Make Better Power Points

Today I was assisting 6th graders in the creation of their first Power Points of the year.  All I can say is, I feel bad for the teacher who has to grade them. In an effort to make their Power Points memorable to their teacher, students used all types of animations, transitions, and sounds, including applause for their own presentations.  I don't think any group had the same background for all of their slides, most of them picking different Tie Dye types.


While I am amused when 6th graders do it, I am irritated when I sit through an awful presentation from a colleague or boss.  I came across this page which illustrates 40 ways people "screw up" Power Point slides.  There may be some things on here that you just didn't think of.  Think of them now so your students or colleagues aren't groaning while they watch your presentations.

Reading Comprehension with The Common Core

The Common Core puts a strong emphasis on nonfiction texts, and many teachers aren't sure how to best teach nonfiction texts.  Teachers from all disciplines, not just reading and language arts, must teach students how to comprehend nonfiction texts.  

Here are some great science passages with comprehension questions.  You need to create a free account to get the materials.

Google Tutorials

Up until this summer, I used Google as a search engine, for my email, or to do an occasional Google Doc, but that all changed when I took a Google Apps class.  Google Maps is more than just directions, you can have your students go on a  Google Lit trip.  Students can take self-grading quizzes on Google Docs, and so much more.

The tools are easy to use and free!  There are some great tutorials here.

Project 5 Task 1

The benefits of blogging for students are numerous.  Students want to be heard.  When they write a paper for class, their audience is merely their teacher and possibly their classmates, but when they write a blog and put it on the internet, the whole world is their audience.  Blogs allow all students to be heard, not just the students who are loud and it gives all students the opportunity to respond to others.  They also have the opportunity to participate in discussions if they miss class, and can always refer back to what was posted in class.  It also feels less like a school assignment when they get to post on the internet instead of writing a 2 page paper double spaced.


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