Blog Archives

On the Last Day Before Winter Break...

12/22/2017

One (non-school related) Book Suggestion

For readers who love Adriana Trigiani, Jennifer Weiner and Liane Moriarty, Forks, Knives, and Spoons is a light-hearted, thought-provoking coming of age story that takes readers on a nostalgic journey back to the 1980s and 1990s. Romantic, witty and warm.

There are three kinds of guys: forks, knives, and spoons. That is the final lesson that Amy York’s father sends her off to college with, never suspecting just how far his daughter will take it. Clinging to the Utensil Classification System as her guide, Amy tries to convince her skeptical roommate, Veronica Warren, of its usefulness as they navigate the heartbreaks and soul mates of college and beyond. At Syracuse University, Amy and Veronica meet an assortment of guys―from slotted spoons and shrimp forks to butter knives and sporks―all while trying to learn if the UCSholds true. On the quest to find their perfect steak knives, they learn to believe in themselves―and not to settle in love or life.

On the 2nd Day Until Winter Break...

12/21/2017

2 Science of Snowflakes Videos

TED Ed https://youtu.be/FwGH4gulLX4
The science of snowflakes - Maruša Bradač

Bytesize Science https://youtu.be/VYrF3sFBY20
The Chemistry of Snowflakes - Bytesize Science

On the 3rd Day Until Winter Break...

12/20/2017

3 Alternatives to Google Image Searching For Students

Click on the image to visit the website.

All images are appropriate for the school setting. Downloaded images automatically cite the author and the image license terms. All photos shown are licensed by Creative Commons for public use.

All images are properly filtered using safe search and the nature of the websites associated with image results are also screened to prevent users from landing on a site that may contain harmful content – even if the image that brought them to the site is innocent.

Teachers and students can use these free, safe, copyright-friendly photos and illustrations for classroom projects, web sites, videos, portfolios, or any other projects in an educational setting.

On the 4th Day Until Winter Break...

12/19/2017

4 Ways to Gamify Your Classroom

#1 Introduce Challenges
Motivate students to advance their learning through self-directed instruction by providing epic elements to work and projects.
Introduce a project as a quest or mission that fits within the class narrative. This can draw students in to learning in a new, fun way.

#2 Allow Second Chances
Like in games, students should be allowed second chances when they fail.
Students are then able to try, learn from mistakes, and succeed, eliminating the pressure and stigma of failure.

#3 Use Levels & Progress Bars
Instead of grades and percentages, some teachers issue progress bars to gauge student progress.
When assignments, test or projects are completed points can be added to a student’s progress bar, bringing them closer to reaching the next level.

#4 Badges & Rewards
Badges provide a tangible symbol of achievement that is effective in celebrating student accomplishments,
incentivizing students to continue putting forth more effort and improving student confidence.

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