Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about tablets, a few ratholes, add-ons, and more. Dave has the Language of science. 

Jokes:  

---

---

What if your Dad was a minotaur, and your Mom was a Mermaid. 

• And you got human half from each and are just some guy. 

---

Albert Einstein’s little brother Frank was some monster. 

---

My friend Joe just went on the Dolly Parton diet. 

• *Shawn- “How did that work out?”
• It made Joe Lean, Joe Lean, Joe Lean

---

---

I have a friend who considers herself the Robin Hood of Memes. 

• Stealing from one group to feed another

---

Just a thought, there are more airplanes underwater than there are submarines in the air. 

---

How much does a roof cost? 

---

---

I bought a can of evaporated milk. When I opened the can, it was empty. 

---

I have a friend who is great at selling home security systems. If they aren’t home, he just leaves a brochure on their kitchen table.

---

What has four letters, occasionally has twelve letters, always has six letters, but never has five letters.

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

The Language of Science

I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  

 In this issue, I read the section “Editor’s Note” written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn.  Elizabeth wrote an article entitled “The Language of Science.”

 The language of science is much more than just knowing technical or content-specific words or phrases. Understanding science requires the development of an academically social language. Students need opportunities to see how language can be used to describe, represent, question, refute, and reach a consensus when learning to make sense of the natural world.

http://k12science.net/the-language-of-science/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Some districts report that they are assuming a spike in COVID is coming and they’re just going to take the next two weeks virtual as a pre-emptive strike on an attendance problem.  
• School Closing Tracker: https://districtadministration.com/school-closings-tracker-where-covid-shut-down-schools-again/ 

The Twitterverse  

Elizabeth Curtis  @Eli2003_10

Differentiating for English Learners posters have been placed in every EL classroom and every teachers lounge in our district. Can’t wait to see how our Gen Ed teachers will use these strategies! QR code on the poster provide a TON of resources! @PLSD @PlsdSupt @AlesiaGillison

John R. Sowash @jrsowash

Do you accessorize Google Drive with add-ons? What are your favorites? Here are some of mine:

WORLD Radio @TWERadio

Listen to Sarah Schweinsberg take us with her on a tour of #Plymouth, #Massachusetts to discover what life in the #colony was really like. #Thanksgiving  https://wng.org/podcasts/a-walk-through-plymouth-1637816933  

Alice Keeler  @alicekeeler

ONLY $39 for Premium AliceKeeler membership Black Friday Special Save 84% on premium membership! Only $39 for the rest of the school year! https://sowl.co/s/roFay

Chris Quinn  @ChrisQuinn64

Our children are great observers and learners! What we model matters! #Friday #edutwitter #teaching #leadership #parenting

AppleInsider  @appleinsider

Apple AR headset to feature M1 Mac levels of processing power, says analyst

https://t.co/27jYu49hwV?amp=1

Gratitude HQ  @gratefuledu64

Simple actions that can make a big difference in your life… #FridayFeeling #selfcare #mentalhealth #grateful  

John R. Sowash  @jrsowash

Annotate Meet is a free Chrome extension by  @MathDenisNJ

that will allow you to draw on your screen while presenting through #GoogleMeet. A great tool for quick demonstrations or impromptu lessons! Install link: #edTech #remotelearning #ChromebookEDU

Stephanie Howell  @mrshowell24

Love this upgraded version of Tearable slides for history! Thanks

@scottmpetri #edtech #ditchbook #tlap #ETCoaches #hacklearning #GSuiteEdu #GoogleEDU #celebratED #cuechat #k12artchat #masterychat #edchat #LeadLAP #eduprotocols #ShareStuffSunday #googlei #educoach

Ian Jukes  @ijukes

The noise is coming from HERE

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Resources:  

H5P.org Gamification

H5P is working on a way to gamify the content you create.  “The Chase” turns your H5P activities into a game students can compete in.  With the popularity of Quizziz and Blooket, this should be a nice open source addition to the stable.  https://h5p.org/june-2021-roadmap-update  

Web Spotlight:  

PianoTV  

What are you passionate about?  Well, she’s passionate about pianos.  And TV.  You might be too.  

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz0PmHG0RvQHazlEsFU-4uQ

Unfiltered: Teens get real about the fake lives lived on social media

*Warning: Explicit Language

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/unfiltered-teens-social-media-1.6250963#annotations:MZPcBkumEey4_98Rqte24w

Random Thoughts . . .  

Food you need to try:  Cepelinai

https://www.linoslithuanianfood.com/product-page/cepelinai

 

Michigan Marching Band – Pregame Show 11-27-2021  

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=notif&v=596257688277652&notif_id=1638031774995373&notif_t=live_video

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy discuss kids “scamming” Mr. McGirr and looking to self-assessment. Dave shares Nature’s Notebook. 

Jokes:  

What do you wear to a Thanksgiving dinner?

• A Har-vest

---

What’s a pumpkin’s favorite sport?

• Squash

---

I saw a dwarf climbing down a prison wall.

• I thought, “that’s a little condescending” 

---

Did you know that Raymond Burr had a brother? 

• He was a lumberjack. His name was Tim. 

---

Life is like a helicopter.

• I don’t know how to operate a helicopter

---

Hey, I got a new electric car.

• Now I need a “current” driver’s license
• When I park, I have to park in parallel

---

There’s no training to be a trash collector.

• You just pick it up as you go along

---

---

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

Nature’s Notebook

http://k12science.net/natures-notebook/

I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “Citizen Science” written by Jill Nugent.  Jill wrote an article entitled “Taking the Pulse of Our Planet with Nature’s Notebook.”

Nature’s Notebook, a project of the USA National Phenology Network, invites participants to help scientists “take the pulse of our planet.”  With Nature’s Notebook, your students will have the opportunity to observe, document, and share seasonal changes in your geographic area.  For more information, please visit:

https://usanpn.org/natures_notebook

Reports from the Front Lines

• New Hampshire & the Law 
  • https://www.newsweek.com/conservative-group-offers-500-catching-teacher-breaking-critical-race-theory-law-1651003  
• Kids “Scamming” Mr. McGirr
• Mr. McGirr is sitting pretty
• Mr. McGirr, please delete my attempts…sure, it’s midnight, but can you get on this?
• Troy’s Self-Assessment journey
  • Moodle Forum
  • Blog Post

The Twitterverse  

Alex Shevrin Venet  @AlexSVenet

Middle grades teachers! I’m excited to be giving a keynote at the FREE Middle Grades Collaborative conference on January 29. Deets and registration: https://middlegradescollaborative.org/conference/  

Alice Keeler  @alicekeeler

6 Chrome Extensions for Teachers https://alicekeeler.com/2021/11/07/6-c  

Slava Bobrov  @slava__bobrov

Two neurons sensing each other. And trying to connect: #neuroscience  https://twitter.com/i/status/1459398961404518402  

Jcorippo  @jcorippo

Gentle reminder for all of us right now. #eduprotocols  

Typical EduCelebrity   @EduCelebrity

Good administrators allow their staff to wear jeans on Fridays. Elite administrators allow their staff to wear sweatpants.  

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

The Greatest Enemy of Creativity In Schools Isn’t Testing, It’s Time

“Creativity is one of those ineffable skills that’s important—especially for jobs of the future—but hard to pin down. We know when we feel creative, and we know what creative work looks like. Measuring and assessing such work in a way that keeps kids inspired is another matter,”  

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-12-18-the-greatest-enemy-of-creativity-in-schools-isn-t-testing-it-s-time/

Resources:  

Slinky Drop

https://www.gifbin.com/bin/092011/1317143770_slinky_dropped_in_slowmotion.gif

6 Toilets From History, and What They Taught Us

Across the world, and throughout history, different peoples have developed different ways to deal with their own waste. And while they didn’t always nail the design, their efforts to keep themselves safe have led to the thrones and sanitation systems we know and love today.

Web Spotlight:  

Living in the Coldest Place on Earth

https://www.wired.com/2015/01/amos-chapple-the-coldest-place-on-earth/

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Professional Development for staff, a few ratholes, and how teachers can continue to grow. Hey, Dave has PD tips too. 

Jokes: 

What do you call a guy standing in a hole? 

• Phil

---

---

---

I have a new pen that writes underwater. It’s amazing. It writes other words as well. 

---

How do you get down off an elephant?

• You don’t. You get down off a duck.

---

Did you know the first french fry wasn’t cooked in France?

• It was cooked in Greece

---

I fear that Elon Musk is going to get into a scandal. It would last for, like, ever.

• Elongate

---

I finished writing my book on penguins. 

• In hindsight, it would’ve been easier to use paper.

---

I had a happy childhood. My Dad used to roll me down hills in tires. 

• Those were Goodyears

---

I called Siri “Alexa”. Now neither one will talk to me. 

---

My friend has a new boyfriend. However, he’s in another nation. 

• Imagination

---

A farmer caught his cow smoking weed. 

• The steaks have never been higher

---

Why should you keep a knife in the freezer?

• For making cold cuts

---

Hey, did you know that Bruce Lee had a brother? That brother was a vegetarian. 

• Broco Lee

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

The Importance of Professional Development

I was recently reading the November/December 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “From the Editor’s Desk” written by Patti McGinnis.  Patti wrote an article entitled “The Importance of Professional Development.”

Professional Development is best conducted via opportunities to learn in the workplace through Professional Learning Communities, instructional coaching, or any vehicle that focuses on improving student achievement through teacher practices.

http://k12science.net/the-importance-of-professional-development/ 

Reports from the Front Lines

• Quality Professional Development 
  • Coaching
  • Self-selected

The Twitterverse  

Typical EduCelebrity  @EduCelebrity

Good administrators allow their staff to wear jeans on Fridays. Elite administrators allow their staff to wear sweatpants.

Sam  @SamIAm2021MD

I am blown away by this COVID vaccine video, one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time

https://twitter.com/i/status/1459051952831189013

Rick Wormeli@rickwormeli2

Middle School Educators: This is one of the best books to maintain middle school focus this year and in the years ahead – Take a look! @AMLE @DruTomlin4Edu @blocht574 The Successful Middle School This We Believe promotional video with Rick… https://youtu.be/TQZTwE6QqJw via @YouTube  

𝐓𝐂𝐄𝐀@TCEA

8 Ways to Scaffold #Writing for English Learners   @ValentinaESL

#ell #mllchat #learning #langchat #teachertwitter #readingwritingELs #EB

Moodle Users Association  @moodleassoc

Replying to  @VertalerJoost

Hi Joost, yes all our Town Halls are recorded and available for members to view at their own time and pace. You will find them here:

Dr. Bryan Pearlman, EdD, LMSW – #MaslowBeforeBloom @DrP_Principal

Stress Response In Kids… Fight, Flight, Freeze… #maslowbeforebloom

Alice Keeler  @alicekeeler

“We are always demanding teachers to innovate and create. We want them to use tech to make all the units. But teachers need time.” –  @maprats

Justin McMillan  @justinwmcmillan

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

Student Self-Assessment

https://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=428873

Resources:  

Open ClipArt

Since 2004, Now with 168094 clipart.

In the Open Clipart collection, all graphics are stored using the Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format. Major standard supported all across the web, SVG files are very portable and can easily be scaled, edited or printed without deformation.

” All of Openclipart’s content is public domain due to expired copyright, failing to reach the threshold of originality, or being deeded into the public domain to the greatest legal extent possible by its owners.

https://openclipart.org/#annotations:gQp1DD9mEeyg5oOcAXkM3A

SMART – Servier Medical ART

3000- Free medical images to illustrate your publications and Powerpoint presentations

https://smart.servier.com/#annotations:a8jOokFxEeykE_d5oqZQKg

Web Spotlight:  

16 Powerful Little Known Facts to Help Manage Your Life

https://charliestephen6.medium.com/16-powerful-little-known-facts-to-help-manage-your-life-821fe4006120#annotations:GfF3MEHDEey1GYuLjOFFyw

Slang of the Week

Bugman:  A man who loves being part of consumer culture, loves buying the newest technology, and doesn’t appear to be ashamed of the part they play in the collective “hive-mind”  (hence:  he is a bug man).  Example:  Is Mark Zuckerberg a person, a robot, or the king of the Bugmen?  

Estonian Poet Marie Under – Six Poems

Who was Marie Under and why is she so important for Estonians? Like many Estonian cultural greats of the turbulent 20th century, who lived during the oppressive Soviet occupation, her story is full both of joy and sadness.

https://estonianworld.com/culture/six-poems-estonian-poet-marie/?fbclid=IwAR1ShKLhQztl3D907c4y4kv_QKoOi3k4IL0F4DdjsvVH4ZQsWmiups6BoBo

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy start with a rathole, Dave gets down and dirty. 

Jokes:  

Why are there POPTarts but no MOMtarts?

• It’s a pastryarchy

---

Last night I dreamed that I weighed less than a thousandth of a gram. 

• I was like 0mg. 

---

Is an argument between two Vegans still called a “beef”. 

---

Steve Winwood began his solo career in 1977.

• He would’ve started earlier, but he was stuck in Traffic.

---

If you have any vegetable jokes, please lettuce know. 

---

---

Bigfoot is sometimes confused with Sasquatch.

• Yeti never complains

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

Soil Scientist

I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “The Science Teacher” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association. In this issue, I read the section “Career of the Month” written by Luba Vangelova.  Luba wrote an article entitled “Soil Scientist.”

Soil scientists study the soil, for the purpose of understanding it in its natural state, or in its capacity to serve human purposes.  The podcast features Janes Hartsig, a soil scientist working in the role of vegetation manager, an Invenergy LLA in Denver, Colorado.

Reports from the Front Lines

• Why Vocabulary?
• Remote Learning
• Ice Breakers Virtually
• Moodle Student Tracking 

The Twitterverse  

Andrew Wheelock @AMWheelock

Really love the connections between @pixar and education. Great work  @jmattmiller

https://ditchthattextbook.com/pixar/

Tara Maynard @tmaynard5

Just got done presenting about Formative Assessment at #AMLE21 If you missed it, here are the slides. Formative assessment is great but if you don’t change instruction or do something with the data, then it’s pointless! #mschat #miched  https://t.co/YcfJt64sSd?amp=1  

Erika Garcia  @flyingmonkey13

Today was a long week. I’m exhausted. Y’all, this education thing is no joke.

Ian Jukes  @ijukes

Time for school!  

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Resources:  

 AXIS:  The Culture Translator

1. Resigned to “Lie Flat:”  Data shows that 4.3 million American workers quit their jobs in August alone, capping  five month trend of mass resignations all over the country.  Sociologists are interpreting this as Gen Z’s reinterpratation of how the world of work should work.  
2. Slang of the Week:  Trap House – Originally used to describe a house where illegal drug sales occur, now used by younger people to describe the location of a party where there’s alcohol or simply a wild party.  

Web Spotlight:  

Can Data Die?

The Lenna image may be relatively unknown in pop culture today, but in the engineering world, it remains an icon. 

https://pudding.cool/2021/10/lenna/#annotations:nEFEYjzTEeyOrE8VMdrBQg

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

We take a deep dive into Spaced Practice and what that looks like. Dave brings up the Energy!

Jokes:  

---

I have never been to Cahoots. I hear that you can’t go there alone. 

• You have to be in Cahoots with someone

---

I’ve also never been to Congitio, but I hear when you are in Cognitio, no one recognizes you. 

---

I’ve never been to Sane either. I hear that you can’t fly there, you must be driven. 

---

A pun is not completely matured until it is a full groan. 

---

A sweater I bought was picking up static electricity, so I returned it to the store. 

• They gave me another one, free of charge. 

---

Did you hear about the new superhero? Typoman

• Writer of wrongs

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

Tricky Energy Terminology

I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “Science 101” written by Matt Bobrowsky.  Matt wrote an article entitled “What is Energy?”

Energy is one of those scientific terms that is commonly used outside of science and outside of the classroom with a variety of colloquial meanings.  This is another case where students don’t enter the classroom as blank slates but come with preconceptions about what energy means.  It’s a good idea to first find out what your students already think energy is, and then later they can compare their original ideas with what we know about it from scientists.

Reports from the Front Lines

• It’s been about 10 years . . . 
• Green Stamps Check – Spaced Practice  
• Badges, Bitmoji, Design
• Tech Coaches- what is their role

The Twitterverse  

Jack Berckemeyer  @JBerckemeyer

Feeling “Teacher Tired”? ” Administrator Tired”? Reset the classroom with the tips in this free webinar from our webinar series. Share this with a colleague who needs it and check out our webinar series- link in bio 

https://t.co/h479ztHi0o?amp=1

Typical EduCelebrity   @EduCelebrity

I love walking through old schools. You’ll often find remnants of special construction designed for some educational fad that was done for a few years before being abandoned for something else.

Mary Reichard @ReichardWorld

Camaraderie of colleagues used to be emphasized. We can do it again. Team. Be able to disagree without rancor or public spectacle. @jennyrough and I seek to do that in #legaldocket

AMLE @AMLE

CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Director for Middle Level Programs Katie Powell @Beyond_the_Desk

on the release of her latest book Frustration Busters. She offers timely strategies we can all use during this challenging school year. Grab your copy https://okt.to/l8crUg

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

The Most Popular Lullaby From Every Country

https://mornings.co.uk/popular-lullaby-by-country/

Teens Know They’re Addicted to Social Media. How to Help Them Cut Back

https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-teens-know-theyre-addicted-to-social-media-research-shows-what-can-help-them-cut-back/2021/10?utm_source=nl&utm_medium=eml&utm_campaign=tu&M=64190457&U=1030907&UUID=5a9d0ec8f5882da5968bcc87c68b5a21

How to Use the Method of Loci – The 2500-Year-Old Memory Hack

https://www.missiontolearn.com/method-of-loci/

Resources:  

AXIS The Culture Translator

UnGoogle Me

What it is: Google will now allow minors (and their legal guardians) to request photos of themselves be deleted from their search database.

Why it’s good to know: The process is simple and straightforward. By going to Google’s “Help” page and supplying URLs of photos that you or your teens would like to be removed from the internet, the process of purging the image from the internet search giant begins. It’s widely accepted that “the internet never forgets” what’s been put on the web, and many young people have learned this the hard way as old memes and photos they posted come back to haunt them as adults. This is the first widely-available and easy-to-use tool that will make it possible for young people to protect their online reputation without paying hefty fees. On the flip side, Google stresses that removing an image from Google doesn’t mean it disappears from the web completely; it just makes it much harder to find.

Teach English via Elge Sleinotiene and FIPLV on Facebook:

 

Ohio Middle Level Association

Join us November 17 for Virtual PD with OMLA’s Team of the Year. We can’t wait to listen, share and learn together! Register through the link on our calendar to keep the learning from #OMLA2021 going at: https://www.ohiomla.org/events  

Picture Clean Up

Your results may vary.

https://cleanup.pictures/

Web Spotlight:  

How much money does a single person need to live (by state). 

https://livingwage.mit.edu/

Random Thoughts . . .  

Instructional Design: 

From: 

To: 

To: 

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Performative Arts and evaluation. How do we evaluate teachers? Dave has 360 degree view. 

Jokes:  

The movie “Lincoln” grossed over $275,000,000 in theaters. This is very surprising. 

• Historically, Lincoln doesn’t do well in theaters. 

---

What’s the difference between beer nuts and deer nuts? 

• Beer nuts are $1.98, Deer nuts are under a buck

---

Which state has the smallest soft drinks? 

• Minn-a-soda

---

When does a joke become a dad joke. 

• When it becomes apparent.

---

Which is faster, a pregnant or non-pregnant horse? 

• A pregnant one. Double the horse power

---

What happens if you get scared half to death twice?

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning

I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “Editor’s Note” written by Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn.  Elizabeth wrote an article entitled “Three-Dimensional Teaching and Learning.”

One of the most important starting points when implementing three-dimensional teaching and learning is the placement of students within the learning environment.  Are students the drivers of the learning, or are they passive recipients of a well-crafted lesson focusing on content and practice?

http://k12science.net/three-dimensional-teaching-and-learning/ 

Reports from the Front Lines

• Performative Art
• Evaluation
• Jobs
  • https://video.dptv.org/video/teachers-who-arent-teaching-xjkczl/  
• Virtual?

The Twitterverse  

TeacherGoals @teachergoals  

Textrovert:  no calls; texts only.  

ASA Impact @ASA_Impact

Why is #middleschool the perfect time to begin #careerexploration? Check out our collaborative playbook with @AMLE, featuring insights from real middle-grades educators who’ve walked the walk!

https://twitter.com/ASA_Impact/status/1451653350588551177/photo/1

9to5Mac.com  @9to5mac

Google Drive for desktop updated with full Apple M1 Mac support https://9to5mac.com/2021/10/22/google-drive-desktop-mac-m1-support/

By @technacity

Luria Petrucci  @LuriaPetrucci

If you’re looking for a green screen, there’s a quick sale going on for the collapsible Neewer ones! https://amzn.to/2ZinNUB

Proof Mango // Online Course Proofreading  @ProofMango

We all know how important it is to add interactivity to our courses. But how? I stumbled upon H5P when I was creating my course. It let me add flashcards and interactive presentations easily. Great way to stand out as a course creator.  https://t.co/SXXMc9ztgT?amp=1  

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Resources:  

Authoring H5P Interactive Content and Releasing as OER by @sushumanaro

Video:  https://youtu.be/qpNWiN5NAqA  

Web Spotlight:  

Axis – The Culture Translator

Tik Tok Tics:  What it is – This week, the Wall Street Journal (paywall) reported that doctors across the world have seen a significant increase of teen girls with ticks in their offices over the last year.  Some believe that “Touraette syndrome influencers” on TikTok may help explain why.  A team of Chicago based doctors published a similar study earlier this year.  Perhaps it is a manifestation of William Blake’s “We become what we behold.”  Axis suggests these questions to engage teens to think about influencers:  

• Can you think of anyone (friends, musicians, directors, etc.) that you would consider a genius?
• Can you think of specific songs, movies, or conversations that have shaped the way you think about life?  
• Is it possible to know how something will affect us before it affects us?  

Teachers Are Barely Hanging On. Here’s What They Need.

An incredibly honest, frank perspective from a leading Education influencer. 

https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/barely-hanging-on/

Learn to let go of sleep battles with your teen

https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/15/health/teen-sleep-schedule-wellness/index.html#annotations:n7gofi7QEey8YZOPI3SGFg

Where is Vilnius?  Here’s a video to help you.

https://youtu.be/1OYbDuM4Y3s

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy discuss getting tired. The kids are returning to “normal”. Dave has a spoiler alert. 

Jokes:  

What fruit do ghosts eat?

• Boo berries

---

What do you call a typo on a tombstone?

• A grave mistake

---

How do flat earthers travel?

• On a plane

---

What do they call the employee of the month at a crematorium?

• Top Urner

---

I have a friend who lives on a houseboat. He fell in love with the girl next door. 

• Sadly, they drifted apart

---

I told a joke on Zoom yesterday. 

• Apparently, it wasn’t remotely funny

---

Hey, I have a friend who is becoming a SuperHero:

• He’s becoming TypoMan

Yep, he’s the writer of wrongs. 

---

I’d like to give a shout out to all the Librarians:

• Oops, I’m sorry

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

Spoiler Alert

I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “Teacher’s Toolkit” written by Daniel J. Bergman.  Daniel wrote an article entitled “Spoiler Alert! Avoiding Hazards to Science Inquiry and Classroom Creativity.”

Spoilers can infiltrate our classrooms.  Science education “spoilers” are elements or behaviors that sabotage, short-circuit, and short-change the learning process and student creativity.  Here is a listing of several possible science education spoilers—hazards to authentic learning and creativity:

1. Objectives
2. Terminology
3. Cookbook Labs
4. Teachers
5. Students

http://k12science.net/spoiler-alert/

Reports from the Front Lines

•   When setting an assignment in an LMS to time out on Friday at 3:00 and then the emails come in asking if it can be reopened . . . 
• Troy’s 6th Grade story . . . 
• Student Expectations

The Twitterverse  

Devorah Heitner  @DevorahHeitner

Excited to offer this FREE webinar for parents with @YourTeenMag! I’ll be w/ Dr. Nanika Coor and

@michelleicard we’re here to answer your questions re: middle schoolers & screens. #mschat #PTchat #ILedchat reg here: https://ytmparentingcourses.com/middle-school-social-media-webinar cc

@HeidiStevens13 @parentandteen

NCHE  @historyed

Did you miss today’s History Matters (…and so does coffee?) w/@jbf1755? While we’d love to see you in person, you can now watch the episode from today (and every day!) at our web, YouTube, and Facebook pages. #yayhistory #historymatters @HistoryNewbie #sschat @MatthewTMissias

ABC News @ABC

The CDC said that social isolation, coronavirus-related deaths and stress weighed heavy on Americans, forcing many to confront new mental health challenges.  https://t.co/ia1TfFGsod?amp=1  

Dr. Joanne Freeman  @jbf1755

Ok. I offer this story as a cautionary tale. Like everyone else, I’m out of practice traveling, esp. for business. So on the one hand, I made seamless travel arrangements to Philadelphia for today. On the other hand, my talk in Philadelphia is NEXT Friday. And there it is.  

𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐂𝐄𝐀 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞!  @TCEA

Engagement Strategies ——— Teacher Trap #teachchat #educoach #learning #teachertwitter

https://twitter.com/TCEA/status/1444455009354141696/photo/1

Jack Berckemeyer

On 10/11-I will be doing Berckemeyer’s 21 days of Joy and Optimism Blitz. Here’s the catch it’s only on Instagram. I will be offering ideas to help educators lift their spirits, giving things away, and hopefully make you laugh. Like Cher, I only use one name for Insta-Berckemyer.  

TeacherGoals@teachergoals

Guilty. 

CindySmith  @CindySmith

Why do people in Saskatchewan lock their offices? So their coworkers don’t distribute spaghetti squash! We all got new “paper weights” today! Thanks @RobinDubiel for sharing your bumper crop!  

Dr. Joanne Freeman  @jbf1755

8hHad a great idea today. How about heading to Philadelphia? (A JOKE—last week I went there by mistake. Today I actually DO have a lecture there. ) Amtrak and I, together again…

NCMLE – NC Association for Middle Level Education  @NCMiddle

We are one week away from the #SowToGrow Virtual Fall Symposium! Get your NCMLE membership renewed to take advantage of this free professional development!   

Alice Keeler  @alicekeeler

Curriculum Pacing Guide Loss  @jgvanides

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Resources:  

Practical Ed-Tech Guide

https://www.freetech4teachers.com/2021/10/get-your-free-copy-of-practical-ed-tech.html

MiddleWeb – Do You Sometimes Miss The Mute Button?

https://www.middleweb.com/45926/do-you-sometimes-miss-the-mute-button/

Interruptions as signs of enthusiasm.  

Document Analysis Worksheets

Document analysis is the first step in working with primary sources. Teach your students to think through primary source documents for contextual understanding and to extract information to make informed judgments.

Use these worksheets — for photos, written documents, artifacts, posters, maps, cartoons, videos, and sound recordings — to teach your students the process of document analysis.

https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/worksheets

Web Spotlight:  

Walk the Great Wall

https://artsandculture.google.com/project/great-wall-of-china

School Surveillance

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/oct/12/school-surveillance-dragnet-suicide-attempt-healing#annotations:3_Ks1ixEEeyEl8NFauiN3w

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy talk about how the fall is going, substitutes, and culture. Dave gets scientifically creative. 

Jokes:  

In order to address security concerns, all the passwords have been changed to Kenny.

• As a result, everyone has Kenny Logins. 

---

Archaeologists have discovered a series of short stories that stress the importance of punctuality. 

• They’re called ASAP’s Fables

---

Whenever I think of the 80’s, my first thought is a boom box.

• Yep, it’s just a stereo type

---

I might never get over my addiction to referencing the Beach Boys, but wouldn’t it nice?

---

Pre means before.

Post means after. 

Using them together would be….

• preposterous

---

I have a friend who never finishes anything. 

• He has a black belt in partial arts. 

---

I have a friend who claims that he can communicate with vegetables. 

• Jack and the beans talk. 

---

---

---

This is sooooooooooooo middle school:  

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

Creativity in the Science Classroom

I was recently reading the September/October 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “From the Editor’s Desk” written by Patty McGinnis.  Patty wrote an article entitled “Creativity in the Science Classroom.”

Students learn science—and use critical and creative thinking—by doing science.  Rather than focusing on memorizing facts, they are engaged in application in which they apply content knowledge to real-world situations.

http://k12science.net/creativity-in-the-science-classroom/ 

Reports from the Front Lines

• Teachers are TIRED!
• Homecoming
• Importance of Documenting
• Core Competencies for Teachers
• Kids and behavior
• Remote Learning?
• Sub plans
• Substitute Shortage

The Twitterverse  

Steve Chisik  @schisik

October is National Principals Month. It is an absolute privilege to work with this team of outstanding elementary principals. Our HVS family is very fortunate to have each and every one of you on the front lines every day!

Russell Stannard  @russell1955

Where can you find FREE images for your website? #Copyright #freeimages Video:

https://twitter.com/russell1955/status/1444243714025705478/photo/1

Dr. Joanne Freeman  @jbf1755

Next week I have my first in-person lecture (not a public event) since February 2020. And it feels weird. Good! But weird.

Yong Zhao, Ph.D  @YongZhaoEd

Tomorrow (Sat) 5:30-6:30pm EDT watch live Ep77 #silverliningforlearning The Education We Need: A Conversation with @DrTonyWagner and @dintersmith Ted Dintersmith hosts @chrs_dede @travelinedman @punyamishra @YongZhaoEd @shynicola

https://silverliningforlearning.org/episode-77-the

Fixing Education@FixingEducation

In education, it’s especially important to distance yourself from people who have a problem for every solution.

David Geurin  @DavidGeurin

Stronger relationships = stronger schools. Maybe you can help someone answer one of these questions today. 1. Am I important to someone here? 2. Do I belong here? 3. Am I good at something here? 4. Who will listen to me here? 5. Is my presence here making a difference?

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Resources:  

3D Resources

Our project is a constantly growing collection of free 3D icons that you can use in your next project, without specifying the author. There are also paid versions of these icons and let’s find out how they differ.

https://free3dicon.com/about-this-project/#annotations:H_1O6CIeEeyjna-GCWPpFg

Preteen with anxiety and ADHD takes frustrations out on family

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/angry-adhd-anxiety-tween/2021/09/28/10c04a12-1d72-11ec-bcb8-0cb135811007_story.html#annotations:kFUy6CIhEeyOuIvW7reDPA

AMERICAN INDIAN REMOVAL

What Does It Mean to Remove a People?

https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/removal#annotations:h1xJLCLSEeyKSut11q6S6g

Primary Sources Resource:  

https://guides.loc.gov/indian-removal-act

Monster Month with Chad Frye, Illustration Guy

Enjoy.  https://www.facebook.com/ChadFryeIllustrationGuy?__cft__[0]=AZV-jqdeFDvozhkjMvTcWsS_AUIN0IMXaZDJhTX_FERR1H6XBW9Hlcwgk0O-giYsS81qCvt6k_l6T0UU2u132C0x-XZC48obZ6mTtjxELeVLZbdp6G0xzAtWH3bZ2r1hS4Hn4M7rfONJkdxQpqEqQ2N-RYkcpnDPzmyQZnufiF_5eU3VFlrt1hPnzmQmWkmmAXU&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R  

Web Spotlight:  

AXIS:  The Culture Translator

1. Toxicity Levels – Internal documents published by the Wall Street Journal reveal that Facebook knows how damaging its Instagram app can be for teen girls.  
2. Gamers have replaced traditional celebrities with 13-39 year olds:  Based on input from 13-39 year olds, YPulse has put together a helpful list of some of the most-followed YouTubers and streamers in the gaming world.
3. TikTok hits 1 billion users.  
4. Slang of the Week:  

• Big Yikes: When you take something well-intentioned just a little bit too far..  
• Soft Launch:  When you post pictures of a budding romance, but nothing definitive to say there’s a relationship between two people.  
• 3rd world: Refers to a TikTok challenge that uses the song “3rd World Free Boski Turnt Up.” While recording a video set to the song, users simply pass the phone to a friend every time the words “third world” are repeated.

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Summary:

Shawn and Troy discuss how the kids are doing coming back to school. Are there gaps (learning, social, behavioral)? Kids are making connections with adults. Learn about helping students study. Dave tells us which came first the Chicken or the Egg?

Jokes:  

If you ever get locked out of your house, why is it important to talk calmly? 

---

I was trying to help my wife with her crossword puzzle the other day. The clue was, “Overworked mailman”. I asked how many letters. She said, “I’m guessing too many”. 

---

I friend just got a personalized license plate: BAA BAA

• It’s for a Black Jeep

---

Did you know that Mortal Kombat is actually based on an old Scandinavian church song?

• Yes,  Finnish Hymn

---

Tom Cruise has succeeded 6 times in a row. Why do they keep calling them “Mission Impossible?”

---

Did you hear about the two silk worms that had a race?

• They ended in a tie

---

I have a friend who is starting a new business. It’s a kissing booth where you can have one last kiss with someone you used to date. It’s called “Great Ex Peck Stations”. 

---

Did you hear about the invisible man and the invisible woman who got married? I’m not sure what they saw in each other, and their kids are nothing to look at. 

---

---

---

I don’t always whoop, but when I do, there it is. 

---

Advisory:  

Ernie Johnson: ‘Make somebody’s life Better’ ‘There’s value in everybody’

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

“Which Came First – the Chicken or the Egg?”

I was recently reading the July/August 2021 issue of “Science & Children” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “Science 101” written by Matt Bobrowsky.  Matt wrote an article entitled “Which Came First – the Chicken or the Egg?”

This is one of those questions that people jokingly ask assuming there is no answer to it – like “If a tree falls in a forest….” In this podcast we realize how the methods of science can provide us with “egg-celent” answers to so many questions.

http://k12science.net/the-chicken-or-the-egg/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Tiktok “Challenge”/Vandalism – Soap in the Toilet  
• Flu Shot + Shingles Shot = Ouch!  
• Learning Gap?
• Social Gap?
• Behavior Gap?

The Twitterverse  

Typical EduCelebrity @EduCelebrity

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s still September.

Alice Keeler  @alicekeeler

Using Google Slides Game Board – Free Template For Teachers Use http://alicekeeler.com/slidesgameboard to create a game for your class.

Kelly Malloy @kellys3ps

Please and thank you!

Daniel Pink @DanielPink  

Too little free time burns us out. But too *much* free time bores us out. So, chill this weekend — but also do things that are active, productive, and meaningful.

https://t.co/SQWMwZaFPB?amp=1

Phyllis Fagell, LCPC  @Pfagell

4th grade boy: “I’m producing a TV show and holding auditions all recess.” Me: “What will you do if someone is disappointed with their part?” Boy: “As I told them all earlier, that’s just part of show biz.”

Bob Harrison  @bharrisonEDU

I’ve met with too many students and parents who were not doing well in a class, but were convinced they were “studying hard”. I always ask them what they are doing as they study. Here are 6 concrete strategies that can work across the curriculum:

https://t.co/mMHCuXBo2Q?amp=1

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

Thou Shalt Not Commit Logical Fallacies

https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/#annotations:D4N_PBlGEeyqLZ8PY3dDNQ

Resources:  

The Festival Near You

This year, the Library of Congress brings the National Book Festival closer to home. On each state’s page, you can find events such as watch parties, community conversations, story walks, poetry slams, book club meetings and more, brought to you by local organizations and affiliate Centers for the Book. You can also find information about each affiliate Center’s Great Reads from Great Places book pick and watch the video series. Select a state or territory below, or view all local events to create your personal Festival Near You experience.

https://www.loc.gov/events/2021-national-book-festival/festival-information/festival-near-you/?loclr=blognbf#annotations:-lLlMBzTEeyte9u7fcTg5A

 

The Critical Thinking Quiz

See if you can pick which fallacies are being committed in the following absurd examples.

https://www.schoolofthought.org/critical-thinking-quiz#annotations:BJBhMBlGEey3LeutpHRnDQ

Web Spotlight:  

AXIS:  The Culture Translator

1. Toxicity Levels – Internal documents published by the Wall Street Journal reveal that Facebook knows how damaging its Instagram app can be for teen girls.  
2. Gamers have replaced traditional celebrities with 13-39 year olds:  Based on input from 13-39 year olds, YPulse has put together a helpful list of some of the most-followed YouTubers and streamers in the gaming world.
3. Slang of the Week:  Big Yikes: When you take something well-intentioned just a little bit too far..  Soft Launch:  When you post pictures of a budding romance, but nothing definitive to say there’s a relationship between two people.  

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jokes:  

---

Want to hear a joke about construction?

• Wait, I’m still working on it

---

Someone broke into my garage and stole my limbo bar. 

• Seriously, how low can you go. 

---

Who built the Round Table?

• Sir Cumference

---

I just finished writing an essay on penguins. 

• It would’ve been a lot easier to on paper.

---

---

---

I’m writing about all the things I ought to do before I die.

• Yep, it’s my oughtobiography

---

---

Middle School Science Minute  

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com)

The Great Sunflower Project

I was recently reading the July/August 2021 issue of “Science Scope” a publication of the National Science Teaching Association.  In this issue, I read the section “Citizen Science” written by Jill Nugent.  Jill wrote an article entitled “The Great Sunflower Project.”

The Great Sunflower Project launched in 2008 to address questions about pollinator populations across varying habitats including urban, rural, and suburban landscapes.  The project has over 100,000 participants contributing to pollinator citizen science.  For more information, please visit:

https://www.greatsunflower.org

http://k12science.net/the-great-sunflower-project/

Reports from the Front Lines

• Sept. 11th Anniversary
• Second week with kids
• Parent Conferences 
• Setting up the students for “How We Do Things” becoming the standard.  

The Twitterverse  

Typical EduCelebrity  @EduCelebrity

Good teachers see the weekend as two days of being deprived of the classroom. They mourn the lack of instructional opportunities. If you are glad that it’s the weekend, then people would be glad if you found another line of work.  

MMUKrull  @Krullsworld

This is a dangerous paradigm that encourages tireless self-sacrifice. Good teachers, and good humans, recognize the need for life balance and that time away from work makes you more effective. They need to see this in themselves, so they can also promote it in their students.

Typical EduCelebrity @EduCelebrity

[Read the profile]

Bob Harrison @bharrisonEDU

Teachers need to be just as accurate at deciding when students understand as when they don’t understand. What are the signs that engagement has stopped and confusion has set in?

Matt Miller @jmattmiller

What if we took cues from popular YouTube video styles to create memorable classroom activities? 8 YouTube-inspired classroom video ideas like: The unboxing video. The makeup tutorial. The travel vlogger tour videos. more! https://ditchthattextbook.com/youtube-classroom-video-ideas/

#Ditchbook

#mschat every Thursday at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  And as Troy says, “The Twitter never stops!” 

Strategies:  

4 Reading Strategies To Retire This Year

Reading logs (and other rote accountability tasks):

1. Reading logs (and other rote accountability tasks):
2. Turn-taking oral reading practices:
3. Awarding prizes for reading:
4. Overemphasis on reading as a discrete skill:

6 READING APPROACHES THAT WORK BETTER

1. Reading accountability partners:
2. Choral reading:
3. Scaffolded silent reading:
4. Teacher read-aloud and modeling:
5. Reading buddies:
6. Building background knowledge:

https://www.edutopia.org/article/4-reading-strategies-retire-year-plus-6-try-out#annotations:VOkBQg3TEeyTqCvLQ7bkuw

A Close Reading of the Best Opening Paragraph of All Time

 One of my best writing teachers used to ask her class, after finishing a novel, to go back and read the first paragraph for the ways in which it predicted the rest of the text, or in the most skillful cases, taught us to read it.

https://lithub.com/a-close-reading-of-the-best-opening-paragraph-of-all-time/#annotations:DmiIMhAIEeyTFF-puLc9tQ

Resources:  

TOSDR

https://tosdr.org/en/frontpage

Educator Kati Bakradze Talks Teaching

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAamyJzoyealoH3dsugrwSw  (Turn on translation.)  

Slang of the Week

Aggro: A term often used in gaming but in real-life situations too; drawing aggression to yourself through your actions; instigating.

Example: “My mom was majorly aggro this morning when I wouldn’t get out of bed to go to school.”

Web Spotlight:  

A Decade of Expensive Video Lessons for K-16 Math Entrepreneurs

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2019-12-23-a-decade-of-expensive-video-lessons-for-k-16-math-entrepreneurs#annotations:3NUdXBGnEeyr0UtF8PDlmw

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site   

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download