Google Wave!!!

I now know how all the kids in the world felt when they opened their wonka bars only to find no Golden Ticket. For those who have been living in a cave for the last month or so, Google has rolled out their new innovation in communication....Google Wave. (cue in applause)
The concept is quite simple. Take the best out of all the great social media sites, and combine them into one site. Google Wave allows the user to communicate with others in real time, by integrating video, photos, and all the elements of the web into a wave. That wave can be saved and be played back later for someone else who you invite to see at a later time. It archives what each user has done, and can play it back in a historical format, so each person can know who did what....when. Very cool.
Unfortunately....Google is only offering invites to those who sign up on their page. There has been no announcement of when it will be rolled out in full force. Believe...when that happens, I'll be there. Until then...I'm going to be checking my email every couple of hours until I find my golden ticket.
If you're still not understanding what Google Wave can do...here's a video describing it.


Here is another google video that demonstrates just how cool it can be. CAUTION!!! There is some profane language...so please take caution of where you play it. Enjoy

Mother Child Experiment....Powerful Video

Ok I have to admit it....It was really hard watching this video when the mother was not paying attention. You can see the frustration grow in the child until he couldn't take it anymore. As painful as it was....it was also moving and powerful.

How often as a teacher, have you experienced a student who shares in your excitement and joy? Our body languages speak more words than our mouths do, and in this video the child is picking up on everything and even more so when it's not there.

The point that I'm trying to make here is simple....be fully aware of your interactions not only with your child, but also with your students. It's very easy to get caught up in the moment, and lose sight of how other people around us are feeling. Hopefully this video helps you to become more aware and to have a lasting positive image on our loved ones.

• This video was inspired by Steve Barkley's lastest post...check it out if you have the chance.

Teachers tv

I just came across this remarkable website that's geared just for teachers called teachers.tv. I think of this as your own personal staff development. There are hundreds of videos out there that you can choose to watch, to learn how to handle a given situation and after-wards you can get more detailed notes on it.

I watched a clip on anger management and I was really impressed by how effective the lesson was on her class. The narrator didn't talk too much, but rather simply explained what the teacher was doing and the viewer was able to see the results first hand. It's a 3 min clip, and had this had been a real training, it would have lasted a couple of hours. When the clip ended I knew what to do, how it would work, and more importantly..that it has worked, while still having time to take care of other things as well.

The one thing I really value is my time, and I really can't stand meetings that take hours when it could have been done in minutes. This website ensures that you'll never feel that way again. To me, it's heaven. However...if you want...we can always meet afterschool. Have fun. Let me know how you like it.

Parents Vrs. School Districts.....

My heart goes out to parents who have special needs children. It's hard enough having kids, but it takes a little bit more to handle special needs kids. I should know...I work with them every day. So when I heard about this story, I had to take a moment and reflect on it.

Sped teachers are required to show paperwork of what sort of accomplishments the student has or has not achieved. It's a tough work, and very easy to get swamped in paperwork. However, the Sped teachers are required to follow what has been stated on the ARD paperwork.

I'm not sure why this school district is not providing the documentation that the parents are asking for. If the student can do the tasks then find a way to document it, or find some ways to help the student achieve it. If a parent has concerns about whether or not their child has met a certain criteria, than the teachers and administrators should meet again to readjust his goals.

I hate hearing a story told from only one perspective, and unfortunately that's what we get from our local media. So I'm going to "hope" that the school district had some reason why they choose to act the way they are....but in the end, what I really hope is that the student gets the appropriate care and education that he/she deserves.

Goals and Objectives.....

jPremium Blend

Kristian Vallee - Teachers

Joke of the Day
Stand-Up Comedy

Free Online Games
More Funny Videos

Just something to help ease some of the tension that many of us are going through right now. I know that on a Friday I'm usually out the door as soon as possible. So if anyone is feeling stressed or bit uneasy right now, just relax and take a deep breath. We're almost there.....Hang in there.

Is this why teachers make less money????

It's almost that time of year when teachers start to cringe up a little bit more. State testing is never a fun time. Both the students, teachers, administrators and parents all feel the presure. So I thought the best way to help out my fellow teachers would be a good laugh. Granted I don't condone this kind of violence but it is funny nonetheless.

I'll have more posts in the coming days about all the craziness that's going on around here. So in the meantime, enjoy and have a great weekend.