Smart Technology

 

   This week we learned more about the use of "smart technology" such as iPads and Smart Boards and how they are of great use inside classrooms. As technology's popularity increases students' interest for learning begins to fade. The use of technology is becoming an essential need in classrooms because it prevents kids from falling asleep.

    Here are a couple of iPads apps that would be handy inside and outside the learning field, both apps are found in the mathematics section of your curriculum map. The best part is that both are free!

1."Rocket Math", this math game requires kids to solve math sentences and point out specific shapes, coins, or numbers. 

2."Pizza Fractions: Beginning With Simple Fractions", this math game introduces fractions to kids, your students are required to determine the fraction of pizza that the chef has.

   Now here is a Smart Board lesson that could be useful inside your second grade classroom. This lesson would be most useful in during your science hours. The name of the lesson is "Plants", it teaches your students the parts of a plant as well as their life cycle.
   I hope you begin to use more technology in your classroom. Remember you don't want your students falling asleep during your lessons!

Financial Literacy Can Pay Off!!

   Present day educators believe that by including real life situations in everyday lessons students will become more engaged. By teaching students how to better spend their money teachers prepare them for a better economic future.
   Classes like economics, career connection, BCIS, and some math classes help students prepare for a better further, they help them deal with problems they might run into such a problems dealing with money. Even though these classes are helpful they aren't taught as in depth as I would like them to be. Instead of just sugar coating lessons these teachers should show their students all of the money problems they may deal with when becoming adults.
   These classes are useful but instead of just showing all of the good points they should also show more of the negative points that students should learn to deal with. I fee semi-comfortable with my ability to manage money and finances I would feel more prepared if I were taught a financial literacy curriculum in   younger grades.

Click here to view Mrs. Stevens' blog.

What Teachers Want Parents to Know

"The truth is, a lot of times it's the bad teachers who give the easiest grades, because they know by giving good grades everyone will leave them alone."-Ron Clark


   Today's education system is disappointing. We are loosing great educators because parents rather agree with their six year old instead of believing an educated professional. Parents need to understand that there are always two sides to their children's stories. Instead of immediately taking drastic action against the teacher like contacting lawyers. Many parents now days decide to take teachers to court because the teacher "left a red mark" on their child's face after trying to rub away marker. Parents also need to understand that all of their complaining and made up excuses drive teachers away from the education field. No one wants to teach bratty children that have parents who make up excuses for them tin order to keep them from being punished.

   "Parents as partners rather than prosecutors"- This means that parents should be a help for teacher rather than another struggle that teachers should deal with. Instead of doubting teachers you should believe that what they are saying is true. If they say that your child was being a distraction half way through story time  believe them instead of questioning them. Remember be that support system that back up your child's teacher. If they say that you have no respect for their teacher they will never respect their teacher.

Click here to read Ron Clark"s article.