More on Common Core

Learn Zillion  offers 2,000 Common Core video lessons as well as other downloadable slides, texts and other resources, all for free. So if you are thinking of flipping your classroom or just want to start using the Common Core Standards in your classroom check it out!

Common Core Resources

Resources abound that support the implementation of Common Core State Standard. Our department hopes to provide vetted resources that are easily accessible, as well as updates through our blog.

A tab titled “Common Core Resources” was added to the LVUSD home page menu. This page will be a place where resources will be provided in the future, and has some listed already. Select the following link to view the page: http://www.lvusd.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=644&Itemid=1527

Edmodo has a group titled “Common Core Conversation,” where teachers engage in dialogue about the implementation of CCSS, and resources that support the effort. To join this group select the following link, and then select “Click to Join Group”: http://www.edmodo.com/home - /join/5b3a7a213253492fbc7245a7b4d1b703

The NY Times put’s out a Common Core based weekly lesson plan that includes engaging questions such as “Do violent video games promote aggressive or hostile behaviors among gamers?” or “What should soccer officials do about widespread match-fixing?” found here: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/category/lesson-plans/common-core/ 

Here are two sites that will help you learn about the CCSS. Shmoop provides an engaging way to learn about the CCSS, the ASCD is a membership organization that supports educators and provides comprehensive coverage and resources to the CCSS.



 

Mrs. Crisman's Class Garden Video

This is a video of Mrs. Crisman, a 2/3 combo teacher at Sumac, who has taught her students how to grow a garden at school.

This is a great example of a teacher who is integrating math and science together in her lessons, while expanding beyond the classroom walls.  She has given her students a hand-on experience that teaches them real-life application of the subject matter.  Check out the video of her class garden and see student learning first hand!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HBgYNhXNJ8&feature=youtu.be

Change That Site to Suit Your Needs!!

Have you ever tried to print something off a website and ended up with 12 unwanted pages?  Have your students left the computer lab with stacks of wasted paper?  Well those days are over PrintWhatYouLike lets you print only what you want from any website!  Just simply type in the URL of the website you want and then using the toolbar on the left hand side of the screen you can choose exactly what you want included in your print out. Take a look at the demo site:  PrintWhat You Like Demo

In this same vein, I have also recently stumbled across Lingro which is truly "the coolest dictionary know to any hombre".  Similar to PrintWhatYouLike, students can type in any websites URL and make that page a click-able dictionary.  Which means that students can click on any word to find its meaning or have it pronounced for them.  This great way for students to build vocabulary.  Have a look!

Pep Talk from Kid President

This is dedicated to all the awesome LVUSD employees with whom I get to work. You all are an encouragement to me!

A special thank you to Karen Lagola for sending this to us this morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o&feature=youtu.be

 

Checking Our Resources

 

When teaching research skills, it is important that students learn how to evaluate websites, since anyone can post their own site.  Most students (and adults) automatically do a Google search to find information, which we all know can lead to unreliable resources.  So I've found a few helpful websites that can be integrated into your lessons.  Check them out to see if they will fit your needs and style of teaching.

Elementary Site:

How to Do Research

Secondary Sites:

The ABC's of Website Evaluation

Evaluation Criteria

Today is Digital Learning Day

Today is the second annual Digital Learning Day. There are a ton of resources to be discovered to integrate technology in your classes. So many resources that it can become overwhelming to find what you need. Edutopia has done some of the work for you by compiling a list of top 25 resources for digital learning.

A few examples:

For the beginner, a video on introducing technology integration in the classroom. 

• Teaching tips for integrating technology in elementary schools.


• Idea guide for using interactive white boards.


• Sample rubrics for technology based projects.


• Steps for integrating a successful 1:1 environment.

And so much more found here: http://www.edutopia.org/digital-learning-technology-resources

CyberSmart Week for elementary!

This is our 2nd annual CyberSmart Week for all of our elementary schools!  The goal is for all teachers to spend 10-15 minutes a day discussing related topics.  Some of the topics that will be discussed are; privacy, Internet safety, plagiarism, piracy, Cyber Ethics and Cybercitizenship, social networking and cyber bullying.  Our students are a generation of cyber- natives that are connected and ready to go 24/7.  We need to help them navigate this vast world and give them the tools to be successful and safe "surfers".

Teachers were all sent a link to the LVUSDCyberSmart Wiki which houses resources for them to use during the week.  It offers lesson ideas, conversation starters, videos, online quizzes and fun games.  One of the websites we use is WoogiWorld.  It is a great fun way for students to learn about all of these topics while becoming a cyber hero.  The directions for teachers to access their log ins to this site are supplied on the wiki.  Students can continue to play access this site at home during and after this week to reinforce learning.

We are also offering two parent awareness workshops during the week.  Tonight at White Oak from 7-8PM and tomorrow at Lupin Hill from 7-8Pm.  The district media specialist will discuss how our schools handle Cyber Safety.  The Lost Hills Sheriffs  J-Team will also be joining us to offer parents ways to keep their students safe online.  We hope you will join us for these informative nights.