Feedly: Check it Out!

I just found out about this great website Feedly that lets you organize all your favorite blogs in one spot! Never miss out on a never blog post again. 

Here's to Always Learning...

-Emily

Now What? How to Use Blogs within the Classroom

Hello Readers!

I, myself, have had the experience of using a blog during a recent class that I took at the University level. For the blog, we were to write about anything and anything in relation to our experiences within nature. Our posts would be due once a week, however, my professor never got the rest of the class involved in anyone else's blog posts. The blogs were rarely mentioned in class.

As a future educator, I could see myself using blogs within the classroom. I would utilize blogs to highlight some events and or lessons that occur within the classroom. With the inclusion of a classroom blog, pictures as well as videos could be access that would not normally happen with traditional newsletters.The blog could be available to other family members of the students who live out of state. Also, in the blog I would include additional announcements that the student need to be aware of.

I would also incorporate blogs into the student's curriculum. I would have the students' create their own blogs to reflect on the events that have happened throughout the week. This would act as a "Letter Home" reflection and the parents, as well as family from out of the town, could be involved and aware of what is going on within the classroom through the week.

Here's to always learning...

-Emily 

50 Word Bio

Hello, my name is Emily Dawes. I am attending Grand Valley State University(GVSU). I’m pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English Language Arts. I am a member of GVSU's Sigma Tau Delta's International English Honor Society. I'm currently Teacher Assisting in a 5th Grade Classroom.

Who to Connect with: Blogs

I have also included some great blogs from educators to also look into: 



A Year of Reading: Two teachers review new children's literature and also provide ideas of how these books can be utilize within the classroom. The reviews are teacher focused and provide grade recommendation. 

Youth Voices: Students and their teachers participate in discussions about a variety of topics. Within the blog, the typical teacher/student relationship is removed as the teachers and students are seen as equals in the learning process. 

Top Teaching: Scholastic's team of teacher advisors talk about a variety of topics from readers's workshop to discipline and organization. Photos and videos are provided to show how the tool was implemented within the classroom.

The Jose Vilson: Jose Vilson gives the inner city a human face by blogging about sometimes touchy topics. Controversial topics are not left out and the passion for changing education shines through! 

Learning is Messy: The use of blogging and other technology within the classroom is discussed. The uses include but are not limited to utilizing Skype to communicate with a student who is on home instruction due to sickness as well as hosting classroom discussions. 

Techno Tuesday: Tips on incorporating library technology into lessons. Creative research ideas are also provided. 

4 The Love of Teaching: Great ideas for classroom management! Learning materials and unique ideas and tips for engaging students. 

Busy Bees: Designed to help teachers with curriculum and planning. A wide variety of materials are offered on the site as free downloads. 

History is Elementary:  Most posts focus on particular topics in education, allowing teachers who need a refresher to brush up on quick facts. The blog also includes tips for teaching local and state history. 

Science Fix: Innovative blog boasts great science ideas for any classroom. It is easy to search for science ideas according to concept and theme, also. 

Get Connected

Here's to always learning...

-Emily 

Who to Connect With: Pinterest & Instagram

Hello Readers! 

Featured below are great accounts to follow on Pinterest and Instagram, which offer innovative and creative means to teach our students. 

All Things Algebra: fun, creative ways to teach math!

Clever Classroom: Fun innovative ideas for social skills, literacy to classroom-organization

Sue Gorman: Distinguished educator who is Google Certified offers creative technology ideas

Amy Brown Science: biology and chemistry teacher committed to getting her students excited about science!

ISTE: ideas which reflect their belief that all learners should thrive, achieve and contribute

Edutopia: Inspiration and information for what works in education

Teacher Vision: filled with time-saving teaching resources for Pre-K- 12

Coolcatteteacher: Awesome technology ideas! 

Apples and ABCs: unique ideas from display to content lessons

Suzy Brooks: ideas, strategies and inspiration in and out of school



We Are Teachers: innovative ideas for the best crafts, activities and lessons

Simply Kinder: developmentally, appropriate, academic activities!

Alyssa Maclsaac: provides ideas for a variety of topics for educations, from alphabet to author study to bullying resources 









NEA Today: images to inspire educators and cover some of the hottest topics in education

Teaching Special Thinkers: pictures related to multiple areas of education, from piles of chalk to bulletin boards to creative activities completed with students and inspirational posters

What Teachers Want: geared toward parents, teachers and anyone else who regularly works with kids. Writing activities geared towards students in elementary school, many photos are simply designed to provide motivation, inspiration and general tips for those in the world of education. 


Seusstastic: all about bringing color and fun into the classroom. Pictures of students' work, creative art projects and images are shared

OneTeacherStyle: Outfit ideas for educators using everyday closet items

Creativity to the Core: Follow along for curriculum ideas, games for learning in class and much more! 

KindergartenSmiles: Follow along for great ideas for kindergarteners. 

Male Kindergarten Teacher: Creative and Innovative ideas to teach every day lessons! 

Here's to always learning...

-Emily 

Get Connected!

As a future educator, it is important for me and other educators to be connected with other educators about ideas and methods surrounding the field 
today. Two of which are:
National Council of Teachers of English

• Website: http://www.ncte.org/
• Social Media Outlets
• Twitter: @NCTE
• Facebook: National Council of Teachers of English 
• Pinterest:National Council of Teachers of English
• Instagram: nctegram
• Membership
• Cost: $22.50  to $50 per year
• Benefits: exclusive pricing on conventions, meetings and professional learning materials as well as discounts in the NCTE store on books, journals, web seminars, etc. 
• Publications: Subscription to The Council Chronicles, NCTE's members-only magazine
• Conferences: annual conferences occur, cost not provided 

Michigan Art Education Association 

• Website: http://www.miarted.org/index.asp
• Social Media Outlets
• Facebook: National Art Education Association
• Twitter:  @NAEA
• LinkedIn: National Art Education Association
• Pinterest:National Art Education Association
• Membership
• Cost: varies based on location and level of education. 
• Benefits: connected to the latest resources developed to enrich the member's personal career and the education of the students
• Publications: Members receive Art Education, a bi-monthly journal, and Translations, twice a year research publication, as well as NAEA Advisory, four sets of single topic articles that focus on timely issues in art education
• Conferences: National Conventions are held to advance members skills. The cost of the conferences varies based on when registration takes place as well as cost of hotel. For the 2016 conference, the cost is $165 for an active member. 

Here's to always learning...

-Emily 

About Me

Hello! My name is Emily Dawes. I have been attending GVSU for the last four years and studying Elementary Education, specifically the content area English. I am currently teacher assisting at Brookside Elementary, in Grand Rapids Public Schools, in a 5th grade classroom.  

Through out high school and during my time at GVSU, I have had a variety of experiences using technology within the classroom setting, however, I have limited experience of developing lesson plans. I have utilized ELMOs to allow learners to see the necessary worksheet as well as the books of discussion, however, my experience began and ends here. I am looking forward to learning a variety of ways to utilized technology in the ways which appeals to all learners and ages. 

Rusty Clyde...My Buddy when I go home..
Especially when walks are involved. 

When I am not in classes, I enjoy going on adventures(especially experiencing things unique to the West side of MI), doing Pinterest crafts and relaxing at the beach and or at a pool. I also try and go home at least once a month to see friends and family. 

I am looking forward to an awesome semester, full of new "tools" to add to my education tool box. 


Here's to always learning...

-Emily