Lori's Latest Links

Valentine's Day Fun

2012-02-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Valentine's Day! From the pink and red hearts everywhere to the elegant boxes of chocolates.. I am a huge fan. Here are some resources for making your Valentine's Day in the classroom extra sweet.

Extra Normal Cartoon Valentines: Make Your Own

Starfall Valentine Fun

Virtual Valentine Cake

History of the Hershey Kiss

(Thanks to Larry Ferlazzo's blog for helpful resources.)

Hershey's Valentine's Day Ideas

Conversation Hearts

Make Your Own Conversation Heart

Image Chef Hearts

Make a Heart with Words

Valentine's Day Games

History Channel videos and Info related to Valentine's Day

Valentine Card maker

Valentine Craft Ideas

These Techies Got It Goin' On!

2012-01-27T18:47:00.000-08:00

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

Kindergarten/First Grade Blogs that Rock

2012-01-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-26T09:56:00.000-08:00

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

Thank You, Alberta Teachers

2012-01-24T15:23:00.000-08:00

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!

2012-01-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

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!

Welcome to the Alberta Conference on Differentiated Instruction!

2012-01-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

What an honor to visit with you during the Alberta Conference on Differentiated Instruction. Please check on the pages at the top of the blog for the resources for my sessions. I hope you will visit Lori's Latest Links often!

WiFi in the Sky and the Picnik is Over

2012-01-22T10:17:00.000-08:00

Good Sunday morning everyone. Today is a great example of where we are with technology. I am in a plane thousands of miles above the ground on my way to Calgary, Alberta Canada and I have wifi. Everytime I use the wifi in the air I am impressed. Maybe it isn't earth shattering for others, but I love stuff like this. So, I wanted to take this time to share a bit of information with you.

For years many of us have used Picnik to edit and embellish our photos. Well, sadly Picnik announced this weekend they will no longer be available as of April 19. So, if you have photos saved there you will want to move them somewhere else. Picnik tools are moving to Google +. The silver lining to this dark cloud is that right now you can use all the premium features of Picnik for FREE until they shut down shop. Take a few minutes and play for awhile before the party is over.

Picasa Collage Maker

2012-01-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

I have been using Picasa photo sharing and editing program for years. Recently I started playing with some of the tools I had not used in Picasa and found their nifty collage maker. If you need a place to store pics online and need an editing program, consider downloading Picasa and using Picasa online.

Instagram

2012-01-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

iPhone users hope you have loaded the Instagram app to your phone. You can take your photos to the next level and then post on Twitter, Facebook, or Flickr. Everybody seems to be posting Instagrams these days. Join the fun!

Get Your Blogger App

2012-01-19T14:05:00.000-08:00

Have you added the Blogger app to your iPhone, Droid, or iPad? Get the free app to update your blog anytime and anywhere!

Tim Tebow and America's Biggest Storytime

2012-01-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars for February 15 for America's Biggest Storytime. Tim Tebow will be reading Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham and there are events scheduled all day starting at 8:00 a.m. to promote reading. The Book It folks are sponsors of this event. There is a sweepstakes for a Party Pack with registration ending on January 24, so sign up now!

Teacher Resources for the Event

Sweepstakes Registration by January 24

Watch the Live Reading of Green Eggs and Ham by Tim Tebow

Free Poster Maker

2012-01-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

HOLY CATS!
Create Your Own Free Poster Maker

Here's a handy, little tool called the Free Poster Maker! You can add your own pics and words to create a snazzy poster!

Tennessee Power Up Day TWO

2012-01-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

Everyone is an Author Resources

Journal Writing Reproducibles

Click Here to Download Smart Board Next Level Presentation

Click Here to Download Step By Step Guides to Making Smart Board Lessons

TN Power Up Conference

2012-01-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome TN teachers to Power Up! You will find lots of helpful links and resources to go along with my sessions presented during the 2 days. Please revisit Lori's Latest Links often. Make yourself at home.

Digital Citizenship
Take the Digital Etiquette Quiz
Common Sense Media
Nickelodeon and Common Sense Media Tools
Digizen
Brain Pop Digital Citizenship Resources
Netsmartz
Netsmartz Kids
KidSmart
PBS Webonauts
I Keep Safe

Click Here to Download Handout for Jazzing Up Your Blog

Sony Bloggie: My New Fave?

2012-01-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

I am a big fan of using digital video in the classroom. Flip is awesome and I carry mine everywhere, but as many of you know they are no longer making the Flip video cameras. No need to worry! Sony is picking up the slack and upping the game. Sony's new Bloggie Live HD Camera for $249 is pretty sweet. It does the following pretty great things:

Let's you broadcast live to someone's phone, tablet, PC, or TV: You can be a Reality Star without trying.
You can upload videos to the Internet with WiFi.
3 Hours of Storage and no memory card
Touch Screen
Works for PC and Mac
USB arm for loading videos to the computer, just like Flip!

I think it is worth taking a look at this new gadget. Lots of possibilities!

Everybody Sing: Hang Those Bottoms Down!

2012-01-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

a, b, c, d, e, f, g...G?
Hang those bottoms down, down
Hang those bottoms down
Some letters stand tall
Some sit on the wall
Some hang their bottoms down, down!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN EXTRA HANDOUT FOR WORDS!

Thanks, Melissa from Ohio for the reminder! Keep Singing!

What a Bummer! Super Teacher Worksheets Now Charging

2012-01-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give folks the heads up that Super Teacher Worksheets is no longer a free site. There are free downloads, but it is now mainly a membership site. Sorry to break the news, but be prepared to see a different setup when you visit Super Teacher Worksheets. I have shared this one a lot, even today. Gotta love technology. Sometimes it seems things change over night.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Resources

2012-01-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

Lesson Plan Ideas for Martin Luther King Jr.

Eduplace Ideas for MLKJ Day

Scholastic Resources for Martin Luther King Jr.

Teachnology Lessons for MLKJ

My favorite picture book for Martin Luther King Jr. discussion.

Day Two Ohio First Grade Conference

2012-01-09T17:59:00.000-08:00

Word Sort Fun Extra Resources

Scholastic Literacy Games

Ohio First Grade Conference

2012-01-08T16:41:00.001-08:00

Comprehension Extra Reproducibles

Comprehension Frames

Extra Handout for Writing Workshop Session

Need Journal Writing Reproducibles? Click Here for Journal Pages.

Smart Board Next Level

Zaner Bloser Meeting

2012-01-05T20:36:00.001-08:00

ISTE 2012 in San Diego

2012-01-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

I am already getting excited about summer! There are so many wonderful professional development opportunities available. I am super pumped about the ISTE conference in San Diego from June 24-27. There will be over 700 sessions covering all sorts of technology topics. I am so thrilled my proposal was accepted and will be presenting there on Monday. I hope to see lots of friends while I am there. Consider making a trip to sunny San Diego!

Also, make plans to attend SDE's National Conferences this year in Las Vegas! What an amazing week of learning and networking with other teachers! The conference is at the Venetian/Palazzo. A wonderful location for a spectacular conference. Make sure to sign up for the Power Up Day to kick off your week. Power Up is our Technology Day of training and it is truly powerful. Mark your calendar for July 9-13, 2012. Choose from National Differentiated Instruction, Singapore Math, Administrator's Conference, and National Kindergarten Conference. Visit SDE for more details.

Can't make it to Vegas this year... join us in Chicago for the Midwest Differentiated Instruction Conference in Chicago on July 22-25.

New Revised DI Book Coming this Month!

2012-01-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

I am very honored to be part of the new revision of Different Strategies for Different Learners. This book provides119 very practical ways to differentiate instruction in the classroom. Keep watching Crystal Springs for the arrival this month!

Starting the New Year in Arkansas!

2012-01-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

Photo from Pinterest

Our Schedule for Monday:
8:00-8:45 Common Core & Technology
9:00-10:00 Taking Your Smart Board Instruction to the Next Level
10:15-11:00 Using Games in Your Classroom
11:00-12:00 Lunch
12:00-12:45 Literacy and Technology Tools
1:00-1:45 Jazzing Up Your Blog
2:00-2:45 iPad Apps

Technology Integration and the Common Core Standards

Taking Your Smart Board Instruction to the Next Level

Using Games in Your Instruction

Literacy and Technology

Blogs

iPad Apps

Merry Christmas from the Elliott Family!

2011-12-19T12:02:00.001-08:00

Oh, Christmas Tree, Oh, Christmas Tree

2011-12-14T16:40:00.000-08:00

I love Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree! It was my favorite as a kid and I still love reading it every year. It got me thinking about Christmas trees. Here are some resources for learning more with trees this season.

Read the book and have students do a little geometry at the same time. Take a piece of paper and make sure it is a square. Have students fold the square into a triangle. Cut along the fold. Now you have 2 triangles. As you read the story have the students fold their triangle in half and cut. They continue the process the whole book for each of the key events. Then when they finish they will have their own tree. They can record the events or decorate! A BIG THANKS to the lovely teachers in Indiana and Ohio who shared this idea with me. I came right home and gave it a try. It worked!

Real Trees 4 Kids: Learn all about the life cycle of growing trees! They even have lesson plans and reproducibles for each grade level.

Applesauce Cinnamon Ornaments: Making these ornaments have been part of my classroom experience for years. Not only do the kids love them, your classroom smells heavenly!

ABC YA Make a Christmas Tree

Trim the Tree

Jan Brett Christmas Tree

Class Christmas Tree Past... Don't forget the Paper Chains !

Smart Board Tips! Step By Step Guides

2011-12-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! What an absolute joy to meet so many of you during the last few months as I have been here, there, and everywhere! I am sharing my new step by step guide for making choice boards on your smart board and how to customize your backgrounds/themes. I hope you find the guides helpful. The actual presentation I refer to was posted earlier in December on 2 different posts, so please visit there also to see what we are chatting about with Choice Boards. Please download the directions for each guide by clicking on the big upside down arrow and use them to create fabulous lessons for your students. Best wishes!

Creating a Choice Board

Activities Used in my Choice Boards found in the Gallery

Customizing your background or theme

Louisiana Fun!

2011-12-12T06:04:00.001-08:00

Mmm Good Game!

2011-12-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

I came across this new game based on Campbell soup's Alphabet soup. It is an anagram/crossword puzzle game. I can also see beginning readers using it to roll the dice and spell words. Amazon.com has the game and the game creator TDC also offers it. Mmmmm Good Learning!

Get the Game on Amazon for less than $20.

Take Your Instruction to the Next Level with Smart Board

2011-12-08T17:44:00.000-08:00

To Download the Smart Board presentation, click on the image below.

Super Digital Writing Tools

2011-12-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

How to Submit Videos to Smories

Smilebox Teacher Toolbox

Q R Code Scavenger Hunt

Click on the arrow to download the Story Board template!

Journal Writing Resources

2011-12-07T18:44:00.001-08:00

Have fun with these journal pages in your classroom! Just click on the upside down arrow to download.

Games that Teach Resources

2011-12-07T12:19:00.001-08:00

Enjoy these Game resources. Just click on the arrow to download.

CREDIT to littlegiraffes.com! What a great idea!

Dice Activities
Roll a Turkey
Roll a Gingerbread Man
Roll a Snowman

Roll a Christmas Tree

MO Power Up Day Two

2011-12-06T07:58:00.001-08:00

Picture Books... YES!

2011-12-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Books! I still get so excited when I find a new book to share with my family or students. Here are some I am just pumped about right now!

I love my white shoes! See video below.

A new twist on an old favorite.

Love this one! (The humor is not only throughout the book, but that final page, but be aware they do use the term associated with a donkey. Just giving you the heads up. )

Did the HAPPY DANCE when I saw this was out in picture book.

Since I now love all things NYC, this is perfect.

Pete the Cat Activities

iPad Apps Update

2011-12-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of some of my favorite iPad apps right now. Thanks MO Power Up folks for the fun today!

QR Reader
MeeGenius
I Spy Spooky Mansion
Play Sight Words
Whiteboard
Highlights Hidden Pix
Smilebox
LifeCards
I Live Math... Sports
I Live Math... Africa
Rocket Math
Magnetic ABC
iWrite Words
ABC Cursive
Book Creator**
Flipboard
Brain Pop**
Nasa Viz
Stack the States**
Animoto
7 Words
Shake a Phrase
Toontastic
iBrainstorm
Comic Life
PhotoStory
TinkerBox
Popplet
Slice It
iCard Sort
Tally Pad

*** Just found this one on the ipadcurriculum.com blog: FLAT STANLEY!
Now you can track Flat Stanley no matter where you are. Flat Stanley app

Missouri Power Up Conference

2011-12-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Missouri's Power Up Conference! I hope you will visit my blog often and use it as a resource for now and later. Also, feel free to leave comments on the blog. I will publish them as quickly as I can. Great to have you join us this week!

Georgia K Morning Message Presentation

2011-12-01T20:11:00.001-08:00

morningmeetingauthorstream

More PowerPoint presentations from Lori Elliott

Indiana K Day One

2011-12-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

Here is the Smart Board Next Level File. You will need to download it to view it! Have fun!

Click HERE for the Phonics/Phonemic Awareness Session Resources

Comprehension & Fluency

More PowerPoint presentations from Lori Elliott

Indiana K Day 2

2011-12-01T16:39:00.001-08:00

Georgia K Day Two

2011-11-28T18:03:00.000-08:00

SmartBoard Now What?
Smart Exchange
Build Your Wild Self

Phonics/Phonemic Awareness
Rhyming Rhino
Starfall Tongue Twisters
Eduplace Word Sorts
Kerpoof
ABC Ya Kindergarten

phonicsmovin

More PowerPoint presentations from Lori Elliott

50 Websites/WebTools Live Binder

Georgia K

Hey, Georgia K!

2011-11-27T17:54:00.001-08:00

*** My friends in GA, I submitted all the email addresses I had to Pinterest. If you don't receive your invite soon, please email me and I will resubmit it for you. Merry Christmas!

Morning Meeting
Voki
OriginsOnline for Games and Greetings
Today's Meet
Ghoulie Games

Predictable Charts

Predictable Chartsgak

All About the Teaching, Not the Tools
Jigsaw Planet
Wordle
Tagxedo
ABC YA Word Cloud
Blogger
Kid Blogs
Certificate Street
Brain Flips
Arcademics Skill Builders
Vocabulary/Spelling City
Shidonni
Professor Garfield Comic Lab
Comic Creator
Google Lit Trips
Quest Garden WebQuests
Projects by Jen
Guess the Wordle
Survey Monkey
Brain Pop

Everyone is an Author
(See Resources Above)
Class Tools
Eduplace Graphic Organizers
Voki
Little Bird Tales
Story Jumper
Tik A Tok
Read Write Think
Mixbook
Shutterfly
Animoto
Flickr
Pics4Learning
Smilebox Teacher Toolbox

More PowerPoint presentations from Lori Elliott

Strafford Pre Turkey Day Training

2011-11-22T14:52:00.001-08:00

Strafford Pre Turkey Day

Thanksgiving Tech Blog/Activities

2011-11-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

I put together a blog for Thanksgiving fun and learning. I will be sharing this with the wonderful students in Cotter, Arkansas tomorrow. The QR code hunt is for 5th grade. Students will answer the questions and then check their responses using the QR Codes. I have loaded the pdf version of the QR codes on the Teacher Resources page.

Visit Elliott Thanksgiving blog for all the details.

Holiday Card Exchange Sign Up NOW

2011-11-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

I love Projects by Jen and the wonderful online collaborative projects for students. This is the perfect season for participating in an online project. Registration is now open for the Holiday Card Exchange. The theme this year is Snowmen! How cute is that? Your students will love sending and receiving cards from all over the country/world. It is free to participate and a great way to teach geography and celebrate the season! Sign up now so you are ready to go on November 28.

Holiday Card Exchange

Celebrate Some Special Days in November

2011-11-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite places to visit is the Calendar Activities section of Read Write Think. As I was browsing through there today I noticed a few dates I thought you might want to take a minute or two in class and have some fun with the topics. Maybe read a book, visit a website, do a little activity?

Ashlyn & Mickey

Friday, November 18: MICKEY MOUSE appeared in his first animated feature. Everyone knows I am a huge Disney fan. In fact, it is a secret.. but I recently wrote some fan letters to some Disney characters on behalf of my daughter. I am patiently waiting for her autographed pics of Ariel and Flynn Rider to appear as a Christmas gift! How fun is that? I'll let you know how it goes.

You and your students can write letters to Disney characters and Disney will send you or your students autographed pics. How cool is that? So here are the addresses. Make letter writing magical this week. Make sure to take some photos to capture the memories when your students open their special packages from Disney! I would love to see their faces!

Disney World Characters:
Walt Disney World Communications
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

Disney Land Characters:
Walt Disney Company
Attn: Fan Mail Department
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, CA 91521

See Couponing to Disney for more details. I got this idea from Pinterest. So worth the time to PIN!

November 20: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein was published in 1974
Have a little Poetry Tea to celebrate!

November 21: World Hello Day
Say Hello in Different Languages. This is great for your morning meeting!

Sing Hello in Different Languages.

Geography Awareness Week

2011-11-13T20:41:00.000-08:00

Where in the world is Abu Dhabi? How many countries are on the continent of Africa? Just a taste of Geography for you to ponder during this special week devoted to Geography! The week of November
13-19 is Geography Awareness Week. Here are some resources to help you jog across the globe.

Geography Awareness Week National Geographic Education

My Wonderful World Blog

Don't forget to use Google Earth this week!

Google Lit Trips

Google Earth Gallery of Google Tours

Google Earth Showcase of Incredible Tours

Games and a Fabulous Online Project

Geography Bee

Geography Games

Learning Games for Kids Geo Games

Sign up Now for the Holiday Card Exchange on Projects by Jen!

AMLE Conference: Middle School Conference

2011-11-10T18:48:00.000-08:00

This week I am taking part in the AMLE Conference in Louisville, KY. This is a national conference for middle school/middle grade teachers. SDE has a very snazzy booth in the exhibit hall. What fun we've had meeting people from all over the nation! If you are a middle school teacher and have never checked out AMLE (Association for Middle Level Education) I hope you will soon!

AMLE Conference Louisville, KY

2011-11-10T17:48:00.001-08:00

AMLE KY November

More PowerPoint presentations from Lori Elliott

2011-11-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

Blog Without Tech
Blog Without Technology

Tweet Sheet
Tweet Sheet

Goodnight iPad

2011-11-08T13:14:00.001-08:00

This comes as a real book or ebook too!

I Have a New Blog!

2011-11-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

I finally took the time to start a new blog about things totally Lori and totally informal! Hope you drop by and visit!A Little Bit of This and That with Lori

Thanksgiving Resources 2011

2011-11-07T00:16:00.000-08:00

Highlights Kids: Thanksgiving Games/Puzzles

Roll a Turkey: Math/Drawing

Scholastic Thanksgiving Virtual Field Trips

Eduplace Thanksgiving Theme

Teaching About the First Thanksgiving Lesson Plans

Lots of Thanksgiving Activities

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

NEW BOOK: Balloons Over Broadway- Story of the Parade

Dav Pilkey's T'was the Night Before Thanksgiving

Columbus, Ohio Teachers: Pinterest

2011-11-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Weekend, my Columbus, Ohio friends! Thanks for the fun and conversation on Friday at the Energize Your Instruction seminar. I really enjoyed the day. For those requesting a Pinterest invitation, I have submitted those. If yours didn't make its way to your email, please let me know or select Request an Invite on Pinterest. Happy Pinning!

Toledo, Ohio Teachers: Pinterest

2011-11-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the wonderful teachers in Toledo for a great day today! I enjoyed our time together. I had a blast sharing Pinterest with you. I did type in all your email addresses and you should receive the invites from Pinterest soon. If for some reason you don't get a Pinterest invite in your email please send me a message through email or comment here. I will send it again. I know you will love finding new ideas using this fun site. Have a fabulous weekend!
Lori
lelliott@sde.com

My Fun Day of Teaching in Arkansas!

2011-10-24T10:02:00.001-07:00

Cotter, Arkansas October

2011-10-21T04:06:00.000-07:00

Cotter, Arkansas October

Witch's Story Used in 2nd Grade Lesson

Gallatin, TN October 20

2011-10-18T13:15:00.001-07:00

Gallatin, TN Tech Training

Fall/Halloween QR Code Scavenger Hunt

2011-10-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

If you are using iPads, iPod Touches, or Smart Phones in the classroom you may want to try out my Fall QR Code Scavenger Hunt. Load a QR Reader app to your device and have students locate answers by scanning the QR codes. Happy Halloween!
fallqrcode

Brain Pop's Game Up

2011-10-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Have you been to Brain Pop's newest site, Game Up? The games are free to play and they have games for all different grade levels. If you do have a Brain Pop subscription each game has links to the movies with the same themes. Lesson plans are available for the games. So fun! I am so excited about this new site.

Here are some title for the K-3 Literacy Games:

Visit Game Up Soon!

Columbus Day Resources

2011-10-05T16:38:00.000-07:00

Read Write Think Lesson Plans for Columbus Day

Interactive Map of Columbus' Journey

Voki Lesson Plans for Columbus Day

Teacher Vision Resources for Columbus Day

Eduplace Lessons and Resources for Columbus Day

Tweet Sheet

2011-10-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

I recently started asking participants in my workshops to tweet on paper what they were learning. A friend of mine, Laureen Reynolds, called this a Tweet Sheet. I loved that title. So, here is a Tweet Sheet you can use with your students as a reflection or an exit slip before leaving class. In a tweet there are only 140 characters including spaces, so students will have to really think about what was most important from the lesson. Have fun Tweeting!
Tweet Sheet

Education Nation

2011-09-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

This year once again NBC hosted Education Nation, a week long focus on education in America. On their site you will find lots of videos from the discussions. Especially watch the video with students where they share what they think they need to achieve a world class education. I always say listen to the Natives!

NBC Education Nation

Reflections from an attendee of the Summit

Creativity Just as Important as Literacy?

2011-09-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

This video has been viewed by literally millions of people. It is a few years old, but still resonates with me. Enjoy the humor but consider the content. What are we doing in education?

Online StoryTime by Barnes and Noble

2011-09-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

If you have never visited Online Storytime by Barnes and Noble, please drop by and enjoy the children's books being read by the author or celebrities. This month's book is Llama Llama Home with Mama by Anna Dewdney. Other books are available also. Look under the video of the book and you will see pictures of other books. Click the one you want read online. Some of my favorites are there... Olivia, Pinkalicious, The Kissing Hand.

Also on the Barnes and Noble Site you will find the Barnes and Noble Studio. There are videos and podcasts of interviews with writers. Right now there is an interview with Megan McDonald, the author of the Judy Moody books. Great for writing lessons.

Another cool place on the Barnes and Noble site is the Children's Channel of the Barnes and Noble Studio. There book previews, interviews, authors talking about their books, etc. These videos can motivate students to read and write. I know I want to check out all the books shown here. I love hearing the authors telling the stories behind their books. Awesome!

September 16: Pennsylvania

2011-09-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to a great day with the wonderful teachers of St. Stephen School.

September 16 PA Training

Thanks for Focusing on What Is Most Important! Ellen

2011-09-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

On Monday's season premiere of Ellen, they highlighted an amazing principal and her school in Las Vegas. The thing that I appreciated most was the focus was not on discussing test scores or academics necessarily, but on meeting the very basic needs of children. It was so refreshing to see a principal and her staff that understands until we meet the physical and emotional needs of children we aren't going to raise their test scores. And seriously, who cares about test scores when 85% of her students are living in poverty. Instead of talking about another program, initiative, or staff professional development.. the Whitney Elementary School staff talks about helping students and their families with the very things most of us take for granted. When the principal talked about making sure all her students had Christmas presents and a birthday cake and a roof over their heads, etc. I was so proud to be a teacher! Thanks, Ellen for spotlighting an educator with her priorities in the right place!

Wiglington& Wenks: Virtual Travel Adventures

2011-09-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Make history, geography, and critical thinking come alive for your students by using Wiglington & Wenks. Students will travel in a virtual world, meet historic figures, and play games. There is a free version, so start with that and see how your students like it.

Wiglington & Wenks

Free Class Set Up for Arcademics Skill Builder

2011-09-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned Arcademic Skill Builder Games in the past. It is the site that has lots of video games for math and language arts. Now teachers can monitor student progress with their free service. Try it out!

Arcademic Teacher Page

NBC Learn Free Resources

2011-09-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

I have become quite the fan of NBC Learn. They have some really nice videos that explain science and math in the context students understand and enjoy. You will find some Football Science in the Free Resources along with chemistry and other topics.

FREE Resources NBC Learn

I think I am also a fan because we visited the NBC studios and the Today Show this summer. I feel rather close to Matt, Ann, and Natalie now. Ha!

Writing Sites

2011-09-08T23:01:00.000-07:00

Need some new ways to get students pumped about writing? Check out these two.
BoomWriter: Love this one because it gives students the experience of being a real writer. Students choose a topic that interests them. They write a chapter of the story and then submit it to the Editor. Then the chapters are voted on by others also using Boom Writer. The winning chapters are published online.
Write/Read/Vote... Sweet! Everybody is involved. Your class can go read other student work and vote. Talk about a way to find examples for mini-lessons. All Free! Go to the Bookstore section to see student work.

FlipSnack: Have students write. Turn their writing into PDF files. Then use FlipSnack to publish online books that really flip pages. The free version has a limit of 16 pages, but how fun is that? I mentioned QuickSnack and PhotoSnack in previous workshops and blog posts. This is another in the series of unique and helpful sites.

Picture Books for Your SmartBoard or Projector

2011-09-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves free children's picture books to use in the classroom. This site has popped up on several blogs I follow. (Thanks to Free Technology for Teachers and iLearnTechnology.) Several Hans Wilhelm books are posted here for you to use with your interactive whiteboard or projector. Lots of opportunities for mini-lessons and a great site for learning centers.

Children's Book Forever

Clorox Grant for Schools

2011-09-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Clorox is sponsoring a grant program for schools from now through January. It works a lot like Limeades for Learning or Donors Choose. Submit your grant idea and then voters will start voting on October 24. They will announce the winners in January. Clorox will award 4 schools $25,000 and one school $50,000. I know everyone dreams of what we would do with some money for our schools. Here's your chance. Nominate your school and send in your grant idea. Let me know and I will publicize it here on my blog when voting starts in October. Let's get a winner here on Lori's Latest Links!

Clorox School Grant Program

There are also games and teaching ideas on the Clorox site.

Play Checkers Online

2011-09-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

While recently enjoying a little cornbread and chicken at Cracker Barrel, I noticed their new website Who Wears the Crown being advertised. You can play this digital version of checkers for free. You can even register to win prizes. Thought it was worth passing along. Checkers is great for building critical thinking skills. The cool thing about the Rookie Version is that the game guides and teaches you how to play and move the checkers. Love self-checking games.

Cracker Barrel Checkers

Teacher's Toolbox- SMILEBOX

2011-09-03T14:50:00.000-07:00

Smilebox is once again offering free teacher subscriptions to their photo site. If you have ever used Smilebox you know how addicting it is. Check it out now and get your FREE subscription.

SMILEBOX for TEACHERS

Apples, Apples, Apples

2011-08-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

This week had the pleasure of spending a day with a wonderful group of educators in Albuquerque, New Mexico! Here's a shout out to North Valley Academy Charter School! Woot-Woot! While I was there one of the teachers shared with the staff this adorable basket of cake pops shaped liked apples. How cute is that! It got me to thinking that it is Apple Time... Johnny Appleseed Time. So in honor of the apple, here are some sites to share with your students during September.

Johnny Appleseed Enchanted Learning

Story of Johnny Appleseed-Weekly Reader

Crispy's Apple Stand: Activities/Story

Virginia Apples for Kids

Washington Apples for Kids

Apple Pickin Time Song/Video by Harry Kindergarten

I Love Apples Song/Video by HarryKindergarten

5 Little Apples by Harry Kindergarten

Crystal Springs Editor's Pick for Fall

2011-08-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

Teach Like a Techie

Grants: Grab Some Opportunities

2011-08-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

With all the cuts in budgets, we need as many grant opportunities we can find. Here are a few to check out this fall.

Superhero Competition: This one benefits the school and promotes history. Students create videos portraying famous Americans. Win a document camera and $500 cash. Deadline is November 30.

Target Field Trip Grants: 25 schools per Target store will will a grant for $700 for a field trip. Registration opened in August and deadline is October 3. Sign up for this one soon!

Lowe's Toolbox for Education: Get up to $5,000 for your classroom through Lowe's. Registration is open but the deadline is October 14 and they are only accepting 1500 applicants, so go for this grant soon!

Digital Wish Halloween Podcasting Grant: Deadline September 15. Get started with podcasting in the classroom by submitting a Halloween themed lesson.

Lori's Latest Links in QR code

2011-08-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

Use Google URL shortener. After you type in your website or blog address, choose shorten. Then click on Details next to the new shortened address. You will see the QR code. Copy and paste this to your picture file or Save As to picture file. Use your iPad or iPhone to read the code. You will want to get a QR reader app from iTunes. Then use the code for generating interest in your class website or blog. Use the QR code for students to search for information or do scavenger hunts. How fun is that? Be watching for some ideas for using QR codes in the classroom. I have been playing around with some lessons that use this unique technology.

Another QR site: NEW on www.classtools.net is a QR Treasure Hunt Game
QR Treasure Hunt Generator

Putting My Pics In Order

2011-08-23T15:57:00.000-07:00

When I got my first digital camera years ago, it was revolutionary. I mean no more film to buy or constantly running to the One Hour Photo Lab. I can't count the number of disposable cameras I went through over the years. I love being able to save all these pictures and do some fun editing so we all look fabulous. But here is the problem.. before you know it you have thousands of pictures with no actual copies to look at. We have to run to the computer, digital photo frame, blogs, Facebook, etc. to see them.

I have never really gotten into the scrapbooking thing either. All that cutting and pasting has kept me away. However, I do LOVE online scrapbooking. I enjoy choosing my favorite pics, dragging and dropping them onto amazing backgrounds and personalizing the whole thing to share.

So, I got to thinking this last week that I haven't done anything with some of my favorite pictures over the last say, 6 years. Yikes! So I made a goal to make a book for each of those years and special vacations and events. Not only would I create them online, but I would have the books printed so I finally have an actual copy of the images to hold and cherish. I am proud to say, I am on track with my goal! I have created 2 books in 3 days. I have them ordered and am eagerly waiting to receive the finished products.

I went back to two sites I have used in the classroom.. Shutterfly and MixBook. What a blast! I feel not only proud for completing my tasks, but relaxed because the process was so enjoyable. If you have pictures in limbo or need a stress reliever.. try online scrapbooking! Be warned.. it is addictive!

| View Sample Photo Books | Create your own Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Pennsylvania: August 22

2011-08-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

21st Century Skills Framework

Marc Prensky

Blogger

Flat Classroom Wiki

WikiSpaces

PB Works

Course Sites

Prezi

Wordle

Tagxedo

Edmodo

Flickr

Photo Peach

SlideBomb Academy

Glogster EDU

Khan Academy

Wolfram Alpha Demonstration Project

St. Mary's High School Physics

Flipping the Classroom

Fisch Algebra: Flip Example

Live Binders

I Love School!

2011-08-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

If you have not already joined ISTE.. The International Society for Technology in Education.. this video might inspire you to do so! Remember to teach those NETS!

What's New?

2011-08-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

Bad News: For all my Google Squared fans.. Google has announced they will be shutting down Google Squared on September 5. After then you won't have access online. Bummer!

iVoted is like Poll Everywhere. iVoted has a free section for teachers to use with 25 students. Students can answer questions using an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch.

Quiz Snack: This is pretty neat for creating online surveys and polls. You can then embed them on your blogs!

SlideBomb Academy: Another new tool for students to create slideshows with a new education security built in for teachers. (Found on Larry Ferlazzo's blog)

Swiffy: Love this Google Lab product. It converts Flash files to HTML5 so you can view things on your iPads and iPhones! Wahoo! (Thanks for sharing this resource, iLearnTechnology)

St. Mary's HS Physics: A wonderful teacher in Beaumont, Texas shared this with me. What a treasure chest of videos, lessons, and handouts for HS students/teachers. Thank you for the tip.. my All Saints Friend!!

August Favorite Apps

2011-08-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

It seems like we are app crazy these days with our iPhones and iPads. Here are some of my recent favorites. Big thanks to Maria Banks and Katie McKnight for sharing their favorites with me. I added them to my list.

American Presidents for iPad: $3.99
Great visuals, timelines, and information about the Presidents.

Math Dictionary for Kids: Buy now through August for $1.99
Covers all types of math and great colored graphics.

Graphs: $.99
New app for creating graphs such as bar, line, and pie charts.

Comic Life: $7.99
This would remind you of Glogster. You make comics using digital photos and cool fonts.

Poetry Creator: FREE
This is like the magnetic poetry programs. Really fun!

Mobile Mouse: FREE or $1.99
Turn your iPad or iPhone into a wireless mouse and run your computer from anywhere in your classroom. Sweet!

Trends in Student Technology Use

2011-08-16T08:11:00.001-07:00

Via: OnlineEducation.net

Just for You.. My Cotter, Arkansas Techies!

2011-08-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Awesome Cotter Teachers: Today was a blast! Thanks for all the energy and all the hard work. Here are the links to the webtools we visited about during the training. Best Wishes for the new school year.

DropBox

Thistle Girl Designs

Build Your Wild Self

Smart Exchange

Jigsaw Planet

Newseum: Front Pages

Qwiki

Silly Songs with Ghoulie Games

Tagxedo

OLOGY

August Is Here Already?

2011-08-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

I can't believe August is here already. What an amazing summer! I feel much like the old song, "I've Been Everywhere, Man" It was great to see familiar faces at the SDE events and meet lots of new friends! I am still linking everything from summer, but please take a look at what is already here.

I am looking forward to continuing the blog this year. Keep checking back for more resources and ideas.

We just got back from a quick trip to NYC to celebrate my daughter's 16th birthday. What a fun trip! We saw 4 Broadway shows and did lots of walking/sight-seeing. This next week I am off to Indiana and Arkansas. Can't wait to visit with more amazing teachers.

This was so neat. We saw the Google Maps Street View car.

Wicked was amazing! Loved it!

We visited Hoboken, NJ and Carlo's Bakery.

We saw the Today show filming. Met Matt and Natalie!

Rutherford County Interwrite Elementary

2011-07-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

Class Tools

EduPlace Graphic Organizers

EduPlace Maps

Jigsaw Planet

Brain Flips

Ghoulie Games

OLOGY

ABC Ya

Tagxedo

Wordle

Rutherford County Day 2

2011-07-26T18:25:00.000-07:00

Project Based Learning
Buck Institute

Edutopia

Documents to Support PBL

Project Exchange

Math Moves Us

The Globe Project

Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education

RealWorldMath PBL

Create PBL Checklists

Teacher's Handbook for PBL: NYC Schools

Jottit

How Stuff Works

Ask Kids Search Engine

Kids Click

Curriki

ePals

Global School Net

Rutherford County, TN

2011-07-25T19:28:00.001-07:00

Using CPS Student Response System

Find eInstruction/Workspace Lessons
eInstruction Lessons
eI Community

journals and learning logs

More PowerPoint presentations from Lori Elliott

Links:

Khan Academy

Wolfram Alpha

Lexipedia

Jeopardy Labs

Poll Everywhere

Newseum

Live Binders

Dropbox

SDE National Conferences

2011-07-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year! It is time for the SDE National Conferences in Las Vegas. Thousands of enthusiastic teachers will take over Vegas for a week. There are so many choices for sessions. Whether you want to know about technology, Singapore Math, DI, Kindergarten, or anything in between it is going on at the Palazzo/Venetian. I am anxious to meet lots of great folks and learn some new things myself. Viva Las Vegas!

Jigsaw Planet

2011-06-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

35 Rapunzel

Way to Go, Tricia!

2011-06-20T18:43:00.001-07:00

Just want to say a big thanks to my blog designer, Tricia! She came up with the new look for Lori's Latest Links. I think it is great. Tricia does blog designing for a very reasonable cost. Please see the link on the sidebar for more information.

Summer Time: Learning Time

2011-06-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

Summer is off and running! This is a wonderful time to reflect on the past year and try some new ideas for the fall. Here are a few of my favorites I hope you will visit or revisit:

Shutterfly- Set up a class page to share photos next year

Jog the Web- Organize links for students

Kid Blog- Thanks for sharing this K-2 friendly blogging site Missouri friends!

Thanks MO and Oklahoma teachers for a great week last week! This week I will say hello to teachers in Illinois and Indiana!

A Few Memories of My Years at Nixa

2011-05-23T09:20:00.003-07:00

Another free slideshow by Smilebox

Twenty-one years sure fly by when you are having fun! I started my journey in Nixa as a student teacher in the fall of 1990. What a blessing to work with such an amazing cooperating teacher, Martha Tegeler. I learned so much from her. I then subbed for another year and a half due to a hiring freeze. That time was such a great learning experience for me as I tried my wings and started developing my teaching style. I hit the ground running in 1992 with my first class of fourth graders! I probably didn't know what I was doing, but we sure had a good time and I quickly learned the importance of integrating curriculum and differentiating learning. I worked at Espy first, with incredible colleagues and mentors. Back then you knew every kid in Nixa because we only had 4 classes of fourth grade for the whole district. Over the years I taught at Espy, Inman, Mathews, and Century. I taught fourth, third, 1st/2nd multiage, was a literacy facilitator and a Technology Integration Specialist. Whew! When we built a new school... I went! I moved more times than I can count, either classrooms or buildings. The growth in Nixa has been incredible and I am so glad I have been here through it all.

I spent the last weekend going through old pictures of my students and colleagues. I am so blessed to have made so many friends and to have the opportunity to teach and learn with the most awesome students and parents in the world. One of the things I am most proud of as I reflected on all the images was that my clasroom has always been a very active learning environment. From building a playhouse, making the rain forest and ocean in a bubble, dancing, cooking, singing, having a campout, living like a pioneer, and millions of things in between... we lived the learning! I know we are supposed to teach content and help students become academically successful, but I have to be honest.. my mission has always been to make learning fun and help students create memories that will last a lifetime. The grades and test scores are nice, but helping students find their passion, build their confidence, fuel the fire to learn more, and developing positive relationships are much more important to me. Call me a rebel. LOL

I am ready to start my new adventure as an education consultant full time, but so sad to see my time at Nixa come to a close. But just like there was a day when I had to sell all the Eagles Eye sweaters in a garage sale and pack up the castle... it is time for me to move on to something new. I will never forget and will still laugh about the times I blew all the fuses in the hallway making applesauce or pancakes. Or the zillions of Talent Shows and Sing a Longs that I made everyone dance, sing, and do stupid skits cause I knew the kids would love it. How about when we put 30 refrigerator boxes in my classroom to recreate Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory? That was brilliant, not!

Teaching has been an Elliott family project. Bless their hearts.. Tim, Austin, and Ashlyn have spent hours and hours helping me make my classroom the home I hope every kid would want. I love you all for never complaining and always joining right in the craziness. Century 1st and 2nd grade teachers, remember when Tim helped us make the log cabin hallway and even brought us homeade chili to eat at midnight? Good times!

Thank you to all of you for making the last 21 years incredible for me and my family. It has been a privilege to work with you. I love you all and can't wait to see what will happen next in Nixa. Enjoy the summer. You sure deserve it!

Lori

Film Festival Winners

2011-05-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

This year's Eagles Film Festival Winners are:

First Place: Melissa Boozer's 6th Grade
Second Place: Ryan Mahn's 3rd Grade
Third Place: Kelli Rogers/Chris Brumley's Eagle Time Kids

Tips for Computer/Projector Clean Up

2011-05-17T09:30:00.001-07:00

Summer Cleaning:Computer/Projector from Lori Elliott on Vimeo.