Howdy Techies!

Welcome to Semester Two!

If you are here, you are probably in my Computer Literacy or Image Design course. Feel free to look around and view the past posts. I will update this blog every week with tips and tricks, so check back often!

I am excited to work with all of you this semester. In Comp Lit, we are going to learn a lot about the internet, word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, blogging and other tech-eriffic stuff. In Image Design, we will manipulate photos and images using Gimp, a free online program.

I will give +5 Extra Credit points per month to those of you who comment on this blog (no last names please). You can join the site by clicking on "Join this site" under Befriend on the left of this page.

Check your Comp Lit and Image Design courses for calendars and assignments. Then, let me know if you need help with anything.

What do you think about this blog? 
Are you ready to get started?

Have a great semester!

Oh, the Weather Outside is...

                        ...frightful? 

                                            ...delightful?

                                                                   ...sunny?

                                                                                    ...cloudy?

Here is a fun science + language arts printable for students to complete when learning about the weather. You can use it as a journal booklet or print separate activity pages for your kiddos to work on. I use the "When it's ________ I like to..." writing and illustration pages to create a super cute bulletin board display!

Click on these samples to get a closer look...

To download a copy, scoot on over to my TPT page where you will also find many FREE printable journals.

Enjoy!

Words of Wisdom (On a Sticky)

Blogtastic!

For our last lesson in Computer Literacy, students created their own blogs. I was so impressed by their blogging abilities, that I had to share! Take a look at these student blogs by clicking on the links below. Then leave a comment to let them know what you think.

And the award goes to...

Keep On Brickin' 

Doodle Blots

Anna's Technology Blog

Hall of Rock

Thoughts on Technology

Computer Literacy

Life Updates

Sniff, sniff. I couldn't be prouder.

Well done, kids!

The Book of the Future

Just imagine...

Click on the comic to enlarge.
For an even larger view, visit The New York Times (March 30, 2012).

Grant Snider, an illustrator and cartoonist, draws the weekly online strip “Incidental Comics.” 

Reaching Your Academic Potential

Hey there students!

As the semester draws to a close, think back on the many lessons you learned in RYAP...

Learning as a Process

Effective Work Habits

Setting Goals

Reading

Math

Creativity

Research
...and many more!

For +15 extra credit, leave a 3 sentence comment on this post and share the most important, interesting or helpful lessons you learned this semester. Tell us why you chose those particular concepts to share.

You can use your "final reflection" from #10 on Assignment 15.01 The Test Case, if you want. Just copy and paste it in to comment box below. Please use your first name and last initial only when leaving a comment.

Your comment will not post until I approve it, so stay tuned.

Thanks for a great semester!

When the Teacher's Away for Five Minutes, the Cat Will Take a Nap on the Computer Keyboard and Simultaneously Press Fn+F9 to Completely Disable the Ability for Wireless

Case In Point:

January Book Trailer: Zorgamazoo

“Two hundred and eighty three pages of flawless rhyme whisk us through joy, sorrow, suspense, giggles, bliss, shock and triumph in this beautifully illustrated and designed adventure in friendship, self-discovery and the power of engagement.” —Just One More Book

This is one of my favorite read-aloud books! Wonderful characters, a great message and it rhymes! What's better than that?

Monthly Book Trailer... Kickoff!

As a teacher, a mom, a graphic designer, a book lover, and a techno-nerd, I am a big fan of book trailers. Like a movie trailer, a book trailer gives you a quick visual glimpse of a story. Early book trailers included author interviews and still-shots from the stories. These days, they are imaginative mini productions which include animation, music, actors, and voiceovers. From picture books to novels, you can find many trailers online - some created by the author and publisher, others created by fans of the book.

For my New Year's resolution, I am going to add a new book trailer to my class blog each month. By doing this, I hope to encourage reading, inspire creativity and prompt trips to the library!

If you would like to create a trailer of a favorite book, check out this site. When you are finished, send it to me and I might add it to a Book Trailer Tuesday post.

A New Year of Possibilities

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A new year is upon us. You have 365 days ahead of you. Imagine the possibilities!

What is something you would like to 
learn, experience or accomplish in 2013?
 
I look forward to your responses!