Wordles in the classroom

I've seen Wordles before but never had a use for them. After some thought I realized how much fun they could be for those students that learn best by using art! Students can create a Wordle for every subject:. Here is a sample....In order to create your own you need to have an updated version of Java so I'm thinking if you can't create one online, then students can create their own with paper and markers.

1. Describing a character in a book using character traits (reading)
2. Publish new vocabulary words (All content areas)
3. Practice common multiples (math)
4. Show synonyms (reading)
5. Alternates to the word "said" (writing)
6. equivalent fractions (math)

How would you use Wordles in your room?

Voki for the Voiceless

Now that I'm starting to loose my voice once again I thought I would check out Voki. I must say that for someone who is always loosing her voice this program can come in handy!!

I thought that I would have her say my morning reminders seeing as I still say them to every child as they walk in the door. It was a very simple program to use. My Avatar and message was created in less than 15 minutes! I can see myself using it in the future to introduce new projects. Perhaps student would be more inclined to focus and listen if the directions are coming from someone else?



I have changed my avatar to provide you with a final thought on technology within a classroom. This has truly been an amazing experience this semester!

Student Samples

My students have been feverishly working on their Animoto videos. They have spent the last two weeks researching an endangered animal, taking notes, and creating a video presentation. Keep in mind that this is the first time they have ever used an online program or taken notes off the internet! Here are a few samples.

If you're really interested you can check out the rest at my Weebly site.(endangeredanimalslinks)

Weebly Websites

Ever wish you could just create your own website with all the information you need in one place? Now you can. Check out Weebly. They offer you a simple to use tools to create your own website for free!

My students have picked their endangered animals from North America and unfortunately they can't locate all the information they need from the same site. I created a website using Weebly with all of their animals and quick links that were already screened for their use. They have little to no adds and are credible sources. I'm hoping this is going to same me and the students a lot of time... check it out!


Endangered Animals Links

Free! Free! Free!

Everybody loves free resources!

1. Here is an endless alphabetized list of interactive reading comprehension resouces. (grades 3-5)
An Internet Hotlist on Comprehension created by Tanya Travis

2. Public Schools of North Carolina have created a math resource page by grade level. Once you click on the grade you are looking for scroll down to the week by week essentials. Each week has great games, worksheets or ideas for you to use!

3. Dr. Nicki Newton! I had the privledge of attending a professional development by Dr. Newton and I must say she is FANTASTIC. Here is a sample video she created. Then check out her blog... really you must do this!



When you look at her blog make sure you search the archives and past blogs for the really great resources. She has a lot of links. You may also try searching for a topic.
Dr. Nicki's Guided Math Blog


I copied links from Classroom Collective for your to navigate through. This is a collection of teaching resources, tips and tricks.

• @classcollect on Twitter
• Facebook Profile

• classroom
• lessons
• planning & more
• technology
• special education and behaviour
• personal stories
• professional development
• documents
• relationships
• inspiration
• types of learning
• occasions
• assessment
• contact
• advice

Oh no... I'm sick!

Calling out for a sub can be a hassle. Especially if you have nothing pulled for your lessons. Check out "In a Pinch" sub plans.

 It's a day of lesson plans focused around a picture book! This is such a great idea. All you need to do is pull a few favorite books and plan a day. Then you can store them in your desk draw until they are needed.

Find the Clues

Here is a cute video when teaching inferencing and drawing conclusions! I stumbled upon it using Pinterest.

Source: youtube.com via Marty on Pinterest

Also did you know that Pinterest has its own interference website? It has tons of pictures to use as resources!

Common Core Materials

While searching for new materials to extend learning in our math lessons I came across Common Core Sheets.This website has hundreds of FREE worksheets for teachers to use. I thought that the organization of the site was very helpful. Check it out!

Reading Math

Integrating literacy and math can be more challenging than other subjects but thanks to many creative authors it is no longer the case. More and more children's books are being published to illustrate math concepts. Check out this up to date list of math books for kids.

Social Skills Read Alouds

What a great idea! Savvy School Counselor posted about a series of books that revolve around bullying. Each novel focuses on a different person involved with bullying. One is about the victim, one is about the bully, and one is about a bystander.

Werid! By Erin Frankel
Dare! By Erin Frankel
Tough! By Erin Frankel



You can also check out A Year Of Many "Firsts". This blog post discusses several great read alouds for Anti-bullying lessons. While they are for first graders, they can always be used for upper grades!

Missed opportunity

With Read Across America Day gone, I feel as though I have missed this wonderful opportunity. I came across a website where celebrities are reading picture books to children! Check it out...Read Aloud

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Foundation is committed to championing children's literacy issues. Storyline Online helps students fall in love with reading.

Did you know...The Plains Bison is an American Buffalo?

I am so excited to share my latest creation with my only fans...my students. In anticipation for our research unit on endangered animals, I put together a digital story as an introduction.

Students will be picking one endangered animal from North America and researching their habitat, why they are endangered and how they can be saved. When creating this video I followed their note sheets and made sure I met all of the requirements that would be expected of them. I can't wait to see how their projects turn out!

Post It's... Stickies...Whatever!

I've always found that my students had some weird fascination with post its. Check out the 35 Ways to Use Post Its blog I've stumbled upon.

Can you add to it?