Merry Christmas!

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

Helping Children Cope

It is hard for all of us to cope with tragedies, particularly when they involve children, but they can be especially hard for sensitive kids with vivid imaginations.


See the following article from About.com by clicking on the title below:

Helping Your Gifted Child Cope with Tragic Events

We can all sometimes feel helpless when we experience or even just hear about catastrophes and tragedies. Earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, kidnappings, school shootings -- all these events can affect us profoundly. However, children can be even more profoundly affected because they look to adults to keep the world safe, and when things happen that even adults have no control over, they can lose their sense of security.  Read more....

Free Books for Read Across America Day

Free Books For Read Across America Day

Dear Educator, The Literacy Empowerment Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, invites your school or other literacy project to apply for FREE books for Read Across America Day. During the past year, LEF has distributed over 3,000,000 books to schools all across the country for Read Across America Day and other literacy projects. Resources are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Orders must be received by February 16th, 2013. Please share this information with your fellow educators! Free Books for Read Across America Day: Order Form at http://www.lefbooks.org LEF 1311 West Chester Pike West Chester, PA 19382 Phone: 610-719-6448 Web site: http://www.lefbooks.org E-mail: info@lefbooks.org

Effective Mobile Learning Resources

10 Proven Strategies to Break the Ban and Build Opportunities for Student Learning with Cell

Phones

by George Engel, Rob Griffith, Scott Newcomb, Lisa Nielsen, Jason Suter, and WillynWebb

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Mobile Learning in the Classroom (resources and presentation) by Carl Anderson

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Despite School Cell Phone Ban, Course Sees Them as Aid by Elizabeth Green

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Can Cellphones Be Educational Tools? by Katherine Schulten

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Texting Poetry Inspires Kids to Learn by John Sullivan

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Kicking Off the School Year: Web 2.0 Style with Cell Phones by Vicki A. Davis

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Under-aged Texting: Usage and Actual Cost by Roger Entner, Nielsen report

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Speak Up 2009: The biggest Obstacle to Using Technology in Ed...Not Being Able to Use

Student's Own Mobile Devices!

by Liz Kolb

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The Next Generation? Using Apps for Interpretation [Prezi] by Losehill Hall

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St. Marys Mobile Learning Technology

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Mobile Learning Documentary Hosted by Verizon Wireless

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Smartphone Computers in Rural Schools Webinar Archive with Scott Newcomb and Kyle

Menchhofer

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Case Studies (St. Marys City Schools) by Verizon

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GoKnow

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GoMobile4Learning• Mobile Learning Portal

Byrdseed Post - Check It Out!

The website Byrdseed http://www.byrdseed.com/ has a new post entitled Remix Poetry: Christmas to Thanksgiving. http://www.byrdseed.com/remix-poetry-christmas-to-thanksgiving/

Check it out when you get a moment!

Check out High Ability Blog post

An blog post on the High Ability blog caught our attention and thought it may interest you:
Click on the following link for a story entitled,

A Ghoulish Gifted Halloween Tale (and It’s all Frighteningly True…)

http://highability.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/a-ghoulish-gifted-halloween-tale-and-its-all-frighteningly-true/

Halloween Movies for Gifted Children

Carol Bainbridge with About.com Gifted Children Guide offers an article about 13 Halloween Movies for Gifted Children. The link below takes you to the website which offers a brief description of each movie.






Thirteen Halloween Movies for Gifted Children

Whether you have a party or not, you might want to have one or more great movies on hand for the kids to watch. You can find one suitable for every age group. These movies, which include "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and "Hocus Pocus," will provide some fun for the kids at a party or with the rest of the family.

1. Sesame Street - A Magical Halloween Adventure

2. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

3. Casper

4. The Worst Witch

5. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

6. Scared Shrekless

7. Double, Double, Toil & Trouble

8. Halloweentown

9. Goosebumps: Attack of the Jack-O-Lanterns

10. Hocus Pocus

11. The Witches

12. Beetlejuice

13. Ghostbusters

Professional Development Opportunity

2012 JCESC Fall Technology Workshop

Photoshop and Photo Editing Tools
October 8, 2012- November 4, 2012 6-7pm
Earn 1 Hour Graduate Credit with JCESC and Franciscan University of Steubenville!

Workshop DescriptionTeachers who complete this workshop will have a basic understanding of the principles of design and visual editing. These skills can be used to meet the needs of their students, and can be applied to multiple grade levels. Knowledge of the online tools and software presented in this workshop will enable teachers to engage and challenge their student’s creativity, collaboration skills, and critical thinking capabilities.

All projects may be completed at the student’s own pace as long as they are done before the end of each week. The first lesson will introduce the tools of Photoshop, and then the class will use Gimp to complete various in-class projects designed to teach basic photo-editing skills. As the class moves on, they will be introduced to other free, photo-editing platforms that are available online. The class will then start their own, independent projects. Projects can be for personal use (touching up an old photo, perhaps) or for use in the classroom.

Students will be required to have internet access, and will work with the latest version of Gimp, a free, open-source photo-editing program specifically engineered to imitate Photoshop. Students will also be required to access the following free, online photo-editing platforms during the workshop sessions:

• http://www.aviary.com/
• http://advanced.aviary.com/tools/phoenix
• http://www.picmonkey.com/
• http://picasa.google.com/
• http://www.sumopaint.com/start/
• http://pixlr.com/
• http://fotoflexer.com/
• http://www.phixr.com/
• http://www.splashup.com/

ScheduleThis workshop will be held online over a span of four weeks.  The instructor will introduce new material once a week through an online, interactive session. The student will use the rest of the week to complete the assignment given at the end of each weekly session. If help is needed, the instructor will be available via email.  (Click here for online workshop requirements.)

Online Sessions:
Monday, October 8th 6-7pm
Monday, October 15th 6-7pm
Monday, October 22 6-7pm
Monday, October 29 6-7pm
Sunday, November 4th- Voluntary session/ last questions 6-7pm

RegistrationIn order to receive 1 graduate semester college credit, you must enroll in the Graduate Education program at Franciscan University of Steubenville. There is an additional one‐time application fee of $25, but you may avoid this fee by applying online. The FUS Application Help Sheet will guide you through this process. Please apply prior to your workshop session at My Franciscan.

To apply for the workshop go to the following link http://www.jcesc.k12.oh.us/protected/EventRegistration.aspx?rCode=3YUY

Please send your $200 payment made out to JCESC to the:

Jefferson County Educational Service Center
Attn: Online Workshops
2023 Sunset Blvd.
Steubenville, Ohio 43952

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call 740-283-3347 or email:

Christy Kelley (christy.kelley@omeresa.net)
Patty Ferrell (patty.ferrell@omeresa.net)

WeAreTeachers Website Report

Check out these wonderful resources found on WeAreTeachers website.....

The Teacher Report: 8 Helpful Tech Tools for the Common Core

by WATstaff Tuesday

While the implementation of the Common Core State Standards means a lot of work and transition ahead, the good thing about shared benchmarks across 45 states is that you can now share resources, ideas and lessons with a colleague across the hall—or across the country. With that in mind, we asked our Facebook fans for their favorite online tools that are making the transition a little easier.

1. Pinterest. Teacher Vicki Lynn recommends the resource-sharing site as a one-stop shop for finding Common Core-related lessons, charts and rubrics. We’ve pinned lots of Common Core ideas on the WeAreTeachers page.

2. Individual State Resources. “The Utah Education Network really helped me to understand the transition,” says teacher Debi Barnett. Cindy Norris similarly finds the Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics helpful, and Michelle Freeland says ReadTennessee.org is an invaluable tool. Check your state DOE for similar links.

3. The Organized Classroom. “I love this blog,” says teacher Susan Maxwell Wenar. “It’s awesome for Common Core resources!” We think it’s pretty great, too—don’t miss the grade-by-grade packs of information.

4. K–5 Math Teaching Resources. Teacher Jennifer Lubin casts her vote for this comprehensive site listing free Common Core resources, games and activities for the elementary math classroom.

5. The Common Core iPhone and iPad apps. Several teachers recommended these free downloads—“excellent for a quick and ready reference,” says teacher Judy York.

6. Socrative. Cindi Parisi Thompson calls this free student response system “great for formative assessment,” which is a major focus of the Common Core.

7. MasteryConnect.Teacher Tina Cooper Wyre says she will be using this site to find common formative assessments and Common Core grading tools.

8. Quizlet.Finally, Alexandra Swann Woody recommends this free flashcard-making site for creating and finding Common Core study tools.

Top Science Websites for Kids

http://familyinternet.about.com/od/websitesforkids/tp/science_websites.htm

Fun Ways to Experiment, Explore and Learn

From Christy Matte, former About.com Guide

These sites include a lot of fun science information and experiments you can do both on and offline.

1. Try Science

Try Science is a great first stop on your science journey. There are dozens of experiments in areas such as chemistry, biology, math and engineering, many of which can be done on and offline. You can take a virtual field trip to another museum or even view some animals via live webcam. Adults will appreciate the resources for parents and teachers, too. And, of course, there are some very cool games. Try your hand at saving a planet, or live out your Star Trek dreams at Starfleet Academy.

Start Experimenting at Try Science

2. How Stuff Works

How Stuff Works covers all sorts of interesting topics, but the science section includes space, earth science, life science and even paranormal science. Explore tornados, hair coloring, UFOs, radar and lunar landings. The site is geared more towards older audiences - the explanations may be too complex for younger kids - but it is a great resource for families. However, since it isn't intended for the youngest family members, parental guidance is definitely suggested on this one.

Find Out How Stuff Works

3. The Exploratorium

If you haven't had the chance to visit the real Exploratorium in San Francisco, it's is well worth the trip. Part science museum and part art exhibit, the Exploratorium encourages you to touch, listen, see, small and sometimes even taste the world around you. If you can't make it to San Francisco right now, you can visit the Exploratorium online. It's a fabulous and fun resource for science learning and experimentation. My favorite section is the "Accidental Scientist" area on the Explore tab. You can learn more about the science of food, including candy. If you're looking for a different kind of treat, visit the "Snacks" section on the Education tab. These are bite-sized (non-edible) science experiments you can do at home.

Visit the (Virtual) Exploratorium

4. Science Toys

When I was little, I always loved those kits that allowed you to build a radio or a potato clock. This site has instructions for crafting all manner of amazing gadgets from a solar-powered marshmallow roaster to the "World's Simplest Steam Boat." Most of them seem best for high-school and above, although middle school students might enjoy them with some adult supervision. The activities typically use inexpensive materials, but you may not always have them lying around your house (i.e. copper tubing, simple electrical components, etc.). Plan ahead when using this site and you'll certainly have a lot of fun!

Make Your Own Science Toys

5. Bill Nye

No list of science sites for kids would be complete without a link to Bill Nye, the Science Guy. His website helps reinforce the lessons learned on his television show with experiments, explanations and a dose of humor as well.

Visit Bill Nye

6. Chemistry Activities for Kids

There are some basic chemistry projects that are perfect for kids and Anne Marie Helmenstine, About.com Guide to Chemistry, has a great list of favorites from lava-filled volcanoes to liquid nitrogen ice cream to slime. Make sure to read the directions first, as some activities will require special ingredients and/or the help of an adult.

7. Science News for Kids

Science News for Kids helps kids stay up-to-date on scientific trends. Written in an accessible way, the articles can help kids understand topics like the decline of the honeybee population and how police use forensics to solve crimes. The site is most appropriate for middle school and above, as many of the topics are too complex for younger children. But it's also a great way for parents to learn what's happening so they can help explain it to curious children.

Gifted Update from ODE

I received an email with the following information. Please click on the link below to access this month’s Gifted Update: http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=503&ContentID=14325&Content=124381 These are PDF documents. If you do not have Adobe Reader, click here (http://get.adobe.com/reader/) for a free download. You can also access this page by visiting the ODE website at http://education.ohio.gov and search the term “gifted update.” This month’s update should be live in the next few days.

Kahn Academy collaborating with VLA

The Khan Academy is an organization on a mission. They are a not-for-profit with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education to anyone anywhere. All of the site's resources are available to anyone. It doesn't matter if you are a student, teacher, home-schooler, principal, adult returning to the classroom after 20 years. The Khan Academy's materials and resources are available to you completely free of charge. Their library of videos covers K-12 math, science topics such as biology, chemistry, and physics, and even reaches into the humanities with playlists on finance and history. Each video is a digestible chunk, approximately 10 minutes long, and especially purposed for viewing on the computer. The virtual Learning Academy (VLA)is collaboratimg with the Kahn Academy so many videos are now embedded into the content of our program! There are over 3,000 videos a the present time in the Kahn Academy and VLA is working on embedding videos as needed! Click on the following link to check out the Kahn Academy: Kahn Academy

PhET Interactive Simulations is a wonderful way to explain various scientific techniques. Fun, interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena from the PhET™ project at the University of Colorado. PhET provides fun, interactive, research-based simulations of physical phenomena for free! The website offers over 70 million simulations on areas such as Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Math. Some example simulations cover subjects such as bending light, balancing chemical equations, building a molecule, gravity and orbits, and many, many more! To help students visually comprehend concepts, PhET simulations animate what is invisible to the eye through the use of graphics and intuitive controls with click-and-drag manipulation, sliders and radio buttons. And to further encourage quantitative exploration, the simulations also offer measurement instruments including rulers, stop-watches, voltmeters and thermometers. As the user manipulates these interactive tools, responses are immediately animated thus effectively illustrating cause-and-effect relationships as well as multiple linked representations (motion of the objects, graphs, number readouts, etc.) The Virtual Learning Academy is a sponsor for PhET simulations and we have a partnership where PhET simulations are now being embedded into the VLA curriculum! Check out their website to see for yourself all that PhET Interactive Simulations has to offer! http://phet.colorado.edu/

Check out this website for a cool App!

Check out this cool website for an App called APPitic. A collection of 1,300 + apps for education. Look for whole sections of apps for Bloom's Taxonomy and Multiple Intelligences. Click on the blue link below the picture.

APPitic.com

Several Ways to Differentiate Instruction

This the first post in a two-part series on differentiation by Larry Ferlazzo. The website is Education Week TEACHER.

Click on the link below to follow the material:

EDUCATION WEEK TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

Common Myths in Gifted Education

Check out the website below for "Common Gifted Education Myths".

Common Myths

The myths include:

* Gifted students don't need help; they'll do fine on their own
* That student can't be gifted; he's receiving poor grades
* Teachers challenge all the students, so gifted kids will be fine in the regular classroom
* Gifted students are happy, popular, and well adjusted in school
* Gifted students make everyone else in the class smarter by providing a role model or a challenge
* This child can't be gifted; he has a disability
* All children are gifted
* Our district has a gifted and talented program; we have AP courses
* Acceleration placement options are socially harmful for gifted students * Gifted education requires an abundance of resources
* Gifted education programs are elitist

Perfectionism

An exchange in Pixar's The Incredibles sums up the absurdity that has ensued: "Everyone's special," says one character, only to have another rejoin, "Which is another way of saying no one is."

An article by Will Fitzhugh entitled, "Art Without Craft" (May 2008) has a quote that made me think...."The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work". You could use this with the gifted/talented students and then have a discussion on perfectionism. A teacher could refer to an art project - a piece of art - how long should you have to work on a single assignment? When does "enough" equal "done"?

Steve Jobs (Apple CEO) had a quote that may be helpful: "The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work."

We, as teachers, do want EXCELLENCE, which is attainable. We can ask our students to strive for things that are important to them and the world. Remind the students that nothing or no one is perfect.

We need to be mindful that we have to learn to choose our areas of perfectionism. Perfectionism is exactly what we want out of our brain surgeons, but not all areas of our lives need perfection. We need to choose perfectionism in appropriate circumstances, and it needs to be saved for those areas where it really matters.

Teachers need to encourange excellence without exacerbating negative aspects of perfectionism. Children, of course, need encouragement and support. But they also need to be pushed beyond the very human inclination toward self-centeredness and impatience, and be given a chance to experience both the discouragement and, finally, the joy in spending time and effort in making a thing well or in pursuing an interest doggedly, just because it's worth doing — not for the sake of praise.