Ready, Set, Gold. #xlap #6thchat #gamification

I've been debating what to have students do the first day and week. I'm all about getting to know the students and developing the learning community.

To this end, I've got a Google form for students to fill out about themselves. I've also made one for parents the night of orientation / open house.

I'm now thinking that we should play games - this is thanks to my chats on #6thchat, #gamification and #xlap as of late.

So, how to do this?

I'm currently building a Kahoot! have students guess the right answers about me. This is fine, but it doesn't let them show me who they are. So, after the first day (I really want to get the surveys done so I can review them that night) why not focus on team building and class procedures via the Olympic games?

Students could choose a current event and explain how that sport represents them.
Or, they may make up a new sport.

I'm also thinking this may lead into some "Minute to Win It" style games. However, I'm unsure if I should have students create the games, or if I should have a different game for each section - and warn them not to tell the others. That way, I get the word of mouth going via students, but even those that do find out what the last class had, by the time they get to the room, it's completely different. Then, I can use all these game throughout the year as review / reward games.

PS - I'd pick Rugby Sevens. I love the thinking / planning of plays, the chance for individual and teammate supports, and the thrill of the game!

#Stress of #Roomdecor -- It's all about the #Kids, because #KidsDeserveIt

I'm switching schools - normally by now, my room would be ready for students. 

I've put LOTS of thought into what I want my room to be. Frankly, it's going to have to be a work in progress. My new room is huge. I want "zones" - a standing area, a sitting area, desk area, and a general supply area. However, since I'm also in the process of moving, I really haven't had time to collect new items for seating, nor build the new standing desks that I want to have. 

While my Pinterest has a full bulletin board of bulletin board ideas, I'm not sure what is going to be done by the time school actually starts (Aug. 23). I know that I want a wall area for World History, US History, and Geography - but I'm leaning towards having students help build those areas as we complete projects. 

I've got my favorite quotes in posters and other items that make the room "mine," so I know that portion will be done. I know what I want for an overall space - it's mostly going to revolve around those connections I make with my new students and allow them in the design of the room. In fact, I'm thinking my geography students can design a new class map of what zones students think there should be. 

I'll post pictures as we come up with the new design! 

Why Summer Matters... for teachers and students #tlap #sschat #sdechat

This Summer is a time of change for me. I'm moving schools, which also means moving towns. That has been a stressor. 

Other than that,  Summer matters for the time to reflect and do things that I've not had time to do all school year. I'm still reading YA books to be able to recommend them to middle schoolers. It allows me time to research new projects, find new resources, revise lessons, and read all the wonder resources written by other educators. 

I've taken the time to just sit to think about anything that comes along. I've taken the time to ponder everything I've read and figure out if I agree with it if I can use it as it if I can modify what I've done to make it fit into my teaching style. I've also found that this time is valuable to just take - professional development is great, but my Twitter PLN is very helpful throughout the year. However, during the Summer I have more time to look at what I implemented in the school year, adjust for the new year, and make new connections for new projects for the coming year! 

#PokemonGo and #Geography

Ok,

I know this is all over the news. I get it. Trust me, I have succumbed to the craze. I downloaded the game to get a sense of what my students will be talking about the first days of school (let's face it - school isn't that far away!).

I can see the possibilities with this app as a way to explain maps and map reading skills to students. I know putting information in the context of PokemonGo will make more sense than just a general map will.

Additionally, I have started saving articles related to issues of PokemonGo, from people being injured, potential security issues, and what places are picked as gyms and stops to discuss the cultural issues included.

All in all, I must say, I may not catch them all... I will, however, catch more students in my hooks to understanding Geography!

Change...

This summer has proven one of change.

I've taken a break from blogging and reading as many Professional Development books, mainly because I'm working on getting moved.

I've accepted a job at Mobridge - Pollock Middle School. I'm looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges this will mean. It's bittersweet at this point, I am going to miss my former students and community, but I am excited to meet new parents and students! Plus, the community seems very friendly.

I've found it's when you move that you find out how much stuff you have!

A couple of things I've changed: my skype is now mielke2016, not fhs7th. I've also changed my website to https://mielkel.wordpress.com/.

Summer Time

Where has the week gone!

I've been meaning to blog, every Monday, but suddenly, it's Friday and I've not written a thing.

This week, I've been learning plenty about life: for instance, it is not easy to find pet orthopedic surgeons. (I'll know even more about it tomorrow!) I've also been helping the custodians unload rooms and prep floors for waxing - it always reminds me to take pride in my room throughout the year. Plus, it reminds me to appreciate all the work custodians do daily, monthly, and yearly!

Other than that, I finished Tony Danza's I'd like to Apologize to Every Teacher I've Ever Had. I loved this book, but reading it stopped me from finishing #DitchBook .

I've started diving back into #DitchBook, and also decided to reread The Swiss Family Robinson. I've not read it since the summer of my 5/6 grade year - it's completely different than I remember, but I am enjoying it.

I've also been pocketing many items to read later, or refer to over and over!

So, even though I've not been working extremely hard on school "stuff" I've still go school on my mind.

Reading Reflections - #Connections #elachat

When I travel, I always take books with me.

Lately, I haven't been taking physical books - I have my Kindle Fire and my Moto X for access to books.

I love the Overdrive program for access to free reading books - and one I've recently gotten from there is Tony Danza's I'd like to Apologize to Every Teacher I've Ever Had this book is amazing, especially paired with @jmattmiller Ditch That Textbook. 

What I've been doing is reading a bit from each and reflecting on my own teaching journey while reading these chapters. 

Simply, I've concluded every one of us must feel lost at times and reading books on other's experiences doesn't just give us a "Hey, I remember that issue..." it also helps us (me) realize that how we (I) have grown as (a teacher) teachers. 

I still remember my first year - tons of worksheets and memorizing. Now, not so much, as I read and connect on Twitter and Google+, I'm finding more ways to customize learning in my own classrooms. I can shoot a message out, and get a response within seconds - that response can lead to projects with other teachers and schools. Plus, it leads my students into learning that the world is much larger than our four walls. 

I still get a kick out of that first day: the jitters are as real as the first time walking into a classroom. The reality, if I wasn't nervous, I know it would be time to get out of teaching. 

It's not even June! I'm already reworking curriculum plans and reforming projects. Who said learning ends?!?

Summer expectations

The school year is gone.
The room is packed.
The planning begins!

For Geography:

I know that I liked my "Living Large on $2500" project. It was a last minute project, and I want to start it earlier in the year. I also think this could easily be expanded into a cost of living for different countries / capitols of the world.

I also found fantastygeopolitics.com this year. Instead of textbooks, I've requested this site. Between this and CNN Student News, I can honestly say my students were well informed about the world around them.

I also want to do even more #mysteryskypes, along with charting them on a Google My Maps!

For Reading

I've got plans to re-read Donalyn Miller's books this summer. I've met with the incoming seventh and eighth grade: we have established the expectations for reading for next year. Our school doesn't do a summer required reading, but students can work on reading for next year! 

I've got to also work on coming up with new ways to have students show their learning. I was planning on using Google Forms for most of it, but I have found Recap and REALLY want to turn some of these planned forms into student videos where they can work on their speaking skills while showing their learning! 

For US History

I also want to use the Recap program with my students, this year we have done questions in Google Classroom. I know that some students struggled with the typing out their thoughts, but they can verbally tell me what they are thinking. I really want to try this out and give students the option. 

For English

I use Giggles in the Middle. I need to make some corrections to my format for next year, plus I want to augment it with some new materials. I have used Hot Fudge Monday  and Down Write Funny a couple of years ago, I want to bring these back in.

I want to try Grammar for Middle School and I know I want students to focus more on writing. I'm thinking this can be done in explaining projects and working with their #GeniusHour projects next year. 

I know I will find more ideas and rethink others as this summer progresses. That's the power of my Personal Learning Network - I'm always able to find new information and bounce ideas off other professionals! 

#TIE16 In action!

I came back refreshed. It was great being able to hear new ideas, meet new people, and see what others are doing in their schools!

I must say, the #makerspace idea was very motivating. @vancet and I got our going!

I'm enjoying my students coming back excited from the space. Also, they now want to go during their free time. However, I am also proud that they make wise choices about going if they have homework to do.

I'll keep updating how the space goes.

Plus, we now have #FHShorns as our Twitter hashtag!