I pride myself on the fact that I was a pretty good classroom teacher. I could effectively manage a classroom, and most days my students enjoyed learning. I was also hungry for any professional development or new idea I could get my hands on. The thing about professional development is that when I was there with all these other great teachers, I would hear some amazing ideas that I would want to take back to my classroom and try, but as soon as I walked out of the room it was like everything I just heard was sucked out of my brain, and I would end up doing the same thing I always did. There were times I made changes, tried new things, or taught something a different way, but the life of a teacher doesn't give us much time to be as reflective and innovative as we want to, unless sleep becomes optional.
I was glad to hear some teachers in some of our professional development say that although they have heard some of what I was saying, they had forgotten and wanted to try it. That's what it takes. Just change a little every year, and in ten years, you will be a completely different teacher than you are today.
So, I digress a little. I wanted to share with you what I witnessed today. I sat in on the most amazing online meeting I have ever been a part of. Now, I plan on sharing this with you all in-depth during our professional development days next school year, but just in case you want a preview of the incredible awesomeness I heard about today, here it is.
I was glad to hear some teachers in some of our professional development say that although they have heard some of what I was saying, they had forgotten and wanted to try it. That's what it takes. Just change a little every year, and in ten years, you will be a completely different teacher than you are today.
So, I digress a little. I wanted to share with you what I witnessed today. I sat in on the most amazing online meeting I have ever been a part of. Now, I plan on sharing this with you all in-depth during our professional development days next school year, but just in case you want a preview of the incredible awesomeness I heard about today, here it is.
Yes. That button will take you to the Michigan eLibrary site. Now, I will warn you that if you live in Wisconsin, you will not be able to access this site from home. You do not need a log-in for most of the databases contained here, but it can tell where your computer is based on its IP address. There was a lot of fancy, big words just to say that this is for Michigan residents only.
Remember, I am still new to Michigan, so to me, this is like Christmas! Once you get in, there are all kinds of tabs and buttons that would be helpful for teachers, parents and students. Click around, see what's in there!
My highlights include Scholastic BookFlix (Ek-3). This resource pairs fiction and nonfiction books right there for you!
Early World of Learning is like an encyclopedia for kids. You will find printable mini-books and activities that support phonics and vocabulary.
Gale InfoBits (K-5) work with Chrome so you can download articles and such right into Google Classroom!
Also, if you need a book, you can search for it in libraries across the state, and in three days it will be at your local library! You
I am planning a training and collaboration time over this resource because I think it really is worthy of our time. I also can't wait to get into it and learn more!
Enjoy!
Remember, I am still new to Michigan, so to me, this is like Christmas! Once you get in, there are all kinds of tabs and buttons that would be helpful for teachers, parents and students. Click around, see what's in there!
My highlights include Scholastic BookFlix (Ek-3). This resource pairs fiction and nonfiction books right there for you!
Early World of Learning is like an encyclopedia for kids. You will find printable mini-books and activities that support phonics and vocabulary.
Gale InfoBits (K-5) work with Chrome so you can download articles and such right into Google Classroom!
Also, if you need a book, you can search for it in libraries across the state, and in three days it will be at your local library! You
I am planning a training and collaboration time over this resource because I think it really is worthy of our time. I also can't wait to get into it and learn more!
Enjoy!