Finding Time...

I have been spending the past week or so browsing several blogs that are new to me. I am both impressed and motivated to perk things up a bit on my own blogs. Seeing what's new and exciting, and how other teachers are using their blogs causes me to long for the days when I held "Techy-Tuesday" and Graduate classes for the teachers in my District. Those days seem worlds away to me right now. Economic hardships within the District have left little if any funds for improvements in the area of technology. We are using very old computers and as they break down, they are not being replaced. They have pretty much cut out all professional development for teachers as it relates to implementing and infusing technology into the curriculum.
As I look around at other teacher's sites on the Internet, I become inspired to find ways to share with my teachers again. The challenge will be to use what is available and try to be as helpful and supportive as possible.
Back when I taught courses for teachers, there was a sense that many of them felt technology was "just one more thing" piled on their already overloaded plates. It was always my desire to help them see at least one lesson or idea they could take back and use in the classroom right away.
That is the motivation I am having as I look at some new areas in the blogging world. I am inspired to teach the courses again....to help those I teach with see what's out there that is fun, exciting and useful to them.
I plan to share some links and ideas. I hope that some of the teachers in the District will have their interest level raised and begin to investigate ways they can use the online communities and resources to support their efforts in the classroom.

Thoughts While on Spring Break...

We're out on Spring Break, I don't know who originally thought of this idea; but I am happy they did! ;-) Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my students, colleagues and my work with them TREMENDOUSLY! But... this time off gives all of us the opportunity to refresh our minds and spirits. I welcome time for sleeping in, exploring web sites that I don't have time to explore on a day-to-day basis, do some spring cleaning, playing with the dog, reading, working out (OK maybe NOT!) organizing, RELAXING (what's that??), stamping and scrapbooking, shopping.....all the things I enjoy, at a much slower pace.

One of the things I enjoy about returning to school after the break is everyone seems ready and eager to "take in more". We've all had time to get recharged and energized.
I came across this video that made me smile and caused me to wonder....really wonder, who among my kids, past and present, will do extraordinary things? Will it be Darren? Casey? Anita?Kevin? Luke? Riley? Marissa?...... Samantha? Jack? Michael? Brenna? Tonia?.... Jimmy? J'Kolbi? Laura? Jill? Blaise? Jennifer?Brooke?.... Dillon? Chris? Amanda? Jayme?...Natasha? 'Bella? Celina? Emily? Dana? Monica? Mohamed?.... Who among the hundreds of kids that I have had the honor and pleasure to teach, influence and love will break away from the norm to take a chance to do something extraordinary?

Journey into the Unknown....

Each day I find myself connecting with more and more resources on the Internet. As I indicated earlier this year, I am trying to make use of the Web 2.0 tools that are available online. I am in a constant state of awe as I find resources through Delicious, Google Reader, blogs and more. It is part of my daily routine to check these resources to see what new and interesting ideas and additional resources have popped up overnight. Being new to this thing called Web 2.0, I am in many ways, playing catch-up! I find myself drawn to articles and blogs of interest that are several months, if not years old.
I came across the article “Are Your Students (and Teachers) Building Networks?” by Will Richardson. It’s dated almost a full year from today and yet it is very inspiring to me. While I know I have a long way to go, I can honestly say I am making a full blown attempt at what Richardson outlines in the article. He asks, are you teaching your students how to build these connections, construct their own learning networks that will nurture them once they leave your schools? Are your teachers modeling their learning for their students by building their own networks that range far outside their classroom walls? Are you becoming part of a larger community that can offer perspective, new ideas, and support your work?
I feel very confident in saying “Yes Will, I am!”
I feel as if I am on a never ending journey... to a place I may never really get to see. The view along the way is absolutely breathtaking.... I am doing all I can to pick up as many students, teachers and parents on the road as I can and bring them along for the ride.

What a wonderful ride this is turning out to be….

It's Been A While...

It seems like a long while since I posted here. I have been rather busy with my day-to-day teaching responsibilities and my Kindergarten class blog. I've enrolled in an online course...continue work on the Kindergarten Curriculum...plan for courses for teachers....contiue to explore Web 2.0 options...and try to have a life! ;-)

It feels like time for some reflection.

I feel as if things are still going well. The kids remain excited about seeing our blog grow and develop. They absolutely LOVE seeing themselves on the computer. I know they check the blog from home because many of them come to class and tell me the saw the latest post. I get positive feedback from parents as well. I expected more comments on the posts, but maybe that will come with time. I hear from parents when they are picking their kids up, and in Email, but many are not yet comfortable with commenting directly on the blog. Even so, I am happy with the way things are going. We have established a good dialogue with our Blog Buddies in New Zealand. We have exchanged video questions and the videos spark interesting discussions among the children. It's AWESOME that we connected with them!

Blog fever is making it's way through several classrooms around the District. The Early Learners blog continues to expand. Mr. Schroeder has created Spring Trail Tiger Times, to communicate with parents from the Principal's office. Brenda, good friend who teaches 2nd grade, launched 2nd Grade News a class blog earlier this week and Julie is another 2nd grade teacher in the District who recently launched her class blog, What's Happening in 2nd Grade, as well. It's exciting to see all of this blogging. We've only been in school a month and things are looking great. I can't wait to see where we are by the end of the school year!!!

I remain inspired!