Week 5- Resources- 2 Hours

Interview the teacher and ask for:
1.    the top three websites he/she uses for lesson planning and resources, and
The top three websites I use are;
Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com)
Teachers pay teachers (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/)
Class tag (http://www.classtag.com)
2.    the top three websites he/she uses for students.
Epic books (http://getepic.com)
ABCya (http://www.abcya.com)
Storyjumper (http://www.storyjumper.com)

Be sure to ask the following questions:
1.    What are your favorite teacher resources? What are your favorite student resources?
My favorite teacher and student resources are the websites I gave you above. I like using teachers pay teachers for the ideas I get for instruction, as well as the resources I can find there. It is also why I use pinterest. I can find ideas to incorporate into my own classroom on any subject I can think of. I like to try and changes things up, and not use the same ideas over and over again, so pinterest is a great resource. I also enjoy using class tag because I can coordinate my classroom all from one place. I can ask for volunteers, list sign up sheets, and keep parents informed about what is going on in the classroom. I try to be very picky about the resources I use, and only look for ones that will fit my classroom and my needs.
As far as my students go, I love using epic books. I like that we can use it to enhance instruction, but also to get them reading. I can give them challenges at home, create quizzes based off the books we are reading, and encourage them to share their top books. I also like that the site is safe and can be quickly accessed. We use it in our classroom during times when students need something to do, and it is used at home. I have also been using storyjumper as a way to create student books for a few years. I like watching students take their writing, and create their own books that can be published. It is a great tool to create classroom books, and is pretty easy for young students to learn. Abcya is just a great site for students to play games. I really like the games that focus on math, as my students can gain skills while having fun. There is a speed component we use with math facts, and the games that involving solving math facts help our students gain speed and accuracy.
2.    What makes these resources stand out from others?
I look for resources that are safe and easy to use. I also look for resources that will help my students. I do not want to waste my time on resources that do not meet these requirements. I also want to make sure my students enjoy the resources they are using and that they have a purpose. The same goes for the resources I like to use.
3.    What do you use the teacher resources for? (lesson plans, content information, etc)
I use the teacher resources for creating lesson plans, behavioral ideas, bulletin boards, resources and student worksheets, as a way to keep parents informed, to stay more organized. Sometimes I do not want to create a whole new lesson, but just want to change what hasn’t worked in the past. These teacher resources are great for getting ideas to do just that.
4.    How did you find the teacher resources?
My co-workers and just searching. We are always looking for ways to improve our classrooms, and we love to share what we find.
5.    How do you have students use the student resources? (at home, computer stations, extra practice, early finishers)
We use Epic books in the classroom and at home. We use it during reading, and I also let those who are early finishers log on to read. We use ABCya at school and at home as well. I will let early finishers jump on (but like to keep it appropriate to the subject we are doing at school). I will also use it for extra practice for my students during individual work times. Story jumper is used during writing classes when we are creating class or individual books.
In addition, arrange a time in which you can observe students using the websites and reflect on the use of the websites.

I got to watch students using Story Jumper to create a class book. The teacher gave the students a writing assignment to write a short fun story on "what happened to my meatball after somebody sneezed. After brainstorming ideas, students wrote and illustrated their story. Some students wrote 3 sentences, some 5, some more. After editing, they created a class book with the help of this site. They spent a week of their writing time creating the online version (I only saw a day of it). When it was finished the teacher told me she could buy a pdf of the book for around 5 dollars, and was planning on making copies to be used as parent presents for Christmas. The students were enthralled with creating their book. They were engaged and excited that their work was going to be published. I felt it made them work harder, focus more, and really follow directions. Some of the students had a hard time with this tool, but the teacher did a great job working with these students, and helping them out. 

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