Engaging Math Program

In 2012 and 2013 , I taught a summer school program for grade 7 and 8 students. It was a technology, math, and literacy program. I had 23 students in my class that were eager to use technology, but truthfully, not so keen on spending two weeks of their summer in a classroom. I knew right off the bat that in order to engage these students, I would really have to use programs of interest. Fortunately, the board provided MANY resources to help do so. One program that really stood out is seen below. I was reminded of this program while browsing math tools for students. 



One of the Reflex Math programs that engaged students

* Reflex Math:  This program is built to help students develop instant recall of basic math facts. It is unique because it uses several fun, interactive games for students to "play" while building their math facts. It continuously monitors each users scores and results in their games and individualizes what will come next. I, the teacher, was able to monitor student progress for each student to see how far they've come.

Ideas for Writer's Workshop

One Teaching Strategy Tip  While Using Writer's Workshop 
Include technology wherever possible! When incorporated properly, technology can assist in the writing process!  


Here's How 

• Record student  ideas on the computer for quick notes and easy translation to other electronic tools
• Allow students to communicate with peers (and wider audiences) through a blog
• Research online databases for student to safely send & receive authentic, relevant, real-time messages 

More Resources

Ontario Ministry of Education - Language Curriculum 

Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers 

Creating Young Writers Wiki

Guide to Effective Instruction

Catching Up

My first post in 2013 - WOW, I have been busy!

Let me tell you what I've been up to these past few months.Firstly, I have been taking my work with the Before & After School program to new depths - cleaning, organizing, sorting, and finally IMPLEMENTING some of the amazing resources we have that have been hidden away for who knows how long!
It feels great to be using awesome items that we have access to - some staff did not even know these items were there! A tip for any educator entering a new work space is to always explore your environment - you just never know what you may find!

I have also been trying to get my Youth Group for St. Augustine Church in Dundas up and running. It has proven to be quite difficult. I have launched a Facebook Group and will continue to meet at the local high school. Next week we are going to really amp up our advertisements within the Church so I do hope to report back with amazing news soon!

Lastly, I am on the job hunt! I have not had much luck in Ontario finding a position with a board - but am still actively trying. I recently applied to the Catholic board in Hamilton and have my fingers crossed that my passion for teaching came through in my application package! I am PLEASED to announce, however, that I have two interviews (one with the Catholic, and one with the Public board) in Medicine Hat, Alberta at the end of March. Can't believe I may actually break into a board and begin my professional journey. I am excited knowing that my teaching could take me across Canada! What an opportunity!

I came across this trailer for a film by Chris Jordan entitled Midway. It looks extremely touching and goes hand in hand with one of my biggest beliefs - we need to educate our students about pollution and it's extreme effects on our world, in hopes that they can make informed decisions and create change.

CHECK IT OUT! WHAT DO YOU THINK?!?

Consolidating Task

My past few posts have been related to the technology course I have been enrolled in. Well.. that is coming to a close this week. For our final task, we were asked to create a 15 slide presentation that showcased our ability to use digital tools effectively. I chose to use Sliderocket as my forum to create a digital story because I am most comfortable with it. From this assignment, I learned a great new consolidating task - have students create a digital demonstration of what they've learned in a unit! It is a fun and creative way to show what you know! 

This post is for everyone that took part in the AQ course! Enjoy :)  

Digital Audio Technology

Attached is a Sliderocket presentation that was created for my AQ course on technology. It is a visual representation of my written assignment on Digital Audio Technology, and includes an audio component. What better way to talk about this type of technology than to explore it for myself, and demonstrate what I've learned in the exact forum I am discussing! It is posted for my peers in the course, but as always welcome any viewers if they are willing to take the time to watch and listen!

Electronic Submissions - Using Computers for Assignments

I have recently been enrolled in an Additional Qualification course called "Computers in the Classroom". I signed up for the course because of my passion for incorporating technology into daily lessons, learning tasks, and projects. My first assignment for the course was to create a generic rubric that could be used to review and evaluate curriculum based educational software. I was motivated to complete this assignment because of the many educational programs I was fortunate enough to use with students while teaching summer school in a blended learning environment. I chose criteria that was important to me as a teacher to have in a program that I would be willing to use in the classroom.

I chose to post this assignment to my blog in an attempt to demonstrate the importance I see in using technology in the classroom. The course I am enrolled in is an online course. What better way to submit my assignment than on a blog? It welcomes feedback from other professionals. It is also a demonstration of how teachers could post rubrics for assignments in a classroom blog perhaps, and allow students to submit electronically as well. It makes for an easy submission and, of course, less paper piled up on my desk to take home and grade! It can be accessed ANYWHERE! For both students and teachers, the advantages to using an online forum to assign and submit projects are evident.

Back to School!

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new school year for millions of students across Canada! For the first time in my life, I am not returning as a student! Yet, I still feel those back to school butterflies in my stomach. Tomorrow, I am beginning to work at a Before and After school program with the HWDSB. I am extremely excited to join the team and look forward to many new learning and teaching experiences!

I would like to wish everyone good luck on their return back to school, both students and dear friends of mine that are embarking on a journey teaching their first classrooms. May the 2012/2013 school year be full of positive memories and unforgettable accomplishments!!