MSM 415: We lost Shawn. He’s somewhere in the world, but where? Could be the BBC, or not. Your GeoGuess is as good as anyones!

Jokes You Can Use:  

When is a door not a door?

  • When it is ajar.

Did you hear about the man who got hit every morning by the same bike?

  • It was

What types of rocks are good friends?

  • Opals

Hey, I tried to make reservations at the library.

  • They wouldn’t let me. But then I couldn’t get in. They were booked.

9 out 10 people who are afraid of hurdles, never get over them.

Why do optometrists have a long lifespan?

  • They dilate.

I just bought a new thesaurus. All of the pages are blank. I have no words to describe how angry I am.

One day, Canada will take over the world. Then, you’ll all be sorry.

Example: Craft that might tip in the ocean. Answer: Canoe (Anagram of ocean)

  1. Bit of brush
  2. Opposite of unite
  3. Writings of a steno
  4. They affix without paste
  5. Having less reason for fears
  6. Animal that may need a shoer

*Answers: 1. Shrub 2. Untie 3. Notes 4. Tapes 5. Safer 6. Horse

Eileen Award:  

  • Twitter:  Caleb Paul

Advisory:

Everyday Leadership

We have all changed someone’s life — usually without even realizing it. In this funny talk, Drew Dudley calls on all of us to celebrate leadership as the everyday act of improving each other’s lives.

6 minutes, 11 seconds long. Great story of how we can all make a difference.

The Importance of Showing Up

New Words for 2018

https://public.oed.com/updates/new-words-list-december-2018/

Lake Superior State University’s Banished Words:

https://www.lssu.edu/banished-words-list/

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Climate Change

I was recently reading the November/December, 2018 issue of “Science Scope,” a magazine written for middle school science teachers, published by the National Science Teachers Association.  

In this issue, I read the section on NSTA News.  In this news section, NSTA reported its position statement confronting challenges of teaching climate change in our nation’s science classrooms.  Read the entire statement on climate change at:

www.nsta.org/about/positions/climatescience.aspx

http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Entries/2019/1/3_Middle_School_Science_Minute__Climate_Change.html

From the Twitterverse:  

Ja Cook‏ @jacooksc

3 Questions I ask before making a rule for my classroom: Is it distracting? Is it disrespectful? Is it dangerous? #inteachable

Dr. Dru Tomlin‏ @DruTomlin4Edu

The @HeritageMS_WCS Future City Team is amped & ready to roll at the Future City Competition 2day! They are representing @WCSOH w/ Husky PRIDE! Thx 2 the teachers & families who support this awesome effort! Honored 2B your principal! @super_wcsd #STEAM #HuskyStrong


Dr. Dru Tomlin‏ @DruTomlin4Edu

Dr. Dru Tomlin Retweeted Todd Bloch

Q5 & honored 4 the mention! If grades & feedback were food 4 middle level ed, they would B a refreshing glass of sparkling H2O. Good before, during, or after an edu-meal. Transparent: can see goals/possibilities. Bubbly: can uplift. Accessible 2 all. #mschat @blocht574

Dr. Dru Tomlin added,

Todd Bloch @blocht574

Final Q5 is here: if grades & feedback were a food 4 middle level education, what kind of food would they be and why? #mschat (for @DruTomlin4Edu )

Will Richardson – Time to Change School‏ @willrich45

“Over the past five years, more than $13 billion in venture capital has been sunk into education technology startups. But…there’s precious little evidence suggesting that its trademark innovations have done anything to improve teaching and learning.” http://thebaffler.com/salvos/fables-of-school-reform-watters …

Michele Eaton‏ @micheeaton

7 ninja Google Keep tricks for teachers and students http://ditchthattextbook.com/2018/08/23/7-ninja-google-keep-tricks-for-teachers-and-students/ … @DitchThatTxtbk #googleedu #googlekeep #notetaking #organization #brainstorming

(*Also see https://meredithakers.com/  & https://meredithakers.com/2017/08/01/organizing-google-keep-with-headers/ )

TeachingEnglish‏ @TeachingEnglish

We want to develop some new FREE teacher development courses and would like to know which ones you personally would find most useful.  Could you help us by answering this short survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DQ7SRMD ? It shouldn’t take more than five minutes. #professionaldevelopment

Todd Bloch‏ @blocht574

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see @Beyond_the_Desk Present! She is awesome! Here is a great article by here about Busting Working sheets! http://www.amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/WhatsNew/WNDet/TabId/270/ArtMID/888/ArticleID/999/Worksheet-Busters.aspx … #mschat #michED

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

Strategies:

How Better Teaching Can Help Kids Who Can’t Read

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/52796/how-better-teaching-can-help-kids-who-cant-read

Resources:

British Broadcasting Service School Resources:  

BBC Drama

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04xxp0g

BBC The History Hour

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p016tmg1

BBC Economics With Subtitles

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bf9lbb

BBC Sounds – Short sound bites from longer shows that are good for hooking students at the beginning of a discussion.  

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds

History Hit (Dan Snow)

https://www.historyhit.com/

History is everything that has ever happened on the planet.

History Hit brings you the most extraordinary, dramatic, tragic and fascinating stories of our shared past.  We are reinventing how history is told in the digital age through video, podcasts, articles and more. Our new website also allows history fans to access historical trivia and articles by well known historians.

It’s good for what’s ailing you when the “History Channel” is showing Giorgio A. Tsoukalos and “Ancient Aliens

PAVE

Validate and fix PDF’s for ADA compliance. (*Note that this is sometimes overwhelmed)

http://pave-pdf.org/index.en.html

Teleprompt.me

Free online teleprompter that scrolls as the words are read, not at a pre-defined speed.

https://teleprompt.me/

Ashes in the Snow, the Movie

It is a good movie.  There are scenes that should keep it out of the classroom however.  So close, yet so far . . .

Web Spotlight:

Geo Guessr

Get dropped somewhere in the world. Move around and figure out where you are.

https://geoguessr.com/world/play

Which Country is being dialed?

Good ole T9 skills

http://nowiknow.com/quizzes/what-country-is-being-dialed

Random Thoughts . . .  

Personal Web Site  

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

MSM 414: It’s The Last Show . . . Of The Year . . .

Jokes You Can Use:

When I was little, my Mom claimed that I loved alphabet soup.
I really didn’t, she was just putting words in my mouth.

I didn’t really like my new beard at first.
– Then it grew on me.

Do you like Christmas puns?
– Yule love this one.

What did the Teddy Bear say when offered dinner?

  • No thanks, I’m stuffed already.

https://scontent.fdtw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14906858_1281149415239891_1173796224149380053_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent.fdtw1-1.fna&oh=911916027925b0f978329ea9f5f116b7&oe=5C976831

Did you hear about the two spiders that got engaged?
Word is that they met on the web.

Why was the archeologist crying?
– His life was in ruins.

Dandelions are just like regular lions except they wear ascots.


Middle School Science Minute


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

Bottle Flipping — Part III

I was recently reading the November/December, 2018 issue of “Science Scope,” a magazine written for middle school science teachers, published by the National Science Teachers Association.

In this issue, I read the article, “Bottle Flipping,” written by Douglas Llewellyn and Aaron Shafer. The purpose of the article was to integrate pop culture into the science classroom. In this third of a three-part podcast series we look at the 4th and 5th days of the 5 – E Instructional Lesson — Elaborate/Extend and Evaluate.
http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Entries/2018/12/27_Middle_School_Science_Minute__Bottle_Flipping_Part_3.html

From the Twitterverse:

RUTH BUZZI‏Verified account @Ruth_A_Buzzi
My grandson seemed disappointed with his Christmas present. I can’t imagine why! I never questioned his choice, just got him precisely what he asked for. They had several choices at the pharmacy, so I found him what I thought was a very, very nice eye pad.

Dave Schmittou EdD🚲‏ @daveschmittou
I think we should revise Blooms Taxonomy one more time and add reflection to the top of the pyramid. Evaluation is high. Creation is higher. Evaluating what you have created…now that’s some high order thinking. #LastingLearning

Steven Weber‏ @curriculumblog
5 Questions To Start 2019: 1 What are we aiming for? 2 How will we teach for transfer? 3 How do we design learning that emphasizes contribution? 4 What evidence will we use to measure understanding? 5 How will we create an environment that fosters personalized learning? #edchat

Jove Stickel ED.S.‏ @JoveStickel
Challenge accepted! This year these people
M @sgreiner16 A @SteinbrinkLaura D @BethHouf E @burgessdave
M @DavidGeurin E @casas_jimmy
B @MrPStrunk E @LemarrTreadwell T @blocht574 T @TaraMartinEDU E @knipmeyer R @danpbutler

Beth Keller‏ @MrsBKeller
Grammie’s house has the best mugs. #familyofeducators #butreally #teachersmaketheworldgoround

Mary Starr 🏳️‍🌈‏ @starrscience
Mary Starr
🏳️‍🌈 Retweeted Jason Gauthier
I gave up unit plans a long time ago. It’s not really the work beginning teachers should be doing. Focus on using materials and better tailoring to students’ actual needs. Perhaps at multi-lesson level.
Mary Starr 🏳️‍🌈 added,
Jason Gauthier @jgauthier13
This makes me wonder. . .how much time do higher education folks spend on the role of good curriculum materials in secondary teaching? Unit plans seem like overkill, a little. Would time be better spent on pedagogy and ensuring accessibility of curriculum mats? https://twitter.com/sasn44/status/1078737832859054080 …

Derek McCoy‏ @mccoyderek
“The Purpose Of Life Is Not Happiness: It’s Usefulness” by Darius Foroux – What are you doing for others? – How are you being of service? – How are you making a difference?

Melissa Pilakowski‏ @mpilakow
Want to combine argumentation, real-life events, discussion, and research with primary and secondary sources? Try true crime podcasts! It’s my favorite way to help grow students argumentation skills! http://technologypursuit.edublogs.org/2018/12/26/true-crime-a-springboard-for-argument-writing/ … #engchat #elachat #teachwriting #games4ed

Jessica Torres🦉‏ @Owl_b_TorresEdu
Video has always been one of those tech features that I’ve been hesitant to dive into…really appreciate all the practical tips and info shared by @ClaudioZavalaJr during #DitchSummit day 8! @jmattmiller @DitchThatTxtbk #diginotes

Beth Houf‏ @BethHouf
Q4: Block out 200 minutes PER WEEK on your 2019 calendars. Mark it URGENT. Protect it at all costs. Do it now. Seriously! https://leadlikeapirate.net/time-well-spent/ … #LeadLAP @burgess_shelley

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

Strategies:

Limiting “Teacher Talk,” Increasing Student Work!

https://achievethecore.org/aligned/limiting-teacher-talk-increasing-student-work/

Resources:

Stockio

https://www.stockio.com/#annotations:yi0hpgX_EemM79tSx4Ajyg

Alice Keeler’s Bookmarks of Resources

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wosH5j1vHjDOKeQj8cOXtJC-ipVxneL9bGQqUMF3-8A/edit#gid=1182497528

Public Domain

When that year’s copyright skedaddles, you’ll have instant access to countless titles, including these overlooked gems:

“The Vanishing American” in Ladies’ Home Journal
By Zane Grey
One of the first literary critiques of the treatment of Native Americans; harsher than the later novel and silent film.

A Handbook of Cookery for a Small House
By Jessie Conrad
A peek into the life of author Joseph Conrad via his wife’s recipe collection.

Our American Adventure
By Arthur Conan Doyle
The creator of Sherlock Holmes recounts his popular (and controversial) lecture tour in support of Modern Spiritualism.

The Chip Woman’s Fortune By Willis Richardson
The first drama by an African-American author produced on Broadway; a one-act story of a family in financial straits.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/first-time-20-years-copyrighted-works-enter-public-domain-180971016/

New Year Celebrations – The British Council

Readings and discussions for language learners. Free resource provided by the British Council.

Web Spotlight:

Gifts from Larry Ferlazzo

5 Reasons Teaching Middle School Is the Worst (And 5 Reasons It’s the Absolute Best)

https://www.weareteachers.com/5-reasons-teaching-middle-school-is-the-worst-and-5-reasons-its-the-absolute-best/

How Much of the Internet is Fake?

http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/12/how-much-of-the-internet-is-fake.html

Random Thoughts . . .

Free vs Free vs Paid

https://troypatterson.me/2018/12/27/free-vs-free-vs-paid/

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

MSM 413: Flipping Digital Breakouts!

Jokes You Can Use:

“Morticians have to be careful to spell the name right to avoid making a grave mistake.”

“’I like to go with the flow’, said the hydrologist, fluidly.”

“The dermatologist loved to cook. He made everything from scratch.”

“I am writing a term paper on various types of golf courses. I have found many links on the computer.”

Advisory:

Bao

Story of an empty nest mother. A dumpling comes to life. Metaphors. Family.

In “Bao,” an aging Chinese mom suffering from empty nest syndrome gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy. Mom excitedly welcomes this new bundle of joy into her life, but Dumpling starts growing up fast, and Mom must come to the bittersweet revelation that nothing stays cute and small forever. This short film from Pixar Animation Studios and director Domee Shi explores the ups and downs of the parent-child relationship through the colorful, rich, and tasty lens of the Chinese immigrant community in Canada.
http:// https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYaRZ4TNfus

Artist illustrates 59 good things that happened in 2018. Turns out it wasn’t all bad!

https://www.someecards.com/news/news/artist-illustrates-59-moments-progress-2018-depression/#annotations:z1cjAgWREemYJH_hZKi9GA

Legendary Script Supervisor Dissects a Scene to Correct Continuity Errors Being Made in Real Time


https://laughingsquid.com/script-supervisor-corrects-continuity-errors-in-scene/


Middle School Science Minute

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

Bottle Flipping Part 2


I was recently reading the November/December, 2018 issue of “Science Scope,” a magazine written for middle school science teachers, published by the National Science Teachers Association.

In this issue, I read the article, “Bottle Flipping,” written by Douglas Llewellyn and Aaron Shafer. The purpose of the article was to integrate pop culture into the science classroom. In this second of a three-part podcast series we look at the second and third days of the 5 – E Instructional Lesson — Explore and Explain.

http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Entries/2018/12/13_Middle_School_Science_Minute__Bottle_Flipping_Part_2.html

From the Twitterverse:


Jennifer Gonzalez‏ @cultofpedagogy
Helping Students Develop Executive Function Skills via @edutopia
https://t.co/oN8JpLAeQf

Kim Campbell‏ @KimCamp4Kids
It’s officially Winter Break…I have not worked as hard as I did this past week. Would I do it again….of course….why? Becuz I work w/the best group of educators and kids…hands down! Until next year…good night⁦@HopkinsWJH⁩ ⁦⁦⁦

John Hayward‏ @Jhaywardtwit Dec 20
A1: Qualities of a good teacher: 1. Compassion 2. Humor 3. Bladder control 4. Transparency 5. Willingness to continually learn 6. Vision that includes sharing #MasteryChat

Suzanne von Oy‏ @von_Oy
My policy on work over school breaks was always this: I didn’t give the students any work to take home, and I told them that I wouldn’t be taking any work home either. We all need a break. That’s what they’re there for. Happy holidays everyone and enjoy some relaxation!

Jennifer Gonzalez‏ @cultofpedagogy
Why No One Reads Your Classroom Newsletter http://ow.ly/JnvA30mZVpo #parentcommunication #teachertips #teachers #edchat #elemchat

Karen‏ @Teach4SpclNeeds
How’s this for an ugly Christmas sweater? Ha!

John Hartmann‏ @hartel30
If I’m going to practice #sketchnotes what better place than @manuelherrera33 #ditchsummit presentation on visual thinking #ditchcontest

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

Strategies:

Digital Breakouts

The Electronic Village Online


For five weeks in January and February, TESOL experts and participants from around the world engage in collaborative online discussions or hands-on virtual workshops of professional and scholarly benefit. These sessions bring together participants for a longer period of time than is permitted by land-based professional development conventions and allow a fuller development of ideas than is otherwise possible.

Sessions are free and open to anyone around the globe. It is not necessary to be a TESOL or IATEFL member nor to attend the TESOL Convention in order to participate. All you need is access to the Internet.

http://evosessions.pbworks.com/w/page/127658303/Call_for_Participation_2019#Sessions2019

Good Learners

https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/7-characteristics-define-good-learners#annotations:fRGOHACGEemM45ur6CsGrw

Resources:

Pexels


Free videos too. Just click on the 3 dots and choose “Free Videos”.
https://www.pexels.com/

Canvas by Google

https://canvas.apps.chrome/

Google opens virtual version of fire-ravaged Brazil museum

A couple of years before a fire devastated the National Museum of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro in September, Google’s Arts and Culture team started working with the museum to digitize the collection. Just a few months after the inferno, Google has reopened the museum’s doors — albeit in a virtual form using Street View imagery and digital exhibits.
https://www.engadget.com/2018/12/13/google-national-museum-of-brazil-virtual-tour-street-view/

Web Spotlight:

I pay my kids to get dressed, do homework and more. It’s the best decision I ever made.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2018/12/10/i-pay-my-kids-get-dressed-do-homework-more-its-best-decision-i-ever-made/?utm_term=.aa323a882b4e#annotations:qQcbhv9BEei79usDk272MQ

How Many Years Do We Lose To The Air We Breathe?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2018/national/health-science/lost-years/?utm_term=.295042b85669#annotations:1nqv5P8_Eeig0Q-9fUkz6A

The Raspberry Pi Beginner’s Guide is out now (and it’s huge!)

https://www.raspberrypi.org/blog/raspberry-pi-beginners-guide/#annotations:mQkn8P4REeiBiUv2tI4hUg

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

MSM 412: Very Transform your class, Very Read this, or that, or the other thing. It’d be a Very, Very, Very good thing.

Jokes You Can Use:  

What’s the favorite part of computer for an astronaut?

  • The space bar

Why will you always find yogurt at Art exhibits?

  • It’s cultured

What do you call an apology letter written in dots and dashes?

  • A Remorse letter

How did the hipster burn his mouth?

  • He drank his coffee before it was cool

What do you get from a pampered cow?

  • Spoiled milk

Why is it frustrating to eat next to basketball players?

  • They dribble all the time.

How many times can you subtract 10 from 100?

  • Once, the next time you would be subtracting from 90

I got my daughter a fridge for her Christmas.

  • I can’t wait to see her face light up when she opens it.

How can you turn root beer into beer?

  • Pour it into a square glass

Why did the nurse always have a red pen at work?

  • In case, she needs to draw.

Eileen Award:  

  • iTunes:  Dave Bydlowski

Advisory:

Heartburn

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Bottle Flipping, Part 1

I was recently reading the November/December, 2018 issue of “Science Scope,” a magazine written for middle school science teachers, published by the National Science Teachers Association.  

In this issue, I read the article, “Bottle Flipping,” written by Douglas Llewellyn and Aaron Shafer.  The purpose of the article was to integrate pop culture into the science classroom. In this first of a three-part podcast series we look at the first day of the 5 – E Instructional Lesson — Engage.

http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Entries/2018/12/7_Middle_School_Science_Minute__Bottle_Flipping_Part_1.html

From the Twitterverse:  

Beth Houf‏ @BethHouf

Hey, hey PLN! We are preparing for a classroom management strategy slam! What is your favorite tip or tool? Pics encouraged! (and yes, relationships, relationships, relationships is first, next and always!) #leadlap #tlap #principalsinaction #bfc530 #KidsDeserveIt

Chad Frye‏ @ModestlyChad

Had a GREAT time last night at the Warner Bros. Studio holiday party. These are some of the folks who are working hard to cook up some “Green Eggs & Ham” which will one day be served on Netflix. #animation #WarnerBros #Burbank #DrSeuss #Christmas #party #snow


TCEA‏ @TCEA Dec 3

Get your student coders in the holiday spirit with these fun lesson plans! From coding the perfect snowflake to making a elf dance video, there’s computational merriment for all! #HourofCode http://ly.tcea.org/SantaTracker  #DigLn #SantaTracker #Google

Ditch That Textbook‏ @DitchThatTxtbk

20 video project ideas to engage students Create a personal narrative Record interviews Make a tour Record stop-motion animation More UPDATED ideas & resources! http://wp.me/p3bT67-l6  via @jmattmiller #ditchbook


Kandi Hogue‏ @khogue714

Students now race to see who can film their @Flipgrid first! They LOVE my new pod. #FlipgridFever

Lacey London‏ @thelaceylondon

A VERY good list for every writer to use… #amwriting #writerslife


Steven Weber‏ @curriculumblog

A4: This is some of the best advice I have seen on mistakes and a culture of risk-taking in schools #LeadUpChat


Alice Keeler‏ @alicekeeler

Google Classroom Student Chooser Feature – https://alicekeeler.com/2018/10/12/google-classroom-student-choose-feature/ …


Kelly Malloy‏ @kellys3ps

20 Teacher’s Gifts Under $20 https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/an-apple-for-teacher-5254727/20-teachers-gifts-under-dollar20-6678689515 … on @bloglovin

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

Strategies:

Transforming the First Ten Minutes of Class

“You know what the problem is with kids these days? They don’t read!”

On the first day of school, my students and I met in the library. Instead of going over a syllabus or introducing course expectations, the librarians and I gave brief book talks, sharing novels we had read or that we knew were well-received by young adults. When I invited my juniors to choose a book to read, they stared at me blankly.

Their first homework assignment was to write me a letter about their relationship with reading.

https://medium.com/@heinemann/transforming-the-first-ten-minutes-of-class-ab1f19a18cf9

The Essentials of Visual Learning and Teaching

Resources:

5 Printable Game Boards to Turn Curriculum Review into Fun

Download these and adapt to your curriculum. Or, have the students create games based on similar boards.

Panosian by Chris Anderson  

Teaching the Holocaust?  Remember the Armenian Genocide?  In Michigan, schools are required to teach the topic of genocide.  There are lots of resources on the Holocaust during World War II, but there have been others.  Panosian is a biography of Dr. Edward Panosian who recounts the Armenian Genocide as experienced by his family.  Historian Chris Anderson sections the work into workable pieces.

  • ISBN-10: 0996160590
  • ISBN-13: 978-0996160599

Convert PDF’s

No ads. No registration.

https://easypdf.com/

Web Spotlight:

Christmas Tree Ornament Calculator

Welcome to the Christmas tree calculator, where you will find how to decorate your Christmas tree in the best way. Take a look at the perfect Christmas tree formula prepared by math professors and improved by physicists. Plan in advance how many lights and decorations you’ll need!

https://www.omnicalculator.com/other/christmas-tree

Beyond the midterms: Helping students overcome the impact of No Child Left Behind

We each use a structure for midterm exams in which we distribute a series of questions well in advance of the test day. Students are told that the test will include a subset of these questions. No surprises.

When they spoke in class, our students were just as knowledgeable as their counterparts a decade ago—perhaps even more so. But the mere thought of a written exam created palpable fear in our classrooms.

Here’s a thought: Today’s juniors in college are the first cohort of students who spent their entire public education under the educational reform law known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

NCLB created sweeping reforms that would leave an indelible mark on teachers and students alike. It promised to refashion education, with a sharp focus on reading and mathematics and little time for extras like social studies, physical education, music, or recess.

Scientific research strongly suggests that testing helps students learn. Yet, for this to be the case, it is important to give the right kind of tests. Those adopted by the states in response to NCLB were largely fill-in-the-blank, one-right-answer tests that never asked students to defend a position or to find different pathways to come to a defensible conclusion.

Our students are, not surprisingly, very good at memorizing and regurgitating small bits of information—as far as we can discern, they are better at this than past cohorts.

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2018/11/21/beyond-the-midterms-helping-students-overcome-the-impact-of-no-child-left-behind/#annotations:Z8m3rPWFEeiSSpuAB8SARA

Random Thoughts . . .  

Happy Birthday to Troy Patterson and Carol Josel.  

Personal Web Site  

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

MSM 411: Getting the Information on More Than Adequate Yearly Progress!

Jokes You Can Use:  

 

How do mathematicians scold their children?

  • If I’ve told n times, I’ve told you n+1…

 

A mathematician arrives at home at 3 a.m. His significant is mad. You said you’d be home by 11:45. Why are you late?

  • I’m right on time. I said that I’d be home by quarter of 12.

 

Why did Beethoven get rid of all his chickens?

  • All they would ever say is “Bach, Bach, Bach”

 

What did the photon say when asked by TSA if there was any baggage to check?

  • Nope. “I’m traveling light”.

 

Rene Descartes walked into an ice cream store. “Would you like a scoop of chocolate?”

  • Rene responded “I think not” and promptly disappeared.

 

What did the shark say after eating the clown fish?

  • This tastes a little funny.

 

What do you get when you cross a joke with a rhetorical question?

 

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Betty Jo Moore

I was recently reading the November/December, 2018 issue of “Science Scope,” a magazine written for middle school science teachers, published by the National Science Teachers Association.  

 

In this issue, I read the “Member Spotlight” section where NSTA highlights a middle school science teacher, from across the United States.  This month, Betty Jo Moore is featured. She is a middle school Physical, Life, and Earth and Space Sciences teacher in North Carolina. Her advice for a new science teacher is:

“Surround yourself with a strong professional learning community of like-minded, passionate educators.”

 

http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Entries/2018/11/28_Middle_School_Science_Minute__Betty_Jo_Moore.html

 

From the Twitterverse:  

MiddleWeb‏ @middleweb

REVIEW: Teacher’s novel captures the absurdity facing educators. @RoxannaElden #mschat #edchat #middleschool #leadupchat #nchat #tlap #LeadLAP Reviewer & new principal @ritaplatt says Adequate Yearly Progress is hilarious & spot on. https://www.middleweb.com/39202/fiction-adequate-yearly-progress-is-a-hoot/ … https://www.middleweb.com/39202/fiction-adequate-yearly-progress-is-a-hoot/ …

Kim Campbell‏ @KimCamp4Kids

Kim Campbell Retweeted Mike Griffen

There’s simply nothing like teacher tired…

Mike Griffen @LeeEatonAP

As an administrator it’s easy to forget how demanding it is to be in the classroom with 28 or 29 students, engaging them in instruction, managing behavior, and helping each grow. Subbing today puts that back into perspective.

 

Richard Byrne‏ @rmbyrne

Five Good Places to Find Public Domain Video Clips http://ow.ly/7qGR30muuQd

 

Teresa Gross 📝📚‏ @teresagross625

Please join us tomorrow morning! #pd4uandme #leadupchat #edugladiators #satchat #LeadLAP @Katiemc827 @kylelaurie @specialtechie @Rdene915 @Jhaywardtwit @MeehanEDU @Isham_Literacy @SaraKiffe #pln365

Sean Junkins‏Verified account @sjunkins

DOK in Social Studies. #NCSS2018

Brad Dale‏ @bradjdale

A new gradebook in Google Classroom – signup to test it out. https://www.timetotalktech.com/2018/11/sign-up-beta-to-try-google-forms-locked.html …

 

Will Richardson – Time to Change School‏ @willrich45

“I don’t think there is any question that by stripping students of their ability to choose much of anything of consequence during their time in school, we’re leaving them more prone to let others choose for them in their out of school lives.” https://buff.ly/2SkreAR  #satchat

 

Teenage Whisperer‏ @Teen_Whisperer

Are you actually listening to the teen who’s talking to you? You might think you are, but are you really? #troubledteens #edchat #youthwork #therapy #parenting #fostering https://goo.gl/BWWsnr

 

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

 

Strategies:

 

Persuasive Maps

This is a collection of “persuasive” cartography: ​more than 800 ​ maps intended primarily to influence opinions or beliefs – to send a message – rather than to communicate geographic information. The collection reflects a variety of persuasive tools ​, including​ allegorical, satirical and pictorial mapping; selective inclusion; unusual use of projections, color, graphics and text; and intentional deception. Maps in the collection address a wide range of messages: religious, political, military, commercial, moral and social.

https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/

 

RACE

RACE. Rather than using the 4-letter acronym, I reduce it initially to three letters: R for Reuse the words in the question, A for Answer the question, and P for Prove you are correct. I’ll get to the E in a bit. It takes the most time to teach R.

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/11/01/guest-post-how-to-scaffold-the-race-writing-strategy-for-newcomer-english-learners/#annotations:g7XHPPAQEei6Mysog2AWqQ

 

Resources:

 

History Hub

 

https://historyhub.abc-clio.com/Support/index

 

“The PBL Playbook” and How PBL can Help You Innovate Inside the Box

 

https://connectedprincipals.com/archives/18515

 

Where Everybody Knows Your Name – Edutopia

How one district identifies which students are falling through the cracks and need to connect with adults in the school.  

https://www.edutopia.org/article/power-being-seen

 

569 Free Art Books

5 Decades of MET publications on art history available for free.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/metpublications/titles-with-full-text-online?searchtype=F

Web Spotlight:

 

The Students Suing for a Constitutional Right to Education

 

https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/11/lawsuit-constitutional-right-education/576901/

 

Teaching Responsibility or Compliance?

 

https://connectedprincipals.com/archives/18755

 

Random Thoughts . . .  

 

How to make Lithuanian Cepelinai (Zeppelin) Dumplings

https://www.thespruceeats.com/make-lithuanian-cepelinai-zeppelin-dumplings-4011445  

‘Tis the season for comfort foods.  This is a winner!!

LRT – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony  

https://www.facebook.com/LRT.LT/videos/208814273327634/  

https://www.lrt.lt/mediateka/tiesiogiai/lrt-televizija  

Yes, part of it is in Lithuanian.  “Carol of the Bells” is in English and watch how Santa arrives.  Interesting to see how others start the Christmas season.

 

Moodle Comic Instructions

Comics on using Moodle. I would love your feedback. I would also love your suggestions or requests.

https://mastermoodle.com

 

Personal Web Site  

https://troypatterson.me 

 

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

 

MSM 410: So, I’m the grownup? We’re in trouble.

Jokes You Can Use:  

 

An NSA agent walks into an ice cream shop. “Hey, I’ve got a joke for you” says the owner.

  • Already heard it

 

Comic Sans walks into an ice cream shop.

  • Hey, we don’t serve your type in here.

 

Hey, did you hear about the mathematician who is afraid of negative numbers?

  • He’ll stop at nothing to avoid them.

 

I have a friend who’s dog ate all of the scrabble tiles.

  • Yeah, he left messages all around the house the next few days.

 

Hey, did you hear about the claustophic astronaut?

  • He needed a little space

 

What did one hat say to the other hat?

  • You go on ahead. I’ll wait here.

 

What do you call a parade of rabbits hopping backwards?

  • A receding hare line

 

What does Charles Dickens keep in his spice rack?

  • The best of Thymes, the worst of Thymes

 

Why should you never use the number 288?

  • It’s two gross

 

What sits at the bottom of the ocean and twitches?

  • A nervous wreck

 

Why can’t you explain puns to a kleptomaniac?

  • They take everything, literally.

 

Advisory:

 

Teen ate lunch alone for years, then the student council stepped in

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/teen-ate-lunch-alone-for-years-then-the-student-council-stepped-in/

 

6th Grader Leaves Detailed Note For Man After His Car Gets Hit

https://twentytwowords.com/6th-grader-leaves-detailed-note-man-car-gets-hit/

 

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Forces and Motion

I was recently reading the November/December, 2018 issue of “Science Scope,” a magazine written for middle school science teachers, published by the National Science Teachers Association.  

 

In this issue, I read the section “From the Editor’s Desk” written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, “Playing with Forces and Motion.” Patty shares information about Isaac Newton’s life and how his simply stated laws of motion still play a foundational role in our students’ lives.

 

http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Entries/2018/11/22_Middle_School_Science_Minute__Forces_and_Motion.html

 

From the Twitterverse:  

DisruptED TV‏ @DisruptedTv

Are you creating irresistibly engaging learning experiences? Your answer matters. @MichaelFullan1

Brad Dale‏ @bradjdale

Need to create a permission slip or field trip letter? Try Template Lab. Has 30+ templates. http://www.timetotalktech.com/2016/08/need-to-create-permission-slip-or-field.html …

 

Marvin Olasky‏ @MarvinOlasky

Crises R Us – WORLD history books of the year

https://t.co/54V54uU7ky  

War on Poverty: Nearly Won (and Lost) – WORLD

https://t.co/rPGBlo3kNX  

 

Marvin Olasky‏ @MarvinOlasky

Important, if true: Don’t Tell Anyone, But We Just Had Two Years Of Record-Breaking Global Cooling https://www.investors.com/politics/editorials/climate-change-global-warming-earth-cooling-media-bias/ … via @IBDeditorials

 

RUTH BUZZI‏Verified account @Ruth_A_Buzzi

I find it a little ironic the Flat Earth Society has members all around the globe

 

Secondary Principals‏ @massp

Local superintendents discuss teacher shortage:

https://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/20181123/local-superintendents-discuss-teacher-shortage-at-west-coast-breakfast

 

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

 

Strategies:

 

iReporter

Students get to be a reporter through the BBC app. This focuses on Speed, Accuracy and Impact. Interesting, interactive activity.

Your role as a BBC journalist is to cover a breaking news story – publishing your story to a “BBC Live” site. Your story will be judged on how well you balance accuracy, impact and speed.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-8760dd58-84f9-4c98-ade2-590562670096

 

INTRIGUING STRATEGY IN ASSESSING MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS – GIVING CREDIT FOR EXPLAINING WHICH OPTIONS ARE WRONG

 

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/11/17/intriguing-strategy-in-assessing-multiple-choice-tests-giving-credit-for-explaining-which-options-are-wrong/#annotations:HvKMJOp9Eeigk_9N3R05Pw

 

Always feel rushed in class? How to let go of the GOOD to make time for the GREAT

 

https://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/truth-for-teachers-podcast/time-management-in-classroom-teaching/

 

The Secret to Student Success? Teach Them How to Learn.

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-10-31-the-secret-to-student-success-teach-them-how-to-learn

 

Resources:

 

The One Thing Teachers Want That No One is Talking About

http://ideasandthoughts.org/2018/11/17/the-one-thing-teachers-want-that-no-one-is-talking-about/

 

4 Skills and Traits Great Schools Teach That Will Always be Essential

  1. The Value of Hard Work.
  2. Time Management.
  3. Humility.
  4. Kindness.

https://connectedprincipals.com/archives/18494

Web Spotlight:

Teachers Are the #3 Influencer

https://www.tes.com/news/teachers-are-third-biggest-influence-peoples-lives?fbclid=IwAR0WhPjgJ53rXv6V4-PRp3FNIx4buCIMkzr7jKN3R_f65cFT7U308aR9bX4  

Teachers are the biggest influence on a person’s life, behind only parents and friends, new research suggests.  Some 82 per cent of people said teachers were very, or quite, influential on the lives of others, according to the results of a survey published by the Get Into Teaching campaign.

 

The Seven Most Powerful Words In Education

 

What can I do to help you?

 

http://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2018/11/what-can-i-do-to-help-you-these-words.html

 

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

 

MSM 409: Oyez, Oyez, Oyez, The AI Knows Things About You . . .

Jokes You Can Use:  

 

One winter morning, an employee explained why he had shown up for work 50 minutes late: “It was so slippery out that for every step I took ahead, I slipped back two.”

The boss eyed him suspiciously, “Oh, yeah? Then how did you ever get here?”

“I finally gave up,” he said, “and started for home.”

 

Advisory:

 

Thirteen Virtues

  1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
  2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
  3. Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
  4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
  5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
  6. Industry. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
  7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
  8. Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
  9. Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
  10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths [sic], or habitation.
  11. Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
  12. Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
  13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

http://www.thirteenvirtues.com/

 

Daily Planner

Benjamin Franklin's daily schedule

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nickbilton/3779169741/

 

How to Deal with Haters

 

https://youarenotsosmart.com/2011/10/05/the-benjamin-franklin-effect/

Middle School Science Minute  

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

I See Change

I was recently reading the October, 2018 issue of “Science Scope,” a magazine written for middle school science teachers, published by the National Science Teachers Association.  

 

In this issue, I read the “Citizen Science” section, written by Jill Nugent.  The title of the article was “I See Change: Do You?” In this article, we learn about the I See Change Citizen Science Project which integrates citizen science, journalism, and weather and satellite data from NASA within a globally networked community that is actively contributing observations of environmental changes.  To learn more about this project, visit:

http://iseechange.org

 

http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Entries/2018/11/15_Middle_School_Science_Minute__I_See_Change.html

 

From the Twitterverse:  

Kasey Bell‏ @ShakeUpLearning

Teaching responsibility and preparing students for the real world: 20 alternatives to homework http://bit.ly/2PZS2ZO  via jmattmiller #ditchbook #shakeuplearning #edtech

 

Valeria Rodriguez‏ @Valeriasketches

Drawing is the fastest, most effective way to learn according to new research: givesdifferent ways to engage w/ info has 2 visualize what is being shared in detail think of how to render thaton go through physical process of creating https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/drawing-is-fastest-most-effective-way-to-learn-according-to-new-research.html …

Alice Keeler‏ @alicekeeler

As @joboaler says… it’s not my job to rescue students from thinking. Am I doing the thinking or are the students? How much of the lesson is “figure it out?” #edtechperu @EdTech_Tips

Alice Keeler‏ @alicekeeler

Activity dashboard front and center! See who has never looked at the document or when they last looked at it. Click the chart icon in the upper right. #googleEDU

SIGOBL‏ @SIGOBL_MACUL Nov 16

Want to be our neighbor? Join us at our workshop! We’re excited to see hear more from @lkolb and @evelyndaughtery (Maybe @csteenst will provide us with another round of tributes to Mr. Rogers, too?) https://buff.ly/2RSnes0

Nick LaFave‏ @NFLaFave

PD on the Potty – Tissue #8 “Attention getters” for any lesson, and zooming shortcuts that work in any browser. https://buff.ly/2TiKyjz  #EdTech #PDonThePotty #learningintheloo

Message:  Hey Middle School Matters! Thanks for the follow. I am building a free online tool for teachers. Drop in any URL and we convert it into a quiz for kids. It’s called Mt. Cleverest and it’s just been accepted as an IBM AI XPRIZE competitor. Would love for you or any teachers you know to check it out (http://bit.ly/2wAN5Lj ). Let me know what you think!

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

 

Strategies:

Teaching ELLs with Short Animated Videos

Short animated videos are excellent for supporting literacy skills while making the learning fun and engaging. They are especially effective for English learners because they are visual in nature.

https://www.middleweb.com/39038/teaching-ells-with-short-animated-videos/

 

INTRIGUING STRATEGY IN ASSESSING MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS – GIVING CREDIT FOR EXPLAINING WHICH OPTIONS ARE WRONG

 

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/11/17/intriguing-strategy-in-assessing-multiple-choice-tests-giving-credit-for-explaining-which-options-are-wrong/

Resources:

 

Oyez, Oyez, Oyez

 

https://www.oyez.org/

Bonus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bct6RRAe0_s

 

What Learners Really Need

 

http://esheninger.blogspot.com/2018/11/what-learners-really-need.html

 

Web Spotlight:

PBIS Is An Incentive System, Venezuela Has An Incentive System . . .  

 

The still-evolving system, part of which uses “smart citizen cards” developed by ZTE, grades citizens based on behavior including financial solvency and political activity.

Good behavior can earn citizens discounts on utilities or loans. Bad marks can get them banned from public transport or their kids blocked from top schools.

Ahead of the vote, ruling party officials urged voters to be “grateful” for government largesse dispensed via the fatherland cards. They set up “red point” kiosks near voting booths, where voters could scan their cards and register, Maduro himself promised, for a “fatherland prize.”

https://www.businessinsider.com/venezuela-id-card-tracks-citizens-like-china-2018-11

 

Teachers at Staff Meetings

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebq9ucIWlQg

 

AI Explainer

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/10/26/opinion/halloween-spooky-costumes-machine-learning-generator.html

 

Random Thoughts . . .  

Ian McGirr of London – I Know Things About You  

  1. I know your favorite Pizza from Papa Johns.
  2. I know you gamble at Red Casino, and they miss you.  
  3. Kala Jean from kalajean@icloud.com says, “Hi.  This is Kala.”  She sounds nice.  

 

Moodle Word Wall

 

Personal Web Site  

 

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

 

MSM 408: READI for Reading? Should You Log It?

MSM 408: READI for Reading? Should You Log It?

Jokes You Can Use:  

What is the most popular romantic song for fish?

  • Salmon enchanted evening

 

Thoughts on why English is tough:

 

  • The bandage was wound around the wound.
  • The farm was used to produce produce.
  • The dump was so full it had to refuse more refuse.
  • We must polish the Polish furniture.
  • He could lead if he would get the lead out.
  • The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
  • Since there was no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
  • A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
  • When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
  • The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
  • They were too close to the door to close it.
  • I did not object to the object.
  • A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
  • Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
  • I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.

 

Eileen Award:  

  • District Email:  Anthony Loccricio – IT Coach Extraordinaire!  

 

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Mary Colson

I was recently reading the October, 2018 issue of “Science Scope,” a magazine written for middle school science teachers, published by the National Science Teachers Association.  

 

In this issue, I read the “Member Spotlight” section where NSTA highlights a middle school science teacher, from across the United States.  This month, Mary Colson is featured. She is a middle school Earth Science teacher in Minnesota. Her advice for a new science teacher is:

“Ask for help.  Develop your own curriculum and then learn to revise on the fly.  Enjoy your mistakes and learn from them. Get plenty of sleep every night.  Have fun and laugh with your students every day.”

 

http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Entries/2018/11/6_Middle_School_Science_Minute__Mary_Colson.html

 

From the Twitterverse:  

Mr Moon‏ @MrMoonUK Nov 8

Sentence development resource: students, at the throw of a dice, add an adverb, adjective, simile etc. to enhance the quality of their original simple sentences. #Writing #TeamEnglish

tanny mcgregor‏ @TannyMcG Nov 8

Ultimately, sketchnotes can help us to merge our thinking with the text (or with visual art, realia, music, etc) It’s all about meaning-making. #G2Great #InkAndIdeas

Evan Robb‏ @ERobbPrincipal Nov 8

Excellent graphic @trev_mackenzie Consider different types of inquiry learning-

Rich Czyz‏ @RACzyz

A6: Try using the READI framework when planning PD! https://fouroclockfaculty.com/2018/08/the-readi-framework/ … #4OCF #satchat

Annemieke Akkermans‏ @shelearner

Teach copyright. Check whether an image can be used – even if it is only used in the #classroom. Use #creativeCommons to make sure that images may be used, and mention the #source of your images. Use this #poster to find the way to proper #copyright usage. Image by CurtisNewbold.

Richard Erdmann 🇨🇦‏ @rerdmann

A.4 Technology can support learning or distract ! Important to remember that technology is a tool and not a learning outcome! @plugusin #satchat

Kelly Gallagher‏ @KellyGToGo

For the 1984 file: Two news anchors at China’s state-run news agency aren’t human

(Kinda like the Chinese Communist Party)  

 

Google Drive‏Verified account @googledrive

Check out this quick tip for quicker results: Type “drive” in your address bar to access your files https://goo.gl/8w39ns

 

Dr. Bob Pritchard‏ @SOCSD_Supt

In observance of Veterans Day, schools will be closed on Monday, November 12, 2018. This is a day when we honor the men and women who have served in the military. #veteransday2018 See my blog about Selfless Service at http://blogs.socsd.org/superintendent/2018/11/09/happy-veterans-day/ …

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

 

Strategies:

 

Let’s Talk About Reading Logs Again

 

https://pernillesripp.com/2018/11/03/lets-talk-about-reading-logs-again/#annotations:snjb2uFwEei4zjvXGqJAxQ

 

Public Math

 

https://www.public-math.org/news/

 

Resources:

 

Library of Congress Project

Get Involved: Volunteer to uncover our shared history and make documents more searchable for everyone.

https://crowd.loc.gov/

 

Build a body

Learn about the body’s systems with this drag and drop game. Choose organs from the organ tray, and place them in their correct position within the body to create organ systems.

 

Build-A-Body is a drag and drop game where players are tasked with assembling an organ system from a set of organs. Players may then attempt case studies where a functional problem with a system must be linked to the organ affected.

http://www.spongelab.com/game_pages/bab.cfm

 

MyBib

It’s back.

https://www.mybib.com/

 

World War I Centennial Resources

Centennial Commission:  https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php  

The Commission’s mission is to plan, develop, and execute programs, projects and activities to commemorate the Centennial of World War I (WWI).

Over the next five years the Commission intends to:

  • Develop educational programs targeted at a variety of audiences and delivered through a variety of broadcast, print and digital media, with the goal of teaching Americans about the country’s most forgotten war.
  • Organize activities, events, and symposia to commemorate American involvement in “the Great War.”
  • Establish a National World War I Memorial in Washington DC, and bring attention to the thousands of World War I memorials in communities across the country that honor Americans who served in the war.
  • Serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about events and activities related to the Centennial Commemoration.

Bells of Peace App and Activity

Use the app to ring the Bell of Peace 21 times on November 11 at 11:00 am.  Or in your classroom on November 12th.

https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/commemorate/event-map-system/ace-smartphone-app.html  

World War I Memorial Video (and fundraiser)  

https://vimeo.com/188363930  

BBC Armistice Day – What Would You Have Done?  

https://armistice-day.bbcrewind.co.uk/#/  

 

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

 

MSM 407: Synth-etic Boo! What Does That Sound Like?

Jokes You Can Use:  

 

I go to the gym so infrequently that I still call it the James.

 

I earn a seven-figure salary. Unfortunately, there’s a decimal point involved.

A hungry little boy was beginning to eat his dinner when his father reminded him that they hadn’t prayed.”We don’t have to,” said the little boy. “Mommy is a good cook!”

 

Silence is golden…

Unless you have children…

If that is the case, silence is suspicious.

 

What plant like Halloween the most?

  • Bam-BOO!

 

What would you find on a haunted beach?

  • A sand-witch!

 

What would you get if you crossed a vampire and a teacher?

  • Lots of blood tests!

 

What did the ghost say when the skeleton lied to him?

  • I can see right through you.

 

Why do ghosts like to ride in elevators?

  • It raises their spirits.

 

Middle School Science Minute  

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

Adolescent Brain

 

I was recently reading the October, 2018 issue of “Science Scope,” a magazine written for middle school science teachers, published by the National Science Teachers Association.  

 

In this issue, I read the section “From the Editor’s Desk” written by Patty McGinnis. She wrote an article entitled, “Critical Thinking and the Adolescent Brain.” She reminds us that brain development is all the more reason for us to develop engaging activities that require our students to think critically.

 

http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Entries/2018/10/24_Middle_School_Science_Minute__Adolescent_Brain.html

 

From the Twitterverse:  

Christopher Moore‏ @ChrisMooreSci

Christopher Moore Retweeted Oscar Mayer

The most important scientific debate since the classification of Pluto. Seriously, this is an excellent #5E “Engage” question for an #ngss learning experience on taxonomies. #ChangeOscarsMind #scichat #scied

Christopher Moore added,

Oscar MayerVerified account @oscarmayer

We know what’s true… But we’re gonna give you 24 hours to change our mind. Call to tell us why you think a hot dog IS NOT a sandwich. #ChangeOscarsMind

0 replies 1 retweet 2 likes

 

Amy Fast, Ed.D.‏ @fastcrayon

If you planned by considering the question, “I’ve got 5 hours a day with these little humans. What do they need?” as opposed to “I’ve got 5 hours of the day to cover all the standards. How do I fit it all in?” how would your teaching change? How would learning change as a result?

 

Angie Goćur‏ @AngieGocur

Replying to @rickwormeli2 @CNN

How saddening. I have found that it’s easy for me to challenge my students’ biases but harder for me to challenge my colleagues, but I can’t help but think that some uncomfortable lunch room conversations could have prevented this.

 

Jonathan Alsheimer‏ @mr_Alsheimer

The best teachers are the ones in the trenches. 3 essentials for teachers – Be in the hallway, Be visible, and Be INVESTED in their life! Handshakes and fist bumps work wonders! #buildrelationships #leadfromthefront #education101 #FLHornets #tlap #LeadLAP #classroomchampions

Todd Nesloney‏ @TechNinjaTodd

“Being an educator is more than just accepting a position. It’s a calling. It’s that drive to change a child’s life” via #StoriesFromWebb

Synth‏ @gosynth

Podcasting in the Classroom? Here’s a Byte-Sized Option https://classtechtips.com/2018/10/29/podcasting-in-the-classroom/ … via @classtechtips

 

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

 

Resources:

 

The Sound of Text

“Sound of Text creates MP3 audio files from text and allows you to download them or play them in the browser — using the text to speech engine from Google Translate.

Originally, Sound of Text was just for myself so that I could attach sound to my flashcards in Anki. Now, thousands of people use this site for many different purposes.”

https://soundoftext.com/

 

13 Alternatives to Google Image Search

Richard Byrne (FreeTech4Teachers) provides a document for more than just Google Slides. Why? Many times, google image searches produce copyrighted images (though there is also a setting to restrict results).

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z8ySPgLOE0UNH01HMQ___-BF6cRxfytc-4_MrSTWA1o/edit

 

Your Fallacy Is

Downloadable posters and cards that are great resources. These apply to Biases and Fallacies.

https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/shop

 

Web Spotlight:

 

Random Thoughts . . .  

 

Personal Web Site  

 

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!

 

MSM 406: Secret – Sneaky Sugar Free!  (And Gluten Free Too!)

MSM 406: Secret – Sneaky Sugar Free!  (And Gluten Free Too!)

Jokes You Can Use:  

 

Did you hear about the combination of Alphabet Soup and a laxative?

  • It’s called Letter Rip

 

What’s the best thing about Switzerland?

  • I’m not really sure, but the flag is a big plus

 

Did you hear about the latest discovery at What’s A Matter U?

  • In addition to Dark Matter and Anti-Matter, they have discovered It Doesn’t Matter.

 

Seamstress:

  • Caused by wearing tight clothing (or sew it seams)

 

Always give 100%

  • Unless you’re giving blood

 

Did you hear about the guy kidnapped by a pack of mimes?

  • They made him commit unspeakable acts

 

What do you call a teacher afraid to fart in public?

  • A private tooter

 

Did you hear about the latest trial?

  • A tailor, when pressed came apart at the seams. His altered testimony completely unraveled. His fabrication came apart at the seams.

 

I was telling some cheesy jokes the other day, but they didn’t go over well. It seems everyone was laughtose intolerant.

 

If they are going to arm teachers, will the librarians have to have silencers?

 

Did you hear about the new employee who refused to sign up for his 401K?

 

Advisory:

 

Sneaky Sugar

 

https://www.sneakysugar.org/

Middle School Science Minute

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

Culturally Responsive Classroom

 

I was recently reading the September, 2018 issue of “Science Scope,” a magazine written for middle school science teachers, published by the National Science Teachers Association.  

 

In this issue, I read the “Science for All” section written by Kaitlyn McGlynn and Janey Kelly. They wrote an article entitled, “Creating a Culturally Responsive Middle School Science Classroom.” The article focuses in on strategies to create a culturally responsive foundation for your classroom.  All of the knowledge that students possess as a result of their cultural background and interactions is referred to as their “funds of knowledge,” and these funds of knowledge are useful, powerful, and transferable.

 

http://k12science.net/Podcast/Podcast/Entries/2018/10/15_Middle_School_Science_Minute__Culturally_Responsive_Classroom.html

 

From the Twitterverse:  

Alice Keeler‏ @alicekeeler

I challenge you on this, ask students to make a presentation with NO WORDS! YOU are your presentation. Your slides are a visual for your AUDIENCE not a crutch for your presentation.

 

Google DocsVerified account @googledocs  

https://twitter.com/i/status/1055490445088903168  

Introducing a .new time-saving trick for users. Type any of these .new domains to instantly create Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites or Forms ↓

 

OJMS Admin Team‏ @OJ_Orioles

An engaging fraction lesson in @JennMackey313 6th grade math class where Ss try to find out who killed Mr. Frac? Happy to report it wasn’t us! #StudentEngagement #BeAnOriole

NJAMLE‏ @NJAMLE

NJAMLE Spring Conference – Call for Presenters https://njamle.org/njamle-spring-conference-call-for-presenters … via @njamle Save the Date March 15,2019 @KeanUniversity. #Amle2018 @NJSTW1 @njapsa @NJEAPreservice @NJCTENews @njsped @NJAET_org @NJSchPsy @NJEAPD @NJEA @NJSTANews @NJASCDSouth @NJASL @NJStandards @NJACTE1

 

Pam Millikan‏ @millikan_pam

Pam Millikan Retweeted Katie Powell

This webinar is certainly worth your time! Don’t miss it

Pam Millikan added,

Katie Powell @Beyond_the_Desk

Hi #AMLE2018 friends! If you enjoyed Worksheet or Lecture Busters, missed them, or want to share them with colleagues, I have an @AMLE webinar coming up Nov 7. I’ll share a few Busters but then move on to the process for designing your own. https://www.amle.org/ServicesEvents/Webinars/110718/tabid/1107/Default.aspx

0 replies 1 retweet 2 likes

 

MiddleWeb‏ @middleweb

MiddleWeb Retweeted AMLE

We’ve been proud to feature Amber’s Flexible Classroom columns here at MiddleWeb: https://www.middleweb.com/category/the-flexible-classroom/ … #AMLE18 #AMLE2018 #mschat

 

Pam Millikan‏ @millikan_pam

Pam Millikan Retweeted Christine Thielen

May we all stay on the journey of growth and improvement!#amle2018

Pam Millikan added,

Christine Thielen @cmt215il

“Leadership is not a title, it’s a journey.” – @mgrosstaylor #AMLE2018

0 replies 2 retweets 3 likes

 

Rick Wormeli‏ @rickwormeli2

That moment when you pause on the last day of a great education conference and think about all you’ve learned and realize you could actually do the ideas back at school…#AMLE2018

 

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

 

Strategies:

 

Build and Evaluate Comprehension with Creative Performance Tasks

  1. Create a Coat of Arms for a Story’s Protagonist
  2. Create a Wanted Poster for a story’s Antagonist
  3. Build a Scrapbook for a Character
  4. Design a New Book Cover or Book Jacket
  5. Develop Book Reviews and Trailers
  6. Produce a Card Game

Build student agency with choice

https://creativeeducator.tech4learning.com/2018/articles/build-and-evaluate-comprehension-with-creative-performance-tasks

 

FRAYER MODEL COLLABORATIVE SLIDE DECK

I wanted to be able to use this model to have students collaborate and teach each other concepts (not vocabulary), so (OF COURSE) I thought of using a collaborative Google Slide Deck!

 

https://meredithakers.com/2018/10/14/frayer-model-collaborative-slide-deck/

 

Resources:

 

E-books for Comic Creation

 

https://www.makebeliefscomix.com/e-books-apps/

 

The “secret menu” for Google Slides, Docs, Drawings and more

 

http://ditchthattextbook.com/2018/10/24/the-secret-menu-for-google-slides-docs-drawings-and-more/

 

Jenny Everywhere

According to Steven “Moriarty” Wintle—a comic artist from Ottawa, Ontario—Jenny Everywhere is the first “open source comic character.”

https://opensource.com/article/18/10/jenny-everywhere#annotations:QVMQ6NVEEeim1yfyx-RMmQ

 

Time Traveler for Words

When was a word first used in print? You may be surprised! Enter a date below to see the words first recorded on that year.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/time-traveler/2013

 

UKEd Magazine – Issue 51

 

https://ukedchat.com/2018/09/28/uked-magazine-issue-51/9/

 

National Screening Room

The National Screening Room showcases the riches of the Library’s vast moving image collection, designed to make otherwise unavailable movies, both copyrighted and in the public domain, freely accessible to the viewers worldwide.

The majority of movies in the National Screening Room are freely available as both 5 mb MP4 and ProRes 422 MOV downloads.

The National Screening Room is a project of the Library of Congress National Audio-Visual Conservation Center. The goal of this digital collection is to present to the widest audience possible movies from the Library’s extensive holdings, offering a broad range of historical and cultural documents as a contribution to education and lifelong learning.

These selections are presented as part of the record of the past. They are historical documents which reflect the attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs of different times. The Library of Congress does not endorse the views expressed in these movies, which may contain content offensive to users.

 

https://www.loc.gov/collections/national-screening-room/

 

PicLits

Drag and drop words onto a picture.

https://www.piclits.com/compose_dragdrop.aspx

 

Web Spotlight:

The National Stock Market Game

https://www.nationalsms.com/  

National SMS is a nation-wide stock game for schools in the United States.

Unlike other stock games, you can create your own class rules and trading dates to best fit your own lesson plans, and your students can participate in nation-wide rankings!

We give prizes to the top teams throughout the country every semester, so join your class today to participate!

It takes 5 minutes to get registered and set up your class, and your students can be trading today!

 

EduPaths – Professional Development Website

https://www.edupaths.org/  

Benefits of EduPaths:

Demonstrated ability to reach educators statewide

  • Completed Enrollments: 15,973
  • A scalable resource with current capacity for 100,000 educator accounts and the ability to ramp up quickly if more are needed
  • Courses created will be accessible to ALL Michigan educators
  • Maintains database and provides participants with a physical transcript to submit for documentation and SCECH’s
  • Strong results-oriented collaboration with the Michigan Department of Education
  • Partnership with the State Education Network (SEN) to secure efficient transfer of educational content
  • Able to support CTE programs through 200+ courses in the following pathways:
    • Assessment, Instruction, Curriculum, Data, Foundation, Leadership, School Improvement, Technology, and more
  • By leveraging an existing platform, additional courses that are needed can be created for just the cost of content development

 

Random Thoughts . . .  

 

Personal Web Site  

 

Click the Play button below to listen to the show!