Revise a Lesson Plan Assignment

I do not have any lesson plans so I borrowed one from the internet and revised it to include Google Tools.

Here is a link to the folder with the original lesson plan from teacher.org, the revised lesson plan and the 3 Google Docs we will use during the lesson

Fable Lesson

Top 5 Google Tools

Here are the top 5 Google Tools (in my humble opinion) for use in the classroom...

1. Google Calendar: students can use it daily. It could be used for assignments, project due dates, homework, spirit days, field trips and so much more. I would have students check this DAILY. It's also a good resource if a student is absent. You can put links to assignments in it so everyone has access (even if they forgot the hard document at school). No more (or at least a lot less) "I left my worksheet at school so I couldn't do my homework". YAY!

2. Google Docs: it's so versitile. Students may write papers on it, use it to collaborate on documents, they may create diagrams, use it for reflection, etc. 

3 & 4. Google Search and YouTube: students have a wealth of information right at their fingertips. They can access how to videos, information on a particular topic, use it to answer questions, and more. No more flipping endlessly through books.

5. Google Slides: it's a great way to present a project. They are fun for the students to work on and a lot more interesting to watch and learn than to just listen to someone talking about a topic.

Using Google Tools

I don't currently have a classroom, but when I do, you bet I am going to implement Google Tools.

1. I will use Google Sites to create a newsletter type of communication for parents. A paper newsletter may or may not make it home. Email newsletters are fine, but a Google Site can be more visual pleasing. Also, with emails, you have to constantly search for back issues/emails to find specific information. This will help alleviate some of that hassle as everything can be on the Site at all times. 

2. I love the idea of using Google Slides in the classroom. What a fun way to present a lesson or for students to create in groups. 

3. I love the idea of finding YouTube channels to provide daily writing prompts. Just something different.

4. I think using Google Earth to trace a character's journey would be fun. Magic Treehouse comes to mind. SUPER fun!!! You could take that and just run with it...link it to history, science and math where applicable. 

5. Of course, Google Docs is a no brainer. So versatile. I could create "worksheets" that students can use, diagrams we can collaborate on, students can collaborate on documents, and so much more.

Google wasn't around as a teaching tool when I was a teacher 14 years ago. So much has changed. I am excited to get back into the classroom and start using some of these resources.

Communication Plan for Parents

To communicate with parents, I will use Google Sites to create a sort of ongoing newsletter. It will be used as a central location for parents to get information about our class. At the beginning of the year, I will share the Google Site with all parents so that they may access it at any time.

I will have a page for our class Google Calendar that would include student holidays, tests, field trips, etc

There will be a page for  Upcoming Events, Field Trips and more.

I will have a place for information about what we are studying in each class

I will have a link on the Site to our school’s website.

I will have link on there to our county website.

I will have a link to our school’s PTA

I will use Google Forms at the beginning of the year to collect pertinent information from parents. I will also use it throughout the year for surveys and as a way to collect information.

The benefits to using Google Sites is that there will be a central location for information to our class. As a parent, I am forever losing important papers, digging through old emails to find a Signup Genius for a class party, etc. It would be so good to have everything in an organized place so it’s easy to find. There would be less shuffling of papers around and this would (hopefully) result in less things being lost and having to be resent.

A challenge would be that some parents prefer the old fashioned way of communicating. Some parents may not check the Site regularly.

Pros and Cons of using Google Tools in the Classroom

WELCOME...and here's what you need to know

Welcome, fellow readers!!! We are a community of learners, and learners are readers.  This year, we will be using this blog to share about books we have read and to discover books we haven't read yet. We will have the opportunity to ask questions and express opinions on books our friends are reading. We will also get to respond to questions/opinions posted in the comments on books we have read. 

Each quarter, you will read at least 1 book, approved by me, and share it with the class on this blog. May you review more than 1 book? OF COURSE!!!

Here's what you must include in the review:
1. Book title
2. Author
3. Genre
4. Type (graphic novel, chapter book, picture book, etc)
5. Summary (at least 5 sentences)
6. Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not? (at least 5 sentences)
7 OPTIONAL: you may include a photo of the cover of the book

In addition to posting a book review, you must also comment on at least 5 reviews per quarter. 
The purpose of this is to start a dialogue amongst readers. 

Here are some ideas for your comments...
*I also liked this book! This was my favorite part/character (and elaborate)
*I was not a fan of this book. I didn't like it because... (be respectful and thoughtful and kind in your response)
*I haven't read this book yet, but it sounds interesting because...
*You may ask questions about the book
These are only suggestions. Your comments are not limited to these suggestions.

There is also a good possibility (hint hint) that we will conduct book clubs on this blog. Stay tuned!!!

Please let me know if you have any questions (you may comment below).
Happy reading!!!!!
Mrs. Bordovsky