K.I.T

Just want to drop by and say Happy Blogging to all. I've been MIA from my blog for a few weeks and wanted to drop a line and keep in touch with everyone. Between report cards, final projects, and the holidays, I hardly have the time to relax. Hope all of you are safe and non-stressed. Remember, study hard and play harder!

1 Month To Go!

Although we have about a month to go, I just to want to express how much fun this course was. I felt it was one of the most convenient and organized classes I have had. The communication was great, the guidelines were detailed, and the assignments were informative. I learned without stress and completed my work with ease. I really look forward to taking another long distance class like this.

Kids Count Too!

Hey guys, I just wanted to say that my middle school has been working all marking period on an Election Theme Unit. They have done projects, charts, mock elections, articles, collages, etc. Well you name it, they did it. We will have a display day of all their work coming up soon. If your interested, let me know. I'm so proud of them and what they have learned. Hopefully I will be able to display some pictures of my class and their projects soon. Take Care and Vote!!!!

Miss Martinez's Class

Since "student choice" was a blog topic during a module, I chose to write about my 6th grade class. I, alongside another teacher, teach Language Arts to the sixth grade. This year is full of trials and tribulations because for the first time we are not using basals. Our LA curriculum is literature based. I love it this way. We have a daily journal called a daybook and then we go right into our book of the month. So far far we have read two books and based our lesson plans on novel guides that we create. I have to say, it has worked very well. I love it and the students love it as well. Let me know if you have any questions on this approach or would like to see a novel guide. So far so good in Miss Martinez's 6th grade class.

Guided Reading Case Study

The case study held at Lindisfarne North Primary School discusses how teachers use guided reading and small group work to share ideas and create activities to go along with their lessons. I like the idea of working in small groups and combining discussions and projects with the group. We use very similar practices in my classroom. My class is divided into two groups (about 12 students or so) and we read a novel together. We currently just finished reading The Skin I'm In. We included projects such as collages, novel guides, portraits etc, alongside group discussions. Its a great way to maintain control of your group and their progress. I love the way guided reading has worked in our class. I would definitely recommend it.

iTeach with iPod

I think that teaching via ipod is such an innovative idea. After reading this article, I was taken back with all the uses of such a little gadget. People instinctively think music, movies, and itunes. I would of never thought of using it as a teaching tool. As a teacher, I would use the idea of podcasts for a college and perhaps a high school classroom. Although the idea brings us right to the 21st century, it does have certain setbacks such as availability to an ipod and learning how to use it. In theory, teaching with ipods is a creative interactive way to keep students engaged. In a perfect world, every student can have one and perhaps take an elective class on podcasts and ipod usage. Podcasts are a great way to incorporate blogs, interviews, project, etc into a lesson. I loved the way the professor used the ipod to teach the Cuban Revolution. (I'm Cuban so I loved that part) In the end, I am all for teaching via ipod, i just wish it is as accessible and affordable as it is user friendly.

Knowledge Box / Brain Pop

After reviewing the educational websites mentioned above, I found them to be very useful for computer lab assignments. At my school, the children receive a one hour computer lab class per week. They also are allowed to use the in class computer when finished with an assignment. These are great tools for both these time periods. They are great for practice and review in most subjects. Not only are they creative, they are a fun way of studying or introducing a lesson. I passed these sites along to my vice principal and the computer teacher as well.

Scholastic

Good morning guys. I just wanted to share with you a great teacher resource. Many of you have heard of Scholastic books, but their website is phenomenal as well. I chose this site for my web page evaluation assignment and found that there are many useful activities, ideas, and lessons in the site. There is a designated area for teachers, students, and parents. Please check it out. I hope you guys enjoy it. Here's the link: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/home.jsp

Crazy Professor Reading

That crazy professor reading activity was nuts. It might work for that class but, it would drive me bonkers. It was too chaotic and I wouldn't be able to really tell whose doing what how. I'll pass on that one lol

7 Ways 2 Spell

I just finished watching the 7 Ways to Reinforce Spelling video and I'm glad to say that we use many of those methods in my classroom. In order for the kids to remember the words and definitions, we have them do a vocabulary pictionary. They also look for the words in the dictionary but define them in their own words. They create examples and make a vocabulary booklet. I feel that it's a creative way to learn and also an organized way to keep track of your words. The tips in the video are pretty good and help different kinds of learners. I would recommend using his tips, I found them to be very effective in my class.

Kidspiration!

What's up guys? Well, tonight I just downloaded the free 30 day trial of the Kidspiration software and I have to say that I loved it. I chose the 6th grade and up version and it was full of resourceful ideas. The program offers a variety of graphic organizers, outlines, and templates for all subjects. As a Language Arts teacher, I often use graphic organizers when doing essays or novel based lessons, this program will benefit me greatly. I'll be sure to pass it on to other teachers and I highly recommend you guys check it out. =)

My Access

Today I also reviewed the "myaccess" materials and as a Language Arts teacher, I loved it. It is creative, interactive, and engaging. Writing is essential and our students need to practice and own this skill. I found the program to be an extremely useful resource for both students and teachers. I'm definitely going to look into it further. As I familiarize myself with it, you'll see more feedback from me. Another great idea that involves technology in the classroom.

Letter Lesson

I just finished watching the "letter writing" lesson posted on our assignments page. Ummm, I personally wouldn't use it. I think my kids would pay more attention to the actual game aspect than the lesson itself. I feel that you would have to use it in small groups and be careful with students touching other students. I thought it was innovative but not practical.

Starfall.com

Hey Guys, hope all is well and I hope your enjoying my blog. Today I reviewed the starfall website. I found it to be extremely engaging and creative. It's great for elementary students or level A readers. The website has an extensive choice of activities and easy instructions that teachers and students alike can follow. Its' colorful appearance really caught my eye and the layout was appealing. If I was teaching a lower grade, I would definitely use it. Thanks for showing us the site, I will surely pass it on to other educators.

Do You Believe?

I saw this video this week at a staff meeting. It caught the attention of all teachers, assistants, administrators, maintenance, you name it, we loved it. For the first time at a staff meeting, I didn't catch a co-worker or myself writing notes, playing with their phone, laughing, sleeping, etc (sounds familiar). I LOVED this video. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAMLOnSNwzA

21st Century Learners

After watching A Vision of K-12 Students Today, I realized that our children process information differently and learn differently as well. I am extremely grateful that the school that I work for not only has two computers labs but many teachers include technology in their lessons. My school is located in a low socio-economic urban area so having those computers available to them is great. I fell that my students learn best through the use of technology. They enjoy webquests, printing pictures from the web, downloading music for their presentations, and so on. Their creativity, in a way, is limitless with the use of technology. Because we have a technology class built into our schedule, the kids and teachers can integrate lessons with computer class. We also have computer based math and reading activities for those who need the extra help...but the greatest thing of all, is that the computer teacher is hot! lol (he's my fiance!)

Reading Strategies

I just saw the Reading Strategies video and realized that I used several of those techniques in my class. I teach Language Arts and the foundation of my curriculum is novel based. We read approximately a novel a month and also have a "squirt (super quiet uninterrupted individual reading time) book" my students read at the end of class or if they finish an assignment early. I take my spelling and vocabuary words from our current novel and create activites based on the chapters in the book. Some of the strategies I have in common with the video include the use graphic organizers and making connections with the text. Those particiluar activities have helped my students become engaged in thier novels as well as do well on tests.

NJCCCS & NETS

Although I was familiar with the NJCCCS, I wasn't at all aware of the NETS. After reviewing them, I found them to be helpful when planning lessons that coincide with our co-curricular computer class. It's funny how when I went to grammar school, I was never dependent on computers like my students are today. I'm glad the NETS were established. Times are changing and so is our education system. I'm glad we are keeping with the rapid growth of technology. By integrating technology into our curriculum, we can keep our students engaged while continuously creating innovative lessons.

Don't Talk To Strangers

Hi Guys,

I have to grade papers so it's a short entry for today. I saw the Internet safety videos and although informative it was a bit after school specialish. I'm thinking about showing it to my younger elementary students. As creepy as it seems, it's a cruel reality about the dangers that lurk in the world wide web.

Did You Know 2.0

What's up class?

If you guys enjoyed the Pay Attention video, then check this video out Did you know 2.0. Just go to youtube and type it in. I saw this video during another class in my summer session and really enjoyed it. Lemme know what you think. Hopefully this link works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U Hope you like it.

About Me

What's up Guys?
My name is Denise Martinez and I am currently a 6th Grade Language Arts teacher at a Jersey City Charter School. I graduated from SPC in May 2002 with a BA in Criminal Justice and a minor in Communications. I returned to Saint Peter's this summer to begin my career as an educator. I am in the midst of finishing my classes in the certification program and beginning my course in the MA program. This is my second year working at the Jersey City Community Charter School but I also worked for the Urban League of Hudson County and Paterson private schools. I hope to obtain as much knowledge as possible to prepare for my first year as a classroom teacher in the following school year. Feel free to contact me at Martinez0421@aol.com.
Take Care =)

First Days of School

Welcome to my Blog!

Welcome class and Dr. Luongo to my first educational blog. First and foremost I would like to thank Dr. Luongo for making this class a hybrid educational learning environment. Between school, teaching, and wedding planning, my life has become a slave to the clock and calender. I really appreciate it =) I anticipate having a great semester and expanding my knowledge in computers in the curriculum. Because we are educators in a technology driven era, I feel that incorporating technology in the classroom is essential. I feel that this class will allow me to implement and evaluate various media to keep my students engaged and my lesson plans consistent with the changing times. That's all for now folks.

Take Care and Happy Blogging!

xoxoxo

Denise