Google Docs

I love using google docs!  First of all, I cannot tell you how many times I've lost a document that I was in the process of creating.  Sometimes I type so fast that I accidentally delete whole lines of text.  With google docs, it automatically saves every few seconds and can be accesssed from any computer, so if I need to make changes or updates do my document and I am not in front of  my own laptop, it is no problem.  Here is a Science lesson plan I created and saved in google docs.  I plan to utilize this more often now than I do Word.  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DwY9Gtrpc2M4cSpUgCPbXTBQABFbxqfR5v8JNvIup-Y/edit?usp=sharing

My Experience with Wiki

I found Wiki to be a little more challenging to set up initially but with anything the more I practiced it, the easier it was to navigate.  I decided to create an information page about our upcoming fourth grade field trip to the Ft. Worth Stockyards and a sign up sheet for those who will be attending.  I can forsee using wiki in my classroom for party sign ups, scheduling conferences and other general announcements.  Here is my wiki page http://andringasuperstars.wikispaces.com  

New Web 2.0 Tool

I had the most fun with the Tackk web tool!  It is so user friendly and in a matter of minutes, I was able to post a few family pictures and write a quick text.  You can edit, change backgrounds, make lists or graphs etc.  I can envision using this in my classroom for student research projects and presentations.  It would be very easy for fourth graders to navigate on their own.  Check out my web 2.0 tool page for more specific information.  Here is a link to my Tackk photo project http://tackk.com/3l1zar

Digital Poem

I wanted to share a motivational poem I created to give to my fourth grade students as a year end gift.  I used the website http://littlebirdtales.com to create a digital poem with audio and pictures.  You can check out my digital story at http://www.littlebirdtales.com/tales/view/story_id/230133.

Life is an Adventure…Chase your dreams!!

by Laura Andringa

 

Dream your biggest dreams, and soar  through the sky

Never ever back down, all you have to do is try!

Imagination and passion are what drive you from within,

Take that leap of faith and let the journey begin.

Dream big dreams and let your imagination run wild,

For one day soon, you will no longer be a child.

Life can take you anywhere on adventures great and small

Always believe in yourself and stand firm, proud and tall!

 

 

 

 

 

My Favorite Inspirational Quote!!!

I love to post inspirational quotes on the white board each morning as students enter the classroom.  Starting the morning off on a positive note helps set that tone for the entire day and the kids can't wait to see what the new quote is. At first, I wrote all the quotes on the board but as the year went on, I had several students beg to do it for me.  Now, I rotate through the class list and each student gets an opportunity to write something positive and sign their name to it.  It warms my heart to see what fourth graders have heard or feel is important in encouraging their fellow classmates.

Here is one of my all time favorite quotes.  It is prominently displayed in our classroom and I post it on all my e-mails underneath my signature. 

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think."
(Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh)

Blogs I've commented on

 I am so impressed with these wonderful teachers and what they are doing in the classroom! Check their blogs out:

Candace Florance http://www.kindergartenrocksandotherthoughts.blogspot.com

Monica Houdek  http://www.firstyearteacher200.blogspot.com

Sarah Stritmatter http://www.thelightninginme.blogspot.com

Delicious Account

Delicious is a wonderful way to bookmark my favorite websites for future reference. This site helps to organize, tag and easily access sites, while at the same time sharing and learning from others. Very user friendly! http://delicious.com/fourthgradesuperstars