What #GarthinSiouxFalls has reminded me about teaching...

I've not blogged in a long time. I've thought about it, and have a list of ideas. 

So why @garthbrooks as a reason to start a new post? It's because it has reminded me all the important lessons of #TLAP, #PLAP, #InnovatorsMindset, #ShiftThis and many more of the awesome teaching books I've read the past two years. 

First - a connection to personal experience. #GarthinSiouxFalls was last in the area when I was in High School. Mom and I froze outside the #HyVee in Spencer, IA, waiting and waiting to hear first, that the tickets were on sale. Second... that there would be a show that still had tickets. The anticipation was set. Mom, my sister, and I all went to the concert - nose bleed section, but still amazing - my first real concert! (I still have- and use - the binoculars mom got me. Poor dad, had to stay home and take care of the livestock.)

Second - anticipation. I often lead students with a cliff-hanger statement for the weekend about what we are doing the next week. It's amazing how often students will walk in Monday excited about what it might be. The anticipation of getting tickets is very much the same. I set everything up early, and totally did a count down to try and get tickets. 


Third - things happen. As in life... Now, I am a major #Garth fan. I've got all the CDs (yes, those classic things), I've also got the digital forms - I do keep up with the times. I even have the #ChrisGaines CD (which I do like). That said, life changes - it's been twenty years. I'm a teacher, I've grown up. My parents are retired, my sister is married and a nurse. I've got my own family. I adjust with the times - I can't remember the last time I've physically used a CD. I can say when I've used my streaming apps / saved digital music and podcasts. I didn't score tickets, life will move on, roll with it and learn from it. 

Finally - rewards are sweeter when not expecting it. I just learned #GarthinSiouxFalls is going to announce more shows on Monday - so, I'm hoping that will work. If so AWESOME, if not that's ok, too. I'll mope, but then I'll pick myself up and move on. Additionally, the time waiting for tickets to start being sold was an awesome stroll down memory lane - one that I enjoyed taking! 

So the main takeaway: I want to build the anticipation for students to want to be in my room. We will adjust as needed, and I've got to remember to celebrate the awesome things that happen every day in our room. 

PS - I'm still hoping for tickets, so I might be missing school for a day to drive to the concert! 

#SDEA Representative Assembly

So, this weekend I traveled to the SDEA Representative Assembly.
I wasn't dreading it, but I wasn't super excited.

I've learned to embrace the opportunities  - I'm glad I came.
First, I've gotten to bond with co-workers and see some tweeps.

Second, it's been interesting to see the backside of the organization. I've been involved in my local, but now I get the "BIGGER" picture of what SDEA and even NEA stand for. I've seen how passionate educators around the state are, and challenges different regions / schools of the state are facing.

Third, I got to hear some exquisite speeches. Many of these speeches focused on change - and what I took away was that the change is going to happen. We can either lead it for the good of our kids, or we can sit back and react after it is already done. The best part, be a coyote - they adapt, they respond, they go above.

This conference has helped me remove myself from just my classroom to go to the bigger picture: what should be done for our kids nationally!

I want to thank Pam Wells for dragging me along - but now I wonder where to start.

Relaunch

Today, I relaunched my economics Hyperdoc​ project. It seemed to go WAY better and I got to have some very interesting conversations with students about what they might want to do. I was shocked, some know exactly what they want -- I wish I had that figured out in Seventh grade!

The Sixth grade students are finishing a unit on Rome. I took the time to show them Khan and gave them class time to watch a video. That was cool, but what really got me was that they want to use Khan to learn all sorts of new things - coding, work on math, ect. I had to warn them not to use up data on their phone plans!!!

The Eigth Grade had time to finish up their Hyperdoc project for Nationalism and Sectionalism. I'm​ going to have so many ways to travel A-Z. However, I do have some students analyzing political cartoons and others looking at stereotypes from across the USA. I'm excited about this, because one student is even conducting interviews to include in the project!

Today was a day that reminds me why I love this profession!

#BackatIT

I've got to start blogging again, so here it goes.

I spent a good chunk of my weekend creating a #hyperdoc on economics from scratch. I was excited. I thought my students would love it! (Who wouldn't want to find out about their future economic choices?)

ANNNDDDD - it flopped. Students didn't seem into it today. It might just be me, but they really struggled. Most have no idea what they might want to do, and those that do feel that they don't need to dig into it more.

So, tomorrow we relaunch. I need to make them see the relevance of it. I've not come up with how, but I have reached out to my PLN to make it happen!

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!

NFL Five Themes of Geography Final Project

Now that my students understand the Themes of Geography via our NFL worksheets, they divide into small groups and create a NEW NFL team to be based in the United States.

Some student groups will ask about having a team in another country, this leads to a GREAT class discussion on the problems the NFL might face with establishing Pro Teams in other countries: the travel distance (and time zone change) is one that really gets the students talking! At that point, they want their team to do well in weekly games, and choose to stay in the USA.

I have created a rubric to guide them.

After going over the rubric, I ask students to find a new city for their team. They must have a city that fits the NFL requirements. Generally, that means they need to justify the population, hotels, etc., compared to three other NFL cities.

Once the city is picked, students go on to create a new team name, new team helmet, stadium type, the NFL teams their team will play, how teams and fans travel / participate with the team, and any other information they want to include.

I usually let the students pick how to present the information. Some will choose Prezi, others Google Slides, and some will branch out into other formats.

On presentation day, most dress up. I tell them they are the new team owners, presenting to the NFL commission and current owners, trying to convince everyone the NFL NEEDS this team.

I know these lessons could transport over to any sport. I'm currently getting into Rugby, and I think I may try a mini-lesson with Rugby teams world wide.

NFL Human and Environment Interaction & Movement

For the final part of the NFL lessons on the Five Themes of Geography, I combine Human and Environment Interaction and Movement.

We start by discussing what Human Environment Interaction is. Students usually understand this concept better than Regions or Place.

If they are struggling, I mention common things:

• What do you wear if it is going to be hot out? 
• What do you wear if it is going to be cold out? 
• Why do you change what you wear if it is hot / cold? 

After that, my students look up the information to fill out the worksheet about the Super Bowl locations. 

This usually takes them awhile, I let them do it in pairs, and suggest they use the NFL Super Bowl History site.  This site provides most the information. The only thing it doesn't, is the style of the building that hosted the Super Bowl. 

This provides a great lesson on using Google Search - highlight the stadium name and click search. I will have students who don't do this. Instead, they will just try and look at Google Images and figure it out. (Usually, they miss the type this way.)

On Day Two, we discuss what we notice. 

For instance: 

• Why are most outdoor games in the Southern United States? 
• Why are most domed games in the Northern United States? 
• Why do some stadiums have new names -- even when it is the same building (Cowboy Stadium vs. AT&T stadium is a great example)? 
• Why might these places be picked? 

Most my students agree, they would rather go someplace warm in the middle of Winter to watch the Super Bowl, than be in places Winter might also be. 

This discussion also then leads into the Movement discussion. This discussion includes how do teams get to games, how do fans get to games, what if you can't attend a game... how does Human Environment Interaction then allow people to be involved where they are in the World? 

At this point, the students have covered all the themes of Geography.

They then break into small groups and start designing a NEW NFL team. 

NFL Regions 3

During this lesson, I have student look at the map they created with the Locations of all the NFL teams.

We then go to look at the list of current NFL divisions.
The students sometimes notice the way things are set up, but most often I then show them the 2014 NFL Division map.

At this point, even students who are not interested in the NFL see some issues:

• Why does Miami play New England? 
• Why does Seattle play Saint Louis? 

Of course, they have more questions, but these always make an appearance! 

We then discuss what these places may have in common to be a region. 

The next step:

Students reorganize the NFL Divisions based on the geographic land-forms, landmarks, or any other system that they can justify. I have them circle their new groups on this map. I then have them fill out a worksheet. 

I do NOT allow them to just say the cardinal directions. The new divisions may include a cardinal direction, but it must also include other geographic information. 

The next day, we discuss the newly arranged divisions and decide which student / student group came up with the best map for Regions. 

NFL Place Lesson 2

Last night, I posted the Location portion of my NFL project.

Today, I am going to share how we study Place.

First off, I always find Place and Region to be the HARDEST for students to understand.
Perhaps, it is because they are more abstract.

In order to understand PLACE, we discuss what all NFL locations have in common. The students realize that most teams are around population centers, which lead to having enough food options, hotels, etc.
This helps students understand the start of PLACE.

Next, we read this article to see how teams go their particular name. During this time, students start to make the connection to what an area's local history, local landmarks, and geographical features have to do with the naming of a team.

Finally, we are on to researching new team names. The key thing is to remind students to base the name off of a REALISTIC information for the area.

The worksheet I use.
Then, students draw a picture of the newly named team on the back of the worksheet.

This always leads to an insightful discussion the next day on why someone picked the name they did. Plus, if a name doesn't initially make sense, the students discuss and find out why it would. (I always like using Cincinnati's history as a reason for the name I give!)

Most often, by the end of this lesson, many of my students have a much more concrete idea about Place.

How to Teach Geography... with the NFL - Part 1 - Location

YEARS AGO - SEVEN, TO BE EXACT....

A FORMER EIGHTH GRADE TEACHER GIFTED ME,
A PACKET.

THAT PACKET CHANGED HOW I TEACH THE FIVE THEMES OF GEOGRAPHY....

FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The premise is simple. 

Use the NFL to show students how MR. HELP  is relevant in EVERY aspect of life.

I've tweaked this project over the years, and I am pretty content with how it is RIGHT now! 

My students are to the stage of working on their own projects.

First, I start with the worksheet about location. 

This one is simple. 

We go through and write down all the locations and names of the teams. 

Students are always amazed that the NY Jets / NY Giants share a stadium, that the Arizona Cardinals aren't in Phoenix (and don't have their own stadium), that the Dallas Cowboys aren't in Dallas, etc. 

This leads to a wonderful discussion on why those LOCATIONS are picked versus where the name conveys they are from. 

I number this map

My worksheet that students fill out. 

This usually takes two days. 

One to research and one to discuss! 

See blog post coming - NFL - Part 2 - Place.

Re-Energized via PLN!

The school year is back on! 
We've been back for a week: it's time to start blogging ideas again! 

Last night, I took part in two wonderful Twitter chats #sdedchat and #worldgeochat 

I love my building staff, but I love to reconnect and make new connections with my PLN. 

Things I took away: 

NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK! 

I've gotten some great ideas for my students from chatting with these other wonderful teachers! 

I want to try a zombie escape - much like @SrtaLisa  did for her students: Seriously WAY cool! 

I also want to do more with Mystery Skypes / Mystery Hangouts this year -- planning is already in progress! 

I also realized I have valuable "stuff" to contribute. 

When I started to teach geography, another teacher gave me a packet they got from a meeting - teaching the Five Themes of Geography by using the NFL. I've tweaked it some each year, and soon I'll have this year's revamps done. Pages will come soon! 

I also shared the MR. HELP for geography - something I stumbled on YEARS ago on the web - sorry, no idea who came up with it. 
M - ovement
R- egions
H - uman
E - nviroment Interaction
L - ocation
P - lace

PLN, You seriously rock - because you expand my learning everyday! 

Extensions... Extensions EVERYWHERE... #GAFESUMMIT SD

I've been traveling for a week and still gone. HOWEVER, I'm FINALLY starting to put what I've learned from my notes into the blog! 

I'm sure this should become at least two posts - so where to start?

FIRST - even if you think you know all GOOGLE - go, even just to get reminded of cool features. (You'll find out even more cool features!)

I had finally just really started using my chrome browser extensions - I've found so many more that I think could help me teach even better this coming year. So, that make sense to start there.

EXTENSIONS

• Google Tone (Chirp on tablets / phones) - I think this could be a neat way to send links to kids, but I also see them overriding the tone with their own.. so will just have to try it. 
• One Tab - to save all those tabs into one and save battery power until you need the tab. I also like the idea to save links to the kids that way - than just giving them one link / QR code to get all the links. I probably will use this more than Google Tone. 
• Tab Scissors - This splits all the tabs in one browser pane into two - use Tab Glue to put them back together. (I have students who might use this vs. just separating tabs into other panes.)
• ColorPick Eyedropper - why I never tried this is beyond me. Get the color code for any color you are trying to match in a presentation!!! (Have used this TONS making new presentations!) 
• Snagit - Pick just parts of a web page, etc to capture... No more full-screen shots for most of my stuff!!! 

EXTENSIONS I WAS ALREADY USING / Always open: 

• Save to Google Drive - well, because I like having it all in my Drive. 
• Grammarly - Autocorrect for documents, web pages, any typing really! 
• +FlipIt - It's how I've been saving my blogs to read. My goal - create a magazine this year for / with my students for articles we discuss. 
• Extensity - to save battery power by limiting all the other Extensions that I don't use as often. 
• Google Voice - so I can check my voicemail, sent texts to parents, etc, right from my browser. 

EXTENSIONS I use with students throughout the year: 

• Diigo - so handy to have students annotate pages. THIS MAY NOT WORK since the last Chrome update. IF SO, I WILL BE SAD!!!
• Easybib - so easy for students to cite most sources. You must teach them that if it extension doesn't pull the information, they will have to fill it in... or you end up with a bunch of NA.NA.NA. ND information to try and track down their work... NOT FUN!
• GoogleCast - I have a Chromecast, this makes it easy for students to share their work with the entire class on the interactive board! 

EXTENSIONS I need to utilize and see how they work for my Students: 

• BeeLine Reader - to help read on a screen. It color gradients a line / whole page. I also has a dyslexic friendly font. I liked it the bit I've used it so far. 
• Clearly - links the information / highlights, etc to your Evernote account - I wish this went to Google Drive for the students. 
• Skimzee - To help summarize articles / pages for those students who can't read, yet, at the article level. 
• Readline - highlight what you want and it pulls it up word by word for you to read - I can see this being very helpful for some students that get distracted / overwhelmed by reading. 
• CraftyText - put a banner over top of any website.