I know it has been awhile...........what a busy year that is quickly coming to an end!  Our pep rally for the OAA has revived me and I wanted to share it with you!  Let me know that you think of our wacky and awesome staff!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPfSZWF3Mpk

Water cycle Wheel

Pretty cool "wheel" to help students remember the water cycle.  Not the MOST educational, but it matches most of the diagrams out there that you will find.  I plan to have my students label each step after they create the wheel.  Below is the link straight to the site where I found it (pic below takes you to my newly formed Pintrest page.

http://www.epa.state.il.us/kids/fun-stuff/water-cycle/wheel-part-1.html

Source: epa.state.il.us via Rj on Pinterest

Hey all!  We have been working hard at Reading Hilltop and I am going to toot our horns!!!!  Several years ago, we had video announcements that involved the entire school.  This year, we brought them back!  Each of our grade levels shot some video of their classrooms or took some photos of events in their rooms.

I took some time to slap them together in IMovie and create our first 2011 video announcements HILLTOP- TAKE ONE!  So, I am sticking my chest out because I was so impressed by all of the teachers that took the time to get on board with the project and make it great!  Check it out using the link below.

http://www.readingschools.org/school_NewsArticle.aspx?artID=1603&schoolID=2

Hope you enjoy it!

-RJ

Sample PREZI

Just thought I would share a sample PREZI that I created to share with my fourth graders about photosynthesis. After creating a few, this one only took me about a 1/2 an hour. Check it out! GIve it a little time to load. You will see the white bar at the bottom load with gray.

Photosynthesis on Prezi

PREZI

Okay, here is a new resource that was brought to my attention by my awesome student teacher this fall!  It's called PREZI.  I like to describe it as PowerPoint on steroids.  Seriously, I can't wait to start using this internet-based resource.  As an educator, Prezi gives you an upgraded account for free (it's free anyway, but teachers get the low level "paid" account for free).

Check it out and see what you think.  Looks like it might take some time to get used to using, but it appears to be well worth the effort.

www.prezi.com

-RJ

http://hayesclass.weebly.com/

Simple "Parts of a Plant" PPT

I created a simple powerpoint presentation about the "parts of a plant".  Very basic and could lead into deeper discussions of each part.  Hope you can use it!

Ipad Advice and Apps

Okay, today I am 10 years old again (what else is new, I'm always 10).  I just received the word that I have been approved to attend an Ipad 2 conference and I will return to school WITH AN IPAD 2 to use in my classroom.  Now, here is my plea......

1.  What apps are you finding to be beneficial on the Ipad?
2.  How are you using them in your classroom?
3.  What cool educational things can I do?

I can't wait to begin playing with the Ipad 2 and figuring out how to make it a part of my class!  Yes, I know, it might be tough with ONE, but hopefully this will be a springboard for more in our school.  Michelle over at Fabulous in First is my partner in this venture.  I know she is just as pumped as I am!  Last year we attended an Ipod conference, this year...we step it up a notch!

PLEASE send me your comments and advice!

-RJ