Web Applications

GLOGSTER
I have spent the last two hours putting together my first Glogster poster! Wow! Yes, it was a bit frustrating, as it usually is when learning something new. But I am completely hooked! So much fun building an online lesson/review of what we are learning in class! And one in which I can add video and images! I highly recommend this experience to all teachers. : )

I incorporated my Glogster into my blog: http://nancywinship.blogspot.com/

DELICIOUS
I enjoyed this social bookmarking site! I never knew this existed but I think it will be so useful in helping me organize all of the sites that I bookmark as a teacher. I can not wait to start using it tomorrow! And the cool thing about it is the "social" part... you can actually see which sites I have bookmarked, in case you want to check them out too!

GOOGLE DOCS
Google Docs is a web application that allows users to share documents to work on simultaneously, or to allow a user to access a document from any computer anywhere. I am constantly emailing documents to myself from home so that I can access them from school.  With Google Docs I now have somewhere to put my documents and always have access to them should I need them. Love this idea!


I created a document at home, with ideas for 5 Senses activities for my students. Here is a link to it:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ePwFC_6rUkiYG0W0NgfK5nZq_uYpjlYzbNiZ9WnZBU4/edit


GOOGLE READER
The next Web Application that I experimented with is Google Reader. I added a podcast and a couple of newspaper/education sections.  I love the idea of having relevant information/news available to me so easily! I am able to search specific topics and Google Reader will keep me updated with any new information about the topic. This will save alot of search time.

WIKI
I found Wiki a little difficult to work with. : /  I love the idea of having a place where my parents can access documents and respond. This could save alot of time and paper every time I need to share information with them!

Here is my link:  https://mswinship.wikispaces.com/home

DIGITAL STORY
My final web application to work with was Little Bird Tales. I had a great time creating a story about my class holiday party. This application was simple to use and creates a fun product to share! This was my favorite by far and I will be using it again! http://www.littlebirdtales.com/home/myTales/

WEB 2.0 TOOL
The new tool that I used was Penzu. This is basically an electronic journal. What I really like is that I set up a reminder. Penzu emails me once a week to remind me to journal. This keeps me on my toes!

3 BLOGS
Ecap Blog at http://ecapstudent.blogspot.com/

Life as an ELAR middle school Title 1 teacher at http://johnpcsilva.blogspot.com/

On the finer points of teaching music at http://www.wampuscatmusic.blogspot.com/ 

Five Senses

Stage Left

Starting a new career at my age has been quite an experience. I imagine this is how my kindergartners must feel. I'm a small fish in a big pond, overwhelmed by all that is new and all that is expected of me. But also excited to learn and grow every day!  I truly love working at Dover, but some days it's all I can do to just make it through. But on the best days, I make a connection, even if it's just a tiny one. I see it in the little faces looking up at me. They get it! Something clicks and they suddenly understand exactly what I'm talking about. And I smile to myself because THIS, THIS is exactly why I teach. And I have realized that it's actually not much different than parenting, in the sense that I want to teach my kids to be the best they can be. I want them to put their fears aside and dream big! It's what I teach my own kids... and I'm so proud when I see them face their fears and really go for it!

    

Pretty cute huh? See how she keeps looking to the side of the stage? That's where I was sitting as the stage manager. That's how I see my role as teacher. Running the show but sitting to the side, proudly watching my kids 'go for it.' They know right where I am if they need me.