Apps Gone Free

Thanks to Mrs. Foster!

Apps Gone Free is a GREAT app for teachers! Each day it lists 5 to 10 apps that are free for that specific day.  These may include games, photography apps, and usually there is at least one educational app (whether it be an educational game or something that would help teachers manage data, etc.).  The daily list is usually updated by noon.  

If you find an app that you really like post a comment to this discussion and let the rest of us know about it.

QC Toolkit Strategy #2 - Critical Thinking Verbs

The following verbs correlate with the six levels of thinking in the revised Bloom's Taxonomy (Anderson & Krathwohl, 2001):

Remember: Recognize, recall, identify, retrieve, define, memorize, repeat, label, tell

Understand: interpret, clarify, paraphrase, translate, give an example of, illustrate, classify, summarize, predict, infer, compare, contrast, map, match, explain, demonstrate, restate, rewrite, identify, locate

Apply: execute, carry out, implement, use, proceed, employ, solve, simulate, demonstrate, dramatize, calculate, experiment

Analyze: differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, select, organize, integrate, parse, structure, compare, contrast, deconstruct, classify, subdivide

Evaluate: check, detect, monitor, critique, judge, defend

Create: generate, hypothesize, plan, design, produce, construct

Posting these verbs in a prominent place in the classroom calls attention to the difference between lower- and higher-level tasks, and it helps raise the level of classroom discussion (Lindsey et al., 2006). Students can reference the verbs to determine what sorts of questions to ask to complete an assigned task, or they can use the verbs as a check to analyze the effectiveness or appropriateness of their questions. This supports students as they work to develop self-questioning skills and as they engage with each other in inquiry activities.

Classroom Management Help – How to Deal Effectively with Make-up Work

Here is a bright idea from Mrs. Willis that will eliminate some stress:

Classroom Management Help – How to Deal Effectively with Make-up Work

Does dealing with make-up work for a student who has been absent make your job difficult at times?  Do you ever have trouble remembering exactly what material you taught, pages you covered, or tests you gave on a particular day?  Is it difficult to recall this information when the now-present student asks you for that information at the beginning of class as the bell is ringing and you are ready to begin a new day?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, I have a system for YOU!  I call it the “Assignment Board.”  Here’s how it works:

1)      Have a place in your room where you can post assignment sheet and keep file folders for handouts.

2)     Print enough assignment sheets to have one for each week (see attachment for a sample).  Be sure to write at the end of each block/day what you covered, assigned, took up, tested, etc.

3)     Explain the following to your students:

• Students who are absent are responsible for all work/assignments missed or collected and for checking the “assignment board” after returning from the absence.  All material covered will be listed on the assignment sheet.  Students should get handouts as needed from the crate for the day of the absence and get notes from a classmate.

I have included pictures of what I use and would love to explain it further if you want to visit my room for clarification.  This way of dealing with make-up work is awesome because it puts the task of getting and making up missed work directly in the hands of your students.

Click here for the assignment sheet form.