sutton007

For some time now I have been thinking about creating a new look for "Teaching is Elementary". Many of the teaching blogs I follow have cute designs and smashing colors. Still, I wasn't sure all those 'cutesy' designs were for me. But one day I visited two of my favorite blogs, The Teaching Thief and Shepherd's Shining Stars , and noticed they each had a blog makeover. One has a cute little raccoon mascot and the other has stars! I noticed they both shared the same blog designer so I quickly decided to check her out at Designs by Christi and contacted her. Old Design New Design Christi quickly answered my email an d the process began. First, she sent me a questionnaire asking about color, font, theme and other preferences. Then she quickly assesses and sends some graphics for you to choose and then the backgrounds. Soon after, you approve the initial design and there is time for some final tweaking. Within a week I had a new design. I just love ...

This tweet from @mbfxc the other day caught my attention for 3 reasons: It was sent by my twitter friend I know she and her son are spending the summer exploring I just love Jerry Pallotta , author of the Icky Bug Book and More! So I clicked on the link and it took me to The Explorers Site , which Marialice created with her son, to keep track of their adventures. The post with amazing photos and a video about lobstering with Jerry is great, and I couldn't help but think of the wonderful summer Marialice and her son were having by making 'exploring' together a priority. Memories that will last a lifetime! Then shortly thereafter, this tweet came into my feed from @dandanscienc The word "Project" caught my attention (as it often does!). So I clicked on the link and discovered a wonderful blog called SciStarter, which had 10 amazing summer activities in which to participate. They included counting moths in your area, observing jellyfish, volunteering in...

The other day I received a surprise Blog Award from Michelle White of Mrs. White's 5th Grade Class. While I'm not sure I'm deserving of any awards, it was sure nice to receive some positive feedback. So, many thanks Michelle! It came at a most appreciated time! The awards comes with some rules and responsibilities which includes the following: Follow the person who gave you the award. Link back to the person who gave you the award. Pass the award on to 15 bloggers. The Versatile Blogger Award Rules: Thank the blogger who nominated you. Include a link to their site. Include the award image in your post. Give 7 random facts about yourself. Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award. When nominating, include a link to their site. First, I did follow Michelle's blog as she shares all kinds of wonderful lessons and ideas. If you haven't already, please stop by and leave her a comment. Click on the Lady Bugs below. It's tim...

I'm no expert - especially when it comes to Google+ Hangout . In fact, I've only used it a couple of times. However, I can see the many and varied possibilities for use in an elementary classroom. Classes can collaborate in ways not been done before! Here are 10 ways elementary classes can use Google+ Hangout to connect for more collaborative, authentic learning. (Class would need a Google+ Account ) English Language Arts: 1. Reader's Theater: Each participating classroom will have one or several parts in the play; or each classroom will share a different play. After the play discuss the elements of the story. 2. Book Club - Each class can read the same book (off line) then come together to discuss the setting, character, plot, rising action, conflict and solution. Or classes can participate in their own mini read aloud based on the Global Read Aloud. Writing: 3. Create a Story: Using a basic story (outlined by participating teachers) each class ...