Reaching Out

For my ECMP class we were asked to make some kind of final project which incorporated some of the things we learned in class. After much debating and thought a few of us girls decided to join together and make something that we could use in the classroom. We created a video to help girls who are dealing with everyday issues such as body image, sex, drugs and bullying. This powerful video will be a great resource for the classroom. Feel free to check it out:

Tapped In

I had my first Tapped In experience tonight at 5 p.m. It was a lot more interesting then I thought it would be. I was working with Elementary Math Resources and I actually got a few good sites. As soon as I joined the group people were talking to me and instructing us all where to go and what to do. It was like one giant msn with people I did not know. I think this is a great way to encourage colaboartion amoungst teachers. Everybody is entering that room with prior knowledge and are always willing to help you out. One girl spent the entire time asking what was going on because she was lost. But, someone always stopped to help her out and point her in the right direction. I recommend people check this Tapped In thing out because it could be very beneficial for teachers. Click here to set up your own account of Tapped In.

D - O - N - E!

As the days and classes are winding down I am getting increasingly sentimental and emotional. It is hard to think that in a couple short weeks I will be done my university career and be forced to face "the real world". It is going to be hard to leave the familiar faces and classrooms. The faculty of Education is similar to high school in a lot of ways. You are in the same building everyday, on the same couple of floors everyday and see the same people almost everyday for two years. After four years of blood, sweat and tears we are almost done. Wow, that sounds so weird to say I am D - O - N - E! I can't wait to get out in the teaching world, but there are so many things that I do not want to leave behind. The future is so uncertain and unplanned which drives me crazy. I enjoy having set classes with set assignments that have deadlines and clear expectations. I am entering into the world of survival of the fittest. There are so many teachers and so few jobs. If you do not stand out, you do not get a job. I am such a planner that it drives me crazy to not know what my future holds for me. I am going to be subbing for May and June, but I do not know when, where and what the consistency will be. My peers are now turning into my competitors in a fierce job market. I am going to miss everyone so much! I can not even say that I will see you all again because who knows what the future holds for each of us. Thank goodness for technology because we can always keep in touch. Well good luck to all of you because we are D - O - N - E!!!!

Pharmacy Essay

My sister in currently attending the University of Saskatchewan and trying to get into the Pharmacy program. She just had to write her entry essay which determines if they actually get into the faculty or not. The essay topic was "Technology in the Classroom". I was shocked! I could have written that whole essay for her in record time, but people who are uneducated with this topic would not have much to go on. They had to read an article and either agree or disagree with the points presented in the article. I would have a hard time having a strong opinion either way. There are both pros and cons to technology in the classroom. As I continue learning more in ECMP, I am realizing how important technology really is.

Podcasting

I listened to a few pod casts and my favorite was If the Earth were a Sandwich on Ze Frank`s site. His little songs are hilarious and it is amazing how many people respond to his challenge to put a piece of bread where ever they are. Can you imagine if the Earth really was a sandwich. No one would be hungry, but we would also be running out of spaces to live because the amount of livable land would be slowly decreasing. Check out his podcast because he has a whole bunch of neat issues. I also enjoyed the Carve a Pumpkin Jamboree. Click here to check out his site.

A New Look

Want a quick makeover? Get a pair of glasses. You would not believe how much you can change your look with a new pair of glasses. It is almost better then buying a new outfit or getting a new hairdo. I just got a new pair of glasses on the weekend and I feel like a new person. It is a great confidence booster and quick yet expensive makeover. Find a pair of glasses to fit your face and look. Click here to check is Pearle Vision's interactive frame selector.

Hot Potatoes

Check out this quiz generator that is helpful for busy teachers. You can simply input the data into one of the follow areas and get instant games to amuse and assess kids:
- Cloze passages
- Quizes
- Matching games
- Crosswords
- Mixing games
Click here to check out my Weather Matching Game.