Student Blogs

Article posted September 23, 2007 at 07:35 AM GMT0 • Reads 200

I've been busy setting up the 4th and 5th grade student blogs and am looking forward to Monday when we try them out. Students have now selected names of favorite characters from books. First blog assignment will be to tell why the student selected that particular character. Students will also need to design their blog page and create a password.

Seems like fall is really here with the change in weather and shorter hours of daylight.

Welcome

Article posted September 24, 2007 at 06:14 PM GMT0 • Reads 32

Tis a Merry Monday, students. Today you will begin designing your blog page. I am excited and hope you are all as well.

Student Blogs

Article posted September 25, 2007 at 01:59 AM GMT0 • Reads 33

I learned that a class of 30 cannot work on their blog page all at once. So the 5th grade Spanish class did not get a chance to finish designing their pages. However, since there are only 15 students in the 4th grade Japanese class, most got a good start. We will continue in the weeks to come and hopefully iron out the glitches. Students will also need to submit individual passwords.

Curriculum Night

Article posted September 27, 2007 at 08:00 PM GMT0 • Reads 35

Parents who stopped by the computer lab last night were very excited that their children are becoming bloggers and appreciate that they are using psuedonyms for safety reasons.

The 5th grade students have all signed blogger contracts and are eager to continue the design of their blogs and begin writing articles in the near future especially now that their teacher (that's me!) has figured out most of the basics.

I'm waiting for signed contracts from the 4th grade students who also seem enthusiastic about getting started.

Lab Happenings

Article posted October 3, 2007 at 11:32 PM GMT0 • Reads 34

I wasn't here on Monday. The 4th and 5th grade classes did Web searches. The substitute teacher left me a note saying the students did a great job for the most part. Next Monday I have invited a guest (a District IT person) to show students what's inside the "brain" of a computer.

It should be an exciting lesson.

Computer Demo

Article posted October 9, 2007 at 05:56 PM GMT0 • Reads 35

Our guest presenter opened up a computer, identified and removed the various parts and passed them around to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. Everyone seemed interested and excited. The students had many questions like what if I opened up the monitor (Not a good idea ever!) Some of the students have helped parents at home repair a computer and even build one. Overall, a successful and motivating lesson.

We have an assistant till the end of the year. Her name is Elizabeth.

We are happy to have her help.

Student Blogs

Article posted October 16, 2007 at 01:13 AM GMT0 • Reads 33

We're back to working on blogs. 4th and 5th grade

classes are continuing to work on design and description. Some 5th grade students have started writing articles and have some very cool graphics. We added the 3rd grade Japanese class today. Each student picked a character for a pseudonym. Students are encouraged to work on their blogs in their classrooms and at home.

Bloggin'

Article posted October 23, 2007 at 01:47 AM GMT0 • Reads 35

All of the classes are now working on articles and some have already been published. Way to go!!

Some students are busy looking for cool graphics.

Since we have only a half hour each week, progress has been slow but we're getting there at last!! One student even wrote a song. Kudos to Flash!!

Happenin's

Article posted October 25, 2007 at 08:25 PM GMT0 • Reads 34

Well, some of the 3rd grade students are beginning to work on articles for their blogs.

The 4th grade students went to a play last week at the Seattle public library. They have started to write reviews of "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" to post to their blogs. Several students from Burma have arrived in our school. They will be in Bilingual Orientation Center classes here for several months learning English. We welcome them happily.

Wondering....

Article posted November 1, 2007 at 08:58 PM GMT0 • Reads 36

Some students have asked me why they need to create blogs this trimester. Well, some studies have shown that blogging motivates students to write. Also, since online blogs are read by hundreds and possibly thousands of people, a lot of students find this opportunity exciting. There are also important computer skills involved, like the ability to cut and paste, to capture a graphic and resize it if necessary, to design a blog page, to use Word tools.

Some of our students have already done a creative job with their blogs. I hope you will take the time to look at them and even add a comment.

Moving Along

Article posted November 8, 2007 at 05:30 AM GMT0 • Reads 34

It's very exciting for me to see the great articles and cool graphics that students are creating in their blogs. The 3rd grade class is really motivated. Several students have begun posting comments, which are always appreciated by the bloggers. Keep up the good work! I'm off to the east coast on Friday but will keep checking the student blogs. Parental support is always appreciated.

To My Students

Article posted November 15, 2007 at 08:24 PM GMT0 • Reads 32

I'm on the east coast now and enjoying the articles that you are submitting. If you haven't seen any of your comments published, it's because either they need some editing or they are in the form of an instant message (IM). The comment should be about a blog article or its design. I'd like to see more graphics. Remember to continue working on your blogs next Monday during computer lab time. There are still students who have not produced anything. I appreciate all of the hard work some of you have done, especially those students who have written more than one article. A teacher from St. Louis, Missouri, e-mailed me that she was very impressed with your blogs.

Progress

Article posted November 27, 2007 at 08:59 AM GMT0 • Reads 36

Today it was very exciting to see how enthusiastic students were about developing their blogs. Many students added graphics.

I am most appreciative of the help Miss Desiree (a volunteer) and Mr. Arnulfo provided. We missed Miss Elizabeth today and hope to see her back next week. With the end of the trimester approaching, I am thinking about new projects and hope that students will continue blogging on their own.

Sound File

Article posted December 10, 2007 at 07:09 AM GMT0 • Reads 34

I'm going to try adding a jungle sound according to Miss Elizabeth's instructions except I'm at home on my Mac so not sure whether this will work. Here goes.

It Worked!!

Article posted December 10, 2007 at 07:13 AM GMT0 • Reads 34

Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. Another tool for the student blogs.

Now all I need are some animal graphics to go with the sounds.

Almost Winter

Article posted December 13, 2007 at 07:40 AM GMT0 • Reads 36

Inspired by some of my students, I want my blog to reflect the spirit of the season.

New Sound

Article posted December 13, 2007 at 07:56 AM GMT0 • Reads 35

Sort of goes with the graphic.

Winter Break

Article posted December 19, 2007 at 08:05 PM GMT0 • Reads 33

I wish all of my students a wonderful holiday. Thank you for your creativity and hard work with the blogs. I hope you continue to publish during the winter break and look forward to reading your articles and comments.

Comments

Article posted December 24, 2007 at 01:00 AM GMT0 • Reads 32

I appreciate students' comments to blog articles and just want to post a reminder that the comments need to refer either to the blog design or article. Comments are not a forum for IM and will not be approved by me as such.

New Year

Article posted January 8, 2008 at 07:03 AM GMT0 • Reads 33

5th grade students will be doing math games online for a bit while 4th and 3rd grades will be working on Web search skills. I hope you will all continue to be great bloggers. I appreciate your creativity. I plan to add some more features to our blog site in the near future. I'll keep you posted.

Exciting News

Article posted January 16, 2008 at 04:38 AM GMT0 • Reads 36

Check out Rumpelstiltskin's blog in the Computer Lab 5 class.

He is having an interesting contest.

Catching Up

Article posted March 4, 2008 at 07:12 AM GMT0 • Reads 35

It's been awhile since I have posted. I went to Costa Rica over winter break and enjoyed the beautiful flowers and great variety of birds in addition to the friendly people. I was able to practice my Spanish a bit although I told the cook at the spa where I was staying that my name was chicken mole. ( I had wanted to tell her I liked the chicken mole.) Guess I need more practice. On Wednesday I go to Washington D.C. to write questions for teacher national certification. We have been trying different things in the lab. Some classes created templates that can be used for writing letters, poems, etc. Today Miss Elisabeth showed the 4th and 5th grade classes how to create an original article for a fictitious newspaper. The first grade class is creating a slide show in Kid Pix. There are only 12 more weeks of computer lab left. It seems like the time has gone by all too quickly.

FYI

Article posted March 5, 2008 at 07:47 PM GMT0 • Reads 35

I might not be able to check blog submissions for the next 5 days but will do so when I get back from D.C. I appreciate your patience.

New Graphic

Article posted March 13, 2008 at 12:47 AM GMT0 • Reads 34

I chose this one because March is a windy month and I am hoping we can harness some of the energy

from the turbines.

Spring Break

Article posted March 27, 2008 at 10:11 PM GMT0 • Reads 35

I'm off to the east coast tomorrow to spend time with my daughter and grandson. I was expecting spring weather but sad to say it is cool and blustery there (much like Seattle). I probably won't have a chance to approve postings till I get back early April. Please remember that I do not approve comments that are not blog related. This is not an instant messaging tool.

Have a relaxing and enjoyable break.

Spring

Article posted April 7, 2008 at 02:24 AM GMT0 • Reads 32

I chose this new graphic since Arbor Day is an April holiday. So plant a tree or be nice to a tree. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will be taking the WASL this month.

They have been practicing math skills with Every Day Math games online. The first grade Japanese class finished a slide show in Kid Pix based on the story The Gingerbread Man. 2nd and 3rd grade classes created an original animal by combining various body parts from online photos. This week they will name their animals and write a paragraph about their characteristics. Kindergarten classes created an ABC book in Kid Pix. I am excited to see all of the students developing and expanding computer skills.

Guest Teacher

Article posted April 20, 2008 at 10:47 PM GMT0 • Reads 35

Tomorrow a guest teacher from the Seattle School District Technology Department will present a lesson about HTML and Web site development to the 4th, 5th, and upper grade BOC classes.

The students seem very excited to learn a bit about this topic, and so am I.

Spring

Article posted May 17, 2008 at 10:59 PM GMT0 • Reads 34

It feels like it has arrived at long last.

Article posted June 2, 2008 at 11:11 PM GMT0 • Reads 35

  Just discovered a new tool for the blog wiritng.  You can put in all kinds of cool graphics, etc.  I'll show you next week.

Article posted June 3, 2008 at 07:41 AM GMT0 • Reads 35

I like the variety of design possibilities.  

Farewell

Article posted June 18, 2008 at 07:13 AM GMT0 • Reads 35

Congratulations to all of the 5th graders who graduated today.  I wish you well and hope you will continue to blog.   

 

Welcome Back!!

Article posted September 3, 2008 at 10:07 PM GMT0 • Reads 35

So it's back-to-school time. Summer seems to have gone by all too quickly.  I am excited about the prospect of having some new bloggers.  And, hopefully, Miss Elisabeth will post details about her stay in Rome.

Blogging Time!!

Article posted October 6, 2008 at 02:40 AM GMT0 • Reads 35

Grades 3, 5-2 (new) and 4 (old) will start blogging soon.  So look for articles from these students and please make comments.

Grácias.  Arigato.

Halloween

Article posted October 8, 2008 at 10:39 PM GMT0 • Reads 33

As you can tell from my new graphic, I've decided to join many of my students and get into the spirit of Halloween.

Blogging Update

Article posted October 20, 2008 at 06:16 PM GMT0 • Reads 33

Students are beginning to develop their blogs so look for cool articles, graphics, and maybe sounds.    And please make a comment.  We like to know what you think of our blogs.    

Check It Out!

Article posted October 25, 2008 at 05:59 AM GMT0 • Reads 34

Elisabeth in Computer Lab 5-2 has a great Halloween story and graphic.  

 

FYI

Article posted October 28, 2008 at 10:43 PM GMT0 • Reads 37

Voldemort in Computer Lab 5-2 has some very interesting articles.  Check them out and be sure to leave a comment.

Election 2008

Article posted November 6, 2008 at 01:29 AM GMT0 • Reads 34

We had a mock election at our school on Friday and Barack Obama won by 95% of the votes. I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween.  I went trick or treating with my four-year-old grandson Max.  He was dressed as a green Power Ranger.   I was a witch but Max got scared by my big fake pointy nose so I had to remove it.   He got a lot of candy which he shared with me and his parents.  He also collected a lot of change for UNICEF.

Thanksgiving

Article posted November 27, 2008 at 07:02 AM GMT0 • Reads 34

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving.  Let's take the time to remember all that we are thankful for. I am thankful to my students for taking the time to create blogs that are so interesting and to my helpers in the computer lab.  Your efforts support my desire to be a teacher who makes a difference.

 

 

 

Holiday Season

Article posted December 7, 2008 at 08:46 AM GMT0 • Reads 40

It's time to get into the spirit of the season no matter what you celebrate--Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, Winter Solstice, or nothing at all.  I look forward to December 21, the shortest day of the year, because the next day is just a bit longer (i.e, more light) and then longer and longer and................

More Holiday Season

Article posted December 8, 2008 at 05:57 PM GMT0 • Reads 40

In keeping with the spirit here is a holiday tune for your listening pleasure.

Brain Teaser

Article posted December 9, 2008 at 01:03 AM GMT0 • Reads 36

Submit your answer to Miss Mattie on a slip of paper with your name and grade on or before next Monday. Winners will be announced.  

A word I know,


six letters it contains


subtract just one,


and twelve is what remains.

Riddles

Article posted December 16, 2008 at 12:15 AM GMT0 • Reads 34

Congratulations to Voldemort  (5-2)and Skylark  (4) for solving my riddle.

I

I'll post the answer on Wednesday.  In the meantime, check out the riddles Miss Elisabeth posted in Grade 5-2.

Answer to Brain Teaser

Article posted December 17, 2008 at 08:03 PM GMT0 • Reads 35

dozens

More Riddles

Article posted December 20, 2008 at 04:56 AM GMT0 • Reads 34

Be sure to check out Elisabeth's blog in Computer Lab 5-2.  She presents some interesting challenges. I hope you are all staying safe and warm.  I ventured out with a friend today and went to a film downtown. I must admit that I was surprised that the streets and sidewalks were slick in that area.  It is VERY cold.  The snow is lovely but I'm hoping it warms up soon and will actually welcome the rain.  2 more days till the winter solstice and then the days start to get lighter for longer. 

I hope that you will find time to blog and comment during the holiday break.

 

New Blog Skill

Article posted December 28, 2008 at 11:18 PM GMT0 • Reads 33

Miss Elisabeth figured out how to add a photo or graphic or even a short video to an article.  Check hers out in Computer Lab 5.2.  Directions are given in a comment..  We actually learned this from looking at blogs in other parts of the country.

Happy New Year!!

Article posted December 30, 2008 at 06:55 AM GMT0 • Reads 33

Wishing everyone peace and prosperity in 2009.

Adding Pictures to Articles

Article posted December 30, 2008 at 10:30 PM GMT0 • Reads 41

For those of you who are interested in finding out how to do this we will show you next Monday.  I did respond to some of you who asked by commenting back at your blog.  Otherwise, patience please.

 

Slide Show

Article posted January 3, 2009 at 11:52 PM GMT0 • Reads 40

Check out Miss Elisabeth's slide show in Computer Lab 5-2.  She worked hard figuring out how to do this and will share the process with students.  Really awesome!!!

Awesome!!

Article posted January 12, 2009 at 09:14 AM GMT0 • Reads 36

Miss Elisabeth now has an animated movie!!  But I'm not sure students can do this since we have a District filter.  But we will give it a try. 

Valentine

Article posted February 7, 2009 at 11:38 PM GMT0 • Reads 53

It's getting close.  I wonder why kids like this holiday so much.  So I have made it an assignment to write why you think this is.

Spring is not far away!

Article posted February 27, 2009 at 01:02 AM GMT0 • Reads 37

After our snowy and cold winter I am looking forward to spring as you might be able to tell by the colors of my blog.  I have been working out at a gym so that is why I chose the frog.  I was in Oaxaca, Mexico, during the winter break and got a chance to practice my Spanish and visit wood carvers in their villages.  I now have quite a collection of animales.  I enjoyed the warmth and sunshine.  Oaxaca is a city in the mountains and is a mile high so it was a bit chilly in the evening. I ate excellent Mexican food cooked by a woman named Panchita who is 83 years old.  One of my favorites is chicken mole.  I like reading about what you did during winter break.

Google Earth

Article posted March 8, 2009 at 01:34 AM GMT0 • Reads 34

Miss Elisabeth in computer lab 5-2 class has a request about Google Earth.  She wants you to comment about what your favorite place was that we "flew" to last week.  Or you can write an article about the experience.

Google Earth

Article posted March 21, 2009 at 02:16 AM GMT0 • Reads 738

The 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classes are designing brochures in Power Point about Google Earth and favorite places visited. The brochures are very professional looking.

Miss Elisabeth

Article posted March 23, 2009 at 07:59 PM GMT0 • Reads 36

Today is her last day.  She is officially a graduate of the University of WA in library science.  We congratulate her and wish her well.  She has been an excellent assistant and has contributed creative ideas to the technology curriculm.  Her presence will be missed by all.

Miss Elisabeth

Article posted March 31, 2009 at 06:58 AM GMT0 • Reads 40

For those of you who are interested, she told me she will continue to blog until the end of the school year and appreciates that some students look forward to her articles and comments.

It's Been Awhile

Article posted May 19, 2009 at 06:57 PM GMT0 • Reads 44

It seems like many of us haven't had time to blog including me as you can tell.  We have been doing many projects in the computer lab--Google Earth brochures, Mothers' Day Cards, HTML tutorials. I have added a new assignment with the end of the school year so close and hope that many of you will respond.  I have enjoyed working with all of the classes and am happy with the success of many of the projects.  We even mailed some of the Google Earth brochures to the Google office in Seattle since they are so professional looking and enthusiastic.  We have a new helper in the lab--Miss Ilyse--and she is doing a GREAT job.

Memorial Day Weekend

Article posted May 24, 2009 at 06:14 PM GMT0 • Reads 46

I am in Santa Fe visiting a friend and had been looking forward to escaping the rain and chill of Seattle.  Well, the forecast for Santa Fe for the long weekend is rain, clouds, and a cooling off of temperatures which had been previously in the 80's.  And, as you might know if you are in town and experiencing it, the weather in Seattle is sunny and warm and will continue into the beginning of next week.  The people I meet in Santa Fe keep thanking me for bringing the rain since they have had a long drought here.  I am glad for them but not so sure I'm glad for me.

Check It Out!!

Article posted June 1, 2009 at 05:53 PM GMT0 • Reads 45

Miss Elisabeth (computer lab 5-2) has an awesome photo of her sister's pet cat and dog.  Shadow (the cat) is especially beautiful.  (I am partial to cats).  My husband and I had a black cat named Koshka (Russian for cat) who died this past year of kidney disease.  We miss him--he was very affectionate and funny.  We have one cat left--Sophie--who is almost 19 years old!!  Anyway, it is always great to hear from Miss Elisabeth.  Perhaps she will blog about her job next.

Miss Elisabeth

Article posted June 14, 2009 at 07:27 PM GMT0 • Reads 47

More kitty photos and a final blog from Miss Elisabeth.  We thank her.  My kitty Sophie is a polydactyl as well.

Summer

Article posted June 27, 2009 at 05:03 AM GMT0 • Reads 1731

Congratulations to all of the 5th grade graduates.  I will continue to monitor submitted blog articles through the summer so please feel free to post and let us know what you are doing.  I will be going to the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, with my grandson and his parents at the end of July.  Mid-August I am going to the Hawaiian island of Maui.  Otherwise I'll be here in Seattle enjoying the weather and gardening and meeting up with friends.  Hope to hear from you.