Teach Like a Pirate - Rapport/Ask & Analyze

Thoughts about...

Since  I'm visiting in Texas right now I actually got a chance to be with my dad on Father's Day. I didn't post to the book study so I'm doubling up today.

I can think back to my own experience as a student and there were definitely teachers I worked extra hard for because I really liked them and wanted to please them. I can also think of a couple of examples that were just the opposite. I don't really think in my case the difference was them getting to know me but I could certainly see where this would help.

Each year I start out with a student survey that asks about them and their feelings about school. After reading this book I decided that this year I will do a short google form that asks more about hobbies and interests. I decided to do it as a form because the summary feature will help me easily see what are the most frequent responses.  I tried to think of things that I know are popular/available in our area. If you have other suggestion please let me know. You can grab a copy and tweak it for your class.

One of the best ways I have found to get to know a lot about my students has been to read their daily journal entries. For my homeroom students I read them as they come in each morning.  That works great and it gives me a chance to make a comment or ask them about things. This year was more of a challenge because I also have an afternoon class to read. They drop them off as they enter the door and I read them whenever I get a couple spare minutes. This is where I found out details of trip, interesting family bits, typical activities as well as special events. It really is like a treasure chest of information. I never really thought about trying to incorporate that into lessons. It kind of one of those duh moments. 

Last year I had a bunch of Taylor Swift fanatics between my two classes. The day after her local concert there were a wide variety of RED shirts scattered around the room. Luckily this one I was aware of and I was able to capitalize on their interest with a Taylor Swift talk sponsored by Scholastic. 

Our school PTO sponsors an event a couple of times a year called Reel Readers. This is were 4th & 5th grade students read a book that has been turned into a movie. They stay after to school to briefly discuss the book and then watch the movie. There is no expectation that teachers will attend but I think it is a great thing to do together. I'm convinced that I've had better participation because 

of my involvement. In past years we have also gone to the theater as a class (after school) to see a book that we have read in school. Some of course have been better than others but even the ones way off from the book lead to great discussion. One that particularly comes to mind is City of Ember - what were they thinking? 

WOW, I want to go hang out in Dave Burgess's room for the first 3 days. It sounds like a sight to behold. I definitely don't prescribe to the don't smile until Thanksgiving/Christmas philosophy and I try to have a fun time getting to know the kids but boy it's nothing compared to introducing his learning extravaganza.  I don't teach in a tough school as a matter of fact most of our kids are very compliant but I still need to give some thought into what I want to do for our first few days this year. Some of the things I have done a while I really enjoy (like our we're back snack and Name-o) and other things I started last year (like saving Feed and puzzle races)  are definitely keepers. Last year I bought play dough for a writing activity that we never did so I want to add that one in. It certainly has my wheels turning. For a bunch of years I have done a multiple intelligences activity from Peter H Reynold's North Star classroom program. I'm excited that now there is an app that I can have them rotate through and then they can mark there results in the survey.

I liked this quote near the end of the section "I'm selling education...a life-altering product that can transform the human spirit and literally change the world one student at a time. Surely, such a product is worthy or any and all efforts, techniques, and methods required to successfully persuade" He has a point there!

I agree wholeheartedly with the statement - "Creative inspiration is constantly at our disposal, but we will never see it unless we actively and consistently attempt to create." I have told many that I'm not creative, I don't have any artistic talent. While I will confirm that I'm not able to draw well at this time I do think I have an eye for things that are neat and I can recreate some pretty cool stuff with the computer and clip art. I also discovered last year that I can be pretty crafty if I am inspired. I'm a good problem solver once I get an idea about what I want to create. I always keep my eyes open for interesting ideas as I read blogs, browse pinterest, and generally carry on with life. 

One of his driving questions that I especially liked was "How can I make this lesson outrageously entertaining, engaging, and powerful so that my students will never forget it and will be desperate to come back for more?" I think the key is really being driven on a mission. Always on the hunt for some some treasure of an idea.

As far as systems to catch ideas, I have a few tools that work for me. Almost all of mine are technology driven. I certainly pin things and put them in Diigo, I put notes in Evernote and sometimes if I'm driving I may even record a thought with audio memo. I have a mind like a sieve so if I don't record it while I'm thinking of it, it could be lost forever. It also helps me let things go. When I get obsessed about pulling something together thoughts will come at all sorts of odd times and will play over and over in my mind until I can let it go.

I thought the idea of creative alchemy was so on target. I found another quote in this section that I marked. "Exploring the world and your passions allows you to bring a new perspective and energy into the classroom. It allows you to become a powerful role model for students. We always say we want them to become life-ling learners, so we must show them what it looks like."

 It all has me thinking... which is a great thing. Check out other's thoughts and add your own by clicking below.

Tried it Tuesday: The Answer Pad

 

Something I tried last year with my classes was The Answer Pad student response system. It was a great way for an assignment to be instantly graded so the kids got immediate feedback. There is an iPad app (TAP it) and the students can log in on a web browser. It is a great tool for BYOT/BYOD. I only did it a few times at the end of the year for multiple choice quizzes but I will definitely use it more next year.

It is just an electronic answer sheet you don't type the questions although you can attach the test for reference. You set up the correct answers and then assign it to a whole class, small group, or individual students. The students log in and record their answers and click submit. As a teacher you can look at the results in a variety of ways.

Logged in as a student

Logged in as a teacher to set up multiple choice

For those that teach math there are a bunch of different answer types. Students can even show their work so you can see the work behind the answer.

Logged in a teacher options

Preview of different questions

The Answer Pad is free for one class up to 36 students but there are paid options as well they add some features. I could not be any more impressed with the customer service. I had put in a request for parent reports and they have contacted me to help work through adding this feature. I love that! It is certainly worth a look if your students have access to technology devices.

Thanks to Holly for hosting Tried It Tuesday it is always fun to see what it shared.

 

Monday Made It from Texas

I'm here in Texas visiting family but I didn't want to miss out on Tara's fun Monday tradition.

Before heading out of town I made a few things last week.

After seeing a couple of other book return buckets and baskets, I decided to create my own. I was given this container by a parent (as a part of a great margarita beach themed basket). I used my cameo to cut out the words and then added some stickers to go with the ocean theme.

I created this one after I was inspired by Tasha at A Tender Teacher for Special Needs a couple of weeks ago. This is a lanyard for my ID and keys. I picked up the beads on sale at Hobby Lobby and Michaels.

After pinning a writing conference board similar to the top one I decided to make my own version. At first I made the bottom one because I thought it might be easier to have the clip on one side or he other rather than storing them somewhere else. I couldn't decide so I made them both and I will just make up my mind later. I actually made them for both of my classes so that's why it has my name at the top.

This last one is just a a simple folder with my copy code in vinyl for when we have parents come in and help with copies.

Now it's time to go check out everyone else's projects

 

 

Must Read Mentor Text Science: Graphic Library

I have shelves of science non fiction books. I also have a bunch of poetry books about science topics but I really had to think about what to share. I didn't teach science last year so they aren't as fresh in my mind.
I'm actually listing this book more as a representative for the series. I love graphic novels and so do my kids. Graphic Libraries has comic style books on tons of science topics. In addition to this one I have sound, light, motion, ecosystems, food chains and probably some others that aren't coming to mind right now.

They all follow the same character Max Axiom as he goes to different locations and has conversations with other people that share lots of information. It definitely shows science in real world application.

This is not a page from Scientific Method but it gives you the general idea.
When I first got some of these I purchased them as ebooks. This worked great because I could show the pages up on out ActivBoard. I have different kids read the parts for a character for that chapter. Then we switch so others can have a chance. The problem is the books were expensive in that format. Now they are available through Amazon for just over $7 each. The downside to he actual books is that they aren't as good for group reading because the pictures are pretty small. Of course a document camera would help.

If you teach middle grades (and maybe up a bit) science I would certainly check them out. Graphic Library also publishes a bunch of history and biographies as well.

Be sure to stop by Collaboration Cuties to see some other Must Read Mentor Text science suggestions.

Well, I'm out of town and trying to do this on blogsy. Unfortunately I just can't seem to get my signature on. Oh well...
Heather :-)

Student Motivation Saturday: Passion/Identity Projects

I actually put this together for last week before I realized it was only twice a month in June so I swtiched it to draft and now it's back again.

I have been reading for a while about Fed Ex days, Identity Days and 20% time but I never did anything about it until this year. I think with some projects I just need the one extra push. The push this year was Paula Naugle (@plnaugle on twitter) organizing a 10 day project with a bunch of classes of different levels connecting through edmodo. I decided to have my two classes join in.

We had already used edmodo throughout the year so it was easy enough you just have the kids join another group.  I got the kids pumped up by showing the kids a couple of TED(x) talks that showcase kids. They had already seen Caine's Arcade so I just reminded them about his passion. We  went through a presentation that I tweaked just a bit from a school in Australia that talked about passion projects. We also went through a slightly adjusted Prezi about identity projects.

After all the initial discussion, they had to submit a plan/proposal to me that told me what their focus would be, how they would spend their time putting it together and how they would share it with the classes. The students knew the day the projects would be shared was May 13th (which was about a week and a half out). They worked on their projects at school but also at home instead of our typical homework.

While this was going on they got on edmodo and answered the daily questions that were posted to the group by Paula. They also tried to leave some meaningful comments for other participants.

When presentation day arrived we had a nice range of topics from pets to sports to WWII to favorite celebrities. One student did hers about Egypt and brought her grandfather with some goodies since that was his country of origin. We also had a variety of types of presentations like: PowerPoint, Wixie, Prezi, iMovie, triboards, and just oral presentations with props. The kids (along with some parents) rotated around the one class to see all the presentations and then we switched and had the other class share. While visiting the projects the parents and students left positive comments (and the occasional question).

Here are a few pictures from the day.

some good conversation

and attentive audiences

leaving nice comments

while students brought it to life with props

outfits

presentations complete with gear

and even live (tap) demonstrations

and food

we shouldn't forget the guest appearance

 I can't believe I didn't get a picture of the big pen with the guinea pigs that were brought in by two of the girls.

It was definitely a neat project for the end of the year and I hope to do it again next year.

First Five for Friday

Today I'm joining Doodle Bugs Teaching for the first time for

I am totally settled into summer by now and not getting much done but relaxing, reading, and blogging of course as far as I'm concerned there's nothing wrong with that :-)

Here are my five for this week:

 Wednesday was my 9 year anniversary. Unfortunately my wonderful husband was gone in Vegas for work but we are celebrating this weekend by going to a concert a local venue, Chastain, that we love. We used to get a "take 5" season pass but there just weren't enough things we wanted to see this year :-(

 

This past week was also the one year anniversary of my blog. I have been blogging up a storm lately compared to the past. Last summer I had just started my blog and was joining in on a couple of Link ups but this summer I have gone beyond that and actually done some posts about a few things I have done in my classroom this year. I still have a list of some other things to share so stay tuned.

I have also attended a bunch of webinars this week. I'm a huge fan of Simple K12 and they are doing tons of live sessions over the summer plus they have a million prerecorded ones. Most of the live ones are for members but some are offered free. As a matter of fact, hey are doing a full day of different iPad sessions on June 18 and July 9 so go check it out if you are interested. I love that over the summer I can do PD on my own terms. I can pick out the things I want to do and I can do as much or as little as I would like.

I participate on a racing team on  Wednesday Nights and I have thoroughly enjoyed being  able to stay over on our sailboat after the race each week. They do food and drinks at the clubhouse after each race and during the school year I always have to dash off because I get up so early.

our race boat now- we used to race on a much smaller boat

super cute sailboat shorts the girls have to match - luv them

my old 70s era boat where I sleep - it is more like a camper than a yacht :-)

I go in and out of phases with Twitter. I will check it periodically but I don't contribute much except around technology events. Since I'm heading off to ISTE 2013 soon I have been much more active. I've also been watching the hastag #TLAP (Teach Like a Pirate) since I loved the book. There will be a new #TLAP chat starting up Tuesday for anyone that likes that kind of thing. I followed the final meeting of a previous group last week. I'm @htemske on twitter if you want to follow me. I do expect to tweet some from the event.

I guess that's it for now. I'm excited to go catch a movie and dinner tonight with my bestie from school. I always miss not seeing her everyday when it's vacation. She is going along to Texas so that will be extra fun.

Don't forget to check out what everybody else is doing at...