When I first started using remind 101, I immediately loved the platform and the thoughtfulness behind it.  The concept was beautiful in it's simplicity: A safe way for teachers to text message students and stay in touch with parents.  Easy to use, easy to manage, safe communication.  100% free.   All of the bugs ...

ArtKive: a free app to 'archive' your 'artwork' ArtKive is a free app that allows you to set up your account and add kids by name and grade level.  Then, you can add people to your account, if you choose to do so.  I added my two children: Jacob and Riley.  I added my husband and my mom to my account.  This way, I can easily ...

25 Common Core Lessons to Launch your 2nd Grade Writer's Workshop Fall is my favorite season for several reasons.  I love the smell of my pumpkin vanilla candles filling the air, the crisp nip in the air, and the anticipation of returning to school.  Though our students do not return until after Labor Day, my colleagues and I ...

What does it mean to be a Connected Educator? click here When I began my teaching career a few short years ago, I never would have imagined having such an expansive network of people that I consider colleagues and friends.  During my undergraduate studies, we used the Internet to collaborate with each other.  We also ...

Math Fact Shoot - Out Game to Practice Math Facts ABCyaGames has many games for many grade levels.  I love to feature fun activities from their site.  Every time I prepare a post for ABCya, my kids come running up to the computer.  They love the sounds of the games and the bright animation bouncing off the screen.   I ...

Web 2.0 Tools in Education Series Research Tools: A Quick Guide Wouldn't it be nice if there was a resource that explained, in detail, everything you needed to know about research tools for education: what tools were available, how to sign up, getting started, etc.? Research Tools click here to ...

MentorMob: a VIP Version of your Internet MentorMob is a free site that allows you to browse content to use for lessons or professional development.  You simply view playlists (a bunch of files/sites put together into one strand) or create your own playlists.  At first, I just used the browse feature to see what other people ...

PowToon: Animated Presentations & Cartoon Style Videos PowToon is a brand new DIY Video creation platform that allows your creative side to shine regardless of your technology skills.  You can select a pre-designed template and simply drag in the graphics you would like to add or backspace the existing text to add your own ...

 Power Reading Workshop: a Step by Step Guide I've been using the reading workshop model for the past four years.  Being a board member for the Michigan Reading Association and the co-Technology Director, I've been fortunate enough to  meet several experts in this area.  I've had breakfast with Fountas and Pinnell, lunch ...

Hot Dots come in MANY different subject areas & age levels! an easy way to integrate technology  A bit of honesty... about my original views on Hot Dots... I've seen Hot Dots before, and I've been interested in getting a set for my classroom.  However, I had a few concerns and questions: They looked fun, but I ...