tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31821618747472149602024-03-13T04:28:36.297-07:00Lab Llama - Tech TeachingLab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-42761828725682247472018-11-08T10:09:00.001-08:002018-11-08T10:09:05.355-08:00Lab Llama Review: codeSpark<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some apps are old...some apps are brand new...others are glitchy...others run great! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who has time to vet them all?? </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lord knows that I don't, but I want to share some llama love by rating the resources that I have had some firsthand experience using. I'm not paid (darn) and by no means are these reviews "official" but hey, who says they can't still be useful. </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I'm covering a coding app - codeSpark (aka The Foos)! This app uses fun activities to get students coding. It appeals to both boys and girls with fun characters that doesn't slant one way or the other. Students can build obstacle course levels, raise pets, and go through the coding process with a police, construction worker, ninja, and chef theme.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbh4Jj0FCsw6Ma_yHOMt_bPlSq-PjhTcs0l8YYLsTkpTFrLxlJQceHKdUZV6uiIvoqudLp42y4CbfCcQ8bsGJOB3navcBVxI-e1tKxZDIPLV2nFf83MaoqN_gM7hL4Bhl3zWujLlFkM8/s1600/816XpOxdBZL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbh4Jj0FCsw6Ma_yHOMt_bPlSq-PjhTcs0l8YYLsTkpTFrLxlJQceHKdUZV6uiIvoqudLp42y4CbfCcQ8bsGJOB3navcBVxI-e1tKxZDIPLV2nFf83MaoqN_gM7hL4Bhl3zWujLlFkM8/s400/816XpOxdBZL.jpg" title="https://www.amazon.com/codeSpark-Academy-The-Foos/dp/B07B5DKFPJ" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: red;">Price Point</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Free! Setting up a teacher dashboard and account does not cost anything! If parents want to have an account for their children, the current price is $7.99 monthly.</span><br />
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It is available on iOS and Android - so most tablets can support it. It requires internet access to run. So far as apps are concerned, this is fairly standard so no points taken away for that.<br />
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The dashboard is practical as well. You can bulk load student names, customize what activities can or cannot be accessed, view individual students' progress, and lock out accounts. They also provide access to unplugged lessons, lesson plans, and more!<br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Three cheers for student engagement!! (hoorah, hoorah, hoorah!) From 1st grade to 6th, students often choose to play this app over free time with robots. They beg to play it in their regular classrooms (which I leave the decision up to the individual teachers).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The graphics are charming and not too "babyish" for the older kids, but the buttons and commands are great for pre-readers! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">They also provide updates with new activities to hook the students all over again. At the current time, they are running a Snoopy themed snow ball fight as well as an adventure mode that drops crystals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing but good things to say from the student perspective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're using the app, it has been as reliable as my internet connection. When I've had problems with my connection, it renders this app useless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">If you're using the lite version on desktop computers, I've had a couple instances where flash players/other factors have limited my usage with it. It has been a year or two since doing the web version, so they may have improved that component.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Academic Value</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A STEM teacher's dream! The coding and analytical thinking skills are present throughout. Each level ties back to some type of technology standard. Basic math is used for purchasing upgraded items in the "store" and by requiring a certain number of gems to open certain doors (the greater than and less than symbols are used). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Final Score</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What type of llama lover would I be if my scoring wasn't llamarific!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With little negative feedback on each rating in each category, it may not come as a surprise that this site gets a score of...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">5 out of 5 Lovely Llamas!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd love to hear from you! Have you tried the Foos? Like it, love it, or want to try it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Llama love,</span></div>
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Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-73606897938876283562018-10-24T09:18:00.002-07:002018-10-24T09:18:39.588-07:00Lab Llama Review: ABCmouse<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some sites are old...some sites are brand new...others are glitchy...others run great! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who has time to vet them all?? </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lord knows that I don't, but I want to share some llama love by rating the sites that I have had some firsthand experience using. I'm not paid (darn) and by no means are these reviews "official" but hey, who says they can't still be useful. </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I'm covering a K-2 educational site - <a href="http://www.abcmouse.com/" target="_blank">ABCmouse</a>! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: red;">Price Point</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*drum roll please* Free for teachers! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was skeptical at first that there would be an "up-sell" after an account is created, but it truly is the full site for free. It is not free if parents want their students to have access outside of school, but for a computer lab/free time/mouse skills activity, the price point of free is a-okay! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Practicality</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing negative to say for practicality of the site. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you have logged into each computer, they stay logged in indefinitely. I am sure you know how nice it is not to have to worry about log in and password problems when it comes to your littles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, ABCmouse has a nice shortcut at the top of our web browser and the students have access when they finish other activities early. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The site also provides a very extensive dashboard with great features.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">You can assign specific activities or groups of activities, track progress, change difficulty levels... I know I personally could take advantage of more than I have up until this point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Student Engagement</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ABCmouse has a "ticket" system within the games that keep students more than happy. They can spend the digital tickets they earn within a shopping center where they can put custom outfits on their avatars, buy exotic pets (I have a few kids saving up to buy a pet dragon), decorate their room, and more. The tickets are easy to earn and my students LOVE the ability to show off their finest purchases and upgrades.</span><br />
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A word of caution though - some students are not very careful about making sure they are logged in as themselves before going to town with the tickets. I often reiterate that they need to ensure their name and face are in the top left corner. Fortunately, it is often the teacher account tickets that get spent because the default person logged in is the teacher.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Reliability</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall reliability of logging in, etc...great. I haven't experienced any days where the site was down. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Reliability within each of the games and activities...slightly less impressive. There are a few videos and activities that have gotten "stuck." To be fair, the puzzles get stuck because a student has it just a hair off of the target area, but it is not easy to recognize which puzzle piece is the problem. I have also had videos end and then get stuck. I have to pull the progress bar back a few seconds and let the end of the video play.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I know the problems I cited can be from things as simple as web browser updates/compatibility issues, so it's not something I would dock points from on ABCmouse's overall review. Just know that the site isn't completely "set it and forget it" when it comes to managing student use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Academic Value</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It has great academic value in a general sort of way. Each activity is designed to increase students' math, language arts, and reading skills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">From a STEM/technology teacher, it does not overtly teach the concepts that we desire. Concepts such as digital citizenship and computer terminology are not present. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Indirectly, it also teaches decision making, hand/eye coordination, and mouse skills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said, you can't realistically fault a site like this on academic value because of the overall value it </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">does </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">offer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What type of llama lover would I be if my scoring wasn't llamarific!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With little negative feedback on each rating in each category, it may not come as a surprise that this site gets a score of...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eo_MbbixL2ktnzFSakrUabR1Os4b9e1jzHfYi4_r04nN_BrXX9z0QeGha4rBTYM7Vnv2oLL-jg5vP54qnMJe6SYBObeDhMAFTKmx-0PPozlYdztYt1k4pTwRi6yHNo2vt8R-o3sVudg/s1600/5+Lovely+Llamas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="1600" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eo_MbbixL2ktnzFSakrUabR1Os4b9e1jzHfYi4_r04nN_BrXX9z0QeGha4rBTYM7Vnv2oLL-jg5vP54qnMJe6SYBObeDhMAFTKmx-0PPozlYdztYt1k4pTwRi6yHNo2vt8R-o3sVudg/s640/5+Lovely+Llamas.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">5 out of 5 Lovely Llamas!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd love to hear from you! Have you had personal experience with ABCmouse? Like it, love it, or want to try it? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Llama love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sam</span><br />
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Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-53509737457609160182018-10-18T16:00:00.000-07:002018-10-18T16:15:31.648-07:00Whisker Fingers: A Quick Trick for Perfect Mouse GripThe mission...should you choose to accept it...get 20+ kindergarten kiddos to hold a mouse and use a computer. This blog post will self destruct in 10 seconds.<br />
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Okay, maybe that's too dramatic - but your students hold the mouse wrong sometimes, amiright? Poking the screen gets increasingly frequent as more students use mom and dad's cellphones and iPads and smart watches and whatever else!<br />
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So here is my awesome tip for getting those fingers right on the computer mouse.<br />
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<h3>
How to Teach "Whisker Fingers"</h3>
- Assemble the children<br />
- Hold up a computer mouse and have the students orally repeat after you, "MOUSE"<br />
- Show picture of a real mouse, such as this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGigMD1IWMdmS8VDA4MJtMHbmPpLteWXm6C2dw6Srzg6SeaNJEaXCUa_h4yfFtkgsjGLfSJtrPYP9tV0jWxObapYumxyj40mPVBDuScPevzRxzpLjNMj9kemT1J8qwSYfDKLuUGgPm8Fw/s1600/0a38d58dee0dba3015c01dd5e4fe3280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGigMD1IWMdmS8VDA4MJtMHbmPpLteWXm6C2dw6Srzg6SeaNJEaXCUa_h4yfFtkgsjGLfSJtrPYP9tV0jWxObapYumxyj40mPVBDuScPevzRxzpLjNMj9kemT1J8qwSYfDKLuUGgPm8Fw/s1600/0a38d58dee0dba3015c01dd5e4fe3280.jpg" /></a></div>
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- Wait for all the "ooos" and "awwws" and "so cute"! </div>
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- Ask, "With a raised hand - what is growing out of his face?"</div>
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- Explain that WHISKERS can help us with our computer mouse!</div>
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- Ask students to copy you. With <u>both hands</u>, hold out the number 1. Then 2. Then stick out their thumbs. End resulting in this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMnMoPVAr9utkICcep-GjIssN6jMPBlwNBVYyhYarTg3cHpiy2lAGeglm5tZ7SFp0iDWObHICEHpDNKO1VVr3OiBFu9T3Ew-kXVT7pBJSgfB0LJ5bmgd0_GWwbFyEOsmCVLux2X79GpQ/s1600/american_sign_language_number_3_at_coloringpageskidsboys.gif" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="928" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMnMoPVAr9utkICcep-GjIssN6jMPBlwNBVYyhYarTg3cHpiy2lAGeglm5tZ7SFp0iDWObHICEHpDNKO1VVr3OiBFu9T3Ew-kXVT7pBJSgfB0LJ5bmgd0_GWwbFyEOsmCVLux2X79GpQ/s320/american_sign_language_number_3_at_coloringpageskidsboys.gif" title="https://www.yescoloring.com/learn-sign-language.html" width="247" /></a></div>
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- Call these your "whisker fingers" and have them hold them to their face as if they were a mouse. Here are my kiddos demonstrating:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQa2X-7pUeL3UYByDS-YCF16i0qEFYnFexk0WYw8MwOqtbAEPtEdTsb8fvrqWrxPEfMH3_HECAIF9RDr1uod1WMaa2Gf2iYcp6d0KV6a6kO4GCwqj0AmdTBAYeNXnWWBQOW01LdGyCBE/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1193" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRQa2X-7pUeL3UYByDS-YCF16i0qEFYnFexk0WYw8MwOqtbAEPtEdTsb8fvrqWrxPEfMH3_HECAIF9RDr1uod1WMaa2Gf2iYcp6d0KV6a6kO4GCwqj0AmdTBAYeNXnWWBQOW01LdGyCBE/s320/Picture2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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- Pick up the computer mouse and model how the two fingers are split on the two buttons, and the thumb wraps onto the side. Like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4v70jOLyBzaXlCXdsSq1nxAqls3mKxSiB4iuGfaYIST3MOanU-MuMpP72xEbydNlMROBNmkMpVjGCvYsmHPhG6o_v5nL9CduHrsCDbTV6FrHMmRDPFMK8NG1VoRtBFATRD7DXCWHm1c/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4v70jOLyBzaXlCXdsSq1nxAqls3mKxSiB4iuGfaYIST3MOanU-MuMpP72xEbydNlMROBNmkMpVjGCvYsmHPhG6o_v5nL9CduHrsCDbTV6FrHMmRDPFMK8NG1VoRtBFATRD7DXCWHm1c/s320/1.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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- Go to computers and practice in Paint or whatever else you already use! </div>
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The biggest benefit is having a name ((Whisker Fingers)) that you can reference when you see them doing it incorrectly. Voila!</h4>
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Llama love,</div>
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Sam</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0VMvC6-hBbh-kCjEiXW7Pccp7fFHJtDn1eliOTlm5e24nvUQvzB2wx920EPPQVr1awOL2AcdcQeGT5cxNb1GiNJIh0diuCBvfzA4pNX7It8vvpltBtl7e4KFOPc1LUjlDkP9JjI7_WI/s1600/Whisker+Fingers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0VMvC6-hBbh-kCjEiXW7Pccp7fFHJtDn1eliOTlm5e24nvUQvzB2wx920EPPQVr1awOL2AcdcQeGT5cxNb1GiNJIh0diuCBvfzA4pNX7It8vvpltBtl7e4KFOPc1LUjlDkP9JjI7_WI/s320/Whisker+Fingers.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br />Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-33665676547116024892018-10-18T09:25:00.000-07:002018-10-18T10:06:23.465-07:00Computer Lab Teachers are UnicornsDid you realize that computer lab teachers are unicorns?<br />
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When the revelation hit me, I can't lie...it made me feel a little <b>glittery</b>. And by glittery I mean that special, pampered feeling you get when you make a treat yo' self purchase that you can't justify as practical.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8eR1q1VsDRnUgrJj59G-skPVN4U9Q06Mh4qg1ZhAv4FToMt1syx8f2MBfbkI4lQ5Rm5cLj2xzVvD3CSuZrWTEw-SYoPSKqthRsAIbdpvJqSVqjF1VVLk-P9sThgQesDUO0Uk8-TWMDY/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8eR1q1VsDRnUgrJj59G-skPVN4U9Q06Mh4qg1ZhAv4FToMt1syx8f2MBfbkI4lQ5Rm5cLj2xzVvD3CSuZrWTEw-SYoPSKqthRsAIbdpvJqSVqjF1VVLk-P9sThgQesDUO0Uk8-TWMDY/s320/Picture1.jpg" title="http://blondemomblog.com/2014/02/07/valentines-day-bling-from-belk-gift-guide/" width="320" /></a></div>
Viewing myself as a confidently colorful, magical creature helped change my perspective on my classroom experience and I think that's worth examining.<br />
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Before you write me off as crazy for making such a bold, outrageous claim, examine the evidence with me.<br />
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<h3>
1) They are rare.</h3>
Does every school have grade level teachers? Administrators? Custodial staff? Of course!<br />
Tech teachers? Not always.<br />
There are many students out there who are not benefiting from your lessons on what to do if they're cyber-bullied (or not to be a bully themselves). There are also many students out there who will have to wait until they are older to realize they have a passion for coding and that they want to pursue that passion.<br />
<b><i>Remember that your school is benefiting from (semi)unique enrichment just by having you on staff.</i></b><br />
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<h3>
<b>2) They are magical.</b></h3>
That pop up that won't go away? An important folder disappeared? Who better than the computer lab teacher to magically solve problems that baffle the otherwise educated school professionals. Your unique skill set basically sorts you into the Hogwarts house of your choice (I'm Ravenclaw apparently).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ9EOkVc9AScC_6ULj0LzoqX5yjT5jgWmUe2RMgsZxLc70-eJq-tZqetuJa9sm5riGuzTVsuSAG-v-C-hLauAshYAnr7PpLfwZFkOpAbH43IELMF7_hSg0r640s08bznzunMGYBRMuuw/s1600/wingardium_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bqrlmt3S1yeCPMW5i8oHuD-Zq5759TaOMorXwHUIAY0eg.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJ9EOkVc9AScC_6ULj0LzoqX5yjT5jgWmUe2RMgsZxLc70-eJq-tZqetuJa9sm5riGuzTVsuSAG-v-C-hLauAshYAnr7PpLfwZFkOpAbH43IELMF7_hSg0r640s08bznzunMGYBRMuuw/s320/wingardium_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bqrlmt3S1yeCPMW5i8oHuD-Zq5759TaOMorXwHUIAY0eg.webp" title="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiuldn-rZDeAhXGxFQKHdytAZYQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Fbooks%2Fchildrens-books%2Fquotes-from-the-harry-potter-books-that-prove-hermione-ruled-hog%2Fharry-potter-and-the-philosophers-stone%2F&psig=AOvVaw07Y0qYFz8va5BZkqStuLEm&ust=1539964740411674" width="320" /></a></div>
And don't get me wrong, the students think you're magical too. You have <i><u>toys</u>.</i> Computers, iPads, robots - toys. Magical toys that get them away from their usual daily routine. However, getting them to stop viewing your class time as bonus recess is an issue all its own.<br />
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<h3>
<b>3) They are lone creatures.</b></h3>
Flock? Herd? Pack? Litter? Tribe? Nope - unicorns are solitary creatures. We computer teachers don't often have other professionals (*cough*other adults*cough*) to talk to about lesson plans, seating charts, management issues, etc. And I won't lie...it's lonely. Other teachers often only approach us when they have a problem with something or a special request that will cost us time/energy. Do they mean to do this to us? Most probably don't, but the reality is there.<br />
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<h3>
<b>4) Spotting one in the wild is worth getting excited about.</b></h3>
By far my FAVORITE unicorn feature is how thrilled students are to see you outside your lab. Walking through the halls, every student knows you. Many are your best friend.<br />
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This is true out in public as well. Teachers are afraid to go to malls/restaurants/etc. without running into their 30 kids? That's cute. Try 400+ possible encounters!<br />
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<h4>
My personal takeaway from thinking of myself as a unicorn? OWN IT! It's okay to acknowledge the challenges of the job, but there are great benefits too. You are beloved and magical and unique.</h4>
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<br />Can you relate? </h4>
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Llama love,</div>
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Sam<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeNosTn4b5vB0JYHLBmkOLtGMgGo8nJ1AE_iOaWnJn8OVUljjgGZ8cVqkosCPawMW_8KDDMqRn90rC2cxhJXWXRtm-vsL_m_LIsl8tLOQmwozrA9qmUtaIip3ncuw_JKG96VoflRuXv8/s1600/Unicorn+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJeNosTn4b5vB0JYHLBmkOLtGMgGo8nJ1AE_iOaWnJn8OVUljjgGZ8cVqkosCPawMW_8KDDMqRn90rC2cxhJXWXRtm-vsL_m_LIsl8tLOQmwozrA9qmUtaIip3ncuw_JKG96VoflRuXv8/s320/Unicorn+2.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-87503865599491459962018-09-10T16:07:00.000-07:002018-09-10T16:07:15.148-07:00Lab Llama Review: Interland<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some sites are old...some sites are brand new...others are glitchy...others run great! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who has time to vet them all?? </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lord knows that I don't, but I want to share some llama love by rating the sites that I have had some firsthand experience using. I'm not paid (darn) and by no means are these reviews "official" but hey, who says they can't still be useful. </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today I'm covering one of my favorites - Interland! Gosh darn if Google doesn't just make great versions of everything. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutbZA642H0e4FB7vQJsxePH-n3cqBJWGCvExUvDxw7njeKeFpj6oc8rOEbNyftfXIjV_zGqGMCg9DH3-ZoTzI0GdORMXtj5eDgenZImD2xgvGW4HckI5yTLrAq0Og8r4FboDMkNzn6gg/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="796" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutbZA642H0e4FB7vQJsxePH-n3cqBJWGCvExUvDxw7njeKeFpj6oc8rOEbNyftfXIjV_zGqGMCg9DH3-ZoTzI0GdORMXtj5eDgenZImD2xgvGW4HckI5yTLrAq0Og8r4FboDMkNzn6gg/s400/Picture1.png" title="https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/interland" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Price Point</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It's free! Doesn't get better than that, right? They also have the curriculum and other <a href="https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en/resources" target="_blank">resources</a> free as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Practicality</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I definitely think bonus points should be awarded for practicality because it does include the curriculum. I have consulted them when I went to teach it in my own lab setting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It does</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Student Engagement</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: helvetica neue, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We all know, if the students aren't into it, it's going to be a battle. Interland has four topics that are played as individual games. Certain games do hold higher engagement than others, but for the most part, my 1st-6th grade students all enjoy it. I had several ask to play it during Game Day which is always a sign of a successful program.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsc7gzkCcYg2hUum2RhC52Y4WBMsx0Zr_Os4GW9ioimY-SctEjwl8lfWIqwbGSBxSdOJwew9hczcay1ZCGNal5rHEv153KKgYbXta_2jjOCvKyRRxdCumzwp5r-zf5cPSdfAfWvZ01WM/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="794" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsc7gzkCcYg2hUum2RhC52Y4WBMsx0Zr_Os4GW9ioimY-SctEjwl8lfWIqwbGSBxSdOJwew9hczcay1ZCGNal5rHEv153KKgYbXta_2jjOCvKyRRxdCumzwp5r-zf5cPSdfAfWvZ01WM/s400/Picture2.png" title="https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/interland" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Reliability</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The site is just about as reliable as any other flash using website. I will say, it is heavy on the graphics so it may lag on slower devices/networks. They do have a lower definition option easily accessible though, so this may help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I have used the program for two school years and have not encountered a day the system was down, so overall, good!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Academic Value</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It looks like a game! It plays like a game! But they don't hire computer/technology/STEM teachers just for kids to have video game breaks, did they? (I know your students would answer yes to that question)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what skills does Interland enhance?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Digital citizenship (cyberbullying through comments, secure passwords, and more)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Mouse/keyboard skills - some games require students to use more than one keyboard key at a time (to jump well) or to make quick movements with the mouse (to navigate a character)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Final Score</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What type of llama lover would I be if my scoring wasn't llamarific!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With little negative feedback on each rating in each category, it may not come as a surprise that this site gets a score of...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">5 out of 5 Lovely Llamas!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd love to hear from you! What tool have you found best for teaching digital citizenship? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Llama love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sam</span><br />
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Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-50696659263307162292018-06-15T11:20:00.001-07:002018-07-24T11:09:01.955-07:00A New Way to Display Typing ScoresHi y'all!<br />
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Anyone else out there struggling with how to display typing results in a way that feels rewarding for the students but doesn't kill you by making you update it too frequently? I've been there. After year five of teaching tech, I've settled on a system that I like. My administrator also loves it because he can highlight some of our best typists when he gives tours of the school (win-win!).<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The overview:</span><br />
The board is divided into the separate Words Per Minute (wpm) goals. Each wpm goal is color-coded and that color represents a given grade level. When a student reaches the goal for their grade level, they get added to the board! Their new goal is to see if they can progress their skills to make it into the next grade level's goal. Move their name to that new goal section once they achieve it.<br />
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I also have a competition element to my computer classes so I have another section on the same board titled "Leading Class" and "Grade Level MVP." Whichever teacher's class has the highest typing average gets put in the "Leading Class" section and whatever student (within the winning class) had the largest margin of improvement gets their name in the "Grade Level MVP" section.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some tips:</span><br />
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<li>I only record scores for my 2nd-6th graders because Kinder and 1st have enough to concentrate on just by learning to recognize some typing basics.</li>
<li>I only record scores on typing "competition" days - if they achieve a typing goal on a practice day, I congratulate them and tell them that I will jot it down to add as their score on competition days. By doing this, I eliminate the number of times that I end up printing new names of students to add to the board.</li>
<li>I increment my typing goals by 5 wpm for each grade, starting with 10 wpm. I have found this to be a challenge for my young typists, but it is attainable! </li>
<li>I added a 40+ section to the board because I wanted the 6th graders to have something to strive for. I arrange the 40+ typists from highest to lowest for further competitive motivation. I also list their exact wpm in this section. I do this by putting little round number tiles (seen above in pink) next to their names so I can update them as frequently as they improve.</li>
<li>I do NOT add students to sections that are below their grade level goal.<b> For example:</b> the third grade goal is 15 wpm. If 3rd grade Jonny types 12 wpm, I do not add him to the 2nd grade goal section - he must meet his own grade level goal to qualify to be on the board.</li>
<li>The grade level MVP is the most improved typing scorer because if I did the highest overall score, it would nearly always be the same students. </li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Details about the process:</span><br />
So you know how I said this was supposed to limit how often I am updating the board... it really does! I record a typing grade (competition days) twice per trimester so a total of 6 times per school year. I make sure to schedule the competition days in the same week for each grade level that way I can print all the new names and update the "Leading Class" and "MVP" sections all at once.<br />
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In my gradebook, I highlight scores that qualify students to make it on the board. I use a secondary highlighter color for students who just need to be moved from one section of the board to another (that way I don't recreate the same student's name twice).<br />
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After printing the newly needed names (on their corresponding grade level paper color), I start with removing the students who need to be moved. I re-staple them up in their new sections. Then, add the new names!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Details about the supplies:</span><br />
- I <i>love</i> the bright colors so I used Astrobright "Happy" colors - found <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wausau-21289-Astrobrights-5-Color-Assortment/dp/B00006IDQS/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1529086032&sr=8-7&keywords=astrobright+paper" target="_blank">here</a>. I used maybe a third of the ream, if that.<br />
- Choosing white as a butcher paper background worked out awesome because I could print the "Leading Class" and "MVP" on regular printer paper and not have to worry about my perfectionist cutting struggles (it's a problem).<br />
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So what do you think? How do you display your typing scores? Drop me a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!<br />
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Llama love,<br />
Sam<br />
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<br />Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-13831168286721347422018-02-22T09:44:00.000-08:002018-02-22T10:02:28.748-08:00Reviews by Lab Llama: Cool Math Games<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some sites are old...some sites are brand new...others are glitchy...others run great! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who has time to vet them all?? </span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Lord knows that I don't, but I want to share some llama love by rating the sites that I have had some firsthand experience using. I'm not paid (darn) and by no means are these reviews "official" but hey, who says they can't still be useful.</i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today's site of choice - <a href="http://www.coolmath-games.com/" target="_blank">Cool Math Games</a>! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a flash game website that can be used by the computer lab teacher as a free time/game day option. Or at least, that's how it is used in my class. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Price Point</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This site can be used for free but also has an ad-free version that (as of February 2018) costs $6.99 a month. Are there a lot of ads....actually, yes. On the home page alone, I count 8. Yes, EIGHT. It will also occasionally run a 15 second advertisement before starting a game. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Personally, I have not found it to be worth coughing up that much money for something I only use as a free time option. The ads in the free version of the site...I haven't encountered any that were outright inappropriate, and the kiddos are patient enough to deal with them so I haven't let that deter me from this site. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Practicality</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This site gets dinged a little on practicality because of the number of advertisements it contains.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite that, the site is well organized by skill (strategy, logic, numbers, etc.) and is also searchable by title. My students often get hooked on a specific game so having the ability to search by title comes into play for my classroom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Student Engagement</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Holy VARIETY, batman!!! There are tons of options on this site. Other free time options get the "I'm bored" comment from time to time because there are fewer options, but that has not been the case with Cool Math Games. Check out some of the randommmm games that are the most popular on the site at the moment:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"There is No Game"??? lol I guess this site is more relevant than I am in some ways. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also appreciate that there are games that appear to female students as well without pandering to them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Reliability</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have not encountered a day when the site doesn't work. However, since the games are dependent on Adobe Flash, I have had problems where I have had to update Flash or have had browser settings where it prompts for permission each time the students go on (curses on you, required Firefox!). Since these are just regular lab maintenance things, I don't dock any points on reliability.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Academic Value</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The great "free time" debate...is it academic enough? Should every moment of computer lab be tailored specifically to computer skills? I don't know where you fall on that topic, but here is what I have found:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cool Math Games skills</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Critical thinking skills</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- General site navigation (scrolling, recognizing ads versus real content [lol], dropdowns)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Cooperative skills (some games can be played two player)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Final Score </span></b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What type of llama lover would I be if my scoring wasn't llamarific!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a half point taken away for price & practicality we get a score o</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hM9CVpua0MZTN6uZW0kJzXb48iLEm936Im8TXoPQ9FQB4K_4GNKtTramqBy7Sk_oE3nPAMbai6rGHdTFB6nq2Re11m1pwa9vjxMT1pz98d6rsx7q5jllB2QOJhdeuY_Sojf4EXYsaUs/s1600/4+Lovely+Llamas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="1600" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hM9CVpua0MZTN6uZW0kJzXb48iLEm936Im8TXoPQ9FQB4K_4GNKtTramqBy7Sk_oE3nPAMbai6rGHdTFB6nq2Re11m1pwa9vjxMT1pz98d6rsx7q5jllB2QOJhdeuY_Sojf4EXYsaUs/s640/4+Lovely+Llamas.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">4 out of 5 Lovely Llamas!</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd love to hear from you! Do your students use Cool Math Games? Have you found another game website worth recommending?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Please share in the comments below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Llama love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sam</span><br />
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Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-32015278902738984632017-10-29T15:06:00.000-07:002018-02-22T10:12:41.847-08:00Reviews by Lab Llama: Kid Blog<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some sites are old...some sites are brand new...others are glitchy...others run great! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who has time to vet them all?? </span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lord knows that I don't, but I want to share some llama love by rating the sites that I have had some firsthand experience using. I'm not paid (darn) and by no means are these reviews "official" but hey, who says they can't still be useful. </span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here we go...</span><a href="https://kidblog.org/home/" style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Kidblog</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">! </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a blogging site for teachers to host student blogs. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Price Point</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay, so I know we like free. I mean, we really like free. But this is one of few subscriptions I have felt has held its value.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As of September 2017, an account costed $60 annually. At $5 a month for it to host all my students...not a deal breaker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kidblog offers free 30-day trials for you to check it out and sometimes run seasonal specials for discounted prices (I've seen 20% offers at times). </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Practicality</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kidblog definitely checks the proverbial box for practicality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Students login with a dropdown menu of the usernames associated with a given blog (can I get a "hoorah!" for not worrying about mis-typed usernames!!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- The teacher dashboard allows you to lock down posts and comments (I require approval for both), it's easy to reset student passwords, and you can create bulk accounts using a CSV file. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- The account license doesn't limit how many computers use the site so students can access their blogs from home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Public versus private is a breeze. You can make your class's blogs public, private to only the teacher and students, or limited to students <complete id="goog_2128758665">+</complete> a specific list of email addresses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Student Engagement</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, student engagement is key. In my class, if it's too far from being a "game" I get terrible final products from my classes. Kidblog scores full marks for student engagement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- They have fun tools for customizing avatars and images for within a given post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Further customization can be done to individual blog posts including custom fonts, backgrounds, and header images. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdTdR0Wb2cAJ23aXchnp3Oh9FekSfkRamWmvyqsRPPxHNHIo4EBGDxiIpbRrJS2j_FhC3VKxStU2iV-JJAxsJ7b8C5hjqm8QxVx3nYjx5P34ju-mLNGOPqO7_xgLIip32wr52Tx_dI44/s1600/Kidblog+Blog+Editor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1394" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdTdR0Wb2cAJ23aXchnp3Oh9FekSfkRamWmvyqsRPPxHNHIo4EBGDxiIpbRrJS2j_FhC3VKxStU2iV-JJAxsJ7b8C5hjqm8QxVx3nYjx5P34ju-mLNGOPqO7_xgLIip32wr52Tx_dI44/s400/Kidblog+Blog+Editor.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Plus commenting, commenting, commenting! Boy, do kids love to talk (as if you didn't know that already).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Reliability</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am on year three of using this website and have seldom run into problems of the site being down for maintenance. Since it doesn't run flash or any other bells and whistles, there's little else that affects this site's reliability...other than your internet connectivity, of course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Academic Value</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The students like it - good. It works reliably - good. But does it contribute to learning? Any computer lab teacher worth their weight in RAM knows that activities must make the students more computer literate or what's the point??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what skills does Kidblog enhance?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Typing skills</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- General site navigation (dropdown menus, signing in and out, saving work, etc.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- Digital citizenship (cyberbullying through comments, appropriate post topics, secure passwords, and more)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">- 'Netiquette (typing in ALL CAPS, spamming, replying to others)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">Final Score</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What type of llama lover would I be if my scoring wasn't llamarific!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With a solid rating in each category, it may not come as a surprise that this site gets a score of...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">5 out of 5 Lovely Llamas!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd love to hear from you! Have you used Kidblog or a similar blogging site for kids? Please share in the comments below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Llama love,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sam</span></div>
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Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-52930324357470446852017-08-01T21:18:00.000-07:002017-08-01T21:18:56.422-07:003 "Must Grabs" during the TPT Back to School SalesIt's here! It's here! 😀<br />
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The sale I wait for all July. Prime Day, Shhhmime Day - I can't help but get excited over the deep discount on great products.<br />
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Despite being a TPT seller myself (*insert shameless plug that <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/lab-llama" target="_blank">my store</a> is also on sale*), there is something to be said for the convenience and ease of buying quality products from your fellow teachers.<br />
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So here are a few "must grabs" to suit the computer lab classroom.<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reward-Bracelets-3281803" target="_blank">Reward Bracelets</a> from Second Grade Smiles<br />
<i>What are they?</i><br />
These bracelets are replacements/alternatives to brag tags. As a tech teacher who sees students too infrequently, I've never been able to use brag tags.<br />
<i>Why use them?</i><br />
With these printable bracelets, I thought it would be a great way to send a positive note with kiddos outside of my computer lab. Messages like "Wonderful Worker" and "Lovely Listener" definitely apply to my students! I also really like that there is a "Birthday Kid" option - when kiddos tell me it's their birthday, I didn't previously have anything to give to them.<br />
<i>The cost?</i><br />
Only $1.60 during the sale!! What!!<br />
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2. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Emoji-Punch-Cards-Editable-2640971" target="_blank">Emoji Punch Cards</a> from Erintegration<br />
<i>What are they? </i><br />
The punch cards are an emoji-themed behavior reward system. Just designate what the incentive is, then punch off the emojis as students do good behaviors.<br />
<i>Why use them?</i><br />
Um, emojis!!! Okay, I guess that's not a real reason on it's own.<br />
I think this will be a great classroom incentive tool. The student's name is prominently featured in the middle - so I'm thinking these will work as name tags for the kids. I have clothespins on each monitor that they will fit into without problem.<br />
<i>The cost?</i><br />
Also only $1.60! Hoorah!<br />
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3. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Attendance-All-Year-Mega-Bundle-for-All-Whiteboards-and-Smartboards-1991881" target="_blank">Interactive Attendance Charts</a> from Pink Cat Studios<br />
<i>What are they?</i><br />
A local download to your computer + an HTML file (don't worry, it's crazy easy to set up) = attendance charts that students click using the smartboard on their way into my computer lab.<br />
<i>Why use them?</i><br />
These are a must have! I've purchased a few individual themes in the past and I L-O-V-E this product. My K-3rd students know that they take their lines from outside my door, straight to the board to hand of the pen to click the smartboard. Once they've done so, they set headphones at their desk, and sit on the carpet for instruction. Magnificent!<br />
<i>The cost?</i><br />
Okay, so these were my splurge. Price of $23.99, marked down from $67.89. #worthit<br />
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I'm a happy computer lab camper. <3<br />
Do any of these strike your interest? Why or why not?<br />
Let me know in the comments!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fv9dTyfeGaS56TgBzxLraQtActS3QDyxBuuqZkMMbpjl7uj1k0qtwOuFYTnBmNqf19WLHofCH8Y1hHEiPdpPnrXOzLQq1-DYQZWk2SuOQiHtrPnkiAuO1oeYdf6kI1_q5qgKSNIkk1w/s1600/BTS+Sale+Pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fv9dTyfeGaS56TgBzxLraQtActS3QDyxBuuqZkMMbpjl7uj1k0qtwOuFYTnBmNqf19WLHofCH8Y1hHEiPdpPnrXOzLQq1-DYQZWk2SuOQiHtrPnkiAuO1oeYdf6kI1_q5qgKSNIkk1w/s320/BTS+Sale+Pin.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-79901421092571226912015-06-04T15:40:00.001-07:002015-06-04T15:40:38.947-07:00A Cup Full of LoveRemember the little people. Now, I don't typically refer to myself as one of the "little people," but at the end of the year it is easy for us "extra subject" teachers to feel that way - especially when our classes ended a week ago. Here's my short story of how one teacher's thoughtfulness brightened my end-of-year days:<br />
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While primary teachers have been rushing about with end-of-school parties and performance rehearsals, I have been sitting quietly in my classroom clicking away looking for materials for next school year. I feel like that motorcyclist that zips by in traffic that is secretly hated by everyone else. <br />
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While I enjoy my cruise to freedom, I was surprised by something... loneliness. In all the busyness of the last couple weeks, students no longer wave and ask about class, teachers no longer have time to talk, administration is nearly impossible to meet with... now it might sound crazy, but it's true that it's a little sad. <em>But</em>, one teacher turned this frown upside-down with a quick email -<br />
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And a cup full of student LOVE!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HG0rIINBiM0lbidqOoDLyAT1jQTUZdBbG0d_MdVqAXepEe66BwSFzZnH_AUvcGUowS4IWOmDVWYej0mEtRV-IyJJbgVQOKiiz0195vOmQVgrV9lmu-gqtdivggd42QWGxGlUJ1V7JJc/s1600/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HG0rIINBiM0lbidqOoDLyAT1jQTUZdBbG0d_MdVqAXepEe66BwSFzZnH_AUvcGUowS4IWOmDVWYej0mEtRV-IyJJbgVQOKiiz0195vOmQVgrV9lmu-gqtdivggd42QWGxGlUJ1V7JJc/s320/image6.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJY2mRwCsCnZSUGxuuJ4KEXGXNnn6tvq6JSuos2Br7jgBI52HnYPgoYB7yV7_yV9LYDWrTPJMFBDUVgILabPKm13AwkzmmR2xSh-NMCQhqKH5y6Qnfcn9fg28Zzd82DXzP-1Rn28tJ9ek/s1600/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJY2mRwCsCnZSUGxuuJ4KEXGXNnn6tvq6JSuos2Br7jgBI52HnYPgoYB7yV7_yV9LYDWrTPJMFBDUVgILabPKm13AwkzmmR2xSh-NMCQhqKH5y6Qnfcn9fg28Zzd82DXzP-1Rn28tJ9ek/s320/image5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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What a simple but sweet gesture to brighten a fellow teacher's day! <br />
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I was inspired by her kindness and created a new freebie product to use to thank the computer teacher in your life. Click the image to download the free product - I also included a blank "Thank You" for other deserving folks:<br />
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<a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thank-You-Notes-to-the-Teacher-1884164" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thank-You-Notes-to-the-Teacher-1884164" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsuNef0CZcls1LviqCKEQ3Ae04y4KYcOpTYICXnQHwTkXsO3ht-fFDtNo_haPV3AdOGdTM6pTSFEEHZHXiprfF9wt_on8nu61WHbr2IAZnHfyehrTqzHI3KoedMMRYqWlbae1HH2Ncvs/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Too late for a student project this year? An email will do! You wouldn't believe how far an email to the librarian, secretary, IT specialist, computer teacher, PE coach will go! <br />
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Here's to a fabulous summer!<br />
Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-77840127138503761512015-05-19T11:20:00.002-07:002015-05-19T11:23:01.404-07:00Exploring New RobotsAs the school year comes to an end, I'm looking into radically upgrading our robotics component of class. Here is one of the robots I'm looking to purchase this school year. They are made by Wonder Workshop and offer a variety of teaching resources.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BqRHXSG7auY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BqRHXSG7auY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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I don't intend to purchase "Dot," but do want several "Dash" robots. <br />
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Do you have any experience with robotics and students? What would be your greatest teaching concern?<br />
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Thanks for sharing!Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-2308988915036124882015-05-04T05:00:00.000-07:002015-05-04T05:00:13.008-07:00A Hiatus with PurposeAdmittedly, the school year came around and *poof!* no more posts or products have appeared in my little corner of the internet. While I could make excuses (and in a way I am)... it boiled down to moving classrooms, a new teaching environment, and finishing up my teaching credential.<br />
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<a href="http://cl.jroo.me/z3/Y/S/7/d/a.baa-Tired.-Just-tired..jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="http://cl.jroo.me/z3/Y/S/7/d/a.baa-Tired.-Just-tired..jpg" height="220" src="http://cl.jroo.me/z3/Y/S/7/d/a.baa-Tired.-Just-tired..jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Despite the fatigue, it was so rewarding! <br />
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Finishing my teaching credential consisted of a process called "induction" in California. I am oh so happy to have accomplished this goal of mine so I wanted to share three highlights of the experience!<br />
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<a href="http://memecrunch.com/meme/DK21/happy-happy-happy/image.png" target="_blank"><img alt="http://memecrunch.com/meme/DK21/happy-happy-happy/image.png" class="mainImage" data-bm="42" height="211" src="http://memecrunch.com/meme/DK21/happy-happy-happy/image.png" width="320" /></a><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">1st Highlight:</span></strong> My induction program helped me implement diverse strategies I would have put off until I was more "experienced" (when does that even happen?).<br />
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My favorite implementation had to be the "exit ticket." Previously, I had written this type of strategy off as something that would only work for teachers who had a significant amount of time for their lesson - and with resources like paper and pencils! However, I found that my smartboard was a great resource for a quick exit ticket. Here's an example:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uvfCZfglVAaHt5RsQm5VHw6b9D7yBDxsqO_jiMAoCK6xLddCSTIQTOD01NiUZlaW7rnkjKmBgHU9ngzpOaglzx-c33G07xOoDf2PyWnqJZ8nWv5_kyotttXPP4x8gONVmwCeYrJ4S2M/s1600/exitticketscreenshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uvfCZfglVAaHt5RsQm5VHw6b9D7yBDxsqO_jiMAoCK6xLddCSTIQTOD01NiUZlaW7rnkjKmBgHU9ngzpOaglzx-c33G07xOoDf2PyWnqJZ8nWv5_kyotttXPP4x8gONVmwCeYrJ4S2M/s1600/exitticketscreenshot.png" height="199" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students were asked for "key words" for internet searching.</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">2nd Highlight:</span></strong> I was taught to seek out good resources. An example would be this article of <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/10-tips-for-new-teachers-expect-to-make-hideous-mistakes-etc/2011/09/18/gIQADk96dK_blog.html" target="_blank">10 Tips for New Teachers</a>.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">3rd Highlight:</span></strong> I grew in a definite area of weakness - assessments. Gah! Grading for a computer class was so scary to me...do I give grades for creativity? Behavior? My induction program helped me to realize that structure for my assessments (as well as including informal assessments) is so important for staying level-headed about those scary stacks of (digital) papers to grade!<br />
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<a href="http://www.pria.com.au/sb_cache/priablog/id/1688/f/too%20many%20emails.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.pria.com.au/sb_cache/priablog/id/1688/f/too%20many%20emails.jpg" height="217" src="http://www.pria.com.au/sb_cache/priablog/id/1688/f/too%20many%20emails.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Even though I had initially dreaded having to do more to clear my credential, the induction program was rewarding because of how it helped me change my own perception of my own teaching. What felt like failures at the start of my teaching career now feel like bumps along the dirt road that is teaching. It helps inspire goals for my teaching future - specifically, continuing to be adventurous in my teaching practices. Why not make this learning thing fun, right?<br />
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Please share a meaningful take-away you remember from your first years of teaching! Where did it come from?<br />
Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-68497099488877066612015-04-30T14:39:00.001-07:002015-04-30T14:40:33.484-07:001,000 Facebook Likes!Wowza! I can't believe I reached my milestone of 1,000 Facebook likes! It's definitely cause to celebrate. I'm thinking 15% off my entire <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Miss-Mcteach-Tech-Resources" target="_blank">Miss McTeach Tech store</a> through the end of the weekend sounds like a great way to start off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidRyEjcHgN5dhqtw7JvbCoSlGQyQqLe4Dv9Vk12uo3sLm8ek_sTFhaLfPKduNrR38Y3yLpemzD2WYkNL3hjTJFXyX8qxxAGnQ4xhboGryUM-SodMEuVV4i7TFxa5cnuPicRUBzWnOZVE/s1600/Presentation3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidRyEjcHgN5dhqtw7JvbCoSlGQyQqLe4Dv9Vk12uo3sLm8ek_sTFhaLfPKduNrR38Y3yLpemzD2WYkNL3hjTJFXyX8qxxAGnQ4xhboGryUM-SodMEuVV4i7TFxa5cnuPicRUBzWnOZVE/s1600/Presentation3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stay tuned for giveaways and freebies over the weekend! <br />
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Want to make sure you don't miss out? Feel free to subscribe to this blog for updates.Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-9294318061549787872014-09-26T14:45:00.000-07:002014-09-26T14:45:28.945-07:00Operation Sphero a SuccessPhew!! Eighty-five degrees feels just a bit warmer when you're outside directing groups of excited 5th and 6th graders! I am so pleased with how today's Sphero experience went. <br />
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I had students with big grins and crazy ideas flitting in and out of the quad at our school. Here's a picture (sorry for the lame face covers... I went with a Sphero emblem).<br />
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Today we used the "Sphero" iPad app to control our Spheros (Spheroes? Spheri? We'll go with Spheros.). It is the primary app to drive Sphero around. I let them experiment with different things and enjoyed when they came up to me excited that they'd unlocked a new trick. I think it's important to let students have a little free-reign with technology before I rope them in and put them to work. Next time these Spheros will be used, we will use the "Macrolab" app to program our robots to do <em>specific </em>actions. <br />
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Sorry if this is the ramblings of a crazy person. :) Does your school implement any form of robotics?<br />
Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-24904894569273876182014-09-25T15:35:00.000-07:002014-09-26T14:46:24.123-07:00If Robots are Geeky...If robots are geeky, guess I'm queen of the geeks this week! I am so excited to have my very first "Sphero" day with my students tomorrow. Sphero was created as a toy, but has launched a program for schools to use them to teach computer programming and coding using a tablet device. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EaNmAjxxIDU" width="560"></iframe>
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Now, I know very little about these things, but I'm willing to learn right along with my students. School started three weeks ago and I have not gone a single day without a student spotting me in the hall and shouting out, "SPHERO!!" I almost answer to it as my name these days! <br />
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I had a small group of fifth graders gather around my room on the morning they saw my supply arrive:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEcYuqbpdakGgHHZcjdjAoPL-IMlMvYV8PbbmM0fX5XtBU14oSWxehf9dPau2SCc7-A0wvIPv2y6VDUN0vYAX75-3khY82Fg4NFz5cKOnnUcsMtPwoEKaSExY0q4TuFS1xA9FIQmPTtQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEcYuqbpdakGgHHZcjdjAoPL-IMlMvYV8PbbmM0fX5XtBU14oSWxehf9dPau2SCc7-A0wvIPv2y6VDUN0vYAX75-3khY82Fg4NFz5cKOnnUcsMtPwoEKaSExY0q4TuFS1xA9FIQmPTtQ/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm excited to share my experience with this whole thing come tomorrow! I love getting new technology in their hands - they just soak it up and the excitement beams from their faces. <br />
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Have you had good experiences with kids and technology integration? I would love to hear about any "aha!" or "oh no!" moments. :)Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-19406156535090519832014-07-30T14:21:00.001-07:002014-07-30T14:21:04.241-07:00Number Geek's Paradise!So I would say I'm a self-professed number geek - what does this mean? Definitely not that I'm the greatest mathematician there ever was! For me, it means that I like finding patterns in any set of numbers I come across. Sometimes this even strays over into a somewhat "OCD" behavior...such as pumping the gas just a time or two more to end off on an even number or demanding that the TV volume be set on an even number... or a multiple of 5 is okay too, a multiple of 10 is BEST!! See what I mean, weird. Am I the only one??<br />
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Anywho, you may wonder why I bring up this strange quirk of mine. Well, it's because I have hit the number pattern MOTHER LOAD the last week or so! Here are some of my favorites:<br />
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- I made it to 200 TPT followers! (Woohoo!)<br />
- I now have 555 Facebook followers (thanks in part to the awesome giveaway that NC Teacher Chick has been hosting - hop over to her <a href="http://ncteacherchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, it's still going!)<br />
- I turned 25 on the 25th!<br />
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To celebrate this magical time, I have put my featured items on sale for...25%! Get it? :)<br />
Click the image to link over to my store to check it out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Miss-Mcteach-Tech-Resources" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Miss-Mcteach-Tech-Resources" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_5vwZbz_O3yo6onnqEyNr746IgtGYLSSUSbp3Dul-vm5Z2enGpOkv3CWdnZ7fpdnYpTr14L6ZREn5oQLQ9olyVbSulPcIKQQT8j0qYWZ-w9PYntjDXg6-Y3VX5XX6bf6dPuuwpbJQhE/s1600/birthdayimage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Help me feel more normal! Do you have any OCD number habits?<br />
Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-29186308882860705622014-07-20T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-20T08:02:12.553-07:00Hot Summer Giveaway<br />
Why not start off my blogging experience with a giveaway?<br />
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This one is hosted by <a href="http://ncteacherchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">NC Teacher Chick</a>. The prizes are so awesome - there are two weeks left, each with a $40 value! Here's the info, may the odds be (ever) in your favor!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1aop-JX8CbEoEH_NUODlvMAeaCuoBQByUMAcmJdB5Tdzqkkgs3zVv7t7LV6T3vod4a4LG7qMOgS5aTMGIwf59Si7DD0bUUTNoo5GKpCEcgRip0IsIUGczR_MdU0JfCJ4BLk6lmZRoM0/s1600/Giveaway+%232.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1aop-JX8CbEoEH_NUODlvMAeaCuoBQByUMAcmJdB5Tdzqkkgs3zVv7t7LV6T3vod4a4LG7qMOgS5aTMGIwf59Si7DD0bUUTNoo5GKpCEcgRip0IsIUGczR_MdU0JfCJ4BLk6lmZRoM0/s1600/Giveaway+%232.png" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3be15e3/" id="rc-3be15e3" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Lab Llamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395115552564843719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3182161874747214960.post-12033532002735318602014-07-09T09:50:00.001-07:002014-07-18T16:10:05.321-07:00Welcome To My Blog!Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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I'm still getting everything set up, but I hope you take a moment to explore this awesome set up I received from Kassie of <a href="http://designsbykassie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Designs by Kassie</a>! Learn a little more about me and this blog in the <a href="http://missmcteach.blogspot.com/p/about.html" target="_blank">About</a> tab or check out my classroom set up in the <a href="http://missmcteach.blogspot.com/p/classroom.html" target="_blank">Classroom</a> tab.<br />
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As you learn a little about me, I'd LOVE to hear from you and know a little about you! What grade do you teach and what is your favorite classroom technology?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0