tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7913555505411764972024-03-13T00:00:06.473-04:00Thoughts of a Dedicated TeacherAs an experienced teacher, I found this summer so much new information that I needed to save it all, thus this blog. I hope others share and contribute as we are all life long learners.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-64806294376960001692013-12-10T15:08:00.002-05:002013-12-10T15:08:18.409-05:00Let's Learn About Each Other - Or At Least Have Fun (re: Lisa)Thanks to Lisa Parisi, I am reserructing this blog so I can learn about others. And having time to do it on this snow day...yipee!!! SO here goes.
Be sure to read all the way to the end because YOU may have been tagged to do this on your own blog.
Here's how it works:
Acknowledge the nominating blogger.
Share 11 random facts about yourself.
Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.
List 11 bloggers.
Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer, and let all the bloggers know they have been nominated. Don't nominate a blogger who has nominated you.
Your 11 Questions
1. Where have you been outside of your country?
Yes, I have been to Europe, Australia, and South America. I have been to Canada and Australia, the Bahamas, Punta Canta,and while some people think Puerto Rico and the Virgin Island are outside the US (they aren't, they are territories), I taught there.
2. What is your favorite quote?
It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. My students repeat that every time they ask me if they have to take their coats to recess. It's also the reason I have six black skirts. My next favorite quote is: If you've always do what you've always done, then you'll always get what you've always gotten.
3. Have you ever been to a live concert? If so, whose?
Latest one: Donny and Marie in Las Vegas. Don't judge me.
4. What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Anne of Green Gables and Christy
5. What movie do you think everyone should see and why?
I haven't found that movie yet. I love lots of movies, but can find reasons for some sector of the population not to see it.
6. What do you do when no one else is around?
Play on computer, work, sleep
7. What are you better at than almost everyone you know?
Not giving up on something I said I would do.
8. If you had one hour to live and money was no object, what would you do?
I would go to Palm Beach, Florida, buy my grandparents home, and give it to my family.
9. What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
Recently, going on all the extreme rides 100 floors up on the Stratosphere in Las Vegas.
10. What do you love about where you live?
My family. We are so close. Plus, hop on the highway 1 mile away and go north...NYCity...go west...Philadelphia
11. What is your secret indulgence?
Watching Housewives of anything, except Atlanta
Now, here are you questions (courtesy of Lee K
What did you always want to "be" when you grew up?
What kind of car do you currently drive?
What would most people be surprised to find out about you?
How much time passes between the time when you wake up and your check your phone?
When did you last write a blogpost?
Do you suffer from Imposter Syndrome?
What would you do if you were not afraid?
What's the most bizarre food you've ever eaten?
Do you still live in the town where you grew up?
If you have kids, do you let them run around in restaurants? (
What's your secret indulgence?
Please come back here and comment if you post a blog. I chose people I haven't connected with in a while and miss or people I just love to hear from. And if I didn't tag you (it doesn't mean I don't love to hear from you) and you want to do this anyway, feel free and comment here so I can find out more about you.
1. Meg Blue Griffin
2. Robin Martin
3. Jim Sheffer
4. Pete Marks
5. Bentley Alberts
6. Camy McCready Kobylinski
7. Jane Martin
8. Maureen Kennedy Schoenberger
9. Chris Champion
10. Michael Soskil
stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-90082321865225992772009-02-08T19:14:00.004-05:002009-02-08T19:32:52.285-05:00Ten ThingsSounds kind of like the Bucket List, but a good reflective piece. Thanks, Meg, for tagging me.<br /><br />1. I would like to have my grandparents' house back in Florida. The older generation could not decide how to "divide it" so they sold it. I loved that house. It is 76 steps away from the water, in a lovely part of Palm Beach, and just has so many fantastic memories. Barring that, I would like a house of my own at the shore. Something that would always be there for me whenever I wanted to escape. I won't have to rent it, worry about it, just have it.<br /><br />2. I would like to be and stay a healthy weight for more than a month. No more yoyo dieting, no more gaining and losing, just staying the same weight for the rest of my life.<br /><br />3. I would like to be a runner. Every time I try to run, the back of my legs hurt so badly, I have to stop. It doesn't matter how much I weight or what I run on, it always happens. I'd like to be able to run for miles and not hurt.<br /><br />4. I want to be able to travel...with other people...or by myself. Usually I travel by myself since my friends have families and travel with them. The person I would LIKE to travel with HATES to fly and loves his home. He'd rather stay home. I'd rather seek and learn new things. So far I have been to four of the seven continents. I'd like to add at least two more.<br /><br />5. I would like my house to be clutter free and everything working. Windows, electric outlet, rugs everything.<br /><br />6. I would like for my parents to have to worry about us...even for a day...It always seems that they are worried about my brother or myself and not enjoying life the way I wish they would.<br /><br />7. Writing is something I want to do. Putting together a book of great teaching practices is something I CAN do.<br /><br />8. I would like to see the pyramids of Egypt.<br /><br />9. Going back to Australia and Venice are two places I would to go.<br /><br />10. Finding love from a man who understand and cherishes me would be the ultimate.<br />***************<br />I have tagged:<br />Kymberlie (did I spell it correctly this time)<br />Anne Thorpe (or Doc)<br />Maryann M (when she has time from her second grade fun!)<br />Carol F <br />and NicoleH. (it was fun getting to know you this weekend)<br />****************************************************************<br /><br />Challenge person:<br />http://theflorafamily5.blogspot.com/<br /><br />The reason I chose this one is because Mrs.Flora mentioned there were EAGLE fans in her life. She could be one of us!!!stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-52452256729939559782009-01-07T20:51:00.002-05:002009-01-07T20:56:47.527-05:00Sexy Joe recipe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjPkOYWS0WM/SWVdTS5ssOI/AAAAAAAABfI/f8ftt5avnKE/s1600-h/S1051596.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjPkOYWS0WM/SWVdTS5ssOI/AAAAAAAABfI/f8ftt5avnKE/s320/S1051596.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288735923489255650" /></a><br /><br /><br />From the author of the Biggest Loser Cookbook, Devin ALexander. <br />4 servings<br />331 calories<br />31 grams protein<br />43 g carbs<br /><br />You can change this anyway you want.<br /><br />1 lb extra lean ground chicken<br />1 T white vinegar<br />2 t. Worcestershire sauce<br />1 1/2 t honey<br />1/2 t hot pepper sauce<br />2/3 c chopped yellow onion<br />2/3 c chopped green bell pepper<br />3/4 c low-sodium tomato sauce<br />3/4 c chili sauce<br />4 whole grain or whole wheat hamburger buns<br /><br /><br />Preparation<br /><br />In skillet cook chicken. In small bowl, combine vinegar, Worcestershire, honey, and hot pepper sauce. Whisk to blend. Set aside. Drain any liquid from the meat. Add onion, bell pepper, tomato sauce, chili sauce, chili powder, and the reserved vinegar mixture to the pan. Stir to blend. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce the heat so mixture simmers. Cook for 20 minutes, or until mixture is thickened. Spoon onto buns.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-88295689036910565522009-01-04T20:03:00.002-05:002009-01-04T20:08:19.391-05:00Action PlansI know I haven't finished my 7 narratives yet, but that's okay because that is an on-going thing. Today, though, Sunday, I want to go back and think about my resolution.<br />Everyone should develop an action plan for every goal. For example, a healthy eating resolution may mean I need to find new recipes with sugar substitutes, drinking water rather than soda, or preparing my foods in advance. Action..moving...doing things that will make my goals become a reality.<br /><br />We teach kids this all the time. Don't just SAY you're going to do something, do it. But, truthfully, do we teach them HOW do accomplish this? I remember when I told my students we were putting on a play. We made a time line, made a plan. Each day we worked towards the mini goals we had set up for ourselves so that by the time we put the play on, our stress level was fairly low. Teaching goal making and planning is very important.<br /><br />So, as we start the new year, give yourself and your students a hand. Don't assume that someone somewhere they were already taught how to organize their time. They probably weren't. The earlier we start this the better.<br /><br />Hey, that sounds like a plan.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-10414616575229003772009-01-03T22:46:00.006-05:002009-01-04T19:36:47.991-05:00Tagged for SevenWow..Seven things to know about me. Off the top of my head:<br /><br />1. I was a ranked tennis player on the junior circuit growing up.<br />My mother believed we should try everything growing up. I was fortunate enough to have tennis, horse back riding, ice-skating, swimming, almost anything I wanted to try, but it was at tennis that I seemed to do pretty well in. When we moved to Haddonfield, NJ, my parents joined a tennis club. Mom was patiently hitting balls to me, helping us learn the game of fairness and being graceful in winning and losing. She took my friends and I around to different tournaments throughout PA, NJ, and Delaware, not so much to get a ranking but to meet new people It was so much fun. Later, I was lucky enough to be ranked #5 in my age group and go on to play college tennis at Lynchburg College. After graduating college I was an assistant coach at Haddonfield High School. There my team went on to win the state group 2 championships a few times.<br /><br />2. I was an exchange teacher in Australia.<br />Hands Across the Water is a program started by the local EIRC chapter in New Jersey. I was lucky enough to be picked to go to Australia five years ago. Leaving from Philadelphia, I traveled to Los Angeles and then to Sydney where we spent an overnight learning about the program. After that I flew to the Gold Coast and found myself met by the nicest family in the world, Ross and Julie Woolfe and their four children. These lovely people took javascript:void(0)me into their home for two weeks, taking me all around the area, Astonsville, and to their schools, Evanshead, where I got to teach for the two weeks. They were so wonderful.I even got to fly in a friend's plane to a nature center where I could hold a koala and see all sorts of Oz animals. After that I left the family and traveled to Cairns where I went scuba diving, snorkeling, and white water rafting. Then to Darwin to see the crocs, to the outback, Ayers Rock to hike and go hot air ballooning and stayed at a really cool hotel. After that it was down to Melbourne for some tennis, penquins and lots of wine, and then back to Sydney for a wonderful end to my month. Lots of stories to fill in at each comma and period here...lots.<br /><br />3. I have a hard time finishing things I start.<br />Nothing new here. I am sure I have ADD. I love to start things, but there are times, and craft kits, and diets, and projects, that are unfinished all over. This is something that drives me nuts. Although when I do finish something I have to remind myself of this poem I wrote:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Events come and go<br />And we are extremely lucky if the event supersedes the anticipation.<br />The inevitable let down should be but a brief moment<br />For what is life to look forwards, anxiously, to that which will occur.<br />And to look back fondly, on that which has already happened.</span></span><br /><br />4. I have an amazing sense of direction.<br />It doesn't matter where I am, I have already been there. Or so it seems. Many times I will be so lost but just keep driving or turn down a street and I am there. My mom hates this as she always says, "Just ask". I feel a fun and thrill in finding something myself. Yes, I bought a GPS, but I don't really believe it all he time.So far I have been on four continents and I always seem to find my way back to my corner of the earth.<br /><br /><br />5. I was a nanny in Europe for a summer.<br /><br />Our neighbors behind us left the US for England, but would come back periodically to see the old neighborhood. Dave, the dad,was the owner, producer and head honcho of a discount record company in England called PYE records. One April he came back and asked me if I'd like to be a nanny to his three children for the upcoming summer.Sounded good to me. I didn't want to go back to being a counselor at camp again so this was a great alternative. So, in June I packed my trunk (yes, a trunk), tennis racket and spirit and flew to Heathrow Airport. For the first month I lived with the family outside of London, being more a houseguest than a nanny as the kids were in school and I was able to explore to my heart's content. Once in a while I would have to go on the set of a movie or tv show as the daughter of the house was an actress and needed someone over 18 to be with her. I even made it to center court Wimbledon while I was there.<br /><br />After school was out, Wendy, Patti (the two daughters), Dave and I drove from England to Paris. Pat and David Jr flew as the baby was too little to make the trip in the car. The first night we spent i Paris.Then to Switzerland, over the Alps and headed for the villa in Forte di Marmi, Italy. This was to be our home for the rest of the summer. It was amazing. I was able to travel from there all over Italy, to Yugoslavia, and to Elba on a yacht. The villa had everything...a butler, maid, was across from the beach...it was a summer of incredible memories.<br /><br />Dave has since died, yet I will always remember the quote at his funeral: He burned the candle at both ends, but oh, what a glow. It certainly reflected to me.<br /><br />6. I caused the great Chinese Checker Marble Caper at the Pennsulia House in SeaBright, NJ<br />7. I was named Humanitarian of the Year for my district.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-89037692971637344012009-01-02T11:48:00.006-05:002009-01-02T18:22:08.861-05:00Swapping This for That<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjPkOYWS0WM/SV6hkwCRBcI/AAAAAAAABdY/5usTqozMa4Y/s1600-h/S1051572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjPkOYWS0WM/SV6hkwCRBcI/AAAAAAAABdY/5usTqozMa4Y/s320/S1051572.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286840665321309634" /></a><br /><br />I woke up this morning thinking I should change the title of my blog, Thoughts of a Dedicated Teacher because it isn't always about teaching, but then I thought...it's more than just about teaching in a classroom sense. I am teaching myself this year to do different things. I am teaching others when I save a recipe or a way of doing something, and yes, some of it is about the classroom.So, instead of swapping this nae for something else, I decided to keep it and think of myself of more than just a four walled room teacher, but of one of the universe. After all, isn't that what I'm trying to teach my students?<br /><br />I listened to a segment on the Today Show about foods to swap other foods for. <br />Instead of regular pasta...change to Nature's Way pasta<br />Instead of packaged lunch meals...by Oscar Meyer...swap for Frajita flatbread by Oscar Meyer <br />Instead of Jimmy Dean breakfast bowl..710 calories, fat, sugar of 2 Hershey chocolate bars choose Jimmy Dean D'Lights 230 calories<br />Instead of chicken potpie which is equal to 23 strips of bacon a better choice...Marie Callendar's oven baked chicken save 800 calories<br /><br />So it got me thinking....instead of____ what would or could I switch?<br /><br />Instead of being sick, I will be healthy.<br />Instead of sitting at the computer for ten minutes, I will walk.<br />Instead of frowning, I will smile.<br />Instead of not eating breakfast, I will try the Special K breakfasts for the week.<br />Instead of trying to do it all myself, I will ask for help.<br />Instead of saying YES to things I don't want to do, I will say "I'm sorry I can't help at this time, but check back with me."<br /><br />What things will you swap this week?<br /><br />I have joined the 50millionpound challenge with a group of people from my Plurk group. I am impressed with the information on the web site. Right now I am printing the menu for thirty days, which will start on Monday. There is also a place to put activity, journal and more. And it's all free.<br /><br />Another tool I'm using is the 31 Days to Unbreakable Resolutions. Today's is:<br />Post your written goals in places where you'll see them often-on your computer or fridge, in a picture frame on your desk, as a bookmark, and in your wallet. These reminders will help you stay focused and on track.<br /><br />Today I also attended a 2.0 educon seminar with the fabulous Peggy George. This was a great reflection of 2.0 tools used in 2008. People from all over the world attended and contributed. Here are a few lists that were shared:<br />Plurk - www.plurk.com <br />Twitter and Tweetdeck client for Twitter - www.twitter.com and www.tweetdeck.com <br />Flock browser - a variation of Firefox and Chrome www.flock.com <br />Skype and Yahoo Messenger www.skype.com and www.yahoo.com <br />Diigo bookmarks www.diigo.com <br />Facebook - use for connecting to other professionals and socially with friends www.facebook.com <br />Wikis - a variety of wikis from Wetpaint, PBwiki and Wikispaces www.wetpaint.com www.pbwiki.com www.wikispaces.com <br />MS Outlook - for email, RSS feeds, calendar features and access Google calendar events <br />MS Digital Image and Photoshop online to edit photos with Flickr and Photobucket to store images online - www.photoshoponline.com www.flickr.com and http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons www.photobucket.com <br />Wordpress.com and Edublogs.com for blogging - www.wordpress.com <br />These were from Kim Caise<br />http://kcaise.wordpress.com www.edublogs.org http://kcaise.edublogs.org <br /><br />This list is from Peggy:<br />Jing http://jingproject.com/ (haven't created my own my have learned a lot from Jing tutorials created by others)<br />Wikispaces.com http://wikispaces.com , http://aztea.wikispaces.com/Westside+Chapter+WIki<br />Dreamhost/wordpress http://www.dreamhost.com/hosting.HTML , created own domain name and WordPress blog http://pgeorge.net<br />Google apps (docs, forms, presentations, spreadsheets, notebook, reader) http://www.Google.com/intl/en/options/<br />Diigo http://www.diigo.com Fantastic social bookmarking/social networking tool-Diigo is a powerful research tool and a knowledge-sharing community My site re Diigo information, videos, tutorials, featured blog posts: http://sites.Google.com/site/myweb20adventures/Home/social-bookmarking-tools<br />Photo/video apps: Picasa http://picasaweb.Google.com , OneTrueMedia http://www.onetruemedia.com/ , BubbleShare http://www.bubbleshare.com/ , Skitch http://plasq.com/skitch , Voicethread http://Ed.voicethread.com , ustream.TV http://www.ustream.TV/ (created a channel for streaming PD workshops and monthly meetings for AzTEA)<br />IPhone apps (gratitude journal, iQuote, Comic Touch, Ocarina, Twitterific, Facebook, Remember the Milk, Pocket Guitar/Pocket Piano, Google Apps and Voice Search) http://www.apple.com/iphone/appstore/<br />Tweetdeck/Twitter http://www.tweetdeck.com/ my primary way to stay current via my awesome PLN (Personal/Professional Learning Network)<br />Webcast Academy http://www.webcastacademy.com and EdTechTalk webcasts http://edtechtalk.com<br />RSS Feedreaders: Google Reader on both computer and iPhone, NetNewsWire/Newsgator http://www.newsgator.com, PageFlakes for important sites/topics http://www.pageflakes.com, Snackr http://www.snackr.net/ FriendFeed http://friendfeed.com<br /><br />It's a bit overwhelming, but if I try a few each week, I'm sure to get hooked on even more.<br /><br />So, swapping this for that may not be a bad thing...as long as what you're swapping FOR will make your life better.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-7071553338800524972009-01-01T14:57:00.001-05:002009-01-01T17:55:34.687-05:009 Goals for 2009Which means new goals, new hopes, new happiness. I've been telling everyone for days that blogging is necessary, and yet, look at me...the worst procrastinator of all. <br /><br />1)Well, one of my goals is to be sure I write more in my blog. And that starts today. By posting "Blog on your blog" on my calendar, I am writing a specific goal and giving myself the time to do it. I love to write so I don't know why it's so difficult to follow my own advice. So it's on my calendar. Once a week to blog on my teacher site and to blog on my teacher challenge. <br /><br />2)Now I also have to set a goal about working out. I bought a new piece of equipment which should be here in a few days so that will help. I need to start walking again. Ten minutes. Just to start. It's cold, but it will help. I wish Sunny lived here and then I'd HAVE to take her out for a walk. Ten minutes a day. Specific.<br /><br />3)Spend time with family; that includes extended family as well. I need to spend time with Mom and Dad and Jeff and would like to do that once a week. Jeff is back to winter Jeff so it's a great time to take that advantage of the opportunity. Now to figure out the specifics.<br /><br />4)To smile more and reach out more to others. Not to do more than I can take on, but to do more for those who can't.<br /><br />5)to cut back on drinking soda. Even though it's diet, I know it's not good for me.<br /><br />6)to write down what I spend. I need to start saving money for a car. A small notebook will help me look at my finances.<br /><br />7)-9) will be forthcoming.<br /><br /><br />From Good Housekeeping:<br />Soup Diet Basic Recipe and Variations<br />Our recipe for the Basic Soup yields such a large quantity — to make sure you have enough to enjoy all week — that it calls for a 12-quart stockpot for preparation. If you don't have one, not to worry — the ingredients divide easily in half and the soup can be prepared in 2 large saucepans or Dutch ovens, depending on what you have in your kitchen cabinet.<br /><br /><br />Prep: 20 minutes<br />Cook: 50 minutes<br />Makes: 28 cups<br /><br /> * 1 lb. carrots, sliced<br /> * 3 med. onions (1 1/2 lbs.), chopped (4 c.)<br /> * 4 lg. stalks celery, sliced<br /> * 2 lg. cloves garlic, crushed with press<br /> * 2 cans (28 oz. each) whole tomatoes in juice<br /> * 1/2 sm. head green cabbage (1 lb.) thinly sliced (6 c.)<br /> * 3/4 lb. green beans, trimmed and each cut into thirds<br /> * 1 can (48 to 49 oz.) chicken broth<br /> * 6 c. water<br /> * Salt and pepper<br /> * 3 med. zucchini (1 1/4 lbs.), sliced into half-moons<br /> * 2 bags (6 oz. each) baby spinach leaves<br /><br />1. Coat 12-quart stockpot (or 2 large saucepans) with nonstick cooking spray. Over medium-high heat, add carrots, onions, celery, and garlic; cook 8 minutes or until vegetables soften, stirring occasionally.<br /><br />2. Add tomatoes with their liquid, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon. Add cabbage, green beans, broth, water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; heat to boiling over high heat, stirring occasionally.<br /><br />3. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Increase heat to high; stir in zucchini and spinach and heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 10 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.<br /><br />Each cup: About 45 calories, 2 g protein, 9 g carbohydrate, 1 g total fat (0 g saturated), 4 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 410 mg sodium.<br /><br />From SparkPeople:<br />Happy New Year!<br />If you haven't yet settled on your top goals for the year, do so today. Writing down<br />your goals (in specific terms) means you're more likely to achieve.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-1851312084629823872008-11-19T20:55:00.001-05:002008-11-19T22:07:19.083-05:00Richard Byrne SharesFree Technology for Teachers is a personal project of Richard Byrne. <br /> - Create Voice Recordings Without Software<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Vocaroo is a free service that allows users to create audio recordings without the need to install any software. All you need to provide is a microphone. . What I like about Vocaroo besides the ability to record without installing software is the option to embed the recording anywhere. After completing youhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=791355550541176497#r recording, Vocaroo gives you the choice to publish it or to scrap it and try again.</span><br /><br />Can't wait to give this a try. I love FREE.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-43968713590898982892008-11-12T20:29:00.002-05:002008-11-12T20:34:26.935-05:00I used to think conversion meant religionZamzar.com<br /> <br />converttube.com<br /> <br />converttube is instant. Zamzar you have to wait for the email.<br /> <br />keepvid.com <br /><br />savevid.com <br /><br /> www.lytebyte.com/2007/04/24/how-to-...<br /> <br />www.iconv.com/videoconverter.htm...<br /> <br />This is a download for .ppt that lets you imbed the video in .ppt www.technospot.net/blogs/how-to-add...<br /> <br />www.movavi.com<br /><br />you can use mediaconverter.comstacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-84068214883021842182008-11-09T21:07:00.002-05:002008-11-09T21:12:05.409-05:00Smile...You're Not the Turkey<object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/501sNcmrwGQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/501sNcmrwGQ&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object>stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-62045048202796888812008-11-05T06:29:00.002-05:002008-11-05T06:53:56.223-05:00A Footnote to HistoryThe 44th American President, Barack Obama, is an African-American. This is the first time this has happened in the history of the United States. A history that included slavery. He received over 62 million votes, and all the votes still haven't been counted. It is the largest amount of votes ever cast for a president. This Democrat candidate is young, full of hope, and ambitious. This was also the costliest presidential election ever...spending millions of dollars.<br /><br /><br />There is hope in the world that he will be able to do what he promised, make changes in the country. Change is hard, and not up to just one person, which I believe some people don't realize. No matter what a presidential candidate promises, s/he alone is not able to deliver that promise without the backing of Congress.<br /><br />Many people are afraid; afraid of assassination, afraid of what it means it means for an African-American to be president; afraid of change. No one is voicing those thoughts out loud, not on tv, not on plurk; it's like they are afraid to say something like that out loud.<br /><br />So, today is the first day in a long time I don't have some 'drama' to look forward to. The Olympics, the debates, the Phillies, the presidential election...they are all over now in time for the holidays to start.<br /><br />The quote "May you live in interesting times" is very true. These will be interesting times.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-58996197981894099582008-11-04T23:05:00.003-05:002008-11-04T23:23:56.468-05:00History Has Been MadeCNN projects that Sen. Barack Obama has won election as the next president of the United States.<br /><br />It's 11:06 and ABC and the rest of the news stations have just "called" the election for Barack Obama, the first African-American to ever be elected president of the United States. It is Tuesday night and it is the big story around the country, around the world. Obama will be addressing the crowd in Chicago, his home state tonight. Everyone is calling this a historic event, saying that men and women are crying saying they would never have thought that an African-American could ever be president of the United States.<br /><br />"America will never view it self the same way again, and the world will never view America the same way again." <br /><br />Many of the African-American reporters can hardly talk..it is so emotional for them.<br /><br />John McCain is an honorable man. He served his country both politically and militarily. How proud his family must be of him to have done so much for the country. He is so inspiring to people of all races, of all ages. His concession speech was very well done.<br /><br />So now it will be interesting to see what happens next. There are many questions, many hopes, many fears associated with this election. The next chapter is to soon to be written and read by the world.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-22049940908762042202008-11-04T18:45:00.001-05:002008-11-04T18:47:29.792-05:00Personal Essay WorkshopToday we had a professional development day about writing a personal essay. Below is what I wrote. I did this from the view point of a third grader so if the writing sounds a bit "different", that may be the reason. It is still lacking a conclusion.<br /><br />Grandparents are people who you are supposed to be close to you so they should live close to you.<br /><br />My grandparents used to live close to me. They don’t anymore. In fact, they live in Florida, which is a long way away from New Jersey. My grandparents are really fun people. I love it when my mom drives us to their apartment on the Shrewsbury River. I go skipping down the sidewalk, saying hi to all the people I have met there, bang on the front door, and just burst into their apartment. Running up the stairs, I am always greeted by a huge hug from my grandfather, who was probably reading the Wall Street Journal and another by my grandmother, who was always reading a book. After visiting for a bit, my grandfather and I would walk, hand in hand, down to the dock where the Strebla, his cabin cruiser, was docked and let me help him clean it. I love working on the boat with my grandfather. It’s the time we spend together without my little brother, my mom, or anyone else. It was my time and I love it. Living close to the people we love is important.<br /><br /> Every year we hear about the price of gas going up. This affects all kind of travel as well, planes, trains, automobiles. Just staying in hotels can cost families a lot of money for a room and food. Traveling long distances can be hard on families who don’t have much money. They wouldn’t be able to see their grandchildren more than once or twice a year. My mom’s friend, Sue, doesn’t get to see her grandchildren in Texas more than twice a year. Once, during the holidays, she and her husband travel from California to Texas to visit with her three grandchildren. Then, during the summer that family travels from Texas to California. It costs too much for either family to make this trip more than once a year. Distance is difficult when you love someone.<br /><br />The hug was warmer and tighter than any other I ever remember from my grandmother. She held me close to her, her thin arms around my shoulders. I could smell the cigarettes she smokes, although we had told her so many times she shouldn’t. It was our last day in Florida. Only this morning, we had been happily swimming in the blue water, but now the car was packed, the cooler in the back of the car filled with food for our drive back to New Jersey and I was in my grandmother’s embrace. My dad, who was usually laughing and talking a mile a minute, was quiet as he made sure my brother was buckled in safely. I turned my face to see my mom coming from inside the house, her eyes red. I knew I was sad, but I was also angry at the thought of my mom being this sad. My grandmother SHOULD live closer. I loved being in Florida but this feeling, this sadness, couldn’t be good. It was in such direct opposition with how I felt when we had first arrived. I knew if my grandparents lived closer to us, my mom would be happier and our hearts won’t hurt this much.<br /><br />Sometimes living apart from the people you loved just can’t be helped. Some people move because they have to take a job in another part of the country. Some people have to move to places because of their health. Others move because all their lives they have wanted to live in a different type of climate. Sometimes these things can’t be helped. People say that with the Internet and phones, that people, even though they are far away from others, seem to be closer. Still, there is nothing like a hug, a smile you can see, or a kiss, from a person who is right next to you.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-81005603268861686842008-11-02T14:55:00.002-05:002008-11-02T15:03:31.876-05:00November 2In my effort to become a better blogger, following Steve Dembo's suggestions, I'm off to look for a statistics counter. To me it doesn't really matter if someone else is reading this blog...it's for me, but if people do, it's nice to know where they are from. I'm not sure this type of blog allows those types of things, but it makes me more aware.<br /><br />On our wiki we have one and it is fun to see our visitors from all over the world.<br />SO, off to search for a counter.<br /><br />Well, it wasn't that hard. This blog has gadgets on it that you just click, add, and save. Easy. So, now I've made my blog even better. For me and for others.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-14690806210013079582008-11-01T22:13:00.002-04:002008-11-01T22:19:44.185-04:00November 1Hard to believe it's a new month already. October flew by and November promises to do the same. Here is just a few things that are ahead:<br />a two day teaching week this week<br />one inservice day this week<br />trip to Atlantic City for more inservice on Thursday<br />National Education Week<br />report cards to be done<br />conferences<br />end of my time with my student teacher<br />Thanksgiving <br /><br />and then it's December<br /><br />Like everyone else, time flies around this time of year, especially teachers.<br /><br />We have a new idea for Grandparents' Day. We are trying to find grandparents who can not make it to the school that day and have them set up a Skype account and see if they have a web cam. Then, on that day, we will "broadcast" to them. I have no idea how I plan on doing this, but with the help of my PLN, Plurk, I'm hoping to figure it out. <br /><br />I also feel we can use the web cam for students who may be absent. They can "tune in" to the classroom to find out what they are missing. I remember when I was younger and read books about Australia, that this is the way kids in the outback would learn...but over radio.<br /><br />So, lots of things to do this November, especially keeping up with a blog, a challenge I am taking on along with others, to make our blogs better. Today I added my picture and blogged. That's a step in the right direction.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-2505021276665050332008-10-20T19:17:00.002-04:002008-10-20T20:09:50.307-04:00Lyrics from Ron Clarks You Can VoteHey class, this is a huge election, and you know what?<br /> <br />We can vote however we like<br />We can vote however we like, yeah...<br /> <br />Obama on the left<br />McCain on the right<br />We can talk politics all night<br />And you can vote however you like<br />You can vote however you like, yeah<br /> <br />Democratic left<br />Republican right<br />November 4th we decide <br />And you can vote however you like<br />You can vote however you like, yeah<br /> <br />McCain is the man<br />Fought for us in Vietnam<br />You know if anyone can help our country he can<br />Taxes dropping low, don't you know, oil's gonna flow,<br />drilling low, off-sho', our economy will grow<br /> <br />I want Obama<br />FORGET OBAMA,<br />Stick wit McCain you gone have some drama<br />MORE WAR IN IRAQ<br />Iran he will attack<br />CAN'T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK<br />We gotta vote Barack!<br /> <br />Obama on the left<br />McCain on the right<br />We can talk politics all night<br />And you can vote however you like<br />You can vote however you like, yeah<br /> <br />Democratic left<br />Republican right<br />November 4th we decide <br />And you can vote however you like<br />You can vote however you like, yeah<br /> <br />(McCain supporters)<br />McCain's the best candidate<br />With Palin as his running mate<br />They'll fight for gun rights, pro life,<br />The conservative right<br />Our future is bright<br />Better economy in site<br />And all the world will feel our military might<br /> <br />(Obama supporters)<br />But McCain and Bush are real close right<br />They vote alike and keep it tight<br />Obama's new, he's younger too<br />The Middle Class he will help you<br />He'll bring a change, he's got the brains<br />McCain and Bush are just the same<br />You are to blame, Iraq's a shame<br />Four more years would be insane<br /> <br />Lower your Taxes - you know Obama Won't<br />PROTECT THE LOWER CLASS - You know McCain won't!<br />Have enough experience - you know that they don't<br />STOP GLOBAL WARMING - you know that you won't<br /> <br />I want Obama<br />FORGET OBAMA<br />Stick with McCain and you're going to have some drama<br />We need it<br />HE'LL BRING IT<br />He'll be it<br />YOU'LL SEE IT<br />We'll do it<br />GET TO IT<br />Let's move it<br />DO IT!<br /> <br />Obama on the left<br />McCain on the right<br />We can talk politics all night<br />And you can vote however you like<br />You can vote however you like, yeah<br /> <br />Democratic left<br />Republican right<br />November 4th we decide <br />And you can vote however you like, I said<br />You can vote however you like, yeah<br /> <br />I'm talking big pipe lines, and low gas prices<br />Below $2.00 that would be nice<br /> <br />But to do it right we gotta start today<br />Finding renewable ways that are here to stay<br /> <br />I want Obama<br />FORGET OBAMA,<br />Stick wit McCain you gone have some drama<br />MORE WAR IN IRAQ<br />Iran he will attack<br />CAN'T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK<br />We gotta vote Barack!<br /> <br />Obama on the left<br />McCain on the right<br />We can talk politics all night<br />And you can vote however you like, I said<br />You can vote however you like, yeah<br /> <br />Democratic left<br />Republican right<br />November 4th we decide <br />And you can vote however you like, I said<br />You can vote however you like, yeahstacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-18931201218141882352008-10-19T00:22:00.002-04:002008-10-19T00:25:22.842-04:00Apparitions Appear in Room 15<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjPkOYWS0WM/SPq2hkDY4JI/AAAAAAAABcY/VyY9xlSlcRY/s1600-h/S1051042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjPkOYWS0WM/SPq2hkDY4JI/AAAAAAAABcY/VyY9xlSlcRY/s320/S1051042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258716202638303378" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here is what I remember:<br /><br />Materials<br />Cheesecloth, about half a two feet per child, fold in half<br />Balloons....small round ones or sausage ones, but don't blow them up all the way.<br />Cup to place balls in. We used tennis balls for the small round ones so they'd be higher up in the cup<br />Small square of foam to write name<br />Marker to write name<br />Toothpick<br />Glue....we used Elmers. Two parts glue to two parts water...put in plastic bowls<br />Wax paper to put on desks<br />Ribbon for hanging<br />GOOGLE EYES<br />Felt for mouth<br />Scissors<br />Paper towels<br /> <br />First have the kids make their name on the small square of foam. On the other side <br />They can can put a Halloween word. Use glue to put toothpick on name side.<br /> <br />Place waxed paper on table. Place cut on waxed paper. Place BLOWN up balloon in cup.<br /> <br />Have child scrunch up cheesecloth and place in glue. Squeeze out excess glue. Unfold cheesecloth best they can and drape over balloon, spreading out cheesecloth over balloon and making the bottom flow out. Some may reach the wax paper (they are the standing ones..usually the smaller balloons). The others may NOT reach the wax paper...they are the flying ones. <br /> <br />Attach Google eyes and cut out mouth from small scrapes of felt. Press on. There should be enough glue for the eyes on mouth.<br /> <br />Allow to sit overnight, if possible.<br /> <br />Next day, puncture balloons with pin. Attach name tag by putting toothpick through cheesecloth. <br /> <br />Run string through cheesecloth to hang.<br /> <br />I actually have video of this but I left the camera at school (of course).<br /> <br />Hope this makes sense.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-59789294616855061272008-10-14T06:20:00.001-04:002008-10-14T06:20:38.246-04:00Good Things to Try on LineFound this challenge on another site:<br /> * Week 1: Blogger<br /> * Week 2: Google Docs<br /> * Week 3: VoiceThread<br /> * Week 4: Google Maps<br /> * Week 5: Animoto<br /> * Week 6: Discovery Education Streaming Intro<br /> * Week 7: Wordle<br /> * Week 8: Google Sites<br /> * Week 9: Google Specialized Search<br /> * Week 10: Google SpreadSheets<br /> * Week 11: Google Reader<br /> * Week 12: Picasa<br /> * Week 13: Google Calendar<br /> * Week 14: Google Notebook<br /> * Week 15: Google Earthstacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-82918683554518538332008-10-12T13:35:00.007-04:002008-10-18T23:18:08.110-04:00Making Podcastshttp://www.koyotesoft.com/indexEn.html<br />anyaudioconverter.com this was suggested by Tim<br />zamzar....recommended by many<br />mediaconvert.com from Patti<br /><br />Changing mp4 to mp3...use this software. Seems to work well.<br />Convert from Itunes to mp3.<br />Open Audacity.<br />Import into audacity.<br />Try first to import right from Itunes to see if it works before converting anything. That worked this week.<br />Be sure to look for music under my pictures/my music. For some reason that is where the folder is. I'll change it later.<br />Then, when editing in audacity, be sure to hit stop before cutting out blank air.<br /><br /><br />When saving, be sure to use the EXPORT and save it to a place you'll remember. I used the music file and made a folder for third grade.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-25028921393105348232008-10-04T19:52:00.002-04:002008-10-04T19:55:49.198-04:00New Member of Our Family<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjPkOYWS0WM/SOgCFUSRSoI/AAAAAAAABcQ/8e2ZzKDOZs0/s1600-h/S1051005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjPkOYWS0WM/SOgCFUSRSoI/AAAAAAAABcQ/8e2ZzKDOZs0/s320/S1051005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253451255695624834" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Last night I went on line to petfinder.com and noticed the classified section on the lower right. Never saw it before. So there was a golden available in Vineland, NJ. Now I was going to Vineland today because Jeff is there with a huge tennis tournament. I told the lady I'd be interested and contact me this morning, which she did. Her name was Tracie (close enough to Stacy) and said that her husband had collies and a new puppy and this dog, although they have had her for almost four years, wasn't getting along with the collie so the husband said the golden had to go. I told her I only knew one road in Vineland, Brewster Ave (high school is on it). She told me she was about five blocks on the same street away from high school. And then she told me the dog was free FREE! As long as it was going to a good home. I said I'd come down to check her out.<br /><br />So I drove to my parents to pick up the leash, thinking no one was home...and of course Dad was so I had to sneak it out of the house. I wasn't going to subject him to a 40 minute drive and be disappointed. So, got there and it was a farm...horses, dogs all over, but when I saw the golden, well, I knew. We talked for a bit, the dog, whose name is (was) Sunny came up to me, got right in my car. The mom and daughter were crying pretty badly. The husband and son never came out to say goodbye. <br /><br />I took her to the tennis matches to make sure she was good around people and especially men...and she was. Even Jeff was okay with her. One of my friends said if Mom or Dad didn't want her to bring her to her and she'd take he on the spot. <br /><br />The ride home was fine. I got lost, Sunny didn't get sick and I made it home just after Mom and Dad went to the football game. Their neighbor Pam was outside with her dog and told me she was headed to our church, so after a brief pit stop, back in the car again and off to Grace Episcopal where FrPat was doing a blessing o the animals. Tons of dogs, a cat, a rabbit and a turtle. Sunny was great. She kept to my side, didn't bark and was just mellow with the whole thing. She got her blessing (I did,too, just in case) and then came home to find Evans there.<br /><br />Of course he told me she was too short, too fat (kind of fits in our family), not athletic, but I did notice after a while he was all over her. She will need lots of walks, which will be Dad's happy job, and a good diet, and she is short, but Dad doesn't need an over-energetic dog.<br /><br />So then I waited for them to come home. We were sitting at the top of the steps when Dad came in. He looked up and said, "Who is that?" when I told him it was for him, he started crying. He admitted he had given up any hope until spring of finding a dog. I was so happy for him. It took a bit but eventually she went to him and now of course won't leave his side. Mom has decided she likes JESSIE rather than Sunny and I have to agree. She's yet to name a dog yet, so she gets this one. I feel a little bad for her because it's been a nice seven months for her not hearing "We have to go home because of the dog" or "We can't go because of the dog". So, I made Dad happy...Mom is, but still....her friend, Dottie is over there now so I guess things are okay.<br /><br />So...how is that for the LONG version of how my day went?????stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-61498806516548286092008-10-03T06:39:00.001-04:002008-10-03T06:40:57.283-04:00more websites to tryhttp://goanimate.com/go/studio<br /><br /><br />spelling city spellingcity.com<br /><br />Here’s a great way for elementary teachers or parents to help your students practice for those weekly spelling tests that we all know and love! Also, you can search for a huge number of provided lists that cover a large range of age appropriateness, and content specific subjects.<br /><br />As a teacher or parent, you can very easily create a “weekly spelling list” that can be accessed at home with a username and password of your choice. You have the choice of making your list public and searchable, or keep it private so only your students will know how to find it. No email or identification is required of the student, and when they log in, they will be presented with several very interactive ways to learn their words. They can hear their words, take practice tests or play one of several games.<br />Jump in and give it a try! I am using it with my children and they really seem to enjoy it. I am sure you’ll find the same results with your students. Let us know how it goes, and if you’ve shared any great new lists!stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-22320747464567322422008-09-20T18:34:00.001-04:002008-09-20T18:34:51.386-04:00Making Blogs TalkCross-posted on cliotech<br /><br />A friend of mine recently asked if I knew of any applications that would allow her elementary students, many of whom cannot read, to listen to her class blog. I shared that I had used Talkr in the past, but didn’t know of any other applications. So, I threw it out to my Plurk/Twitter network.<br /><br />Here are some of the other suggestions shared by my network:<br /><br /> * vozME - vozMe allows users to copy/paste text for translation into an MP3 audio file. It also has plugins, widgets, and gadgets that can be incorporated into most blogging engines and Internet start pages (like, iGoogle.)<br /> * odiogo - odiogo offers a free text-to-speech service for all major blogging engines. odiogo stores the audio files on their servers. Listeners/readers can download them and listen to them anywhere.<br /> * SpokenText - SpokenText allows registered users to convert web pages, RSS feeds, PowerPoint, PDF, Word, and many other file types into audio files. SpokenText has some nice help tutorials so that you can maximize your use.<br /> * Read The Words - Read The Words allows users to translate web pages, documents, and RSS feeds into audio files. The service is very simple to use and has instructions for adding a widget to your blog to convert your enteries to audio format. The instructions are very easy to follow and their FAQs page details how to embed a player directly into your blog.<br /> * Blogboard - Blogboard lets users turn any blog into an audio file. Blogboard will create a new feed for the blog to which users can subscribe with their RSS aggregator. This service also generates a feed and embed code for your own blog. Here is Cliotech as an audio file.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-80471976187194862442008-09-18T21:52:00.000-04:002008-09-18T21:53:18.500-04:00math money sitesfrom: <br />Money Fun<br />Filed Under (Sites 4 Students) by JenW on 09-15-2008<br /><br />Enjoy these online money “games” !!<br /><br />Change Maker<br />http://www.funbrain.com/cashreg/<br /><br />Counting Money<br />http://www.hbschool.com/activity/counting_money/<br /><br />Lemonade Stand<br />http://www.coolmath-games.com/lemonade/<br /><br />Math At The Mall -<br />http://www.mathplayground.com/mathatthemall1.html<br /><br />Money Instructor<br />http://www.moneyinstructor.com/games.asp<br /><br />US Mint For Kids<br />http://www.usmint.gov/kids/<br /><br />Young Investors<br />http://www.younginvestor.com/stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-12767824565801633612008-09-18T06:51:00.001-04:002008-09-18T06:51:45.900-04:00Gender EqualityWait Time for Students<br />You are probably nodding your head at this. You learned about wait time in your training, and you are sure you use it. But go back and listen to your tape or watch your video. Do you really use it? Do you really wait 4-5 seconds until you call on someone? Do you look around to get eye contact with almost everyone before you make a choice? This gives you time to think about whom to select, and more importantly, gives all students time to formulate answers and volunteer. Research shows that this technique is particularly valuable for girls and students who are learning English, more than half the students in all of our classrooms.<br /><br />Wait Time for You<br />This is probably a new one. I know I didn’t think about this in college. But after a student has responded, wait 4-5 seconds to reply. This gives you time to process the student’s answer and think about how to respond most effectively. This also shows students that you value their responses. It models the kind of behavior you want them to emulate. Waiting to reply helps both you and students.<br /><br />Move Kids Around<br />After observing your own teaching, ask youself, which kids got your attention on your recording? Was it the ones who sit in the front rows, the ones who sit in the middle of the room? I know that when I watch videos of myself teaching or presenting, I see that I tend to look to the right side of the room—probably because I am right-handed. When I am sitting on the floor with children, it is excruciatingly obvious. I have had to make a concerted effort to turn my body to face and talk to the people on my left side. <br /><br />Do you stay in one place? If you do, you may notice that you tend to talk to kids who are closer to you. Remember, the most important thing you can give your students is your time and attention, even if it is negative attention. The child who misbehaves has gotten your attention, and the quiet students lose out. Simple as that. So shuffle yourself or your students to compensate for your natural tendencies.<br /><br />Listen to Your Responses<br />Many teachers have been observed giving different kinds of feedback to boys and girls. Boys tend to receive correction, help, and criticism. Most follow-up questions and suggestions for improvement are directed at boys. But girls tend to receive comments on the appearance of their work, rather than the academic content. We want all children to dig deeper into academic understanding, and we can foster this by providing constructive thoughtful feedback to all children.<br /><br />Pay attention to the kinds of informal interactions you have with students. Do you ask the boys about the weekend soccer game and tell the girls how pretty they look? Do you acknowledge the hard work that all students do, thereby helping them understand that effort produces improvement, or do you just grade the work? <br /><br />Research shows that many girls seem to grow up feeling that they get good grades or perform well due to luck, not skill or effort. By feeling this way, they also feel that any failure is internal and due to their lack of intelligence or ability. They personalize it. Boys seem to feel that failure is due to illness, poor instruction—external factors. These two different approaches lead to girls downplaying success and boys taking credit.<br /><br />Cringing again? Me, too. In all my life, I don’t think I have ever taken credit for an achievement by saying, even to myself, “I earned that. I worked hard for that and I deserve it.” All children need to see that hard work and perseverance pay off.<br /><br />-Laura Reasoner Jonesstacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-791355550541176497.post-33157962001016892302008-09-15T21:50:00.000-04:002008-09-15T21:51:36.732-04:00Be the Best You Can Be by Kirby Puckett1. If you believe in yourself, really believe in yourself, you will succeed.<br />2. To be the best you have to practice.<br />3. When you feel pressured to do wrong, stand up for what is right.<br />4. Be responsible for yourself.<br />5. When things go wrong, you have to keep going in life.<br />6. Like yourself just the way you are.<br />7. Find out what your gift or talent is and do it.<br />8. To be the best that you can be you have to have confidence. Never be a quitter to something that is really important.<br />9. Know that you can change and learn from your mistakes.<br />10. You CAN do anything.<br />11. Try new things.<br />12. Be honest; be kind<br />13. Good friends, family, and reaching out to others is more important than money, awards, and titles.stacykassehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09775150497542578792noreply@blogger.com0