Low Tech Fun

Due to online testing causing everyone to stay off the computers we have been going low tech for the past two weeks. It has really been fun. The older students are creating travel posters--I opened the supply cupboard & gave them free rein. At first the students didn't quite know what to do but then everyone relaxed & had fun. - I enjoying watching the students create & it was interesting listening to their conversations. The only downside I could see was that there was glitter everywhere! :)

Technology Gone Wild

This week and last week I feel that technology has been conspiring against me! Right now it seems that technology is making my life harder, not easier. For example, the interent drops off at least 4 times a day, two student's power point files disapper, my check-out system is telling me that some kids have books checked-out still when they really don't and a website that I based my whole lesson on for 4th Grade gave me an "oops" message all class period. I was really frustrated that day because I had just check the website 2 minutes before the class came in.

Ok, my mini vent is now over!

Stacey

Snow Days, Holidays & Professional Days

One of the biggest challenges I find in my teaching is implementing my lessons around days off. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the days off. The difficulty comes when a class misses 2 classes in a row which sets that class behind the other classes in the same grade level. I find it easier to keep my grade level classes on the same lessons but missing days or shorten class periods due to delayed starts & early dismissal makes it impossible. Should I shorten & speed up the lesson for the class that has missed or slow down the lesson for the other classes? Often I choose to add a short enrichment lesson for the classes that are ahead.