Why do we do book reports?

I am just going to get this out in the open... I do not enjoy reading for pleasure. I prefer playing basketball, football or golf; the idea of sitting for hours and reading makes me queasy. My apologies to all those who love to read. I enjoy building things or creating projects; at the end of the day, I need a sense of accomplishment. As you can imagine, I had many heartaches growing up in school trying to read a book and then writing a three to eight page paper on what the book meant. Can you say? "Cliff Notes???" I remember reading a book on Earving "Magic" Johnson and one about "The Fonz"; the rest are vapors lost in the wind. Do you think I am the only kid like this? I understand the importance of reading a book and there may be some merit to writing a synopsis about the book, but what is the real reason we want students to read the book? What is the skill we want them to establish? How do we get them interested in reading? How do we motivate them? I know...make them write a paper on it. hmmm, How about make a poster out of construction paper and crayons? hmmmm...(A lot of companies are using construction paper and crayons in their workplace...probably not). or How about this....

Have students use digital projects to make their books come alive. Here are some ideas that could help revamp "book summaries":

1. Students create a storyboard of sequence for their movie trailer
2. Students use "Windows Movie Maker" to create movie trailers to get students excited about their book.
3. Post it on your school website
4. Organize a "movie screening" (bring popcorn)
5. Students should provide: details about the plot, characters and settings to promote their movie.

Other Ideas:
www.storybird.com
www.kerpoof.com (teacher accounts available)
www.xtranormal.com


references:
"A Book Report Your Students Will Love", Keith Ferrell, Dec-Jan. 2010-11, Learning and Leading.

Microsoft Outlook Web Meeting Request

How many times have you emailed someone or had someone email you about an event and then you had to reply and then go back to the calendar and add all the information into your calendar. Stress no more. I have created this short, informative and inspiring video to ease your anxiety and stress. Click below to watch how to create a meeting request in Microsoft Outlook.

http://tinyurl.com/bgisdoutlookmeeting


I was so excited about my last blog...One person commented. Thanks Mom

Google Tips

I found this article about Google Tips and thought you might like it.
Google Tips for the Classroom

Microsoft Office E Book

Here is a great resource for help with Microsoft Office. I liked pages 13 and 14 for someone interested in how and why you work on your design of documents and presentations.

http://www.bgreen.kyschools.us/userfiles/991/Classes/6926/Microsoft%20Office%20EBook.xps

TeachMeet KY

I just wanted to say that the TeachMeet KY was a great success. Please visit the wikispace link below to learn more: http://kentuckyteachmeet2010.wikispaces.com/

Interwrite Workspace Lessons

Since we have updated to the Interwrite Workspace 8.8, there have been some changes to how you can upload lessons via the internet or from your content gallery. Please check out this link to watch a short video on how to get lessons:
http://www.bgreen.kyschools.us/olc/page.aspx?id=20279&s=1422

Teachers gotta Teach

I was fortunate enough last week to listen to a presentation by Dr. Holliday (KY Commissioner of Education)in which he discussed how we need teachers to teach with high standards in mind. He shared some of the new Senate Bill 1 ideas, such as: the content standards, new balanced assessments,testing accountability and so on. What impressed me most was he began his presentation with slides of students. He proposed we think about where we want those kids to be in 20 years. Now that I have past 40... things come into perspective more than they used to when I was young, handsome and in shape...well I was at least young one time. I am always pleased to hear Joe Tinius speak because he genuinely cares about the students and staff. So much so, he even said in front of the Commissioner of Education that testing was important but not our most important concern... It was for our kids and helping them achieve in life...test or not. I absolutely agree. We have students who do not know their fathers, whose mothers are on crack, they are facing abusive situations or have families who have to worry about how to pay for their electricy, rent or food. I like technology. I think we must use it to engage our students. However, we need to love and care for our students and we need to be good teachers. I hope you teach because you like teaching, if not...
Some good things:
1. 5 more teachers in the last 2 weeks have decided to use their interwrite tables
2. I have seen several teachers using their interwrite software to show interactive strategies.
3. Internet Safety week is coming and the high school has students coming to the elementary schools to talk about it.
4. the junior high and high school are creating videos on internet safety