Bookmark these great Math online, interactive resources.
• Math Fact Café
http://www.mathfactcafe.com/
K-5 site allows visitors to access hundreds of pre-generated math sheets or create custom sheets. In addition, interactive flashcards allow visitors to review flashcard problems with the choice of simple card flipping or mandatory input. Online practice or printouts available.
• Math Playground
http://www.mathplayground.com/
An action packed site for elementary and middle grade students. Computation, manipulative, worksheets and more! Designated as a “safe site”
• Math is Fun!
http://www.mathsisfun.com/math.html
Numbers, Algebra,Geometry, Measurement
The main content of the site is aimed at basic math skills. However you will find some more complex stuff, and some easier bits.
• Elementary Math
http://edweb.tusd.k12.az.us/ekowalcz/math/elementary_web_sites.htm
All of the sites listed on this page are interactive, unless otherwise noted. Sites that have an * next to their name are excellent sites, however, they have ad banners on the page.
•Everyday Math Resources
http://www1.center.k12.mo.us/Edtech/everydaymath.htm
Everyday Math Series for grades K-5 resource page created by Center School District listing sites/ resources relating to Everyday Math.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
What punctuation mark are YOU? I am a....
You Are a Comma |
 You are open minded and extremely optimistic. You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything. You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests. You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time. Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to. (But with so many competing interests, you friends do feel like you hardly have time for them.) You excel in: Inspiring people You get along best with: The Question Mark |
Monday, January 12, 2009
ICE 2009
The ICE 2009 Conference
Each year, educators gather for a week of learning, networking, and
socializing at the ICE Conference. Many of our attendees return each year
praising the new technologies, best practices, and educational connections
that year's conference brings. The Conference Committee would like to
extend an extra "welcome to the conference" to all of the Newcomers to ICE
and the Conference this year. As we look towards the future, reaching out
to our new friends is so important. They are crucial to continuing the
conversations and spreading the excitement onto their collegues back in
their schools and districts.
This year, the Newcomers will participate in a Scavenger Hunt at the
Conference. Maybe you will be sought out as an ICE Board member, a specific
Chapter member, or as someone new to network with. In any way, please seek
out a First Time Attendee (the red ribbons) and introduce yourself, too.
Suggest that a newcomer check out the new-and-improved ICE booth in the
Exhibit Hall also.
If you are interested in networking check out the ICE badge on this site. Maybe join the conference live or virtually through blogging, chatting, twitter, or plurk.
Each year, educators gather for a week of learning, networking, and
socializing at the ICE Conference. Many of our attendees return each year
praising the new technologies, best practices, and educational connections
that year's conference brings. The Conference Committee would like to
extend an extra "welcome to the conference" to all of the Newcomers to ICE
and the Conference this year. As we look towards the future, reaching out
to our new friends is so important. They are crucial to continuing the
conversations and spreading the excitement onto their collegues back in
their schools and districts.
This year, the Newcomers will participate in a Scavenger Hunt at the
Conference. Maybe you will be sought out as an ICE Board member, a specific
Chapter member, or as someone new to network with. In any way, please seek
out a First Time Attendee (the red ribbons) and introduce yourself, too.
Suggest that a newcomer check out the new-and-improved ICE booth in the
Exhibit Hall also.
If you are interested in networking check out the ICE badge on this site. Maybe join the conference live or virtually through blogging, chatting, twitter, or plurk.
Friday, January 09, 2009
7 Things
I have been "tagged" and am participating in the "7 Things" Wiki....
Here are 7 interesting and personal things about me.....
1. I was a cheerleader in High School for two all-boys schools at the same time! Talk about a conflict of interest when we played each other....I stayed home that night.
2. I had a career at Chuck E. Cheese's before my entry into Education (I guess working there was a bit like teaching with more crowd control!) I began as a Party Hostess and advanced up to Shift Manager. I was asked to attend Chuck E. University (TX) to be trained as a Store Manager but chose not to. And just for the curious folk, yes, I did have the wonderful opportunity to dress up in the Chuck E. Cheese costume. Don't know how those guys and gals at Disney do it....
3. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a TV reporter. My TV name was 'Tracy Powers'. I went around at family gatherings interviewing people.
4. Every summer, we visit a different MLB ballpark. I have a 14 year old who is a baseball fanatic. We began this tradition 5 years ago. Last summer we went to Great American Ball Park in Cincinatti and next summer we are heading to Minnesota for a Twins game.
5. I have seen Bon Jovi four times in concert.
6. I am an American Idol fan. Have not missed a night since Season 1. Really. I am being honest here...
7. My vice is reading trash magazines. There is nothing like a National Enquirer to make me laugh at my own 'problems'! :)
Thanks, Luke for tagging me! Hopefully the 7 that I tag will participate and have fun!
I tagged on these twitter friends that I would be interested in knowing more about!
mviner
pollockburke
abdoss
kti_traci
apkohl
mrscoggin
pmcanulty
Here are 7 interesting and personal things about me.....
1. I was a cheerleader in High School for two all-boys schools at the same time! Talk about a conflict of interest when we played each other....I stayed home that night.
2. I had a career at Chuck E. Cheese's before my entry into Education (I guess working there was a bit like teaching with more crowd control!) I began as a Party Hostess and advanced up to Shift Manager. I was asked to attend Chuck E. University (TX) to be trained as a Store Manager but chose not to. And just for the curious folk, yes, I did have the wonderful opportunity to dress up in the Chuck E. Cheese costume. Don't know how those guys and gals at Disney do it....
3. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a TV reporter. My TV name was 'Tracy Powers'. I went around at family gatherings interviewing people.
4. Every summer, we visit a different MLB ballpark. I have a 14 year old who is a baseball fanatic. We began this tradition 5 years ago. Last summer we went to Great American Ball Park in Cincinatti and next summer we are heading to Minnesota for a Twins game.
5. I have seen Bon Jovi four times in concert.
6. I am an American Idol fan. Have not missed a night since Season 1. Really. I am being honest here...
7. My vice is reading trash magazines. There is nothing like a National Enquirer to make me laugh at my own 'problems'! :)
Thanks, Luke for tagging me! Hopefully the 7 that I tag will participate and have fun!
I tagged on these twitter friends that I would be interested in knowing more about!
mviner
pollockburke
abdoss
kti_traci
apkohl
mrscoggin
pmcanulty
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Is joining a PLN bad for morale?
Steve Dembo, teach42, is a part of my PLN (whether he knows it or not!) :) :) . On Twitter today, I read his tweet in which he shared his latest blog post "Is joining a PLN bad for morale?". Read it when you get a chance. Very interesting.
This sparked a thought from me...one that I have been challenged with. Here is my response....
Good points, Steve. How about the Tech Specialist who feels a disconnect from the classroom and yearns for that experience again; being able to implement and utilize the tools that as a Tech Specialist, he or she seemed to be beating to death for other teachers to embrace? Wanting to directly impact curriculum first hand in a classroom or grade level and “practicing what is preached?”. Ok, ok..sometimes I feel that way…if I could only directly get my hands on a classroom…how empowered would I be? Technology tools would be thrust upon them and I could bring in the Blooms, NETS, and ISBE standards! I am glorifying it a bit and I know that the waves come and go, but this feeling of mine does come and go. Wondering if this is a common feeling of those of us in the technology resource/leadership/specialist positions…or is it just me?
Steve made me think s'more with his response to me....so here I go thinking again (darn you, Steve!)
I have been a Tech Specialist in a K-2 building for five years; Computer Lab Teacher K-8 three years; 5th Grade teacher three years, 1st/2nd Multiaged three years(seeing a pattern here, eh?) … I am trying to reinvent year after year as our students come into school year after year more exposed to technology and how technology impacts teaching and learning changes so rapidly! Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do….just thinking outside my current reality.
My online communities are great! Frustrating to me, no…adding to the disconnect, maybe. I learn so much from my PLN and then share with my staff through Lunch and Learns, emails, small groups. It bums me out when I see the educational value of these resources and ideas that come out of my PLN go under-used. I have an email list of contacts in which I share (outside of my building) with too! This group gets my morale going all of the time! These are just guys and gals I have met over the years in education….
So, maybe my PLN does have something to do with my current state of mind….if only my PLN was not so AWESOME, I would not be having this conversation! :)
This sparked a thought from me...one that I have been challenged with. Here is my response....
Good points, Steve. How about the Tech Specialist who feels a disconnect from the classroom and yearns for that experience again; being able to implement and utilize the tools that as a Tech Specialist, he or she seemed to be beating to death for other teachers to embrace? Wanting to directly impact curriculum first hand in a classroom or grade level and “practicing what is preached?”. Ok, ok..sometimes I feel that way…if I could only directly get my hands on a classroom…how empowered would I be? Technology tools would be thrust upon them and I could bring in the Blooms, NETS, and ISBE standards! I am glorifying it a bit and I know that the waves come and go, but this feeling of mine does come and go. Wondering if this is a common feeling of those of us in the technology resource/leadership/specialist positions…or is it just me?
Steve made me think s'more with his response to me....so here I go thinking again (darn you, Steve!)
I have been a Tech Specialist in a K-2 building for five years; Computer Lab Teacher K-8 three years; 5th Grade teacher three years, 1st/2nd Multiaged three years(seeing a pattern here, eh?) … I am trying to reinvent year after year as our students come into school year after year more exposed to technology and how technology impacts teaching and learning changes so rapidly! Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do….just thinking outside my current reality.
My online communities are great! Frustrating to me, no…adding to the disconnect, maybe. I learn so much from my PLN and then share with my staff through Lunch and Learns, emails, small groups. It bums me out when I see the educational value of these resources and ideas that come out of my PLN go under-used. I have an email list of contacts in which I share (outside of my building) with too! This group gets my morale going all of the time! These are just guys and gals I have met over the years in education….
So, maybe my PLN does have something to do with my current state of mind….if only my PLN was not so AWESOME, I would not be having this conversation! :)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Wordle
Wordle clouds any feed or url you submit. Here are my wordles of my delicious tags, my netvibes, and this blog page.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Our Global Experience....
Yesterday, our wonderful Fine Arts Team and our K-2 student's put on an extremely entertaining and education production entitled "Here Comes the Sun: A Solstice Winter Celebration" (one of the ustreams is below).
As I started to last year, the performances are uStreamed so that our working parents, at home grandparents, aunts, uncles, near and far can watch and enjoy. A chat was enabled so that distant relatives could send messages to the kids. We would pass them along.
This year, unfortunately, some unfriendly chatters invaded our space. The reality of the open stream, I know. Last year, no trouble at all. But this year, both in my building and our 3-5 building, we had spoilers. The parents were very understanding, the kids never "saw" the chat, and the users were kicked out almost right away. Next year we will be setting up a chat password and sending that home with the streaming announcement.
My point being is that with this great global community we now can experience, we will also find that there are some ignorant individuals out there trying to ruin it for us. Although we will have to put the password on, it still feels good that we can share this type of event with our distant families.
Our ustream address is http://www.ustream.tv/channel/here-comes-the-sun
if you would like to see the show! (no chat, though!)
As I started to last year, the performances are uStreamed so that our working parents, at home grandparents, aunts, uncles, near and far can watch and enjoy. A chat was enabled so that distant relatives could send messages to the kids. We would pass them along.
This year, unfortunately, some unfriendly chatters invaded our space. The reality of the open stream, I know. Last year, no trouble at all. But this year, both in my building and our 3-5 building, we had spoilers. The parents were very understanding, the kids never "saw" the chat, and the users were kicked out almost right away. Next year we will be setting up a chat password and sending that home with the streaming announcement.
My point being is that with this great global community we now can experience, we will also find that there are some ignorant individuals out there trying to ruin it for us. Although we will have to put the password on, it still feels good that we can share this type of event with our distant families.
Our ustream address is http://www.ustream.tv/channel/here-comes-the-sun
if you would like to see the show! (no chat, though!)
Friday, December 12, 2008
RLA sites
Foniks
http://www.foniks.org/
This site allows students to hear pronunciation for letter combinations, the alphabet... It also includes notes for rules that challenge readers.
Reading Planet
http://www.rif.org/readingplanet/
You can write stories, play word games, visit links on Eric Carle... Take a peek...
http://www.foniks.org/
This site allows students to hear pronunciation for letter combinations, the alphabet... It also includes notes for rules that challenge readers.
Reading Planet
http://www.rif.org/readingplanet/
You can write stories, play word games, visit links on Eric Carle... Take a peek...
Monday, December 08, 2008
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Gotta love Scholastic
A quick writing activity that generates a creative story. Pick the format:
notebook, newspaper, or postcard. Print your story at the end!
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/storystarters/storystarter1.htm
notebook, newspaper, or postcard. Print your story at the end!
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/storystarters/storystarter1.htm
Monday, December 01, 2008
Reading / Language Arts Links
Here are some Reading/Language Arts links...
Students have a love for writing or are they struggling with putting thoughts down on paper? Writing Fun uses text organizers to assist with the writing process
http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jeather/writingfun/writingfun.html
The online spelling program, Spelling City makes practicing for spelling tests fun: any spelling word or spelling list can be entered into the box to test spelling skills through activities, games, and quizes. Word lists can be saved, too.
http://www.spellingcity.com/
On Starfall, the ABC’s, fun to read activities, plays, non-fiction stories, and comics can be utilized to teach and entertain the K-5 reader.
http://www.starfall.com/
Provided by TeacherVision, find many online reading and language arts interactive support games listed by grade level. Choose ones that best suit your needs and bookmark to learn and have fun!
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/reading-and-language-arts/games/5831.html
Scholastic’s Wheel of Language Arts is quite the favorite! Choose the K-2 or 3-5 tab for Scholastic recommended interactive sites. http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/clf/index.htm
Students have a love for writing or are they struggling with putting thoughts down on paper? Writing Fun uses text organizers to assist with the writing process
http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jeather/writingfun/writingfun.html
The online spelling program, Spelling City makes practicing for spelling tests fun: any spelling word or spelling list can be entered into the box to test spelling skills through activities, games, and quizes. Word lists can be saved, too.
http://www.spellingcity.com/
On Starfall, the ABC’s, fun to read activities, plays, non-fiction stories, and comics can be utilized to teach and entertain the K-5 reader.
http://www.starfall.com/
Provided by TeacherVision, find many online reading and language arts interactive support games listed by grade level. Choose ones that best suit your needs and bookmark to learn and have fun!
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/reading-and-language-arts/games/5831.html
Scholastic’s Wheel of Language Arts is quite the favorite! Choose the K-2 or 3-5 tab for Scholastic recommended interactive sites. http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/clf/index.htm
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Two resources from Scholastic
Scholastic has a monthly calendar with events and resources for every day of the month.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/calendar.jsp?aud=T
Did you know today was Marc Brown's birthday?
Another thought to share....
"Kids may be savvy about technology and the Internet, but as you can see from this CBS Evening News segment they're not always so smart about remembering that the Internet goes out to everyone (and lasts for a long time)"
http://scholasticadministrator.typepad.com/thisweekineducation/2008/11/web-tests-kids.html
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/calendar.jsp?aud=T
Did you know today was Marc Brown's birthday?
Another thought to share....
"Kids may be savvy about technology and the Internet, but as you can see from this CBS Evening News segment they're not always so smart about remembering that the Internet goes out to everyone (and lasts for a long time)"
http://scholasticadministrator.typepad.com/thisweekineducation/2008/11/web-tests-kids.html
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Interactive Classroom Makeover Contest
Take a look at these videos created by teachers and students for the Interactive Classroom Makeover Contest. Sure, they wanted to get "free stuff" and hopefully win, but the message remains the same..."kids learn with technology best".
Here is the link to the K-5 finalists - http://eimakeover.shycast.com/contestant/289/
Science Resources for the classroom
Current Event links and sites for Kids in Science:
Animal Planet
http://animal.discovery.com/
Find everything you ever want to know about animals.
Bill Nye the Science Guy
http://www.nyelabs.com/
You can find a lot of really neat science stuff on this site! He shows you
home experiments and answers your questions.
Cool Science for Curious Kids
http://www.hhmi.org/coolscience/index.html
This site for younger kids offers some really cool science stuff that you
can do at home.
Discovery Kids.com
http://kids.discovery.com/
Explore this site. Enjoy fun & games, and even live cams!
Kids Health
http://kidshealth.org/kid/
Whether you’re a kid or a teen, this site can answer all of your tough
questions and has some really great links!
Animal Planet
http://animal.discovery.com/
Find everything you ever want to know about animals.
Bill Nye the Science Guy
http://www.nyelabs.com/
You can find a lot of really neat science stuff on this site! He shows you
home experiments and answers your questions.
Cool Science for Curious Kids
http://www.hhmi.org/coolscience/index.html
This site for younger kids offers some really cool science stuff that you
can do at home.
Discovery Kids.com
http://kids.discovery.com/
Explore this site. Enjoy fun & games, and even live cams!
Kids Health
http://kidshealth.org/kid/
Whether you’re a kid or a teen, this site can answer all of your tough
questions and has some really great links!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Current Event Resources
K-5 Current Event links and sites for Kids
Headline Spot for Kids
http://www.headlinespot.com/for/kids/
This site links to ABC News for Kids, Scholastic News, NY Times Student and more!
TIME for Kids
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids
The latest news from around the world for kids in grades K-6. Includes related polls, games, and websites.
Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
Ben's Guide to US Government for Kids provides an introduction to the Federal Government.
Nick News with Linda Elerbee
http://www.nick.com/nicknews/
Reporting on local and world events that affect kids’ lives
Headline Spot for Kids
http://www.headlinespot.com/for/kids/
This site links to ABC News for Kids, Scholastic News, NY Times Student and more!
TIME for Kids
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids
The latest news from around the world for kids in grades K-6. Includes related polls, games, and websites.
Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
Ben's Guide to US Government for Kids provides an introduction to the Federal Government.
Nick News with Linda Elerbee
http://www.nick.com/nicknews/
Reporting on local and world events that affect kids’ lives
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Lyon Technology
Ok so, I frequently send out emails to staff with ideas, links, or general answers to questions about technology and how it can best be integrated into the curriculum. Last year, I put together a google group that really did not get off the ground and I think that could have been a bit of my fault. I felt torn between all that I was doing and instead of doing a few things really well, I was doing alot of things so-so.
As I re-evaluated the means in which I share with my staff, I still think the best way is to send out emails. But,I would still like to archive all of these emails on a web based platform. So, I looked to google groups again. I think this time around, I will be pleased with the result and my teachers will have easy access to these resources.
Please feel free to visit our group often.
Lyon Technology Google Group
http://groups.google.com/group/lyon-technology
As I re-evaluated the means in which I share with my staff, I still think the best way is to send out emails. But,I would still like to archive all of these emails on a web based platform. So, I looked to google groups again. I think this time around, I will be pleased with the result and my teachers will have easy access to these resources.
Please feel free to visit our group often.
Lyon Technology Google Group
http://groups.google.com/group/lyon-technology
Monday, August 25, 2008
K-5 Keyboarding
K-5 Technology Resources
KEYBOARDING
Have you ever wondered….
Why are the keys on a keyboard all mixed up?
• Christopher Latham Shole in 1872 invented the machine called the "Type-Writer." Sholes had developed his machine for convenience, but was faced with a huge problem: the keys jammed if the typist went too fast. Sholes tried for months to fix this problem. Finally, Sholes redesigned the layout of the letters on the keyboard to force the typist to slow down. We call his layout the "QWERTY" keyboard (after the first six letters of the typewriter's second row).
Here are some links for online typing practice at home. Keyboarding is a skill that is important as students progress through their education.
Dance Mat Typing http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/
Typing at the Speed of Thought http://www.keybr.com/
Keyboarding lessons for Kids http://webinstituteforteachers.org/%7Egammakeys/Lesson/Lesson1.htm
KEYBOARDING
Have you ever wondered….
Why are the keys on a keyboard all mixed up?
• Christopher Latham Shole in 1872 invented the machine called the "Type-Writer." Sholes had developed his machine for convenience, but was faced with a huge problem: the keys jammed if the typist went too fast. Sholes tried for months to fix this problem. Finally, Sholes redesigned the layout of the letters on the keyboard to force the typist to slow down. We call his layout the "QWERTY" keyboard (after the first six letters of the typewriter's second row).
Here are some links for online typing practice at home. Keyboarding is a skill that is important as students progress through their education.
Dance Mat Typing http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/
Typing at the Speed of Thought http://www.keybr.com/
Keyboarding lessons for Kids http://webinstituteforteachers.org/%7Egammakeys/Lesson/Lesson1.htm
Monday, August 04, 2008
And so goes the summer...
With summer almost a memory, I am beginning to think and plan for my return to the physical space of my job. All summer long, I have been collecting websites, reading articles, organizing files and anticipating new and welcomed changes in my building. Needless to say, I have been attempting to schedule time to get back to the building but I am finding one more thing to keep me physically away. I am prepared to return and even looking forward to it. Actually going to my building is bittersweet since it reminds me of the passage of time; new students, new teachers, new experiences and not just for me but my own family as well! My son starts high school and my daughter entering third grade worried about being at school without her big brother. I think I need to stop blogging right now; my daughter wants me to watch Nemo with her. Maybe we will even walk to the ice cream store later.
Here's to the rest of your summer....
Here's to the rest of your summer....
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Web2pointO
I will be presenting at the Illinois Education & Technology Conference in November and I am trying to get my pbwiki up to date with a few more resources before I sit and map out my preso. I just began a web 2.0 page - http://tmurdach.pbwiki.com/web2pointO
I will be adding to my pbwiki on a regular basis. There are other preso's listed and documented within the pages of the wiki as well.
I will be adding to my pbwiki on a regular basis. There are other preso's listed and documented within the pages of the wiki as well.
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