In Awe of Learning

I recently had the opportunity to interview with Angela Watson from the Cornerstone For Teachers. She asked a series of very thought provoking questions relating to teachers remaining positive and loving the job they have. It was by far the most intimate exploration of my thoughts. I will not hide that it made me cry once I completed the interview. I realized how amazing it can be to be a teacher and made it love my classroom that much more.

http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/2014/05/secrets-teachers-love-jobs-stay-awe-learning-process.html

I hope this post helps you find the joy in what you do everyday in your classroom.

LACUE Conference

After what seems like a period of hibernation, we are back to blogging. Who know that something we love to talk about so much and explore to no end would be so hard to put into words on a regular basis? I know that Rachel and Ashleigh both agree with me when I express the following thought.

We find ourselves so embedded in to creating great technology lessons, writing grants, and helping solve techie issues in our own little building or life that we have found it somewhat challenging to put our thoughts and ideas into words and share within the blogging world.

But I digress...what has been going on in our little techie world?

Our latest adventure is our state's annual technology conference. The three of us look forward to this conference. We just get all giddy waiting for that email asking for help with monitoring the session rooms and get down right thrilled when we get the email to submit a proposal for LACUE. This conference is just right for three techie girls like us. We always walk away from the two day event with a sense of accomplishment. The three hour trip home is filled with constant chatter about what we learned, what we want to try, or what will finally break out of comfort zone and do. Our geek level rising pretty high during the conference and really explodes once we get together. But we couldn't and wouldn't want it any other way. 

 

Loved hanging out with the vendors showing their greatest tools for a tech savvy classroom. 

Breaking out of our "fruity" comfort zone. 

This year as been extra special for our team. Ashleigh was awarded with multiple awards this year. The first award was given for her students' video entry on bullying. Ashleigh was also awarded LACUE's Elementary Teacher of the Year for our region. And of course we were overjoyed when she was announced as LACUE's Elementary Teacher of the Year for the state. These awards were very well deserved. Ashleigh really works diligently with our parish's tech department and our school. Her expertise truly has no end because she is continually learning . We just couldn't be prouder that is a a third of our team.

Ashleigh and our Chief Technology Officer for our parish, Sheryl Abshire. 

Time for Change

I can honestly say that 2013 has been a whirlwind year for me. Things have been changing in my life  I've really become conscience about my health and have worked hard to redefine myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Personally, I've really had a great year of change! I work out everyday, lost a tremendous amount of weight, made friends, rekindled some old friendships, and found some inner peace.

So where does this leave me professionally? One of my former administrators used to always tell us that if we stayed in the same place for more than five years, we would become stagnant. I do find truth in those words. With all these changes that have taken place in my own personal life, it is now time for me to make some changes in my professional life as well.

When I was a student teacher I remember saying I NEVER wanted to teach at one specific middle school. It's was a middle school that was little rough around the edges. I was very intimidated at the thought of completing my student teaching there. After some unforeseen circumstances, I had to request a transfer to another school. The semester of observations were lost to me and I was stuck walking into a classroom that I've never observed and was still expected to teach kids I didn't know. Sometimes I think God really has a sense of humor because I was granted the transfer request and placed in the one middle school that I NEVER wanted to teach in. At that point in life maybe I should have learned never say never!

Since that time, I've taught in the same school for 8 out of my 9 years of teaching. I've taught all grade levels 6-8 ELA and Math. One year of teaching at my school, I realized  I wanted to be a math teacher. I taught one hour of math that year and fell in LOVE with it. I loved having one answer to the question. As a teacher it was wonderful for me to have one answer. Math was black and white and I embraced it! I decided at that point I NEVER wanted to teach ELA again. I gave away all of my ELA posters and embraced my life as a math teacher. I put the pedal to the metal and had no intentions of turning back.

What's that saying...Tell God your plans and watch Him laugh? YEP... in comes that sense of humor once again.

At the end of April I was discussing my subject and common core with our lead teacher. I knew there was going to be several openings for us at school as we were going to have a year of "big" turnover. In our school people had to die or retire for you to get a job. Sometimes that's still true, but this has been our first "big" turnover since I've been there. Several subjects were opening up as people retired, moved jobs, transferred to other school districts, etc.. While talking about school changes with our lead teacher,  I heard these word come from my very own being: "I think I want to teach ELA next year." My eyes bugged out as I realized the words that escaped my lips. I was a math teacher! I had NO desire to be an ELA teacher. I had no desire to ever do that again. I weighed the pros and cons of it before officially putting in my crazy request. And now I find myself preparing to teach 7th grade ELA for the upcoming school year.

So.... here I am again facing the unknown. I look at this as a challenge like I do when I go to the Crossfit box. We have WODs (workouts of the day) written on the board. We usually enter the box and look at the board sizing up the WOD to see if it's doable. It is ALWAYS hard, but somehow we manage the challenge. We leave the box feeling worn out, stronger, empowered, and feeling like we can take on the world (after we take a shower of course!). And I can say that I have been completely successful since my initial visit to "the box" I'm leaner and stronger than I ever imagined I would be.

So I look at this opportunity to teach 7th grade ELA as a WOD in my career. I've spent most of the summer sizing up the task that lay before me. I've had moments of panic and have spent many phone calls talking to some really close friends. All of these wonderful people have "talked me down" when the panic swelled up in my throat causing me to fear the unknown. I've worked diligently to even change my classroom from monsters to a color theme. I needed a clean break for my students because I'm moving up with them. I'll be teaching some of my former students, but this time it'll be a different subject and a different grade. I've seen many of my former students throughout the summer. They have begged to be in my class next year. Each time I swell with pride. My students may not like the subject I teach, but for some reason they love my class!

So here I am at the end of July. Wrapping up the summer and preparing for the upcoming school year. Actually I've been working on bits and pieces of school all summer. Tomorrow I meet with the rest of the 7th grade ELA teachers as we plan the upcoming nine weeks of school. Our curriculum changed drastically. I often think I picked a great year to embrace the change. I have a peace now about what I'm doing. It'll be one day at a time, one lesson at a time. I've have some really great teachers to work with and I'm looking forward to bringing my technology knowledge to the table. One of the big selling points for change was to the ability to integrate my classroom set of iPads more frequently, if not on a daily basis. I am anxious to encounter the options that will become available for my class. I recently stepped into my new classroom that and it felt like home. I'm really looking forward to the exciting opportunities of growth this year will present.

Change is good...

Tech Camp 2013... WOW

Picture this! Thirty kids in a classroom. Each kid has a iPad Mini in hand and anxiously awaiting what the day will bring!

Our school district provides an annual tech camp each year. With tuition or scholarship, students in our district are given an an iPad Mini, a t shirt, and themed activities to conquer within the week. This year our students also received a purchased copy of iMovie. Rachel and I were privileged to join the amazing tech staff for this year's camp. 

Now, one would ask, what could we possibly do with an iPad Mini besides show the kids apps to use and play. Well, my friend, you would be amazed at the projects these children where able to accomplish on a hand held device. I was truly baffled myself at the brilliant and creative minds within my lab. 

With a Monster U theme, I worked with fourth and fifth graders. Campers were provided with FREE apps to download each day for the projects we planned. In all honesty these projects were NOT easy, but the campers sure made it look like it was simple. 

Each day our campers were required to download, play with, and journal an app of their choice. To journal their app of choice, the kids used two great apps:

Story by Disney 

Although this app is an iPhone app, it works great on iPad as well. Story by Disney is like an interactive picture book which allows you to load pictures and video from your camera roll. It also allows you to add title pages and unfolds as you narrate your way through the created "story". 

Our kiddos used the app to archive their daily app of choice. They were required to add a title page, a couple of screen shots, and a video explaining the app. At the end of the week, each camper had two stories to show their parents. Initially, we thought they would have one story; however, we learned that the app only allows the user to embed to videos. As teachers do, we quickly had to explain to the kiddos that we were making two stories. Of course, they had no problem with the change.  

If you are looking to download the app, remember to look in the iPhone tab. 

Tellagami

In order to video their description of their app of choice, our campers used this easy app. Tellagami allows you to customize your avatar, record your own voice right on your device, and embed it to your blog or web page. 

Our campers loved creating a Gami each day and routinely produce the requirement each day with instruction. 

I use Tellagami as my introduction to my Blackboard page. It's a great app to have in your classroom as another means for students to communicate their information they have learned. 

With Monster U in mind, our campers created sororities, fraternities, and something that we called "sofrenities" because we had a combination of boys and girls in the group. As a project, they were asked to created a "poster of their group. We gave them a website to develop a motto in Latin. We also gave them a website that helped them create a crest. We ensured pictures were taken of each member and a picture of their group was taken. To put it all together, we used an amazing app called Master FX by Dropico.

Master FX

Think Photoshop! This app is amazing! During the week of camp, the app was free. If you want to get your hands on this app, it will cost you $5.99 for the basic package. With Master FX, students can put themselves in a scene or create a setting with text.

Once we gave the instruction, I was blown away by the utter creativity coming out of these little minds. We had one little boy place himself in the desert. To place himself in the desert, he needed a picture. So he walked up to me and ask for me to perform the task. As I prepared to take his picture, he bent down as if he were tired and thirsty. I had to laugh out of sheer enjoyment of his thought process. We had some kiddos swimming in the ocean, flying in the air, hiding in the forest. It was truly a sight to see. We, as teachers, could only look up and smile at each other.

Many thanks to Ozzy for posing for this picture. His the only one in the family willing to pose for me. 

As we finished up the week, we had our little brains using iMovie to create both a trailer and a little movie. And they truly did not disappoint. Their trailer task was based on a game app they love. It required lots of screen shots while they played which is really difficult. Especially with action packed game apps, but they did it. 

iMovie

iMovie is priced at $4.99. There are NOT many apps I will purchase, but after seeing this app in the hands of the kids and the ease in which they manipulated it, I was sold.

After watching the magic, I came home and created a trailer with the pictures I took during the week. It gives you so much ability to be creative. I can not wait to add this to the line up of  possible tools to use as a means create reading projects.


All in all, I had the best week! With the start of school mere weeks away, I really shifted the gears into teacher mode. I loved watching our little campers show off during parent visitation Friday afternoon. It reminded me that we have to meet our kids at their level. We are teaching Digital Natives. I know I don't want my natives to be restless!

Wanna check out the magic! Visit the Tech Camp web site.

Stronger

The end of my school year was filled with lots of emotion! My little angel started Kindergarten this year, and boy oh boy, her first year of school was the best year of her life!

I tried so hard to soak up every moment...every new word read...every blend, every digraph, every diphthong. When I taught first grade, I loved seeing my students learn to read and become fluent readers...this year, I was able to experience this from the parent's perspective! I enjoyed every milestone and every accomplishment of my angel becoming a reader!

I loved seeing Ave and her little friends develop friendships that will last a lifetime. I soaked up the smiles, giggles, and amazing personalities of these girls! At times my heart hurt when Ave and her friends had to deal with "trouble on the playground" with some girls who said hurtful things...all the while knowing that these tough situations will make them stronger.

Sometimes, stopping to truly cherish each moment is hard and life can get in the way! This is where my emotions took over, I saw an entire year of Ave's life flash by! That last week of school, I cried more than I think I ever have before. If one school year can fly by that fast, I want to slow down even more! I want to bookmark and snapshot each and every moment of these memories and file them away so that I can hold on to this precious time! I want to surround Ave with amazing people and teachers who will be involved in every aspect of the development of my wonderful, caring, and talented little lady! I want to encourage her, support her, and push her farther than she may think she can go...I want to be her biggest cheerleader while teaching her that life simply isn't fair. I want to show her that hard work and dedication can help her chase her dreams and that losing or falling makes you STRONGER! I want her to know that getting up after you fall is what shows character! I want her to be proud of who she is and stand up for what she knows is right...and not let anyone tear her down. I want her to dance her heart out and sing at the top of her lungs...not worrying about what anyone says or thinks. I want her to know she is loved.

Some may say I'm too involved or I care too much. I say, how can you be TOO involved? Isn't that what being a parent is all about?

To you "helicopter" parents, keep on hovering...these are your babies! You only have them for a little while! You are your child's first and BEST teacher! Show them how to love, care, and treat others with kindness, stay involved and ask questions...lots of questions! This is my goal...so that when Avery graduates, I will know that I stopped to smell the proverbial rose. I will know that I was able to truly see her grow...that I didn't blink...that I LIVED every minute with my precious gift from above!

The time has come to close a chapter in Ave's life...GOODBYE Kindergarten...HELLO 1st grade!
I can't wait to see what amazing memories we make this year!

Techie Teacher Takes a Trip

After much planning and anticipation, my family and I hit the road to spend a week in the city we once called home, Raleigh, North Carolina. It has been a busy 11 years since we left Raleigh to move back to our hometown of Moss Bluff, Louisiana.

With the spark and enthusiasm of Chevy Chase in National Lampoon's Vacation, we decided to hit the road in our SUV for a 16 hours trip. Our family would be spending the better part of a day and a half in close quarters. Excitement at its best for our two grown boys, right? Sure!

We hit the road with a great amount of technology to keep everyone fully entertained for the long haul. As I took inventory of the technology that would make the trip, I was taken back to a time when these boys were entertained by coloring books, travel games, small toys, and books made of paper. Eleven years later, the car was filled with an iPad. two Nexus tablets, Nooks, and cell phones with hundreds of charging devices and car adapters. Tons to do.

I, myself, took time to download my favorite magazines from the public library's website, checked to ensure my latest summer must reads were downloaded on to my Nook, and typed in addresses for our points of interests into Google Maps. What would this techie teacher be without her techie tools in hand?

During our trip, I slowly began to realize how much technology played an intricate part of each day. The Garmin GPS alone was the best resource. Pop in the address and away we would go. With its polite British lady cluing my husband to his next exit safely, the Garmin navigated us to and from the Asheboro Zoo, Southpoint Mall, and Wrightsville Beach. It was a tremendous help as we searched for lunch and dinner solutions during our journey. With a few taps of the screen, we were never lost!

The kids finished four books which were tucked away in their little Nooks. Even after receiving my first generation Nook years ago, it is still amazes me how quickly I can be reading a book and how much room I have saved myself since switching to an e reader. Everyone in the family has officially converted to Nooks. We have even converted my oldest son's girlfriend with a Nook as a graduation present.

There were so many times during our trip when I was thrilled to see a Nook propped up on a knee or the door. Reading was happening in my car. Now that I think back to last week's trip, I really didn't see games being played or apps being used. I saw reading...lots of reading!  Not because someone had an assignment. Not because it was required. Reading for the sake of reading. And the educator in me was overjoyed.

We also found ourselves "googling" everything. What time does that store open? Where is the nearest drug store? How much are the zoo tickets? I found it funny that the words I use quite often with my students when they are stuck on a question were the same words I was using on my vacation. "Let's look it up" turned out to be a great help during our little vacation.

I think I could surely go on and on about the little things technology did for us during this trip. This is the world that our Digital Natives are growing up in as they become adults. And I begin to question whether these are the things we are teaching our little natives when we have them for 9 months of the year. Technology helped me problem solve during my family trip. Am I teaching my students to problem solve using the technology that is so useful?

Always thinking,

It Is A Pinterest World and I Am A Pinterest Girl

Lately I have been spending my evenings lost in the world that Pinterest has created for me. It has become my ultimate procrastination buddy. I get completely lost in the recipes, amazing outfits that I wish someone would place in my closet, and the greatest education tools and lessons. My boards are filled with the neatest things. And I find myself saying, "I found it on Pinterest!" way tooooo much!

I always settle in to my Pinterest world by exploring the popular pins first. If other people are pinning this stuff to their boards, I really should consider pinning it to my boards. RIGHT? Then I adventure into education and really sink into oblivion.

 I can say that I truly use the things that I pin. We have tried numerous recipes. Some meals were a huge success, but others I have attempted belong in the EPIC FAIL hall of fame. We've made spinach lasagna rolls and a crock pot cheesy chicken tater tot casserole. My boys absolutely loved them and now ask for those meals quite often. And then there was the dried strawberries! Let's just say that they looked nothing like the pictures. The strawberry pieces shriveled into something that resemble dried octopus tentacles. It made for a good laugh, but not an appealing snack.

The wardrobe in my Pinterest world makes me look fabulous. Oh how I would love to open my closet one day to find the perfect outfit complete with jewelry and shoes. I do have to say that the outfits that I have pinned has inspired how I shop and what items I coordinate. I have even learned which necklace to choose when wearing a certain neckline. Oh yes, I do believe I am becoming a fashionista.

I'm also a quote hoarder. Pinterest is perfect for collecting all those beautiful motivating or thought provoking quotes. Quotes from my favorite books, life lived quotes, educational quotes... you name it! I hoard it!

But my favorite board has to be my "Teachery Things" board. We live in a beautiful age for education. Finding resources and helpful tools has never been easier. Through Pinterest, I have been able to connect to some pretty spectacular blogs and teachers who inspire me with their ideas. Just before school started this year, I found myself rummaging around my education board to ensure I utilize the anchor charts, classroom management ideas, and lessons.

A picture is worth a thousand words... and I find this Pinterest utopia I created to be completely worth the time spent wandering among the pins. I wonder what "Pinteresting" things I find today and use tomorrow. What do you find "Pinteresting"?

Just Do It!



Just Do It!

Although this is a snazzy tag line for a famous athletic equipment company, it can also be a state of mind! Sometimes we have to put those three simple words in our heads in order to convince ourselves we CAN do it!

Grant Writing...for most teachers, this is a foreign language...generalizations aside, a lot of teachers are intimidated when it comes to writing grants! Early in my education career, I thought that those who were more experienced or smarter were the only teachers who received grants...that is until the day I made myself “Just Do It!”  I overcame my fears and authored my first grant…from that moment, I was hooked!  I am now in the process of authoring my 8^th grant and wanted to share a few grant writing tips with you!

·         Search for grant opportunities—I usually begin thinking of grant topics when I see an area that my students need help with!  All of my grants have been born out of needing equipment, software, or materials to meet the needs of my students.  This is ever changing, and so are the grants I apply for! 

·         RESEARCH, ReSeArCh, research—Once you have located a grant that will allow you to meet the needs of your students, research the various aspects of that particular grant.  What does the application process entail?  Are there specific requirements in order to apply?  What is the actual commitment?  How long is the commitment?  What products do I have to produce to prove I have met the requirements of the grant?  After you have researched the entire grant and decided this grant is for you, it’s time to start thinking about your proposal!

·         Final Product—I always begin with a final product in mind.  This allows me to gather my thoughts and work through problem areas of the unit before I begin writing.  I often have several pages of brainstorming before I begin my lesson plan for the project.  Not all grants require a lesson plan, but for me, this is the most crucial part!  I need to have a plan in order to constructively draft my proposal.  So, with an end product in mind and plan in mind, I begin writing the narrative portion of my grants.  I’ve found that focusing on the crucial aspects of the lesson, being concise and focused will help in the overall structure of your proposal!

·         Be yourself—I think that passion and persistence are key!  Your passion for enhancing your lessons and providing for your students in order to meet their needs will shine through if you are writing from the heart!  Remember to stay current, research often, and keep pushing yourself to reach out of your comfort zone!  If you aren’t successful at first, keep trying!  You CAN do it! 

I am in NO WAY a professional grant writer, but I have learned a lot along the way…how to reflect, dream BIG, and overcome my fears.  The lessons I’ve learned through my grant writing have made me a better teacher!  I wish you all the best in your grant writing endeavors...to quote Effie Trinket, "May the odds be ever in your favor!"

We're at DEF CON 5 people

Pages from the wonderful book, Testing Miss Malarkey. 

Here it is... we are knocking on the door to the state test. Test samples have been reviewed and discussed. We have gone through every test taking tip known to mankind. I do believe my kids are ready! BUT is the teacher ready?

I have attended the ever important test security meeting. I have been given the dos and don'ts of proper monitor procedures. That meeting has led to a long list of preparation tasks to complete before Monday morning.

1. Cover any content related material that adorn my classroom walls.
2. Move the desks into properly spaced rows.
3. Sharpen two pencils for each student...I know I don't have to do this task. They are 5th graders. They can sharpen their own, right? I do it for them as an act of love for my students. Almost like new pencils for the first day of school. There is just something about holding a new pencil.
4. Place a chair in the back of the room... just in case a state monitor decides to visit MY room all all the room in the school to monitor.
5. Prepare encouragement surprise treats for my kiddos so that each morning they will find a small goody
   with a corny phrase about doing well. By the way, I truly love spending my pre-testing week weekend
   completing this task.

and the list goes on....

The worry will start some time in the middle of Sunday night. I will stare at the darkness and beg for a good night's rest like I told my students to get each night. It isn't a worry about content and whether I covered everything I was supposed to cover. No, it is more of a hope of each little love I have had the opportunity to educate. I want them to do well for their own accomplishment and not because my pay will be affected or whether my job hangs on their every bubble.

It always baffles me when I think about how exhausted I am each day after testing. And I didn't take the test!! I assume my exhaustion comes from the hope for my students to think clearly and to know they can accomplish this daunting task.

So, Monday will come and I will walk those rows of desks to monitor the test before them, make sure they didn't skip a bubble or two, and to collect their materials after each session. I will also walk those rows to show my support for them, somehow try to inject my love for them through an encouraging smile and light hand on their back. I just want them to know that I am there for THEM.... and so wish I could take their place.

When Monday, April 15th rolls around, we will all go back to normal. My desks will be back in their sets of 4 for maximum collaborative learning.We will learn things to prepare for 6th grade because that was what I thought I was supposed to do. It will be a happy little classroom once again.

P.S., I know that my post isn't very techie in thought, but this post has been very therapeutic. Thanks for reading.

ASCD in Chicago

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the ASCD 68th Annual Conference & Exhibit Show March 16-18, 2013 in Chicago, Ill. 

This was my first opportunity to attend a national conference, and now...I'm completely hooked!  I learned so much during my time in Chicago, presented with some phenomenal people, and met some leaders in the education field...I will share more about what I learned in the weeks to come!  For now, here are some highlights from my amazing trip! Chicago is such a neat city!

I had the best view on the plane!

Although this is not a picture of Lake Michigan...there are a couple things I'd like to share about the lake!

#1

Lake Michigan is HUGE...and by HUGE, I mean enormous, gigantic, humongous, immense, jumbo, magnificent, mammoth, massive, monumental, mountainous...yeah, it's pretty big for a small town girl from the bayou!

#2

Lake Michigan is beautiful!  The color is remarkable and breathtaking!  I've been all over the country and have never seen water like this.  It is a surprising steely blue-green color...almost silver at times!  Simply gorgeous! 

The energy in the city was pretty amazing!  I stayed in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, walking distance from the best of everything!  It was so nice to stroll down Michigan Avenue and see the sights!

The heart of Chicago reminded me of a cross between New Orleans and what I imagine New York to be like.

St. Patrick's Day is a pretty big deal in Chicago!  The festivities begin when they dye the Chicago River GREEN!

FLEXCAT...Hear What Your Students Are Thinking!!!

FLEXCAT is a brand new product that was launched at the ASCD conference by Lightspeed Technologies.  I have been very fortunate to be part of the pilot study for this product that allows me to have flexible audio for differentiated group instruction!  The FLEXCAT has changed the way I teach and what I am able to learn from my students...now, I can actually HEAR what my students are thinking!  I will be doing a feature post regarding this amazing product in the coming weeks to give you better insight as to how it has changed my classroom! 

Lastly, I was told that I couldn't go to Chicago and NOT have deep dish pizza...I'm not much of a pizza fan, but WOWZA, this was the best pizza I've ever had!  They sure know how to make it right!

I can't wait to visit Chicago again!  Not only did I learn a lot at the conference, but I was able to explore an amazing city!  I will be forever grateful for this wonderful learning opportunity!

What did I ever do without ....

I love technology! I love using it, exploring with it, and teaching my little peeps how to use it productively. I love it, but I think technology has me at a disadvantage.

These thoughts all started just last week when I accidentally left my iPad at home. I did the panic mode search that we all do when we can't find a very valuable piece of our life. And then realized that  it never made it into my school bag. I really felt lost all day. No on the spot Class Dojo. No 10 minute free play reward for the hard working kiddos. No checklist!!!!! However, I am happy to say that I did  make it through the day slightly unharmed.

It happened again on Monday, but with my iPhone this time. I really didn't panic as much as I could have. I rarely need my phone during the hours of 8 to 3. And anyone in my life knows its go time once the day starts and there is no time for the outside world until 3. The only exception is my boys and husband. That's a given, right? If the husband had been out of town, then I would have become a nervous wreck. My thoughts would have instantly ran the long list of "no phone" questions.

"What if one of the boys need me?"

"What if the husband gets in an accident to or from the Houston office?"

"What if one of my parents ....?"

Of course, the phone wasn't missed all that much. The husband was working from home and kept me updated through email if I received any crucial text from our boys.

However, it really has me thinking about all the other pieces of technology in my life that I just can not "live without" in my life. I am so very dependent on my Activboard, those flipcharts, and my precious mounted projector. I think I can remember how to teach without them, but I would rather not attempt such an adventure these days. Technology doesn't take 100% of my instructional day, but it is used more often than not. I have recently had to replace the batteries in most my ActivExpressions because we use them so much. The purchase of 75 AA batteries can get quite expensive! However, it is a wonderful blessing to have them in my room and seems to become a necessity to each day.

Yep, I really don't know what I would do without the technology in my classroom.

It's the Little Things

Throughout the hustle and bustle of a normal day in 6th grade, it's easy to overlook the little things. I've been working hard over the past nine years of teaching to acquire technology in my classroom. I've written several grants to obtain technology for my classroom and become a technology leader in my parish (that's our version of a county for our non Louisiana friends). At the beginning of this year I began using Apple TV in my classroom. This little box allows me to mirror an iPad to my board. I have an older projector and had to use a converter box to run the Apple TV&nbsp. It's been great! Here's my converter box.  

The sound doesn't work as well as I would like it,but I made do with what I had. I could have invested in speakers that would have aided in the sound control, but I really didn't worry too much about it. Although I loved this little piece of technology, I had problems with apps locking up and causing me to close and reopen the app I was using. It was very frustrating, but I understood that I was converting from HDMI to VGA and worked with the kinks.

I decided around the Christmas holiday that I wanted to purchase a flat screen television for my classroom. It was time to tighten up my presentations. With a converter box, there was a continuous switch of my VGA cable to and from the converter box in order to project my work station or mirror my iPad. I wanted to be able to use my Promethean board and be able to have Class Dojo running for my students at the same time. You just can't do that with a converter box. So I began the long process of television shopping around the holiday season trying to find the best deal. I finally decided on a 46 " Hitachi television after about 2 1/2 months of looking.  

The day the television was delivered to my classroom, you would have thought it was Christmas! My students were so very excited to see the television. Ironically enough the previous television in my classroom was antiquated and 1/3 of the screen was wonky. My room was moving into a new age and everyone was giddy. I had the custodians mount the television to the wall directly above my Promethean board. My homeroom class was filled with glee! All I heard was if they would be able to watch morning announcements on the new toy. I laughed at their innocence and explained that we could as soon as I ran the cable to it. After a day of set up, my homeroom was super excited to watch the announcements on it and argued about who would get to use the remote to turn it on. 

I was able to further impress them when I had Class Dojo running on the television while we used the Promethean board. They all begged to see their monsters on the big screen. The giving and taking away of points became so much more important to them as they could see it happening live. This added such an amazing dimension to my classroom. My students are so good with the set up that when the iPad times out the students are quick to let me know so I can broadcast it back on the big screen. 

And it just keep getting better! We are learning about equations this week and I wanted to show a BrainPop video to them. I checked their homework with them using my document camera and then quickly switched gears to display the BrainPop video from my iPad. You would have thought I performed techie magic when they realized they were able to watch BrainPop on the television. The Apple TV is such a small box, but its effects on a classroom can be vast! Hearing the students get excited about watching something as simple as a BrainPop video or even seeing their Dojo monsters on the big screen makes all the work to perfect this setup worth it. 

As teachers sometimes we forget that it really is the little things that can impress our students. Paying attention to the small details can have HUGE impacts on our students. Nothing makes a teacher more proud than hearing the appreciation from their students about something that took a lot of work to achieve. I know for me hearing the excitement over such a small piece of technology made my television search well worth it!