Tuesday Tips September 25, 2018

TECH TIP:  Shared Google Slides to Lead Class Discussions

Kathy Erickson and I worked together last week on creating a system for her students to lead a daily math class discussion opener.  Using a site of potential resources I curated for the class:

 

The students then added their prompt to a shared Google Slides presentation.  This way, you have access to all the prompts and can set up the presentation and be ready to go right as the students walk in.  

BOOK TIP:  Banned Books Week

Each year, the American Library Association celebrates Banned Books Week, with the goal of  bringing "together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular." Here are the the top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2017:

  

Celebrate your freedom to read this week!

Tuesday Tips September 18, 2018

TECH TIP:  New Look for the MMRHS Library Website!

I use Google Sites for the library website.  Google recently phased out the old version of Google Sites.   Thus, the MMRHS Library website has a new look!  It is a work in progress, and I'll be updating all pages.  Check out the Databases page to see all the sources you could use with your classes!

BOOK TIP:  Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Celeste Ng burst onto the writing scene a few years ago with her breakout novel Everything I Never Told You.  This is her follow-up novel, and I liked this one even more.  It is the story of that "perfect" middle American family whose life gets upset when a single mother who doesn't like to follow the rules moves into the neighborhood.  Excellent character development and writing.  

Tuesday Tips September 11, 2018

TECH TIP:  Google Classroom Updates

I've noticed several students using Google Classroom with some of your classes.  Google announced some new improvements to Google Classroom this week, including the new Classwork and Materials sections.  

No longer are all the posts in the Stream section, but there is now a separate Classwork section where you can organize your assignments by topic or unit.  Once you are in the Classwork section, there is now an option to add in Materials.

These Materials no longer have to be associated with an assignment and can be kept in this new section.  I'm happy to help you set-up  Google Classroom or any other questions.

BOOK TIP:  Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Set in Reconstruction America, but with quite a twist.  Following the Battle of Gettysburg, the dead rise as zombies.  Former slaves and Native peoples are being trained to fight the zombies.  A fast-paced alternative history.  

Tuesday Tips September 4, 2018

TECH TIP:  Pear Deck Add-On for Google Slides

Pear Deck is a tool that allows you to share your Google Slides presentation with students.  Once students join your Pear Deck, they can follow along with your slides in real time. 

 With the new Pear Deck Add-On, you can add in formative assessment questions that students answer as you go through your Google Slides presentation.  The questions can be text, multiple choice, or drawings.  Pear Deck also integrates with Google Classroom.   Here is a video to show you more:

BOOK TIP:  My Summer Reads!

I read a ton of great books this summer!  This year, I'll be posting the covers of all my reads throughout the year on my desk.  Come see if you've read any of them!