News for today's 2018: 07/13/12

Senior Product Development Engineer (optics, laser, Thin film, Metrology)(#108272)

5:20 PM Anonymous 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="LTR" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;"><b>Position</b></span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">: Senior Product Development Engineer<br />  </span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;"><b>Location</b></span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">: Milpitas, CA<br />  </span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;"><b>Duration</b></span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">: Full time<br />  <br />  </span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;"><b>Job Description</b></span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">:<br />  The FaST Division develops and supports products in the areas of Film and CD Metrology<b><br /><br />Sustaining Engineering / Continuous Improvement Project Role:</b></span></div><div dir="LTR" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">Responsible for engineering activities on existing products. These activities will include the development and release of new options, features or cost reduction improvements that provide more value to our customers (external or internal). Integral to this role is an understanding of the customer’s use-case and successfully working in conjunction with other groups to define the requirements. Must have the ability to follow through and release / support these product enhancements effectively. Train service and manufacturing employees. May be required to travel to customer sites to efficiently and effectively resolve technical issues (Fly and Fix).</span></div><div dir="LTR" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;"><b><br />System Driver Role</b><br />Maintains and coordinates daily schedules, prioritizes system usage, and supports all functions of the tool which include weekly health checks, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair, system calibrations, SW/HW upgrades, revision control, testing, debugging and data analysis of measurement performance. Completes the initial diagnosis of any system issue. Must have the knowledge and experience to effectively work with experts in optics, laser, stage, loader, image computer, and algorithms to actively assist in resolving the issues. Is expected to be a key contributor in design reviews and during the engineering / alpha builds and test phases of programs, which includes testing against design tolerances and marketing specifications of a product release. Prepare first draft of system alignment, calibration and troubleshooting diagnostics. Train service and manufacturing employees. May be required to travel to customer sites to efficiently and effectively resolve technical issues (Fly and Fix).<br />  <br />  </span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;"><b>Key Responsibilities</b></span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">:<br />Gain a systems-engineering level knowledge of highly complex, leading edge metrology systems by working with design engineers during the development process. Assess system optics, electronics, software, and mechanics with respect to design for reliability, stability, and serviceability.  Help develop, and validate maintenance, troubleshooting, and part replacement procedures, BKMs and Recipes. Leverage alpha and beta tool builds and customer engagements to obtain a level of system understand that will allow you to support the product post release. Support internal and external customers in the operation, installation, upgrade, diagnosis, repair and application of semiconductor wafer metrology systems.</span></div><div dir="LTR" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">Respond to situations where first-line support has failed to resolve problems by providing written plans of action by e-mail or hands-on assistance at customer sites in the US, Asia, and Europe. Train tech support personnel and others and assist in developing training materials. Gather and analyze data from the field to identify sources of systematic issues across tool populations. Write technical reports to communicate issues, analysis, technical assessments, system status, and engineering recommendations.</span></div><div dir="LTR" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">Act as a two-way conduit for information transfer between the engineers who are responsible for designing our products and field service teams who are responsible for product maintenance and support.</span></div><div dir="LTR" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">The person who will thrive in this job is interested in technology, human factors, and business, is motivated by helping others succeed and by driving improvements, and enjoys communicating and building working relationships.</span></div><div dir="LTR" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;"><b><br />Minimum Qualifications</b></span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">:</span></div><div dir="LTR" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">Bachelor's Level Degree with at least 8 years of experience.<br />OR<br />Master's Level Degree with at least 5 years of experience.<br />OR<br />Doctorate (academic) with at least 3 years of experience.</span></div><div dir="LTR" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div dir="LTR" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;">Kindly send your resumes to</span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="mailto:Sivaram.bose@kla-tencor.com"><span lang="en-us"><u><span style="color: blue;">Sivaram.bose@kla-tencor.com</span></u></span></a></span><span lang="en-us" style="font-size: small;"> </span></div></div>

Senior Product Development Engineer (optics, laser, Thin film, Metrology)(#108272)

Position : Senior Product Development Engineer Location : Milpitas, CA Duration : Full time Job Description : The FaST Division de...

Library Assistant - E. O. Smith High School

8:40 AM Anonymous 0

<strong>Library Assistant -</strong> <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>E. O. Smith High School</strong></span>,  Storrs/Mansfield, CT (10 month position beginning late August, 2012).  Job requirements: Enthusiastic and committed individual with a desire to  supervise and work with teens.  Responsibilities include managing the  circulation desk and overdue materials, organizating all periodical and  newspaper subscriptions, providing reference assistance to students and  staff, maintaining library usage statistics, and computer trouble  shooting.  Ability to attend to task details with self-direction,  excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to  multi-task a necessity. Minimum two years of college and/or library  experience preferred; library technician/technology assistant  certificate also welcome.  Looking for previous work experience with  teenage students and familiarity with all components of Microsoft  Office. Please send letter of interest, resume and three letters of  reference to: Bruce W. Silva, Superintendent, Regional School District  #19, 1235 Storrs Rd., Storrs, CT 06268.

Library Assistant - E. O. Smith High School

Library Assistant - E. O. Smith High School , Storrs/Mansfield, CT (10 month position beginning late August, 2012). Job requirements: Ent...

Live From Indianapolis VII

8:05 AM Tukiyooo 0

<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Well, it’s over and we are heading home. Thanks be to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Looking back on General Convention as a whole, this is how I would sum it up:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Some good things happen here. A lot of good people gather for the purpose of doing good things, but the things done are not as good as the people. This legislative assembly is a piece of the Church, but it is not the main act. The main act plays out in congregations around the world – in churches large and small, in sacristies, kitchens, and fellowship halls, in hospital rooms, and homes, at food banks and in social ministries of justice and mercy. Having periodic conventions is a necessary support to all that, but the fact of the convention, the event, is not the same as the actions taken, the decisions made. Those actions and decisions are not insignificant, but their significance pales in comparison to the daily life of the Church lived in the midst of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">At this convention, the headline news is the approval of a provisional rite for blessing same gender relationships. Ironically, that creates a somewhat more restrictive situation in Nevada than we had before – but I think it is a good one. Until this week, acting on the basis of a Primates’ Communique, I have not formally authorized blessings but have informally assured priests they would not suffer any adverse consequences from doing them. I honestly don’t know what forms of blessing people may have been using. As of now, we have a prescribed rite and that is the one our priests will be required to use. From an Anglican perspective, it is good for us all to be on the same page. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can keep our story straight about what we are doing. Of course, no one who opposes such blessings will be required to perform them. So for us, the practical effect of the change is subtle, but this formal authorization has an important symbolic value for the LGBT community. The importance of that symbol should not be gainsaid.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">The other big issue was structural reform. Given all the paranoid accusations flying around before Convention, I was quite surprised and extremely pleased that the conversation was rational and the proposal passed unanimously in my committee, then in both houses. Regardless of how it all plays out in the future, that was good.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Will structural reform actually happen? The verdict is still out. We had several opportunities to initiate or clear the way for structural reform now. We turned down every single opportunity to open the window. The reason usually given is that we should not make changes piecemeal or incrementally, that we should entrust it all to the task force and do revolutionary things all at once in 3 years. Maybe. But in my experience, change happens incrementally and piecemeal – especially in the Episcopal Church. Deferring decisions by referring them to a not-yet-created task force may be just a way to give the appearance of change without actually doing anything. No one at this Convention had an ox gored except the three committees that are in charge of structure generally. Of the big decisions we did not make, I was actually in favor of only one of them. So I am not complaining that we did not act now. We may act more wisely and effectively in the future. But I am just noting a definite uncertainty about whether we will dare to make changes next time. If we would not do a few things now, will we really do many things then?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">The overall impression I have of General Convention is that we are work very hard, excessively hard, in the belief that we are doing something important. We imitate the ways of important people in the world, people who are important because they exercise power. One of our translators noted, not of us in particular but of people in general, that we strive so hard to have a purpose – not realizing we already have a purpose. We lack repose. We lack serenity. We miss the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy each other because we are pushing so hard to make ourselves matter. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt;">Business must be transacted. Decisions must be made. But our structure and our process, based as they are on governmental structures and processes, are not spiritually helpful. We have been confused about this ever since Constantine legalized us a good long while ago. I missed Indaba groups this time. I longed for a Circles of Trust conversation. I wanted to hear people’s stories. If we set the business in that context, as even some of our best business leadership theorists recommend, I believe we would have better decisions and we would become better people in the process. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Live From Indianapolis VII

Well, it’s over and we are heading home. Thanks be to God. Looking back on General Convention as a whole, this is how I would sum it u...

Teaching Ideas and Tips

7:15 AM Tukiyooo 0

Every day I share ideas and teaching tips. As you may know, there are some authentication issues with Diigo and blogger, so here's today's tips posted manually.<br /><ul class="diigo-linkroll" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=behavior+management" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=behavior+management">Behavior management Ideas</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Some more ideas for behavior management including some tips from experts. If your students don't mind the first time it is time to rethink. (Fred Jones Tools for Teachers is also a great book for this as well as Todd Whitakers - what good teachers do differenty.)</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/behavior" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/behavior">behavior</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/management" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/management">management</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://pinterest.com/pin/124060164705892111/" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/124060164705892111/">Teaching Ideas and Apps / Simplifying classroom rules This is a very simple, nice #classrules poster</a></div><div class="diigo-description">This is one of my favorite simplified clasroom rules posters. I am thinking to do something similar to this.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classrules" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classrules">classrules</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement">classroommanagement</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=%23classrules" href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=%23classrules">Pinterest / Search results for #classrules</a></div><div class="diigo-description">If you're on pinterest and use the hashtag #classrules in the description it will show up on this lovely board. This is an example of how hashtags can do incredible things on Pinterest (like on Twitter.) Now is the time to share these.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classrules" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classrules">classrules</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement">classroommanagement</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/pinterest" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/pinterest">pinterest</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=classroom+rules" href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=classroom+rules">Pinterest / Search results for classroom rules</a></div><div class="diigo-description">My favorite graphics for classroom rules are from Pinterest! There are some ideas for class voting, etc. but some very nice photos and graphics. I see some ideas here. One that I'm pinning to my board says "stick together" and I like that.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroomrules" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroomrules">classroomrules</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/pinterest" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/pinterest">pinterest</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/behavior" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/behavior">behavior</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="https://www.google.com/search?q=examples+of+classroom+rules&hl=en&tbo=1&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Utr8T6PkLIT48wSpm5TjBg&ved=0CEUQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=995" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=examples+of+classroom+rules&hl=en&tbo=1&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Utr8T6PkLIT48wSpm5TjBg&ved=0CEUQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=995">examples of classroom rules - Google Search</a></div><div class="diigo-description">When looking for graphics like for Classroom Rules, I like to do image searches on Google because you can usually find some very brief summaries. Here are some short ideas for those of you working on your wall posters now. Simple is better.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement">classroommanagement</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/rules" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/rules">rules</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.cybraryman.com/classroom.html" href="http://www.cybraryman.com/classroom.html">Class Room</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Great page on Classroom management and Class Rules from Jerry Blumengarten. If this is an issue for you and you really need a TON of ideas, Jerry is one of the best curators on the web!</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement">classroommanagement</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/rules" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/rules">rules</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/behavior" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/behavior">behavior</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qTIGg3I5y8&feature=player_embedded#!&utm_source=buffer&buffer_share=5e4aa" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qTIGg3I5y8&feature=player_embedded#%21&utm_source=buffer&buffer_share=5e4aa">Sesame Street: Share It Maybe - YouTube</a></div><div class="diigo-description">As you talk about Classroom Rules, you might want to use this hilarious Sesame Street Parody - "Share it, Maybe" - a parody of "Call Me Maybe" -- just so funny. (All they need is a baseball team in the back.) </div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement">classroommanagement</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/rules" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/rules">rules</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/sharing" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/sharing">sharing</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson274.shtml" href="http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson274.shtml">Education World: Ten Activities for Establishing Classroom Rules | Lesson Plan</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Some ideas and great pointers from Education World about classroom rules.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement">classroommanagement</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/rules" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/rules">rules</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=classroom+rules" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=classroom+rules">Classroom Rules - Ideas</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Review and consider your classroom rules. My best advice is to keep them simple and few and if you want to go into detail, let the students collaboratively write out the details in a google doc or using post it notes as you talk about what kids should and shouldn't do in the classroom. It is great to talk about these things up front because you will understand the "pet peeves" that drive kids crazy about each other (saving yourself time.) I find that spelling out my bare minimum and involving kids in the detaiils gives them ownership.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroommanagement">classroommanagement</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/rules" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/rules">rules</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/resourcecalendar.aspx?nt=event&nbday=28&nbmth=7&nbyr=2012" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/resourcecalendar.aspx?nt=event&nbday=28&nbmth=7&nbyr=2012">Parent's Day Activities</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Parents Day is July 28th. Here are 15 ways to incorporate parents into your classroom with some great ideas. You start off the school year trying to establish a positive, encouraging relationship with parents. It is one of the most important things you do. You each have a role with children. Plan NOW how you are going to relate to and encourage parents in your classroom this year - here are some ideas.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/parenting" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/parenting">parenting</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/resourcecalendar.aspx?nt=event&nbday=14&nbmth=7&nbyr=2012" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/resourcecalendar.aspx?nt=event&nbday=14&nbmth=7&nbyr=2012">Bastille Day is July 14</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Bastille Day is July 14th. If you want to teach some French words, about the French Revolution or French culture, you could celebrate this holiday. You could create a fun "storm the bastille" event (of course they didn't have water guns, but it is summer in the US.) Here are some other lesson plans you can use for this holiday.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/lessonplans" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/lessonplans">lessonplans</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/france" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/france">france</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/french" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/french">french</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/july" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/july">july</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/Reviews-of-Resource-Books-for-Teachers-50001525/" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/Reviews-of-Resource-Books-for-Teachers-50001525/">Reviews of Resource Books for Teachers - Resources - SML</a></div><div class="diigo-description">I think that #engchat and reading teachers would be interested in downloading this list from Linda. She has shared a spreadsheet of reviews by graduate students of teacher books for teaching reading in the content areas. This is an example of how college professors can understand and share resources to help K12 teachers. </div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/reading_teacher" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/reading_teacher">reading_teacher</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/engchat" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/engchat">engchat</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/books" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/books">books</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/reviews" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/reviews">reviews</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=winston+churchill" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=winston+churchill">Winston Churchill</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Another great example of a persistent man was Sir Winston Churchill. </div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/persistence" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/persistence">persistence</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=abraham+lincoln" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=abraham+lincoln">Abraham Lincoln teachin g ideas</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Abraham Lincoln is a great example of a man with persistence. Bankruptcies, lost elections, and lonely days as well as depression plagued this great man. Teach about Lincoln but teach about the whole man.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/persistence" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/persistence">persistence</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=persistence" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=persistence">Lesson Plans on Persistence</a></div><div class="diigo-description">As you talk about the Olympics beware of putting too much emphasis on gifts. Many people are gifted but few are willing to pay the price of persistence and seeking of wise counsel to get where they are. It is a great time to look at habits and examine our own. Are we Olympic in our pursuits of our own dreams or are we happy to sit in our chair eating popcorn complaining about how we never get a lucky break. </div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/persistence" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/persistence">persistence</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/olympics" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/olympics">olympics</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/ResourceCalendar.aspx?nbday=0&nbmth=7&nbyear=2012&evcode=90" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/ResourceCalendar.aspx?nbday=0&nbmth=7&nbyear=2012&evcode=90">Parent's Day</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Great resources for Parent's day. Review these and plan ahead.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/parenting" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/parenting">parenting</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroom" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/classroom">classroom</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/MyPublicProfile.aspx?uc=2246999&event=21" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/MyPublicProfile.aspx?uc=2246999&event=21">Sesame Street aligned with Common Core Standards</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Sesame Street has taken more than 1000 videos (all for elementary school) and aligned them with Common Core standards on the sharemylesson website. This is a great account for elementary teachers to follow on the site.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/sharemylesson" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/sharemylesson">sharemylesson</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/sesamestreet" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/sesamestreet">sesamestreet</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/elementary_teacher" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/elementary_teacher">elementary_teacher</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/elementary" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/elementary">elementary</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=thank+you+letter" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=thank+you+letter">Teaching Thank you Letters</a></div><div class="diigo-description">Take time to teach children to write thank you letters. Here are some ideas.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/Year-Long-Technology-Project-US-Grade-9-6138167/" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/Year-Long-Technology-Project-US-Grade-9-6138167/">Year Long Technology Project for High School 9-12 - Resources - SML</a></div><div class="diigo-description">My year long technology project (Google 20% project) can be downloaded here along with a link to the website where you can see my student work. This was an incredible project and I'm integrating it into all of my courses this year.</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/technology" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/technology">technology</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/freshmanproject" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/freshmanproject">freshmanproject</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/pbl" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/pbl">pbl</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/google20%" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/google20%">google20%</a></div></li><li><div class="diigo-link"><a _fcksavedurl="http://www.sharemylesson.com/mypublicprofile.aspx?uc=1901259" href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/mypublicprofile.aspx?uc=1901259">Cool Cat Teacher on Share My Lesson</a></div><div class="diigo-description">I'm testing the share my lesson site, in particular, the friending feature. I've friended some people that I know but was hoping that some of you who are planning to join the site  or are already there would friend me. (If you're doing common core, it is a must join to get free resources and lesson plans aligned to common core.) This is the sister site to the TES site out of the UK that I've been using for some time now and if you have a profile there, just log in with that and accept the terms to move things over. If you uploaded to the TES site, you'll want to move over those resources. Thanks for helping me test it.  Full disclosure, I've been doing work for TES and share my lesson for some time now. As you can tell, I do love what they are doing and their passion to help teachers mobilize and organize their own free content to share with others. the TES site uses the UK system and standards and now they've done the same thing in the US. Thanks for helping me test. (I would also appreciate someone sending me a message to see if that works too and you can message me any feedback and I'll pass it along.)</div><div class="diigo-tags">tags: <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a> <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/sharemylesson" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/sharemylesson">sharemylesson</a></div></li></ul><div class="diigo-ps" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Posted from <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com" href="http://www.diigo.com/">Diigo</a>. The rest of my favorite links are <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher" href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher">here</a>.</div>

lessons Teaching Teaching Ideas and Tips

Every day I share ideas and teaching tips. As you may know, there are some authentication issues with Diigo and blogger, so here's today...

keep your feet on the ground, and keep reachin' for the stars

5:42 AM Anonymous 0

<span style="background-color: white;">Oh Casey Kasem. You were the Confucius of our time. Now we are stuck with Ryan Seacrest. But this is a (worthy) discussion for another time.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Today I'm talking gold. I'm loving it. I need it. Since finishing my <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/07/pinterest-challenge-dipped-in-gold.html" target="_blank">glitter vase</a> for the Pinterest Challenge, I've been looking for something else to dip in gold and it didn't take me long to find my next <strike>victim</strike> subject. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">You all might remember </span><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/03/estate-sale-strikes-again.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">these little honeys</a><span style="background-color: white;"> I picked up at an estate sale several months back.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQAj1titkl9OvBl5RBrKz7Wef7VVHD3SqeZ3kFnvXKZlqqlKUR3AFCGZR1hHtqg1TJH2-KeiiaOZB6mNLdDRHNP9IJBvox7-XK8cMotFBTPMtySrkZZKTJqaPml4jZeiQhrEXpSDn9HDm/s1600/P3064968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQAj1titkl9OvBl5RBrKz7Wef7VVHD3SqeZ3kFnvXKZlqqlKUR3AFCGZR1hHtqg1TJH2-KeiiaOZB6mNLdDRHNP9IJBvox7-XK8cMotFBTPMtySrkZZKTJqaPml4jZeiQhrEXpSDn9HDm/s640/P3064968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>The stars, my favorite detail of the tables, were just screaming for some gold.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmFJZFCnICM0poVT2ERIR8uAH03dnFkVWsnKOXQlIyLoAImvSh0jTxzxgREg31pEPDOZXaz2OON_0_5aIn140SWV6uYZ2n32zoqz-YFeHGLaAyXBX-cLFgaOvfmwR5y-vhmXN7V3Egm4k/s1600/P3064972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPmFJZFCnICM0poVT2ERIR8uAH03dnFkVWsnKOXQlIyLoAImvSh0jTxzxgREg31pEPDOZXaz2OON_0_5aIn140SWV6uYZ2n32zoqz-YFeHGLaAyXBX-cLFgaOvfmwR5y-vhmXN7V3Egm4k/s640/P3064972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;">I've had the tables in my living room for several weeks now, on approval from the basement, trying out the current finish. And although it wasn't bad, it wasn't working for me.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">So the first step was to take the table out and gave it several light and even coats of my trusty black </span><a href="http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=400" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Rust-oleum Painter's Touch Ultra Cover</a> spray paint.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJQzDpNTWrzxrR3cGhiw3Rcx8A3vrTmgCCqjCyjrHf8PPMqQPPmy3QiAOejz8F_5qzy6iVKJhpzm31O_WNDPolnn0OvudcFLzyIkRjDMiyPDFMhGO-GRlTx_Lj4nSvIhxwzYBRchLWSpI/s1600/midspray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJQzDpNTWrzxrR3cGhiw3Rcx8A3vrTmgCCqjCyjrHf8PPMqQPPmy3QiAOejz8F_5qzy6iVKJhpzm31O_WNDPolnn0OvudcFLzyIkRjDMiyPDFMhGO-GRlTx_Lj4nSvIhxwzYBRchLWSpI/s640/midspray.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The table after her first coat of black</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After 4 coats of black and a day of sunbathing to dry, my stars were ready for their closeup.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0Z_DwdEifLhMg4U9qLckMm65VI-9JQW8sA0SfZ3ZTJYtdaM7gI90zg2T94R_MUAYrbqJ7HRq9FkAZITpb76IyRgwiUrLa2hhH6LRCMtp3h-ZeZyinrEFLBJQRwrXvbffj1oS9fex15KR/s1600/KrylonGoldPen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0Z_DwdEifLhMg4U9qLckMm65VI-9JQW8sA0SfZ3ZTJYtdaM7gI90zg2T94R_MUAYrbqJ7HRq9FkAZITpb76IyRgwiUrLa2hhH6LRCMtp3h-ZeZyinrEFLBJQRwrXvbffj1oS9fex15KR/s640/KrylonGoldPen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;">I got a </span><a href="http://www.krylon.com/products/leafing_pens/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Krylon Gold Leaf Pen</a><span style="background-color: white;"> at Michael's and went to town. I love this pen. It is like a marker for grown ups. I put a napkin under the star to protect the rest of the table and then just sat down and colored. (That star spins, I know pretty cool, so I would just paint the part of the star that was on the napkin, spin and repeat.) </span><span style="background-color: white;">And it dries super fast so I was able to do several coats rather quickly.</span><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9R_-J85hJ6B6fP_CCkoe5ktQu53hx0tzD-TQjAJ5R15uvty09xRuzVBSX1_jyppsoGGO6vmRd7Q5ijcA52eh5JVDkpAsprgfXytGwsqShnGPLkYQO1XZCmq9NS0Q2uFjSRkhkTaOhj4GD/s1600/GoldStar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9R_-J85hJ6B6fP_CCkoe5ktQu53hx0tzD-TQjAJ5R15uvty09xRuzVBSX1_jyppsoGGO6vmRd7Q5ijcA52eh5JVDkpAsprgfXytGwsqShnGPLkYQO1XZCmq9NS0Q2uFjSRkhkTaOhj4GD/s640/GoldStar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Just the pop I was looking for. You can see these suckers from across the room. Not in a bad 'what the hell are those' way though, more in a 'who is that hot man across the room' way. The gold would have never stood out as well on the mahogany-ish finish.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ7uCwaNeEkhCSJjOcVRXmvfaoCjmJZFNTdVCsbA1r-ywB7YEaFWM8wRlWgvS1sgcVjG7xzaLrVd38NU0A__E5MZMP0NlW9EkmFvYoUTOtRl18ino7Whv4X1kr_W63GI9MAwycaQk9WDY/s1600/starclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ7uCwaNeEkhCSJjOcVRXmvfaoCjmJZFNTdVCsbA1r-ywB7YEaFWM8wRlWgvS1sgcVjG7xzaLrVd38NU0A__E5MZMP0NlW9EkmFvYoUTOtRl18ino7Whv4X1kr_W63GI9MAwycaQk9WDY/s640/starclose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;">Looking good Mr. Carter. But it wasn't enough to give me my fix, I needed more than just the four stars. Speaking of, have you ever tried to take a picture that shows all four ends of a rectangle? Don't bother, it can't be done.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJbFZj-PRHOLZdvxRfd0iBbQlIsnNkU0WuaYP0-SOT59LCN8lYQdD4n40eFMCxMEiEpNjPWu1LS-4-c7nr9ihnL1Eq0adj27BIdVukDO9mGWGyq_PwGCHsjXvofQKq-O7We4rpD16sHz0/s1600/GoldStarAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJbFZj-PRHOLZdvxRfd0iBbQlIsnNkU0WuaYP0-SOT59LCN8lYQdD4n40eFMCxMEiEpNjPWu1LS-4-c7nr9ihnL1Eq0adj27BIdVukDO9mGWGyq_PwGCHsjXvofQKq-O7We4rpD16sHz0/s640/GoldStarAfter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">So to up the gold factor, I 'dipped' the legs. Obviously they aren't technically dipped as I can't fit those thick legs into a tiny little pen, but you get the idea.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZaNkvibTYNHGlBqRxpyv6VDo-05qpFNXFU9Rzy-6EoY7URTd7QD2icOc6Hc_N0OXiVElAHTEFgomXl1wP9qv0yDm332r9bmq4pVxNwyXsn4SH9Ua4dN65EyoVbrrbau-L8P4wi8FlCWa/s1600/legcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZaNkvibTYNHGlBqRxpyv6VDo-05qpFNXFU9Rzy-6EoY7URTd7QD2icOc6Hc_N0OXiVElAHTEFgomXl1wP9qv0yDm332r9bmq4pVxNwyXsn4SH9Ua4dN65EyoVbrrbau-L8P4wi8FlCWa/s640/legcloseup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yes, my floors need to be refinished but that will have to happen another year. Look at the legs instead. They are pretty. They are gold. Oohhh. Ahhhh.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQzS9kvgUnl7-eFDhJ67skmjp_ZzQS2EN6phZ4ooHeplbCJEvgigY3mF5XnBDYG9GOtBYFjdZg-oen71KelgoCvWL7pGAt-uFTK7ll3HDlPeI3-R4ws1JfAxhWDhIRuNtO3tgZBlonOQR/s1600/BlueTable2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQzS9kvgUnl7-eFDhJ67skmjp_ZzQS2EN6phZ4ooHeplbCJEvgigY3mF5XnBDYG9GOtBYFjdZg-oen71KelgoCvWL7pGAt-uFTK7ll3HDlPeI3-R4ws1JfAxhWDhIRuNtO3tgZBlonOQR/s640/BlueTable2.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;">I love it. So much so that I know move the table all ove the house, changing it up each time. Good thing I have another one in the basement.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOznLraMV9bu5X2G1DTS0qE0NLFSffMjtbLFT6eFXeYZYQ25HpS0Lw6uUHmOcBDR-ET9ig2xNlaiGX5Z-QtOYDY7b8d6VMpeya6-KM0aWvCwuw4Z2cdcyZ7ZB2v1LetIufM0ovnWNX-_9x/s1600/tableafteryes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOznLraMV9bu5X2G1DTS0qE0NLFSffMjtbLFT6eFXeYZYQ25HpS0Lw6uUHmOcBDR-ET9ig2xNlaiGX5Z-QtOYDY7b8d6VMpeya6-KM0aWvCwuw4Z2cdcyZ7ZB2v1LetIufM0ovnWNX-_9x/s640/tableafteryes.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>And a quick public service announcement about the glitter used earlier in the week - make sure you store all glitter in a locked cabinet, just like your liquor, or your children will get a hold of it and 'dust' the table with it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmfmakkjE2NY207oU18pHCuilcUaKbstJo2QzkBqOuIWnKFxnkPgyV7hW-fK8pKhZy7W8izsLAN6PhhpCmmH1kszwHEBbO5yZyiNu5B60XVK8ICdKDjokiqKe5ZwNsl26oYXM-CXU74Rp/s1600/topshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmfmakkjE2NY207oU18pHCuilcUaKbstJo2QzkBqOuIWnKFxnkPgyV7hW-fK8pKhZy7W8izsLAN6PhhpCmmH1kszwHEBbO5yZyiNu5B60XVK8ICdKDjokiqKe5ZwNsl26oYXM-CXU74Rp/s640/topshot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6yyI0OThDuKsItTNJrjfCPqHc_7V8Trp1zD-hD5XAfaeX1OkC50xQgb5pPM9Z7Ea9Ocjm7P29nN-qS0AYIP40us_TJfaU9VmkJkgShZjp0aQYrurxQBlLUFJKxOFoOhzJx6zkU2uHde1/s1600/tablestraight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6yyI0OThDuKsItTNJrjfCPqHc_7V8Trp1zD-hD5XAfaeX1OkC50xQgb5pPM9Z7Ea9Ocjm7P29nN-qS0AYIP40us_TJfaU9VmkJkgShZjp0aQYrurxQBlLUFJKxOFoOhzJx6zkU2uHde1/s640/tablestraight.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>One dipped table completed, one more to go.<br /><br />Have you tried the Gold Leaf pen? Found yourself slapping a new to you color on anything that will stand still? Don't be surprised if my girls have been painted gold by the end of the summer.<br /><br />Linking to <a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/2012/07/weekend-bloggy-reading-link-up_13.html" target="_blank">Serenity Now Weekend Bloggy Link Party</a> , <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/07/flaunt-it-friday-110.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/SRimK%20(Chic%20on%20a%20Shoestring%20Decorating)" target="_blank">Flaunt It Friday</a> and <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/2012/07/poww-97-furniture-link-party.html" target="_blank">Primitive & Proper Furniture Link Party</a>.</div>

keep your feet on the ground, and keep reachin' for the stars

Oh Casey Kasem. You were the Confucius of our time. Now we are stuck with Ryan Seacrest. But this is a (worthy) discussion for another time....

Planning to teach from A to Z

4:33 AM Tukiyooo 0

As you plan to create a place of teaching and learning, think through these aspects of your classroom. I've shared some important points of teaching and a tip for each as well as books that I love that help me in each area. Feel free to add your favorite letter in the comments or on your own blog!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesy42/1874677681/" title="Letter A by cheesy42, on Flickr"><img alt="Letter A" height="200" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2047/1874677681_bcc4ea2866.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><h2>       Attitude</h2>You are the beginning and ending of your classroom and year. Your attitude. Your attitude is your decision and there's not an app for that. The fact is that <a href="http://awesome.good.is/transparency/web/1203/teacher-morale/flash.html" target="_blank">only 44% of American teachers</a> are happy in their job. This may be the number one issue we have facing education today. <i>I own my <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2011/08/att-i-tude.html" target="_blank">Att-I-tude</a>.</i><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">While I have some bones of contention with administrative issues surrounding my job, I have to keep from letting it choke my desire to teach. It is a decision to move on and control what you can control. </span><a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/04/fight-for-attitude-preservation.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">I must fight </a><span style="background-color: white;">to preserve my own attitude. <i>(This relates to one of my favorite poems  <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2011/10/teaching-starts-in-my-room.html" target="_blank">Room in My Classroom</a>.)</i></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>Tip</b>: I put a saying or focal quote on my monitor so I see it every day all day to help remind me of who I want to be.</i></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/double-m2/3898414936/" title="Letter B by Double--M, on Flickr"><img alt="Letter B" height="192" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3480/3898414936_3bce3bdd49.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><h2>     Back to School</h2>Get every back to school idea you can right now. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>and <a href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/" target="_blank">Share My Lesson</a> (and its sister site <a href="http://www.tes.co.uk/" target="_blank">TES</a>) are my favorite places to find free ideas.<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/ResourceCalendar.aspx?nbday=1&nbmth=8&nbyr=2012&evcode=7" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Back to School Ideas</a><span style="background-color: white;"> - </span><span style="background-color: white;">Here are some back to school ideas you can download and use. </span></li><li><a href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/Back-to-school-factfile-6055535/" target="_blank">Back to school factfile</a> - <span style="background-color: white;">If you like to ask your students questions when starting school, here is a 4 page "factfile" handout you can use with them. Adapt it as it is a word doc. (For grades 1-4) </span></li><li><a href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/Classroom-Planning-Materials-50000221/" target="_blank">Classroom Planning Materials</a> - <span style="background-color: white;">Materials for planning your first day and classroom procedures are available for download as you plan your fist day of school.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=classroom+rules" target="_blank">Examples of Classroom rules</a> on Pinterest</span></li></ul><i><b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>Tip:</b> On the first day, Ishare my basic 4 rules which are Be Honest, Clean your Desktop, Respect Everyone, and Be Excellent on top of our principal's one rule "Do Right" but then have the students write the guidelines and details for what this means in a Google doc which we tweak and have them print out and take home. </i><br /><br /><ul></ul><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42dreams/73841514/" title="The letter C by Mel B., on Flickr"><img alt="The letter C" height="133" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/34/73841514_1ba9db8a49.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><h2>     Cooperative Learning</h2><div>I <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2007/02/how-i-started-in-wikis-flat-classroom.html" target="_blank">started using wikis</a> and co-created the first <a href="http://www.flatclassroomproject.net/" target="_blank">Flat Classroom project</a> because I had to use cooperative learning strategies in my classroom. Educate yourself using resources like Jerry Blumengarten's <a href="http://cybraryman.com/cooperative.html" target="_blank">Cooperative Learning Page</a>, Robert Marzano's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0131195034/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0131195034&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20">Classroom Instruction that Works: Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpwwwbrighc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0131195034" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, Jennifer Robert's <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/robertsonwriting/home" target="_blank">Writing Response groups</a> resource or <a href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=cooperative+learning" target="_blank">a search on Sharemylesson</a>. (In December if you teach writing, you'll want to check out my book, <a href="http://www.eyeoneducation.com/Collaborative-Writing-Project" target="_blank">Collaborative Writing in the Cloud</a> which is also aligned with Common Core Writing standards. <a href="http://www.eyeoneducation.com/Collaborative-Writing-Project" target="_blank">Sign up</a> to be notified when it comes out.)<br /><br /><i><b>A tip: </b><span style="background-color: white;">I have a set of poker chips in a coffee cup of four different colors and have written letters on one side of the chips and a number for each seat in my room - using these in the mug, I can divide up in a variety of ways including a jigsaw (i.e. Meet with the letter groups to discuss your part of the topic and move to your color group to explain your part to the group.) Otherwise, I have computer numbers and can say "odd do this and even do that" if necessary. (If I have less than my maximum, I can easily see which chips to remove based on the number.)</span></i></div><h2>   <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/willsisti/7248062550/" title="Liz sits on the letter D by Flyinace2000, on Flickr"><img alt="Liz sits on the letter D" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7248062550_85ecee5d2b.jpg" width="112" /></a> </h2><h2>  Discipline Plan </h2><div>The book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0965026329/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0965026329&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20">Fred Jones Tools for Teaching</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpwwwbrighc-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0965026329" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> helped me with the discipline issues I had early on. The truth is, if I have discipline issues, it is most often because I didn't have the self-discipline to handle issues early, the moment they happen when they were small. Fred Jones' book teaches the importance of "the eyebrow" and "the look." I rarely have to send students to the office but if I do, it is usually a gross offense requiring a trip (like profanity or dishonesty.)<br /><br />Tell students up front the consequences and issues, but keep them simple. Introduce them on the first day clearly but you could add some humor (like showing the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qTIGg3I5y8" target="_blank">"Share it, Maybe" </a>video parody from Cookie Monster.) Some great places to look include:<br /><br /><ul><li>My <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/124060164705892111/" target="_blank">favorite classroom rules poster</a>, I'm designing something similar for my room.</li><li><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=examples+of+classroom+rules&hl=en&tbo=1&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Utr8T6PkLIT48wSpm5TjBg&ved=0CEUQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=995" target="_blank">Examples of classroom rules</a> (Google Image Search) - when looking for graphics, a Google image search is a marvelous way to find ideas but now Pinterest is gaining.</li><li><a href="http://www.cybraryman.com/classroom.html" target="_blank">Classroom Planning</a> - by Jerry Blumengarten @cybraryman1</li><li><a href="http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson274.shtml" target="_blank">10 Activities for Establishing Classroom Rules</a> by Education World</li><li><a href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/TaxonomySearchResults.aspx?area=resources&keywords=classroom+rules" target="_blank">19 Ideas for Classroom Rules from Teachers</a> via @sharemylesson</li></ul><i><b>Tip:</b>  Proximity is one of the fastest ways to deal with misbehavior. Don't say a word but go near or beside a student misbehaving. If you have to put your hand on their shoulder then do so, but the closer you get, the more likely the perpetrator will realize you've seen his behavior and stop. Be careful about words. The more you use words for discipline the less they work.</i><br /><ul></ul></div><h2>     <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21560098@N06/4577219576/" title="The letter "E" by Nina Matthews Photography, on Flickr"><img alt="The letter "E"" height="200" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3362/4577219576_80831df45e.jpg" width="133" /></a> </h2><h2>   Environment</h2><div>Your classroom walls, door, and organization send a message. What messages do you want to send?<br />Again, turn to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> (see D<a href="http://pinterest.com/dedith/decorative-classroom-doors/" target="_blank">iane Shroer's board</a> or search for "<a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=classroom+door" target="_blank">classroom door</a>") and <a href="http://msooey.tumblr.com/post/22488345490/kbkonnected-fantastic-idea-coolcatteacher" target="_blank">Tumblr </a>for ideas, but create your own. I was discussing this morning <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coolcatteacher" target="_blank">on my Facebook page</a> some ideas I have for this year. Plan your workflow - where will students put their work and how will you return it (both face to face and online.) I went as <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2011/08/tales-from-paperless-as-possible.html" target="_blank">paperless as possible</a> last year and didn't regret it a bit. Don't forget the outdoors. We have an outdoor garden and classroom and elementary classes each have a bed with a certain type of plant to maintain, weed, and care for throughout the year as well as a compost pile, and fish to feed.<br /><br /><i><b>Tip:</b> For the last several years I've had an iTouch screen that my sister scanned and blew up door-sized. It had icons that I made for all of our major projects like Flat Classroom, Digiteen, and the wikis we use and said "iTouch the future." Now, I'm thinking of having a #youmatter theme with a mirror and a quote underneath. The point is to think about what you want to stress and encourage - you should have posters and reminders of those things. Inside my room, I'm minimalistic because the students make the motivational posters for the room with their words throughout the year.</i></div><h2>    <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/78528924@N00/3277557371/" title="Friday by pdugmore2001, on Flickr"><img alt="Friday" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3516/3277557371_4a6d144f2c_m.jpg" width="203" /></a> </h2><h2>   Flatten Your Classroom</h2><div>You can no longer have a world class education without connecting to the world. When you flatten your classroom, you connect students with each other, with people of all generations and locations outside of the classroom and with themselves. (See Chapter 3 and 4 of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0132610353/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0132610353&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds</a> for more on the Connection Planning tool to help you visualize this.) Plan rich experiences and get involved in <a href="http://connectededucators.org/" target="_blank">Connected Educator Month</a> in August, the <a href="http://k12onlineconference.org/" target="_blank">K12 Online Conference</a> and <a href="http://www.globaleducationconference.com/" target="_blank">Global Education conference</a> coming up online to get ideas. (Of course reading my book is a great start too.)<br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: Connect your classroom at least once a month. While you can use the ideas in my book, try the <a href="http://vickidavis.me/post/21326819678/the-mystery-skype-caller-is-a-concept-where" target="_blank">mystery Skype caller.</a> Skype in a guest and let your students as the guest questions to determine where the guest is located and/or what the guest does. This is a fun way to connect with fascinating people from around the world.</i></div><h2>     <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwworks/6743691777/" title="G by woodleywonderworks, on Flickr"><img alt="G" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6743691777_b9f3bd1dff_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> </h2><h2>   Goals</h2><div>Set 3 clear, concise goals for this year. Read over them first thing each morning. Keep them close at hand.<br /><br /><b><i>My current draft of my goals for this year:</i></b><br /><ol><li>Integrate passion based 20% time projects (like last year's <a href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/Year-Long-Technology-Project-US-Grade-9-6138167/event/22/" target="_blank">Freshman project</a>) into every course I teach.</li><li> Update the school website and deploy Powerschool and school marketing/ promotions onto mobile devices.</li><li>Position our school to deploy a 1:1 tablet program within the next year including infrastructure, stakeholder support, and school-wide teaching practices.</li></ol><i><b>Tip:</b> Goals aren't attitudes. They should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timebound according to the <a href="http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/smart-goals.html" target="_blank">"SMART goals" strategy</a>.</i> <i>I take goals further in that every goal has habits that I do every day. I also recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-R.-Blackburn/e/B001JP4CC2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0" target="_blank">Barbara Blackburn</a> and her work on Rigor when you start looking at the goals and objectives of individual courses.</i></div><div></div><h2>     <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimwinstead/50039978/" title="letter by jimw, on Flickr"><img alt="letter" height="240" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/32/50039978_7eecb24a0a_m.jpg" width="233" /></a> </h2><h2>   Habits</h2><div>You are what you do. If you want to achieve something new, change what you do! I now set routines and checklists using my <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2011/08/routine-of-being-amazing.html" target="_blank">HomeRoutines app</a> on my ipad/ iphone.<br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: Oneof the most powerful things you can do for yourself is to make a small checklist of things you need to do at the beginning of your planning period or break that make a big difference. My list: check paper in printers, check ink, 5 minute room clean up, restock paper if necessary, wash boards, put up anything the students didn't put back, check my inbox in the lounge, heat up my lunch, and whisk back to my room. This 10 minute routine makes a HUGE difference and everyone sees it.  Keep your list SHORT, doable, and trackable as you check off that it is done. I do this BEFORE I eat lunch so I don't linger.</i></div><br /><h2>    <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bundscherer/2588182950/" title="I by Bundscherer, on Flickr"><img alt="I" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3004/2588182950_9c9a16351e_n.jpg" width="240" /></a> </h2><h2>   Interests</h2>Make sure you integrate your interests and those of your students with everything you do.Angela Maiers has popularized the term <a href="http://www.angelamaiers.com/2011/07/guidelines-of-passion-based-learning.html" target="_blank">passion based learning</a> and has written some books on this including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935542621/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1935542621&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">Classroom Habitudes</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596671599/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1596671599&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">The Passion-Driven Classroom</a>. Just remember that you can share your interests but you should also be interested in things that interest your own students. Just remember that students are as diverse as all adults. Some adults mistakenly think that sports are relevant to all teenagers, this is NOT the case but neither are movies, music, hobbies, or television shows. But as you integrate a variety of pop culture and hobbies, you're reaching more students as you diversify.<br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: I do this with my 20% time <a href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/Year-Long-Technology-Project-US-Grade-9-6138167/event/22/" target="_blank">project</a></i><i>, but with everything I teach, I work to find things interesting to the students. I talk about things that happen to me and also admit when they are teaching me something new. This doesn't mean we "play all day" or goof off - it does mean we have things that are naturally interesting to the students that I customize (as the <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/11/classroom-is-flat-teacherpreneurs-and.html" target="_blank">teacherpreneur </a>that I am) to the interests of students.</i><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/3902278156/" title="Letter J for Jellybeans by Pink Sherbet Photography, on Flickr"><img alt="Letter J for Jellybeans" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3047/3902278156_5cfe7134c8_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><br /><h2>Joy</h2> Some of you are cringing as I say this word. Joy? Really? Are you kidding?<br /><br />If Julia Child can find the Joy in Cooking, I can find the joy in teaching and learning! No. I'm not kidding. Maybe that is our problem. With as much time as you spend at work, you should be able to find joy in what you do. But let me tell you a secret. The common denominator of teachers I know from every type of school is that no matter what goes on outside the door, good teachers are able to close that door and create the environment in their own room. Every day at every school there is drama. Face it and learn to shelter your students. If you don't have joy, find it again. Seek it. <br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: Get excited yourself. I find Ron Clark's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005X4909K/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005X4909K&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">The End of Molasses Classes</a> a book full of joy, excellence and the nobility of teaching as well as Todd Whitaker's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596671998/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1596671998&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">What Great Teachers Do Differently</a> both get me pumped up and ready to go!</i><br /><br /><h2>     <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dumbledad/2240930819/" title="The Letter "K" by dumbledad, on Flickr"><img alt="The Letter "K"" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2201/2240930819_1d2b503db6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </h2><h2>  Kindness</h2>A kind teacher isn't a wimp, a pushover or a laissez-faire loser. A kind teacher pays attention to students and is sensitive to the unique needs of that student, looking for a chance to be kind or helpful when it wasn't even asked for. A school with kindness is a school where people care. People find their favorite soda appear on their desk with a note, or someone takes their spot at gate duty because something has arisen in their personal life. Kindness is cheap but the lack of kindness is costly to the attitude of everyone.<br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: You can read <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2012/06/10-inexpensive-ways-to-be-kind.html" target="_blank">10 inexpensive ways to be kind</a> but I loved the idea I saw at my church's Vacation Bible School this year and am dying to try this with a class. It was called "Special Ops." Children are told that they are invisible as long as they wear their sunglasses and are quiet and don't make a sound. They have signs that say things like "You are loved" and "You are special" as well as candy bars and other goodies. The adults are in on it so when we see them coming, we pretend like the candy bars and signs appear. Sometimes the kids sneak in and give a hug. The point is that it is a very quiet way to encourage and spread sunshine and the kids LOVE it. Think of every way you can to be kind and make it a habit.</i><br /><br /><h2>    <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/csessums/4713385816/" title="Letter L Elle El by cdsessums, on Flickr"><img alt="Letter L Elle El" height="318" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4021/4713385816_382a9b3076_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </h2><h2>   Layout of the classroom </h2>The best way to prevent technology misbehavior is to make sure you can see every screen from your desk. Small things like the location of the printer and in and out boxes will save you time. I make a list of my biggest traffic/ workflow problems and my husband and I sit down and figure out what needs to change. For example, I figured out that people were cutting behind my desk to get to the printer and the constant fact that people were running into me as I sat at my desk was becoming a big irritant. We moved a side desk and turned my configuration into an "L" so people had to go around the front and moved the printer closer to the door and my problem went away.<br /><i> </i><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: I always visit the teachers of a new class that I've never taught before to find out who should never sit together. This one thing (separating those who aren't a great influence on each other) is easy to handle even without a seating chart. I just direct those students gently to different parts of the room (I'll tell them if I have to.)</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tinkerroll21/2701998418/" title="The Letter "M" by downing.amanda, on Flickr"><img alt="The Letter "M"" height="236" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3239/2701998418_b8cd810490_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><h2>  Memories</h2>"Memory, all alone in the moonlight." Memories give meaning to life. I always keep messages from my children, photographs with notes from them, and journals about their life. These things give meaning. As we discuss in Chapter 9  of Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds, helping students leave a legacy is a lasting part of teaching. Teachers who help children find their own legacy become legends we talk about. I think every annual should have a DVD sleeve in the front full of electronic memories from the year for students to look back upon later.<br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: My students have a drive on the server. When they leave, I encourage students to take a copy of their files with them or to upload everything into their personal dropbox so they can access the files later.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bredgur/2276250354/" title="n by bredgur, on Flickr"><img alt="n" height="180" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2107/2276250354_186d9a03ed_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>  <br /><h2>  Nobility</h2><br />One day when we're retired and we look back on these days we'll be able to reminisce<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Yes, they cut everything -<span style="background-color: white;">preplanning, </span><span style="background-color: white;">my pay, </span><span style="background-color: white;">my professional development</span><span style="background-color: white;">...but I loved those kids so much I went in and preplanned anyway - </span><span style="background-color: white;">I still gave it my all -- I still went online and read like crazy to learn.</span><br />Those days were tough but IN the midst of it all I was a teacher and knew that the future was IN my hands. It wasn't the kids fault that these adults had screwed up the budget and spent their future for our past.<br />So, I gave something that was more valuable than money -- my heart, my time, my life."</blockquote><span style="background-color: white;">Your reward will be far greater than those teachers who let bitterness and resentment devour the best years of their lives. In the great Depression, people got up and WORKED. They got busy. We're facing a great depression, not necessarily of money, but of attitude. We HAVE to change but how we feel about change is vital. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Keep the faith my friends -- never let anyone steal your nobility - it is NOT for sale. IT cannot be taken -- no one can give it away but YOU.</span><br /><br />The person who can make it through this time will truly be the heroes of our generation. May it be that we are found to be the greatest generation of teachers - a generation that could not be discouraged by dumb decisions, foolish spending, and paralyzing pride. We can be a generation of humble, noble servant leaders but we're not going to be that by slacking off or whining.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/goodspeed/223152682/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Green O by Dave Q, on Flickr"><img alt="Green O" height="150" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/93/223152682_52e750b574_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><h2>  </h2><h2>  </h2><h2>  </h2><h2>  <span style="background-color: white;"> </span></h2><h2><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></h2><h2><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></h2><h2><span style="background-color: white;">Oh!</span></h2>Oh my goodness! Oh, wow! Oh boy! These are the O's that should be in your classroom.<br /><br /><i><b>TIP</b>: When the Oh's happen, share them with parents, share them with others, invite in administrators to see, or just celebrate.Get excited too! </i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt_molina/2959029433/" title="P by OMFGmatt, on Flickr"><img alt="P" height="200" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3289/2959029433_17cccee476_n.jpg" width="150" /></a> <br /><h2>  Party</h2>Celebrations around the world are a great excuse to do something special and help students become globally competent. Make parents aware that you're studying about the cultures on those days but not necessarily "commemorating" those celebrations so that when some celebrations for different cultures are part of your lessons, you don't get pushback. <br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: Global celebrations and holiday lesson plans are one of my top uses of <a href="http://www.sharemylesson.com/resourcecalendar.aspx?nbday=0&nbmth=8&nbyr=2012" target="_blank">Share my lesson</a> and <a href="http://www.tes.co.uk/ResourceCalendar.aspx" target="_blank">TES resource calendars</a>.</i> <i>More than just celebrations, find ways to make things fun. I've seen  <b>golden toilet seats</b> given as awards for having a clean bathroom and  <b>chicken chucking</b> contests (rubber chickens) entered by kids who kept  their lunchroom area clean that week. (They throw the chicken and the prize goes to the child who chucks the chicken the greatest distance.)</i><br /><br />   <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chiacomo/2178270085/" title="P1060066 by NathanReed, on Flickr"><img alt="P1060066" height="150" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2181/2178270085_e1a6942d17_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><h2>  QR codes</h2>Quick response codes are barcodes that let handheld devices like smartphones and iphones go to websites without having to type in addresses. They are very useful and can help you grade faster and do some incredible scavenger hunts.<br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: Be sure to check out my <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2011/05/qr-code-classroom-implementation-guide.html" target="_blank">QR Code Classroom Implementation Guide</a> and don't be confused.</i><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mugley/440178954/" title="how R you? by mugley, on Flickr"><img alt="how R you?" height="160" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/161/440178954_69278cfa9a_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><h2>  Results</h2>Everyone clamors for results. Now is not the time to be quiet about your students. Give them opportunities to show off their learning. The reasons many parents put so much weight on test scores is that it is one of the only things they see that their children do that is significant besides those monstrous projects that you ask them to do at home that most of them do for their children. Plan ahead to show off projects done at by school by your children. Create an online repository of what they are doing and include links in emails to parents.<br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: I've found that "push" tools like emails and text messages are more proactive and better with parents. I work hard to email every 10 days to parents about what I'm doing with students, upcoming projects, and links to what the students have done online. Give things for parents to brag about. Let them attend online presentations (my students like to present for online conferences like the Global Education Conference.) Parents lean on test scores because we've given no other quantifiable results from the other work we're doing. Of course, you must also produce results in the form of test scores but remember that you have to look at the overall health of your classroom ecosystem as you strive for this. Those who pursue test scores at the expense of everything else could be like the morbidly obese that turns anorexic in order to lose weight. Many would applause the results but the poor health will harm the person in the end. We need healthy classrooms that encourage learning and retain students while fostering a love of the technology and engineering that are demanded in today's world.</i><br /><br />   <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/toofarnorth/4372407950/" title="s53 by TooFarNorth, on Flickr"><img alt="s53" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2703/4372407950_4dfb03d21b_m.jpg" width="151" /></a><br /><h2>  Schedule</h2>A combination of electronic and physical calendars will make your school year flow. When you're in the busy-ness and crazy-ness of school you'll be lucky to remember what you're eating for dinner tonight much less when you need to be done with a unit and start another. Have a master calendar for classes on paper near your desk and a weekly paper calendar to note lesson plans and activities. <br /><br /><i>Tip: I use Google calendar that syncs with school and my phone. I have a calendar for each course and put lesson plans and links on the calendar and my students add it to their iGoogle page (sadly iGoogle is being phased out so we'll transition to NetVibes.) Additionally, I have each school sport and activity on a Google Calendar and help the students subscribe to the calendars as school begins. (See <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2008/08/kicking-off-school-year-web-20-style-w.html" target="_blank">Kicking off the School Year</a>)</i> <i>Calendars must be linked with their cell phones and mine or they are useless.</i><br /><h2>     <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dan4th/129433263/" title="060416alewifelogo by Dan4th, on Flickr"><img alt="060416alewifelogo" height="180" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/53/129433263_9a615c37fa_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> </h2><h2>   Teaching</h2><div>Teaching is something you do not a job title. We have teachers who aren't teaching. We also have some with bad judgement and others are in such confused, micromanaged, systemically broken systems that they are fighting to have the time to teach. Plato taught because he showed up every day to do it. You are what you do every day. While you can use videos to teach if you only show videos, you're not teaching, you're babysitting. While you can use just about anything to teach, your job is to be the teacherpreneur who combines all of the apps, videos, activities, projects, and needs into a classroom where people learn including you). <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-am-teaching.html" target="_blank">I am teaching</a> every day. Are you?<br /><br /><i><b>Tip: </b>Build a PLN on Twitter, Pinterest and use your RSS reader. I take 15 minutes, three times per week to learn and schedule this on my calendar during my break. Selecting your "<a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/12/how-to-create-your-circle-of-wise-how.html" target="_blank">circle of the wise</a>" is vital to your professional development.</i> <i>Good teachers are also learners. <b>If you won't learn, you shouldn't teach because you're a hypocrite:</b> you're asking students to do what you won't do yourself.</i></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/toofarnorth/5501620794/" title="u striped by TooFarNorth, on Flickr"><img alt="u striped" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5258/5501620794_495198b515_m.jpg" width="206" /></a><br /><h2>   Understanding</h2>There are two important kinds of understanding in the classroom. The kind of understanding that comes from truly comprehending the subject matter. There's also the kind of understand that comes from truly comprehending another person's intent, life, and circumstances. A good classroom needs both.<br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: Look every student in the eye as they enter your classroom every day. The eyes speak volumes about a person: what kind of night he had, the emotions she's feeling, his mood, etc. This valuable piece of information sets the context for what I'm going to be able to do. My goal is to stand at my door, look every student in the eye and call every student by name as he or she enters. This also tells the students I'm paying attention and notice.  </i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevendepolo/5596528203/" title="O P U V Letter Puzzle Library Macros April 02, 20112 by stevendepolo, on Flickr"><img alt="O P U V Letter Puzzle Library Macros April 02, 20112" height="213" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5146/5596528203_406e433f3d_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br /><h2>  Versatile</h2> One who is versatile is "Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities." You must be flexible and adaptable. You now have a plan, a discipline structure, and so many things in place. Unfortunately, you will often deal with people who are totally clueless about the work you have to accomplish in the classroom and who disrespect your time. As a teacher, I plan, prepare, and prepare but when things go haywire at the last minute, I've learned to adapt and save myself a heart attack.<br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: Take time every month (I do this at least 5 days before month end) to review the calendar where I've plotted out the learning objectives for each week and month and adapt to what actually happened. It is vital to adjust and adapt the original plan or you'll find yourself frustrated and upset. Also, I plan to finish everything by the last week in April because I know that unexpected assemblies, etc. will interrupt and then, I have the freedom to push things back or add cool new projects. This is hard to do but if you don't plan ahead for flexibility, you'll crack under the pressure.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/psycho-pics/4648487891/" title="W by wsilver, on Flickr"><img alt="W" height="132" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4062/4648487891_8b91bd7085_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><h2>  Willing</h2><div>Betty Shiver, my curriculum director, says that teaching is one of the professions where you can start over every year. It is a gift to start over, but if you're not willing to make a fresh start, you've got old baggage weighing you down.Be willing to let people change and improve. Be willing to start over. Be willing to try something new. Be willing to put exercise into your routine!</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the obstacles that has IT directors and administrators most upset is that some teachers are unwilling to try new things or discuss new ideas. We must be willing to move forward because epaper, apps, cloud resources, and collaboration are vital to having a school that is relevant into the future. If your school becomes ineffective you're out of a job. See: <a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2011/08/start-of-new-year.html" target="_blank">The start of a new year</a><br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: To keep from getting in a rut, I work hard to try new things. This summer I rode a Segway, went ziplining, and rafted down a new river. Although this isn't for everyone, sometimes even going to a new restaurant or visiting a new place is enough to trigger the endorphins in your brain that will boost your mood and help your attitude. Your students are faced with new things on a daily basis. By pushing yourself to try something new, you can identify with them more and enjoy your life!</i></div><div><br /></div><h2>    <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aturkus/468936714/" title="X by aturkus, on Flickr"><img alt="X" height="213" src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/213/468936714_57bce09ea4_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </h2><h2>   Xtra</h2><div><span style="background-color: white;">Pardon the reach, but right now we all need to give "Xtra." This is an exceptional time and it is going to require exceptional effort. Heroes don't lift light burdens. Epic stories happen amidst problems of epic proportions. You can't be epic and heroic with nothing to overcome. Give extra in ways that make you more productive, effective and be that hero your school needs right now. </span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><i><b>Tip</b>: My learning lab director, Mrs. Grace Adkins, has taken home three folders of students every weekend to ponder and pray over. Every Monday she'll make phone calls to the parents about their child with ideas to help the child. I want to be like her. As the recipient of such a phone call, it makes me  know that she cares. I work hard to call parents when they need it, especially if a child has done something great when that child is having a hard time in another area. If I know that a child is doing a great job for me, but I overhear a problem somewhere else, I'll often call the parent just to say "Hey, your child is doing this well." Compliments must be genuine but it is my goal to find something that every student does well in my class. It must be true. A lying compliment is flattery and fake and undermines your authority. Most people can tell a lie and these parents live with the child, they'll know it.</i></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/geishaboy500/3118005051/" style="background-color: white;" title="Red Silk Alphabet Y by geishaboy500, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Silk Alphabet Y" height="320" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3226/3118005051_2dc7223158_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h2>   You</h2><div>Take time for yourself. Look at your goals and put habits into your life to help you reach your goals. Take care of your health. Mrs. Adkins, mentioned in the letter "X", is over 80 and mentioned this book that has impacted her called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761134239/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0761134239&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond</a>. She now rides 120 miles on her stationary bike a week (1 hour a day watching the news.) She has deaged years and gets around better than most 50 year olds. <br /><br /><i><b>Tip</b>: I spend a lot of time doing for others but 5 am to 7 am each morning is mine. I have my quiet time, pray, read my Bible, do situps and pushups, and write on this blog. I've let early morning meetings encroach on this time, but I'm going to work to limit those this year. Schedule yourself on your own calendar. You're worth it and you live your own life. It is YOURS. There's an older book that has helped me called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060505389/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060505389&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">8 Minutes in the Morning </a>with great quick workouts in the back. I also make my bed every morning after I found out about the statistics that it builds self control and helps attain goals as discussed in the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055PGUYU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0055PGUYU&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwbrighc-20" id="static_txt_preview" target="_blank">The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business.</a></i><br /><br />You matter. You are important. You're unique and here for a purpose. Find it. Do it.</div><div><br /></div><h2>    <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/toofarnorth/2481754615/" title="zooming z-sf3 by TooFarNorth, on Flickr"><img alt="zooming z-sf3" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2296/2481754615_a537162f1d_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> </h2><h2>   Zip!</h2><div>All that is left is to zip it up and go on, but I think of school a lot like the ziplining I love to do during vacation. If you know what you're doing, have good guides, and good equipment you can have the experience of a lifetime. All that is left to say is "Yahoo." The school year zips by so fast and you'll find yourself with another year under your belt. Plan well and equip yourself during the short pauses you have (like now) - it can make a big difference on the kind of zip you'll have.<br /><br />So, I'll end this post that is now the post that has taken the single longest amount of time of any post in the history of this blog with a little celebration of my own. This is me and my family after finishing our last zipline a few weeks a go.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8no-OSLWzU5gbQrJJ8-8BkzIJbakLBIsmKY2wbF7RaTA0aXzXVEW4_QP03iPFBF9r8QWFu5qD_aA2Zkr2Vyj8z7Wjs4vwMPf1MGrH2AfIr4_zl0cuUVgRv5LcAkIxsPwbIdfe3fVKVO5/s1600/Zipline+2012+%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8no-OSLWzU5gbQrJJ8-8BkzIJbakLBIsmKY2wbF7RaTA0aXzXVEW4_QP03iPFBF9r8QWFu5qD_aA2Zkr2Vyj8z7Wjs4vwMPf1MGrH2AfIr4_zl0cuUVgRv5LcAkIxsPwbIdfe3fVKVO5/s640/Zipline+2012+%281%29.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want you to feel like this at the end of your school year!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Oh yeah! Zip it! Rock it! You can do it! Teach well, my friends! ROCK THE CLASSROOM! </div><br />

As you plan to create a place of teaching and learning, think through these aspects of your classroom. I've shared some important points...