Friday, December 30, 2011

Blog Love: December

How's this for a buzzer beater?! In an effort to clear up all the items I've starred on my Google Reader - here is the last roundup of web ideas for this year. Hope you find some that you are excited to try once you're back in the classroom.


The Assistive Technology Blog

Differentiation Daily
  • Proofs without words: Algebraic proofs can be hard work for a lot of students, not just those on the spectrum. Check out the proof without words at Wild About Math. Very cool, indeed.
  • Twitter Board: Cool and motivating community builder and opportunity for everyone to participate.
  • Activity sticks: If you only have time to try one of these suggestions, PLEASE TRY THIS ONE. Classroom-wide breaks all outlined for you to use when your kiddos have the "blahs". This idea is from the blog Keep Calm and Teach On.

Free Technology for Teachers
  • Fake Facebook profiles: You know everyone's doing it. This post comes from Richard's top posts of 2011 run-down, and I think it's worth a look for anyone working with older students or students that may be motivated to use Facebook. A safe and motivating way to get going in the land of social networking.
  • Animoto's new app: I downloaded it on my iPhone and you should too (if you can). Great way to make nice looking videos - for kids and adults alike.
  • Nobel Prize website: Gives a run down of the neat interactive games and puzzles featuring the concepts of past prize winners.
  • Interactive Pearl Harbor map: National Geographic does it again! Provides great visual context of this historical event. Would be great to add more depth to a lesson or to give an alternative altogether.
  • 47 alternatives to You Tube: Best post I've seen of his yet! Gives a complete listing of all the sites he has found and what they might be helpful for in the classroom. Print this off and post it somewhere where it'll catch your eye!
  • 15 things to do with Edmodo: What's Edmodo? Good question. Answer: microblogging network. Still don't know how that helps you do your job? Check out this list - it's way more helpful than you could ever imagine!
  • Class Pager: Send out reminders to class ... or you could just do it for certain students.
  • Documentary Tube: Catalog of full-length documentaries on the web. I also like the suggestions given for education application.
  • Google Search Tips: Great visual to display in class or computer lab for exactly what the title suggests.
  • Research Cube - research organization: you can register with a K-12 account, never fear! Great way to keep materials and articles all in one place for easy access for students (e.g., long term research assignments).

Jill Kuzma's Social & Emotional Skill Sharing Site
  • Teachers Pay Teachers: Jill shares some great holiday themed materials she used prior to winter break, but the part I want you to pay attention to is the site where she found them. Teachers Pay Teachers is an open marketplace full of great materials and ideas - some of which are bargains or even FREE! Why recreate the wheel?

Kid Crave
  • Dry erase decision maker: I may have been thinking about this for my personal life, but I think we could easily make use of this with our students. Maybe even make it on the cheap ($79 is pretty steep) - you know I love craft projects!

Ohdeedoh
  • Modern toddler chore chart: Again, I confess I may have tagged this initially for future use with my 2-year old daughter. But isn't this a great (aesthetically pleasing) visual for the littlest ones in our bunch?

Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs