Animated Cell Interview: CrazyTalk Program

So wonderful Scholastic contributor, Linda Foote, introduced me to CrazyTalk 5.1 last week. If you have never heard of this program before, you can turn photos or drawings into realistic pieces of animation. This includes eye, mouth, and head movement that goes with imported voice recordings. I downloaded the program on Sunday (49.00 dollars) and was finished with production on Wednesday.  All work was completed by the students, including the script, filming, editing, and tech. skills (ex- animation, green screen work, etc.). Photos from behind the scene are now included for your viewing pleasure.

Cell Parts and Functions Music Video

Want some help teaching cell parts and functions? Here is a cell music video my class created in class using portions of Mr. Duey's performance of the song "Cells" at our school. My next lesson plan posted on Scholastic will explain how we created the video together in class. I will be posting another cell video shortly that involves awesome animation using CrazyTalk 5.1, a green screen, and ULead Video Studio. It will focus on the differences between animal and plant cells.

A great site to visit on cells- www.cellsalive.com. More learning from our room can be found here.

My Favorite Picture Book of 2008

Kid Lit writer, Sonja Cole, asked the advisors to report on their favorite book for the 2008 year. The Blue Stone was the first book that came to mind for me, and rather than probe any deeper, I believe this book surfaced first for a reason. This 88 page picture book was released in March, and required a lot of talk about metaphors, symbolism, and schema with my classroom last year. This quiet book is simply amazing and can be used under the reading and writing umbrella. Here are a few things I did with the book:

Recharging Your Mind with Professional Literature

“What would you do if you were not afraid?” I love this line from Dr. Johnson’s, Who Moved My Cheese?  Maybe that's why I have moved around so much. Tenure-smenure. And then there's the simple title of Rafe Esquith's book, There Are No Shortcuts. I have to remind myself of that one sometimes. And Smart Answers to Tough Questions. I could go on. I can't imagine who I would be without a few key authors along the way. Here are ten books/authors that will refresh and revitalize what you are doing in the classroom...great for a nice holiday read.

Holiday Gifts for Your Class on a Ten Dollar Budget

My husband has put me on this horrible thing called a budget. Yes, I am hurting. Bad. We all know how much comes out of our pockets each year. So, with the whole budget thing looming over my head, I am creating four gifts for my kids (and parents!) for less than ten dollars. I might add how impressed I am with myself on this one...

Fluency Concerns: Is the Book Just Too Hard?

With fluency being one of the components of reading, it’s no wonder why so many products are on the market now.  However, it seems some fluency products have made it more complex than it needs to be. 

Reading Response: Creating Quality Reflections

Revisiting the Reader's Notebook

My class takes some time each week to reflect on their reading and growth as a reader. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these letters each week. Recently, however, the writing quality has started to deteriorate for a few students. I knew it was time to stop, reflect, and model what meaningful reflections look like with my kids. And although I have posted on the use of a reader's notebook in our classroom, I thought it might be helpful to share how I got our writing "back on track" with a little modeling and review time.

Management Based on Trust

Blog Pop Quiz:  How do your kids handle a substitute?

a) They’re wonderful with a substitute and my students eagerly share their news of excellent behavior with me when I return.  This action is then rewarded through some measure or behavior system (e.g. marble jar, stickers, points toward a PJ party).

b) My class is great for me, but they are horrible with a substitute. I dread the note on return and usually have to deduct points of some sort for their actions.

c) My class is rowdy with me and even rowdier with a substitute. I’d rather come in sick!

d) Things run as usual. The substitute leaves a note that the class was very helpful and the room is clean. There are a few notes from your kids wishing you well (if you were sick), and the usual routines are completed (e.g. tomorrow’s date on the board, pencils sharpened, vacuuming, etc.) There are no “rewards” given to the students when you return, just a gracious and authentic “I can always count on you” during your morning meeting together.

Let’s see what your answer may reveal!

A Few of My Favorite Things on Scholastic

I will be honest. I still remember how overwhelmed I was when I had the task of getting familiar with all the site has to offer last summer. There is a lot! So, while I have searched high and low with the plethora of information offered on Scholastic, I'd like to share my top 5 favorite resources on Scholastic...

Reading Strategy Charts and Bulletin Boards

I am always looking for new ideas to teach and support reading strategies to my class. I usually have a pile of four professional books that get browsed while making my lesson plans during the weekend. Sometimes I wish these resources were all combined into one book, as I use them all frequently. Here are some of the charts and bulletin boards I have used from Debbie Miller, Tanny McGregor, and Stephanie Harvey to teach inferring, questioning, metacognition, and nonfiction text features.