Final Reflection

My favorite discovery on this learning journey was learning how to use and incorporate webquests. THis is a fantastice idea that I will use in the classroom. I can incorporate webquests into any academic subject expecially social studies and science and have students rotate into centers.

I am a teacher but I am also a learner, this course has helped me with both of these roles. I have learned new teaching strategies utilizing various forms of technology and I have personally learned some useful management techniques for myself such as creating a "Delicious" site to organize my websites.

The module that included the video on how to effectively use powerpoint was a bit of a shock, I frequently use powerpoint for college projects and with my students and always thought I was using it well. After watching the video I've realized that fancy templates, lots of text and sounds are not effective. THis video opened my eyes to new strategies to use when creating future powerpoints.

Math Fractions

In math this week we will be learning about fractions. In this unit we will be learning to add and subtract with fractions. We will also be working with mixed numbers and changing them to improper fractions. Below are some websites to help you learn and practice with fractions.

1. Name of site: Cool Math Fractions
URL: http://www.coolmath4kids.com/fractions/index.html
Summary: This website has a lesson on what fractions are and what they look like. Please read through the "What are Fractions?" "Mixed Numbers" and "Magic 1". Take notes on a piece of paper and lets discuss what you found interesting.
Commentary: 4 out of 5 stars, this website contains both lesson notes and pictures of what fractions look like.

2. Name of site: Fraction video
URL: http://www.totlol.com/watch/vjjv/cvjwso/Fractions-video/0/
Summary: Please watch the following video about fractions. Don't forget to laugh, counting fractions can be fun.
Commentary: 3 out of 5 stars, this video is funny but could have had more information

3. Name of site: Funbrain
URL: www.funbrain.com
Summary: Please find a game dealing with fractions from the Math arcade to play. Play the game (at least 3 rounds) and we will discuss what you played and which games you liked below in our blog.
Commentary 5 out of 5 stars

4. Name of site: Tony's fraction pizza shop
URL: www.mrnussbaum.com/tonyfraction.htm
Summary: In this game you will start with a pizza and have to add the correct amount of ingredients to the pie. Be careful, the ingredients are in FRACTIONS!
Commentary: 3 out of 5 stars, this game is good but repetitive

5. Name of Site: Kids online resources
URL: http://www.kidsolr.com/math/fractions.html
Summary: Watch the tutorial and take some notes in your notebook. Write down at least 3 things you learned.
Commentary: 4 out of 5 stars, good explanations

Penguin Week

This week our class will be learning about penguin's. We will be studying their habitat, adaptations, food, and nesting. Below I have several websites for you to look at with your child to prepare them for the activities we will be completing in school. Have fun, laugh and Happy Penguin Week!!!!

1. Name of Site: National Geographic website on penguins
URL: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/photos/penguines/#2344_600x450.jpg.
Summary: This website includes photos of penguins in their natural habitat and fun facts. What do you notice about a penguin's habitat.....is it cold or warm?
Commentary: I rate this website 4 out of 5 stars. The pictures are amazing! Which was your favorite one?

2. Name of Site: National Geographic for kids Penguin cartoon
URL:http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/activities/cartoons/cartoonpenguinpastimes?vgnextfmt=alternate
Summary: This is a fun activity where you can put your writing skills to good use. Create a cartoon where your penguin's are talking to eachother. What are they saying/doing? Remember to make your cartoon creative and interesting, we will be sharing these with the class. Happy Writing!
Commentary: My students love this activity, they always come up with something interesting to share. I rate this 3 out of 5 stars.

3. Name of Site: Penguin Webquest
URL:<a href="http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/School/dondero/msm/bird/webquest.html#Introduction">
Summary: Here is your mission....and YES you have to accept it! This week you will be assigned to one type of penguin to study and share with the class. Please follow the directions on the website provided and take notes regarding the penguin you are to research. Gather as many facts about your penguin as you can and make your project interesting. I can't wait to see them all!
Commentary: I would rate this website 5 out of 5 stars! Excellent site with a great rubric for students to follow.

4. Name of Site: National Geographic for Kids Penguin Video
URL:<a href="http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Animals/CreatureFeature/Emperor-penguin">
Summary: This website contains a video on the Emperor Penguins of Antartica. Be sure to read the facts to the left then watch the video with sound. What did you learn from watching?
Commentary: Students think this video is amazingly fun, 4 out of 5 stars.

5. Name of Site:Kidzone- Penguins
URL: http://www.kidzone.ws/animals/penguins/facts.htm.
Summary: This website has some fun facts about penguins. You may also find information for your research project on your penguine type here.
Commentary: 3 out of 5 stars. This website is kid friendly.