Blog Due April 9, 2018

TITLE:  Ending on a Positive Note!

The end of the school year is approaching.  It is easy to get lathargic and just coast through the end of the year.  Some of you have senioritis set in.  Others have had junioritis set in. 

Think about what you want to accoomplish in the next six weeks.  Record those goals on your blog.  Make sure the goal meets the following SMART requirements:

• S = Specific
• M = Measureable
• A = Attainable or Achievable
• R = Realistic or Relevant
• T = Time specific

Write goals to meet each of the 4 points below:
2 = Two things I'd like to learn before the end of the year
0 = Something I would like to avoid doing or remove from my daily behavior
1 = One thing I could do to make my life easier, yet productive
8 = Eight ways I have been kind or will show kindness to others by the end of the year (specific)

Remember the following blog rules:

• Include a renamed link to reference blog post.
• Include 2 additional media sources (1 pic or image, 1 link, 1 embedded video, or 1 of other sources, no duplications of the same type of source)
• Create an interesting layout and format (avoid one big black and white text blob)
• Check writing conventions (spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and composition)
• Be sure to PUBLISH your blog

Blog Due January 5

Title:  My Precept

Due:  Friday, January 5

In Wonder, you should have learned about Mr. Browne's precepts. Be prepared to explain your precept in detail.  Keep reading... It only gets better!

What is your Precept?

Write your own personal precept -

• If you use a quote, credit should be given to the originator
• You should use CANVA to create a Postcard with your personal Precept on it.
• You can get a free account by logging in with an email and password.
• When you are finished, click on Share, then Embed - Copy the embed code or download as a JPG and upload or embed on your Blog.  
• This is a Book Club grade and a Blog grade. 2 grades.

Scan the QR and learn About the Author, R. J. Palacio

Due by January 5, 2018.

Blog Due: Friday, Nov. 27

Taking Initiative

 

Definition

in·i·ti·a·tive

iˈniSH(ē)ətiv/

noun

noun: initiative; plural noun: initiatives; noun: the initiative

1.

the ability to assess and initiate things independently.

"use your initiative, imagination, and common sense"

2.

the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do.
"we have lost the initiative and allowed our opponents to dictate the subject"

Assignment

Year 1:  You are now beginning your third week as an EAT intern.  You should begin to get a feel for what needs to be done in your classroom.  You should begin to show initiative in your classroom. 
Year 2:  You have been in the classroom as an intern for over a year now.  This is a refresher for you, answer the following questions below about initiative.  Do you think you are showing more initiative in your second year than you did your first year?

The assignment this week is as follows:

1.  What does initiative mean to you?  In your own words please!

2.  Make a list of at least 10 ways you can show initiative as an EAT intern in your field site classroom. (whether you have actually done them or not)
3.  Find at least five words that are synonomous with initiative.  List them.

3.  Write a paragraph that indicates some actual things you did during the week to show initiative in your classroom.  How did this impact your mentor teacher or students? 

4.  Why is initiative such an important characteristic for a teacher to possess?

This blog is due on Monday October 30.  Follow the rubric for best results. 

Blog Due on Friday, October 13

Title:  What Would You Do?

Read the scenarios below.  Choose ONE of the potential situations you could encounter in your internship.  Post an entry on your blog that reframes the outcome by generating a solution that would be an appropriate and professional way to handle the situation as an EAT intern.  Your response should have clarity while avoiding vague recommendations.  Be sure you state which Scenario you are writing about.  

Scenario 1

You left campus for lunch and when you returned to campus you missed the bus that transports EAT interns to your field site campus.  You don’t have a car, but your boyfriend (girlfriend) said that he (she) could take you to your field site.  You took him (her) up on the offer.  When you boarded the bus to return to your home campus, another intern asked why you weren’t on the bus earlier.  You asked the intern not to point this out to your EAT teacher, Mrs. Crabapple, since no harm was done.

Scenario 2

You are at your EAT field site.  Although you know you are supposed to have your phone put away at your field site, you check it and see that you have a message from another intern in your class.  He said that he had an early dismissal and left the field site campus just a little early, but when he did, he forgot to sign out.  You think this is a bit strange because you never saw him ride the bus to your field site in the first place, but you agree to sign him in and out because you want to let him know he can trust you.  After all, Mrs. Meddlesome, your EAT teacher, stressed that it is important to establish relationships with your students and others with whom you work.

Scenario 3

You have just arrived at your field site.  Your teacher is absent and you have a substitute.  Previously, you have been in charge of monitoring the reading groups each day, and even though you were not aware that your mentor teacher would be gone, you know that you need to follow the routine so the students will progress. The substitute tells you that she has everything under control and you may leave because there is nothing for you to do. You decide your field site mentor will have plenty of time to get the reading groups caught up tomorrow so you go to the classroom next door where your EAT friend is interning.  The two of you move to the corner of the room and work on homework the rest of the period so you won’t disturb anyone.

Scenario 4

You are about to change into your field site attire and realize you have forgotten your field site shirt and name badge.  The bus will be leaving in three minutes.  You have on jeans with holes, and a low cut top.  You saw Mrs. Picky, your BCTAL EAT teacher, at your field site yesterday.  Since you think she will not be stopping by to visit interns at your field site, you hop on the bus without your EAT attire, taking your chances that you will not be discovered.  After all, if your field site mentor teacher and principal don’t say anything, there is no harm done, right?

Remember all blog rules:  Reference original post, 3 variety sources of media (links, images, video, etc.), writing conventions and more.

Blog Due: Sept. 27

Title:  My Learning DNA

Create a post that includes the following elements of information that will affect your future classroom.   Remember to refer to this blog prompt in your post.

Characteristics That Add Value to my Teaching (7-10)

Identify 7 - 10 characteristics or personality qualities that you feel you possess in a high degree that will influence your teaching positively on a regular basis.  Describe how each characteristic will influence your classroom.

My Multiple Intelligences (2-4)

Discuss your top 2 - 4 Multiple Intelligences.  Describe how they will specifically influence your classroom management, planning, and environment.  Embed a screen shot of your results to the multiple intelligence quiz.





My Learning Preferences (Dunn and Dunn) (3 - 15)

Identify those learning preferences that will affect the decisions you make about how your classroom looks, sounds and operates.  Be specific in your descriptions.  Add interest with images of your learning preferences.


My Learning Styles (1-2)
Are you a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner?  What do your scores say?

Cone of Learning
Discuss your revelations from the Cone of Learning presented earlier.  How does this relate to you and the way you best learn?  How will you apply this to your future classroom?

My Gallup Significant Themes (5)

Add the 5 significant themes from your Gallup StrengthsFinder instrument to your blog post.  Use a one sentence description to explain what or how each theme applies to you.

Word Cloud
Embed your word cloud consisting of at least 20 - 30 words related to your learning DNA.  Be sure to add your name in your word cloud.  To keep your first and last name together, insert a "~" between the words.

Use Worditout.com or WordClouds.com to create your cloud.

Blog Comment Due Sept. 22

Classroom Computer Protocol and Technology Update

The beginning of the school year was hectic and there were several issues with technology during the first two weeks. Because we were "behind" so to speak, we didn't go over usual technology protocol for use and care of tech tools.   Please read the entire blog and follow directions at the end.  Reading and commenting will count as a blog grade.  After you have read the blog, make a comment at the end of this post.  If you don't comment, I will assume you didn't read it.  Your comment should include this statement:  "I have read the classroom computer protocol and technology updates and I will do my best to abide by them.  Include one other statement from the blog that you learned.  Sign your name.  Due by Friday, September 22.    

• Check the number to assure you have the right computer
• Make sure it is fully charged and ready to go. 
• Although we will not use the Macbooks every day, we will use frequently, have it already opened or immediately pull it up when you get into a class, this will help save time.  
• When you return your Macbook to it's tray at the end of class, be sure it is in the right tray and the charger lights up.  This is a courtesy to others.
• Do not carry your laptop by the screen.  This will harm the built in camera.
• Clean the screen with wipes that are provided and never spray anything on your computer.
• Keep drinks and food away from your computer.

1.  Screens Down – Anytime someone is speaking (teacher, speaker or other students), screens will be tilted down.  Nothing is more distracting to you or to others around you than someone surfing the web.  Putting the screen down will help bring attention to the task at hand.
2. Tech-Tips – It is required for you to have a Chrome toolbar set up on your computer. Always make sure you are logged in to your Chrome toolbar.  Your name should appear in the top right corner of your screen.  The minimum bookmarks you should have at this time are Canvas, BISD, My Blog, Your Blog and additionally you should have the goo.gl URL shortener as an add on.  Others will come at a later time.  Bookmarks are a HUGE time saver.  
3. Sound – All laptops will be muted during class time.  If you are working on an independent project, you may listen to music with your headphones.  Do not assume you can leave headphones in when you enter the classroom.  When I begin speaking, remove your headphones. Do not charge your phones from the laptops. 
4. Camera Use – Your laptop is equipped with both a digital camera and digital video recorder. With these tools, we will create a multitude of projects from footage and photos you take. There are expectations that the photos and videos taken are appropriate and in good taste. The subject should always be asked before an image is taken of them. Privileges of these two tools will be revoked if used inappropriately. Please refrain from taping video and snapping pictures of people without permission.
5. Self-Management – If it is not related to the task assigned, you should not be doing it during class. This includes email, Googling, and social networks. Self-Management of digital access is a lifelong skill that relates to productivity.  Do not change the home screen on your computers. Manage your files and keep desktop clutter to a minimum.  
6. Saving work – You should be saving your work.  Everyone has a Google Drive.  You should save all of your work in your own drive.  You can drag all types of files into the drive, even if they are not google files.  Word, Excel, PowerPoint, jpg, png, PDF..

Thanks for reading.  Now comment!  

Blog Due September 8

You watched The Ron Clark Story recently.  Ron Clark founded The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. Please click here and explore his website.   If you are on social media such as Twitter and Facebook, consider following him to see what exciting things are going on in his model school.  

If you missed the movie, it is on YouTube, watch it!

Your assignment is this, address the following questions in a conversational dialogue. Remember, you will need to follow the rubric for best results.  Refer to the prompt in your blog.  

Written content on blog:

• Why are rules important for learning? 
• How can rules help to keep a classroom running smoothly?
• What often happens in a classroom that is void of rules?  

Google Doc with pictures:

• Create a Google Doc of your rules, then Hyperlink your Google Doc Link of the classroom rules you made.
• Include the consequences to your rules.  Rules are nothing but words, without consequences.  

Due Friday, Sept. 8 before class begins.
As always, you will need to follow the rubric.
Have a great week!

Blog Rules

RULES FOR BLOGGING IN EAT 901
(Look for your assignment at the bottom) 

POSTING:
You will create your own blog.  This is where you will POST a response to my prompt on your blog.  Here are some quick guidelines on how to make a good POST.  Expert blogger, Darren Rowse, offers ten tips that will help you become an expert blogger.
Ten Tips for Writing a Blog Post


COMMENTING:
Other times I will ask for a COMMENT.  You will comment directly on my blog.  A comment is exactly what the name implies.  It is short and to the point.  It gives your opinion in a short amount of words.  In many cases, it may be a sentence or less. 

GUIDELINES:
All posts and comments must be concise, contain meaningful content, avoid the use of inappropriate language or content, and make attempts to use proper writing mechanics - grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation.  

All interns will need to cite the reference material on which they are commenting.

All interns will need varied sources of media that include related pics, videos, links, etc.

Here is the rubric showing how you will be assessed.

Criteria	Points	Score
Quality of Writing, Organized Interesting style and voice Informative and reflective Organized	10
Writing Mechanics Grammar Punctuation Spelling Capitalization Construction	15 -1  for each error
Presentation Formatting Font Background Use of color Title	5
Multimedia - 3 different sources 1 should link to blog assignment 1 should link to reference article At least 1 pic, video, or additional link Adds perspective	10
Deadlines – Blog is posted by deadline (no late grades).	10
TOTAL	50

Blog due Friday, December 9

Title: Absences add up

Attendance is important.  How many times in your site school, have you had to work with a student who has been absent?

Click on this link and search the website on things that can be done to improve attendance.  Regardless of the reason, they hurt a child's ability to succeed in school.  Look at your own attendance record, have you missed class two times per month?  If so, have you gotten behind in your work?  

In your blog, you need to discuss three ideas of how to prevent student's getting behind due to absenteeism.  What can be done to encourage good attendance?  Incentives?  Extra help? Consequences?  Talk to parents? Think about this.  If you are wanting to become a teacher, you should be modeling good attendance to your students.

As always, use the rubric for best scoring results.  This is due on Friday, Dec. 9 in class.

Blog due Friday, November 11

Title:  Teachers Go Beyond the Call of Duty -- What's Your Calling?

Congratulations to all of the BCTAL - Birdville/Haltom members who competed in Crowley, TX on Saturday, Nov. 5.  All 15 participants qualified for state in one or more events.  The TAFE Teach Tomorrow Summit will be held in Arlington at the city's convention center, the Sheraton Convention Center, and the University of Texas - Arlington.  Mark your calendar for February 17 - 19 to take part in this exciting experience.

Whether you competed at BCTAL, worked behind the scenes on a TAFE project, or prepared a Teacher Created Material for your classroom, you were all involved in a TAFE experience.  Reflect on what you were called to do during this experience.  You may want to consider some of the following as you write your reflection.

• What criteria did you use to make your decision about what contest(s)/competition(s)/project you selected for this course requirement?
• Knowing what you do now, would you make any changes about that decision?  Would you select a different contest/competition/project?  Team members?  
• What were the obstacles/difficulties you encountered?
• What have you enjoy best/least about your contest(s)/competition(s)/project?
• If doing it all over again, what would you change?
• What have you gained from following through with this experience?
• Are you looking forward to anything as a result of your participation/completion of this?
• How do you plan to use your activity in your field site classroom?  (non-competitors)
• TAFE competitors may discuss their plan to prepare for the Teach Tomorrow Summit in February. 

Those who attended the TAFE Region XI Conference Leadership Day in Crowley may include that experience in their commentary.  You may find some great pics to use on the TAFE server to include on your blog post.

Remember to follow the BCTAL 901 blog guidelines - 3 media sources: blog prompt, reference support, and other media of choice.  Happy blogging!

Blog due on Friday, October 21

TITLE:  My First Day as an Intern

What a great day it was.  The first day of your internship saw many smiling faces including EAT interns, mentor teachers and students in your new field site classrooms.

Include the following information as you write about your internship so far.  Remember to make the content interesting by elaborating your answers.   Work on making your post visually interesting as well.

Year I and II

1.  What school have you been placed in?
2.  What grade level? Subject(s) taught while at your school.
3.  Your mentor teacher's name.
4.  How long has he/she been teaching?
5.  Add the link to your teacher's BISD webpage.
6.  How did you prepare?  What did you wear?  Introduction?  What did you take along?
7.  How did you feel when you first walked into your site school classroom?
8.  Describe some of the things that happened this week in  your new classroom?
9.  Describe how you felt after your stay?
10.  What are you most looking forward too doing in your classroom this year?
11.  Include a picture of you and your mentor teacher.
12.  Include a picture of you in a setting in your classroom.  A picture of you with your mentor teacher meets the criteria for both 11 and 12.

Year II Interns Only
In addition to the above list, compare the similarities and differences of this year's experience to last year's experience.

Blog Due Friday, October 14

Title:  What Would You Do?

Read the scenarios below.  Choose ONE of the potential situations you could encounter in your internship.  Post an entry on your blog that reframes the outcome by generating a solution that would be an appropriate and professional way to handle the situation as an EAT intern.  Your response should have clarity while avoiding vague recommendations.  Be sure you state which Scenario you are writing about.  

Scenario 1

You left campus for lunch and when you returned to campus you missed the bus that transports EAT interns to your field site campus.  You don’t have a car, but your boyfriend (girlfriend) said that he (she) could take you to your field site.  You took him (her) up on the offer.  When you boarded the bus to return to your home campus, another intern asked why you weren’t on the bus earlier.  You asked the intern not to point this out to your EAT teacher, Mrs. Crabapple, since no harm was done.

Scenario 2

You are at your EAT field site.  Although you know you are supposed to have your phone put away at your field site, you check it and see that you have a message from another intern in your class.  He said that he had an early dismissal and left the field site campus just a little early, but when he did, he forgot to sign out.  You think this is a bit strange because you never saw him ride the bus to your field site in the first place, but you agree to sign him in and out because you want to let him know he can trust you.  After all, Mrs. Meddlesome, your EAT teacher, stressed that it is important to establish relationships with your students and others with whom you work.

Scenario 3

You have just arrived at your field site.  Your teacher is absent and you have a substitute.  Previously, you have been in charge of monitoring the reading groups each day, and even though you were not aware that your mentor teacher would be gone, you know that you need to follow the routine so the students will progress. The substitute tells you that she has everything under control and you may leave because there is nothing for you to do. You decide your field site mentor will have plenty of time to get the reading groups caught up tomorrow so you go to the classroom next door where your EAT friend is interning.  The two of you move to the corner of the room and work on homework the rest of the period so you won’t disturb anyone.

Scenario 4

You are about to change into your field site attire and realize you have forgotten your field site shirt and name badge.  The bus will be leaving in three minutes.  You have on jeans with holes, and a low cut top.  You saw Mrs. Picky, your BCTAL EAT teacher, at your field site yesterday.  Since you think she will not be stopping by to visit interns at your field site, you hop on the bus without your EAT attire, taking your chances that you will not be discovered.  After all, if your field site mentor teacher and principal don’t say anything, there is no harm done, right?

As always, follow the blog rubric for best results. NO LATE GRADES!

My Classroom Rules!

Due:  Thursday, September 29

What type of social culture will you establish in your classroom?  How will you help your students be a part of that?  Obviously, you can not do that as an intern, but you can be thinking seriously about the rules, guidelines, and norms that you will want to be visible in the school-day environment.

Create a document that explains your classroom rules.  Follow with a list of consequences that happen if the rules are not upheld.  If you would like to add a list of rewards that students can earn, create that, also.

Screen shot your rules and consequences (and rewards).  Place the screenshots of these documents on your blog post.  Discuss the factors that were the most important for you when establishing your classroom culture.

My First Day as an Intern

For YR II interns only - My first week as an intern this year.

• Include a picture of you on your first day there. (remember I told you to take a selfie?)
• Include the following information:
  • Name of your site school with a hyperlink to the site.
  • Name of your mentor teacher with a link to their webpage.
  • Include a picture of your mentor teacher.
  • What is the grade level and subject?
  • What are you looking forward to this year?
  • What were some of the things that happened this week in your new classroom?

My Learning DNA

 Due:  Friday, September 23, 2016


You have spent a significant amount of time exploring learning theory and how it affects students.  Take a moment to reflect on the components of your learning DNA. Include the following on your blog post.

• Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and an explanation of how that relates to your learning.

• Dunn and Dunn Learning Styles Factors and how they enhance your learning.

• Learning Styles (Audio, Visual, Tactile) and why you prefer one over the others.

• Hemisphericity - are you right or left brained?  What does that mean about you?

• Gallup Strengths - List your top 5 with a brief definition of each

Insert the word cloud made in class on your blog.   It should contain words identifying all of YOUR learning DNA!  Use Tagxedo.com.  You must open in Safari for this app to work.

Title:  My Plan of Attack

Date Due:  Friday, September 2 (1:30)

Search the TAFE and Educators Rising websites.

• Search for contests and competitions you are interested in doing this year.
• Save the file or files of the contest(s) or competition(s) you are interested in pursuing for competition. Save in either Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Also, add the links of the contest and competition files on your blog post.
• On your blog - you will need to write a narrative of what you are thinking of doing for competition. If you competed last year, reflect on what you did and what you will do differently this year.

Include the following in your discussion:

• List steps to get started ...
• Copy a hyperlink to the pages (contest or competition) you are interested in doing. (bookmark those pages as well)
• Individual, team or class project - who will be working with you?
• What you will need to be successful?
• How long do you think it will take you to achieve your plan? (include time requirements in your timeline)

Welcome to a New Academic Year!

Academic year 2016 - 17 is in full swing.  It's a year that will provide much excitement, present opportunities for many, and close the high school chapter of our seniors' lives. 

I wish all of you the best as your journey takes you closer toward the day you have your own classrooms!  I encourage each of you to take advantage of the opportunities placed before you.  Try to make the most out of every situation.  Look for ways to make  yourself known to the people that may hire you in the future.  Make yourself shine while working with others who may be your colleagues some day.  Use the talents and gifts you have to make this the best experience ever!!!

Blog due May 9, 2016

Title:  Interview Preparation
You've filled out the application and have been invited to the interview.  How are you going to make sure that you shine in the interview and come across as the best candidate for the job? By preparing, of course!

Read through 15 Popular Interview Questions Answered for teachers.  Select 5 and write the responses you would give to those questions.  Be sure that your answers are not canned or contrived. Make sure that your interviewer can feel your passion and the "heart and soul" you bring to the job.

Blog rules apply.  Scoring is as follows:

25 pts. - Writing quality
25 pts. - Writing conventions
25 pts. - Media sources - link to blog, link to source, and one other.
25 pts. - Interesting format and layout.

TITLE: Book Study, Part 1 - The Smartest Kids in the World

TITLE:  Book Study, Part 1 - The Smartest Kids in the World

Due:  Friday, May 5

You should have completed the first part of the book study chapters one - four.  What did you think about what you read?

Which of the three students do you most relate to?  Explain why and how you view this?  What was significant to you about this student?

What was your opinion of the different types of schools in the three countries?  Which do you think would be the best in the United States and why?

Finland

South Korea

Poland

Click here and listen to an interview from NPR with Amanda Ripley

As always, use the rubric for best results.

Due - Friday, May 5 .  

Tech Tools Livebinder

Title:  Livebinder

Add the link from the class Livebinder that contains all of your Tech Tools reports in it.

Here is the link.

http://www.livebinders.com/edit/index/1985434?tabid=9654ea11-3d13-d2ef-ad7f-a6300129c01f

Here is the embed code:
<a href="http://livebinders.com/play/play?id=1985434&present=true" target="_blank">Click here</a> to open this binder in a new window.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://livebinders.com/play/play?id=1985434&present=true" height="500" width="95%">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe>


Click here to open this binder in a new window.