21ThingsBCK Thing 6 Differentiated Instruction

In my classroom, I have added some videos, virtual web manipulatives, and text based resources so that students can use resources that meet their needs to learn better. The videos have helped my students who are quick to understand so that they can check their homework by just skipping to the end of the homework video and those who struggle can go through the entire video step by step to get a fuller understanding before I move onto other content the next day.

I want to work on making “student success sheets” that list the student objectives, required homework, optional choices for homework extensions, and quizzes so students can self check themselves as the direct instruction continues.. I think the notes I have students take in class can be so wordy that some of my students who struggle take too much time taking notes.  Making my notes available on videos and in class in person.

This second semester of the year I want to challenge my students to fill in gaps their learning. I am going to use ixl.com and challenge them to do as many different topics as possible in order to expand their understanding. I want to create a chart that will inspire them by seeing their change in what they know as time goes on in the semester.

Portfolio piece: Thing 6: VozMe text to speech tool

Today I experimented with VozMe. I am not sure I would use it a lot but there are some students who would benefit from hearing the text that is in their textbooks before coming to class but who may not have the reading skills at the level needed to understand the content that is written. They would understand the spoken word however and that would be great for them.

Algebra Manipulatives

Today I was experimenting with some virtual algebra manipulatives. The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives has some great resources that I think will benefit some of my students in my Algebra classes.

Look at this Algebra Balance Scales - Negatives that I tried out today.

21ThingsBCK Thing 5 Content Area Tools Reflection

The Thinkfinity site was some great links to content specific tools. As a math teacher, the NCTM Illuminations website was great to get lessons that are useful to helping my students better understand math concepts. Many sites give me lessons but most require adjustments to fit the exact needs that I have for my classroom and my students. Some of the things I would edit would be how to use technology with the plans that are given. I have gotten familiar with geogebra.org to show shapes and translations of them so student understand what is happening as we consider the shapes and things that we have done to them. Another site I love for finding useful content is mentormob.com because other teachers like me make lists of websites and resources that I can search for, use what applies for my students, and make lists for my students. The MORE site through mel.org is great because their lessons are matched up with Michigan standards and are created by  teachers from Michigan

Sustained Thinking

No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking.
Voltaire, French writer, historian and philosopher 

Portfolio Piece Thing 4: Communication Tools

I have altered the html code on my blogger site so my twitter widget is front and center with a link to "follow @carlasinspirati" on twitter.  I think it is a great to way to connect with individuals who read the posts on my website.

Revised Psalm 23

Here's the revised Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not flunk. He keeps me from lying down when I should be studying. He leads me beside the vending machine for a break. He restores my faith in study habits for my grade's sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of bordering grades, I will not have a nervous breakdown, for you are with me. You give me answers in moments of blankness. You anoint my head with understanding. My paper runs over with questions I recognize. Surely passing grades and flying colors will follow me all the days of my examination and I shall not have to dwell in this high school forever. Amen.

This one makes me smile.