Spread the “Word”press November 12, 2007

I know this entry is in WordPress but this is in hopes that people will see this entry and be more likely to choose WordPress!

I am currently using WordPress to fullfill an educational technology blog project.  However, I am so excited to share the great resources on my blog with others!  If a teacher approaches me regarding topics I have written about, I can say, “Check out my blog”!  On the other hand, if I don’t have a blog posted on a topic a teacher asks me about, I have a new idea!  I’m just too excited that I learned how to “blog”!  WordPress has made blogging so easy!!! 

My goal is to continue my blog for two reasons: (1) to continue my professional growth in technology through knowledge of the “latest” use, and (2) to help others in my school and county!  Plus, if I learn more about the topics I have already posted, WordPress makes it easy to go back and edit!  Until next time, enjoy the blogs!

Zone into Kidzone November 12, 2007

I must say that I am REALLY excited about Kidzone!!!  I currently teach and provide Math intervention for students in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades.  With only having previous teaching experience in 1st grade, it can be difficult to find and create resources to teach other grades.  HOWEVER, Kidzone has come to the rescue!  As I mentioned, this webpage is exciting because there are many educational resources for all academic areas.  Plus, there are educational resources that I can use for my daughters; in the future…they’re almost 2.  The activities used in Kidzone are very attractive, appealing and simple.  You can use them for independent practice, assessment and homework.  If you check out Kidzone, post your comments and share any other great resources that you have used.  Any resources you share will only benefit me in return. 

Google’s Image Search for Clipart November 12, 2007

I am surprised about how many teachers are unaware of Google’s image search.  Since I work with primary students, cartoon clipart is fun for them.  Sometimes, photographs are necessary, which are also available.  Either way, there are a variety of images available through Google Images.  One part that can make finding clipart difficult is that copyright images are also posted so you must be careful in the images you select.

  If you need quick images, try out Google Images and type in your keyword followed by “clipart”.  For example, if you are looking for a frog image, you can type the following:

 

• for frog clipart, type just that = “frog clipart”,
• for more images, type the plural = “frogs clipart”, 
• for clipart and/or photographs, you can just type in “frogs”

The next time you try to add clipart/photographs to your activity, Google it!

Transparalink – Im Translator November 12, 2007

I work in a school with a high percentage/population of Spanish speakers.

Ethnicity White: 22.6 % African American: 31.3 % American Indian/Alaskan Native: 0.3 % Asian/Pacific Islander: 6.7 % Hispanic: 39.1 %

Students Receiving Special Services Free/Reduced Price Meals: 63.9 % Ltd. English Proficient: 36.4 % Title I: 100 % Special Education: 9.1 %

Therefore, communication with families regarding their child(ren)’s progress can be difficult.  When I was in my own classroom, I sent home weekly progress reports and newsletter so in order to communicate important information with families, I had to interpret in Spanish.  I took Spanish in high school and college quite a few years ago and our Spanish speaking staff members may not always be available.  My sister shared this wonderful translating site that she used for her Spanish speaking insurance clients. 

Im Translator is a translating website that you do not need to sign in to access.  The translator translates in many different languages – my favorite being English to Spanish back to English.  “Back translation” is very beneficial because I can see if what I wrote makes sense.  Along with my communication to families, I have asked if they have understood what I have translated.  Families have shared that is extremely helpful and when I did not send translated material home, I would receive another request.  Since using Im Translator, my communication has greatly improved and reached my Spanish speaking families and I truly appreciate and value that in my classroom!