Youtube in the classroom

There are thousands of great resources floating around on YouTube. I know plenty of colleagues who would love to show Khan Academy clips, animated stories, character education videos or silly brain breaks. Some teachers are still apprehensive about using YouTube. We've all heard the horror stories and sometimes the risk isn't worth it. Here are a 2 tips to help make YouTube more classroom friendly.   

Tip #1 Pre-screen
No matter what the content or the source I always watch the videos at home before showing it to my class. I do this to ensure the appropriateness of the content but also the value. I don't have 4 minutes to waste on irrelevant information.

Tip # 2 filter the video through an alternate source. 
Ok so you found the prefect video to explains proper nouns but there is profanity in the comment section, an unrelated suggested video on the side bar or maybe it has an ad that you want to skip. Pintrest is a great way around all of that. I simply pin the video to my "YouTube in the classroom" board and then play the video off of Pintrest. All you see is the video!
Check out my YouTube Pintrest board for more great ideas.
http://www.pinterest.com/anchoredinlearn/youtube-in-the-classroom/

How do you use YouTube in the classroom?

You Oughta Know... August Blog Hop

 Hey everyone!


This week I am taking a break from DIY Saturdays to join other amazing bloggers in this August's You Oughta Know Blog Hop. With school right around the corner I am going to focus on Parent Teacher Conferences.

Finding the right words for Parent Teacher conferences and Report Card comments can be challenging and time consuming. You have to make sure that your phrases convey the right attitude, they need to be unbiased and sincere. You shouldn't say the same thing about multiple students and you have to remember what you said each time. Here is how I  plan and organize  for my conferences. Click the link below to grab your  own editable copy for free. Glow and Grow Template


I start out by using this Grow and Glow conference sheet. I use the top portion to record grades and  general remarks (exceeds expectation,  good, doing well, needs improvement...) I use my grade book and student artifacts to complete this portion of the sheet. When speaking with parents you have to be accurate. Some parents may challenge what you say and it helps to have student artifacts to back you up. While I am organizing this  section I use a sticky note to jot down any impressions or thoughts for the comments. This will make filling out the  bottom section of the template easier.

Next, I begin drafting my comments for the bottom part of the sheet. In this space I focus on areas of strength and ways to improve. I typically aim for 2 comments in the glow sections and 3 in the grow section. I use a variety of resources to make comment writing easier. I picked this book up at my local book store and I can't say enough about it. There are perfectly drafted sentences for all many different areas of concern.  The book also provides many useful positive comments for students who are doing just fine. I would highly recommend picking it up if you have a chance. Scholastic also provides teachers with sample report card comments on their website. 101 Report Card Comments

I hope this helps make conferences time a little easier. Don't forget to checkout more great tips from the bloggers below.

Thanks
for stopping by!

An InLinkz Link-up

Back to School Advice for New Teachers

Hi everyone!
Today I'm linking up with Happy Teacher, Happy Kids, and other amazing teacher bloggers to give advice to new teachers. Although I am fairly new to the teaching field I have a few tips based on my own experience and advice that I have received in the past.

1. Know that what you do matters.
Sometimes you feel unappreciated or under valued, you may think your students just aren't getting it, and you might even feel like giving up. Know that you are important and the your teaching will have an impact on your students. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday.  Remind yourself that what you do and perhaps what you don't do, matters.

2. Make friends.
It is important to make friends with people that can help you, custodians, secretaries, support staff and your grade level team. When the bulb to my projector went out three days before my observation I was  glad that I took time out to build a relationship with the IT crew.  They were able to get me up and running in no time. Yes, they would have helped me regardless of our friendship, but a smile can expedite things.  We instill in our students the importance of teamwork and collaboration, the same must be true with teachers. There is enough stress and drama to deal with in the world, don't add to it.

3. Never underestimate the power of a good bargain.
I love, love, LOVE  dollar stores and thrift shops. Many dollars stores have a teacher sections where you can pick up cheap stickers, organizing bins, and supplies. This summer I picked up super cute neon baskets to organize my classroom library. I have also scored many great deals at various thrift shops. I've purchased boardgames, bookshelves, indoor recess toys, and read-aloud books without breaking the bank.  You can also use your Teacher ID card to get discounts at many clothing and craft stores and even save money on your wireless bill.


Now head on over to Happy Teacher, Happy Kids, to read some more great tips.
More Great Tips