Wrapping up Fall Semester 2011

I am excited to report that my fall semester is coming to a close.  I have better grades now than I have ever had in the past.  It seems ridiculous to me that I wasted so much time when I was younger and it is so easy to get good grades.  May this be a lesson to my students that a little bit of effort goes a long way!  I also took some of my favorite classes ever this semester.  I am SO excited to be a teacher!!

What is plagiarism?

Well, watch this presentation and find out. Don't copy!

Imagine if.....

This morning I read this article.  It tells of a survey where kids were allowed to give ideas for new mobile apps.  There are some really good ideas here.  I think the best part is they are created by kids and therefore they are something that other kids would be interested in and would actually use.  I think as a teacher I need to be in tune with my students interests.  This kind of survey allows me to do that.  Check out this article!

Youtube.....a tool for learning

Youtube can be very fun!  There are all kinds of videos that I am sure you have looked at.  Did you know there is educational stuff on there too?  :)  Well I have put together 2 different playlists for my students.  One is for my Junior US History class.  The other is for my Senior US Government class.  Check them out.  I had a lot of fun putting them together.  Keep checking back, too.  You never know when I will be adding new videos to the lists.

Technology in the Classroom

I have been reading a lot lately about other states using the IPad in the classroom.  I think this could be a great idea.  They have a set for each classroom.  Students can check one out overnight if needed but usually they stay in the classroom.  I think this is a way better option than a laptop per student.  There are many applications out there that the teachers are using to enhance the learning of their students.  It is also allowing them to have access to textbooks that otherwise they would have to purchase.  Maybe this is an alternative that Idaho should think of instead of the laptops.

Staying Happy With My Job

Statistics show that too many first year teachers become unhappy with their job and move on.  74% of people that are teachers leave the profession before retirement.  Research and statistics show that one way to avoid burnout is to stay current on the research and the technology.  One way that I have found that is very useful in this regard is a website called Smartbrief.  This is a place where you can sign up for daily emails that bring all the latest research and news in education to you.  Simply go to smartbrief.com/ascd/index.jsp and sign up to receive those emails.  You won't regret it!

What I Expect

One of the great things about my class you will always know what I expect from you on your assignments.  I will be using rubistar.4teachers.org to create a rubric for ALL of your project assignments.  They are very handy both for you and for me!  I hope you enjoy them.

How a bill becomes a law

This is one of my favorite School House Rock Videos!

Welcome to My Class!

I am so excited to have you in my class!!  We are going to learn a lot and have a ton of fun doing it!  We are going to do all kinds of things.  We are going to go on Webquests. We are going to write a newspaper.  We are going to do some group projects. We will also do some interacting on this blog. You will become very familiar with different ways to present information like power point, the internet, and Microsoft Word.    There is so much to learn and so many ways to do it! My classroom is a place where ideas are freely shared, where attitudes are positive, and everyone will be greeted with a smile!  I will treat each of you with respect and expect that in return.  

I love government and history!  I feel it is very important for my students to know what it is and how it applies to their lives.  We will spend a good amount of time applying what we learn to us.  You won't leave my class wondering how you will use what you have learned.  Let's all do our best and have fun!