Saturday, September 21, 2013

Flipped Out!

We have survived the first 3 weeks of school!  It has been a definite whirl-wind with the Flip Learning concept!

Kids Re-watching a Video for Clarification
As a team, we decided that it would be best if we video-taped every lesson for our mathematics instruction.  We did this because our kids are 7 and 8 years old.  To tell them that they need to go home and watch a video and take notes would be unreasonable.  Point is - kids need things modeled - over and over again! So here was our schema:
  • We taught them how they could use a QR Code to take them to the videos.  
  • We taught them that they could pause the video and rewind to hear the lesson again.
  • We taught them that they could have manipulatives at home to help them visualize Place Value.
  • We taught them how to take notes in their journal - drawing things out and making sure they get down the important vocabulary.



Manipulative Bag



So, by the time that back to school night came along, kids would be better able to show their parents what our expectations were.  In fact, our very first video that we had them do for homework was "How to Make Beansticks".  This would become an essential tool that they will use for the rest of the year.  I got pencil - zipper bags from a grant through Donor's Choose.   In there, I placed a laminated QR Code (which I had to redo because of Copyright Laws - I suggest using just a regular one without a cute graphic...), 15 Tongue Depressors,  4 oz. Bag of  large Kidney Beans, and 2 die. The parents took them home - where they will remain for the rest of the year.  We also passed out a wonderful explanation that Crystal Kirch had placed on her blog.  (We had permission to use some of it, of course!)

Next week - the world of mathematics instruction will look very different.  I'm nervous, but also excited!  I'm hoping that all goes well!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Flip Take 2!

Before I go any further, I need to recognize and say "Thank You" SDE for all their help, ideas, manipulative ideas!  Because of their expertise, we are able to receive training to become better educators in the world of Singapore Math!  Being introduced to it several years ago - it has changed the way I like to look at solving problems.
Today we had a much better day at making video tapes.  It was obvious by how many lessons we really were able to record.  I think on the first day, we recorded 3 videos.  That, obviously was not a lot - but more so a time to use "trial and error" while we stumbled through lessons & videotaping.
Today, we created 15 videos that students will have the opportunity to watch, re-watch and possibly gain great on ideas for future recording.
"Behind the Scenes"
I know this might be on your mind... but what in the world did our workspace look like? Well, fortunately, I am able to crop that out of my movies so I don't have a "background" to contend with.  Also, we have not officially returned back to class.  On Tuesday, I set up my computer, document camera, a few chairs, a tripod & video recorder.  That is it... nothing else!  I have not even begun to unload from summer!  In fact, if my principal entered my room, she would totally be disgusted at how thinks are literally falling out of my closet...  I should take a picture to post next time.  :)
Today, we tried to:
  • Remind kids that they can pause and re-watch
  • Teach kids & parents how to make Bean Sticks for counting
  • Give them challenges
  • Create a video on our own - without help from an expert mathematician - a.k.a. Ricky Mikelman  (she doesn't know yet - I am going to surprise her)
  • Remember to turn off the AC unit during taping and we needed a break - turn it back on and talk about what we were going to do next.  
Other issues to deal with:
  • We noticed that it was hard to see our numbers that we were writing because our hand was in the way.
  • Write down the name of the lesson before you tape it.. Makes it easier (and saves a lot of time) to remember without having to watch the lessons over.  
  • Ask the district for a space on the server to house the videos so that other schools can have access to them too. 
  • Suggested that I look into SkyDrive / VBrick for storing videos.
  • PLN - You will need one!   I joined Flipped Learning Network.  There they have groups formed for your specific need.  You do have to ask to join, but after you do, you will be prompted to select groups to follow...  We also decided to collaborate in Pinterest.  I learned at the ISTE 2013 conference that you can easily dialog with others on a board.  So, I created on called Flipped!  Thank you Theresa Cullen for that idea!
  • Remember to silence your cell phone and turn off any "instant notifications" so it wouldn't pop up on the monitor during recording.  
  • Discovered that the document camera showed a huge delay from the sound to the motion.... might be better record over the shoulder rather than a monitor.  

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

End of the Year

I have truly been blessed with such sweet kids!  I'm going to miss them like crazy!!!

Flip!

Flip!

What does that word actually mean? This year, I am going to learn what a Flipped Classroom looks, sounds and feels like.  I'm a little nervous / scared only because I'm self - contentious when it comes to recording... I literally HATE the way I sound!!!  I know it's silly, but I'm sure there are a lot of other people that feel the same.  
So... join in on the journey if you'd like...  It's going to be like a roller-coaster!!!


At the ISTE 2013 Conference, I learned from many people the wonderful impact that a Flipped Classrooms offers.  The idea that captured me on this strategy was the way it allowed for some kids to continue to the next lesson,  and for others to grab extra help in small groups as needed for finer tuning. So, I elected to read the book:  Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day, by Jonathan Bergmann & Aaron Sams.  Some of my teammates have also agreed to read and discuss the chapters.

So, today, I met up with some people and we began our journey and created 3 videos that we are going to use the first week / two of school.  If you should think about doing this... consider a few things:


  • Unpacking early from the summer;
  • Have a back-up plan;
  • Have access to a FLIP / Video Camera / Tripod;
  • 32 GB Scan Disk (If your equipment needs it!);
  • Document Camera - "Hooked Up" and ready to go;
  • High Speed Internet Connection (makes uploading much more pleasant!)




Thursday, May 23, 2013

Thursday, May 9, 2013

TOY Presentation

I am SO proud of Luke for getting up on stage and saying such sweet words about me!
And, I wish I was just as calm and relaxed as Luke was for my speech...

Friday, May 3, 2013

SBEF Running for the Arts ~ The School Zone

I can't wait to see all my wonderful kids tomorrow! I'll meet you near the food court at the mall!














SBEF Running for the Arts ~ The School Zone

Monday, April 8, 2013

Input / Output Lesson

A very special thanks goes to Ricky Mikelman for coming, yet again, and teaching us Input / Output! The kids had so much fun!!! Here are a few movies that they created on "Show Me" for next year's group when we FLIP our learning!!!












Monday, April 1, 2013

Eagle Update

The Eagles are getting bigger and bigger everyday.  It also appears that  their nest has a lot of "trash" in it.  I wonder if they ever get rid of the fish that they do not eat....
What do you think?
Want to follow them online?  They are just a click away... Also, don't forget to vote for your favorite names...
Alcoa Bald Eagles

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Huge Thank you to Ricky Mikelman for making our Thursday spectacular!  We enjoyed having you SO much!  Videos to come!


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

2 Step Problem Solving

Here is the problem that we solved today. We are trying SO hard to read carefully to the entire problem - as there may be more than one step in order to answer the question. Great thinking today!!!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Surprise!!!

My sweet class just surprised me with a Cookie Cake and some wonderful books on Birds to celebrate TOY!!!






Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Cafeteria Tour

This morning  your child went behind the scenes and toured our school cafeteria.  They had so much fun and learned a great deal.  Did you know that the walk - in freezer is SO cold that within 10 minutes a person could develop frost bite?  Brr!!!  This might have been the "highlight" of their experience!

Singapore Math

Today we worked with partners to help solve and communicate story problems. Here are a few examples that the class voted as "Excellent"! I can't wait to share these with some other mathematicians and get some feedback on ways we can improve.


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

It's what for dinner!

We were checking out the Eaglets today and noticed that Liberty and Justice were feeding them fish and rabbit.  It truly encompasses the food chain and how we are all dependent on other living things.  What a realistic approach to science!

















For a challenge, write down a "food chain" for one of the following:  Desert, Rain Forest, Ocean, Wetland, Birds of Prey, etc...

Monday, March 18, 2013

Eaglets Eating

How cool is this?  Liberty is feeding the Eaglets some fish!  I was able to take some video and will upload it as soon as I can!  Stay tuned!  

If you would like to leave a comment here is something to think about...  How do mother birds feed their young differently than mammals?



Sunday, March 17, 2013

Tough Winter Forces Owls South in Hunt for Food

Some more information about Owls looking for food!

Tough winter forces owls south in hunt for food

Owls

Check this out... Who would have thought that food would become scarce for an owl?

Tough winter forces owls south on USAToday.com

Eaglet has HATCHED!

A huge thank you to Aaron Maurer for his dedication to the Alcoa Bald Eagle project.  As of Saturday evening, Liberty and Justice are the proud parents of the cutest Eaglet ever!!!
This picture was taken from the Alcoa Live Camera.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Baby turtles don't just go with the flow | Earth | EarthSky

Baby turtles don't just go with the flow | Earth | EarthSky


Comet PANSTARRS near last night's moon | Today's Image | EarthSky

Comet PANSTARRS near last night's moon | Today's Image | EarthSky

Be sure you go outside tonight and look for this.  The weatherman said it is best seen at around 8:20 CT.

Oldest known albatross Wisdom hatches a new chick | Earth | EarthSky

Oldest known albatross Wisdom hatches a new chick | Earth | EarthSky

What are your thoughts?  Be sure to post your thoughts under the comments section and only use your initials!

Bald Eagle Presentation from Rudy Stocek



What did you learn from watching this presentation?  Leave me a comment and remember - only use your initials!

Friday, March 1, 2013

Scientific Method


Looking for another fun activity?  Ask a Biologist just released this!  

If you try this activity, leave me a comment and I will make sure you receive credit.  Make sure you tell me what you like the best!


Go Texan Day

A special Thank You goes out to the sweet 1st grade parents for providing us some yummy, yummy BBQ from Rudy's.
February 2013

Collaborating

Collaboration











Here are a few pictures of today's session with our Bald Eagle Research Project.  I'm so happy that our 4th Grade learning buddies were able to help out!


Collaborative Learning

With the use of Edmodo and Google Hangout, my class was able to connect with 2 other school (at the same time) around the United States!  This was a great experience   All were on task and working diligently to share information that they had learned in their Bald Eagle research group!

Bald Eagle Research Groups

Today, I sat with each small group and scripted facts that they have learned about the Bald Eagle. I was very excited to see how much they learned!

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Show Me App

Here is another new piece of technology. It is a free app called Show Me. I've given the kids a challenge... So, they are to create a video explaining something to do with math.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Virtual Field Trip


Hey friends!!! 
Here is a cool website that Mr. Kazilek and Dr. Pearson (our friends from Arizona State University) have been working on.  It is in BETA form which means that it is a “test” to see what needs to be improved.  If you have a moment, they would love for your thoughts.  If you should find a typo – please let me know!  Thanks for helping out!  I know you are going to love it!  I’ve also placed a link on it from my blog.  It is best viewed in Google Chrome!
Thanks for playing!  Don't forget to share your thoughts about this (what you liked) in the comment area below!
Mrs. Trevino

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Zentangle Feathers















Today, we spent some time learning how to Zentangle feathers. A special thanks goes out to Helen Williams for her idea of the Scrolled Feather and Carole Ohl for her Featherfall design & instructions.

Before starting, check out the video that has been posted on this blog:
Scrolled Feather Lesson
Once you have viewed the lesson (approx. 3 minutes), then continue with this one below.  A huge thanks goes out to Aaron Maurer for putting this collaborative project together!  We have really enjoyed learning about the Bald Eagle!




Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Writer's Workshop

We are working very hard writing stories about our lives.  Recently, we took a story that we wrote and exploded the moment   That is where we take one idea and go into more detail making the story event clearer for the reader.  We can't wait for publication!!!

Auction Project

Be sure to check our the cool plates that I painted for the Auction!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Research

We began our bird research today.  This is a very exciting adventure and I am so fortunate we could collaborate with some children all over the world.  Currently, we are enjoying watching Liberty & Justice in their nest.  We have already learned that a bald eagle egg takes anywhere from 32 - 35 days to hatch.  Depending upon when the first egg was laid, the female may wait until her second egg has been laid to begin the incubation process.  That is because they would like for the eaglets to hatch around the same time!

You can see them too at the Alcoa Bald Eagle Web Cam.  
Below is a picture of Liberty with her eggs in her nest.   


The children are so excited as I am too! Some of the topics that we are learning more about in teams are:


  • ·         Birds of Prey
  • ·         Habitat
  • ·         Symbolism & Cultural Influence of the Bald Eagle
  • ·         Protection & Laws for the Bald Eagle
  • ·         Lifespan of the Bald Eagle
  • ·         Anatomy of the Bald Eagle


 I am in hopes that with the help of Karen Harrell, we will be producing our very own podcasts to share with the rest of second grade and possibly some other students around the school.