Flashcards anyone? March 8, 2010

I was introduced to this awesome site! I love it because they give you a variety of ways to study… plus its actually fun! You have the option to make your own “flashcards” that relate to any give topic, (I recently made a set for my Science Mid Term) or you can look up ones that already exist (there is a set for the ICLA Standard I).

The site is Quizlet. The home page allows you to pick topics like Standardized Tests, Math & Science and even History & Geography. In the H & G section I found pre-made flashcards on States and Capitals. It will tell you how many terms, subjects that relate, and even allow you to print! There are 7 ways to study: Familiarize, Learn, Test, Play Scatter, Play Space Race, Voice Scatter, & Voice Race.

I would love to work this into the classroom and use the site for spelling, fun facts, centers, even as homework! Its a great way to include technology yet also make it appealing to everyone! One of the greatest things is you can connect to your iPod and have your flashcards on the go without loosing or wasting paper. (GO GREEN!) I know that while I was making my own set for science I not only enjoyed it I also had fun with Play Scatter. At the end it would challenge me to play again but beat my own time! Check it out! I know that it would be a great resource for the classroom- my only concern would be if at school the site would be blocked by a firewall… anyone know the answer to that?

ENJOY!

Visual Thesaurus February 26, 2010

This week I was introduced to this sweet website! While in school it is free but as soon as you graduate its $19.95 a year and I think it would be a really great resource for anyone’s classroom! Take a look:

Visual Thesaurus

Username: student1@boisestate.edu (the 1 can be replaced with any number from 1 to 25. This means only 25 students from BSU can be on at once.)

Password: broncos (this password changes every semester)

This website can be used for students to make connections between their prior knowledge and the vocabulary they might not understand in a social studies text. There is a strong link between vocabulary development and reading comprehension. Knowing the meaning of words and having the ability to use the knowledge effectively contributes to the students reading and listening comprehension. Using the Visual Thesaurus is one resource we can give students to help them define, clarify and extend their knowledge of words and concepts being used in and around the subject of social studies.

Misconceptions February 25, 2010

Have you ever noticed how Santa Clause’s belt buckle looks somewhat similar to that of the Pilgrims?



Is it possible there is a reason for that? From looking online I have found that belt buckles were a symbol added by nineteenth century illustrators to show quaintness or give off an old fashion look.

This is just one of a lot of kinda cool misconceptions out there. I was thinking if you had an older class a great way to help them explore using technology would be a misconception quest. Here are some sites I found to be interesting or to at least point them in the right direction.

Mythconceptions
Wikipedia-List of Common Misconceptions
Thanksgiving Myths
George W had Hippo Teeth?

There are so many more misconceptions that cross over into all subjects- Science has A TON! As a future teacher I think I will use a KWL chart to help me take a closer look at what my kids understand and what they think they know. I want to clear up any misconceptions before I being to build upon the foundation laid. After knowing what misconceptions the students are bringing to class I could easily (I say that in hopes that at some point it becomes effortless) develop a lesson with the facts and teach the concept they should have known.