Teacher Tools

Here are a few tools that I have come to love! They make life easier.

Cute PDF writer

Ever needed to change a document into something that everyone could read? This is an easy download that installs as a printer option. It allows you to change any document into a pdf file. This helps with things you may want to post to a website, send out(without fearing that anyone will change anything), or if you need to send it to someone that does not have a particular Microsoft Program. I've used this with my newsletters before, because not everyone has Microsoft Publisher.

Green Shot

Ever wanted to "grab" a portion of the screen and not the whole screen? Print screen works for only so many things. Greenshot is a download that allows you to capture a portion of the screen(even in a picture in a pdf document) and then crop and it save it as a jpeg file. I've used green shot with grabbing the screens to post pictures of the websites on the blog. If you have any questions about either of these, please feel free to email me or leave a comment!

Up next....Math Resources for K-6

New sites

Here are few new sites:
We all love Lakeshore because of their products and classroom materials, but have you checked out their teacher corner's site? There is a project and activity section, a printable section, and a make your own section for flashcards, word searches, award makers, and writing practice.

LakeShore teacher's corner

Have you ever wanted a site that had links for every subject and area? Here it is. **Caution I have not checked every link on this site, but as you can see the links and lists are extensive and cover a wide range of topic, so there will be something that works! (There are links for all ages)

Online Basic Skills 

Here is a new site I have found with various links for themes and resources. Check out their student page, links, and resource page for lists of various web resources. Again I have not checked out every link, but most that I have work.

Zwolle Elementary School 

Until next time! Happy surfing and thanks for stopping by!  ...Next blog will be on teacher tools~ Melissa

Free Apps from Lakeshore!

Look for several new posts in the next couple of days, but first.......

There are three new apps available for Ipad and Iphone through LakeShore and they are free until December 30th. The above is a screen shot I took from my Ipad and then uploaded to my computer using dropbox(if you haven't installed drop box, it is time!! I will include information about that soon). They are offering the Beginning Sounds game, the Letter of the Day interactive, and Phonics Tic Toe free for Ipad and Iphone until December 30th. Whether you have Ipads or Ipod touches in the classroom or have one of these for personal use, these games are user friendly and worth the download.

LakeShore does offer an interactive resource line now. If you are not familiar with the technology resources they offer check out their website. The games are reasonably priced and work well with all interactive boards.

Here is a link to their technology section
Lake Shore Technology Section

Topics to come: Seasonal Links, A site with various sites for all topic areas, and information on dropbox! If you are looking for something, let me know I may know of a site, if not I'll find one!

Projects by Jen

http://www.jenuinetech.com/

Having trouble finding projects that meet various standards(Reading, Math, and Technology)? Check out Project's by Jen site. She has made it easy to not only meet course of study requirements, but to give your students a chance to collaborate with classrooms across the country. This was one of my favorite sites to use in my classroom. My students loved the various projects from OREO's to Lucky Charms, but I think their favorite was the Holiday Card Exchange. All kids enjoy getting mail! Details and requirements for the projects are all listed on the site, so check it out!

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog adventure! I've been doing a personal one since January, but finally felt led to start one professionally. I love technology and finding new resources. I had my own K-1 classroom for the last five years, and this year I'm the inclusion special education teacher. I serve two schools and between both schools I service every grade level, K-6. I have presented for the past two summers at Alabama's state technology conference sharing tips and "treasures" with other teachers. Even though I no longer have my own classroom, I still enjoy finding sites to help other teachers. Hence this blog. I will share some of my favorite treasures along with some new ones that I find. If you are looking for something, leave a comment and let's help each other look! I've read the research on technology and how using it keeps the students engaged, and I've seen it in action. This is an interactive age, so let's do what we can to meet their needs while helping them learn at the same time.