tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59523411707622716552024-03-12T18:17:49.370-05:00California Dreamin' SBLet Us Dare to Read, Think, Speak, and Write!- John Adams 2nd U.S. PresidentAmitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-20622639833182205012011-09-04T22:00:00.002-05:002011-09-04T22:00:32.173-05:00Click to View a Student Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://youcantrushlife.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEs3Qev4N0XdfTl8TT1nrQ4iDz_Ob3jOoifMN5W5o9NMPHbkWJ8bNbsaTh_SrFdrmk4ZzSmTnETq91K9x_SbtcXP2poUdv-ZawHdIK3WCQGDfYrmFbCM9qPrA6GzaDyMsxY2A_uVzMQwE/s320/blog_directory.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-85375376851613304002008-08-07T18:43:00.015-05:002008-08-07T19:44:35.968-05:00Setting Up Your Class for Less!At my school, it is almost an on-going joke when the teachers ask me, "Where did you get that?" I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">respond</span> with, "The Dollar Store." <div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2cWT8wsjsqZf0VXyxjL14A4Zx__UegLtFDvn4hFqTXv-Xr_hLd1iftCzh3hG0nsykAoPoKgym9UugSNlrW41FHpZg74qF9f_9wOzBW4F0utJrpTc9s4RUFyTaD5MfCvXfz4_9Br-_6A/s1600-h/100_1895.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231934497035234274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2cWT8wsjsqZf0VXyxjL14A4Zx__UegLtFDvn4hFqTXv-Xr_hLd1iftCzh3hG0nsykAoPoKgym9UugSNlrW41FHpZg74qF9f_9wOzBW4F0utJrpTc9s4RUFyTaD5MfCvXfz4_9Br-_6A/s320/100_1895.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I love searching for teacher bargains at Dollar Stores but I have to say that <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/">Dollar Tree </a>has a nice little "line" devoted to teachers called "The Teaching Tree." In addition to their teaching products for classroom they have a MUST HAVE for every teacher: LABELS!<br /></div><br /><br /><div>You can get 15 sheets of 30 labels for a dollar plus tax. The envelopes and labels number is 5160. </div><a href="http://www.dollartree.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231927552514354642" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKHnMoFKcxKiYFF5YgTwxaMCp_wYV3CK5XaUR9JWZl40wCF8iw_zQNAGCO0MtJi6Bo5wg1VTp_XHLAeFoAQ7FdKUJuaO_4glJgBRiLXv-li1NfWhsDw5CChYnjXXmDmnrORCG3FNF72g/s320/100_1892.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>They even have clear labels!</div><div><a href="http://www.dollartree.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231927898030763986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6IYO0ES1S5aXud5640jO0fDlUcn0dxVuTCtr8IHuL2cPAgA_vKHDo-D73g8ANDU-uknfRHkOwtkrkhZEfSfMf6sY1ydGlJ5zEXDOH3YCahW2qjTOJbtQIGKW4CFY5N6oWCZjIlNkmLg/s320/100_1893.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>I use labels for everything. I label the students' writing boxes, folders, spirals, bins, and turn in boxes.</div><div><a href="http://tce.springbranchisd.com/Default.aspx?tabid=5732"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231928377539300418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0na81gBvSPzrNt1tD2ytjbkTtyGj5J9I08u57BQakz5kGNTaoYa1sJFE6ZRMhYISiiUOmI60_Cum07u-sOMSR13YzXHXp0GQEx-mbSkFUg23eOS1PqCgQ-yJOdIb_wqcwynDTPMhlKA/s320/100_1894.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>To make labels even more useful, I like to use different types of fonts, styles of printing. Here are my two favorite places to find fonts.<br /></div><div><a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/">http://www.urbanfonts.com/</a><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.dafont.com/">http://www.dafont.com/</a><br /></div><div>I have been using FAMOUS and RETRO fonts since the 70's and 80's are coming back. All I have to say to that is ..RAD!<br /><br /><br /></div><div>My theme on my door is "Who Wants To Be A Fourth Grader?"</div><a href="http://tce.springbranchisd.com/Default.aspx?tabid=5732"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231930541281842162" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GWxqzPWzDqCLlxIb6w-3Z_ygrqaiOr8Itqx-cmbtoUoiRSSIWlZR-5pHy88Z_wRzNK1zipQKXvAeWd3LSwPnV017Fb0SC5dSDaVobeOr-Y3ncCLRD3CC7w9ZRr4gDfVoOTn5vjr9VfE/s320/100_1889.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I used my projector to show the image of "Who Wants to Be A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Millionaire</span>," edited the image in Paint to put Fourth Grader, and traced the image onto poster board.</div><div></div><a href="http://tce.springbranchisd.com/Default.aspx?tabid=5732"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231930238752185170" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopobDrWYnArcv1YvGPqBN0n-7xgjrCOHMoqeCTzREPC0QuCEjXaGWfXhExQbEHen71A-mPyyW3HZoEYA0_unzW96d0izq7kJJTeionQAMcL8mF1-j4sbKHkYGFGUjwcqyw9Xiotu9Fzk/s320/100_1890.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I used large <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">replica</span> bills from <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/">Dollar Tree </a>and labeled them with my students' names. </div><div><a href="http://tce.springbranchisd.com/Default.aspx?tabid=5732"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231934217254115426" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wi-MmWOKPBcpvZRpYdiR-rG131Oek-QTD-SeMzeQungHD66oQMZm3J15Bj1Jko5wn5k8_PEkQ69Va_zvgRqPOgcxsUfFIb0bcgdiFIg3DqqJZ1ZmgpulZO2z9fydRA4dZZ5DzCzOb3w/s320/100_1891.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>What ideas are you playing around with for your bulletin board this year? I would love to hear it. Post a comment!</div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-47236177278673682662008-07-21T09:26:00.003-05:002008-07-21T09:35:10.518-05:00Fruit Machine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAm74iVzMeIeRC9qhJVuGA4aw9Eayap2HoQltRY4-DDdiIXft6Hc5_eb8-GdekmxT-m8sXNn170pIjQgbz3aSE2A730PUzZ8J0aZ_KMgM1bnBy7yvm9DW1ydp2aK8bBvZA6QDdiD-MzJc/s1600-h/fruit+machine.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225473897057916386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAm74iVzMeIeRC9qhJVuGA4aw9Eayap2HoQltRY4-DDdiIXft6Hc5_eb8-GdekmxT-m8sXNn170pIjQgbz3aSE2A730PUzZ8J0aZ_KMgM1bnBy7yvm9DW1ydp2aK8bBvZA6QDdiD-MzJc/s320/fruit+machine.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.classtools.net/main_area/fruit_machine.htm">Fruit Machine</a> is a great little tool for making groups. You can type in students' names and the <a href="http://www.classtools.net/main_area/fruit_machine.htm">Fruit Machine</a> randomly picks students. I have used this with picking student pairs for projects.<br /><br />I have also opened two <a href="http://www.classtools.net/main_area/fruit_machine.htm">fruit machines</a> with one list of students' names and the other list of Texas Heroes. The first machine picks the student name and the other machine picks the Texas Hero. The student then has the name of the Texas Hero for the project.<br /><br />There is also an option of using a typewriter as well. Both are fun. I have put it on my <a href="http://tce.springbranchisd.com/GradeLevels/4thGrade/AnnieMitchell/LanguageArts/tabid/5777/Default.aspx">Language Arts</a> page if you need it during the year.Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-30049643425842782042008-07-17T10:01:00.004-05:002008-07-17T10:12:27.179-05:00It's Thurday! 15 Words or Less Poems<div><a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223998653289043042" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZbE050GuHGiE_3cn6SnZR56EZOZwo2hYd1gXK3KN6I_Ufcp_Sp_ha5HVbywMyWcRxWSpZkVbOY8TIxOI0p_0K6Foipp_0PHi4i4uBIOz_wlQ3BheiXKfqm2HkwGjsL78SkpHwcJ2iJs/s320/poem.jpg" border="0" /></a> Here is <a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/">Laura Purdie Salas</a> and her famous 15 words or less poems. This week's picture is of this unique building. Are you thinking angles? What are you thinking? Put it in a poem. Post it on her site or yours!<br /><a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223998770620993922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYb5f0CSU8_ps98K6lJTAicjm84in8NmrN2M0DDopcqakbppnNfrmFS0JpH9J4FaQW1-9k2FuYb7v9LvtmjlrA77w09BdW2MeAK3pYt0P5sx6mu3_a9tz_luPI5gQbDRyawIGGieNcpK8/s320/building.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>Here is mine.</div><div> </div><div>Rectangles </div><div>Arrays</div><div>4 x 6</div><div>6 x4<br />A Kit Kat to top it off.</div><div> </div><div>Poems are great because they can be serious or silly!</div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-51868174107384970442008-07-15T16:32:00.009-05:002008-07-15T17:11:54.971-05:00Tuesday Memory Challenge from Susan Taylor BrownEvery Tuesday <a href="http://susanwrites.livejournal.com/160011.html">Susan Taylor Brown</a> encourages <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bloggers</span> to write from their memories of their past. This week she asks: <div><div></div><div><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">What would I find if I followed you down your memory land?</span></strong></div><div><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#000000;">Here is mine.</span></div><div></div><div>I had a collection of Strawberry Shortcake Dolls when I was growing up. I used to gather her and all of her BERRY best friends to play outside. I would use the bushes and plants in our front yard to create <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Berryland</span>. Sometimes, she would have to borrow Barbie's Jeep when Strawberry Shortcake was bringing more friends. :)</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223361053431972418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHhbYtZ7gZFqtj3y4BPfpsOTM_UgHoaBIJE8dNvjjx5wuA3zgDwkFC_KI2B-rg8D_wJbOiQGG8xhMluV_Z_VPqPHkX0XW6VatXQ-q6u3rvvpEe2A7O3flAinPQBpjGl7v6bFnBAZAJPQs/s320/strawberry.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>I also begged my dad for the Barbie Dream House. On Christmas morning, it was incredible sight. I played with it for hours that first day and then not so much afterwards. The Dream House got moved to the garage because it just took up too much space in my room. My brothers dropped a weight on it and broke part of it off. But really I loved taking my dolls and toys to the great outdoors. My dad was always finding my pricey Barbies stuck in bushes or in the soil of his potted plants. </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223361869676239538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVlUNLLsXGHPNOY70grurYvhqp0BMmnUAVtboKlR1yc5al1Fgyp8Cpab1DGkSep9txawgNefTiFFRIdlDw6IEmpbMa46PERJ-pLphZmwFvC68WyzaIRqYq62TJ2S37seaJZCLmAns31o/s320/house.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>I also had a small collection of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Monchichis</span>. I loved how they could suck their thumbs. Sometimes, I would have them put their thumbs in each other mouths. Man, that seems gross now in the world of Germ-X and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Purel</span>! They had this cute little button face. </div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/creativecommons/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223363112752276850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXuGQSmj9oEDLGHtvL-QieFKtOf1ef8m220t6X_zpi41Kfhmy79iaGo895hDWOp8sHjqV8ItYGg0-1Kx4qb2Q1jMdme_ia13J40rqUGOwz39_mjV1evJXa0eAG1CVbS0llA-et6B8SLM/s320/monchichi.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>So what would your memory lane look like?</div></div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-22227549755744594212008-07-10T08:22:00.005-05:002008-07-10T08:35:38.080-05:00It's Thursday!<a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/tag/15+words+or+less"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221376658616277986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLd1wVlnZKvabcXRnjt_B2VYujq1PyrILAbHUvK52jcLJXZvR9Kvy7WvtyIYJ3TzY_Q7Cjv7Zbmm5ea7UASB_W148GcATzH2gg_CWbL4xIC-251ei6QmBZX3US55BgLOL_uWQ_BSOm6aM/s320/sky.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/tag/15+words+or+less"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221375987855580818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqQ9a0G7qEkjzCmWM8qo5czCoPWjaOiElIe2WETYBlAx75JknYULSwzM2Xsd5cu9Dqr2Oecnj8yyfjyCfd5zqPGLXwD3Wxf727FgTJkqItoJfciKpFTf-pWojkOFY4KHG9KpWi0a33ik/s320/poem.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Take a moment today to write a poem at <a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/tag/15+words+or+less">Laura Purdie Salas</a>' 15 Words or Less Poem. Here is her picture to help you get a little spark. What do you see? What do you NOT see? Oh, I can see the wheels turning in your head right now. </div><div> </div><div>Here's mine.</div><div> </div><div><span style="color:#000099;">Clouds below my feet</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">Like the whipped top</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">of frothy coffee</span></div><div><span style="color:#000099;">God's view IS awesome</span></div></div></div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-35301492617361841252008-07-09T10:19:00.008-05:002008-07-09T10:42:36.249-05:00Poetry Challenge<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Rumphius-Barbara-Cooney/dp/0140505393/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215617277&sr=8-1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221036214553711186" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwq6Czzc6YSNM1Er0JLyWKOprpIQPoaPeXWfQMUovWgtIzaNRM37DLZMW5hRrp-nEk1zTnQGj6-fpdPakQL10lVE8zhk3R1EcDvELmaJ3Ee7Nwo3yXIGpAklhvvfkKOJPTSQ24MiqUcA/s320/rumphius.jpg" border="0" /></a> At <a href="http://missrumphiuseffect.blogspot.com/">The Miss Rumphius Effect</a>, bloggers are challenged with writing a stretch poem using the phrase "loose change" in the poem somewhere. Your poem can be in any form. Give it try! Just try once! Here is mine.<br /><br /><span style="color:#00cccc;">Deep thoughts moves to the back<br /><br />Dropping off at school<br />Work working<br />Driving from ballet<br />Dish out dinner<br /><br /><br />Deep thoughts coming back<br />calling us like<br />the light jingle of loose change<br />in our pockets</span>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-81782276012383147562008-07-05T11:38:00.007-05:002008-07-05T17:09:54.488-05:00Make Your Text Talk!<a href="http://www.tammyworcester.com/Tips/Tammys_Technology_Tips_for_Teachers.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573864992713730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAiswZ0QwJlzqZaaCjiGa_M504rMr8qRTCg_pzaFbXrk67y0cVmy7YMwKqpWRet4Ak5pbjBhhdsQkXm5LlbL8Vs_svuNjrI9TzX-bnwbf9lfYC1t18ks0mKHV7INtIxP453XSl7VZH2M/s320/schoolhouse133notrans.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://vozme.com/index.php?lang=en"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219573256483983378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rC4G5prFHpyUFbvM26456QsU1KyqFTZAWgQCNaF3gZVQ4Af1arF0T4N3MOj71EzzUS5777nbbJLBeyq1gBqJFnM_Kg6qeKqyuu3X1bIjr-WJkSRrix3f_8kidIFp_YVUF5QN32Y_SW8/s320/megaphone.png" border="0" /></a> On <a href="http://www.tammyworcester.com/Tips/Tammys_Technology_Tips_for_Teachers.html">Tammy's Technology Tips for Teachers</a>, I was introduced to a neat, little device called <a href="http://vozme.com/index.php?lang=en">vozMe</a>. You can type in text and it will turn into speech. It has a choice of female or male. It does sound a little computer sounding but is fun. VozMe has different languages as well. It is also an iGoogle tool.<br /></div><div>I cut and pasted one of my student's writing pieces and we listened to his story. It was great little addition to publishing that piece.</div><div></div><br /><div>So, try it! Copy and paste one of your blog posting and listen to your own blog!<br /></div><div>On Tammy's page, there is <a href="http://magic.pen.fizzlebot.com/">Magic Pen</a>. A phyiscs-engineering-G.T.-kind-0f-game. </div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-57086707718207507052008-07-03T09:43:00.006-05:002008-07-03T15:52:18.315-05:00Poetry Thursdays: Laura Purdie Salas<a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/tag/15+words+or+less"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218799539401383426" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1D0yKtik3qJOGx62JJQA55SPOpmaBYm50uNYq5fR9op0_rVnLfpZCuHH2xfDupTYwccwQ_5nAsDJTjK1CyRCeNb7vzse3z_HXQsYTCB5W752ivNOLsWUAmCsI9oll18iQk0iPyj507Q/s320/poem.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Every Thursday, <a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/">Laura Purdie Salas</a> has a great poetry exercise called <a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/tag/15+words+or+less">15 words or less Poems</a>. She will show you a picture and you simply write a poem. Here are her <a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/3400.html">guidelines</a> if you still not sure! Come on, give it a try! Here is her picture this week.</div><br /><div></div><a href="http://laurasalas.livejournal.com/tag/15+words+or+less"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218800992408871890" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPug7HxxO1SZcRms-iKy8l3d5nWEQTqcBlT8u3We9bmIWu3CZTWz9WRle52zmc-oTlRjsdbBWb1xunoeXOr7LzUPx-2PPWPtlKyJFOyRAWhNTU3SdmTG1YjDO7w92zghyUJbPXKUpY7Uw/s320/water.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>See, very inspiring! You can do it! Can't wait to see your thoughts in poetry!</div><div> </div><div>Here's mine!</div><div> </div><div>hard staring water</div><div>a strange pulling </div><div>desiring to jump in</div><div>hypnotizing, mind boggling</div><div>shake back to senses</div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-23787150177980471432008-06-30T22:12:00.004-05:002008-07-01T08:39:03.200-05:00The Middle of Somewhere by J.B. Cheaney<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvFBpLSwKbqzS7JQc0nbTEFZvl0nXLeRbE4v9W0-rbjm44QBMnNWpqiwdjR1JK1H99r15bT376tVgDvkGgUhK7tO7B8s4E7oeGqPlwMQtbhJaxLn8K_ZpotZm5Y6gA155vteoTtYNqws/s1600-h/middle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5217883419789133906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxvFBpLSwKbqzS7JQc0nbTEFZvl0nXLeRbE4v9W0-rbjm44QBMnNWpqiwdjR1JK1H99r15bT376tVgDvkGgUhK7tO7B8s4E7oeGqPlwMQtbhJaxLn8K_ZpotZm5Y6gA155vteoTtYNqws/s320/middle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p>My lastest podcast of The Middle of Somewhere by J.B. Cheaney.</p><br /><br /><p><a href="http://media.switchpod.com//users/amitchell/TheMiddleofSomewhere.wmv">http://media.switchpod.com//users/amitchell/TheMiddleofSomewhere.wmv</a></p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRwCaFkEK7blMJBQ4bql0y4aiKYPt4Pl6XV5Q8pH5YrmXlJyA0ko1mNGAKj8sOeAcg6Wq5n1gkAYx2MpJDGUrZy2qFbX5D9UprMG6HwmtYbPUbtYbPvUUpiVJWEpB7OIqG0-66O0pdW0/s1600-h/middle.jpg"></a></p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxnNmtTv2DvqeoC0own7YUL-oFk2bnGn5VBIjNyviiee_WNSX2X_d5yQSEEEMY0Mz4-k8LbHwVM-fjoQUZU-g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-82776119821839434812008-06-28T22:07:00.007-05:002008-07-04T12:46:11.090-05:00Atherton: House of PowerAtherton By <a href="http://www.patrickcarman.com/main/index.html">Patrick Carman </a>is an amazing book. It is on Bluebonnet list. After I read it, I sat there for 10 minutes allowing the book's words and ideas rush over me like a waterfall. The book is THAT good!<br />I found this video on Youtube and it is on his site.<br /><br />Be prepared to be awed!<br /><a href="http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/features/atherton_full/atherton/index.html">Atherton Site<br /></a><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5fMsnJnGR4&hl=en"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n5fMsnJnGR4&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-2803206772443506652008-06-27T10:52:00.002-05:002008-06-27T10:55:28.518-05:00Dogs in Books<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGInM4FzxrzbSumtMOssQehXVvH-OLJyFVc-YnZk6tGiFw7n7kZCkj7INmqqjyRBF2vLceEhQMwcy2OKTLMfbzFkzo3DGIVG4zd0RCn_cOthkVAn7C0sOh8199E5umWEdmZrjIp6PIuA/s1600-h/dog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216590489854388962" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGInM4FzxrzbSumtMOssQehXVvH-OLJyFVc-YnZk6tGiFw7n7kZCkj7INmqqjyRBF2vLceEhQMwcy2OKTLMfbzFkzo3DGIVG4zd0RCn_cOthkVAn7C0sOh8199E5umWEdmZrjIp6PIuA/s320/dog.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.amazon.com/Middle-Somewhere-J-B-Cheaney/dp/0375837906">Middle of Somewhere</a> is getting better. They have found a dog! He is a stray but very clever. "Leo" managed to stow away on the back of Grandpa's RV (next to his motorcycle). Dogs in books always add a nice comfort to the story. I guess because maybe they are loyal and give unconditional love to you. They greet you at the door and are always happy to see you. Of course, not everyone loves dogs but dogs in literature are so lovely. People who have dogs really seem to be in love with their dogs. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>What books with dogs in them stand out to you that you have read?</div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-12730741324877763172008-06-27T10:40:00.002-05:002008-06-27T10:43:57.702-05:00Wind Farm Sign!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGM64NpLFWv7EJkKTgkjl7q9_PW1VVaq6NAAJIUixNoyA37tVM99x3ar96qgEu-zFw3dJ1GBcDisorZZvXk2XbEr4cAhUJqIGFLTuD_4NmnY7AfA48ew9lmhns-bkxgJb2SAo7EN6e9s/s1600-h/100_1615.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216587032850409730" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGM64NpLFWv7EJkKTgkjl7q9_PW1VVaq6NAAJIUixNoyA37tVM99x3ar96qgEu-zFw3dJ1GBcDisorZZvXk2XbEr4cAhUJqIGFLTuD_4NmnY7AfA48ew9lmhns-bkxgJb2SAo7EN6e9s/s320/100_1615.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Earlier this year, I decided to take my son to the desert while we were in CA. I booked my Palm Springs trip in February without any clue about what my summer reading list would be. I have been trying to read our <a class="snap_shots" href="http://booktalk.tandemlibrarybooks.com/">Texas Bluebonnet Award List</a> in the summer for my class. I like to share some really good ones that I find (<a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Steal-Dog-Barbara-OConnor/dp/0374334978/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214195160&sr=8-1">How to Steal A Dog</a> By Barbara O'Connor and <a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.amazon.com/Atherton-House-Power-Patrick-Carman/dp/0316166707/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214195276&sr=1-2">Atherton</a> by Patrick Carman are on my top list thus far). I am currently reading <a class="snap_shots" href="http://www.amazon.com/Middle-Somewhere-J-B-Cheaney/dp/0375837906/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1214196001&sr=8-1">Middle of Somewhere</a> by J.B. Cheaney, a corky, little book about a grandpa driving around Kansas in his RV looking for wind (prospecting) with his grand daughter and hyper grandson. What an adventure in confined spaces!</div><div> </div><div>Back to Palm Springs, I am driving on I-10 West when all of a sudden out of no where we run into a Wind Farm! Just what I had read the night before! I was actually on the verge of abandoning the book because the grandson was REALLY getting on my nerves. The author was dragging that frustration out of me. But then, I saw it ...the sign. To see those hundreds of wind turbines, I knew I had to keep reading. I am hoping to gain some compassion for the little guy. </div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-24788585319633119572008-06-25T18:57:00.007-05:002008-06-25T19:48:01.458-05:00New and Improved! Bluebonnet PodcastsI got a better microphone<span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span> and recreated my podcasts. What a difference! I updated the newest edition down Thing #21. Plus here are links to my podcast.<br /><br /><a href="http://media.switchpod.com/users/amitchell/HowToStealADogEpisode2.wmv">How to Steal a Dog</a> by Barbara O'Connor<br /><br /><a href="http://media.switchpod.com/users/amitchell/ToysGoOutEspisode1.wmv">Toys Go Out</a> by Emily Jenkins<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;">*</span>I got this AT&T Over-The-Head Headset H220 (High Quality Noise-Canceling Microphone) at this dollar store (Super $1 Plus?) for $1.99! (Beltway~Exit Beechnut~ Go East to Corporate Drive). They are in a box under the sunblock/suncreen display. The only <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyFikQBPU9oKvG0Xm5WKBbNHFT0LSR3ZBv4D3DMCmtvN6Vpx_Tgo2omp9e5oExFLElbjIm-v_xbCcNg3SLeRsa36YGoVyrHq6-2KjFFA-xC59DnTdS30TLXo45rCBkLf1Ms8uWVI1OpY/s1600-h/ATT-H220.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215975999114635714" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyFikQBPU9oKvG0Xm5WKBbNHFT0LSR3ZBv4D3DMCmtvN6Vpx_Tgo2omp9e5oExFLElbjIm-v_xbCcNg3SLeRsa36YGoVyrHq6-2KjFFA-xC59DnTdS30TLXo45rCBkLf1Ms8uWVI1OpY/s320/ATT-H220.jpg" border="0" /></a>thing is the actual part that goes into the computer is a bit small but works. It comes in an orange and clear container.Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-90896082736288217492008-06-22T19:19:00.014-05:002008-07-04T12:37:03.864-05:00This is The End, Beautiful Friend(s) #23<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ab8sISDlplia9O53-yWUpd2JL2ZmWy9HgFHegBQWtiRtgUYo1qvH1Qc77GGHFjz1F0WoG1fImLcTz9t_VZcqRJ0sxmfpRKb1Kd8mCkOjN-6CVBEr5SzyeCbKOWEvN1cpilIIHV3TBs0/s1600-h/jim.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214883376920247874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ab8sISDlplia9O53-yWUpd2JL2ZmWy9HgFHegBQWtiRtgUYo1qvH1Qc77GGHFjz1F0WoG1fImLcTz9t_VZcqRJ0sxmfpRKb1Kd8mCkOjN-6CVBEr5SzyeCbKOWEvN1cpilIIHV3TBs0/s320/jim.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Exit Interview without the Promissory Note!<br /><strong>What were your favorite discoveries or exercises on this learning journey?</strong> </div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">My favorite discovery was making the Podcast! I wanted to learn how and got what I asked for. It was not hard at all and I am definitely going to make more with my class. I am going to continue to make more Podcasts with the Bluebonnets this year. So subscribe to my feed if you like to hear them. <a href="http://switchpod.com/users/amitchell/feed.xml"> </a></span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;"><a href="http://tce.springbranchisd.com/GradeLevels/4thGrade/AnnieMitchell/tabid/5732/Default.aspx">Homepage with Podcasts too.</a></span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">I also like starting my Edublog and Livejournal.</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">I learned a lot about how to comment and thus promotes your own blog.<br /></span><strong>How has this program assisted or affected your lifelong learning goals?</strong><br /><span style="color:#993399;">One of my goals is to be a writer when I grow up. I have been able to find real author blogs and add comments to their pages. One author posted my comments in her blog! I feel like I have increased the level of professionalism in my writing. I feel like I am on the right road to eventually be published (hopefully before I have a cane or walker). Now that I have Google Reader I am able to view all of my favorite author blogs and continue the writing babble going on between us. </span></div><br /><div>Were there any take-a-ways or unexpected outcomes from this program that surprised you? </div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Okay..it was FUN!!! I loved discovering new tools (Wikis, Podcasting) that can help me and my campus. I am eager to share them with my team and anyone else who will lend me their ear! I enjoyed encouraging others to keep going and offer suggestions. I made friends here that I never would have made without this 23 Things ( from other schools and districts).</span><br />What could we do differently to improve upon this program’s format or concept? </div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">One thing seemed to have multiple things. Spread them out.</span><br />If we offered another discovery program like this in the future, would you choose to participate? </div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;">Sign me up! How can I help?</span><br />How would you describe your learning experience in ONE WORD or in ONE SENTENCE, so we could use your words to promote 23 Things learning activities?</div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Enlightening!</span></div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-16017079416703399432008-06-20T19:30:00.007-05:002008-06-21T00:09:09.269-05:00Thing #22 The Ning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKzBMEOc2SfMUcSFRkZheVzxmgX-_12IcD52cTHy2WK8zgzvuPBD6HXN3KIPWa14rtcpo67GowmEdVBiuuyrd5_bkIh-VPte-RxzjBaYyDnhmEvvujvWlM1IegMVrnPDT8fT34rMnhKY/s1600-h/key.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214151042853863474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKzBMEOc2SfMUcSFRkZheVzxmgX-_12IcD52cTHy2WK8zgzvuPBD6HXN3KIPWa14rtcpo67GowmEdVBiuuyrd5_bkIh-VPte-RxzjBaYyDnhmEvvujvWlM1IegMVrnPDT8fT34rMnhKY/s320/key.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.ning.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ning</span></a> is an okay social network for teachers. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teachers</span> are able to share resources and give ideas on lessons. I also noticed that you can join different specific groups to share lessons. What I do like is the Forums sections. Librarians post questions that where they need professional feedback about what is happening in their schools. </div><br /><div>Here are a few forum questions:</div><br /><div><a href="http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=789171%3ATopic%3A3081">What is the most frustrating thing about being a librarian in Texas?</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=789171%3ATopic%3A1621">Anyone else in this situation?</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But I like social networking for find friends from high school, previous co-workers, friends from CA, and friends from Guam. I also like <a href="http://askville.amazon.com/Index.do"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Askville</span>.com </a>by Amazon. I can post a question and people of that network can answer and further ask questions. I posted this questions several months ago on <a href="http://askville.amazon.com/grammar-matter-schools/AnswerViewer.do?requestId=5407917&search=does%2Bgrammar%2Bmatter%2Bin%2Bschools">grammar</a>.</div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-25558101573060847942008-06-18T12:21:00.009-05:002008-06-25T18:56:46.117-05:00Thing #21 How to Steal a Dog Podcast<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkvcyW85QML4vfsMfDM-rbgNIGQwvF6pdcqSfphODKxoPJCzhNIXOG7Op19CMUpGbR9xl3N5fC-nJJSdJnER0VfIeKSWR4lV-MGYJpnzcGpOVOOAbwH9P3Bq9gqKGxn7albcQh6LQVkc/s1600-h/shoes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213276741936032978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkvcyW85QML4vfsMfDM-rbgNIGQwvF6pdcqSfphODKxoPJCzhNIXOG7Op19CMUpGbR9xl3N5fC-nJJSdJnER0VfIeKSWR4lV-MGYJpnzcGpOVOOAbwH9P3Bq9gqKGxn7albcQh6LQVkc/s320/shoes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I created a Podcast with pictures from Flickr and Shelfelf Word Press. I also used Photostory and uploaded it to Switchpod. No Problem. </div><br /><div>At Switchpod, I made a site called Basking in Bluebonnets. </div><br /><div>Here is my podcast on Barbara O'Connor's How To Steal a Dog.</div><br /><div>Enjoy!</div><div>Okay, Thanks to Liz and Vaughn for helping posting my podcast. Try these and let me know which one works.</div><div><div><a href="http://switchpod.com/users/amitchell/feed.xml"></a></div><br /></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxWZHcns8850tSIniG170TxdNPWw8uQf-KozclDtgZME29LdVqtjJJ91FDE-8feppc1VhsgpJ_M_r0uTTQAxw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-14319732716976913782008-06-14T13:08:00.006-05:002008-06-15T11:47:49.674-05:00Thing #20 Broadcast Yourself (or someone else)This is an awesome series on "Fast Math Tricks of Calculation" posted by glad2teach at <a href=" http://www.youtube.com/">YouTube</a>.<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hLdKsKep1og&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hLdKsKep1og&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />YouTube allows teachers to use online videos to show different and new methods of instruction. Above, I found this math YouTube video that shows “tricks” to multiplication. The learning is instant. I love the fact that I just typed mathematics and I received 100 of hit on my topics. After viewing the video, you are given another list by the same poster about the same topic. It is definitely for teacher usage because videos can be inappropriate as well. YouTube is blocked at Spring Branch though. <br />Teacher Tube is a WONDERFUL resource to explain blogging, wikis etc. Actually the Common Craft Show in Plain English is incredible. I really enjoyed it the simple animation, too! I saved a lot of them to my del.icio.us page as well.Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-56466707754083075542008-06-12T19:56:00.004-05:002008-06-15T11:46:16.610-05:00Thing #19 I'm Not California Dreamin anymore!Yes, I have made it to my vacation! Weather is wonderful But back to the blog...<br />I found a very cool site called .<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Docstoc</span> that has a data base of professional document you can use and change to your liking. They have field trip forms, invoices, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">receipts</span>, you name it! It is very useful instead of recreating documents each year. You can host them there and share if you like.<br />I put it on my del.icio.us as a great resource all on one page.<br />Web 2.0 Awards is a mini list?? 500 ? There are many lists of top notch search engines and sites to visit. Here is my top mini list:<br />Bookmarking-<a href="http://del.icio.us/">del.icio.us</a><br />News Reader-<a href="http://www.google.com/reader/view/?hl=en&tab=wy#overview-page">Google Reader</a><br />Maps-<a href="http://earth.google.com/">Google Earth</a><br />Education Blog-<a href="http://edublogs.org/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Edublogs</span></a><br />Social Networking-<a href="http://www.myspace.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Myspace</span></a><br />Videos-<a href="http://youtube.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Youtube</span></a><br />Logic Games- <a href="http://magic.pen.fizzlebot.com/">Magic Pen</a><br />Image Hosting-<a href="http://www.snapfish.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Snapfish</span></a><br />Image Sharing-<a href="http://www.flickr.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Flickr</span></a>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-45941711567535860802008-06-11T07:47:00.003-05:002008-06-11T08:04:04.597-05:00Thing #18 With Arms Wide Open Office<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJR8o5neLnmO2rd7GK14qqgBZmiyQJmKVOVZrHHFvSlo04ld0l_cWVUNnzb7bU3GGGptk0R0Qjni7uzbVmYQTiLgu1GRiJPTc2gk3H0m4bvhS6Srzx0dE8uh8007PU-kBhVJBQ-J-iGY/s1600-h/arms.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210608810668333794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJR8o5neLnmO2rd7GK14qqgBZmiyQJmKVOVZrHHFvSlo04ld0l_cWVUNnzb7bU3GGGptk0R0Qjni7uzbVmYQTiLgu1GRiJPTc2gk3H0m4bvhS6Srzx0dE8uh8007PU-kBhVJBQ-J-iGY/s320/arms.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>When we received our new laptops, <a href="http://texastechiesblog.blogspot.com/">Texas Techie </a>told me about <a href="http://www.openoffice.org/">Open Office</a>. I went and downloaded it to all of my computers. It is a neat, little online document making device. It automatically converts to Microsoft Office if you move your document somewhere else. I have used it a couple of times for fun.<br />I went to explore <a href="http://docs.google.com/">Google Docs</a>. It is also a neat, little site as well. What I truly like is that I can create documents and save it there without a SAN drive or disk. I don't have to save it to the desktop and then email it to myself. Since I love to travel (<a href="http://www.travelpod.com/members/annieamitchell">my travel blog</a>), Google Docs is an awesome way for me to work on stuff while away from my home.<br />I know I should enjoy my vacations but sometimes I get a crazy idea and I have to write it down. If you work with me, you know my creative side is on. Of a bit off, depending on how you look at it!</div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-9073114181231026592008-06-10T21:03:00.006-05:002008-06-11T21:36:12.959-05:00Thing #17 Rollyo Down The River<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGYBdUjOsm5TtWh2bLAhmo6sYhQhk3w7umrCG1padHN9cHe18lYdJE67uzefqLvotqnyNG5uw3w5r7KCUNrDc8kloGfKDA261AoRGEYbQzFvojBXxWAZjP8hCVtO7HZLA7jdmwvjiSv8/s1600-h/dice.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210442398405490450" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGYBdUjOsm5TtWh2bLAhmo6sYhQhk3w7umrCG1padHN9cHe18lYdJE67uzefqLvotqnyNG5uw3w5r7KCUNrDc8kloGfKDA261AoRGEYbQzFvojBXxWAZjP8hCVtO7HZLA7jdmwvjiSv8/s320/dice.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I am proud (Mary) to say that I finally created a Rollyo. Rollyo was a bit confusing at first. I was rereading to look for the purpose and I was just not getting it. So I went forward and made one based on the sites that I always visit: book purchasing sites. Then it hit me that I could create a Rollyo for research for Texas History! I could create one for a specific science concept such as Magnetism and Electricity. Basically, I could narrow the sites and filter out anything that would get in the way of the actual research (like Reliant or Center Point or some one's myspace page). Okay...I see how it can be used useful for student use. Here is my <a href="http://rollyo.com/amitchell/books_to_buys/">Book Purchasing Rollyo </a>I mentioned.<br /><br />On another note, "The High Roller" made me laugh. I am thinking Reno, not Vegas.Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-10662163970539523012008-06-10T08:26:00.007-05:002008-06-10T19:20:42.295-05:00Thing #16 It's Not Too Late, To Wiki...Wiki Good!I can see how I can use Wikis for <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/mountlake-terrace-high-school">Problem Based Unit </a>planning with my class. Students can plan how to solve our problem based unit called "In the Writer's Mind" with a wiki. Students can brainstorm a list of what makes an effective writer. They could list all of the things a writer needs to be successful for their readers. In Problem Based Learning, all ideas are welcome so I would have to some assign the teams with different font color to see where the idea originated.Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-31993969206776394422008-06-08T17:17:00.005-05:002008-06-10T19:11:01.787-05:00Thing #15 Give Me Library or Give Me Death!<div>What a powerful video! I had to put it on my del.icio.us page as a reminder of how things in our world are changing.</div><br /><div>Library 2.0 is a way for all learners, young and old, to keep up with technology. I have heard grumbling from librarians that are not happy about being media specialists instead of librarian. Basically, not happy with the fact of focusing their lessons on not just using the Dewey System looking for a book but on using online resources. I then use that lesson for my own research lessons afterwards. So I do see the benefit of that. I know it is asking more of a librarian but we could use the library so much more.</div><br /><div>But, NOTHING can beat read aloud in the library, in the classroom, anywhere, from a book. I believe that the books need to stay. I was talking to another teacher about the articles posted at Thing #15. She expressed how her little boy looks forward to going to the library in search of books. It got me thinking about "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">laptime</span>," how important that reading with kids in your "lap."It is one of the elements that <a href="http://motherdaughterbookclub.wordpress.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5210009895549815458" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vzcW_33fUjJvySEM6sWo9hcXHtM46oyzYZwShRHTdp7GxQOfwOK762ssjq_4O8XqypOS6MXTToMABJNHsZ_sIjTV1vAnrHGzAzOhkLTGyLlYY0SBWl4a2-LB1geEbMCkdwSLKoL1zyQ/s320/momanddaughters.bmp" border="0" /></a>encourages a life-time reader. </div><div>I saw this awesome blog. Click on the picture!</div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-88547644829012031682008-06-07T11:55:00.007-05:002008-06-10T19:11:31.668-05:00Thing #14 Stuck A Feather in His Hat and Called it Technorati!<a href="http://technorati.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209190291230380098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKCIcyofwX6pYIDQjVxLDovcmVoKfAdaXiCd8LHu1k2ekUsPGnhUft1UkkYtQNqYpZ591MHpABWwfz3MiVv5A9LVqzv89iryfajAwno3QcvcIuNCrpCwIQNTzzD5saxZ9uZQCCL-n_Mo/s320/technorati.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://technorati.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Technorati</span></a> was easy enough to navigate through. It seems a bit slow though. Maybe it is my computer's downloads I have recently acquired through this Summer Blogging. :0) What I love about that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Technorati</span> video was how they said this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Technorati</span> gives the Internet back to the people. I have not really thought about how big business has taken over the Net in the past few years. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Technorati</span> gives everyday people a voice through blogging. What are people talking about? What are people searching for ? What are people's candid thoughts on real topics that <span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#000000;">I</span> </span>want to talk about.<br />BUT it needs to work on layout, color, and font. Not very inviting for all types of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bloggers</span>. I get my FREE fonts from <a href="http://www.urbanfonts.com/">Urban fonts</a>. I like famous <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">category</span>.</div>Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952341170762271655.post-66186682975764768682008-06-06T18:12:00.003-05:002008-06-10T19:11:56.169-05:00Thing #13 Tag, You're It!<a href="http://del.icio.us/">del.icio.us</a> is another fancy favorites for you! However, instead of Favorites for solely for one computer, del.icio.us allows the favorites to be site hosted. Also, you can create a network where you can share articles or sites that you want others to explore as well.<br />Tagging allows us to organize your sites. Also, tags help others to find specific interests they might want to research about.<br />I found this kid friendly search engine that just blows my mind called <a href="http://redzee.com/">Redzee</a>. It claims to be G-rated. However, there is a comment from someone who says that it is not. I tested it and it seemed fine to me. Try it! You will love it!Amitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.com0