Reaching Out

For my ECMP class we were asked to make some kind of final project which incorporated some of the things we learned in class. After much debating and thought a few of us girls decided to join together and make something that we could use in the classroom. We created a video to help girls who are dealing with everyday issues such as body image, sex, drugs and bullying. This powerful video will be a great resource for the classroom. Feel free to check it out:

Tapped In

I had my first Tapped In experience tonight at 5 p.m. It was a lot more interesting then I thought it would be. I was working with Elementary Math Resources and I actually got a few good sites. As soon as I joined the group people were talking to me and instructing us all where to go and what to do. It was like one giant msn with people I did not know. I think this is a great way to encourage colaboartion amoungst teachers. Everybody is entering that room with prior knowledge and are always willing to help you out. One girl spent the entire time asking what was going on because she was lost. But, someone always stopped to help her out and point her in the right direction. I recommend people check this Tapped In thing out because it could be very beneficial for teachers. Click here to set up your own account of Tapped In.

D - O - N - E!

As the days and classes are winding down I am getting increasingly sentimental and emotional. It is hard to think that in a couple short weeks I will be done my university career and be forced to face "the real world". It is going to be hard to leave the familiar faces and classrooms. The faculty of Education is similar to high school in a lot of ways. You are in the same building everyday, on the same couple of floors everyday and see the same people almost everyday for two years. After four years of blood, sweat and tears we are almost done. Wow, that sounds so weird to say I am D - O - N - E! I can't wait to get out in the teaching world, but there are so many things that I do not want to leave behind. The future is so uncertain and unplanned which drives me crazy. I enjoy having set classes with set assignments that have deadlines and clear expectations. I am entering into the world of survival of the fittest. There are so many teachers and so few jobs. If you do not stand out, you do not get a job. I am such a planner that it drives me crazy to not know what my future holds for me. I am going to be subbing for May and June, but I do not know when, where and what the consistency will be. My peers are now turning into my competitors in a fierce job market. I am going to miss everyone so much! I can not even say that I will see you all again because who knows what the future holds for each of us. Thank goodness for technology because we can always keep in touch. Well good luck to all of you because we are D - O - N - E!!!!

Pharmacy Essay

My sister in currently attending the University of Saskatchewan and trying to get into the Pharmacy program. She just had to write her entry essay which determines if they actually get into the faculty or not. The essay topic was "Technology in the Classroom". I was shocked! I could have written that whole essay for her in record time, but people who are uneducated with this topic would not have much to go on. They had to read an article and either agree or disagree with the points presented in the article. I would have a hard time having a strong opinion either way. There are both pros and cons to technology in the classroom. As I continue learning more in ECMP, I am realizing how important technology really is.

Podcasting

I listened to a few pod casts and my favorite was If the Earth were a Sandwich on Ze Frank`s site. His little songs are hilarious and it is amazing how many people respond to his challenge to put a piece of bread where ever they are. Can you imagine if the Earth really was a sandwich. No one would be hungry, but we would also be running out of spaces to live because the amount of livable land would be slowly decreasing. Check out his podcast because he has a whole bunch of neat issues. I also enjoyed the Carve a Pumpkin Jamboree. Click here to check out his site.

A New Look

Want a quick makeover? Get a pair of glasses. You would not believe how much you can change your look with a new pair of glasses. It is almost better then buying a new outfit or getting a new hairdo. I just got a new pair of glasses on the weekend and I feel like a new person. It is a great confidence booster and quick yet expensive makeover. Find a pair of glasses to fit your face and look. Click here to check is Pearle Vision's interactive frame selector.

Hot Potatoes

Check out this quiz generator that is helpful for busy teachers. You can simply input the data into one of the follow areas and get instant games to amuse and assess kids:
- Cloze passages
- Quizes
- Matching games
- Crosswords
- Mixing games
Click here to check out my Weather Matching Game.

Scary Night at the Lees House!

We had a very interesting weekend. We just moved into a new house about a month ago and were quite enjoying our time until one evening. On Friday night, we decided to be an old married couple and go to bed ridiculously early. We were fast asleep by 10 and awoke to what we thought was a pounding at the front door around 11:30. The dog was barking, so we knew that he had heard something as well. Half asleep, we didn't really know what to think because we weren't expecting anyone. We waited for a minuted and there were no more sound, so we figured we all must have been imagining things. A few minutes later as I was now laying wide awake, I could see lights flashing into the window. Since our house backs onto a back alley, we should not have any lights in our backyard at all. After briefly seeing many horror movies, I automatically jumped to the conclusion that we were being broken into and were going to be chopped into bits. So I sent Tom decided to peek out the window and investigate. He immediately said to me I think I just saw two people in our back yard. If any of you know me well, I seriously panicked! He kept repeating that they looked like police because they have a red strip down the side of their pants. I responded by telling him that police have yellow strips (apparently since I am from the country I was thinking about the RCMP, not the city police). Now we were both scared out of our minds and did not know what to do. I sent Tom out to investigate while I stayed in the room close by the phone in case "the hacker" (I gave him/her a title) decided to jump out of a corner and attack him. I always go to the worst case scenario. Anyway, to continue my story, we decided to call the police to see if they knew what was actually going on. After speaking to the Regina City Police we found out that there "was a number of break and enters in our area and they sent the police out to investigate". I didn't know if I was more comforted or not finding this out. I was concerned as to why the police were targeting our backyard. Was the bad guy/girl hiding in our backyard? Were they trying to get into our house? Are they already in our house? Needless to say it was a fairly sleepless night. Luckily we have an alarm system in our house that was not yet hooked up. It is now hooked up and working well. I am feeling a lot more safe and protected form "the hacker". After telling this story to a number of people, you would be surprised how many similar stories are out there. I was shocked to find out that there are really no safe areas in the city. It is sad to know that no neighborhood is safe any more. So, just a warning to all the rest of you, don't take of advantage of the "safe" area you live in because you never know what will happen next.

Beautiful Day

It is amazing how weather can change the mood of so many people. My morning class is normally quiet and dull, but today everyone was buzzing. There were smiles and laughter in the air and everyone was talking about the weather. I got up at 7:30 without a problem because the sun was shinning in my window and I instantly happy! Amanda came to class ski pants free and Jenna didn't even wear her winter jacket. It is gorgeous! I didn't even have to scrape my window or start my car in advance. This weekend is suppose to be even nicer. It is about time that the weather smartened up. Unfortunately I can't even be outside today because I have class from 10 to 9:30 at night. I really want to get out go for a walk. So, since I can't please go for me. It is beautiful day so go and enjoy it!!!

Telecollaborative Projects

I have found a great telecollaborative project that works with math in a middle schools. The site is called "Come Fly with Me" and it is a project about exploring data collection and analysis. This site "engages students in a purposeful collaborative, data collection activity that will hone their measurement skills, their ability to work in a group to collect data, and their ability determine the mean and analyze the results. Students will also have the opportunity to work with classrooms from across the world and to enter into a fun and practical learning competition".

Click here to check it out.

This site is great, interactive and meets the curricular goals. See if you could use it in your classroom.

Blogging Phenomenon

I have just discovered this weekend how big blogging has become. I barely new what it was before this class and now it seems like all my friends are talking about is what is on their blog or their friends blog. I have a cousin in Italy and a friend in New Zealand who are using their blogs as a daily journal so that we can all read what they did that day. I did not know that they were as popular as they are. Now I am proud to say I have my own blog. A couple of my friends were talking about their blogs this weekend and what they like to write about. Even my husband decided he needed to join the blogging bandwagon because he was feeling out of the loop. It is getting bigger then e-mail and very widely recognized. It is a great way of communicating and a fun way to journal. I never thought I would actually put journaling and fun in the same sentence, but this allows me to. Anyway, hope on the blogger bandwagon.

Snow wreak's havoc in Regina

Well we were only forecasted to have 2 to 4 cm's and now we are up to over 10 cm's. How is that possible? I have witnessed two accidents already this morning and I feel like I am a target just waiting to be hit by any direction. I keep waiting for the snow to stop and yet in continues to loft down consuming cars, roof tops and various other objects. At least the weather is warm and as long as you have big boots or snow shoes, you can make it. Here is a picture to show the extreme conditions . . .

Interview City

Today is my second official interview. I am not nearly as nervous as I thought I would be. My first interview was with Regina Catholic and my second is with Regina Public. I would really, really like to stay in the Regina area because my husband has a great job with Department of Highways and he would like to stay with them. At the same time, I understand how many other teachers want to stay in the Regina area and there are not enough jobs for all of us. I keep hearing that there will soon be a teacher shortage in the near future, but I have been hearing the same thing for about five years now. I still do not feel we are any closer to a teacher shortage then we were five years ago. I am enjoying the interview process and getting the experience talking to future employers. I have always enjoyed interviews because it is talking about the one thing that you know that best, yourself and your teaching abilities. I have had lots of experience with interviews in grade twelve when I applied for every scholarship and bursary possible. With the threat of all the school closures, there may not be any jobs available this fall. But, there is always subbing and getting your foot in the door. I can not wait to get my own classroom and class. Well I better sign off so I can attend my second official interview. Good luck to all the rest of you in the same boat as me. Remember that you are all going to be AMAZING teachers and they will be lucky to have you!!!!

The end is near!

Well, unfortunately today is the last official day of the mid-term break. I always liked the term "break" because I think the so called "break" is usually the busiest time for everyone. You usually try to add a few more hours onto your part-time work schedule, finish all the assignments that you put off over the first half of the semester and try to spend more time with your neglected family. Some how a week is never enough to get all of this accomplished and one or more (usually many more) things get left on your list of things to do. I am still grateful for the break and feel very lucky that we are given that time each spring to unwind or re-energize for the last few months of school. This is my last official spring break and therefore, my last official few months of school. YIKES! It is hard to believe that four years can go by that fast. It really hit me the other day when I getting my grad photos taken. As I stood in front of the mirror, I realized that I am a graduate. I am will be the next group of people hanging on the third floor wall for years to come. I remember hoping and praying that I would get into education and then thinking about what year I would convocate. Apparently that year is here and the end is now near. I wouldn't really say the end is near, but more so the beginning of a new chapter in my life is about to start. I don't want to think about leaving my comfort zone again just like after graduation, but I guess it turned out good the first time so I'm sure I have nothing to worry about the second time around. Our "real" lives are just beginning, so climb on the rollercoaster and LETS GO!!!!

Warm Weather

I am so happy because it is warmer then -20 for the first time in almost a month. This is really good for me because I am moving this weekend and the warm weather will make it a lot easier. I didn't have to scrape my windows this morning and my car started like a dream. My prediction is that the warm air is here to stay. The groundhog told me that spring is just around the corner and I believe him. Good old Wiarton Willie my little albino friend. I just want the snow to go away now so we can head out to the beach and enjoy summer. Not that I get out to the beach a lot, but I do enjoy lazing around in the sun. Now I am just daydreaming about warm weather and the nice hot sun. I can't wait for winter to be over. I actually don't mind the snow because I like sledding, but enough is enough. I am ready for it to go away. Well get out there and enjoy the day!

Technology and Kids

We just saw the most amazing way of incorporating students into the classroom through technology. A little girl with leukemia was not able to attend regular class because her illness forced her to stay at home. Rather then just taking normal correspondence classes where she would complete the work and send it in, she was able to actually participate in the classroom experience without having to actually be there. The class hooked up a web cam and through special software they were able to communicate with their friend at home and she could communicate back. She not only completed the assignments, but she was also able to participate in class discussions and activities through technology. She was just like a new student because both the girl and the kids were concerned that they wouldn’t like each other and they wouldn’t want to be each others friend. It brings a whole new meaning to inclusive education.

Make-up

I really wonder who ever invented make-up. It takes way too long to apply it and I think most people are better looking without it then with it. Yet, I still fall into the make-up trap almost every day. If guys only knew the effort girls go through every morning to look good. I just don't get it. Last night I went for a walk and I was not wearing water proof mascara so by the time I got back, I looked like a raccoon. I had black circles all around my eyes. Really, why did I even need make-up on in the first place. I think it has a lot to do with self-confidence and a lack there of. In high school I was never concerned about looking good or impressing people. Once I got to university I guess I figured I had people to impress and started the make-up process. Once you start, you can't just stop. It know it sounds funny, but I'm sure all the girls are nodding their heads as they read this. Even now that I am married and don't need to impress anyone but my husband I still try to look my best when I leave my house. I guess I am a person concerned with my appearance and how other people view me. This is a deep blog. I really didn't know what to talk about and this was the best that I could do, so enjoy.

A Girl Like Me - Video Clip

I am learning how to add pictures and video clips. Here is the video that I blogged about. Hope it works.

Debate over race

I just got this e-mail from a friend and I could not believe it. I would be interested to see how white children would respond to the option of the two dolls. Personally, I think colored people are beautiful and I admire them. Doesn't the rule always say that, "we always want what we can't have". Watch this clip and tell me what you think . . .

Young student's documentary leaving audiences stunned:
Kiri Davis is a young filmmaker whose high school documentary has left audiences at film festivals across the country stunned -- and has re-ignited a powerful debate over race.

http://www.komotv.com/home/video/5001856.html?video=YHI&t=a

"The Inconvenient Truth"

This is definetly the next movie on my list to watch. It gives me chills just looking at the trailer. Check it out:

"Eloquently weaves the science of global warming with Al Gore’s personal history and lifelong commitment to reversing the effects of global climate change. A longtime advocate for the environment, Gore presents a wide array of facts and information in a thoughtful and compelling way. The film is not a story of despair but rather a rallying cry."

http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount_classics/aninconvenienttruth/trailer/

Let it snow . . .

I thought for some reason that the snow was officially done after that extremely cold weather at the beginning of the month. Apparently, I was wrong. It isn't that I don't like the snow, I just like the summer as well. The sooner the snow goes away, the sooner we can go swimming, tanning and so much more good stuff like that. I can handle the snow as long as it doesn't get too cold. Fresh snow is actually quite pretty when the weather is nice. I might have to go home this weekend and fire up the old sled for a final rip before we put them away. I guess I don't know how soon it will be until we put them away because the weather is so unpredictable. Did you hear that Arizona got a big snow storm? That is really scary. It is a sure sign of global warming. Think of all the people who live there that are not prepared for conditions like that. It is sad to think of how fast this global warming is taking over our earth and climate. We need to start making a difference. Every little bit helps. Well I don't really know how a nice conversation about snow turned into a lecture about global warming, but I will step down from the podium and tell you all to have a good sleep!

STRESSED!!!

Wow, I am really overwhelmed right now! I have been renting a house for just over a year now and they just decided to up and sell it on us. So, we had over 20 people in and out of our house yesterday while I am trying to get all of my resume stuff together so figure out where I would like to spend the rest of my life and trying to keep up with readings and assignments. I am pretty much ready to have a nervous break down any second now. Why do they make applying for jobs so complicated? There are not even any jobs in Saskatchewan, so why would they make it so hard to get into their division? I just want the madness to stop. I guess Monday will be the big day and once that is over then the waiting game beginning! Besides all of my stress, I am enjoying this whole blog thing though. It is WAY better then journaling! It makes journaling fun again and that is a very rare thing. Anyway, I better get back to class now. I hope everybody has a great day and DON'T STRESS!

Life long learners

Even Alec is learning new things in our class, that is cool! I guess you can never be the master of technology because it is always changing and growing. Right when you think you are on top of something, there is something new to be learned or it changes completely. I really hope that after this class I am some what of a computer expert for my school because right now I am not the most technological literate person in the world. I am actually probably the least technological literate person in the world, he he he. I think I could get used to this blogging thing now that I have actually figured out how to use it. It is way more fun then just journaling with a pencil and paper. Well I better get back to learning now. Have a great day!

Frusterated!

I just spent an hour trying to remember my username and password for this blog thing. I have signed up for more things this past week then I have my entire life. I try to use the same username and password, but sometimes they don't allow it because someone else has already beat me to the punch. Oh well, I guess that will teach me to think I am technologically literate. I will continue to learn from my mistakes and I'm sure what doesn't kill me, will only make me stronger!

The world is at my fingertips!

Wow, I can not believe how much technology has to offer. Everything is at the touch of a finger. I did not know how much google had to offer. It is like a whole new world on my computer. Hours of entertainment and procrastination await me now that I have downloaded all the games. It is becoming more obvious as to how useful technology can be in the classroom. For every skill you teach, there is a game or website to reinforce the skills that they were just taught. My biggest fear is how far is this going to go. We are at a stage in our lives right now that everything is just a click away, so what is left? I know that many of my students know much more about technology then I, so how am I suppose to prevent them from getting into things they are not suppose to when I don't know how to access them myself? It is like a whole other world that is so easy to get to, but so dangerous if used the wrong way. I am impressed and worried all at the same time.

Life in Saskatchewan

BRRRRR . . . I can not believe how cold out it is today! I guess we have been spoiled this winter with warm weather and now we are paying for it! I don't even feel like I have had any time to get adjust to the climate. The cold just hits you like a ton of bricks. Oh well, I guess this is Saskatchewan after all and I just have to suck it up!