Alison's Notions

Cooking

2005-09-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

It's not a secret that I can't cook. I have asked my mother, and I hope she doesn't read this, but she gets too frustrated with my lack of basic cooking skills! So I thought, maybe you could help me out. I need some easy recipes! Help me if you can!
I have a crock pot that I have yet to use...I heard it's pretty simple, but anything that has to do with cooking seems difficult to me! I have gotten better in the past few months (just think about how bad I was then! ha ha) Send some help quickly or my boyfriend will start dating Rachel Ray!

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

2005-09-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share this. How true....

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking

(by a child)

[A message every parent should read, because your children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.]
"When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.'"

Back to School Night

2005-09-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

I have been preparing for what seems like an eternity for Back to School Night and was still unprepared up until the last minute! Thanks to two administrators who helped me gather the technology I needed to present my PowerPoint! After all of the stress and hives, I think it was a success. I even received an e-mail from a parent that praised my "excellent PowerPoint". If the parents were happy, then I am happy! :)

Articles

2005-06-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

What Can You Learn from a Cell Phone? Almost Anything!
by Marc Prensky

While reading this article, I had plenty of “ah ha” moments. I like how the author summed it all up by saying “Despite what some may consider cell phones' limitations, our students are already inventing ways to use their phones to learn what they want to know. If educators are smart, we will figure out how to deliver our product in a way that fits into our students' digital lives—and their cell phones.” It is so true.

One example mentioned in the article was the use of language lessons and games via cell phones. Another example was a guided tour. I immediately thought of how we discussed virtual field trips and how cell phones could be beneficial for this purpose.

I am a text message QUEEN! I think that text messaging is a quick way to communicate without having to even dial the number! IN the article, the author points out how text messaging can be used for pop quizzes, spelling and math tests.

Other educational uses included downloading programs and using the Internet and camera via cell phones.

Although the use of cell phones would not apply to the grade level I teach, I imagine that their use in education will eventually be common practice. It will take time and “flexibility on the part of educators”, but overall, cell phones can be used as a convenient learning tool.

Instructional Blogging:Promoting Interactivity, Student-Centered Learning, and Peer Input
by Stuart Glogoff

The author sites examples of how blogging has worked as an “exceptional learning tool”. The students are able to respond and give feedback to assignments, journal entries and reflections of both teachers and fellow students alike. Blogging can be used as a learner-centered tool through the use of feedback and comments.

Higher order thinking skills are used through blogging, for example, students can be asked to evaluate, support, compare or judge others’ work, as we are doing now.

Overall, the author considers blogging to be a versatile way to engage students in learning.

This semester was my first experience using a blog. I had a very positive experience. Creating and using my blog was simple and I was impressed to see my classmates’ blogs and their unique touches on each one.

Thanks to Laura for sharing how she used her blogging skills in the classroom. It was great to see how receptive the students were to this new instructional tool!

Lessons

2005-06-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

We are truly a creative bunch of educators! I was incredibly impressed by the lessons presented.

Although I use Kidspiration in the classroom, I am always amazed at the imaginative ways that it can be incorporated throughout the curriculum. I will definitely use the Willy Wonka lesson next year…I can’t wait…great job!

The lesson on High School Physics was impressive. I like how Laura, Joe and George gave the students an option to go back and complete further research as opposed to simply marking an answer incorrect. As I say to my students, gold star work! :)

I loved the sensory poem using Excel. I would have ever thought to use Excel in that fashion. This idea will be useful next year when I do my “Poetry Extravaganza” with the students. Nice job ladies!

Last, but certainly not least, the Math E-book was so unique! I loved how the group used a non-linear set up. Super job!

As always, it's been a pleasure working with you all! Have a great summer...rest up, I think we'll need it! :)

Project 2

2005-06-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed learning about specific authoring tools during the presentations. There were many tools I was not familiar with, for example Sunbuddy and Word to Web. The presentations motivated me to check out some new authoring tools for both personal and classroom use. (Yes, even teachers need a little motivation to try something new sometimes:)

I am particulary interested in learning more about Storybook Weaver and Sunbuddy Writer. These programs seem geared toward the grade level I teach and would benefit the diverse learners in my room. As I said in my presentation, I teach a big unit on poetry in the spring. I think both of these programs could enhance the way I teach the unit and the way the students present their work as an end result.

Overall, another job well done. Thanks to all for sharing new information!

Authoring Tools-Presentations

2005-06-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

I thought the presentations were great, as always! Most of the presenters touched upon similar ideas. For example, the research, although students with disabilities are not always included, shows that authoring tools positively effect not only students, but educators as well. Students become motivated and even the shyest of students is willing to participate. Authoring tools can be used in a variety of ways and can be used with a variety of teaching and learning styles, for example, student-centered learning or self-learning.

I especially enjoyed learning about specific tools in particular that some presenters touched upon, for instance, the use of highlighting, animating, etc., to keep students attentive and motivated.

Other points of interest included the need for further research, budget issues, available technology, change in classroom environment and accountability. I would like to learn more about some of these challenges and how to overcome them to use authoring tools productively in the classroom.

About Alison

2005-05-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

Birthdate:
March 25-Aries
Occupation:
Second Grade Teacher-Tulsa Trail Elementary School
Education:
BS ED, Elementary Edcuation, East Stroudsburg University
MA ED, Educational Technology, New Jersey City University (anticipated graduation, 2007-Yikes!)
Interests:
I love traveling, movies, learning to cook, (ha ha) family, friends and I love to boogie!
Fun Facts:
I just moved to Budd Lake. I am still eating on the floor with a cookie sheet as a tray table, but I sure am having fun!
I NEVER leave the house without making my bed.
I have an older brother and a younger sister (11 years and 11 months my junior)
I am a "Belly Flop Champion".