The Beginning of my Technology Tuesday

I'm so excited this year to introduce my Technology Tuesday!  I've long been a fan of technology and its many uses.  Now, I want to make sure that I not only use more technology in the classroom, but that I am posting my new finds.  I will try new things and encourage others to try new things.  In addition, I will open things up for comments so I can hear your latest and greatest finds!

In May, several colleagues of mine and I went to the DENapalooza, and it was fabulous.  My only regret was that I didn't get to implement some things right away. While we were there, we had one quick session of exchanging our favorite apps.  What collaboration fun!

So, in honor of my first ever apps, I will introduce my first one.  I found it by pure accident. 
Remind 101.   This app allows the teacher to be better connected to parents with updates and reminders.  Before, I would send a mass email with all my updates for the week, as well as a class newsletter.  However, now that more and more people have smart phones or at least a cell phone, texts are a quicker way to send a reminder.  The teacher sets up a class.  Parents sign up with either a text or an email, and wallah!  We are easily communicating.   Another great perk, is that the teacher's number remains private.   Currently, they are giving away an iPad mini or a t-shirt for enthusiastic teachers.  Good luck!

Here is a link to the DEMO and how it works.  (click the word Demo).  It works on I-phones, Androids and Blackberry!  Enjoy...

What's your favorite app?  Please share with me!

Happy Technology Tuesday to you!

Getting Ready for the New Year with Spaces and Places

 


Last year, I moved to a new school sort of in a whirlwind to be with my to awesome scholars of first grade,  teammates Tammy and Marsha.  Because our school was last to be cleaned, my move was somewhat harried and not well planned at all, merely trying to get in.  I didn't get a chance to ruminate long on what teaching could look like in my new space.  Hence, you all know how my year went.  All good intentions aside, I never got things "comfortable" in my room.  I was always working towards keeping my head above water.  You know the feeling...getting a great start allows you to have a great year.

This year, I vowed to make things more comfortable for me and for the kiddos, implementing an environment most conducive to learning and more student centered.  Thanks to my good friend Kerry, I was introduced to Debbie Diller's Spaces and Places.  It's a picture book! Because it's designed with the end in mind,  it's filled with many many ideas of how to organize your space in a preplanned manner so there's less work in the end.  It also teaches most efficient ways to place things.

My favorite part is that Debbie Diller helps me plan all my favorite spaces, teaching whole group, small group and my cozy circle. She helps you create space where there is none and organize the space you do have.  There are also some really good tips for Word Work stations (as in Debbie's Literacy Work Stations Book and the Two Sisters Daily 5.)

To effectively use this book, read from cover to cover to get the gist of what you're being asked to do.  Measure your walls, bulletin boards, and furniture so it's easier to place them and so that it things work out logistically.

REMEMBER:  The best part about this book is that it has pictures!  Debbie makes sure she includes many different space situations, including portable classrooms.

I promise there will be more on this topic later.   I will take pictures of my NEW classroom space when it's completed so you can see what I've done.  For now, check the book out.  You won't regret it!

As always,  Enjoy,

Marie