Technology Tuesday

I'm having so much fun participating in the Teacher Week linky party at Blog Hoppin.

 Today it's Technology Tuesday.  I have already jotted down several sites I want to look at and try.  I have also got some great ideas on new IPAD apps to add to our classroom IPAD.

Here are a few of my favorite websites that I integrate into my curriculum:

1.  Brain Pop

 Our school has a yearly membership to Brain Pop.  I LOVE to use Brain Pop when introducing new concepts.  Last year my students enjoyed Brain Pop so much, they would ask if I had a video for it when introducing a new concept to them.

2.  Aplus Math

My students love the game room on this website.  It's great for practicing multiplication facts.  I often have one of the classroom computers set up with this website for students to access when they are finished with their work.

3. Spelling City

This site is one of my favorites to use with my students.  I love to put it on our
classroom Promethean board for the whole class to view and participate in the spelling activities.

4.  Giggle Poetry

I love to use this site with our poetry unit and use in our literature stations throughout the year.  This year I hope to incorporate this into our Daily 5 "Work on Writing".

These are just a few of my favorites that I use on a regular basis in my classroom.  I love to integrate technology into my lessons.  I'm so fortunate to have a Promethean board and even IPADs in my classroom.  Often I have been fortunate enough to "Google" a concept we are working on, and sites with educational games I can use online pop up.  I have found several games to use with teaching grammar through Harcourt School.

Don't forget to check out all the awesome technology ideas at Blog Hoppin.  Just click on the link below.

 

Must Have Monday

I'm so excited to be linking up with Blog Hoppin for Teacher Week 2012.

Today it's Must Have Monday.

Here are some of my "Must Haves":

1. My MacBook laptop

 

This goes with me everywhere.  I can easily access my online gradebook, units I'm working on in Powerpoint, photos, and my blog.

2. Erin Condren Life Planner

This is my first one, and I'm loving it.  It helps me keep track of my school meetings, and all of my kiddos soccer practices.  Trying to keep up with the scheduling of 3 kids in soccer is difficult.

3.  My Scotch Laminator

I purchased this from Wal-mart this summer for $27.00.  I LOVE it!  It's so convenient to have a laminator at home.  

4. My book baskets, tubs and other accessories to keep my classroom organized.  The ones below have been fabulous these past couple of weeks with all of our Olympic and math stations.  I get them ready the night before and on the day we use them the table leader comes up and gets their station basket. 

My favorite place to buy all of my storage items and baskets... The Dollar Tree

5.  Gotta have a Thirty One Bag... 

I can't wait to check out everyone's Must Haves.  Don't forget to link up with Blog Hoppin this week for Teacher Week.

Tell Me More Linky party....

I have been blogging since February so I feel still like a "newbie" in the blogging world.  I have become a better teacher since I began blogging.  I am so thankful for all of the great ideas I have learned over these past few months.  .... I also enjoy reading everyone's posts about their life outside of the classroom.  We are all teachers.. but we also have beautiful families, friends, and other interests outside of the classroom.  I LOVE hearing about them from all of you.  So I couldn't wait to link up with Mrs. Lemons at Step into Second Grade for her Tell Me More Linky.  

Here are some things about me...

1. I rarely go to the movies...... I can not sit still that long.  I would rather watch a movie in the comfort of my own home so that I can get up, move around, and work on something while I am watching the movie.  Sad, I know.  It frustrates my kids and husband.  ( We did see the new Spiderman movie as a family, and my youngest did a much better job at sitting still in the movie theater that I did.)

2. I am a bit of a hypocrite when it comes to the subject of curly hair.  My daughter has beautiful curly hair.  She Hates it.  Actually she even wishes for a different hair color.    I often remind her how beautiful she is.  BUT then what do I do?   I color my hair ( to cover my gray) and straighten my curly hair with a flat iron.  I have even gone as far as to have a keratin treatment done on my hair to tame the curls.  ( I wasn't born with curls... I inherited them after the birth of my youngest child.)

3. I LOVE to run.  I am a SLOW runner ( 9 minute mile) and run between 3-4 miles a day, but I LOVE it.  I used to HATE it, and even went as far as to tell my husband who is an avid runner that ( God didn't create me to run.)   It helps alleviate stress, and helps me sleep better at night.  :)

4.  I often reread my blog posts and second guess myself several times before ever actually publishing a post.  My biggest worry ( Will this post be helpful to anyone?)...

5.  I scare very easily.  I do not like horror movies.  I even have a hard time watching " Ghost Stories" with my husband.  I think this is one of his favorite shows.    I am also terrified of storms.  I have been through a few tornadoes, and the sound of hail or  wind has me shaking in my shoes.

6.  I LOVE to see my kiddos smile.  It brings me such great joy.  There's nothing like a smile that spreads from ear to ear.

7. I get so emotional over inspiring stories.  My family is used to me shedding a tear or two after hearing an emotional story.  

8. I LOVE to watch sports.  My favorite team is the St. Louis Cardinals and any team that my kiddos play for.

9. My idea of relaxing is heading to the pool to soak up some sunshine or curling up with a good book.  I LOVE to read!

10. The first time I ever met my husband was at church.

Don't forget to link up with Mrs. Lemons at Step Into Second Grade.  I can't wait to read more about everyone.