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November 21, 2009

A Test Blog

Article posted December 7, 2006 at 05:06 PM GMT • comment • Reads 708529

This blog is a test
it is only a test

Article posted December 7, 2006 at 05:06 PM GMT • comment • Reads 708529

We're Going Strong!

Article posted October 12, 2005 at 02:17 PM GMT • comment • Reads 3671

We're one month in and the students in Computer Applications have already learned how to create a personal letterhead, how to design a great advertising flyer and have recently explored web page creation.

Some assignments have been added to the links on the left side of the blog page.

More to come . . .

Article posted October 12, 2005 at 02:17 PM GMT • comment • Reads 3671

Term Four

Article posted October 12, 2005 at 04:15 AM GMT • comment • Reads 2301

Well ... it is term four already. This term children in Learners Unlimited are going to be extremely busy (as usual) with stacks of great action learning.
We are going to be learning some more about longfinned eels and native fish which will lead us into the water cycle. The water cycle is important as these very special creature rely on the quality of water being preserved for their future survival.
In our writing we will be focussing on poetry in many forms.
The first two weeks of term we are rpoblem solving for maths and praying the Rosary everyday with Launching Pad children.

Article posted October 12, 2005 at 04:15 AM GMT • comment • Reads 2301

Spelling Lists for test October 10, 2005

Article posted October 4, 2005 at 05:41 PM GMT • comment • Reads 2225

I thought this might be helpful for studying at home:

Grade 5 has two lists. Each child will study and test over only one list.

Grade 5: Grade 5: Grade 6:
master apple remark
ahead attic wearing
build banner resource
front batter words
meant buffet scarce
bread belly startling
ready better hoarse
busy bidding average
quit bitten absurd
mother bitter worst
above buggy fourteen
does butter charms
advantage carrot beware
business carry fortune
sweater cellar southern
plastic chatter modern
balance coffee worry
limit collect rumor
among connect memory
dozen cottage embark

Article posted October 4, 2005 at 05:41 PM GMT • comment • Reads 2225

September 21, 2005

Article posted September 26, 2005 at 09:46 PM GMT • comment • Reads 1561

Here we go! 09/21
My name is Stephanie Greer. I have just completed my 9th day as one of the two new teachers in Class 5 Red at the Bronx Charter School for the Arts, in Hunts Point, Bronx, NY.

I am so excited about my new fifth grade class. So far, we have already created and displayed beautiful silhouettes in the school hallway. BioPoems that each student has written, typed, edited and published on the computer will soon accompany them. The students have also created a series of wonderful posters for our walls describing a few unwanted classroom pests we are watching out for. [Be especially on the lookout for the Crimson Mouth... we seem to be having trouble getting rid of that one. ;-) ]

In math, students have been developing their language of the discipline, and have begun to aptly use the same words of true mathematicians. Words like: factor, factor pairs, multiples, squares, square root and prime cover our walls and slip from the lips of the students. We even have a little chant we used today to remember multiples: To find the multiples... you gotta' multiply!

During reading workshop, students have already begun to dive into some great books. Students have also been doing an excellent job self monitoring their independent reading using the class rubric:
3:
• I did not talk to anyone
• I was absolutely quiet
• I stuck with my book
• I stayed in my seat
2:
• I mostly did not talk to anyone
• I was mostly quiet
• I mostly stuck with my book
• I stayed in my seat

I won't bother to include the 1, since I haven't had a student need it yet! Today, we even began to log our steps for the Scholastic 100 Book Challenge. Our goal is one hundred 15-minute steps per school quarter. That's a total of... well... you can do the math... hours per quarter! If I know these students, they'll meet that challenge in a matter of weeks.

Yesterday, in writing workshop, my team teacher, DeShan Lett, introduced the students to their Writer's Notebooks. She presented a wonderful chart full of ideas that students can refer to when writing in their notebooks. Already, the pages have begun to disappear beneath their ideas and thoughts. I also can't wait to hear about some of the storytelling objects they bring to class to inspire their realistic fiction pieces tomorrow.

The last classroom news item I'll mention is the students new Bronx Arts Visa Card they are working on obtaining. By building up good behavior credits, within a few short weeks, students will be able to have optional seating during reading and writing workshops! Some students are already on their way. They are working on establishing these three classroom norms:
WE ARE RESPECTFUL!
WE ARE RESPONSIBLE!
WE ARE MOTIVATED!

There is so much happening in the class, it would take hours to try and fill you all in. Instead, I'll leave it up to my students from here on out. Keep checking in to read about all the exciting learning that is taking place in Class 5 Red.

Over and out.
Ms. G

Article posted September 26, 2005 at 09:46 PM GMT • comment • Reads 1561

Welcome

Article posted September 21, 2005 at 02:14 PM GMT • comment • Reads 730

This is new ground for me and for AAHS. It is therefore with a little trepidation that I say: "Welcome to the Room 110 Classroom Blog!!"

I intend to use this blog to inform students and parents of what is going on in our class. Students will have a chance to write articles/responses as well - with my approval.

Remember, we're blazing a new trail here, so be patient as we develop our AAHS Blogosphere

Article posted September 21, 2005 at 02:14 PM GMT • comment • Reads 730

Welcome

Article posted September 21, 2005 at 02:14 PM GMT • comment • Reads 772

Test for Flickr image

Article posted September 17, 2005 at 06:53 PM GMT • comment • Reads 987

< img src=http://static.flickr.com/23/28670502_16f3e8fb1c_m.jpg align=center>

Article posted September 17, 2005 at 06:53 PM GMT • comment • Reads 987

Technology Crash

Article posted September 8, 2005 at 05:07 PM GMT • comment • Reads 888

Imagine that all of the computer technology in the world stopped working at the same time. Describe in a story what you and the world would be like in this situation.

Article posted September 8, 2005 at 05:07 PM GMT • comment • Reads 888

Internet Safety

Article posted August 31, 2005 at 07:37 PM GMT • comment • Reads 771

Now that you have read what it means to think like a blogger it is time to practice reflective blogging.

Read the article “Kids, Blogs, and Too Much Information” from MSNBC. Once you have read the article, blog your thoughts on the following prompt.

1. What would you say to Marcy about what she discovered on her daughter’s and others’ blogs?

2. What would you say to Marcy’s daughter?

3. Do you agree with Aftab that being on the internet is an “attention competition” and kids are more likely to do things online that they would never do offline?

4. What should parents do to help their children have safe, positive online experiences?

Article posted August 31, 2005 at 07:37 PM GMT • comment • Reads 771

Student 1

Article posted July 19, 2005 at 07:09 PM GMT • comment • Reads 784

test

Article posted July 19, 2005 at 07:09 PM GMT • comment • Reads 784

A Tough Day

Article posted June 28, 2005 at 01:36 AM GMT • comment • Reads 386

It would have been the most extreme conditions I have ever run in. Even the locals said it was tough. There was wind, sleet, rain stinging my face and then there was the cold. It was the coldest I have been for a very very long time.

I had a double thickness polypropelene top on with a singlet and running jacket. I had a beanie too. I wore my running tights and normal shoes and socks. I also wear polypropelene gloves and these were essential.

The race started at 7.30am but by 9 am the conditions had eased a little at the stadium but where we were which was round by Cook Strait it was still blowing. I got to the halfway mark OK but started to feel a little less energetic soon after and had quite a struggle over the last 10kms.

I finished the 42.195kms in 3 hours 59 minutes and 32 seconds. I am proud to have conquered such severe conditions and I certainly used my virtue of determination !

Article posted June 28, 2005 at 01:36 AM GMT • comment • Reads 386

The Mormon Tabernacle

Article posted May 12, 2005 at 08:59 PM GMT • comment • Reads 414

A person cannot go to Salt Lake City, Utah without visiting the Tabernacle. It has been raining every day that we have been here, so there wasn't a great time to go.

Last night we went out for dinner early and so we decided to drive around the temple after dinner. A parking space opened up and so we decided to go ahead and park and go into the temple square. It had stopped raining (temporarily) so we walked around a bit. There was one spot where several (maybe 6 or 7) young women were standing with dark clothing and all holding onto books of Mormon. They were very friendly and talked to the people going by.

When we got there one of them talked to us and offered us a free tour. It was very interesting. The two women who took us on the tour were from different places. One said she was from California, but she had a Mexico flag because she was Mexican. The other was from Guatemala.

They told us about the temple and then also took us through a display on how families are eternal. I was struck by how sincere they were and yet how bizarre some of the things that they were saying seemed to me. If I was an argumentative type I guess I could have challenged some of the things that they said, but it didn't seem like it would be productive at all. I don't think I would understand any more and I am positive that I couldn't convince them of anything different than what they already believed.

How did Mormonism get to be such a huge international religion? Why did anyone follow Joseph Smith when he was saying things that seem like nonsense to me? There must be SOMETHING to it for it to grow the way it has.

At the end of our visit someone said that every religion has people who are devoted and good and people who do not live the faith that they pretend to believe.

Article posted May 12, 2005 at 08:59 PM GMT • comment • Reads 414

iMovie Video

Article posted April 25, 2005 at 02:39 PM GMT • comment • Reads 440

This weekend I spent a great deal of time working on a video in iMovie for my church. It consisted of a series of stills, a narration, and a sound track.

First my husband wrote the narration and taped himself reading it and then interviewed a few people. While he was doing that I collected still digital pictures that I had taken over the last few years of people in the church.

Then I put it all together using iMovie. I went to the Creative Commons website to find music. I found some really beautiful guitar music by a group called Heavy Mellow. Since I was using this only locally and it was for a non-profit organization the copyright allowed me to use the music. I am very impressed with the whole idea of the Creative Commons Copyright. It protects artists while recognizing that there are various levels of using their work. http://creativecommons.org.

The result was very moving. It is amazing that I could create such a thing. I would put a URL so that you could see it, but I there is a cost to license the music for the web which I have not paid, so I have not posted it. I may make a version without music so that people can go look at it.

I could see students, especially in HS using this to make some really meaningful projects. The only problem is that it is so time consuming. However, there was serious problem-solving involved and the result can be amazing.

Janice

Article posted April 25, 2005 at 02:39 PM GMT • comment • Reads 440

Science Fair

Article posted April 14, 2005 at 05:33 AM GMT • comment • Reads 452

It was so great to see so many parents come out to our Science Fair today. EVERY SINGLE CHILD in our class had a thoughtful and interesting science project to share with us. We listened, we learned, we asked questions and we learned more. By the end of the day we knew that we were real scientists now. I took lots of pictures but if parents have any that they could email me I will put them with mine and make a slide show so the children can enjoy Science Fair once again. My email address is vpaley@sd42.ca. Thanks so much.

Article posted April 14, 2005 at 05:33 AM GMT • comment • Reads 452

Easter Baskets

Article posted March 23, 2005 at 08:36 PM GMT • comment • Reads 379

Today we finished our Easter baskets and coloured eggs to put in them. I wonder if any of you will write about Easter on your blog.

Article posted March 23, 2005 at 08:36 PM GMT • comment • Reads 379

Week 7

Article posted March 18, 2005 at 03:08 AM GMT • comment • Reads 439

This week has gone and finished ! It was another good week in the Orchard with lots of growing, a little pruning, and some new planting.

Great success for Sam and Gugu who have achieved the standard for +,- and moved into x,÷ basic facts group. And after today's test ( note the apostrophe children) several more people getting close. Leah-Kate only missed the standard by 1.

Our celebration research is reaching an interesting stage with the first four charts being completed. The focus begins to switch into iMovie and how we can show some of the knowledge we have learnt. The movie needs two things - a wow factor and it must teach us about celebrations and show the knowledge we have learnt. The work is done in groups so cooperation will be key.

Cooperation is working together for the good of everyone. It is a willingness to respect others and to follow rules which keep everyone safe and happy. Cooperation is being helpful to one another and sharing the load. It means joining with others in order to do something that cannot be done on your own.

One key skill is listening and then negotiating a solution.

Yes - it was another top week of growing and learning in the Orchard.

Article posted March 18, 2005 at 03:08 AM GMT • comment • Reads 439

Et tu Brute?

Article posted March 15, 2005 at 02:29 PM GMT • comment • Reads 414

I sat down to blog today, and my blood froze. The calendar read 3/15/05--the Ides of March. I suspiciously eyed my coffee cup. A curl of steam rose lazily toward the ceiling. I hesitated to drink. . .

I jumped on the Internet to check the weather report: No meteor showers in the forecast. (So far so good.)

I called my wife at work: She had slept soundly last night. No strange dreams to report, thank goodness.

I rushed into the curriculum center to check my mailbox: It was empty. No handwritten notes, (or scrolls either, for that matter.)

I began to relax until it dawned on me that I hadn't seen my friend Bruce all morning. I asked around: He was out of town for his sister's wedding.

I finally went back to my desk and sat down. The coffee cup was still steaming. I lifted it to my lips and drank . . . nothing happened.

I put my cup down with a sigh of relief. Suddenly, it was all to clear what I had to do:

No more Julius Caesar! This year, I'm teaching Taming of the Shrew instead!

Article posted March 15, 2005 at 02:29 PM GMT • comment • Reads 414

A Work in Progress

Article posted March 14, 2005 at 07:04 PM GMT • comment • Reads 420

As a rookie blogger, I've found it pretty exciting to get this page up and running. While I expect it to be a little rough around the edges, it still offers limitless possibilities.

It's amazing, too, that thanks to technology people are writing again. I've always been amazed by journals and letters from the 1800's. These documents are so personal, so passionate, and so vital to our human history. Their yellowed pages divulge the hopes, dreams and secrets of an entire generation.

In our modern times, though, it seems that many of these personal stories have drifted out over radio waves, telephone lines, and walkie talkies, only to be lost forever. (including some of the Watergate tapes!) Thanks to blogs and email, we have once again begun to capture the human imagination in writing.

I hope the blogging phenomenon inspires us all to write often and to write well. Even though we are now typing under flourescent bulbs instead of scribbling by candlelight, one thing remains the same: the passion and excitement of the human spirit is still being captured in words for all to enjoy.

Happy Blogging!

Article posted March 14, 2005 at 07:04 PM GMT • comment • Reads 420

Acceptable Use Policies

Article posted February 16, 2005 at 01:07 PM GMT • comment • Reads 367

Acceptable Use Policies are also known as AUP's. Pretty much every school district has one. The purpose is to provide a set of guidelines and resonsibilities for computer use and internet use while using the school's computers.

The NYCDOE has an AUP that it expects all students and employees to adhere to. Here is a link to the entire text, NYCDOE AUP.

I have also added a few links in the left links area of this blog that you can loook at. They list other schools AUP's that you can look through.

Your mission, as a class, is to create an online AUP that we will use at ICE. I want you to decide what issues and what topics are important enough to include. I want you to think about what topic you would be interested in knowing more about, researching, and writing about. As a class we have brainstormed some topics, today's writing assignment is to respond to the following questions.

• What is an Acceptable Use Policy?
• Why do you think schools have an AUP?
• What is usually included in an AUP?
• Who creates the AUP's for school districts?
• How do you think an AUP should be created, and what do you think it should include? (**for this response, mention specific topics, why these topics need guidelines, and what responsibilties should the guidelines include that students must adhere to and respect).

Article posted February 16, 2005 at 01:07 PM GMT • comment • Reads 367

Student's Updating Blogs

Article posted February 10, 2005 at 01:18 AM GMT • comment • Reads 334

My first official student blog assignment may not have been the most creative prompt, but it relavant to our current learning project. The objective of the assignment is for students to view the online tutorials on Atomic Learning.com and create a step-by-step guide to use iMovie. The guide will be used with their teachers as part of our staff development project. As I have blogged in previous articles, my students are teaming with a group of teachers as they learn how to use digital media in their classrooms. This training models effective research-based instructional strategies and it pertains to project-based learning. Students in my class have a concrete goal- show the teachers how to use iMovie. The projects generate authentic assessment of their mastery of the skills. No product ( a team video) means they have not mastered the skills. The students will be using the software all semester in the Photography in Science class. By having to teach someone else how to use a software program, the students will learn much more than if they just "sit and get". I am learning too.

Bookmarks and this great tool- Snipurl.com have saved my sanity several times this semester. When students login to BlogMeister, all I have to tell them is the last four letters of the snipurl short cut. They can easily key in the correct address. I tried to use my .MAC account and share my bookmarks. This has been too much trouble on our school network. I have investigated using a tool called Del.icio.us. Social bookmarking is new to my students. I should teach them about how to use them. That can be another lesson. We will work up lesson with the teachers on using bookmarking tools. Teachers need to be able to use this tool. If you have any suggestions as to how I can quickly share URLs in realtime- cross-plateform, let me know. With 8 students and only 6 Apple computers, it makes sharing links a real challenge.

One other cool tool we have been using is Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) with VNC on the PCs. Today, I had everyone working online and three of my students were ready to post their articles on their class blog. Using the "share screen" feature, the three students (using wireless iBooks) viewed my desktop as I talked across the classroom, like a lecture, they watched on their iBook monitors. The students took notes on the steps while watching my movements on the screen. I need to get an Air Port Base Station. When using ARD on a wireless network, the time it takes to send the computers the signal really bogs down to a crawl. I need a GigaBit switch maybe? I want to try screen share with iBooks on a ethernet cable to see how much difference there is in preformance. Wireless may just be too slow. I could read the documentation that comes with the ARD program, but that is not cool. I do not have time to run this though my spell checker, so I am listening to it on the Apple Speech app.

I have to get ready for the UNC-DOOK basketball game. G0 Heels! Beat Duke.

Article posted February 10, 2005 at 01:18 AM GMT • comment • Reads 334

Book Review by: Almira

Article posted February 4, 2005 at 08:54 PM GMT • comment • Reads 325

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
By Mark Haddon
Book review By Almira

Christopher John Francis Boone does not talk to people for long periods of time. He hates the colors yellow and brown, but likes the color red. He does not like being touched by other people. He hates being in small spaces with other people. Why is Christopher like this? Because Christopher is autistic.
When I first picked up the book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, I thought Christopher was weird and I didn’t understand his way of thinking. But the more I read, the more empathy I developed for Christopher. Throughout the book, the author, Mark Haddon shows what it is like to be in this autistic fifteen-year-old’s mind. Haddon’s style is believable enough that Haddon himself could have been autistic. Reading this book made me realize how insensitively we sometimes treat people who think and act differently, just because we do not understand them.
The book begins with Christopher’s discovery that someone has stabbed his neighbor’s dog with a pitchfork. In search of the murderer, Christopher uncovers secrets that have been kept from him since the day that his father informed him that his mother was dead. Christopher journeys from his home in Swindon to London, where he has never been before. He travels by train, accompanied only by his pet rat, Toby. During this impressive voyage Christopher learns how the outside world reacts to how he behaves. He learns how to take care of himself in the city through trial and error, and when he reaches London, where many answers are revealed, Christopher has matured a considerable amount.
When I finished this book, I felt like I had really gotten to know Christopher. I learned what makes Christopher mad, and what he likes and dislikes. I learned how he deals with certain situations. Christopher grows and matures throughout the book. When he accomplishes something, like going on the train to London, I was proud of him, though I was appalled at how the people in the train station treated him. Haddon’s blunt style makes it hard to believe that this extraordinary story is fiction. Christopher’s way of thinking may seem strange and abnormal to the people around him, but really, it is just that unique quality that everyone has, that makes them who they are.

Article posted February 4, 2005 at 08:54 PM GMT • comment • Reads 325

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