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image credit: @rosscoops31 - click to check out Bing in the Classroom - 3 Reasons to Use Bing in the Classroom Helping students to be more independent learners is important in today's classrooms. However, letting go of complete control can be challenging. One fear many have is the potential risk involved when students are allowed to search the Internet, even with school filters. Educators need to teach students what it means to be digitally responsible as well. MORE
Adaptive, Personalized Learning for Literacy Instruction in Blended Learning Environments What Is Lexia Core5 ? Lexia Reading Core5 is an online literacy program developed with an instructional model and scope and sequence based on research published in numerous peer reviewed journals. The program was developed and refined based on educator feedback and rigorous, ongoing research, and has been recognized by independent review organizations. MORE
Taking a Closer Look at Close Reading - click here to take a look - I''ve had the pleasure of speaking across the country on a variety of literacy topics, mostly focused on reading and writing workshop. Recently I''ve been asked to consult with several districts and speak at many conferences on close reading. Last year was the first time I presented on the topic of close reading in Las Vegas. MORE
As a mother and a teacher, finding time to do it all is a constant struggle. Technology is continuously evolving and making every aspect of our lives more convenient. Why should education be any different? Actively Learn makes teaching simpler and more engaging and interactive for students through their digital curriculum. They provide thousands of assignments and texts that students can interact with for every subject. MORE
Product Review : Brainfeed - click here to visit their site - A recent study by Common Sense Media found that the percent of children with access to a smart mobile device has jumped from half (52%) to three-quarters (75%). This shift has many parents and teachers worried about how much time children actually spend consuming “quality” content on these devices. That’s the question Mark Hoffman asked himself when his children were just 5 and 7. MORE
Finally an app that isn’t “one more thing…” It is “THE thing!”. As an educational blogger, I get to learn about and share many exciting products with my audience. However, as a classroom teacher, I am skeptical about which products I choose to share with my readers. It seems like each day there is a new shiny tool or resource that promises to do something amazing to make my teaching practice better in some regard. MORE
Avoiding “The Cemetery Effect” a collaborative post via Thomas Murray and Erin Klein - click here to download Erin's FREE 18 page eBook with images, templates, printables, and more - This first segment reads from the Voice of Thomas Murray : State and District Digital Learning Director for the Alliance of Excellent Education , Washington D.C. A few months ago while driving through back roads in Pennsylvania, I came across a carefully laid out cemetery. Each stone was equidistant from the other. MORE
Click Above to Register Now I am honored to share some of my most useful tips for setting up a brain-friendly learning space that encourages student collaboration and hands-on learning. I invite you to simply click above to register for this free, jam-packed one hour webinar about effective class design and personalized learning for students. I look forward to sharing with each of you soon! MORE
Summer 2015 STEAM & Arts Integration Online Conference - click here - Attend LIVE: July 23, 2015 from 10AM-4PM EST | Watch On-Demand: Anytime between July 23, 2015 and July 23, 2016 An Exciting Opportunity for ALL Elementary Teachers don't miss out ~ reserve your seat This year I am honored to be a featured presenter at the STEAM & Arts Integration Online Conference. If you are an elementary educator, this conference is a must for your summer list! MORE
Get Qurious is an interactive play-based experience for children ages 4-9. The Maker Box takes the classic Three Little Pigs story and brings it to life with its engaging, interactive app, story cards, pretend play masks, sticker book, and puzzle. I always get excited when a company I agree to work with tells me that my product is on the way for my review. You see, with overwhelming product reviews flooding my email, I have become pretty selective with the ones I choose to share with my readers. MORE
What Great Educators Do Differently - click here to connect to the conference homepage - I've always been "addicted to" professional learning. I was fortunate that during my first year of teaching my principal strongly believed in growing new teacher's skills and confidence. MORE
Finally a Tool and Resource to Fit Everyone's Needs ~ appoLearning Collections ~ click here to get started As a classroom teacher, I'm always on the look out for resources that will help my students in class and support the work they do at home as well. Over the years, I've gathered binders full of information, computer files full of information, and now Pinterest boards full of information. MORE
A Must Have Resource for All Parents - I made 2 brief videos below - As I attempt to catch up on mass amounts of unread email, I enjoy browsing the various resources that come through my inbox. Because of the volume of email I receive, I find myself either deleting the conversation or clicking to see the site for a few seconds. If the site has a video, I''ll usually play it for a few seconds, unless it captures my attention. MORE
Classroom Library Tools If you are a Scholastic.com user, most likely you know about Book Wizard and what an amazing tool it is for finding and leveling books. Recently, Scholastic developed a mobile version for the iPhone and is currently working towards a version for the iPad. Those who follow my blog know that I gravitate towards tools that are free and fantastic. Book Wizard Mobile fits both of these characteristics. MORE
We invite you to join us for the EdTechTeam Maryland Summit Featuring Google for Education - click here to register and read more - Open to attendees from around the globe LEARN MORE The Summit includes two keynote presentations, 8 breakout sessions, a demo slam competition and a closing capstone session. Participants will be able to attend beginner through advanced sessions on uses of Google Apps in the classroom. MORE
STEAM learning has never been as important as it is today. With the rapid evolution of hardware and software technology there is now a huge shift towards artificial intelligence and robotics in every industry. So it is crucial to give our children the necessary knowledge and skills early on to prepare for the evolving job market. In fact, 65% of schoolchildren will have jobs that do not exist today, according to the U.S. Department of Labor report released back in 2013. MORE
Today education technology is on its peak and will continue to evolve as we leverage technology solutions in every aspect of our lives. Education is no exception. There are a ton of useful edtech solutions available for both teachers and students to take advantage of. A lot of them come free of charge. I have had a chance to try and review a number of edtech tools and each time I have seen some real improvements in student engagement and progress. MORE
2 Free Webinars Featuring Classroom Design Tips - sign up now to reserve your spot - Webinar I : Redesigning Learning Spaces: Creating Brain-Friendly, Blended Learning Environments Please join the Alliance for Excellent Education in a back-to-school webinar that is part of its Project 24 leadership series. Project 24 is a systemic planning framework around the effective use of technology and digital learning to achieve the goal of “career and college readiness” for all students. MORE
Collaborative Project Based Learning with Analytics - click here to try Ignite Teaching - I firmly believe each teacher must start integrating technology at the point where he or she is most comfortable. I'm often asked, "How I do it all." My answer is simple: I start small. I think that translates to the success of my blog along with the workshops I do across the country. During my speaking engagements, I disclose my fear of technology. MORE
Early childhood programs have an important role in preparing children to elementary school and encouraging their love for learning. As a teacher you want your little ones to not only eat and sleep well, but also learn and grow. But working with kids is no easy task. You have to manage dozens of activities every day ranging from diaper changes to naps, dance classes and outdoor walks. On the other hand, as a parent you want to know what your kids were up to all day. MORE
I’ve spent a good part of my time in the classroom before Spring Break making videos with my students using MySimpleShow, a new way to creatively craft content into brief, engaging videos. I must admit… now that I’m on Spring Break, much of my time has still been devoted to putting together videos sharing parts of our vacation and watching my own children’s videos. Once you start, you’ll see how quick and easy it is to do. MORE
Today most kids prefer screen time to any other sort of entertainment. Children aged 5 to 16 on average spend 6.5 hours a day in front of a screen as compared to 3 hours in 1995. This fact is no longer shocking, but still quite disturbing. Yet, we can hardly imagine our life without technology and it implies increased screen time. Technology has a profound impact on education as well. MORE
My Terrific Three Apps for the Elementary Classroom As a working parent, sometimes it is difficult to sign up for volunteer dates. So, when I have the chance to see what''s happening inside the class or on field trips, I treasure those moments. As a teacher, I''ve found that the more I share with parents, the less they tend to question. MORE
Future Ready Schools Preparing Students for Success I''m honored to be a part of this year''s annual Digital Learning Day held in Washington D.C. on March 13, 2015 with inspiring educators from around the country. In years past, I''ve followed the event closely from Twitter and through the resources attendees shared out during the conference. I''m always inspired by the single focus guiding this day of collaboration and sharing: students. MORE
Kids have a natural sense of curiosity and with the right incentive, getting them excited about science should be fairly easy. Science activities are a great exercise for the brain while also helping kids build the essential problem-solving skills which they will need every step of the way. So I am always on the lookout for ways to spark students’ interest and get them involved in science experiments. This is how I came across the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. . MORE
In the world of ipads, youtubes, disneys and everything else in between, how can we as parents and teachers keep children interested in learning? How can we build and nurture a desire for learning? MORE
What if students could design their own learning spaces? I've been traveling the country speaking on the power of a student's voice in his or her own educational experience along with the need for transforming learning spaces in today's schools. Both topics are very important to me not only for my own passion as an educator, but as a parent of two children. I've personally seen the impact a learning space can have on a child's experience within the classroom. MORE
As a parent of two and an elementary school teacher, I know firsthand the challenges students face when trying to study new subjects and basically learning anything new. Quite often we don’t know where to start and how to tackle the subject to easily digest and remember the material. This can be frustrating, however it is completely natural, since the learning skill is not innate. But it is also not unique to a select group of talented people. MORE
6 Professional Opportunities for Learning More About Classroom Design Back to school is always an exciting time filled with rich opportunities to learn and share with colleagues, grade level teams, and friends in your professional learning network. Because of the extremely busy time of year, this post will be short and to the point. Tonight, I''m hosting two opportunities for professional learning. MORE
Game-based learning is a topic we have revisited numerous times on this blog. The implications it has on student engagement and learning cannot be overstated. If you have not already experimented with game-based learning with your class, make 2015 the year you do! One program that is doing an unbelievable job of gamifying math is Prodigy Math Game. Prodigy is a free, adaptive math game that integrates 1 st to 7 th grade math into a fantasy style game that students absolutely love playing. MORE
Kleinspiration
JANUARY 25, 2021
In the world of ipads, youtubes, disneys and everything else in between, how can we as parents and teachers keep children interested in learning? How can we build and nurture a desire for learning?
Kleinspiration
SEPTEMBER 16, 2018
Today education technology is on its peak and will continue to evolve as we leverage technology solutions in every aspect of our lives. Education is no exception. There are a ton of useful edtech solutions available for both teachers and students to take advantage of. A lot of them come free of charge. I have had a chance to try and review a number of edtech tools and each time I have seen some real improvements in student engagement and progress.
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Kleinspiration
MARCH 20, 2020
Kids have a natural sense of curiosity and with the right incentive, getting them excited about science should be fairly easy. Science activities are a great exercise for the brain while also helping kids build the essential problem-solving skills which they will need every step of the way. So I am always on the lookout for ways to spark students’ interest and get them involved in science experiments. This is how I came across the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. .
Kleinspiration
NOVEMBER 4, 2019
As a parent of two and an elementary school teacher, I know firsthand the challenges students face when trying to study new subjects and basically learning anything new. Quite often we don’t know where to start and how to tackle the subject to easily digest and remember the material. This can be frustrating, however it is completely natural, since the learning skill is not innate. But it is also not unique to a select group of talented people.
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Loved by more than 30 million kids, SplashLearn is a game-based learning program that creates engaging learning experiences to nurture a generation of fearless learners. SplashLearn is the fastest growing elementary school math program in the US, used by more than 440,000 teachers in about 77,000 schools across the United States.
Kleinspiration
DECEMBER 11, 2019
As a mother and a teacher, finding time to do it all is a constant struggle. Technology is continuously evolving and making every aspect of our lives more convenient. Why should education be any different? Actively Learn makes teaching simpler and more engaging and interactive for students through their digital curriculum. They provide thousands of assignments and texts that students can interact with for every subject.
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Kleinspiration
OCTOBER 25, 2015
image credit: @rosscoops31 - click to check out Bing in the Classroom - 3 Reasons to Use Bing in the Classroom Helping students to be more independent learners is important in today's classrooms. However, letting go of complete control can be challenging. One fear many have is the potential risk involved when students are allowed to search the Internet, even with school filters. Educators need to teach students what it means to be digitally responsible as well.
Kleinspiration
AUGUST 6, 2015
Avoiding “The Cemetery Effect” a collaborative post via Thomas Murray and Erin Klein - click here to download Erin's FREE 18 page eBook with images, templates, printables, and more - This first segment reads from the Voice of Thomas Murray : State and District Digital Learning Director for the Alliance of Excellent Education , Washington D.C. A few months ago while driving through back roads in Pennsylvania, I came across a carefully laid out cemetery. Each stone was equidistant from the other.
Kleinspiration
JULY 23, 2015
What if students could design their own learning spaces? I've been traveling the country speaking on the power of a student's voice in his or her own educational experience along with the need for transforming learning spaces in today's schools. Both topics are very important to me not only for my own passion as an educator, but as a parent of two children. I've personally seen the impact a learning space can have on a child's experience within the classroom.
Kleinspiration
MARCH 27, 2017
I’ve spent a good part of my time in the classroom before Spring Break making videos with my students using MySimpleShow, a new way to creatively craft content into brief, engaging videos. I must admit… now that I’m on Spring Break, much of my time has still been devoted to putting together videos sharing parts of our vacation and watching my own children’s videos. Once you start, you’ll see how quick and easy it is to do.
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If your school is like most, inventory and/or asset management plays a critical role in daily operations.
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Kleinspiration
AUGUST 25, 2015
Collaborative Project Based Learning with Analytics - click here to try Ignite Teaching - I firmly believe each teacher must start integrating technology at the point where he or she is most comfortable. I'm often asked, "How I do it all." My answer is simple: I start small. I think that translates to the success of my blog along with the workshops I do across the country. During my speaking engagements, I disclose my fear of technology.
Kleinspiration
JUNE 23, 2015
What Great Educators Do Differently - click here to connect to the conference homepage - I've always been "addicted to" professional learning. I was fortunate that during my first year of teaching my principal strongly believed in growing new teacher's skills and confidence.
Kleinspiration
JULY 30, 2015
Finally a Tool and Resource to Fit Everyone's Needs ~ appoLearning Collections ~ click here to get started As a classroom teacher, I'm always on the look out for resources that will help my students in class and support the work they do at home as well. Over the years, I've gathered binders full of information, computer files full of information, and now Pinterest boards full of information.
Kleinspiration
MAY 26, 2015
Summer 2015 STEAM & Arts Integration Online Conference - click here - Attend LIVE: July 23, 2015 from 10AM-4PM EST | Watch On-Demand: Anytime between July 23, 2015 and July 23, 2016 An Exciting Opportunity for ALL Elementary Teachers don't miss out ~ reserve your seat This year I am honored to be a featured presenter at the STEAM & Arts Integration Online Conference. If you are an elementary educator, this conference is a must for your summer list!
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Building an e-learning platform? Download the solution brief to learn how you can create a customized, feature-rich, interactive classroom for an enhanced learning experience.
Kleinspiration
MAY 20, 2015
Click Above to Register Now I am honored to share some of my most useful tips for setting up a brain-friendly learning space that encourages student collaboration and hands-on learning. I invite you to simply click above to register for this free, jam-packed one hour webinar about effective class design and personalized learning for students. I look forward to sharing with each of you soon!
Kleinspiration
APRIL 3, 2015
A Must Have Resource for All Parents - I made 2 brief videos below - As I attempt to catch up on mass amounts of unread email, I enjoy browsing the various resources that come through my inbox. Because of the volume of email I receive, I find myself either deleting the conversation or clicking to see the site for a few seconds. If the site has a video, I''ll usually play it for a few seconds, unless it captures my attention.
Kleinspiration
MAY 2, 2018
Today most kids prefer screen time to any other sort of entertainment. Children aged 5 to 16 on average spend 6.5 hours a day in front of a screen as compared to 3 hours in 1995. This fact is no longer shocking, but still quite disturbing. Yet, we can hardly imagine our life without technology and it implies increased screen time. Technology has a profound impact on education as well.
Kleinspiration
MARCH 25, 2015
Game-based learning is a topic we have revisited numerous times on this blog. The implications it has on student engagement and learning cannot be overstated. If you have not already experimented with game-based learning with your class, make 2015 the year you do! One program that is doing an unbelievable job of gamifying math is Prodigy Math Game. Prodigy is a free, adaptive math game that integrates 1 st to 7 th grade math into a fantasy style game that students absolutely love playing.
If your school’s SIS has limited functions, only works on campus or breaks down more than you would like, it might time to invest in a new one.
Kleinspiration
MAY 16, 2018
STEAM learning has never been as important as it is today. With the rapid evolution of hardware and software technology there is now a huge shift towards artificial intelligence and robotics in every industry. So it is crucial to give our children the necessary knowledge and skills early on to prepare for the evolving job market. In fact, 65% of schoolchildren will have jobs that do not exist today, according to the U.S. Department of Labor report released back in 2013.
Kleinspiration
FEBRUARY 3, 2015
Future Ready Schools Preparing Students for Success I''m honored to be a part of this year''s annual Digital Learning Day held in Washington D.C. on March 13, 2015 with inspiring educators from around the country. In years past, I''ve followed the event closely from Twitter and through the resources attendees shared out during the conference. I''m always inspired by the single focus guiding this day of collaboration and sharing: students.
Kleinspiration
OCTOBER 17, 2014
My Terrific Three Apps for the Elementary Classroom As a working parent, sometimes it is difficult to sign up for volunteer dates. So, when I have the chance to see what''s happening inside the class or on field trips, I treasure those moments. As a teacher, I''ve found that the more I share with parents, the less they tend to question.
Kleinspiration
OCTOBER 4, 2014
Product Review : Brainfeed - click here to visit their site - A recent study by Common Sense Media found that the percent of children with access to a smart mobile device has jumped from half (52%) to three-quarters (75%). This shift has many parents and teachers worried about how much time children actually spend consuming “quality” content on these devices. That’s the question Mark Hoffman asked himself when his children were just 5 and 7.
What if teachers didn’t have to lug tons of paperwork with them to and from work? Having lesson plans available anywhere is just one of the advantages.
Kleinspiration
MARCH 10, 2015
Taking a Closer Look at Close Reading - click here to take a look - I''ve had the pleasure of speaking across the country on a variety of literacy topics, mostly focused on reading and writing workshop. Recently I''ve been asked to consult with several districts and speak at many conferences on close reading. Last year was the first time I presented on the topic of close reading in Las Vegas.
Kleinspiration
DECEMBER 3, 2014
Adaptive, Personalized Learning for Literacy Instruction in Blended Learning Environments What Is Lexia Core5 ? Lexia Reading Core5 is an online literacy program developed with an instructional model and scope and sequence based on research published in numerous peer reviewed journals. The program was developed and refined based on educator feedback and rigorous, ongoing research, and has been recognized by independent review organizations.
Kleinspiration
MAY 10, 2018
Early childhood programs have an important role in preparing children to elementary school and encouraging their love for learning. As a teacher you want your little ones to not only eat and sleep well, but also learn and grow. But working with kids is no easy task. You have to manage dozens of activities every day ranging from diaper changes to naps, dance classes and outdoor walks. On the other hand, as a parent you want to know what your kids were up to all day.
Kleinspiration
SEPTEMBER 15, 2014
2 Free Webinars Featuring Classroom Design Tips - sign up now to reserve your spot - Webinar I : Redesigning Learning Spaces: Creating Brain-Friendly, Blended Learning Environments Please join the Alliance for Excellent Education in a back-to-school webinar that is part of its Project 24 leadership series. Project 24 is a systemic planning framework around the effective use of technology and digital learning to achieve the goal of “career and college readiness” for all students.
Do you know three of the biggest reasons families leave schools? Here they are – and what you can do about it.
Kleinspiration
APRIL 1, 2015
We invite you to join us for the EdTechTeam Maryland Summit Featuring Google for Education - click here to register and read more - Open to attendees from around the globe LEARN MORE The Summit includes two keynote presentations, 8 breakout sessions, a demo slam competition and a closing capstone session. Participants will be able to attend beginner through advanced sessions on uses of Google Apps in the classroom.
Kleinspiration
FEBRUARY 23, 2017
Get Qurious is an interactive play-based experience for children ages 4-9. The Maker Box takes the classic Three Little Pigs story and brings it to life with its engaging, interactive app, story cards, pretend play masks, sticker book, and puzzle. I always get excited when a company I agree to work with tells me that my product is on the way for my review. You see, with overwhelming product reviews flooding my email, I have become pretty selective with the ones I choose to share with my readers.
Kleinspiration
AUGUST 19, 2014
6 Professional Opportunities for Learning More About Classroom Design Back to school is always an exciting time filled with rich opportunities to learn and share with colleagues, grade level teams, and friends in your professional learning network. Because of the extremely busy time of year, this post will be short and to the point. Tonight, I''m hosting two opportunities for professional learning.
Kleinspiration
AUGUST 5, 2014
Classroom Library Tools If you are a Scholastic.com user, most likely you know about Book Wizard and what an amazing tool it is for finding and leveling books. Recently, Scholastic developed a mobile version for the iPhone and is currently working towards a version for the iPad. Those who follow my blog know that I gravitate towards tools that are free and fantastic. Book Wizard Mobile fits both of these characteristics.
Discover the top five reasons your school’s admissions should be online.
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