Diigo makes it easy

After setting up Diigo I can see why Eric was giving it high endorsement. It's such a time saver. Using it will eliminate frustrations the students usually encounter when they do research study and the following day they attempt to locate the site again.

They will first use Diigo library for their planned Social Studies project.

Enjoy Teaching Your Students the 13 Colonies

This may help me and my students learn the original 13 colonies.

On the Road: Young girl hatches rescue plan to save family

Video to teach Character Education. I'm always on the look out for articles or videos to impress on my students how children as young as they are have thought of creative ideas to make a difference.

Sports for students with disabilities: A civil right

Schools must include students with disabilities in their sports program or create equal alternate options. So said the U.S. Department of Education. The decision has some similarities to Title IX. The argument... -It's a civil right matter -Builds wholesome character traits -Provides exercise for the usually sedentry children with disabilities Ideas for accommodations were stated. However, major change would require that a separate league be created. At my school I see the students with disabilities having Physical Education classes. I've never thought to ask how their lessons differ from the more able bodied students.Are the students with disabilities at your school involve in P.E. class? Do you think this mandate was necessary?
Click here for full article

Reading Vocabulary video: Lou Gehrig

Vocabulary lesson from read aloud story, Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man. Can't wait for my students to see it. http://animoto.com/play/lvGFiFDWmEEJ5ozfTIu4ZQ

Reading vocabulary

Reading vocabulary

This is my animoto video to teach vocabulary to my students and providing them with visuals to associate with their vocabulary.
Our read aloud lesson is based on Paul Revere's Midnight Ride. And, for my initial attempt with animoto, I created this learning video to ensure comprehension of the words and pictoral representation.




Make your own photo slideshow at Animoto.

Validation for Wikipedia

Wikipedia's founder, Jimmy Wales, had the most ambitious vision for his site. He declared that his site will allow access to the sum of all human knowledge. I imagine at the time he had his skeptics. But, he is definitely a true visionary.

Sometime in the past I was made to understand that Wikipedia is a site that is edited by 'everyday people'. Right away I ruled it out as a source for information. Now, all that I have read about the site, has made me into a believer that Wikipedia is a valid source of information. The site was endorsed by Apple founder, Steve Job. A recent survey found that 4 out of 5 experts supported the argument that the site is a comparable source of information. Also, some trusted news outlets have used Wikipedia as a source. These and other stamp of endorsement are instrumental in the successes the site is enjoying.

The site exist throuth the collaboration of thousand of regular people. Collaboration is encouraged by teachers at all levels of the learning process. The successes that approach produces, is the concept behind the launch the functioning of Wikipedia. The editors at Wikipedia are reaching a large audience. Therefore, teachers who expose their students to Wikipedia are giving them the opportunity to communicate with a large audience.

I am now convinced that the wikipedia site offers valid information and my views have certainly changed.