Smartboard Resources

I am very blessed to say that I have been able to use a SMART Board in my classroom almost the entire time I have been teaching. I have found that having a SMART Board to use has connected my class to the world in a new way. I have also found that I don’t have a whole lot of time to create a ton of new SMART Board lessons myself. Through the years, I have collected links to find SMART Board lessons, interactive websites, videos, and other resources I can use with my SMART Board. First check out my Diigo list of websites that I have bookmarked. Then check out some of these great places to find more resources.

SMART Exchange
SMART Board Revolution - A Revolution in Education
Interactive Whiteboard Games - PBS KIDS
SMART Board Templates
SMART Board
Teachers Love SMART Boards

Do you know more resources that are great for SMART Boards? Please add your resources to the comments.

Teachers Learn Too: Developing a PLN

This summer I have learned so much about technology and teaching. Almost all of my learning has come from the internet and the connections I have made online. One of the most important things I have learned is how to develop a PLN. My PLN is still very much in development, but I add new contacts everyday.

What is a PLN?
PLN stands for Personal Learning Network. It is a group of professional educators that you connect with online to share resources and advice. PLNs are develop through social networking sites, such as twitter or facebook.

What are the benefits of a PLN?
When you make connections to other professionals in your area you expand your knowledge and access to resources. You are no longer limited to your own knowledge and experiences, but now you can tap into the wealth of knowledge from others who have been there and done that. You can find the answers you need almost instantly.

How do you get started?
The very first thing I did to develop a PLN was join a social network. I joined Classroom 2.0, a network for teachers who use Web 2.0 technology in their classroom. Then the I joined Twitter, which had the largest impact on developing my PLN. I'm now connected to hundreds of educators instantly. Here I have gathered some of the resources that I have used to learn more about PLNs and how to connect with teachers.

Twitter Resources
twitter4teachers
100 Terrific Twitter Feeds for Teaching Advice
What is #Edchat? Teacher Reboot Camp
Follow Education PLN Builder on Twitter
#TeacherTuesday

Other Resources
Classrooms 2.0
Free Technology for Teachers: Two Guides for Constructing a PLN
The Innovative Educator: 5 Things You Can Do To Begin Developing Your Personal Learning Network
The Fischbowl: My Personal Learning Network In Action
Creating a Personal Learning Network with Web 2.0 Tools (Building a PLN)
Creating an Online Personal Network

Take Some Time Out To Laugh

I recently found this wonderful blog about teaching. It is called It's Not All Flowers and Sausages written by Mrs.Mimi. I'm always waiting for the next post because I can't get enough. Mrs.Mimi is hilarious and easy to relate to. She teaches second grade and so I feel we have a lot in common.

She just recently came out with a book of the same name. It's Not All Flowers and Sausages the book is a must read for elementary teachers. I think parents would enjoy it as well. It gives insight in to the wonderful world of teaching little ones.

Sometimes we just need to stop and have a laugh. There are many parts to teaching that are not my favorite things to do (such as paperwork and grading), but I absolutely love my job. Kids are wonderful and make everyday worthwhile!

Take some time to check out her blog or read her book. You will not be disappointed!