Power Point Helper Video

This was a good video. I think the factors he went over are important in developing a good presentation. The one that I had a problem with was with the background. I understand what he mentioned about focusing on the message of the presentation, as opposed to focusing on the background, text, pictures etc. Great things to have in mind when developing a power point presentation!

My Pumpkin Story Lesson Plan

Interesting Lesson Plan for Halloween. I loved the format of the My Pumpkin Story lesson plan, because students will be able to accomplish different tasks and have fun while doing the activities. In my case, since I teach kindergarten that will also serve as a way for students to realize that steps take place in a sequence, and encourage them to illustrate and read their stories to the class. I also like the games the website has, and I will definitely play with my students that day. HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

Crazy Professor Reading Game

This game seems to be very helpful for both students and teachers. Students learn to express their understanding of the reading by using gestures, and teachers get an idea of how students feel about what they are reading. This game is also excellent to foster cooperative work, since students are encouraged to work with partners and discuss what they are reading with them. I believe this game also attracts students attention to literature and the importance of reading, because this activity makes learning fun for them. I think it is a good game to try in class.

No Child Left Behind

I have changed my opinion about The No Child Left Behind Act as I read and talk more about it. Although it seems like a good law because it targets improvement, and demands teachers and students to work hard, there are other factors to consider that might affect student's education and the way we as educators teach. One of the most important factors to me is the fact that some teachers are "teaching to the test", meaning that they focus more on teaching how to become excellent test takers instead of teaching the aims of the curriculum. If students are taught strategies to become good test takers they will not know how to apply the knowledge they received in school in their real life situations. Although learning how to take tests is also part of learning, I think we should focus more on preparing students for the the upcoming changes (such as technology), and not focus so much on the test-taking strategies.

Another factor is that they goal seems to be unrealistic, taking in consideration that students have different learning styles, therefore this law will become a challenge for some of them. Of course there should be some improvement every year, by which teachers, students, and parents, are encouraged to work more to improve childre's academic skills. But it is not reasonable to compare nor judge schools that have different population, groups of students with different learning styles and mental disabilities.

7 Ways to Reinforce Spelling In Your Class Video

I think the tips given by the teacher in the video were really helpful. I already had implemented some of them in my classroom, but I think steps number 5 and 6 are very important (spelling journals, and parental involvement), because like he said students can carry their spelling dictionaries all around and at the same time parents are getting involved in their children education. Excellent steps that every teacher should keep in mind to reinforce spelling in the classroom.