2 Great Teaching Websites

March 21, 2014

As I was playing around on the Internet today, I came across two amazing sites. The first one is called http://www.awesomestories.com, which provides engaging stories, films, and primary sources. I did not have much luck finding math curriculum, but I did find plenty of English and history subjects. If you need more information, check out this flyer.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0anUfWpJ2-6d0RhdFVaUmZUbW8/edit?usp=docslist_api

The second site I found is called Trackstar. Trackstar helps teachers organize and annotate websites for use in lessons. This site will complement any we quests you use in your classroom,
Here is a link for a short list of tracks.
http://trackstar.4teachers.org/trackstar/ts/listTrackGroupMembersPage.do?filter(groupCode)=TOPTRACK&pageSize=20

Mexico Trip

Our MAT group went to Mexico to learn about the education system and living conditions there. Follow the link to learn about our experience.

http://matmexico2013.wordpress.com/

Unlocking the Power of the ipad for the Blind

Follow the link below to see how the ipad is being used in education.

Ipad can help Visually Impaired Students

Positive Classroom Discipline

Here is a video on positive classroom discipline. This classroom management approach is used and proved to be effective. The teacher from Freedom Writers found herself using this strategy without realizing it.

Freedom Writers

MLK Day

Most of us see MLK day as a day off, but this website suggests that it should be a day on. A day on to serve the community and help others.

MLK DAY

Should armed security be allowed in school?

The NRA posted this new commercial criticizing Obama's stand for no guns in school. They try attacking President Obama by saying his children have armed security so why can't ours? I think the NRA is over their heads. We don't want guns in school in the first place so why would we want armed guards? Some children do not feel safe going to school, like the kids from Sandy Hook in New York. I do not believe that armed guards greeting me everyday would make me feel safe. I would be concerned; I would constantly wonder why we need armed guards.

I do believe in taking preventive measures. I am still waiting to see how New York's new measures work, but I believe talking to students before a problem escalates is the answer. If your very next thought is that you never know who will be the next kid or teen to bring a gun to school then you are not paying attention. It is the parents' and teachers' job to pay attention and take a special interest in all students. Living the life of a teenager is not easy, and I am sure most of you can remember your middle and high school experiences. Teenagers need role models and any of us could fit the mold. Take the time and get to know your children and students. Together we can stop violence in schools.

Here is the NRA commercial:
NRA Ad

Quotes

"The purpose of education is to enhance understanding" (Gardner, 1991).