I think about blogging all the time

Guilty...that is how I am feeling. I am constantly thinking about writing on this blog, just like I was also thinking about writing in my reflection journal while at SFU. I guess that means that I am more of a thinker than a writer, well maybe a chatter(word?) as well. But I really am trying to blog about my reflections.

I'm finding this whole situation with the job action to be quite trying......I want to protect my rights and the rights of those who are just beginning their teaching journey but I am totally conflicted bout providing my students with the best possible learning experience while they are my responsibility. I don't imagine that any teacher is taking any aspect of this situation lightly. I'm not going to go on about this but I felt I needed to have a say!

Change of subject

I am so excited to begin a few new projects after the break;

I have been able to connect with several teachers about a Skype in the Classroom project. All of the teachers are from the U.S. but in a variety of different states and areas of America. It is my goal that by sharing information about their school, city, province, culture and country,with others, my students will become more familiar with B.C. and Canada. As well, they will have an authentic opportunity to compare and contrast their lives with other students of similar age.

Wonderopolis is site that I have linked to my class blog. I participated in a chat with the lead teachers and other like myself who are interested in using or have used the site as a tool to develop wonder, questioning, and vocabulary development among my students. I will be changing my morning routine to add this valuable resource to my day plan.

Wonderopolis site

I have also discovered a professional book club that is meeting on Twitter to review the book:


I can't wait for it to be delivered!
So I am doing a lot of learning and hope to be able to share with others after Spring Break.
I also read these articles:

Teacher Leaders

Digital Literacy and Citizenship Curriculum K-5

Ok...I blogged........I'm off to bed now.....

Another fabulous week!

On Wednesday we wore our pink shirts and bracelets to take a stand against bullying. We had several discussions during the day about being bullied, being a bystander and being a bully. We ended the day with a group activity. Each student created a paper doll of themselves. Then, we met as a group and began to pass the dolls around the circle. Each person made a tiny rip, wrinkle or tear in the doll. These rips etc. represented what happens every time we are bullied. We are scarred forever and no matter how much we try to fix our "wrinkles" and "rips" they leave a mark on us forever! It was a very powerful activity and really gave students a chance to connect to how bullying can effect everyone!

We also worked with our Prezi partners to record our learning statements so that we can add them to our Prezi next week.

One of the most important changes that I made this week was including my students in the creation of the criteria rubric for their Prezi presentations. Although student initially struggled to create criteria for a successful presentation(not surprising since they have never created a presentation like this and it was their first opportunity to partake in the expectation creation).
After several prompts and much discussion, students developed the criteria for their presentations. I will post the rubric when I have a digital copy created!
    Students also had an opportunity to explore the Prezi site and watch the how to videos with their partner. This allowed them a chance to see what their project might look like.