Genius Hour-Introduced!

It's here! Genius Hour has been introduced and I can't even begin to describe how excited my students are!

To hook my students, I had to show The Kid President:

The Kid President had them. They laughed! They understood when he said, "We were made to be awesome." We were! Now it is time to "Create something that will make the world awesome."
 

 

"Create something that will make the world awesome."

After the talk that got my kids talking....I asked them, has there ever been a time in school when YOU got to learn about something you truly wanted? When you chose what to learn?

The room erupted into chatter, laughter, and a resounding "NO!" by all students.Then came my moment to say, "Well guys, that is exactly what is going to happen."

I have three classes (we have a block English schedule) and for a moment the room stood silent.

They didn't believe me...at first. I then went and described the Passion Project. Each student would have Genius Hour to research their passion. That even I would join them on this journey. We were going to discover our genius because as the wonderful and inspirational Angela Maiers says:

They were floored! Excited! Ideas began pouring forth! Discussion, empowerment, pure excitement....about learning!
Here is a screen shot of our Wonder Wall on Padlet with just a sample of ideas for projects:

Our journey begins next week! Our first hour of Genius Hour. I can't wait and more importantly, neither can my students!

I have always known the importance and power of student choice in the classroom. But to give students the ultimate choice of directing their learning?! Even more powerful, important, and inspiring of all!

Here's to next week!

First day QR Scavenger Hunt

Well, the day finally came. The first day back to school.

I arrived early. Made sure I was prepared and ready and that my two iPads were charged. I chatted with former students who dropped by to say hello. 

Then the bell rang. 

I greeted students as the came through the door, smiling at all the unsure faces. Then it was time to begin. 

I took roll, introduced myself, and told them "It's time to go on a scavenger hunt!" Their faces were stunned! I asked students with smartphones to take them out and download (if they had Internet access) a QR Code reader. I suggested the QR for iPhone or Android app as it is free and easy to use. Students were hesitant to take their phones out, but once I explained that for this class and this assignment they were in the free and clear! Smiles passed on their faces and we were ready!

After explanations, they were off! At first, my students didn't understand the purpose of the QR codes. They didn't realize that after they scanned the QR code that they need to read or watch a video to get the information needed on the question sheet. BUT once students figured that out, the scavenger hunt was golden! 

Some things I would change, as per my students and my own observations, is that my students need more time. They needed more time to work their way around campus. I did have my friends daughter do a "test run" and it took her a half an hour. My brand-new seventh graders needed probably about an hour and a half to truly get everywhere and do their video responses. 

Secondly, I would make sure my video cameras were not running on dead batteries! I know, I know, simple oversight, but still!

Thirdly, I think I may try Klikaklu instead of a QR code. It is a great site to use pictures as a trigger to the information or video. Also, I can monitor when students find each place and when they finish. I will have to try it out.

Overall, students really enjoyed the hunt. Especially on the first day of school as most other teachers simply talk about the class, give paperwork to send home, and talk the entire period. It was great.

DAY TWO- TLAP Stranded Island Activity

Dave Burgess is a GENIUS. Truly. I can not thank him ENOUGH for writing Teach like a Pirate and writing about his stranded island activity. Hearing my students thought process, their questions, answers, and handling disagreements was truly awe inspiring. 

I started each period (I have my students for two periods) dressed as if I was ready to board a flight to Hawaii or some other tropical paradise. I had my sunglasses on, my cary-on bag, my teddy bear (Honey Nizzle Fitz), and a fake flower lei. As students came in, I was talking to myself (yep!) about the impending flight and vacation. What I was going to do, where I was going to visit, and what I would see. When the tardy bell rang, I yelled "Finally! My flight has been called!" And started the video I created with VideoScribe.

As the video played, I acted out the entire scenario. Flight attendants, me using the oxygen mask, screaming as the plane goes done, landing in the water, the raft, passing out, and meeting the helicopter pilot. It was EPIC!

Then the description of the survivors was presented and then students decided who stayed and who got to go. The conversations were amazing! I was so impressed with ALL of my students. Even my Strategic English Class. Each student group was thoughtful in their discussions, thought process, and the thoroughness of verifying their answers. It was truly a wonderful way to showcase my expectations for group work, their answers, but also for students to practice working in groups and managing disagreements and even their own expectations. 

Wow. Truly powerful!

And this was only day two! I can not wait to see how the rest of the year progresses! 

The hook to the stranded island activity...laugh, share, enjoy! JepsonD4 did!

SMART (& tech)Solutions in the OJUSD 2013-2014

As many of you know, I am apart of the amazing community of SMART Exemplary Educators (SEE). Truly one of the BEST educators I have ever have had the pleasure of meeting, collaborating, and chatting with. I am honored and blessed to be apart of such a caring and talented group of teachers.

Being a SEE does have its perks and fun. Applying to go to the SEE Summit....being accepted twice and another year being a mentor has been, hands down, two of the greatest professional development and inspirational weeks of my educational career. I can not say enough about these educators and their passion for SMART, teaching, and all things tech!

Another fun is being apart of the Gold Star SEE program. Working (and competing) to continue to advocate for SMART, interaction in the classroom, and innovation. I enjoy the program and it helps keep me in the know about SMART and other SEES.

So...I have been working on how our SMART Solutions in our district is working or not working. I surveyed our district of four elementary and one junior high and high schools and discovered that the staff know the following:

1. All classrooms in our district are equipped with SMARTboards.
2. Staff members would like to see all educators with a SMARTboard.
3. Staff members would like to see a SMARTboard in the library and computer labs.
4. 17% of staff have SMART Response.
5. 62% of staff use SMART Notebook daily. Of those, 48% use it throughout their class periods.
6. Only 26% say they use SMART Notebook daily.
7. Only 6% have heard of Extreme Collaboration.
8. Only 12% have used the SMART Exchange and also uploaded material.
9. All staff members would like more support with SMART products.
10. Most staff has stated that they haven't had training for their boards, have learned through trial and error, and only one has been on a SMART webinar.

Needless to say, this has been a huge eye opener for me.....and completely breaks my heart.

I know many haven't answered as we are just starting back to school this week. However, *I* need to hear this! I need to fix and change this! This. Is. Not. Okay. With. Me.

I have given countless trainings at my site. Especially when SMARTboards were installed in every classroom. Today was even my very first Content Creation Event-for, but my site only. 

What we need is a true technology mentor in our district. We need someone that is passionate about technology. Not just the plug and play, but the how, why, and modeling and support throughout the year for teachers to implement appropriately. 

It makes me curious if this happens at other sites, districts?!

How many of you out there get technology with little to know staff development, training, and support for that technology?

I was given the technology mentor at my site this year. I am thrilled to do it! And my goal (even before this survey) was to provide consistent technology support this year. We need and want  the training! I may not have all the answers, but I sure as can find others to help and support me to help and support our staff!

Then I want (hopefully) spread beyond my school site. We need it badly! Look at those numbers! 

Things have to change and our teachers need support and help. I want to attempt and try. 

It is quite the undertaking....but someone has got to try!

Gearing up for Back to School...

Well, it seems it's that time of year!

Gearing up for back to school!

Although I just finished my stint teaching summer school on July 11th, I am back in my classroom preparing for the 2013-2014 school year.

Yikes! Where did the time go!

Using what I have gaining from my Personal Learning Network (PLN), I am excited about the new year. I have so many ideas I want to implement and try, I am excited to get started!

I started with cleaning up my room. Here is the before:

Here is the after:

Yep! I have collaborative groups ready to go! Each desk will have a card taped to the desk with stem sentences and what letter member they are (for grouping and partner work). My room needed a face lift, so I bought cheap fabric, new boarders, and contact paper to freshen up the room. I LOVE my new bulletin boards (I did another with a chevron boarder in that blank space for "lost" work). Once I started using the contact paper, I went wild! It started on the bookshelves and worked its way to my desk, my TA's desk, some cabinets, and even my door window! I love it! 

**************Edited*************

I was in my room today working on what seems like an endless list of "to-dos" when I finished my bulletin board. 

AND I LOVE IT!

It's a new way (for me) to get papers with no names back to students. My "Wanted Wall"! Check it out!

*******End of new Editions********

Once the room was complete, it is now time to focus on my "Year of Epic Proportions"! This year I am going all in. Fail or go home....or more like Fail or Try Again! (and again and again!). With all the amazing Twitter PD I have done, I have created new lessons and curricula to go with what I do already, or old lessons are now revamped, or lessons and activities that are completely new and foreign and I can't wait to see what happens! 

So here is a few of my new ideas that I will blog about in the near future:

1. QR Scavenger hunt: On the VERY first day of school (why not?!) I am sending my students on a "get to know your school & Ms. J's classroom" hunt. This includes stops in our main office; talks with the librarian, principals, and campus monitor; the cafeteria; areas within my classroom, nurse, bathrooms, gym, and more! Students will work in small groups starting at different QR numbers...they will record their findings and riddle questions on Flip Cameras to be edited together and shared on www.jepson.pbworks.com. At least that is my hope!

2. Dave Burgess's Off the Island Group Project: I truly loved Teach like a Pirate by Dave Burgess. He (along with others in my PLN) has helped me rediscover teaching and my mojo for teaching. In his book, he talks about a crazy acting-out plane crash and rescue among a group of ten or so survivors. A helicopter pilot can take a few at a time. Knowing the background on each survivor (which I included myself in!), students decided who stays and who goes. This activity not only shows me the dynamics of the classroom, as students learn about each other, but also teaches students how to work together. It isn't about the answer, as there isn't a right or wrong answer, but how to work together, problem solve, and share their results with a supported explanation. My "acting" will be accompanied by Videoscribe I created through Sparkol. You can check it out here. I am sure students will never forget that day!

3. Incorporation of more non-fiction text to correspond to the literature we already read in class. I began this quest at the end of last year, but I have been gathering more. I loved the cross-curricular possibilities it all brings! My ELA classes was reading the novel Flipped and we read manuals and instructions for hatching eggs like Julie from the novel. Students became an eggspert (HA!) in a specific hatching area from turning and candling eggs, to weight and charting, to drawing and more. Students LOVED it! I plan to add more as we begin the year. The first addition is the the short story "Zebra" where the main character, Zebra, befriends a Vietnam veteran artist, Mr. Wilson. So I searched for the perfect text to accompany this story and found and account of a Vietnam vet who goes to see the Vietnam Wall Memorial for the first time. It is so touching and moving as it is a personal narrative, but perfect for "Zebra" as Mr. Wilson  visits his friend at the Wall each year. Text that connects real life and provoke meaning and connection will truly move and motivate students this year!

4. I have created a few flipped class lessons. I have read and participated in chats about the flipped classroom and decided to learn more. So I began with Sophia.org. They have a great certification program that not only explains the flipped classroom, but shows you the way to flipping lessons in your own class. Then a lovely member of my PLN, Sean Crevier sent me this infographic on the flipped classroom: 

It was truly eye opening to me as he explains how to think about flipping an activity, lesson, or class period. You can see his blog post here. Amazing way to think! Thank you Sean! 

Well, there are lots and lots more, but those are a few of my big projects. The goal this year is to facilitate my students. Let them be leaders in their education. Dig deeper, be silly, dress up, incorporate more student directed learning (music, videos, genius hour), and just GO FOR IT. It's all about the kids and THEIR future. 

Bring on 2013-2014! Here we go! 

Why I do what I do...for Inspiration

Technology has become a very powerful tool in the classroom. I use the word "tool" as it is not replacing curriculum or teachers. Technology simply enhances what I have always been doing.

Engaging and teaching my students.

When I began teaching at Oakdale Junior High School, technology in my classroom began with the overhead. Super tech savvy! Then quickly expanded to a SMARTboard and other SMART products. Of course, I was then intrigued with Google, iPads, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and so much more. About two years ago, I discovered the professional development power of Twitter. Read more about my love for Twitter here.

Twitter has broadened my teaching and professional development in ways I never thought possible. Twitter has brought teachers, administrators, and other passionate educators together to share, encourage, and collaborate. I have developed quite the unbelievable Personal Learning Network (PLN) and I hope that I have brought to members of my PLN (and other's PLNs) as much as they have given me.

Speaking of my PLN, today, I received and email that has confirmed that I am indeed doing what I should be doing. Connecting, inspiring, and spreading my enthusiasm for learning, teaching, connecting, and technology. It truly made my day!

I know that all educators on Twitter are tech savvy and that Twitter to a newbie can be scary. But the simple fact that they are on Twitter, speaks volumes. It can be tough as a newbie on Twitter. I thought Twitter was tough the first time I participated in a chat! There are so many people, so many comments and questions, so many things I wanted to say! It all goes by incredibly fast and furious and Twitter only gives 140 characters to make one's thoughts heard!

So why do?

Why do I do it? Why do I spend my time on chats, moderating and co-moderating chats, and reading chat archives?

I do it for the same reason I began developing a PLN. I want to continue grow, learn, and inspire myself, my students, and others. Enthusiasm is contagious and I have TONS to spare! Ask those who know me or have met me! I may not always know what I am doing, or what I am planning to do next, but talking with other educators inspires me with new ideas, ways to change my teaching for the better, ways to change and develop currently lessons to make them better, ways to engage my students with and with out technology. I am not the best educator, but I am PASSIONATE! I love love love teaching! I love mentoring, helping, talking, chatting, blogging, advocating education and the betterment of my students.

I know Twitter is difficult and faced paced. I know the speed and information is overwhelming. But there is always one tweet, that one connection, that one idea will motivate and inspire you in ways you've never known. YOU could and will inspire people as they have inspired me, and turns out, I have inspired others! As educators, we need inspiration! To give and to get!

So here are some quick tips:

1. Find a chat that interests and inspires you. I love #smartee-empowering SMARTees and SMART tech users, #tlap- Teach lik a Pirate chat based on the amazing book by Dave Burgess, #ccsschat-discussion about all things Common Core State Standards, #geniushour-all things about the 20% method in the classroom, #flipclass-a new way of increasing face to face time with your students, #caedchat-teachers across California discussion top education topics, and #gr8teacher-this chat focuses on great teachers, methods, and pedagogy. 
2. Use TweetDeck, Hootsuite, or software to make chatting easy. These allow you to create a column focusing on a specific hashtag, search, or person. 
3. This advice from the AMAZING Rafranz Davis : Once using one of the above mentioned, during the chat create a column of the moderator. This way you can follow the questions easily! You'll never miss a question.
4. Follow individuals that move you. You don't have to follow everyone! Follow those who tweet passionately about topics and areas that are important and inspire you! 

For more tips check out Nicole Harrison's blog on "How to Participate in a Twitter Chat".

So dive in! Take the plunge and try out a chat! Just one. Put in a few comments, questions, ideas and see what happens. You too will inspire and move others! Because....

Summer: Time for refreshing!

    For me, school ended in late May. So this must give me lots of time to relax and become well rested for the upcoming school year, right?

Yes and no.

     I am currently teaching summer school, but I am also refreshing and revamping many lessons for the next school year. Thanks to Twitter and my Personal Learning Network (PLN) I have been inspired to try new things and walk the plank of greatness, so to speak.

     It all began with Twitter. My love affair with Twitter has grown to a full on relationship. Twitter has brought me closer to the most incredible, awe-inspiring educators that have pushed me to become more that I currently am. I strive to better anyway, so how has Twitter made that push even greater? All the well rounded discussions! The sharing! The support! The collaboration! Educators on Twitter are the kinds of professionals that I wish I could work with daily! And I do! My Personal Learning Network (PLN) is truly amazing and I am thankful for them every day.

    Some of my favorite chats include #smartee-SMART Exemplary Educators and users of SMART products, #tlap-based on Teach like a Pirate by Dave Burgess, #caedchat-a chat focused on California educators, but all are welcome, #geniushour-a chat for the 80/20 classroom giving   students freedom to learn, and #gr8teacher-a chat focused on sharing insights, techniques, curriculum and more from amazing teachers.

      One way to connect are the Twitter chats. There are a multitude of chats that I participate in and now even moderate. Because of my PLN and the conversations we have had, I created a new Common Core State Standards chat! Without them, I wouldn't be where I am and know where I want to be headed.

     Another way I am refreshing myself, is by revamping many of my lessons for the upcoming school year. Because I have been so inspired by Teach Like a Pirate that I needed to be better for my students. To find my inner rebel and get my students even more engaged. Dave and the Monday #tlap chats with other "pirates" have helped push me to do more, to be more. I have notes upon notes of specific lessons to change. Beginning even my first day with students. I won't do the typical introductions this year. Nope, I will send my students on a QR Code scavenger hunt to get to know our site and my classroom. Then the next day, I will impress upon students (like Dave discusses in #tlap) how my class is designed for them to succeed. I have always done this with my students, but I plan on creating a iMovie trailer to prove my points, have past students share, show research and more.

 

     Then I am working on "flipping" my class the first full week. New to "flipping"? Thanks to Sophia, I am working on being Flipped Classroom Certified. It has helped me learn more about a flipped classroom, but also how to better implement this technique in my own class. Plus, it's FREE! Additionally, there are many wonderful educators on Twitter, willing to help and share their knowledge and resources. Without them, I wouldn't even be brave enough to attempt such a feet! Check out #flipclass chat on Monday nights on Twitter.

   For my own flipped unit on writing, I am going to pre-record mini-lessons on Four Square writing, and have students ready to come to class, work together, practice, and come up with their own examples. If this works the way I am envisioning, it could completely change the way I teach, and my classroom. I won't flip every lesson or unit, but many to have students practice and collaborate to gain a deeper understanding of the content. I can't wait to see what happens!

    


     There is so much more I want to share and talk about, but I suppose I can save it for my next blog post. However, with all this excitement for this upcoming year, the challenges, and the changes, I am taking the time to decompress. As much as I love my job, my students, and learning new ways to engage and better my craft, I know I need to take some time for me. My husband and I are in the process of expanding our family through adoption. A complete and wonderful blessing we are working towards. We have also been taking weekend trips, getting out doors by running, walking our dogs, or even bike riding and hiking. I have been reading non-education focused books (gasp!), catching up on my favorite TV shows, and chatting with friends and family.

It's all needed and a definite refresher.

   

Edcamp is EduAWESOME!

EdCampCV North

Edcamps are popping up everywhere! And with good reason too! Edcamps are designed to "promote organic, participant-driven professional development for K-12 educators worldwide". 

With the economy the way it has been, educators everywhere are looking for affordable professional development. What is better than free?! According to Edcamp.org, edcamps are:

• free
• non-commercial and conducted with a vendor-free presence
• hosted by any organization interested in furthering the edcamp mission
• made up of sessions that are determined on the day of the event
• events where anyone who attends can be a presenter
• reliant on the “law of two feet” that encourages participants to find a session that meets their needs

With the use of Twitter, I discovered Edcamps from my amazing Professional Learning Network (PLN) and signed up for my my first one in Le Grand, California. It was set up by Alison Lopez (@alopezAG), Robert Osak (@misterosak), Matthew Schwartz (@mschwartz23), and more. We were greeted at the door, given a goodie bag, and then it began! We, the participants began writing our concerns, interests, and topics on sticky-notes. These notes were then turned into our workshop sessions.

I think one of the best parts of EdCamp (other than the amazing collaboration) is that sessions are very casual. If you go to one session, and it turns out it isn't for you, or you want to make sure you see another, you can up and go! There is not "weirdness" or hurt feelings. All the sessions are lead by the participants and understand that you need to go where the professional development is and suits your needs. 

So I went to each my workshops. Not only did I get amazing information from amazing teachers, but we got to share insights, best practices, problems, success, and discover that there are incredible educators and leaders right in our neighborhood. The camaraderie and the friendships gained is invaluable. 

I even got to see how I should use Idea Paint  to fix my past blunder! 

So what is next? I stay in contact with these amazing educators on Twitter, follow @EdCampCV and @Edcamp and go to the next Edcamp in San Francisco! I hope to see you there!