my version of transparent, collaborative leadership...with a Teamann twist

Bucket Bonanza

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I had a GREAT first day back, 🙂 and from the texts, messages, and emails…I’d say you LL’s agree! This year is going to be a bucket full of fun and success!

I have notes to put in your boxes on Monday, your own lil’drops to distribute. Make a goal for yourself…how many drops a week do you want to hand out? How many smiles do you want to give…each week? One thing we didn’t mention is that James, Amanda, and I will be drawing names each week and calling parents to share the “drop” with them. We want EVERYONE to know what acts of positiveness and kindness are happening at Luna Elementary…

if you treat others well, they will feel better and spread the wealth. Not only that, but it makes you feel better to be altruistic – nothing too mysterious about that, I know…but still, 🙂 Let’s all do it anyway!

A fun quote from your bucket book: “We experience approximately 20,000 individual moments every day.” That’s 20, 000 opportunities to either FILL or DIP from someone’s bucket.

May your 20, 000 moments today be bucket filled….

bucket boostN,
Amber

#tichat & archive

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Tonight’s technology integration chat discussed cell phones in the classroom. We discussed the pros, the cons, the what do you even do with’em’s, as well as some tips to get your admin/district on board. It was particularly interesting to see how absolute and divided some educators were. Re-read the convo and let us know what you think!
You can also view the Archivist version of the archive here.

Special shout out and thanks to my co-moderator @brophycat!!!

ring ringN,
amber

Twitter TalkN

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I had several requests for additional Twitter resources, 🙂 which makes me sooooo happy!

  1. The Beginner’s Guide to Twitter. This blog post offers great advice on getting started with Twitter.
  2. VIDEO: A beginner’s guide to Twitter. The video is specifically for business use for Twitter, but the accompanying article offers great suggestions for those just starting out with Twitter.
  3. How to Use Twitter: Tips for Bloggers. The tips here are beneficial reminders for both bloggers and microbloggers.
  4. Ten Top Twitter Tips. Find helpful tips here–including understanding how to use “@” and “d.”
  5. Birds of a Feather Twitter Together. This informative article cuts through some of the Twitter confusion nicely and will have even novices feeling more comfortable.
  6. Twitter Etiquette. This wiki page offers tons of information on Twitter etiquette and ways to help manage your Twitter experience.
  7. Mastering Twitter in 10 Minutes…Or Less (Version 2). Download this free tutorial to get a working knowledge of Twitter right away.
  8. Want to learn Twitter? Watch this video. As they say, grab a cup of coffee and watch this video to learn how you can start using Twitter.
  9. Lunch ‘n Learn: Twitter for Beginners. Check out this video presented by Birmingham City University.
  10. Twitter Guide for Beginners. This simple overview will hopefully break down the basics for you.
  11. Twitter 101: Clarifying the Rules for Newbies. This article takes a look at three Twitter mistakes and explains how to avoid them.

Have fun! Don’t forget to follow me: @8amber8, the Luna feed: @Luna_Lions, and the district: @gisd_news!

tweetN,

9/8 #tichat

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Tonight’s chat topic was the role of the technology integration specialist and and how to balance tech support with curriculum integration.
I think what really came across was the need for technology to not be used in isolation but across the curriculum. Educators today must use ( MUST use) any and all available resources to ensure the success of our students. We’re no longer in a one size (or one assignment!) fits all mentality anymore. Technology allows for that differentiation across the board, across the grade levels, and across all subjects.

Tech supportR,
Amber

Mystery Skype

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I have to get this idea down via blog so that I don’t forget to tell all you LL’s about it come Fall. If you weren’t already aware, our awesome PTA bought web cams for all the classrooms that didn’t already have one. (YEA!) I know several classrooms that had some Skypeccess this year, 🙂

One of the great things about Twitter that it can be tailor made to suit YOUR grade level or interests. (or even Nate Berkus…or say, ummm, Troy Aikman, ;))

One of the most beneficial chat lists I’ve come across are the ones that pertain to your grade level. (A list of chats can be found here.) I was following along with a 5th grade chat the other night and the idea of a mystery skype came up. I asked what in the world that was and tada. A new idea was shared.

Basically, your students have no idea what class you are skyping with. The goal to cooperate as a team to try to figure out the location of the mystery class.

 


There are only a few rules to Mystery Skype. Students have to ask closed questions with yes or no answers. Classes went back and forth asking questions to help them find the location. If a class asked a question that received a yes answer, they got to ask a follow up question. Think of how you, as the teacher, could facilitate your students into creating social studies, geography, mathmatical, or scientific questions. You could specifically seek out a class in an area that relates to a place in a story you are reading, or has a tie in to a science lesson.

I know what you are thinking, my LL’s. Where in the world would I even FIND a class to Skype with? Ala Twitter, here ya go…

Also, before any of you already start deciding that this was a 6th grade class and there’s just no way your little kiddos can do it, yea huh, yes you can. Create a list of questions FOR them and let them use their thinking skills! you help LEAD them in the right direction…FACILITATE their discovery! 🙂

To read more about @mr_avery and his chat session including the roles some of his students played throughout the chat, check out his blog!

I know I’bve told you before what a big fan I am, but seriously, Twitter offers a nonstop stream of views, ideas, opinions, and activities. Get yourself in the flow or get left behind!

all a’twitterD,
amber