County Level Trainings

For those of you that would like more training on Google Docs, the county is offering a couple more trainings.

November 28
Google Docs

December 6
Google Part 2 (Beyond the Basics)

If you would like to attend, sign up in MyLearningPlan.com

Something from the JCS Tech Leaders

Google Tidbit: Calendar Notification Reminders

As educators, we live a very busy life.  As you use your Google calendar, please know you can set default reminders for any event you create!  You can even get reminders sent to your phone via text message.  Let's get started.

Go to your Google calendar and click your gear in the top right corner and choose Settings.

Using your blue links across the top, choose Calendars then reminders and notifications.

Once in the Reminders and notifications section, you'll probably see default reminders already set for you.

If you have Popups as an option, please note that only works in Google Chrome, and we use Firefox and Explorer in our schools.  You can click remove below a reminder to get rid of a reminder, and you can use the drop down menu to switch between Email, Popup, and SMS reminders.  Use the second drop down menu to choose when you will be reminded: minutes, hours, days, or weeks before the event.  Make sure to Save changes at the bottom!

Speaking of SMS (Short Messaging Service also known as text messaging) reminders, that is what you choose to have reminders sent to your phone. Yes, standard messaging rates still apply.  :)  But first, you must enable that option.

Here's how you do it:

Go back to your calendar, click the gear in the top right corner, and choose Settings. Now choose Mobile Setup at the top.  Enter your cell phone number and follow the verification code prompts.  Make sure to Save changes at the bottom!

After you have enabled your Mobile Setup, you can choose SMS reminders (directions above)!  Remember, after you do this, you have to set the default reminder to SMS in your calendar settings.

Created by: Kathy Price

A Math Dictionary

Joanne Biggers sent this site through email. It is GREAT for giving kids a visual of their math vocabulary!

WOW! This is AWESOME!

I was in April Taylor's room and she was doing this with her class. I know I already said it is AWESOME, but it really is AWESOME. All of the lessons on this site are based around the common core standards and are videos. She found the video she wanted to show her class and was given a code. She put the code on the board for the students to put in their agendas so their parents could also watch the video at home if they were having trouble helping their child with their homework. I know many parents are having trouble helping their student with their homework because the strategies being used are very different. This is perfect for helping the parents see what you are doing in the classroom. They have lessons for ELA and Math. Sign up is FREE! 

First in Math

First in Math is a program that JCS used last year as a free trial. This year, we have been given a one month trial for the program. I have sent the information to all 2-5 teachers (and if you need me to send the email again let me know!). Please register, try out the program, and let me know what you think. I really just want to know if this is something you think is worth spending money on. It is mainly for math fluency, but there are word problems under the "Know and Show" section. From what I can see, and after talking to some teachers who used it last year, 5th grade may be a group that only uses it for remediation. Your higher kids may enjoy it, but it won't challenge them. Second through fourth grade should be able to find things for all of your students. There may be a few students who aren't as challenged with it in fourth, but they would still enjoy the competition. At the end of the month, I will send you an email again asking what you thought of the program. I know things are crazy and ya'll have a million things to do, but if you get a chance take a look at it! I really think it is something your students will enjoy!

Problem Based Learning

Problem Based Learning (PBL)

A couple of years ago I went to a training on Problem Based Learning (PBL). It completely changed the way I taught. It works for all grade levels K-12. PBL is "designed to create learning through experience and the reinforcement of existing knowledge." (CERTL) You begin by giving your students a problem. They create a list of things they know and need to know based on the problem you have given them. Once they ask the "right" questions, you can give them more information based on the problem. The students continue to make lists of what they know and what they need to know until they have all the information they need to solve the problem. By using PBL students learn through experience. They are EXTREMELY engaged throughout the entire process, and I found that learners who need a little more motivation didn't need it when it came to PBL. They jumped right in with the rest of their classmates.

There is a website with quite a few pre-made PBL lesson plans, but you must have a username and password to access them. Come see me for a username and password and the website.

Click on the CERTL icon for more information.