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