Taste of IPADS

Today we were discussing SYMMETRY in math. After discussing what this meant and going through some examples, groups broke up into 4-5 and went exploring with an IPAD. They were asked to take pictures of things around the school that were symmetrical. After ten minutes of "photography time", groups came back to the room and opened their photos in some doodle app [Notability and Doodle Buddy....different as we had to borrow IPADS from resource teachers, etc.] Then we shared some of our photos with the other groups. The students were SO excited to do something besides worksheets or something sitting in their desks. Here are some pics below....an "on the fly" idea to get the kids up, moving, and excited to explore math.

IPAD Academy......coming to D5 soon!

I can't believe it. An IPAD for every student. New ways. New possibilities. New teaching styles. New learning methods. New opportunities. I can't wait to get the IPADS, and neither can my students. My mind has been running and running since we found out. I've tried reading blogs, posts, google community posts, etc. The perfectionist part of me is coming out...I want to be the best....I want to create the most amazing things. Sometimes I'm sure, simplicity will be a great thing. Question for my teaching "peeps"....what is the BEST thing about having the IPADS? What struggles have you had? What should I absolutely NEED to know before starting? Tips? Advice? THANKS!

Educational Games and Apps for Kids!

This link has great apps and games for kids. Nowadays with smartphones and IPADS everywhere [hopefully in our classrooms soon], this a great website to find specific games per grade level. Click on the site below:

Educational Games and Links for Kids

How great leaders inspire action-Simon Sinek

[The video isn't working but click on the title above and it will take you there]  I learned about the simple ideas of inspiring action. In this video, he talks about why MLK Jr and the Wright Brothers were able to inspire when others were not. The "Golden Circle" includes the WHY, HOW, and WHAT? These leaders thought in a different way than other people. Always think and be willing to answer and ask the question "why?"

Do You Spend Too Much Time Preparing for Standardized Tests? [Article Review]

This article gives a student view on preparing for standardized testing. They began the article discussing the state of Texas, which just recently passed a bill to reduce the number of tests students have to take to earn a diploma from 15 to 5. They also talked about reducing the number of years for high schoolers to take Math and Science from four years to three years. [Big mistake, in my opinion, to reduce these subjects at all]. Surprisingly the kids that commented on this blog believe that students do not take these tests serious enough and could study MORE. Some even went as far to say that schools should prepare the kids better and do more practices to get them ready. WOW! Very interesting read....I included the link below in case anyone is interested. Thanks for reading!

Do You Spend Too Much Time Preparing for Standardized Tests?

10 Picture Tour-Leonard Lawrence

One of our 3 school-wide expectations

Welcome to D3 [my room]

Inside my room

One of our three school-wide expectations

After coming in you can go down either side of building

Gym

Mrs. Erickson, one of our awesome secretaries!

Our lead teacher Mrs. Harvey

The new copy machine that everyone's been buzzing about

Kindergarten room with Ms. Sweley

Our amazing library

Our school is broken up into 4 "pods" 5th and 6th grades are in D pod

Introductory Post--CCU Class

Hello bloggers! My name is Emily Salie and I currently teach 5th grade, back to 6th grade next year, at Leonard Lawrence Elementary School in Bellevue. I have grown up in Bellevue my whole life [yes I live a life of crazy excitement]....going through BPS via Birchcrest Elementary [go Tigers!], Logan Fontenelle, and Bellevue East High School. I pursued an elem ed degree and early childhood endorsement through UNO and just finished up my Master's degree last summer via Doane College. I am the youngest of four children-an older brother, an older sister, and a 22-minute older twin sister.

I love hopping on the latest technology wagons/trends/etc. I love using technology in my classroom but just usually need a little training before venturing out. I have used the Mobi [do these work with our new Macs....and if yes, HOW?], Rover cart on daily basis, kidblog.org, weebly site, etc. I don't really classify myself as a mac or pc person because I have one at work and one at home. I am starting to learn the wonders of the MAC, however. :)

I am not sure what the third paragraph is supposed to entail...but I can insert a picture of my adorable niece [now 3 years old] and I at the zoo this past weekend.....and I have already put a picture of me up on my profile. Thanks for reading!