Task #4 -

1.Okay, so I created a spreadsheet so my teammates could enter student reading data so we could see as a grade level where we stood. Not teacher by teacher...but all of kinder. My only problem is I'm not sure if it will work...I have to wait until someone enters some fake data. :) I also didn't like that I couldn't enter more than 2 questions. Maybe you can...but I couldn't figure it out.

I really like google docs for communicating as a whole school. I think it would be great for Carroll, our admin. assit. to email out a calendar and allow each person to add event on the one calendar. So often things are left out or we are not aware of events and schedule events the same day as other events and this just seems like it would eliminate mistakes. I also think it would be great for our P to use instead of having us fill out surveys to gather info for what we want support in.
I also really enjoyed watching the little bits where is showed how high school kids were using it for their writing and assignments. I'm having a bit of trouble with how to use it in K, but what's new. :)

2. I set up reader and subscribed to the 5 blogs I'm going to be following. I really like the concept of getting the updated postings on reader instead of always having to visit the blogs...BUT, I sort of like looking at the blogs more than reading the stuff! :) I guess reader will help me know when to check out their blogs...b/c I'll know they've been on and possibly updated something.

3. As I mentioned previously, I really like google docs for whole school type communication and collaboration. I'm not too sure how it can be used in K...I guess we could create a grade level graph by collecting data and entering it into a spreadsheet and each class would have to enter their data and then in the end we would see the whole grade level data. Hmmm...just thought of that. But, as far a each student using it individually, nope...I believe it will be done WITH the teacher so when they are older they can do it by themselves.
For reader...if each class has a class blog, we could be kept updated through reader when an update is made and then check it out. Of course I'm saying all this and we don't even have projectors or smartboards so the kids would only be able to see it on the TV screen. :(

Tool #3 - cont.

ImageChef.com Poetry Blender

I can use this to also support using language by allowing learners to pick a background and then have them tell me the things it makes them think of.

Tool #3

I could use comicstripgenerator.com for teaching voice and helping my ELLs to speak and write.


I can use comicstripgenerator.com to show my concern with blogging. :)

Tool #2 - Posting on MY blog

1. What are my thoughts on building a community and being part of a PLN? I'm not too thrilled. I feel like I will be the "Darth Commentor". I'm hugely negative currently and it may be b/c it's summer and I'd rather be doing other things; 1)while my 22 month old is napping and 2)after he goes to bed...due to the fact that he doesn't really allow me on the computer during his awake hours! Also, I'm just not into reading things online and more specifically, just reading things people feel inspired to share. Sure, they may help me out one day...but I just find myself not drawn to blogs. Shoot, I don't even post on facebook all that often. I don't understand the point of sharing my thoughts with anyone out on the internet.
2. What point stood out to me on the commenting advice? DON'T be Darth Commentor! :) I read the advice...I sort of was "intrigued" by the questioning bit "why" vs. "how".
3. What 5 blogs did I choose for my comments? From Sherwood: Maria Palermo (my teaching partener!), Jill Fairchild (Tech guru who will help me to see how this can trump some other instructional time in my already too tight schedule!), Kathryn Thomas (b/c I don't know much about her as a teacher...and I'm curious), Pam Brennan (b/c I liked her "thought" about humanity, and of course...Glover (the science guru!). I chose all blogs from colleagues at my campus b/c I will be able to later "see" things they may be doing with what we are learning and that to me is more powerful that just reading or watching on the internet.