*Miss Emma*

Have you ever tried making your own movie? I had big aspirations for my assignment, but I am just too busy to spend a lot of time messing around with the website (Biteable). Well, actually, I'm thinking that I shouldn't have used this website to make my movie. So maybe I should play around with other programs/websites! Essentially I created a video to to introduce an assignment to my class. The assignment will be to create a "Breaking News" video pretending they are covering a battle in the Persian War! I wonder how long working with the video making programs and websites would actually take students. I wouldn't want them to get too caught up in the video making process when the goal is to demonstrate understanding of the historical information. Do you have experiences with this? Is there anything I should consider before giving a movie making assignment to my students? Check out my video:  https://biteable.com/watch/breaking-news-assignment-2060568

Good evening! I am getting a little overwhelmed with the amount of school work I have right now, but at least it's all fun and interesting!! I start my second classroom placement in a few weeks. This time I will be at the middle school where I attended. It will be so fun to go back! In Instructional Technology last week we learned about using Google Drive/Docs in the classroom. I had to create a pretend grade book in Google Spreadsheets. It was fairly easy because it works a lot like Microsoft Excel. One thing I found to be useful was creating charts. In many ways it is easier to do extra things like this on Google Spreadsheets than in Excel. It was easy to manipulate the data that I wanted to include. I liked the variety of charts/graphs and also how easy it is to customize them. Here is a screenshot of my grade book! I also used Google Forms to create an online math test. I had used Google Forms once before, but this was fun to see how I can use it in the classro...

Hello! In class I was introduced to 2 new technology resources, Piktochart and Inspiration. Piktochart is used to create info-graphics and posters. I only tried the free version, but it was still fun. There are many templates, layouts, and images to use! I decided to create a tool for students to use when learning about simplifying expressions. It shows the simplification strategies and links to a video for more examples. (Using the CPM Math curriculum.) Inspiration is a computer program that teacher and students can use to create graphic organizers. I signed up for a free trial, but when I have my own classroom I would like to have access to this program! I created a concept web for the types of solutions you might get after solving an equation. Unfortunately, If you don't have the program, my links won't work. I see this as a disadvantage to using this program and am still trying to figure out a way around this. What do you think? Would you use these re...

Before taking this instructional technology class I had only ever heard of a Wiki page, but I had never made one. I have familiarity with blogging, but I have never been part of a class blog. So, here I am exploring these 2 technologies. I'm trying to see which one I think will be better for my future classroom. Well, after searching for classroom blogs I came up empty handed. I believe it's because they are password protected for student privacy. After reaching out to my professor she echoed this thought. She did say that she uses kidblog.org in her primary classroom. So, now I need your help. Do you use Wiki pages or classroom blogs,? Cast your vote in the comments: Class Wiki or Class Blog? I appreciate your insight! PS- Here are a few more teacher blogs I found: The Organized Classroom Math Equals Love Math in the Middle World History Teachers History Tech *Miss Emma*

When I was at Ohio State getting my bachelor's degree I started reading teachers' blogs. Well, I still read them! I want to share some of my favorites with you! First up is  Step into 2nd Grade . Even though Mrs. Lemons teaches second grade I still find lots of good information here. Also, her classroom decorations are ON POINT! :) She has a ton of followers, presents at conferences all over the country, and has a great  Teachers Pay Teachers  store. Her experience and knowledge of teaching is amazing and I expect to use a lot of her ideas in my future classroom! Next,  Erica's Ed-Ventures  is another primary teacher's blog but again she has so many good ideas. The way that she describes her classroom procedures and management techniques is very helpful. I also really enjoy the "teacher style" section of her site. Who doesn't love a good teacher outfit?!!!!! Right now I am observing in a middle school math classroom and my cooperating teacher,...

Hello! Well, a lot has changed in the last 7 years since I stopped blogging. Nathan and I got married, we now have 2 children (Hazel and Lincoln), and have owned 3 houses! But, the main reason I am back to blogging is because I am back in school! It's time to finish what I started and obtain my teaching license. Right now I have a very busy semester that includes a month long observation in a middle school and 3 classes. In one of my classes I am learning ways to use technology in the classroom. So, stay tuned to hear all about my journey into the world of education!

Before Hazel was born I started an art project to hang above her crib. She came early and I never got to finish the pictures. But, I finished them last week! I can't wait to hang them up.... Pink paint, fabric scraps, and yellow glitter make for cute artwork! -*Miss Emma*

Hazel loves her daddy! I know she loves me too, but we can't wait until daddy gets home from work! We live for the weekends when we are all together. Happy Weekend! -*Miss Emma*

Hello! Sorry for the absence, but I have been busy in the last month! -The end of the school year -One week of summer -2 days in the hospital trying to stop pre term labor -Father's Day: Hazel Annika was born!!! (5 1/2 weeks early) -She spent 4 days in the NICU -We have spent the last 3 weeks getting used to having a baby around! Reality Check: Having a baby is hard work! The first week at home was really rough....both physically and emotionally. We are finally settling in to our new life. But, I don't think I could love more than I love my daughter. I wouldn't trade my new life for anything. I honestly don't know what else to say....this has been a crazy and rewarding experience..... We love everything about her and can't stop taking pictures of her funny faces! I like to call her Hazel the Hiccup Queen. She gets the hiccups ALL of the time. More to come soon! -*Miss Emma*

I have always been against e-readers. I love nothing more than holding a book and turning the pages. Not to mention the smell of fresh ink on paper. But, recently I have realized that I own way too many books! I am bad about borrowing from the library, partly because Barnes and Noble is my favorite store. I just can't help but buy books. In order to conserve space and my sanity I decided to get an Amazon Kindle, and so far I love it! I know you can't see in the picture, but I also got a bright pink case that has a light in it. I plan on selling lots of books at our garage sale this weekend so that I don't feel so overwhelmed by the number of books I have. Luckily my parents are nice and realize that having an end of the summer birthday is no fun. I like to get my presents at the beginning of the summer so that I have time to enjoy them! So, thanks mom and dad for the Kindle!! I love it. Right now I am reading Little Women  and playing "Every Word" (an addicting w...

I am done working for the summer! Now I am focusing on getting ready for Hazel! We pretty much have everything ready. I just need to finish making some things, like the quilt! My mom ordered these adorable booties and sun hat from Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/threekittensknitting?ref=ss_profile Hazel's side of the room is almost ready. I am working on some paintings to hang above the banner. I hope they turn out cute! -*Miss Emma*

Here is a baby shower picture dump.... pay attention to all of the details! The mix of vintage, elephants, and girly colors was perfect! Thanks mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa for everything! 32 weeks pregnant! game table The cooler is full of individual scoops of Graeter's ice cream! Grandma thought I needed an umbrella...it was a shower after all! Sooo many gifts. Thanks everyone! Pictures of the "nursery" in progress will be up later this week! Only 3 more days of work before summer break! -*Miss Emma*

Today "Etsy team Columbus" put on an eco-friendly craft fair. It was a lot of fun. My mom and I made some good purchases, without going overboard! Chenille backed bibs: Chenille backed bib from www.fourmunkees.blogspot.com : Adorable vintage pillowcase dress for Hazel from "Peat and Repeat:" Newborn sized crochet hat from www.2yellowbirds.etsy.com : It is made from the softest organic yarn ever! This vintage elephant peg rack was part of "Peat and Repeat's" display. I asked if it happened to be for sale, and how much. My best $5 purchase of the day! Mom and I had lots of fun and saw some very interesting things. I hope this show is even bigger next year. Maybe they need a baby pants booth!!! -*Miss Emma*

I had a great mother's day! We got to spend time with Nathan's parents and my parents. Not to mention Hazel and I got some good presents :) My parents brought over Hazel's dresser, which luckily fits perfectly in my closet. It looks cuter than I thought it would. My mom and I organized it and filled it with clean baby clothes! How does my mom find the cutest little vintage trinkets? This is just perfect! Hazel got one of my favorite books, Goodnight Moon! This cute little pink wicker stand will not stay in the closet. It will soon be stationed by the changing table (our dresser) and will hold diapers and wipes as well as the burp cloths and bibs. One of my moms friends made Hazel this adorable blanket, I'm so in love! Nathan and Hazel got me 2 new charms for my Chamilia bracelet..... a baby carriage and an "H" Cute card from my parents: It was a fun day and we got lots accomplished! Tomorrow night we plan to grill hamburgers on the new grill w...