Life Long Learning

Recently, I have found a couple of new pathways for online learning.  Some result in a certificate, micro-credentials, and even free materials.

THE BEST PART IS THAT THE FIRST TWO ARE 100% FREE!  I think that EverFi will also be free as well.

A teacher in the 21st century is partially evaluated on continuing to learn and grow.

I will share some resources and websites for my fellow educators to use and share!

The first one that I found was through online Facebook group called "Future Ready Librarians".  The group told me about was the Sesame Street Community.  The website offers both webinars and mini-courses.  They are designed for 2 to 5 year olds, but the information is very helpful for teachers who are working with Pre-K and K students!  I just completed my first course called "Building a Reader".  I earned a certificate as well as 25 sesame street themed books!

Sesame Street Communities

The second item that I have found could be addicting!  It is Microsoft in Education online courses.  It has a fun badge earning environment.  You earn points, certificates, and badges.  Feel free to connect with me to learn all about the Microsoft Suite and Skype opporunities!  I am just getting started, so look for more information as I earn badges and points!

Microsoft in Education

Follow ME

Next fall, I hope to get a micro-credential in STEM education through EverFi.  I hope to apply in mid-August for the fall session on STEM.  The company also offers one in Financial Education. 

Look for continuing information about this opportunity as well!
EVERFI

Excel, engineering, and more

STEAM is moving in fast forward! 

Last week was Read Across America.  The school participated in themed clothing days, Dr. Seuss inspired trivia, and a Dr. Seuss book time line.  On the timeline, classrooms made a "mark" on which books the class read. 

It was a great fun week for the students.  Then the 3rd and 4th graders used an Excel template to create a small chart with three data points!  The students are using another part of the Office 365 suite!

Grade 1 and 2 are working on learning about ENGINEERS and the Engineering Design cycle.  The fun read aloud is called "POP The Invention of Bubble Gum" by Meghan McCarthy



Then the students worked on "testing" materials like an engineer with a variety of 3D shapes.

Kindergarten has been working on "name" rockets and learning to log into the computer. 

Here is an example of the inspiration and a link.  Students had to learn to do this with their LAST name which can be a challenge for some students!  NAME ROCKETS

Look for more pictures soon

Read Across America

Theodore Seuss Geisel
Dr. Seuss
Theo LeSeig

No matter what you call him...he is a great author who penned over 50 books!  Our school as many other schools across the United States participated in "READ ACROSS AMERICA" which is by the National Education Association.  Read Across America

In our school, there were three main activities!  Each day had a clothing inspiration based on one of his books. 

Fox in Socks
Monday February 26—Wear your silly socks

Cat in the Hat
Tuesday February 27—Wear a fun hat

Wacky Wednesday

Wednesday February 28—Wear mismatched/backwards clothes

Theodore Thursday
Thursday March 1— Dress up as your favorite Dr. Seuss Character

Sleep Book
Friday March 2—Wear your pajamas or comfortable clothes (no slippers)

The title teacher and librarian created Dr. Seuss trivia on the library windows.  I designed a timeline of 50 Dr. Seuss and Theo LeSeig books.  This was so much fun finding new to me Dr. Seuss and Theo LeSeig books to read with the students and share with the staff!

In STEAM, each grade level did a variety of Dr. Seuss inspired activities. 

I created two centers - truffula trees and LEGO patterns based on ideas found on Pinterest.

Other classes explored Seussville and Lorax on the computer!

Kindergarten watched "Ten Apples Up on Top" on YouTube and built towers out of KEVA planks, colored 1-100 pages, and made LEGO patterns


Inspiration links from Pinterest - LEGO PATTERNS, 1-100 color sheets, and PINTEREST

Plus I have listed two products on Teachers Pay Teachers - STEMbrarian

Check out some of the fun pictures below!

Truffula Trees

Truffula Tree

Seuss inspired creature and poem

Trivia display and giant Cat in the Hat 

Lego pattern house

Lego pattern structures

LEGO pattern face

LEGO patter

                                                                                                                      

Dr. Seuss "Cat in the Hat" Patterns

3 dimensional Cat in the Hat pattern

KEVA planks - 10 Apples Up On Top

Structural Engineers at work

Trying for a TALL tower