Sunday, September 9, 2012

Grad School.....Again:)


So, after finishing up my Reading Specialist Certification, I decided to enroll in West Chester's Certification for Assistive Technology and Universal Design. I'm excited. I loved my Reading Spec. coursework, but Technology, especially Technology for Special Education is where my passion is.

For one assignment, we are required to post on a blog. WordPress was the suggested platform, but since I already use Blogger, I can publish the assignment here.

At the top of my resume, I have listed four words that would be my tagline for who I am as a teacher. They are: Reflective. Motivational. Flexible. Technological. Our first posting is to be a reflective post on Learning Styles inventories.

Here are my results from the Learning Styles Inventory (Multiple Intelligences-Gardner):

My scores, along with a few classmates' scores, were highest in both Interpersonal and Intrapersonal. You might think that these two should be opposite, but it made sense to me. Although it wasn't easy growing up with seven siblings, I had to navigate my childhood with a lot of people and personalities. Throughout high school and college. I kept diaries and journals and student teaching required the art of reflective journaling in your daily teaching. Boy, I wish I could make the time for that now!

This year, I want to strike a better balance with being reflective and keeping from being hard on myself.  Reflecting on my craft, but seeking support and encouragement when I need it. 

We also responded on a three brains activity. a Visual image was presented with specific focus questions. One thing that I connected with was that my responses about the people in the image, were emotional based. I like to thing I am strong with instilling Social Emotional Learning skills in my kiddos. It would make sense for me to notice a person expressing an emotion since I value teaching those skills. 

At my school building Opening Day (we have two since we have an IU specific one), they displayed this image:
I still love the Education Program quote from my undergraduate (Kutztown University) that we are "Teachers as lifelong learners." Here's hoping to a great year!


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Show Me iPad App

Our AT specialist showed me how to really use this app today, very excited to use it this year! Take a picture of something in the classroom (educational display-word wall) and you can circle the words and say them, recording it as a video and publishing it so parents can access it.


http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/showme-interactive-whiteboard/id445066279?mt=8

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Laminator Giveaway!

Ironic timing that this giveaway is out, as my personal laminator (from 2005!) "ate" a sheet that I didn't put in correctly yesterday. I unlugged it and used tweezers to get it out but it had some battle wounds!

This is a great blog as well:
http://crayonscurls.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Personal Laminators

An essential classroom tool for me:

My personal laminator (Duck brand)

I purchase the 50 pack Scotch thermal laminating sheets and whatever I laminate through this machine is so much more durable than the big laminator, especially when I use construction paper or cardstock. It is perfect for centers materials!

I also decided to use it to laminate my Fundations large sound cards. They get so much daily use and I want to prevent wear and tear.


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Target's Teacher Section Deals!

Over the past few years, Target's $1 section has become a treasure box for teachers. Here is a pic of what I was able to grab today:

My favorite thing is the "HI" carpet ($2.50). I will use this during Circle/Morning Meeting as the spot for the greeter to stand on when the greet their friends. It is a perfect visual cue for my kiddos!

Reusable Dry Erase packets.

Green magnetic containers (round).

Dr. Seuss hologram cups (use for centers containers in March).

Green pencil/utensil baskets. I may put a group one on each table with scissors, glue, etc. in case any kid is missing something as we start an activity.

Gotta love a good deal!


Sunday, July 15, 2012

Huge Blog Giveaway!

Faithful in First is running a huge giveaway with lots of chances to earn points!
Follow her blog here:
http://faithfulinfirst.blogspot.com/2012/07/400-follower-blockbuster-giveaway-loads.html

Snack Choice

We have snack each morning with 2 choices. I have big "menu" pictures and then small "menu" laminated pictures in each black basket underneath the corresponding picture. There is a clipboard with each of the kids' pictures ( I had to gray them out) and a blank velcro spot so they can put their choice there. It really helps with the hectic nature of arrival/unpacking/bathroom.