Thing 11

Library Thing is very easy to use. A colleague had told me about it, so I had already begun my library. The first books I put in were my "cat books," which I love (see my listing, in the left sidebar). I was pleased to see that so many others like these books, too! I did learn how to add the list to my blog, which wasn't too hard, once I found the button for editing the html.

I think this could be a useful tool to put on my school library blog, for most frequently checked out books for different grade levels -- to spark interest in books. I plan to continue adding to my list as I read books. For now, I just started with a few of my favorites.

Thing 10

This was a fun activity. I made a comic (right) using comic strip generator. It was pretty easy to do, very user friendly.

I also made a fake magazine cover (below) using fake magazine cover, featuring my hubby and manx. The magazine cover was fun -- but confusing. I had to try it a few times before being successful. It could certainly be more user friendly.

I am a little shy to use most of these generators in the classroom, simply because many had inappropriate images available (nude woman, etc.) And I know many of my 5th graders would go right to those images, unless they were blocked. Not that I'm for blocking everything! I think trading cards could be used for fun vocabulary reinforcement.

Thing 9

I think there is too much information out there! I still don't know how to sort through it all. I didn't like the Google Blog Search. For fun, I put in "knitting," one of my favorite past-times (before I started this class!). All kinds of blogs came up -- more like on-line journals where someone just happened to mention knitting. Annoying, to say the least.

I found some useful and interesting blogs on Edublogs' award winners. Also, School Library Blogs on Suprglu had some interesting blogs, following the links under the posts. I think that the posting from The Cool Cat Teacher blog on How to Create Your Circle had some good advice. One part that really struck me was to subscribe to blogs outside your area of expertise. Something I'd not thought to do. I know some teachers who I wish had blogs -- they are such an inspiration, I know I'd read them daily! I think I'll suggest they start their own blogs.

Thing 8

I really like the fact that RSS and newsreaders will bring the information you're searching for straight to you. I think you need to subscribe to many different sources in order to get the best results.

For myself, I think this will be a good way to keep up with current ideas in teaching, and of course, library issues!

RSS will save time -- time from reading blog after blog. Now, I just need to add all the URLs from my favorites list!

Thing 7

I can't believe I spent so long playing with the google tools! I really like the Google Calendar. I set up one for me, one for school, and one to keep track of my son's events. It's great to see all three at once on the calendar, in an easy to follow format (I like the month view best).

I also downloaded Google Earth. I see lots of potential for this gadget in science. It can be used to help students see actual landforms, but the sky view can also be used to help them understand space concepts more.

Thing 6

So many toys, so little time! I really like the Mosaic Maker on FD Toys -- I could spend hours on that (I love scrapbooking!). I also like the Cube and even made one!

I think the Trading Cards would be useful for vocabulary building or connecting events (like field trips) to curriculum. I think the Cube could work for vocabulary, too -- picture on one side, and word/definition on the opposite side. Lots of potential for these toys.

Thing 5

Flickr is fun. I uploaded some pictures I had taken on a visit to the Space Center this past summer. My first set! What an easy way to share photos. I will be exploring Flickr even more -- I'd sure like to know how to do the picture books! Now, if only I can get my school to invest in a color printer accessible by me!