ELA 101

Some of my students from last year might remember my infatuation with creating word clouds using Wordle.  There are so many educational possibilities for this type of organization and classification.  Last week in class, I asked my 8th grade students to write down individual lists of things they were looking forward to this year, and things they were nervous about. 

I’m so excited to learn and share with these new students!  Be sure to check back often to share in our adventures!

Check this out, I’m getting the hang of blogging!  You would think that as a recent college graduate my technology skills would be stellar, however I must admit that this is my first blogging experience.   I can tell that one of my many challenges this year will be keeping up with the very tech savvy Mrs. Cornwell!  With that being said, what an amazing opportunity I have been given to learn a thing or two (or a hundred) from an amazing teacher and respected colleague.  When it comes to technology, it I believe that it is my job as a teacher to learn everything I can, and be familiar with the latest and greatest our world has to offer.  An increasing amount of students consider themselves digital learners and as a teacher it is of the utmost importance to me to appeal to all of my students’ unique learning styles. Kids today use, understand, and love technology and what better way to reach them in school than to incorporate something they enjoy?!  

I consider myself pretty comfortable with technology.  I am young enough to have grown up with computers in school and in the home, however I still feel I have a lot to learn and my skills could definitely use some tweaking.  It is my personal goal this year to learn as much as I can about technology through the multitude of resources I have available to me.  In addition, I hope to incorporate these skills into my teaching as much as possible.  Students–I’m expecting you to hold me accountable for this   

Thank you Mrs. Cornwell, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd hour for inviting my 4th and 6th hour to join you on your blog.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our classes to connect, and I look forward to updating frequently.

As the start of another school year is approaching, I cannot help but embrace those feelings of possibility and excitement.  There’s something about fresh notebooks and sharpened pencils, shiny hallway floors and new bulletin boards that holds such potential.  This year, we have an exciting opportunity to put technology to work in our classroom, thanks to a terrific giveway made possible through a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) grant at our Intermediate School District (ISD).  Therefore, seeing the video below has refueled an already intense passion to engage students on many levels through the use of technology.  Please take a few minutes to watch.

With the daily use of a projector and wireless keyboard at our disposal, I truly hope to be among the 14% who allow students to embrace their skills as digital natives and encourage those who are still uncertain to try.  With your support this year, we can make a marked difference in the lives of our students!