Introducing MiddleWeb

I would like to introduce you to one of my new favorite blogs - MiddleWeb.

As you can see, this is a website designed for teachers from grades 4-8 in mind.  It is a treasure trove of resources, and I would encourage any of us who teach those grades not only to explore the website, but to subscribe to their newsletter, which is published twice a week.

I was struck by the lead article in today's newsletter, titled: "Taking a new approach to those children who challenge us."   I found it to be a fascinating read, and have included the link here:  http://www.edutopia.org/blog/touch-kids-make-better-teachers-allen-mendler.

If you are interested in learning a bit more about MiddleWeb, I offer you the following screenshot:

Enjoy!

mb

E is for Explore!

I discovered this amazing blog this morning from the iLearn Technology Blog.  What a find!!  Blogger Erin Bittman is a graphic designer who has taught Pre-K and graphic design to kids.  The design of the blog is beautiful, and the hundreds of ideas are brilliant.  I think you will find ideas for every subject and grade level with this blog to help perk up lessons during those long January days.  Topics include discovery/exploration, science/engineering, mathematics, art, literacy, social studies and seasons/holidays. 

To quote: E for EXPLORE is a one-stop resource for teachers and parents.  We develop unique learning activities, and search the internet and compile additional great ideas from other sources.  Our index helps you find what you need quickly and easily.  Where we have posted ideas from other sources we provide easy links to those websites.  Please visit those as well to see what else they have to offer.  All E for Explore activities conform to state common core curriculum standards.

Following are a handful of activities I discovered this morning... but please, explore yourself:

http://eisforexplore.blogspot.com/

I Have a Dream...

Candy Heart Math

Lego Fractions

Snowman Construction

Popped vs. Unpopped

Some Great Web 2.0 Tools for HTS Teachers

Web 2.0 Tools for Teachers on Prezi

Polly and I have been brainstorming, and have come up with a huge list of Web 2.0 tools to introduce in our workshop next week.   I thought it might be helpful to post our resources in advance.  If you have a few minutes to review the resources, and have any questions about how they might best work in your classroom, let us know. A number of "how-to" videos have been embedded in the Prezi, so you always have the resource sat your fingertips :)

If you have a few minutes to explore this Prezi, be sure to select the "full screen" option above the "more" tab.

Enjoy!

Mary Beth and Polly

Integrating Technology ... with Prezi

Hi all, I've spent the day experimenting with a super cool web-based presentation tool called Prezi...  I created a presentation for the Integrating Technology workshops Polly and I have been hosting - some which have already taken place, and others scheduled for a few weeks from now.

If you have a few minutes to explore this Prezi, be sure to select the "full screen" option above the "more" tab.

You'll find a huge number of resources here to spark your imagination.  We hope that you'll be able to take a bit of time to explore a range of techie options for your classroom next year.  I was able to imbed videos for TedEd, the Google World Wonders Project, Google Earth and more... so please take some time to explore those possibilities.

Let me know if you have any questions at all - or have other resources to add... and hope you are enjoying your summer,

mb