Reaching kids through music

This is a great study of reaching inner city kids exposed to violence through music. The rationale, reasoning, and implications are spelled out as well as effective methods and practices. It could easily be argued this same approach could be taken with mainstreamed students in any classroom, with ESL students or with students of special abilities. The focus here is on the positive nature of integrating music; not on the circumstances of the student. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/bitstream/1860/2990/1/Carrie%20Davoli.pdf

Teaching Math Through Literacy

Ok, so most of you who know me know that I am a huge fan of integration. I believe fully that no subject matter should be taught in isolation or fragments. Rather, it should all be nciely blended (integrated) in order to be more meaningful for the learner. Through some recent conversations I have concluded that many parents (and even a few educators) are not aware of the tremendous benefit of teaching math through literature (or at least introducing a topic) and some simply do not know how. So I have included a few links here to get you started. The first one is one of my all-time favorite math authors, Stuart J. Murphy. The other two are by Amy Axelrod and Cindy Neuchswander, both excellent authors of children's literature with a focus on math content. Please explore at your convenience. Most of the books can be found in your local library..no need to spend money on the sets. http://stuartjmurphy.com/ (great for k-2) http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Amy-Axelrod/1271388 (primarily K-2, possibly higher) http://www.cneuschwander.com/ (any age, but especially helpful for grades 3-5) http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/math.html ) overall a great resource for parents or teachers)

Voicethreads ~ the easiest thing you've never done!

Ok, so you hear all the hype about podcasts, digital storytelling, voicethreads, etc. But what are all these new digital devices and how can they work for you? Look no further. I have found the site with all the answers. And the good news is there is a tutorial for every question you can possibly have about how to create, record, and share your own digital story. So the next time you want to share information, photos, or a new project you (or your class) has created, visit this cool site to learn how to design your own story, in your own words, with your own self-designed illustrations or photos. Enjoy! http://voicethread.com/#home

Jigzone ~ an interactive online puzzle site

Teachers/Parents: Ever want your children to enjoy computer time without worrying what they are doing? Jigzone offers a balance between fun and learning. There are many shapes and sizes of online puzzles to choose from to fit the needs of diverse learners with different abilities. Your kids will love it! http://www.jigzone.com/