying American Sign Language was requested by about 80% of the students, so we are learning it as a class. I have found video lessons online (ten lessons total), and we are going through those lessons and using Life Print to learn ASL! The students have truly taken to it and are doing a wonderful job.

Our county provides Rosetta Stone accounts for each student and employee, so students have access to learn many other languages. Unfortunately, there is no Rosetta Stone program for ASL. We are taking advantage of our class time to learn ASL. I do not know ASL, but I am learning with my students. I am enjoying it more than the students! I definitely have a goal of becoming multilingual. The world can be a better place through good communication!

For the holidays, the students learning "Jingle Bell Rock" in ASL. We created a video to share with the county and even went caroling at the elementary school! Check out the video below!

Dolphin Tank

We are the Dolphins (Fear the Fin!), so we decided to hold Dolphin Tank projects this year. Similar to the hit show Shark Tank, our students create a product, project, or service and present their idea to the community during Fine Arts Night. The winning group continues on to have their project funded using a crowd funding site.

This year the theme of Dolphin Tank was service learning. Students worked in groups of 3-4 to create something beneficial for our community. Project ideas ranged from products, like sunscreen machines (we are a beach community), to services, like a giving tree (year-round go to the fire department and submit a need then community members can pick your item to buy and leave at the giving tree for you to pick up), to projects, like hygiene bags for the homeless. They were extremely creative, and we were all very proud. (All 8th grade students completed a Dolphin Tank service learning project.)

I created an interactive center to help students prepare for and work through the Dolphin Tank unit:

Students presented their Dolphin Tank project through their ELA class. The top 3 groups from the entire eighth grade were selected to present at Fine Arts Night. Fine Arts Night includes a performance by the band and theatre students as well as an Art Show. It is always a wonderful night to show off the great things happening at our school! Especially since parents aren't as involved at the middle school level as they are at the elementary level. 

Our winning presentation group can be watched by clicking here.

This group has already spoken to many community members and started a Kick Starter. They are well on their way to making their project a reality.

I plan to post a Dolphin Tank bundle to my TPT store within the next few weeks! Keep your eyes open for this wonderful project! It can be used for realistic projects (like we did) or imaginary invention type projects.

Video Announcements

While my newspaper staff publishes a monthly e-newsletter, my Lead students produce biweekly video announcements. These video announcements are put together using iMovie and shared on our school website homepage and school Facebook page. The students write the script, collect the photos, and record. I use a rubric to grade their recordings and scripts (I hope to put this in my TPT store soon!).

Check out their last video for the first semester:

We look forward to more video announcements next semester!

Lucid Press & School Newspaper

This is my third year as the Newspaper Sponsor. We have definitely grown a great deal over the years! When the staff has handed to me, they only posted short (1-3 sentence) stories with a photo to a Facebook page separate from the school's main Facebook page. Now they write 250+ word stories weekly with at least five photos and two quotes and publish an e-newsletter monthly. This is in addition to keeping the main school Facebook page, Instagram page, and website up to date. We are busy bees!

e-Newsletter VS Paper

I am constantly asked about our decision to produce an e-newsetter instead of a paper newsletter. While all schools have different needs, the e-newsletter is the perfect fit for our school! We use Lucid Press to publish our newsletter. This program allows students to hold different account, share documents, and work collaboratively. It also has a chat room and comment area. As the teacher, I can login to review work and leave comment or make changes as needed.  

Once the e-newsletter is complete, it can be published then shared via link or embedded into another site. We embed it onto the school homepage and send a link to parents and students.

Since we are a 1:1 school, students can access the e-newsletter from the MacBook Air. We are cutting down on the use of paper and trash in our school - while also reaching a larger audience. (In the middle school setting, very few flyers make it all the way home.) The use of the e-newsletter also keeps us from having any cost in newsletter production!

Check out our first e-newsletter from the 2015-2016 school year!

Do you run the newspaper staff at your school? I would love to collaborate! 

Back at It!

Time flies is definitely an understatement for the last semester. We have been constantly busy! I look forward to getting back to blogging. I've continued blog on our school website for my newspaper staff, yearbook staff, and classroom (English Language Arts and Leadership). Check those out for great things we've had going on!

Over the next few days, I will be making several blog posts about the awesome things happening in my classroom. Then - beginning January 1st - I look forward to a normal blogging routine! Thankfully, the school year is in full swing and I hope to have a handle on life!

I have had numerous emails requesting my Genius Hour Rubric and Inspiration Station activity, so I took the plunge and started a TPT store. If you are interested in these items, please check it out! Thank you for your support.

Life Happens

This school year is a whirlwind! Every hour a new group of students come in wanting something different (Language Arts, Yearbook, Newspaper, Enrichment, Leadership). I've spent several nights at the school until 9pm, but I still don't feel caught up! I'm praying for the year to begin coming together, so I can't back into a routine.

Until then - teaching school, being in graduate school, and being a mother, daughter, sister, family member, and friends is a 24/7(+) job and blogging will be taking a seat in the back.

I am using the blog on my teacher page on our school website to help keep parents up to date on what we're doing, so please feel free to come check me out over there!

ELA, Enrichment, Leadership Blog

Yearbook Blog

Newspaper Blog

Monday Made It

I "made" my classroom ready for students. That counts as a Monday made it … right?

I used Donor's Choose to get these stability balls for my classroom last year. They have been ah-mazing. The students love to sit on them, and they have to keep their behavior in check and complete their work to keep the privilege to sit on them. It's a win-win all the way around. They increase focus, build better posture, and help keep the "wiggles" under control. 

The only downside is they do need to be blown up again occasionally which can take some time. It took 4+ hours to re-inflate them after the summer break. Thankfully - the students who love to sit on them also love to inflate them!

Do you use any "outside of the chair" seating in your classroom? Please share!

Wednesday Wisdom

This "Wednesday Wisdom" is pretty straight-forward. If you don't enjoy your career or classroom, how can you convince the people in your room to enjoy it? No one wants to get up early, sit all day, and be told stuff.

If you aren't having fun in your classroom, no one else is either.

Try something new. Break up the monotony. Get inspiration from Pinterest. Ask another teacher to collaborate. 

If you still love teaching, try another career! There are millions of careers out there. Don't make our students suffer in your misery. Shake it up or shake it off. You'll be glad you did!

Day One

It's here! It's here! This is our first week back with students. This is always an exciting week! I hate that many teachers feel like this cartoon:

Give me a few months, and I may join you - but right now - I'm up early and ready to go! Let's get this year started!

On the first day of school I like to keep it simple. We review the syllabus, complete a classroom scavenger hunt, and get to know each other. Many teachers spend the day lecturing with rules and procedures. This results in students sitting a good portion of the day, so I like to break it up and let students move in my classroom! 

I cover procedures and drills on day two, and by day three, we are on coursework!

How do you structure your first week?

Encouraging Scripture

Tomorrow is our first day back with students. I love the excitement and energy this time of year brings! With all of the busyness and craziness that back to school brings, it is very important that we take to pray for our students. 

The year will get bumpy. Things will go wrong. Thankfully - at the end of the day, it will be okay. We are good teachers. We are passionate. We love our students. We are here to do what is best by them. In a few weeks, when we hit a dip that feels like drowning in data, paperwork, grading, sports, clubs, and parent emails - remember - you are human, students are human, and it will be fine. Tomorrow is a new day.

Put your best foot forward. Admit when you are wrong. Admit when you need help. Show students that failure is okay. Let your students see you mess up and correct yourself! If we only show perfection 24/7, how can we expect our students to learn how to fix a fumble? They need "modeling" for these simple life skills just as much (if not more) as they do modeling for content. 

Proverbs 22:6 carries a great deal of importance in our classroom. You are not teaching english, science, math, history, or art. You are teaching children, preteens, and teenagers. You are teaching people. They watch you and learn from your habits, mannerisms, and words. Love them. Teach them. Show them how to concur life - one mistake at a time!

& We're Back!

This has been the first week back for teachers! We have an entire week before students return, but most of this week has been full of PD and team building - not much prep time. Thankfully, I worked on my classroom last week! 

How do you spend your teacher workdays before students return?

Encouraging Scripture

I have been blessed with a gift of teaching. I bask in God's grace daily with the joy this gift and career brings me. From students who challenge me and warm my heart to colleagues who inspire and encourage me, I am surrounded by glory daily.

There are also many other gifts God has blessed upon me that I feel help in creating a strong, focused, and engaged classroom for both my students and myself: organization, communication, and the ability to adapt. I do my best to pull from any and all gifts and build upon those gifts to reach my full potential and teach in proportion to my faith.

On the flip side of having gifts, there are many gifts I do not posses: patience, counseling, and memory. I do my best to find ways to counteract these short comings, but I recognize these weaknesses. Recognizing areas that need growth and reflecting how you work within those areas is the best way to grow! I lean on others to help me with patience and counseling as needed in my classroom, and I am always using technology and planners to help me remember things!

While we can see our own gifts and short comings, it is vital that we help our students see their gifts and short comings as well. Students need to be told that they matter and have purpose! They also need guidance on building on their weaknesses to improve.

How can you help your students find their gifts this school year? What can you use from your gifts to improve your classroom?

Encouraging Scripture

As we approach a new school year, keep in mind, and close to your heart, you are more than a teacher! You are there to counsel and guide students through this phrase of their lives. You make an impact! Sometimes we see students more than their parents see them. 

Consider your classroom habits and how you can work to connect with your students individually to help guide them in their journey this year. Pray for your students and love them!

Celly VS Remind - Classroom Communication

For the past several years, I have used Remind in my classroom, but at the GRITC conference I was introduced to Celly. They both offer a great resource for connecting with students outside of class time, but they have different features. What is the best fit for your classroom? Let's have a look!

The below information is what I have found through online articles and using the sites myself. If you have additional or different information, please share! I am still learning.

Remind

I'm starting with Remind because it is my tried and true platform. 

Remind started as a one-way text/email service, but they have recently added a chat feature. The one-way messaging is a great way to get a message out quickly without having to reveal your phone number, worrying about replies, or typing in emails one by one. I've enjoyed using this to remind students and parents about due dates, field trips, and upcoming events. 

The new chat feature opens the floor for one-to-one communication. Teachers initiate a chat session with a student (or if you change your settings, students can initiate the chat), and they can essentially email each other via Remind. I don't find this feature useful to me as I already have my school email address forwarded to my iPhone, and I can reply quickly from there when I am available. 

Students and parents sign up for Remind by texting a class code to a specific number or sending an email to the class code email address. No account is needed and sign up takes only a few seconds. This is very useful as creating an account takes time and no one needs another password to remember. Remind also has an app students/parents can download and messages can be read from there.

You can also schedule Remind messages to go out (I typically schedule a set of messages for the week on Monday) and add attachments to the message.

Celly

Celly is very new to me. We used it at GRITC, and I enjoyed it! I played around a lot, joined a few education topic cells, and began reading reviews. 

With Celly, you create "cells" or groups. Students join the cell, and everyone in the cell can chat together. Collaboration is key to a successful classroom! Celly also offers private chats for one-to-one communication. 

There are three cell types in Celly:

1. "Curator" - The cell creator (teacher) receives all messages privately first - then he/she decides if the message needs to be sent to the whole group or left private. (This is my favorite for classroom use.)
2. "Open" - All messages are sent to the entire group.
3. "Alert Only" - Only the cell creator can send messages - no one can reply. (Great for large groups where replies would be overwhelming.)

Celly provides a joining guide for parents and students.  It can be accessed through the website, app, or text messages. If you use the website or app, you must create an account. You do not need an account to use the text feature.

Celly also offers options to send attachments, photos, and POLLS! I love the idea of the poll feature. You can also schedule messages.

This program will be wonderful for classroom collaboration. Students can answer each other's questions (as I approve the message), make comments on readings and homework, and see that everyone needs to ask a question sometimes!

Pros/Cons

Remind - Pros

• No account needed for sign up
• One-way messaging feature is fast, simple
• Schedule messages
• Add attachments

Celly - Pros

• COLLABORATION
• Different cell types for different situations
• Mass messages can still be sent to the class
• Add attachments/photos
• Send polls

Remind - Cons

• "Chat" is the equivalent to email (I don't need another place to check)
• No Polls (without app)
• Lacking collaboration

Celly - Cons

• I have not experienced the text feature yet, but I feel it may be overwhelming if you are a part of several cells and receiving texts for all messages.
• Creating an account to use the app/website can take time and may deter parents from signing up.

Both programs offer great resources for the classroom! This year I am going to venture out with Celly and see where it takes us. I can still send mass messages like Remind, but it also opens the floor for collaboration and students to ask questions that can benefit the entire class at once. 

What about you? Do you use Remind? Do you use Celly? Are you thinking of switching from one to the other? I want to hear about it!