Friday, January 27, 2012

These Techies Got It Goin' On!


I just love when I find great blogs accidentally. Thus the name Accidental Techie.. Hee Hee! Anyway, today while surfing for something else I found a couple of blogs I must share with you. Especially if you are using your iPad in the classroom you will want to check these out! Bravo to Lisa Johnson, Laura Moore, and Yolanda Barker of Texas for outstanding tips and resources! Make sure to listen to the Podcasts on Appy Hours 4 U.

Tech Chef 4 U

Moore Technology Integration

Yolanda Barker's Blog

Appy Hours 4 U Podcasts

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Kindergarten/First Grade Blogs that Rock


Little kids just crack me up! I love their energy and curiosity. Here are some of my favorite kindergarten/first grade blogs you may want to visit. I smile every time I visit them as I see all the cool things those little guys are doing. Take time to browse, even if you teach an older grade. I promise you will like the journey!

Mrs. Jump's Class

Chalk Talk

KinderGals

First Grade Parade

Mrs. Meacham's Classroom Snapshots

The Inspired Apple

Pinterest, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Blogs: Etiquette

I must confess I have become addicted to Pinterest. My infatuation does come and go, but it continues to take up minutes each week, that might be better spent doing something else. Another site that just amazes me is Teachers Pay Teachers. There are thousands of teacher resources available at a click. I get lost there too. With so many teachers using blogs to fuel their Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers interests, I thought it might be a good idea to share an article I came across recently about Blog Etiquette. These days everyone seems to want to get in on the fun!

 I follow lots of blogs and a common posting I keep seeing is the author of the blog requesting others give them credit for their work. In the last week I have come across this three times. Yikes! Many teachers have asked me about the do's and don'ts in blogging. We've had some great discussion about sharing, copyright, and giving credit. Pinterest, Teachers Pay Teachers, and teacher blogs make it so easy to find fabulous things to share, but we want to make sure we are being considerate of those folks.

I try my best to share where I find great ideas. I do find a lot on my own searches, but I have some favorite sites that over the years have served me well as fountains of ideas. In my early days of blogging I didn't think much about copyright and assigning credit to other bloggers and resources, but I have come to appreciate the practice. I am thrilled when others link my blog to their posts. It makes me happy that they are reading Lori's Latest Links and have found something to share with their readers. I hope you find the article helpful and answers some of your questions as you enter the Blogosphere!  Have fun blogging, getting lost on Pinterest, and selling your great ideas on Teachers Pay Teachers! Don't forget to check out the Blog resources found at the top of the page.


Thanks to creaturecomforts.com for a very helpful resource.
A Guide to Better Blogging by www.creaturecomforts.com

Get to the Heart of Things: Resources for Heart and Circulatory System

With Valentine's Day just a few short weeks away, I thought it might be a good time to study the heart and circulatory system. Here are some resources to help with your study.

Let's Learn About the Heart

Heart and Circulation

Heart Videos

How the Body Works

American Heart Association for Kids

National Geographic Kids and the Heart

Ground Hog Day Not Too Far Away: REPOSTING


I wanted to repost this one so you would be ready for next week! Wonder if he will see his shadow?

Who doesn't love Groundhog Day? Hee Hee! Here are some resources to make the day extra fun!




Official Site for Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day lessons and activities from Punxsutawney Groundhog Club
Mr. Donn's Links for Groundhog Day
Read Write Think Groundhog Day Lessons and Ideas


Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Thank You, Alberta Teachers

I just wanted to say a very special Thank You to the Alberta teachers attending the DI conference. What a wonderful group of educators. I enjoyed your enthusiasm, passion for teaching, and humor! Thanks for sharing two days with me. I appreciate you sharing your favorite websites and webtools also. I put them on my list and can't wait to give them a try! I wish you the very best as you begin to implement the things we discussed. Wahoo, Canada!

Surprise: It's Here!


What a nice surprise today when I visited Crystal Springs Books website! The newest version of  Different Strategies for Different Learners is now available. 119 easy ways to differentiate instruction in the classroom. So tickled to be part of this great resource!