Mock Trial
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/03/oregon_mock_trial_competition.html
I know that I say it a lot, but I really love when learning takes place in a non-traditional way. I believe that this is going to become even more important as education, specifically public education, comes under more and more scrutiny, that students will have to take every learning opportunity that they can get.
Here students were in a statewide mock trial debate. Maybe one of these smartypants will become so great at learning the law and debate that they can figure out some of the messes our country has gotten themselves into. 
Chapman University — Whither the Liberal Arts
As an alumni of Chapman University in Orange, CA – I get their fun alumni journal. One of the recent issues discussed how colleges and universities are seeing a decrease in the number of students who are wanting a Liberal Arts degree. Although I don’t like it, it makes complete sense — the general public doesn’t view a degree in the Liberal Arts as a lucrative choice; and it’s all about money these days. My favorite quote from the issue was, “In these difficult economic times, when the news is filled with stories of transgressions on Wall street and in Washington, Chapman leaders contend that the need is as great as ever for students to get not just career training, but an education built on a moral and ethical foundation.” I couldn’t agree more. Furthermore, isn’t it important to follow your passion, not your pocketbook to a fulfilling future?
Ways to integrate technology into kids’ learning
http://mashable.com/2011/03/09/technology-kids-learning/
When I first found this article, I’ll admit, I was a little apprehensive in endorsing it. As an educator, I worry about how technology can desensitize our children. Plus, I think about families whom having a home computer is a luxury, not a reality. But, I have to say, that not only did I like the ideas and applicable ways to make their points happen — but this article really hit on key educational elements that are emphasized in the classroom too. ‘Rote learning doesn’t always work’, ‘Make learning hands on’, ‘ make the learning safe’, etc. It’s a great article, and it’s readers shouldn’t just be limited to families — it’s good for teachers too.
Write On – Helping Kids Become Better Writers
http://www.metro-parent.com/issues/jan11/index.html
Writing is the hardest of the language arts skills to learn. It doesn’t matter how many languages you know, or which language you are learning to write in. It takes a deep understanding of a language and its words, plus proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation; then you have to be able to know what it is that you want to write about. So it makes sense that every 4th grader in the country has to take a writing exam to see what their proficiency is.
This article provides tools that families can use to aide their children in becoming stronger writers. It mentions how families need to focus on making the writing fun and low-stress. ‘Let’s write a story about what we want to make for dinner; or what to do this weekend.’ I liked their idea, for younger ones, of having them write with their fingers in paint, mud, or sand too. Also free writing, where students and children don’t have to worry about the proper mechanics (which is usually the major stumbling block [block being the important word] for emerging writers). There are other good examples too.
Teachers, Let Me Upgrade You
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/education/16teachers.html?_r=1&ref=samdillon
I hate how teachers in the U.S. are constantly compared to educators in other countries, who don’t have the same demographics that we do here. So imagine my surprise when I found an article comparing the U.S. and it was in our favor — saying how educators need to be supported, mentored, and paid more. Woohoo! About time. Now, will anyone actually listen?
Tchr 2 Tchr blog
http://tchr2tchr.blogspot.com/
Another little ‘shout out’ to the TPT blog that I’ve written on. It’s a good thing.
Survivor: The Classroom
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/the_unusual_next_season_of_survivor/2011/03/21/AB80S56_blog.html?wprss=answer-sheet
For most teachers, on a given day, it can feel like the game Survivor, in your classroom. Which makes this next season of Survivor just so darn funny. Now, if they would only really make it happen. Oh, and I don’t know any teacher that is lucky enough to still have a classroom of just 20 students; but hey, we can dream, right?
