MsYorksClass.net

Simile Stockings

admin — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 16:14:41 +0000

After studying the difference between similes and metaphors, our class read “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” In this poem, many similes are used to identify Santa and his reindeer. For example, “He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle / And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.” Because this comparison of two unalike things uses “like,” it is considered a simile. Each pair of students were given one verse from the story and asked to name the items being compared as well as the meaning of the simile. In the end, we turned our information into our own simile stockings! Enjoy!

Interactive Science Notebooks

admin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:24:31 +0000

After our school took a hard look at the way we taught science, we decided that the most beneficial approach for our students was an integration between science and literacy. In order to help facilitate the connection for my students, we made our own version of ISN (Interactive Science Notebooks). We incorporated our essential standards for each trimester and aligned them with our current science content. This was the first year I tried these notebooks and some sample pages are below. Feedback and suggestions are appreciated!

Computer C-r-A-z-Y (Rack Cards)

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 02:58:39 +0000

In order to help my students remember the myriad of passwords and helpful websites we use, I decided to make racks cards with the more pertinent information. At our school, we use Accelerated Reader and Study Island from day one, so those spaces are left blank in order to fill in each student’s individual login information. On the bottom are classroom logins for BrainPop Jr and Scholastic. On the back, there are a list of the sites we use most as well as room for more.

Wallwisher: A Virtual Classroom Sticky Pad

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 02:55:40 +0000

Wallwisher.com is an easy-to-use, free Internet application that allows you to build a wall and have anyone in the world leave their own virtual Post-It! To build a wall, you will need to create a login with an e-mail account; people posting on your wall do not need an account (great for using WallWisher with younger students). Privacy levels can be set for each wall and posts can be moderated.

Once you’ve built a wall, you can either spread the direct URL to your contributors, or you can embed the wall into a blog, webpage, wiki, etc . Below, I’ve shared links to some fantastic Wallwisher classroom ideas. My favorites currently include: student responses to a book, piece of artwork, or video; reflections/advice for a school year; vocabulary practice (give a word and students must create sentences using the word); Red Ribbon Week pledges; online thank you card for a classroom helper; and definitions for the different pieces of a paragraph!

Wallwisher — 105 Classroom Ideas

Twenty Three Interesting Ways to use Wallwisher in the Classroom

Wallwisher in the Classroom

Classroom Flags

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 02:54:45 +0000

After reading about the CA Bear Flag Revolt and discussing the value of state and country flags, we decided to create a flag that exemplified the uniqueness of our classroom. All students drew things they felt were the most accurate representation of our class or things unique to our classroom that they enjoyed most: morning yoga, Pinwheels for Peace, interactive science notebooks, VIP Club, music, our class website, recycling, nature journals, and more! As they were drawn in May, many of them were up for display during Open House. Regardless of the state or nation you reside, it’s a great renewal of classroom culture to be able to identify the positive features of your room!

Accomodations Made (Small Rubber Stamp)

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 02:52:09 +0000

This idea was (if I remember correctly) taken from a ProTeacher member. If it’s your original, please do let me know!

V.I.P. Club (Magnetic Notepad)

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 02:50:25 +0000

Simply a notepad to use as a reminder for the V.I.P. (Very Intelligent Pupil) Club.

Glogster EDU

admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 03:24:49 +0000

Glogster EDU is a Web 2.0 platform that allows teachers and students to upload photos, videos, text, audio, and other media to create an online, interactive poster! Glogster creates an environment that stimulates subject integration while being visually appealing and engaging for all students, regardless of location, grade level, gender, etc. Try Technology for Kids: Glogster and What Can You Do With Glogster? for great Glogster ideas and examples!

V.I.P. Club Certificates (Oversized Postcards)

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 03:57:11 +0000

I use these certificates for students who have have their way to the Hall of Fame board in the V.I.P. Club. See here for a further explanation.

Tri. 3 Math Helper (Oversized Postcards)

admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:15:46 +0000

Our school has converted to a very standards-based system. As such, we have chosen essential standards to cover during the course of each trimester. I placed a sample problem or cheat sheet note for each of these standards onto an oversized postcard. They will be used as bookmarks in our math textbook and can be used as reference whenever they are needed.